Champions without Rewards: The Unseen Struggles of Lakers Hockey Club
Imagine conquering an entire continent, only to return home to empty pockets and silent applause. This is the harsh reality for the Lakers Hockey Club, a team of extraordinary athletes whose triumphs on the field are met with financial neglect and societal indifference. But here's where it gets controversial: in a world where sports stars are often showered with riches, why are these African champions left to fend for themselves?
The Journey to Victory: A Test of Endurance and Economics
On January 17th, the Lakers embarked on a grueling 2,900-kilometer odyssey from Nairobi to Harare, Zimbabwe, for the 27th Women’s Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC). Air travel was a luxury beyond their reach, so they endured cramped seats, mechanical delays, and muscle fatigue that lingered long after arrival. This wasn’t just a journey; it was a stark reminder of the financial constraints plaguing African hockey.
Their first match against the defending champions, Ghana Revenue Authority, reflected the toll of travel. A 2-0 defeat highlighted slower reaction times and lackluster transitions. But champions are forged in adversity. The Lakers regrouped, dismantling Zimbabwe’s Hippo Valley Hockey Club 4-1 and securing a commanding 3-0 win over Bulawayo Hockey Club. The final was a rematch with Ghana, a battle of wills that culminated in a penalty shootout. Captain Alice Owiti’s rallying cry, “This is ours. We didn’t travel all that distance to finish second,” became their mantra. They emerged victorious, crowned African champions.
The Bitter-Sweet Return: Medals, Not Money
Their return to Kisumu was devoid of the fanfare one might expect. No bonuses, no endorsements, no life-changing contracts awaited them. The medals around their necks were cold comfort against the everyday demands of life. Teachers returned to lesson plans, surveyors to construction sites, and counselors to client appointments. Rent remained due, and for some, pride had to be set aside as they sought financial help from family. This is the part most people miss: the stark contrast between sporting glory and financial reality.
The Emotional Toll: A Journey Within a Journey
According to the team’s technical advisor, Austin Tuju, the most emotional moment wasn’t during the tournament, but just before boarding the bus back to Kenya. The thought of retracing the arduous journey, the breakdowns, the sleepless nights, and the uncertainty, brought tears to many players’ eyes. Tuju admits, “The level of commitment we put in does not match the rewards. It may look like misplaced passion, but that is the reality of our sport.”
The Financial Paradox: Passion vs. Poverty
The African Hockey Federation, headquartered in Cairo, does not offer cash prizes to ACCC winners. Similarly, the Kenya Hockey Union provides no monetary rewards for its league champions. Players like Quinter Okore, one of Kenya’s national team goalkeepers, highlight the financial strain. “Hockey is an expensive game, but the players are ever broke,” she says. A goalkeeper’s kit alone costs upwards of Sh300,000, yet players like Okore rely on relatives and friends to make ends meet. When asked if she would choose hockey again, her response is telling: “No, not if I’m thinking about financial stability.”
Balancing Dreams and Reality
Alice Owiti, Lakers’ captain and ACCC Most Valuable Player, embodies the balancing act many Kenyan hockey players face. A trained teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Education (French), she juggles her profession with her passion for hockey. Her day begins in the classroom and ends on the turf. “Teaching has made me more organized and responsible,” she says, yet her salary comes from teaching, not hockey.
Her twin sister, Maurine Owiti, shares a similar story. Initially discouraged by their father, their success in hockey eventually softened his stance. Maurine dreams of playing in the Pro League and the 2028 Olympics, but structural challenges persist. “At one time, the boys were sponsored, but the ladies were left out,” she notes.
The Question That Lingers
If Harambee Stars were rewarded with financial incentives and promises of affordable housing despite falling short at the 2024 African Nations Championship, what should await a team that actually returned home with silverware? Is it fair that these champions are left to struggle financially while their male counterparts receive support? And what does this say about the value we place on women’s sports in Africa?
A Call to Action
The Lakers’ story is not just about hockey; it’s about passion, sacrifice, and the systemic neglect of women’s sports. It’s a call to action for sponsors, federations, and society at large to recognize and reward the dedication of these athletes. As we celebrate their victories, let’s also address the injustices they face. After all, champions deserve more than just medals—they deserve respect, support, and a fair shot at a sustainable future.
What do you think? Should African hockey federations introduce cash prizes for champions? How can we better support women’s sports in Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s spark a conversation that could change the game.
