Twinkle Hockey Club Fights to Stay Afloat in Debut WPL Season, Eyes October Festival for Lifeline

Nairobi, Kenya – After a tough entry into the top tier of Kenyan women’s field hockey, Twinkle Hockey Club is refusing to back down. The league newcomers, currently at the bottom of the Women’s Premier League standings, are rallying to avoid relegation — and to rewrite the narrative of underdog resilience.

Despite the odds, club manager Hellen Chemtai, a former national team stalwart, says the team’s story is only beginning. Speaking candidly about the club’s early struggles, Chemtai attributed much of the inconsistency to the squad’s youth.

“Most of our players are still in high school,” she said. “They’re incredibly talented but still learning what it takes to compete at this level. We just need time — and patience from our supporters.”

But patience alone won’t keep the team afloat. To shore up resources and foster wider support, Twinkle Hockey Club is launching an ambitious initiative: the International Nyota Hockey Festival, set to take place in Nairobi this October, alongside a fundraising gala.

Club president Desmon Boi outlined the dual purpose of the event:

“We’re aiming to raise funds for a team bus — something basic but essential. But beyond that, we want to shine a spotlight on emerging female hockey talent and prove that this sport can empower our youth.”

The October event is expected to draw teams from across East Africa and will feature youth clinics, exhibition matches, and cultural showcases, underscoring the club’s broader mission to grow the sport from the grassroots up.

On the pitch, Twinkle still faces a tough road ahead, with fixtures looming against top-tier sides including reigning champions Strathmore University. But if spirit and vision counted on the scoreboard, Twinkle would already be leading.

As they battle both giants and growing pains, one thing is clear: Twinkle Hockey Club is playing for more than points — they’re playing for pride, purpose, and the future of women’s hockey in Kenya.