Hockey: Daikyo Heroes flying Mombasa’s flag high

However, the Premier League has proven to be a much tougher playing field for the team. Unlike their success in the lower tiers, Daikyo faced early challenges in the top tier.

They endured a four-game winless streak but finally celebrated their first victory last weekend with a 1-0 win over Sailors at Aryans grounds. Austine Otieno scored the lone goal in the 57th minute through a superb field goal, a much-needed boost for the team.

Currently, Daikyo stands third from the bottom on the Premier League table, having earned only four points from five matches in the ten-team league.

Their journey so far has included a 0-0 draw against Strathmore University and losses to Sikh Union Club (6-2), former champions Kenya Police (3-1), and Wazalendo (2-1). Despite the slow start, club founder Farhan Khan remains optimistic about the future.

“History has shown that newly promoted teams struggle to stay up in the top league, but we don’t want to be part of that history. We want to change the tide and remain in the Premier League. This win is important to us, and I believe it signals better things ahead,” said Khan in a phone interview from Mombasa.

Khan, the force behind Daikyo, was instrumental in the team’s rise, not only as a founder but also as a leading player in its early seasons.

As team captain, Khan emerged as top scorer in both the National and Super Leagues, netting 13 goals in the National League and 14 goals in the Super League, where Daikyo finished first with 50 points from 22 matches, suffering only two losses.

In their Super League campaign last season, Daikyo lost to Kenyatta University 3-4 and Nakuru Athletics Club 5-0. Daikyo, along with the University of Eldoret, which finished second, secured promotion to the Premier League.

Khan’s vision for Daikyo was fueled by a desire to establish a strong hockey team on the Coast and his financial ability to support it.

Khan, who also runs Daikyo Japan Motors, which deals in used cars and imports from Japan, has invested significantly in the team. “Of course, we have teams from Mombasa like Mombasa Sports Club and Mombasa West, but they often struggle with finances. We’re changing the script, and from the lower tier, we never missed a match or gave a walkover due to financial constraints. Most of our players work for the company, and some are sponsored in their studies,” explained Khan.

Fifteen players on the team are employees of Daikyo Japan Motors, while three others are sponsored at local institutions, including Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya Medical Teaching College, and Masinde Muliro University.

Andycole Ochieng, Vincent Wesonga, and Calvin Omondi, who are sponsored students, have benefitted greatly from the company’s support. “We get our schedule in advance and plan accordingly. The company covers players’ allowances, winning bonuses, and travel, which has kept the team motivated,” Khan added.

Khan’s connections within the hockey community have also benefitted the team. KHU President Nashon Randiek introduced him to Olympian Ibrahim Ochieng, who joined Daikyo as coach in 2021.

Ochieng, who represented Kenya in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1982 World Cup, brings a wealth of experience to the team.

“Ochieng’s technical abilities, combined with the players’ commitment, have helped establish discipline and dedication within the squad,” noted Khan. Ochieng, who joined Daikyo from Mvita, previously played for renowned teams such as Mombasa Institute, Baobab, Mombasa Youngsters, and Mvita.

The team trains four times a week at Aryans grounds, which has fostered a close-knit environment that Khan describes as “basically a family.”

After their success in the Mwalimu Nyerere Cup in 2021, where they performed strongly and won the title, Khan decided to enter Daikyo into the KHU National League.

“I’m glad I took the leap of faith because now Daikyo is a household name in hockey circles, despite our short history,” he said proudly.

At 62, Ochieng is passionate about helping the team and believes in the potential of Daikyo’s players. Reflecting on the state of hockey in Kenya, he noted that limited resources and neglect of former players have hindered the sport’s growth.

“We have talented players, but former players who could mentor them are often overlooked. Young players need guidance from those who have been through it,” he observed, adding that federation workshops with former players could go a long way in inspiring the new generation.

Ochieng believes Daikyo’s financial stability, effective management, and commitment to a structured training regimen have been the primary drivers of their rapid ascent.

“The players know what they want, and we have a smooth relationship between the company and the team. These are the ingredients for success,” he said.

Club organsing secretary and player Nobert Odiwuor shared a similar sentiment, saying that good management, stable finances, and clear team structures have been crucial to Daikyo’s success.

“The Coastal League experience has also contributed to our steady climb. With consistent effort, I’m confident Daikyo will establish itself in the Premier League and continue its success,” said Odiwuor.

Khan and Ochieng both emphasized that Daikyo is committed to staying in the Premier League and defying the odds as they work to change Kenya’s hockey landscape for the better.