Namureng Chebet Gaining Vital National Hockey Experience

Namureng Eleanor Chebet is a keen and passionate young hockey player from Kenya, aiming to become one of the most prolific players on the continent.

At 18, while still in high school, Chebet received her first national team call-up and despite not forming part of the final squad, she describes the recognition as an unforgettable experience.

In 2021, her dream of representing her country became a reality when she debuted in a test match against Uganda.

At club level, the now 20-year-old has won the Kenya Premier Hockey League with Blazers Hockey Club.

Speaking with Tatenda Gondo, Chebet expresses her desire to play at the Olympic Games and ambitions to play for a professional club abroad.

Namureng, thank you for chatting with us. Please can you tell us about yourself.

I am Namureng Eleanor Chebet and I was born in western Kenya (Mt. Elgon) on the 24th of July 2001. I am the third born in a family of four. I did my primary school education at Kibuk Primary and later completed my O-level at St Cecilia Girls Misikhu.

When and how did your love for hockey develop.

While at St Cecilia Misikhu, my love for hockey developed. I was inspired by the fact that my school was among the best performing schools in hockey in the country and I was also encouraged by my class teacher, Mr.Erick Mulati, who was among the hockey coaches in the school.

Apart from hockey what other sports do you play?

I only play hockey but I enjoy watching football (being a fan of Manchester United in the English Premier League).

May you please tell us about the clubs you have played hockey for.

After I finished my O- level, I started playing for Blazers Hockey Club when I was 17 and we won the Kenya Premier League. I had seven goals thus becoming the second best scorer after Gilly Okumu and Jacklin Mwangi who had 8 goals each .

I also play for Kenyatta University for the university competitions. (I’m a student at Kenyatta pursuing Mass Media and Communications).

What are you aiming to become once you complete your studies?

The idea is to use the knowledge that I would have gained from my studies to support the growth of hockey. Understanding of mass communication without attention to sport coverage is practically impossible. I want to be able to play a part in making sure that listeners, viewers and readers are brought into the experience of great sports performance.

At what age did you received your first national team hockey call-up and how did you feel representing your national team?

I received my first national team call up in 2019 when I was 18. The team was going to represent the country in the Olympic’s qualifies but I didn’t make it to the final squad.

My second call up was in 2021 against Uganda in a test match series.

In 2022, I was called up again for the AFCON in Accra, Ghana and that’s where I won a bronze medal with the team. The feeling was amazing being my first time traveling outside Kenya and carrying the country’s name on my back at the age of 20 – it was the best feeling ever.

What are some of the challenges faced by young upcoming hockey players in Kenya?

We lack equipment to use during training and sometimes we miss training because of bus fare as most of us are students. Another thing is lack of insurance cover as college and professional athletes our futures are at risk because of injuries.

What are some of your dreams and aspirations?

My dream is to represent my country at the Olympics and also to play at the World Cup one day. I also want to play in the Netherlands and Argentina at club level.

What would you regard as your biggest achievements as a hockey play to date?

I can only point out two achievements which are winning the Best Female Player of the Year at the Magharibi Michezo awards and being part of the Kenyan national ladies hockey team that won a bronze medal at the Africa Hockey Cup.

Lastly, how did you feel when Kenya qualified for the Commonwealth Games?

It was good news for us as it feels nice to be given the assignment to carry the Kenyan flag again. I think as a team we are going to get good exposure and experience.

Photo 1 Caption: Namureng Eleanor Chebet is a keen and passionate young hockey player from Kenya, aiming to become one of the most prolific players on the continent. Photo: Supplied