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Nhlanhla Mbele
WITH qualification for one of the biggest sporting extravaganzas — the 2020 Tokyo Olympics — just a dream away from reality, the national men hockey side seeks sponsorship to make it to the last round of the qualification stage.
Zimbabwe needs to win gold or silver in an eight-team tournament of the Africa Olympic Qualifiers in Cape Town, South Africa from 12 to 18 August.
According to team manager Kalpesh Parshotam, the national side needs R340 000 for the South Africa trip.
“We are appealing to the corporate sector to assist us with funds for the qualifiers in South Africa to cater for the team’s transport, accommodation and other related costs.
“Donations can be made to the Zimbabwe Hockey Association (ZHA) or through mobile money services whose details are available at the association’s offices,” said Parshotam.
Zimbabwe will join the hosts South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and Namibia in the qualifiers.
The winners and runners-up of the tourney will join the best hockey nations at the Olympics.
Zimbabwe is expected to arrive in Cape Town two days before the qualifiers to acclimatise.
Zimbabwe was first represented at the Olympics when the senior ladies team took part at the 1980 Moscow Olympics where they won a gold medal.
This remains one of the pinnacles of sporting achievements for the country that continues to inspire today’s hockey squads.
Online Reporter