adminMuzingaye Ncube Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO’S Khumalo Hockey Stadium will next weekend stage this year’s two-day senior inter-provincial hockey tournament. The tournament, which will see both men and women battle it out for honours, is organised by Hockey Association of Zimbabwe. So far four teams in the men’s section and three in the women’s section including hosts Bulawayo have confirmed participation at this year’s competition.
The teams are: Harare, Masvingo, Midlands and Matabeleland for men, while Matabeleland, Harare and Masvingo women will comprise the female teams.
HAZ vice-president Humphrey Chigwedere said that Mashonaland Central had again failed to raise the funds needed to travel to Bulawayo and will for a second consecutive time miss the ITP tournament.
Chigwedere said that the inter-provincial competitions would come in handy when identifying players that would do duty for the nation.
“This is one of the premier HAZ competitions which give national selectors and coaches a chance to look at the possible national team players for the year and other upcoming international meets,” he said, adding that the top provincial side would be also crowned at the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Schools Boys Hockey Association would be going into a four-day training camp this week ahead of the Asian tour in August. The two under-17 and 19 teams were selected during the schools inter-provincial finals held in Harare and Bulawayo last month.
Head of delegation to Asia Hilton Zuze said all the teams were expected to assemble in Harare this Thursday at Arundel High School.
Zuze said they had already secured air tickets for the trip and they will be travelling by Fly Emirates together with 20 parents who have pledged to go with the teams to support the youngsters.
He said they were still appealing to the corporate world to assist them with any kind of donations that might range from finance to kits that will carry the company’s logo and the national flag.
“So far we have had three companies which have agreed to support us namely Econet Wireless, Mbada Diamonds and Dairibord. We are still appealing to the corporate world and parents to assist us so that we have a fruitful tour, as these youngsters are the foundation of the country’s hockey,” he said.
Online Reporter