KENYA HOCKEY UNION

The KHU Masters Hockey Tournament series 2 hosted by Nairobi City County Hockey Association wrapped up this weekend at Nairobi’s Dashmesh Hockey Stadium, drawing twelve seasoned teams in a celebration of skill, camaraderie, and family fun. With players aged 40 and above for men and 35 and above for ladies, the Nairobi series delivered high-octane hockey from start to finish. Spectators cheered their favorite teams beneath chilly but clear skies as Impala Veterans clinched the coveted title.

Tournament Overview

The Masters Tournament showcased the depth of veteran talent in Kenyan hockey. Twelve teams from across the country battled over two days, each squad also boasting active-league competitors who brought their A-game:

• Teams fielded by established clubs, local communities, and regional masters
• Matches played in round-robin pools before knockouts, classification matches and finals
• Minimum age requirements ensured a true celebration of masters-level competition

Pool Standings

After the preliminary phases of the tournament, Goan Institute and Sikh Union Veterans secured slot no. 1 and 2 respectively in pool A, while Parkroad Lions and Impala Veterans road to similar positions in pool B thus booking their slots for the Semi Finals.

Podium Finishers

In the first semi-final, Impala Veterans dismissed Goan Institute by 1 goal to nothing, and in the second semi-final, Sikh Union Veterans muzzled Parkroad Lions 3 goals to nil, setting the stage for the classification matches.

1. Champions:                 Impala Veterans
2. 1st Runners-Up:          Sikh Union Nairobi Veterans
3. Third Place:                 Goan Institute
4. Fourth Place:               Parkroad Lions
5. Position                  Nakuru Masters
6. Position                   Greensharks Veterans
7. Position                    Wazalendo Veterans
8. Position                   Blue Ocean Chiefs
9. Position                    Western Masters
10. Position                  Kisumu Veterans
11. Position                  Sikh Union Veterans – B
12. Position               Kisumu Masters

The top three teams reflected both experience and form, with Impala Veterans’ disciplined defence and clinical finishing proving decisive in the final. Sikh Union battled fiercely to the end, while Goan Institute delighted fans with their attacking flair en route to a well-deserved bronze.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

1. MVP MEN                          Harpreet Singh Seera – Sikh Union Veterans
2. MVP LADIES                     Jane Wanja – Nakuru Masters
3. Top Scorer M                       Richard Wandera – Impala Veterans
4. Top Scorer W                       Jackie Mwangi– Sikh Union Veterans
5. Best Goal Keeper                  Anthony Odhiambo – Kisumu Veterans
6. Most Promising Umpire        Hillary Bakasa – KHUA

Competitive Highlights

Every fixture served up edge-of-your-seat drama:

• High-intensity midfield battles featuring former national-team maestros
• Tight goalkeeping displays that kept several matches scoreless until the dying minutes

Veteran coaches praised the standard of play, noting that some athletes remain active in Kenya’s premier leagues despite masters status.

A Family Fun Atmosphere

Beyond the turf, the tournament became a community festival: vibes in the stands were something else, something to be emulated in all hockey matches and tournaments.

Food stalls offering local favourites and refreshing drinks

 Reunion of sorts with former team mates coming together after several years, relieving and    laughing off the old times and adventure. A true win for mental health.

Family ties were showcased. Siblings playing together, guardians and kin for the same or different causes. Mingling among current youth players and the masters was witnessed acknowledging a Kenyan hockey heritage in a truly inclusive setting.

Seamless Organization and Top-Notch Officiating

Nairobi City County Hockey Association (NCHA) event team earned plaudits for delivering a flawless competition:

• Precisely scheduled matches that ran to time
• Comfortable changing facilities and first-aid stations
• Umpires and technical officials demonstrating fairness, consistency, and deep rule knowledge

Participants across all teams commended the smooth operations, noting that positive organization amplified the tournament’s spirit. The KHU President   RT. COL. Nashon Randiek was also in attendance for the award ceremony, where the 2nd and 3rd runners up in last season’s super league, Twinkle H.C. and JKUAT Ladies, were also awarded for their valiant efforts in the campaign.

The Growth Factor

Since inception in 2019 the Masters Hockey Tournament has invoked interest and grown yearly  as more active players continue to attain the minimum age required to play this series. The allure of also making it a family event has added to its appeal to this age group who are also coming back to the pitch after long hanged their boots. This we hope can foster relationships with the corporate eco system who in turn can come back and support hockey and its development programs.

We also acknowledge growth in other aspects surrounding the tournament and the game at large such as journalism and photography. The pics and videos captured epic moments sparking conversations in the hockey world. Barry Sports, Hockey lens amongst other in this space. Job well done.

More Sponsors such as Kenya Airways, Performance Hockey, Kenya Hockey Union came on board to make the Masters a great success.

Looking Ahead

As the party wound down at Dashmesh Stadium, attention turns to future masters events and league play. Impala will enjoy the prestige of their triumph, while all teams depart with renewed motivation for next series. The Masters Tournament not only crowned champions but also strengthened the bonds that make Kenyan hockey such a vibrant community.

Talks of new Masters teams are being whispered such as a Gladiator’s masters, Ulinzi masters, Wildcats masters, Murima Masters etc.

Stay tuned to the KHU website for photos, and details on upcoming masters series 3!