adminGeophrey Sifani Sports Reporter
Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) will hold final trials for the Under-21 team selection on January 8 ahead of the Junior World Hockey qualifiers.
The Junior Africa Hockey Cup qualifiers will be held in Windhoek, Namibia and will run from March 18-28.
In Harare the players will meet at Arundel High school turf while the venue in Bulawayo is Khumalo Hockey Stadium.
HAZ president Humphrey Chigwedere said they were looking forward to getting all players on the field to fight for places in the national squad.
“The actual number of players needed hasn’t been finalised yet. It’s up to the coach to decide. We’re off season and we don’t know how many players will come for the trials but we hope to get as many players as possible.
“The two venues will give us a pool of players needed. The southern region players can make use of Bulawayo while others can come over to Harare.
“At the end of the day we want to have a country wide selection process and give everyone a chance,” said Chigwedere.
He said the delay was caused by the festive season.
“We want to be in full swing by end of January. This will give coaches ample time to interact and train the players,” Chigwedere said.
He said after the selection there would be no break for those who would have been shortlisted.
“We want to establish more junior development tournaments and strategies that will see hockey spread to every corner of the country. This will help us in future during talent identification and team selection.
Technical team
Girls
Coach: Trish Davis
Assistant: Tendai Maredza
Team manager: Getrude Makuvise
Fitness trainer: Jennar Palmer
Boys
Coach: Tongai Mukwewa
Assistant: Prince Mwale
Team manager: Kalpesh Parshotam
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter