Kenya Police land easy pool in Jamhuri tourney

Dan Obongo

Wazalendo forward Dan Obongo (right) battles for the ball with national team player John Kaloti during their friendly match on November 14, 2021 at City Park Stadium, Nairobi.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • The tactician said he has moved experienced Oliver Echenje from the midfield to forward to fill Kimutai's gap, while evergreen Richard Birir will take up Masibo's spot.
  • Greensharks, Western Jaguars, MSC, Mvita and TaskForce form pool Pool 'B'.
  • MSC captain Mariano Emadau offered that the event will help them gauge their capabilities.

Reigning champions Kenya Police men's team have been handed a relatively easy pool ahead of this weekend's Daikyo Japan Motors Jamhuri hockey tournament at the Mombasa Sports Club (MSC).

Daykio Japan Motors Tournament, previously known as SANA Cup, is held annually to memorialize hockey legend and a former Boabab Hockey Club sponsor, the late Agnelo De Souza.

Police will battle Daikyo Heroes, national men's team, Underdogs, Mombasa West and Black Tankers in pool "A".

Police coach Patrick Mugambi stated that they are leaving nothing to chance as they prepare to defend the title they won in 2019 at the same venue.

Mugambi however revealed he will miss the services of forward Titus Kimutai and reliable defender Robert Masibo, who are with the national side.

"It will be interesting to see the two play against us, but I'm equally happy that the national team has sought their services. They are good players, ,but we will do what we have to do to ensure we retain the title.

Luckily, last month the team was in coast for a couple of friendly matches against Daikyo, MSC and Mvita XI, so we know what to do when we play them. Our focus will be to first qualify for the semifinals and see what happens from there," said Mugambi.

The tactician said he has moved the experienced Oliver Echenje from midfield to forward to fill Kimutai's gap, while evergreen Richard Birir will take up Masibo's spot.

Greensharks, Western Jaguars, MSC, Mvita and TaskForce form pool Pool 'B'.

MSC captain Mariano Emadau offered that the event will help them gauge their capabilities.

"It has been two years without action due to coronavirus but events are now coming up. We have been training and participating in the Coastal League and now it's time to see where we are against the top sides.

We are the hosts and I hope after the two days event, we will have something to smile about," said Emadau.

The top four teams in the two pools will proceed to the semis.The women’s event, which has attracted five teams- MSC, the Swans, Amira Sailors, Blazers and the national team, will be played on a round robin format with the first four booking a place in the semis.