Hippo falter in Zambia

LOCAL hockey giants Hippo endured a tough outing at the African Club Champions last week.
Hippo, who were representing Zimbabwe in the seven-team tournament in Zambia, finished fifth after recording one win, a draw and two loses.
However, team captain Kanyiwe Tapfuma has since come out attributing the poor showing to a lack of discipline.
“We had our drawbacks as a team, but what I was most disappointed with was the lack of discipline.
“We failed to behave accordingly towards referees and I was also a culprit in some instances as well,” said Tapfuma.
“I guess I let the team down when I queried the poor umpiring against Lusaka Sharks.
“I am sure those umpires didn’t really know the rules, it was difficult to communicate with the Egyptian umpires who struggled to complete a single English sentence.
“But above all, I admit that we lacked discipline as a team and that’s why we lost by huge score lines,” said the captain.
His side was placed in Pool A alongside Sharkia (Egypt), Trustees (Ghana) and Lusaka Sharks (Zambia).
The team did not play well in their group games, drawing 1-all with Tustees before getting mauled by Sharkia (1-14) and Lusaka Sharks (1-7).
“We played our hearts out against Trustees, who are like the national team of Ghana, but we failed to convert chances.
“We then underestimated Lusaka Sharks, because we taught some of their guys to hold sticks some years ago, and we paid the price,” said the skipper.
Hippo did get a consolation victory when they met Sharks again in 5th/6th play-off encounter, winning 3-2 in penalties.
The match had ended 4-all during regulation time.
Hippo also used the competition to give exposure to their junior players, whom Tapfuma believes are destined for a great future.
“We have a great junior policy; we roped in most of our juniors in the first team at this tournament.
“So starting the new season, they will be part of the first team and I am sure by December we will win the domestic league.
“The youngsters should have gained the necessary confidence,” he said.