Western Jaguars player Collins Odongo (left) and Sheldon Kimtai (right) vie for the ball with Sikh Union’s Cliff Omari during their Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match at the Sikh Union Club in Nairobi on Sunday

Kenyan sides chase elusive African hockey title

Kenya’s representatives at this year’s Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC), set to take place at the Youth City Hockey Stadium in Port Said, Egypt, will have to be at their best if they are to claim the elusive men’s and women’s titles. The last time a Kenyan team won the women’s title was in 2018 when Blazers (formerly Telkom) triumphed in Abuja, Nigeria. For the men, the last Kenyan champions were the now-defunct Armed Forces, who secured the trophy in 1988 in Namibia. The 2025 edition, running from January 30 to February 7, will feature 11 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams. Sharkia (men) of Egypt and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) are favourites to retain their men and women’s titles they won at the last year’s edition in Blantyre, Malawi. Sharkia and GRA had also won in 2022 in Nairobi. Kenya will be represented by the KHU Premier League champions and last year’s ACCC silver medallists, Western Jaguars, along with United States International University Africa (USIU- A) and Sikh Union in the men’s category. In the women’s competition, Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) and USIU A will fly the country’s flag. Sikh Union, USIU men and women, and Jaguars were due to fly out to Egypt Tuesday night. Jaguars, who were runners-up in the 2024 ACCC, will be looking to go one better this year. They came close to upsetting defending champions Sharkia in the final, but lost 4-2. With the league title under their belt, they are confident and will draw on their experience from previous ACCC campaigns. USIU men, making their debut in the competition, could be the surprise package, with their strong team cohesion from the league season. Sikh Union, however, may face challenges with their more individualistic style of play. In the women’s category, MSC could face an uphill battle as newcomers to the tournament, possibly succumbing to stage fright. However, USIU A, like their male counterparts, might defy expectations, given their solid team unity and prior participation in the 2018 edition in Nigeria. In the men’s category, Egypt will field four teams: Sharkia, Aircraft Factory Club, Port Fouad, and Zamalek. Nigeria will have Niger Flickers, Police Machine, and Kada Stars. Source: Nation.Africa | Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 

ACCC 35M 26W Ismailia

Match Schedule for the ACCC 35th Men & 26th Women Editions

Match Schedule for the ACCC 35th Men & 26th Women Editions. The tournaments feature 10 Men and 10 Women clubs from Egypt 🇪🇬 Ghana 🇬🇭 Kenya 🇰🇪 Nigeria 🇳🇬 Uganda 🇺🇬 [Please click on image below to enlarge] #ACCC #AfricaHockeyNews #HockeyInvites

FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025: One Month to Go!

Lausanne, Switzerland – With just one month to go until the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025, excitement is reaching fever pitch in the hockey world. From February 17 to 23, Muscat, Oman, will play host to this groundbreaking tournament, marking a significant milestone for emerging hockey nations. A New Chapter for International Hockey The FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 represents a fresh opportunity for eight ambitious teams, ranked below the teams playing in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup to make their mark on the international stage. The tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a pathway for these teams to ascend to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and through it ultimately to the FIH Hockey Pro League, offering them a chance to test their mettle against some of the best in the sport.   The Teams Set to Compete This inaugural event will see eight teams battling it out for the title and promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2026.  Pool A: Egypt, Chile, China, Poland Pool B: Austria, Oman, Scotland, United States The Teams Set to Compete This inaugural event will see eight teams battling it out for the title and promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2026.  Pool A: Egypt, Chile, China, Poland Pool B: Austria, Oman, Scotland, United States These teams, hailing from diverse hockey regions, will bring their unique styles and strategies to the field, promising an exhilarating display of hockey. Tournament Format The competition kicks off with pool matches, where teams are divided into two groups of four. Each team will play against every other team in their pool, striving to secure a spot in the semi-finals. From there, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the grand final on February 23, where the first-ever FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 champion will be crowned. Oman: A Perfect Host Oman’s vibrant capital, Muscat, is gearing up to welcome athletes, officials, and fans from around the globe. The nation has been investing in hockey infrastructure and development, having hosted the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers and the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in 2024, making it an ideal venue for such a prestigious event. The local organizing committee, alongside the Oman Hockey Association, has been working tirelessly to ensure a world-class experience for all participants. FIH President Tayyab Ikram, speaking about the upcoming inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2, said: “The FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 offers a unique opportunity for teams ranked just below the FIH Hockey Nations Cup to showcase their talent in a global competition. This new event enables us to further promote growth and competitiveness within the sport as we bring international exposure to more and more countries around the world. I am sure their performances will not only highlight the skill and talent they possess, but also set a new benchmark for future editions of the competition.  On behalf of FIH, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman and in particular His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, as well the Local Organising Committee led by the Oman Hockey Federation Chairman, Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma, for welcoming us once more in their beautiful country.” Rashad Al Fazari of the Oman national team said: “Participating in the inaugural FIH Nations Cup 2 in Oman is a significant moment for us, particularly as we encounter some teams for the first time. Hosting this tournament & Competing before our home crowd fills us with immense pride and motivation.” For more details on the event, including the complete match schedule, click here. #MadeForHockey #FIHNationsCup2  Keep up to date with all the latest hockey news on the FIH website and through the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  Source: FIH.hockey

FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025: One month to go!

03 Jan, 2025 The thrill, excitement, and fast-paced action of indoor hockey is just one month away as the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025 approaches! Taking place in Poreč, Croatia, with the country hosting its first FIH World Cup, from 3-9 February, the tournament promises to bring together the world’s best teams in a spectacular showcase of skill, strategy, and passion. The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, where agility, precision, and teamwork take center stage. Played on a smaller field with boards lining the boundaries, the indoor format elevates the intensity and makes for edge-of-the-seat action that captivates fans worldwide. The 2025 edition will feature 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams, each vying for the coveted title. Powerhouses like Austria and Germany will look to defend their legacies, while rising stars and underdogs aim to make history. Hockey is more than just a game—it’s a unifier. The Indoor World Cup will once again celebrate the diversity and global appeal of hockey, with athletes and fans from all corners of the world coming together to share their love for the sport. The 2025 edition also welcomes two men’s and two women’s teams that will make their debut on the big stage with Croatia and Malaysia debuting in the men’s competition, while it will be Croatia and Thailand marking their first appearance in the women’s side. Participating teams in the men’s competition include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Iran, Malaysia, Namibia, Poland, South Africa and Trinidad & Tobago. In the women’s competition, it will be Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Namibia, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Thailand and the United States competing for the top prize. What to Expect World-Class Hockey: From dazzling dribbles to stunning saves, the competition will feature the sport’s elite players showcasing their finest skills. Fan Engagement: Fans from all around the world can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere in the picturesque city of Poreč, and the opportunity to support their teams right from the sidelines, inches away from the action! Unforgettable Moments: The tournament is sure to deliver drama, excitement, and memories that will last a lifetime. Mark Your Calendars! With just one month to go, the anticipation is palpable. Whether you’re planning to watch live in Poreč, or follow the action from home, don’t miss a moment of this iconic event. For more details on the event including the information on the complete match schedule and the platform to purchase tickets, click here. Let the countdown to the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025 begin! Source: FIH.hockey