Kenya joined Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa among the 84-member African cohort in the IIHF, but captain Mburu says the next step will prove to be the toughest.
“Now we have to reach the IIHF standards and that’s where our work is cut off [out]”, he explained.
But this is a team that has already faced many challenges, not least establishing itself in a sport almost unheard of in East Africa.
Ice Lions was started by a group of expats from the United States and Canada, who launched a recruitment drive.
Since roller hockey was more accessible and popular in Kenya, many new members were scouted when they wore roller skates instead of blades.
Tim Colby, who has coached the Ice Lions since their inception, says the love of the sport and dedication have brought the team 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 on the ice rink at the Panari Hotel costs almost 100 dollars.
Those high rates mean the team can usually only train once a week.
Their home is also a quarter the size of an Olympic rink, so the Ice Lions are limited to playing four-on-four games (including goalies).
Full games are played with six players and require a goalkeeper, two defenders and three forwards.
Colby adds that it is difficult to get enough protective equipment for the team.
“We need a lot of specialized equipment, and that’s only available in Europe and North America,” he said.
For the first few years, many players wore only shin guards, forgoing equipment such as a helmet.
Replacing hockey sticks can also take several months.
