First hockey tourney in years

Fungai Muderere
BULAWAYO will on Friday start hosting its first international hockey tournament in years which comes in the mould of the Hockey Series Open where four countries are expected to take part. Zambia, Egypt, Namibia and Zimbabwe are the countries that are taking part in the Hockey Series Open with matches to be played from Friday to Sunday.

Foreign national teams were expected to start arriving in the City of Kings and Queens from Wednesday.

Three matches are scheduled for the opening day with the opening fixtures being a women’s clash between Namibia and Zambia before Egypt and Namibia men meet in the second encounter of the day.

Zimbabwean men and their Zambian counterparts play the last match of the first day.

Meanwhile, Zapalala Supermarket are the title sponsors of the Hockey Series Open with their chief executive officer, Lloyd Turner announcing that it was part of their social responsibility initiative.

“Zapalala are honoured to support the Hockey Series Open Zimbabwe which gives developing hockey playing nations the opportunity to test themselves against some of the world’s best — sport develops communities and creates irreplaceable friendship and comradely,’’ Turner said.

Hockey Association of Zimbabwe president, Grant Campbell welcomed the sponsorship from Zapalala and said they need such partnerships so as to attract up-and-coming hockey players.

“The HAZ is delighted to have Zapalala come on board to support the Hockey Series Open, — its partnerships like these that Zimbabwe hockey needs to create a point of reference to our emerging young hockey players,’’ said Campbell.