National women's hockey captain Gilly Okumu wants players to stay focused ahead of the African Cup of Nations in Ghana in January 2022.
The week-long event will run from January 17-23 at the Theodosia Okoh Stadium in Accra. Kenya women's team have been placed in Pool 'B' alongside hosts Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia.
Their male counterparts face a monumental task against fast-improving Namibia and seasoned champions, South Africa, in a three-team Pool 'A'.
Okumu said as much as the team is looking forward to the tournament, players must keep themselves fit and safe during the festive period if they are to return stronger.
"We've got very little time now that the competition is in January. Discipline will be crucial during this crazy festive period," Okumu observes.
"Players should not drop their standards as we are all relishing the challenge of competing with the best once again in Afcon."
Coach Jacqueline Mwangi added: "We have a very good and hardworking squad. Judging by our performance in the recent annual Mombasa tourney, our players are in better shape."
Men's Pool 'B has 2017 runners up Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda. Champions South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Namibia form the women's Pool 'A'. The teams are expected to resume training on Wednesday.
Kenyan women finished fourth in the 2017 edition. The top two teams from each group will proceed to the semifinals.
Winners will qualify for the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup in Rourkela, India (men) and Terrassa, Spain, or Amstelveen, The Netherlands (women) next year.