Kenyan international joins Italian Serie A1 hockey club

Kenyan international Mathias Gularire has completed a move to Hockey Club Bologna, opening a new chapter in Italy’s Serie A1 after making his name with Sikh Union Nairobi.For the defender, the move is more than a transfer. Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsIt is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition to play professionally in Europe, one he initially struggled to believe was real.“This is what I have been living for and dreaming of,” said Gularire. “I have always wanted to be a professional athlete, and it has meant a lot, especially back home in Parkroad.”Gularire said Bologna first approached him about four weeks before his departure. ##NAJAVA_MECA_922044##The prospect only truly sank in when the Italian club told him to collect his visa and sent his travel tickets.“That is when I realised it was true, I was going to play hockey in Europe,” he said.Hockey Club Bologna has deep roots in the Italian game. The club’s field-hockey history dates back to 1959 and its men’s team competes in Serie A1. For Gularire, the opportunity represents a first experience with a European club and a chance to test himself in a different hockey culture.“It is my first European club,” he said. “What attracted me is the fact that they gave me a chance. That has made me feel good. If they chose me, then automatically I will forever choose them.”Bologna have signed a versatile player. Gularire expects to operate in defence and midfield, while also offering a specialist threat from penalty corners through his drag-flicking ability. Form Four student leaves Malkia Strikers captain in awe following stunning debutHis immediate brief is clear, to contribute to the collective.“The club expects me to be a team player and help them to win,” he said. “The key is being together and moving together.”The move follows a rise built from Parkroad Hockey Club, St. Anthony's Boys Kitale, KCA University and finally at Sikh Union Nairobi, where Gularire credits coach Darren Lobo with helping reshape his approach to the game. He said the coach challenged him to become a proper athlete and helped him develop the mentality needed for a higher level.“I want to thank Sikh Union so much, especially coach Lobo,” said Gularire. “He took the initiative of making me a proper athlete, especially in terms of playing more top-level hockey. He changed my mindset on how I view things.”His development has also been aided by exposure with Kenya’s national team. Okutoyi closing on to second Swiss doubles title in span of a weekGularire has been named in senior Kenya squads, including for the 2023 African Games and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, experiences he says sharpened his ambition.“The national team gave me opportunities to play for the country outside,” he said. “I played and watched games, and at that time I saw what I wanted to be.”At Bologna, he wants to refine the less visible parts of his game; reading play, making better decisions and becoming a more intelligent player. Daystar Falcons captain opens up on toughest moment during injury rehabilitationAbove all, he has set an uncompromising target around penalty corners.“I want to improve my game reading and intelligence,” he said. “I want to be one of the best penalty-corner takers in the world. My mindset has shifted, I want to be the top one. I am getting there, reading flicking lines and also playing lines.”Gularire’s message to young Kenyan players is grounded in belief, discipline and the hope that his move can widen the pathway for others. He recalled moments when the dream seemed distant, but says his journey from Dezza in Ngara to an Italian club proves that opportunities can emerge.“I am proof that things can happen.Now it is just discipline and working towards the goals.”He is careful not to promise that he can personally take fellow Kenyan players to Europe. Instead, he wants his performances to make Italian clubs take greater notice of the talent available at home.“I cannot promise I will take players there, but I promise I will play well so that Italian clubs set up scouts in Kenya. That will take many players there and we will all achieve and open opportunities. It is just working towards being the best, and Europe will recognise home.”