Kenya has joined Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa in the African ranks of the IIHF, which has 84 members, but captain Mburu said the next step will be the most difficult.

“We now have to meet IIHF standards and that’s where our focus is,” he explains.

But the team has faced many challenges, not least establishing itself in a sport that is almost unheard of in East Africa.

The Ice Lions were started by a group of expats from the United States and Canada who launched a recruiting drive.

As roller hockey grows in popularity and popularity in Kenya, many new members are discovered by talent scouts while wearing skates with wheels instead of blades.

Tim Colby, who has coached the Ice Lions since their inception, said the love and dedication to the sport has brought the team to where it is today.

“It’s not easy to play ice hockey on the equator,” the Canadian told the BBC.

“The biggest challenge is ice time. Getting ice is expensive.”

An hour of ice skating at the Panari Hotel costs nearly $100.

Such a high ratio means teams can typically only practice once a week.

Their home arena is also only a quarter the size of the Olympic rink, so the Ice Lions are limited to four-on-four games (including goalie).

The entire game is played in a six-a-side format, requiring a goalkeeper, two defenders and three forwards.

Colby added that getting enough protective gear for teams can be difficult.

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

In the early years, many players wore only shin guards and forego helmets and other equipment.

Replacing a hockey stick can also take several months.