adminStephens said there was an urgent need for government to chip in financially and develop hockey in the country.
“We are doing our best as HAZ but finance is our biggest concern as we are failing to raise enough funds to run the sport.
“So we appealing to the government through the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture for funds,” said Stephens.
Stephens was speaking with the Africa Cup of Nations in mind.
The Cup of Nations will be played in Cairo Egypt next year with Zimbabwe sending both the men’s and women’s teams.
According to Stephens, raising enough funds to send both the men’s and women’s teams to the Nations Cup is a big challenge.
“To send two sets of teams to the Nations Cup next year is a big challenge hence our appeal for government assistance. Unlike football, in hockey we are required to send two teams each time there is a major tournament so we are looking at something like 22 players plus officials to be catered for,” said Stephens.
The Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo will also be used as qualifiers for the Hockey World Cup to be staged in Holland in 2014.
Commenting on the Africa Cup Club Championships which were played at Khumalo Hockey Stadium two weeks ago, Stephens said he was satisfied with the level of competition, although Zimbabwean clubs failed to rise to the occasion.
“The level of competition was quite good and our players were exposed to high standards of hockey.
“These tournaments help our players to improve and play at the highest level.
“By the time we get to the Nations Cup I am sure Zimbabwe will have strong teams capable of standing their ground, ” said Stephens.
The HAZ president also said they will soon start to identify talent from schools and impart basic hockey skills to the juniors.
This, the HAZ boss said, was a way of developing the game at grassroots level.
Online Reporter