Akoth bringing national team experience to Lakers

Vivian Akoth may only be 23 but she is already one of the most senior players at Lakers Hockey Club.

The Kisumu-based side, once considered underdogs in the national league currently sit third on the log behind Strathmore University and Telkom and with their result two weeks ago against the latter, may just pull a surprise this year.

There’s a slight challenge however, Akoth explains.

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"We do not have most of our senior players in the team, the experienced ones who introduced us to the game. They are not active but I hope they show up in the second leg to finish the business," she says.

Lakers edged Sliders 3-0 before holding perennial champions Telkom to a one-all draw two weeks ago, their most recent league action. This is great for morale Akoth admits.

"There are plenty of new signings in the team. Young and eager to learn, so when we post results like these it boosts the morale within the playing unit," she adds.

The former St Theresa Girls’ alumnus has been out twice with the Kenya national team, a valuable experience under her belt and believes that more will come her way.

"I have had the pleasure of featuring for the national team twice, first in the All Africa games and more recently the commonwealth games. Wearing the national team colours comes with great expectations and I believe more will come. The more they come, the more exposure we get," continues the Lakers full-back.

At the moment, Lakers have two other players in the national fold, Alice Owiti and Mauren Owiti. Akoth reveals that when they play in the league, they have the extra task of bringing the younger lot up to speed with what is expected at such a high level.

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"For most of the younger players it’s their first time playing competitive hockey at the national level so we mini-coach them, show them what to do. So far, they are coming up well," she adds.

Lakers’ last active outing was the Huduma Tournament played at Kisumu Day High School, narrowly missing out on third place after going down to Wazalendo.