Kenya has joined Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa among the 84-member African group in the IIHF, but captain Mburu says the next step will be more difficult.
“Now we have to reach the IIHF standards, and that’s where our work is cut out [out],” he explained.
But this is a team that has already faced many challenges, not the least of which is putting themselves in a game that has never been heard of in East Africa.
The Ice Lions were started by a group of people from the United States and Canada, who put on a recruiting drive.
As roller hockey became more accessible and popular in Kenya, many new members were spotted wearing skates with wheels on them rather than blades.
Tim Colby, who has coached the Ice Lions since its inception, says the love of the game and dedication is what brought the team to this country.
“Playing ice hockey in the equator is not easy,” the Canadian told the BBC.
“The biggest challenge is the time of the ice. Access to the ice is expensive.”
Just one hour on the ice at the Panari Hotel costs about $100.
Those high levels mean the team can usually train once a week.
Their home is also a quarter of the size of the Olympic rink, so the Ice Lions are restricted to playing four games out of four (including goals).
Full games are six-a-side and require a goalkeeper, two defenders and three forwards.
Colby added that finding enough protective equipment for the team is becoming difficult.
“We need a lot of special gears and they are only available in Europe and North America,” he said.
In the first few years many players wore only shin pads, forgoing things like helmets.
Replacing hockey sticks can also take several months.
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