Kenya women’s hockey team head coach Meshack SengeKenya women’s hockey team head coach Meshack Senge has underlined that a podium finish and a rise in global ranking remain the primary objectives as the squad prepares to open their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Ismailia, Egypt, next Saturday.
The tournament, scheduled for October 11-18, will be run on a round-robin format featuring the continent’s top sides. Kenya will be looking to build towards the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, and further ahead, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“Podium finish is our primary objective as we target the World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium in 2026,” Senge said.
In an interview, Senge said their focus was not just on results in Egypt but also on the broader four-year journey. “I believe we are equal to the task. Finishing on the podium and improving our ranking from 37 in Pretoria this year to 35 is our target.”
Kenya missed an opportunity to compete at the last continental event in 2023 after landing a ban over the fielding of ineligible players. “We missed an opportunity to improve our ranking after the 2023 ban. We have a gap to close and get to the top 20. We hope we will get invitations for international events, where we can gain exposure and improve our ranking,” Senge said.
He added that the chance in Ismailia presents a fair platform to recover lost ground. The coach admitted that preparations have been hampered by a lack of proper equipment, noting, “ This is a major setback and we are working with what we have at the moment.”
Injuries have also forced him to part ways with some dependable names, with Beverly Akoth and Paula Achieng sidelined by finger fractures. Maureen Awiti is also missing out as her recovery stretches beyond the tournament window.
Kenya will start their campaign against Nigeria and Egypt on October 11 and 12, before resting on October 13. They return on October 14 to face South Africa and Namibia (October 15). They will take another rest on October 16 and wrap up the pool with Ghana the following day.
Senge believes the schedule is fair. He said: “The matches will be played in a round-robin format, which is fair enough.”
