Lions on ice - Kenya's foray into ice hockey

In Nairobi, the average temperature is more than 20C, yet there is one place in Kenya's capital where it does not even reach zero.

Overlooking the city's wildlife park, home to lions, giraffes and zebra, lies the Panari Hotel.

Inside is the sole ice rink in east and central Africa, a training base for the Kenya Ice Lions, the country's first and only ice hockey team.

For a sport predominantly played in colder climates, getting on the ice for the first time was an "out of this world" experience for captain Benjamin Mburu.

"I never imagined I could play ice hockey in Kenya," he told BBC Sport Africa.

"You see snow and ice on Christmas movies. That happens somewhere else, not in Kenya.

"Stepping on the ice was so slippery - I couldn't control the skates. But it was exciting."

Formed in 2016, the Ice Lions recently reached a significant milestone by becoming the fifth African team to gain membership of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

Their admission to the sport's world governing body will allow them to access more funding and coaching expertise as well as enter international competitions.

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.

Over time, the Ice Lions caught the eye of local media and through this exposure they received interest from international brands and companies.

From these partnerships, the squad got the opportunity to play abroad.

One trip to Canada, where players met with National Hockey League (NHL) stars Sidney Crosby and Nathan Mackinnon, proved transformational.

The Ice Lions went on to receive donations for equipment, funds for ice time and found more sponsors, which has helped the team to grow.

"The trip to Canada was an eye-opener, people realised there was ice hockey in Kenya and we were able to recruit more locals into the sport," said Mburu.

"Our skill level has grown tremendously."

They are now soaring to new heights, recently winning an exhibition tournament on a full-size rink in South Africa.

"This proved to us, and everyone, that we can do this," Mburu added.

Alongside their dream of competing internationally, the Ice Lions are keen to grow the sport in Kenya and develop the next generation of players.

Every Saturday morning there are coaching sessions for children.

Liam Pashari, who dreams of becoming a professional, is among those who attend.

"I love ice hockey very much, because the coaches push us to be our best, and you make friends along the way," the 12-year-old said.

"When you're playing on the ice, you just forget about everything else."

The Ice Lions also have plans for a female team, but only have four women currently playing alongside the men.

With associate membership of the IIHF, the team are more motivated than ever to win more tournaments and reach their ultimate goal - the Winter Olympics.

"The Kenyan flag must fly on ice," said Mike Carlos, a winger with the Ice Lions.

"There are people that think Kenyans cannot play ice hockey. But we must show them that we have arrived."

Additional reporting by Brian Khisa and Gloria Achieng.