- Blades are ranked third in Africa
- A squad of 25 was named last week, 18 forming the travelling party while the rest are reserves
- Under the watchful eye of coach Jacqueline Mwangi, Blades are training at the Moi Sports Kasarani
National hockey women’s team head coach Jaqueline Mwangi is clear in her mind the areas that Blades must improve on, as the Birmingham Commonwealth Games draws near.
The team which had taken a short break resumed training on Monday at the Moi International Sports Centre this week, with Mwangi calling for total concentration as the travelling squad has been named.
Mwangi notes cohesion will be key in the team going to the Birmingham fiesta.
"We plan to play against few local teams to see how to cope up with pressure and how we can thrive, against intense opposition. We need that cohesion to the best level” said Mwangi.
Mwangi is happy they can prepare without worrying about facilitation this time round, one of the challenges the team has always faced when preparing for international assignments.
For instance, in January, the team was not able to travel in time to Ghana for the continental championship due to financial constraints.
“At this point, we are not having challenges we had before, because we are part of the government delegation that is heading for the games thus everything is being catered for. Our part is to train hard and adhere to all set the protocols," she added.
Last week, a 25-member squad was named for the games KHU, 18 of them for the travelling squad with the rest joining camp as reserves.
Blades, currently third best team in Africa, are in Pool B alongside defending champions New Zealand, African champions South Africa, 2014 winners Australia and Scotland.
KHU 2022 COMMONWEALTH SQUAD.
Goalkeepers: Quinter Okore (University of Nairobi), Adhiambo Millicent (Lakers)
Defenders: Beatrice Mbuthia, Lynn Mumbi (USIU-A), Flavia Mutiva (Blazers), Vivian Onyango (Lakers)
Midfielders: Kipsanga Tamunai, Osare Jeriah, Nicole Odhiambo (Strathmore University), Grace Makokha (USIU-A)
Forwards: Caroline Guchu, Maureen Okumu, Akoth Grace, Eleanor Chebet (Blazers), Kemunto Naomi (USIU-A), Gilly Okumu (Strathmore), Maureen Owiti, Alice Owiti (Lakers).
Reserves: Rhoda Kuria, Tracy Karanja, Gaudencia Ochieng, Aurelia Opondo, Elsie Jemutai, Akoth Beverlyne, Maurine Wobomba.
Thank you, come again!