Kenya to Battle Australia, New Zealand in Hockey 5s World Cup

Kenya has been drawn into Pool ‘C’ for the upcoming hockey five-a-side World Cup, set to take place in Muscat, Oman from January 28-31, 2024.

In this four-day competition, the Kenyan men’s team will face formidable opponents, including New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Australia.

The tournament comprises 12 teams, with the Netherlands, Poland, Pakistan, and Nigeria forming Pool ‘A.’ Pool ‘B’ includes India, Egypt, Switzerland, and Jamaica, while Malaysia, the United States, Fiji, and Jamaica make up Pool ‘D.’

Kenya’s schedule kicks off with a match against New Zealand at 12:10 pm on January 28, followed by an encounter with Trinidad and Tobago later the same day at 6:50 pm. The team will face Australia on January 29 at 1:00 pm.

Hockey5s, first introduced in preparation for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, is a dynamic and highly skilled short format of hockey. Played with four field players and a goalkeeper, it is designed to be adaptable to various surfaces and environments.

Since its inception, Hockey5s has gained popularity among nations seeking an outdoor short format of hockey. The game incorporates all the skills and principles of traditional hockey but with fewer players and rebounds boards on all sides of the court, offering different tactical options.

While elite-level play has specific requirements for the playing surface and equipment, the guiding philosophy of Hockey5s emphasizes its adaptability for grassroots development.

The competition promises fast-paced and skilful matches as teams from around the world gather to showcase their prowess in this exciting format.