This is also in preparation of the regional tournament to be held in Malawi in May. Some of the clubs expected to take part in this tournament will come from all the countrys 10 provinces.
The organiser of the tournament, Tim Curry, said the tournament was meant to sharpen and strengthen the teams that will participate in the regional tournament. He encouraged stakeholders within all sectors of the economy to help in developing sport at grassroots level as some were failing to play competitive sport due to lack of sponsorship. All participants and supporters must come in their numbers to support their favourite teams play. We want to use this tournament to lay a foundation for those that are coming up and I want to appeal to the government to support hockey that does not have financial resources, he said.
The tournament is very important because it helps us play competitive hockey with other national teams to strengthen the team in preparation for the Regional tournament to be held in Malawi, said Curry. He added that they needed more interested members to boost the team and encouraged students from local schools in the country to play hockey. Curry said a number of developments in relation to hockey fields needed some improvements as they were using basketball pitches and tennis courts for tournaments and training.
As Manicaland region we are supposed to have a hockey stadium, like in Harare there is Magamba stadium and in Bulawayo there is Khumalo stadium, hence we appeal to Mutare City Council to have hockey stadiums in Manicaland region, he said. Curry however mentioned that for schools in other regions to excel in hockey, more resources should be channeled towards the development of the game.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News