HOW TELKOM ORANGE CONQUERED AFRICA: Tracing Kenya's torturous path to women hockey stardom

Telkom Orange head coach Jos Openda once said: “It is not easy to develop into a champion and it becomes even harder to maintain the top spot when you finally get there.”

True to his words, his team’s journey to retaining the hockey Africa Cup of Club Championships crown proved to be difficult as they wrestled one opponent after another before they ascended to the continental throne.

With their eyes trained on an eighth continental gong, the African queens knew their work was cut out. Millions of Kenyans were full of expectation. There was no turning back, until mission is complete. The Kenyan girls refused to settle for anything less because only the crown could define their success.

Orange were in pool A together with Ghana Police and hosts Lusaka Sharks. Their first test came through the Ghanaian law enforcers as both sides played to a 3-3 draw. Despite taking an early lead, the Kenyans could not hold on to their advantage as both sides shared the spoils.

Veteran Jacqueline Wangeci netted a hat-trick for Orange, while Police goals were scored by national team players Martha Sarfoa, Nafisatu Umaru and Faustina Aggrey. After dropping two valuable points, Orange’s second tie against Lusaka Sharks was a must-win affair.

After fruitless efforts from senior players, youngster Maureen Okumu came in the 20th minute and put Orange in the lead a minute later with her first touch.

Orange vs USIU Orange Jacky Mwangi(l) and USIU Lorraine Nondi(r) was cut short due to downpour at Citypark. ON 29/11/15 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

Former international Barbara Simiyu scored Orange’s second goal to give them a 2-0 conquest over Sharks and with that, secured a place in the semi-finals. Police beat Sharks 4-1 to top the pool and book a semi’s date with Sharkia of Egypt.

Orange on the other hand were condemned to second place with an inferior goal difference after both teams tied on four points.

Orange put up a show befitting their status as champions as they thrashed their Ghanaian opponents 2-0 in the semi.

Experience once again played a pivotal role for the Kenyans as Wangeci and Captain Betsy Ommala scored in the first half to push them closer to retaining their title. That was their best performance in the event as they controlled the game, forcing the Ghanaians to succumb to pressure.

Police routed Sharkia 6-1 to secure a second meeting with Orange. The battle lines were drawn and both teams fielded their best, most of whom are national team players. The final match ended prematurely due to the heavy rains, but even so, the Kenyan girls were determined to retain their trophy.

Wangeci scored for Orange, while Linda Sasu sounded the boards for Police as the match ended in a one-all-draw after 80 minutes.