Three Kenyan officials earn World Masters Hockey World Cup appointments
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 22.07.26. | 19:26
Technical officials oversee match administration, competition regulations and operational procedures, while umpires are responsible for enforcing the laws of the game on the field
Kenya's representation at the 2026 World Masters Hockey (WMH) World Cup will extend beyond the players, with three of the country's officials earning appointments to officiate at the prestigious global tournament in the Netherlands.
Umpire Clementine Sims has been appointed among the tournament's match officials, while Esther Adolwa and Kennedy Kyalo will serve as technical officials during the competition, which runs from 22 July to 1 August across Rotterdam, Schiedam, Breda in the Netherlands and Brasschaat in Belgium.
Download our Mozzart Sport App for more news
Kenya will field teams in the Men's Over-45, Men's Over-50 and Women's Over-40 categories in a tournament expected to feature around 400 teams under the theme "Generation of Greatness – We Don't Stop Playing."
For Sims, the appointment marks another milestone in her officiating career and a reward for years of dedication to hockey.
In a message shared on social media ahead of her departure, the Kenyan umpire reflected on the sacrifices required to reach the world stage.
"It is an honor to be appointed as an umpire in the World Masters Hockey World Cup 2026 Rotterdam . Thank you to everyone who walked with me to become an umpire in such a prestigious event."
Sims also highlighted the financial realities faced by many sports officials despite earning international recognition.
"With three days to go, I have had to do lots of preparations both physically and mentally. But the major hiccup is in financial preparations. Such are times when I am grateful for all the donations and support I can possibly get."
She thanked those who had already contributed towards her journey, noting that their support had made her participation possible.
While athletes often receive the spotlight, international hockey tournaments also rely heavily on experienced officials to ensure matches are conducted according to the rules.
Technical officials oversee match administration, competition regulations and operational procedures, while umpires are responsible for enforcing the laws of the game on the field.
Adolwa and Kyalo's appointments underline Kenya's growing reputation in hockey officiating.
The two have been named among the technical officials selected by World Masters Hockey for the tournament, joining an international panel responsible for the smooth running of matches.
Kyalo, in particular, is one of Africa's most experienced technical officials, having accumulated more than 50 World Masters Hockey officiating caps across judging and technical officer roles before the 2026 tournament.
.jpg)
Their selection, alongside Sims' appointment, means Kenya will be represented both on and off the pitch as the country seeks to make an impact at one of the world's premier masters hockey events.
The Kenyan Masters teams will compete against leading hockey nations from Europe, Oceania, Asia and the Americas.
Africa will also be represented by Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana and Egypt in the global showpiece.