Mombasa Sports Club Hockey Ladies risk missing African Championship over sponsorship

The Mombasa Sports Club Ladies Hockey team is urgently seeking Ksh.6.3 million in sponsorship to participate in the Africa Club Hockey Championship, set to take place in Cairo, Egypt, starting on January 30, 2025.

The team currently has only Ksh.600,000 and the clock is ticking as they need to raise the full amount in time.

Three Kenyan teams – Blazers Hockey Club, Mombasa Sports Club, and Strathmore University – will represent the country in the prestigious tournament, having all finished the previous Premier League season tied at 20 points, separated only by goal difference.

The team is expected to be in Cairo by January 28, barely two weeks away, and if they do not secure the necessary funds, they may miss this historic opportunity to represent the nation.

Mombasa Sports Club's chairman, Michael Sangoro, has emphasized the urgency of the situation. 

“This is the first time a team from the coastal region has qualified for this African tournament, which is a significant achievement and serves as an inspiration to other teams. We make a heartfelt appeal to the corporate sector in the coastal region, especially Mombasa County, as well as individuals and businesses to support the team and help the players realize their dreams,” appealed Sangoro.

While the Mombasa Sports Club offers some support, officials explained that they only received the confirmation of their participation last week, which has made raising the required Ksh.6.3 million for 20 players and four officials even more challenging.

“The letter confirming our participation arrived just a week ago, making it difficult to gather the funds in such a short time,” said Sangoro.

Team captain, Esther Mwikali, expressed hope that the support would come through, noting that despite the difficulties faced during the previous league season, they are determined to make an impact on the continental stage.

“Nothing good comes easily, and though it hasn’t been an easy journey, we made it. It would be demoralizing for the girls if we miss this opportunity, so we are hoping for the best,” noted Mwikali.

Coach Rajab Babu, the Sports Convener at Mombasa Sports Club, is optimistic that the team will get the chance to showcase their talent on the African stage. He believes the tournament will be a game-changer for the players.

“Going to Cairo will provide a significant platform for our ladies to showcase their abilities, and I’m confident that many of them will be noticed by larger teams. It’s also an opportunity to promote Mombasa as a hub for talent. We urge for sponsorship to help us make history as the first team from the coast to play in the African Championship,” stated coach Babu.

Oliver Mascherainhes, President of the Mombasa County Hockey Association, also expressed his support for the team’s international aspirations.

“We want to send these talented young girls to Egypt to show the world what Mombasa can produce. Mombasa Sports Club has had a successful debut in the top league, finishing second in two national tournaments and performing well in Uganda. This is their time to shine internationally,” he said.