adminBukhosi Mangena Sports Correspondent
THE Federation of International Hockey (FIH) have appointed veteran administrator, Virginia Ross, tournament director of the Africa Hockey Cup of Nations and Olympic Qualifiers that will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 24 to November 1. This is the second time that Ross, a Zimbabwean, has been appointed by FIH to take charge of such a prestigious tournament, having been selected a judge for the World League series semi-finals in Spain earlier in the year.
According to the appointment letter sent to the Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ), Ross would be the technical director of both the men and women’s sections that will see up to 20 teams battling to qualify for the 2016 Olympics.
The premier hockey continental showcase was initially scheduled for October 17-25 in Ismailia, Egypt, but was moved to South Africa due to logistical problems.
Zimbabwe had opted out of the initial qualifiers set for Egypt citing financial challenges, but have now confirmed participation since the event has been moved to neighbouring South Africa.
“We’re set to send both the men’s and women’s senior teams to South Africa and this decision has been done with the best interests of players. We decided to take part given the relatively lower costs involved in travelling to South Africa,” read a HAZ press release.
HAZ are finalising preparations to select the two squads to represent the country and have since sourced $30,000 to cover costs ahead of the games.
Zimbabwe hosted the qualifiers in 2011 at Kumalo Hockey Stadium in Bulawayo where they finished fifth behind powerhouses South Africa, Egypt and Ghana.
Online Reporter