From bottom to battle: Twinkle target Premier League turnaround

 Kenya's Twinkle Hockey Club are determined to bounce back and restore their winning form in the Kenya Hockey Women’s Premier League, as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone and establish themselves among the top teams.

Promoted to the top tier this season from the Super League, Twinkle currently sits bottom of the table with just three points from seven matches. However, the team remains optimistic about turning their fortunes around.

Speaking to Citizen Digital during the club’s official launch of the annual International Nyota Hockey Festival and Gala Dinner held at a Nairobi hotel on Friday night, team manager and former Kenyan international Hellen Chemtai urged fans and stakeholders to remain patient and supportive.

“It’s true that we started the season slowly,” Chemtai admitted. “One of the biggest challenges has been the availability of players who are still in school. Our squad is quite young, with most players aged between 17 and 25. But I believe our performance will improve as the season progresses.”

Chemtai emphasized that the club’s immediate goal is to avoid relegation, noting that Twinkle only joined competitive hockey in 2022.

“Our main target is survival. We tried to earn promotion in 2023 but fell short. Now that we are finally in the Premier League, we will give everything to stay here and grow,” she said.

As part of its strategic plans, the club will host the Nyota Festival Gala Fundraising Dinner on October 2 at Serena Hotel, Nairobi. The event aims to raise funds for a dedicated team bus to ease travel challenges for players and expand the club’s national reach.

The International Nyota Hockey Festival will take place from October 3 to 5 at Sikh Union Grounds in Nairobi. According to club president Desmon Boi, the tournament will not only showcase talent but also promote youth ambition, gender equity, and the transformative power of sport.

“Let’s be clear—this is not just about Twinkle. This is about the future of Kenyan hockey,” Boi stated. “It’s about building systems, platforms, and partnerships that will outlive us. We want young boys and girls to view hockey not as a side sport, but as a centerpiece of identity, opportunity, and pride.”

Twinkle will face a tough test next weekend as they go up against former and reigning league champions, Strathmore University Scorpions and Blazers.