Africa Cup For Club Champions: Western Jaguars boss Michael Malungu eyes podium finish

Western Jaguars head coach Michael Malungu insists that the team has the capacity to achieve a podium finish in the upcoming Africa Cup for Club Championship.

Jaguars got the nod to participate in the continental showpiece that is set to kick off on Monday in Nairobi by virtue of finishing third in the concluded Kenya Hockey Union 2022-2023 season.

They have been included in the championships alongside Lakers who also finished third in the women's Premier League behind Blazers and Strathmore University Scorpions.

The Africa Hockey Federation (AHF) was forced to incorporate the two Kenyans teams after three Ugandan teams withdrew from the tournament citing financial difficulties.

Wananchi (men and women) and Deliverance Church men had already been placed in the pools but pulled out of championship.

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Malungu said despite parading a team whose average age stands at 22 years in the tournament, his irreducible minimum remains finishing inside the medal bracket.

"We have received the opportunity to rub shoulders with the best in the continent with both hands. Much as it is our first time to participate in the tournament, we will endeavor to make to the podium. The game at a time approach will certainly see us through ," he said.

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Malungu who doubles up as the National women's team assistant coach said besides pursuing to finish in the top three, the tournament will provide an avenue for his young players to learn.

"We are not here to win medals alone. We want to learn from our peers too being our first time in the tournament. Stage fright is not an issue for me as majority of my players have featured for the national U21 and the senior teams," he added.