Khu Media Team
Harare, Zimbabwe – January 2026
Kenya’s hockey fraternity is rallying support as USIU-Africa Team Mashujaa and Lakers Hockey Club step onto the continental stage at the 36th Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC), hosted at St. John’s College Astro Turf in Harare.
Team Mashujaa: Building on Experience
USIU-Africa’s Team Mashujaa returns to the ACCC for their second consecutive appearance, determined to improve on last year’s debut in Egypt. Head coach John Kabuu has expressed confidence in his squad, noting that the players have matured and are ready to fight for a podium finish. The team’s blend of youthful energy and tactical discipline makes them one of the most exciting sides to watch in the men’s category.
Team Mashujaa Squad List
- Samuel Silong, Leslie Lespan, Andrew Memo, Joseph Baraka,Clifford Mwaliki,Wayne Chongwong,Samuel Mboche,Robinson Omutekete,Nayombe Linton,Jamleck Macharia (Captain),Hillary Odhiambo,Borris Lukorito,Lawrence Makhatsa,Brian Ogenche,Danstone Wabwire,Sylvester Wanjala
“Most of our training back home is on murram pitches, which are rough and unpredictable. Then we come to tournaments like the ACCC where everything is played on turf, and the speed, control, and demands are completely different. It’s a huge challenge, but we embrace it because representing Kenya means adapting and giving our best no matter the surface.” — Jamleck Macharia, Team Captain
“Surface and infrastructure have been a great challenge for us. Training on murram is not ideal when preparing for a continental tournament of this magnitude. We know we will face seasoned teams from Egypt, Namibia, and the hosts Zimbabwe, but we are determined to rise to the occasion and show our resilience.” — John Kabuu, Head Coach
Lakers Hockey Club: Flying the Flag for Women’s Hockey
On the women’s side, Lakers Hockey Club carries Kenya’s hopes. Known for their resilience and attacking flair, the Lakers are eager to showcase their talent against Africa’s top clubs. Their participation is a testament to the growth of women’s hockey in Kenya, inspiring young athletes and proving that Kenyan teams can compete at the highest level.
Continental Challenge
The ACCC brings together elite clubs from across Africa, excluding powerhouses from SouthAfrica. Egypt, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Ghana however pose tough competition for Both Kenyan teams., Even with SA missing, the tournament offers invaluable exposure and a chance to benchmark Kenyan hockey against continental standards as teams start preparations for LA Olympics.
As the ACCC unfolds, all eyes will be on Team Mashujaa and Lakers Hockey Club. Their mission is not only to chase medals but to carry the Kenyan flag high, inspire future generations, and prove that Kenyan hockey belongs on the continental stage.
At the same time, attention also turns to other Kenyan clubs who successfully qualify for continental competition but remain unable to participate due to financial and logistical constraints. Their absence underscores the urgent need for greater investment, sponsorship, and structural support to ensure that more local teams can showcase their talent on Africa’s biggest stage.
Kenya’s representation in Harare is therefore both a celebration of resilience and a reminder of the challenges that must be addressed if the nation is to fully realize its hockey potential.
