Excitement grows ahead of Zimbabwe, Zambia development series

AS the dates draw closer for the commencement of the much-anticipated annual development series between Zimbabwe and Zambia in hockey, excitement and anticipation have been growing among the sport’s enthusiasts.

The development series is set to run from August 11-13 at the St John’s Educational Trust (SJET) Astro Turf in the capital. The tournament will feature players from Under-13 to senior national teams and guarantees to be an exciting event.

A total of 388 talented players will battle it out on the turf across six matches which are likely to keep spectators on the edge of their seats.

Event co-ordinator, Carla Jones said all is set for the series and will also be an exciting period for the youngsters who will begin their schools holidays with an event of such magnitude.

“All is set to go and we are ready, teams are practicing and everything is organised. With regards to hockey, people can expect a lot of variety and it will be an exciting event because schools just closed and it will be good for the kids to play hockey at the start of their holiday,” said Jones.

The series will not be the first series to take place between the two nations. In August last year, a similar development series took part at the same venue and was the first ever international age group series between Zimbabwe and Zambia and the first competition in Zimbabwe involving another country post Covid-19 restrictions.

Last year’s event focused on the Under-13, Under-16 and Under-18. However, this year they have gone a step further to include the seniors’ sides from both countries in preparation for the Road to Paris Olympic qualifiers to be held later in the year, in South Africa.

The series will help in improving the world rankings for both Zimbabwe and Zambia. It will also provide the team with the much-needed international exposure, thus laying a good foundation for future international assignments.

Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) is also using the series to develop hockey in both countries at the various age groups as well as spreading the game and growing interest in the sport for both countries.

Zimbababwe Under-16s and 18s were in Namibia recently. – @brandon_malvin