adminAugustine Hwata Sports Reporter
FORMER Hockey Association of Zimbabwe president Mark Manolios says the sport has taken a knock over the last two decades and feels he should return and try to restore some of the lost glory.Manolios is widely regarded as one of the doyens of hockey in Zimbabwe, having served the sport for over 50 years as player, coach and administrator at national and provincial levels.
The veteran administrator has also served on the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee and the Sport and Recreation Commission boards and the Federation of International Hockey Federation.
His last position in mainstream hockey administration was when he was elected Mashonaland Hockey Board treasurer over three years ago.
Manolios wants to bounce back as the HAZ president when the association holds its election at Gateway School this weekend.
Manolios will battle incumbent Gavin Stephens.
“When I was leading hockey 25 years ago, Zimbabwe was one of the top nations in Africa but now we have declined. So I am now trying to make a comeback and see how I can make a positive contribution. I am standing for election and there are other guys in the race,” said Manolios.
Presently, Manolios spends most of his time running his sports shops and is a regular personality at most of the hockey events.
“Some people have been approaching me and asking me to stand in the election,” said Manolios who played in the Prince Edward High first team in 1955.
While Stephens is hoping to shake off Manolios, there is also an interesting battle when current vice-president Humphrey Chigwedere faces Tongai “Doc” Mukwewa for the post.
Sarah Bennett looks set to be retained as secretary as she is standing unopposed while Neil Evans wants to be the treasurer as incumbent Virginia Ross is not seeking another term.
Geoff Cooper (Harare Province), Nicola Watson (Bulawayo Province), Mary Houghton (Harare Province), Stacy Logan (Harare Province), Bill Birkett (Harare Province), Tongai Mukwewa (Masvingo Province), Prince Mwale (Harare Province,) Collin “Porge” Williams (Masvingo Province) and Keith Kachambwa (Harare Province) are also eyeing positions as committee members.
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