SNAPPY 7 – Betsy Omalla: Children will come after hockey
By HILARY KIMUYU
You might have seen her on television or on the sports pages; you may have probably passed her on the streets of Nairobi. Telkom Orange hockey club captain Betsy Omalla sat down and shared snippets of her life with Nairobi News.
1. Who is Betsy – Am a hockey player; am humble, disciplined and strict. Simply put, am a very focused go-getter who loves hockey. Hockey is my passion.
2. Childhood and education – I was born and raised in Ndalu, which is in Bugoma County, where I started school before later joining Mukumu Girl’s High School. Its at Mukumu Girls where I was introduced to hockey by a senior student who told me to try it. Hockey has since been my life. I studied Tourism Management at Moi University.
3. Fashion – I’m a simple girl. I wear what makes me feel comfortable. I really don’t go with the trends; I wear what I want to wear, as long it’s appropriate and looks good on me.
4. Can you cook and what’s your favorite dish – Yes and I’m a very good cook. I was taught how to cook by my mother. I love cooking chapatis and beef stew which is one of my favorite dishes. I really love chapatis and I cook them very well. But being a Luhya, ugali has to be always there.
5. Are you dating and any plans for children – Yes, I’ve been in a relationship for the past 16 months, but I won’t tell you with who. At the moment, I’m not thinking about children but, yes, I would like to have some in the future. Right now, am fully focused on hockey. Raising up kids and playing hockey would not be a good mix for me.
6. Experience as a Kenyan captain and what is next after hockey – It was an eye opening experience for me to lead the national team. Am not so sure why they dropped me but I think I had to give someone else the chance to be the captain. I’m at the peak of my career and I wouldn’t mind turning professional in the future. I earn my living coaching Kenton Preparatory International School in Nairobi.
7. Advice to young girls who want to play hockey – Discipline starts with you if you want to achieve your goals. Do the right thing at the right time and at the right place. And don’t forget to give it your all. If that is what you want, never let anyone or anything prevent you from achieving it. Just go for it.
