Goan Institute head coach Fahran Khan is optimistic of their chances to retain the title during this weekend's Masters Hockey tournament.
The event, which serves as a warm-up for the World Masters Cup in Cape Town later this year, will feature nine veteran teams.
“We have been preparing and putting all measures in place as we plan to keep this title,” Khan stated.
The lineup includes Nakuru Masters, Green Sharks, Wazalendo Veterans, Impala Veterans, Sikh Union Club Nairobi, Goan Institute, Western Masters, Blue Ocean Chiefs and Parkroad Lions.
Kisumu Masters have withdrawn due to the bereavement of a team member, reducing the number of group-stage matches from 10 to nine.
Goan Institute won the tournament in June while Nakuru Masters beat Blue Ocean Chiefs 3-2 on penalties to secure their victory in the second leg of the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) series at Mombasa Sports Club.
Defending champions Impala claimed bronze with a 2-0 win over Wazalendo Veterans in the third-place playoff.
Khan credited his team’s success to their proficiency in short corners., Khan is also the founder and coach of Daikyu Heroes, who feature in the Premier League.
“Our short corner deal is very good and that’s where most of our scores are composed,” he said.
The Goan Institute squad consists of players from Nairobi, Mombasa and other regions, including Kenya Police along with the required three female players.
The Masters tournament is an annual hockey tournament that brings together legendary veteran teams from across the country to compete in an impressive display of skill and sportsmanship.
