Kenya Ice Lions: The rise of ice hockey in East Africa

Kenya has joined Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa among the African cohort in the IIHF, which has 84 members, but captain Mburu says the next step will prove hardest.

“We must now reach IIHF standards, and that is where our work is cut [out],” he explained.

But this is a team that has already faced many challenges, not least establishing itself in a sport virtually unheard of in east Africa.

The Ice Lions were started by a group of expats from the United States and Canada, who mounted a recruitment drive.

With roller hockey being more accessible and popular in Kenya, many newer members were scouted when wearing skates with wheels on them rather than blades.

Tim Colby, who has coached the Ice Lions since their inception, says love for the sport and dedication has brought the squad this far.

“Playing ice hockey on the equator is not easy,” the Canadian told the BBC.

“The biggest challenge is ice time. Access to ice is expensive.”

Just one hour at the ice rink in Panari Hotel costs nearly $100.

Those high rates mean that the team are only usually able to train once a week.

Their home is also one quarter of the size of an Olympic rink, so the Ice Lions are restricted to playing four-on-four matches (including goaltenders).

Full games are six-a-side and require a goaltender, two defenders and three forwards.

Colby adds that getting enough protective equipment for the team proves difficult.

“We need a lot of specialised gear and that is only available in Europe and North America,” he said.

For the first few years many players only wore shin pads, forgoing equipment such as helmets.

Replacing hockey sticks could also take several months.