Dar hockeyers fired up as African tourney approaches
Tanzania’s Italian hockey team coach Valentina Quaranta during a “gym” session with women’s national team players in Dar es Salaam. photo | file
What you need to know:
The Tanzania Hockey Association (THA) has fielded men and women’s sides at the event, which will also serve as a qualifier for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s hockey representatives left for South Africa yesterday bubbling with confidence ahead of this year’s edition of the African Nations Cup.
The Tanzania Hockey Association (THA) has fielded men and women’s sides at the event, which will also serve as a qualifier for the 2016 Olympic Games.
THA assistant secretary general Mnonda Magani, expressed his hopes that the two teams will leave a mark at the tournament that is expected to get underway in Johannesburg on Friday and run through to November 1.
“It is not going to be an easy task in South Africa, but I believe that our boys and girls will have their presence felt over there,” said the official.
“Both teams have had lengthy training and we believe that they are ready to battle other nations. Tanzania is not a hockey powerhouse, but with the will and determination, our players can pull off some surprises at the competition.”
The women’s team will kick off its campaign with a date against Zimbabwe on Friday while the men’s side will start action two days later.
Speaking before departure, women’s trainer Valentina Quaranta said the girls were a positive frame of mind and ready for their maiden appearance at the Olympic qualifiers. “All players are in a good physical and mental state. They are ready to give 100 per cent in South Africa starting with Friday’s match against Zimbabwe,” the Italian coach said.
Quaranta added: “I have good feelings that both teams will represent the country well in this important competition.”
In the women’s category, Tanzania has been paired with Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Uganda and hosts South Africa.
The men’s team will be under the tutelage of Dutchman Nick Isbouts who will be assisted by team manager Merica Kahola.
About 20 countries are expected to take part in this biggest hockey event in Africa. They will battle it out for a place into the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The tournament is organised by International Hockey Federation (FIH) in conjunction with Africa Hockey Federation (AHF).
