Kenya U18 teams eye World Cup qualification in hockey 5s qualifiers

The national Under-18 Boys' and Girls' hockey teams have their eyes firmly set on the Hockey5s World Cup ticket ahead of the Africa 5s Tournament, set to take place in Nairobi from Thursday through Saturday.

Girls' head coach Barbara Simiyu says the team will be banking on home support to compete well in the championship set to be held at Sikh Union Club.

"Our training started about four weeks ago before we moved into residential camp and with hockey being a high-scoring game, we've focused on both attack and defence," she said.

Simiyu added that the team's main target is to qualify for the World Cup and urged Kenyans to turn up and support both national teams.

On the boys' side, head coach Kevin Lugalia said the team is ready despite expecting stiff competition from countries such as South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda.

"We are aware we have tough opposition, but we are ready for the task ahead and our expectation is to win the championship and qualify for the Under-18 World Cup," he said.

Lugalia said the technical bench picked the final squad based on players' technical ability, speed, tactical awareness and decision-making, qualities which he believes are essential in the fast-paced Hockey5s format.

Shanel Hilda, the girls' captain said the players are confident after weeks of preparation and believe they have what it takes to qualify.

"The preparations have been good and we have played many matches in preparation and we are ready.” she said.

Hilda also called on Kenyans to support the team throughout the tournament.

Boys' captain Kelvin Onyango said the team has concentrated on improving its finishing and defensive play ahead of the qualifiers.

"We have worked hard on scoring and making sure we convert our chances and strengthened our defence because every team will be a challenge," he said.

The coaches and captains urged hockey fans to fill the stands at Sikh Union and rally behind the Kenyan teams as they chase a place at the World Cup.