Kaberia assures hockey teams of cash for Olympics qualifiers
By Amos Abuga, August 2, 2019
Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia says the ministry will sponsor both men’s and women’s hockey teams for the August 12-18 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers in South Africa.
His remarks come after Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) boss Nahashon Randiek confirmed his office is in the dark on whether the teams will travel for the qualifiers owing to lack of funds.
“Following the meetings we have had with the ministry, we are hopeful of getting clear a communication on the way forward,” Randiek said on Wednesday evening.
Even with time running out for confirmation to take part in the qualifiers, Kaberia maintains the ministry has everything under control.
“They should not panic because we have been holding meetings on the same. It is the obligation of the government to support teams for international events,” said Kaberia in Nairobi yesterday.
The qualifiers will mark the fourth edition of the African qualification tournament for the 2020 Olympics with the winners representing the continent in next year’s games in Tokyo. Kenya men’s team are in Pool A alongside Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda as Egypt, Ghana and Namibia form Pool B with the women’s side also set to face the same nations in their qualifiers.
The men’s team will kick off the qualifiers on August 12 with a match against Uganda as their women’s counterparts take on South Africa in the opener on August 14.
KHU’s woes adds onto the government’s burden with Football Kenya Federation already casting doubt over the CHAN return leg tie against Tanzania in Nairobi on Sunday due to financial constraints.