adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE HOCKEY Association of Zimbabwe have announced their final Under-17 boys and girls national teams to compete in the Youth Olympic Games qualifiers set for March in Lusaka, Zambia. The tournament is scheduled to run from March 10 to 15 with countries from across the continent expected to take part in the only qualifying event for African nations.
The top two countries in each category will qualify for the main event in China.
The teams were selected recently during a camp held for in Harare.
HAZ vice-president, Humphrey Chigwedere, said the girls team has a better chance of qualifying compared to their male counterparts who are to face stiff competition from countries such as Egypt, South Africa and Ghana.
“The girls might qualify depending on who comes but the boys will have to play very well because there are countries like Egypt, South Africa and Ghana.
“If the girls play well they have a realistic chance of qualifying,” said Chigwedere.
The local teams were last year involved in some friendly matches as part of their preparations and the boys teams lost all the matches they played while the girls team managed some draws.
“From February 21 to 24 they are coming back into camp before taking a break.
“They will then come back on March 5 and from there they will go straight to Zambia,” said Chigwedere.
The boys team will be coached by Prince Mwale, assisted by Ray Buchanan, while Jackie Lowe will take care of the girls side with the help of Anton Five.
Zimbabwe will be hoping to qualify for the YOG for the first time.
The Games were launched in 2010 in Singapore and caters for athletes below the age of 18.
Boys
Tafara Simon (Gateway High School ), Peter Trusthum (Hellenic), Bryn Lowe(Peter House) , Happious Njitimani (South Eastern College), Takunda Chipuma (Churchill), Stefano Bellini-Martin ( St Johns College), Philip Machaya (Hippo Valley), Forbes Motsi ( Prince Edward), Newtown Mashanyare (Falcon College), Keith Bruce (Peter House )
Girls
Kudzie Mushongahande, Stephaine Campbell, Aimee-Berth Nativel , Julie Precious, Chelsea Dollar, Carla van Oudtshoorn, Zahra Finnigan, Grace Mazarura, Tyla Walters, Estelle Stambolie
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