Hockey manager calls for greater investment

The Under-21 side found the going tough at the Junior World Cup Africa qualifiers held recently in South Africa as they finished in fifth place.
The World Cup will be held in India next year.
Logan said the team’s performance in South Africa showed the potential the country has “if preparations and resources are unveiled on time’’.
“Our girls played exceptionally well. We had three warm-up games, the people we played were very good. They also assisted us very well, they were very good in accommodating us.
“We had a player from Australia, six players from South Africa and the rest were from Zimbabwe so being so spread apart at that level, it’s very hard to get the best out of everyone in such a short space of time.
“The one thing with the team we took is that they had big hearts and they have the passion for the sport.
“They kept persevering no matter the turnout on them. It’s just that preparations and fitness was not quite there,” said Logan.
Logan said they are hoping to build around the team, as most of the players are still eligible to compete in the same age group again next year.
“We took a very young team, everyone is eligible to play next year.
“Unfortunately we did not win but we have a good team now. Namibia have invited us and we can go there anytime. South Africa have also said they will enter us for tournaments next year.
“The problem is that at national level we are playing the same people in the league and for the senior girls it’s not helping much.
“Our potential in this country is great,” said Logan
One of the players who took part in the tournament, Iman Johnson from Mbare, said this was an opportunity to learn as they competed with some of Africa’s best players.
Johnson was sponsored by the Harare Mayor’s Cheer fund to a tune of US$2 401 to cater for her kit and travelling expenses.
“I learnt many things, how to communicate with others and it was an opportunity to grow sports wise.
“I was satisfied with my performance and I feel good because it’s not always that you find people who give you such an opportunity in life,” said Johnson.
Sunny Mbofana, the mayor’s aide, said the sponsorship was meant to promote the girl child in sport and also promote hockey in high-density suburbs.