Top Kenyan men's hockey teams out of Africa club championships

NAIROBI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Lack of sponsorship has forced Kenyan champions Strathmore University and Butali Sugar Warriors to pull out of the Africa Cup for Club Champions tourney in Accra, Ghana.

However, continental champions in the women's competition Telkom and Strathmore Scorpions have been cleared to compete in the event, which starts in Accra on Jan 20-28.

Butali team manager Kamal Sambi on Wednesday confirmed their withdrawal saying they had no financier to foot their bill and wished the two women side all the best for the competition, which has attracted 12 top Africa teams - five men and seven women - for the week long debacle.

"For our payers this level of competition is their dream, but we lack the funds to sponsor them. We can only wish the Kenyan clubs still in the tourney the very best," said Sambi.

The hosts will be represented by Ghana Revenue Authority and Trustees Club. Defending champions Eastern Company together with El Sharkia will represent Egypt, Niger Flickers Hockey Club who won the Nigerian league and the runners-up, Police Machine, complete the teams to vie for honors in the men's division.

In the women's tourney, there are Ghana Revenue Authority, Police, champions Telkom from Kenya, Strathmore (Kenya), Nigerian sides KADA Queens and Yobe Desert Queens. Enditem