Kisumu Youngstars Hockey Club (KYHC), a registered non-profit field hockey organisation based in Kisumu, Kenya, has etched its name in history after being crowned Champions of the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Men's Super League for the 2025/2026 season. The triumph marks a defining moment for the club, which has officially earned promotion to the prestigious KHU Premier League for the very first time since its formation in 2011.
Founded 15 years ago with a vision to nurture young hockey talent in Kisumu Town Central, KYHC has grown from a modest, self-sponsored team into one of the most formidable sides in the country's second-tier league. The club is registered with the Kenya Hockey Union and the Registrar of Sports in Kenya, and operates strictly as a non-profit sports organisation with no religious or political affiliations.
"A Season of Dominance.
KYHC's journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. The team finished at the summit of the Super League table with 43 points having lost only one match the entire season. The KHU Super league tier had a total of 12 teams for the 2025/2026 Season; Kisumu Youngstars Hockey Club, Greensharks Hockey Club, Parkroad Badgers Hockey Club, Mvita XI Hockey Club, Parkroad Tigers Hockey Club, Wazalendo Masters Hockey Club, University of Eldoret Hockey Club, Kisii Falcons Hockey Club, Kenyatta University Hockey Club, Nakuru Hockey Club, University of Nairobi Men Hockey Club and Sailors Hockey Club.
KYHC did not only win the KHU Super league but also produced the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the year for the Super League tier Duncan Kachisa and the Top Scorer of the Super League Tier Daniel LolKalepi Leshan.
Throughout the season, KYHC has demonstrated consistency, tactical discipline, and resilience, firmly establishing themselves as the only Kisumu-based men's hockey team competing at the Super League level, while other regional teams remain in the National League — the third tier of Kenyan hockey.
The Kenya Hockey Union league system comprises three tiers: the National League (lowest level), the Super League, and the Premier League (highest tier). Promotion to the Premier League places KYHC among the elite hockey clubs in the country — a milestone that underscores years of dedication and hard work.
KYHC Team squad for the 2025/2026 Season comprised of:
- Bramuel Opembe (Captain)
- Kevin Shikanga
- Omindo David Ochieng
- Byron Nyadimo Sadiya
- Asher Steve Ochieng
- Valentino Ochieng Otieno
- Mathwes Oniala
- Duncan Kachisa Opanda
- Moses Ooga Isigi
- Malack Masese
- George Ochieng
- Ketane Odhiambo Okoth
- Daniel Lopikasha Lolkalepi
- Bravel Lumiti
- Opiyo Anthony Nash
- Edgar Ouma Omondi
- Patrick Odhiambo
- Omar Gitau
- Willis Wanjala Musumi
- Reagan Meshach
- Wilson Brian Nyawir
- Fedinance Omondi
- John Warren Omondi
- George Omondi Ouma
- Albert Brailer Atieno
- Neville Bradley
- Geofrrey Oduor
- Richard Amimo Ngesa
- Daniel Masinde Onyango
Leadership and Stability
Since its inception, KYHC has experienced changes in management, with various leaders contributing to its development. However, Club Chairman Calvins Omondi has remained a constant pillar of stability since 2011. His steadfast commitment, combined with the strategic leadership of Patron Cosmas Ngeso, Manager Kevin Shikanga, Manager Evelyne Oginga, Team Manager Francis Omariba and Coach John Shivisi — all of whom joined the club within the last three years — has been instrumental in steering the team to unprecedented success. Under this leadership team, KYHC has not only achieved promotion but has also undergone significant institutional and structural growth.
Building Beyond the Pitch
Over the past three years, the club has made deliberate strides to strengthen its foundation both on and off the field. Key achievements include: • Official registration with the Registrar of Sports in Kenya. • Implementation of structured training programs led by experienced Coach John Shivisi, focused on developing technical skills, tactical awareness, and discipline among players. • Establishment of partnerships with colleges and universities to secure sports scholarships, enabling players to pursue higher education while advancing their hockey careers. • Organization of regular community service initiatives aimed at instilling social responsibility and leadership values among members. KYHC conducts its training sessions at the Kisumu Day High School Hockey Pitch and also hosts its home league matches at the same venue. The squad consists primarily of young athletes from Kisumu Town Central — including high school students, recent graduates, and college students — reflecting the club's core mission of youth empowerment through sport.
Powered by Community Support
As a self-sponsored team, KYHC relies heavily on member contributions and the generosity of well-wishers to meet its financial obligations. Despite limited resources, the club's determination and unity have proven that passion, structure, and community backing can overcome financial constraints.
A New Chapter Begins
Promotion to the KHU Premier League represents more than just sporting success — it is a testament to resilience, strategic leadership, and the power of youth development. For Kisumu, the achievement brings pride and renewed hope for the growth of hockey in the region.
As KYHC prepares to compete at the highest level of Kenyan hockey next season, the club carries with it not only the dreams of its players and management, but also the aspirations of a community that has supported it every step of the way.
The Youngstars have risen — and now, they are ready to shine on the biggest stage.
The club is calling upon Sponsors and Partners to support them in continuing nurturing talent at the big stage as that comes with more financial responsibilities. KYHC is also asking for support in upgrading its home pitch in preparation for the start of the Premier League; the pitch needs to be graded, levelled and compacted to make the playing surface smooth to avert any injuries.