Hockey squads named

Ellina Mhlanga
Sports Reporter
HOCKEY Association of Zimbabwe vice-president Humphrey Chigwedere says the Under-17 boys and girls friendly matches against Zambia over the weekend were a wake-up call for the teams after losing five of their games.Zimbabwe’s boys played three matches against Zambia.
The A select lost 0-7 before the B side went down 1-4. The third Zimbabwean side lost 2-8.

In the women’s section Zimbabwe had four teams and the A team lost 3-9 while the second side drew 4-4.
The other team lost 1-4 and the fourth team drew 4-4.
Chigwedere said the matches were part of their preparations for next year’s Youth Olympic Games qualifiers scheduled for February.

Only the top team will progress to the Games set for August in Nanjing, China.
“Our Zambian counterparts put up an awesome effort and proved that they are a nation to reckon with in terms of hockey in Africa.

“Our opponents put up a very good performance and despite their limited numbers they outplayed us. They had to leave some players at the border due to immigration bungling by their management,” said Chigwedere.
“The Zambians are very good, they are being assisted by the Dutch and they are very physical.

“There is a lot of work to be done by the Zimbabweans if we are to make a mark at the qualifiers next year in Zambia.
“After the selection I think the coaches will come up with the training programmes, even those that are going for the holidays will be given their individual programme.

Provisional teams
Boys: Tafara Simon, Gift Chamunorwa, Bryn Lowe, Dan Barnes, Forbes Motsi, Happious Njitimani, Newton Mashanyare, Mlungisi Mpofu, Philip Machaya, Stephano Bellini-Matin, Takunda Chipuma, Xolani Makhetwa, Moses Kapanga, Aaron Sithole, Dominic Ashley, Jonathan Campbell, Tatenda Kanyangarara, Batsirai Ncube, Peter Trusthum, Alroy Fourie, Blair Finnaughty, Brandon Watson, Esau Mufandaedza, Heemal Kala, Keith Bruce, Misheck Zvizhinji, Alex Makuvise, Tariro Mbedzi.
Girls: Kudzi Mushongahande, Andoniki Hiripis, Aimee Nativel, Stephanie Campbell, Carla Van Oudtshoorn, Zahra Finnigan, Chelsea Dollar, Farai Kawande, Grace Mazarura, Julie Precious, Sophie Teede, Kelly Diplock, Tina Elijah, Kendal Revolta, Allison Shumba, Julliet Mazorodze, Jennifer Gwasira, Estelle Stambolie, Tyla Walters.