High appearance cost threatens Lakers Hockey Club Africa Cup for Hockey Clubs Championship dreams

Lakers Hockey Club's dream of featuring for the first time in the Africa Cup for Hockey Clubs Championship came true when their request to the Local Organising Committee to participate was given the nod.

The club failed automatic qualification to the prestigious tournament, which Kenya hosts from February 13-19 for the third time, having finished third in the just concluded Kenya Hockey Union Women’s Premier League, but since Kenya is playing host, their participation request was granted.

Yet, this dream could remain only that due to high participation cost, and the Kisumu-based side is now appealing for financial help from corporates and well wishers to enable them actualize it.

According to a communication from KHU, clubs must pay a participation fee of Ksh 40,000, daily accommodation for two; an umpire and a judge at Ksh13, 456, and their daily allowance of Ksh 3,738.

"Each participating NA is required to nominate an Umpire per Club and a male and female Judge per contingent for consideration. Further, the AfHF indicates that it is compulsory that each participating Club MUST travel with an umpire who will be nominated by the National Association for approval by AfHF.

Lakers hoping to be included in Africa Cup for Hockey Clubs Championship

"National Associations are however to take note that in accordance with the AfHF Rules and Regulations for this Competition, the costs of travel as well as full board and lodging of the Umpires and Judges nominated by NAs and appointed by the AfHF, must be met by their respective participating clubs, but will be required to stay in official accommodation designated by the LOC. Please note that no daily allowances will be paid by the LOC to officials at this event," the communique from KHU reads.

"For a community club like ours and without a sponsor the requirements are not easy, that's why we're appealing to corporates and well wishers to come to our aid," Lakers Team Manager John Paul Otieno told Mozzart Sport.

"We don't even have kits to use for the tournament, but we're optimistic we're going to make history by featuring in the tournament."

Kenya will also be represented by champions Strathmore University and Blazers.