Mombasa Sports Club coach Chalo Kambona is cautious ahead of the African Cup for Club Champions set to start later this month in Port Said, Egypt.
Mombasa Sports Club, alongside USIU-A Spartans, will represent Kenya in the women’s category in the prestigious event set for January 30 to February 8.
“We’ve done our best with the time and resources available, though balancing work and training has been tough,” Kambona said.
“This is a big opportunity for us to represent the country and we’re determined to give our best on the pitch.”
Kambona acknowledged that the team’s preparations have been far from ideal due to logistical hurdles but exuded confidence that they are equal to the task.
“We’ve had irregular training sessions because most of our players have demanding work schedules. The estimated cost of participation is around Sh6 million, which includes visas, tickets, and accommodation, and we’re working tirelessly to raise the funds,” he said.
Kambona credited the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) for giving the team the green light to compete but lamented the short preparation period.
“If we had at least two months to organise ourselves, we could have been better. For now, we are doing what we can to be ready,” he added.
USIU-A Spartans will also look to put up a strong performance, with the team hoping to overcome perennial powerhouses like Ghana Revenue Authority and Egypt’s Sharkia Sporting Club.
In the men’s category, Western Jaguars will spearhead Kenya’s bid for glory alongside USIU-A Mashujaa and Sikh Union.
Jaguars head coach Mike Malungu expressed optimism about their chances, noting that the team’s preparations have been intense.
“We’ve been in a residential camp in Kakamega and will shift to Nairobi to polish up a few areas,” Malungu said.
“The squad is a mix of experienced and young players, and we’re motivated to improve on last year’s second-place finish.”
Malungu added that the return of national team midfielder Irvan Ludiali from the Netherlands will strengthen the side.
“We are focused on going one step further this time,” Malungu said.
Kenyan clubs will face tough
competition from Egypt’s Sharkia
and Zamalek, Nigeria’s Police
Machine and defending champions
Ghana Revenue Authority.
