An ageing squad is a major concern for Kenya Police men's hockey team

An ageing squad and lack of recruitment have emerged as a major concern for Kenya Police men’s Premier League hockey side as they head into the final stretch of an inconsistent season.

Head coach Patrick Mugambi has admitted that the lack of fresh legs has hampered their campaign. With only two matches left, the former champions face an uphill task after finishing the just-ended phase sixth out of 10 teams with four wins, seven draws and five losses for 19 points, leaving them in the lower half of the table and outside the title conversation.

“Age has caught up with some of our key players, and we haven’t had the chance to bring in fresh talent,” Mugambi said. “Our core squad has been loyal and committed, but without reinforcements, competing week in and week out has been difficult.”

Police, who last lifted the title in 2020, endured a season that fell well below their usual standards. In 2023, they finished second after beating eventual champions Butali Warriors, but this time Butali topped the standings ahead of USIU-A and Western Jaguars, with Daikyo Heroes and Sikh Union Nairobi rounding off the top five before Police.

Mugambi pointed to costly slips in recent matches. “The draw against Wazalendo was disappointing because we had opportunities to take all three points, while the 2–0 loss to KCA University exposed defensive weaknesses we are still trying to correct,” he said.

The coach now plans to prioritise defensive stability as Police travel to face youthful Western Jaguars on February 7 before concluding the season at home against runners-up Daikyo Heroes.

“Our priority is to concede fewer goals and hopefully earn at least a point if not all three,” Mugambi noted. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the future.

“We still have a foundation to build on. With better recruitment and conditioning, the Kenya Police can return to the top. The players are committed, and we will finish the season with pride.”

Team captain Titus Kimutai echoed the coach’s concerns, revealing that early departures weakened the squad. “We lost Joshua Omondi in goal, Derrick Jabali in midfield and Richard Birir up front,” he said.

“Replacing players of that quality mid-season has been very tough.” With the season winding down, the police will be keen to salvage pride and lay the groundwork for a stronger comeback next term.