Strathmore University hockey coach Meshack Senge is optimistic of upgrading his play in the upcoming 2024/25 Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) season despite facing several hurdles.
"Last season was a transition as we tried to hold the fort to stay relevant. This season, we are in shape to compete. However, the surface is not ideal for the games, but we'll work with what's there," Senge said.
The teams have been allocated Simba grounds in Nairobi and Mombasa Sports Club for the girls while the men will play at Arians in Mombasa.
KHU League matches are set to commence on August 3 and will be played in a round-robin format.
Senge expressed his concerns about the venues but acknowledged that changes at this stage are unlikely.
"We may have to deal with what is brought to the table as it is too late to change anything at the moment. "We will have to work with what we have," he said.
Senge's goals for the season include qualifying his teams for the club championships and increasing the number of players selected for the national team.
"Last year, we had a good number of players in the national team and I would like to see more play at the top," he noted.
Laser year, Diana Owino, Grace Bwire, Lyn Tamunai, Maureen Ongoche and Nicole Joy received call-ups to the women's national team while the men's squad had Basil Wafula and Brian Ongeche from the club.
Lately, Senge has beefed up his squads with Johnmark Odera joining the men's team from Sailors. Caterina Georgette (newcomer), Gaudencia Ochieng (KU) and Susan Oketch (USIU) were recruited to the women's squad.
Senge had reservations about the new format of play. "I do not like what I’m foreseeing in the upcoming season. The season will not only be short but will not bring out the best from the teams. I am not a big fan of this format but we can only wait and see."
Strathmore’s Scorpions represented the country in the 2023 Africa Club Championship.
Since taking over from former coach Eric Siahale in 2007/08, Senge has led the team to significant successes, including back-to-back league titles in 2010.
In 2012, Strathmore narrowly missed the African title, losing to Egypt’s Sharkia. They last won the Premier League in 2016, beating Kenya Police in the semi-finals and running over defending champions Butali Warriors in the final. Last year, Senge’s teams finished third in both categories.
