Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
ABOUT 10 men’s and women’s teams will battle it out in the Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) Cup set for Kumalo Hockey Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday to mark the end of the season. Defending men’s champions Hippo Valley are favourites to retain their title having been instrumental in Masvingo province’s win at the HAZ Inter-Provincial finals held in Bulawayo in July.
HAZ vice-president Humphrey Chigwedere said eight men’s teams have confirmed their participation and they expect at least three women’s sides to compete for silverware.
Hippo Valley will have to overcome Rams from Masvingo, Western Knights of Mashonaland West, two Harare clubs Eradicators and Enthusiasts as well as two Bulawayo teams and one Midlands side if they hope to defend their men’s title.
In the women’s category, defending champions Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC) are expected to play against Hippo Valley and either Drifters or Scorpions from Harare.
“In as far as preparations for the tournament are concerned, everything is set. It’s only in the women’s category where we’re told that one of the Harare teams has withdrawn meaning that there’s a high possibility of having three sides competing in that category,” said Chigwedere.
“Each team will pay a participation fee of $200 and all the participating clubs should get the rules and regulations of the tournament before Friday.”
After the tournament, HAZ selectors are expected to name the final men’s and women’s squads that will compete at the African Olympic Qualifiers (AOQ) to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 21 to November 1.
“The HAZ Cup will give the selectors a final assessment of the national teams. We expect a tight competition as players will be hoping to make it into the travelling party.
“Each team will have 18 players,” said Chigwedere.
Provisional Zimbabwe squads
Men
Tinavo Mushavi, Richards Michael, Pritchard Matambo, Cydreck Starch, Tapiwa Mafi, Kanyiwe Tapfuma, Neil Davidson, Tamsy Moyo, Prosper Sithole, Rowland Rixon Fuller, Donald Mutupo, Tendayi Maredza, Kudzanai Tembo, Takudzwa Mangwendeza, Keith Kachambwa, Michael Banda, Trethowan Peter, Edwin Tholanah, Matthew Williams, Ranga Mungwiniri, Arnold Mpofu, Warick Ullrich, Phillip Machaya, Gift Chomunorwa, Takudzwa Chipuma, Leecon Hadaga, Dion Wardley, Esau Mufandaedza, Dominic Ashley, Ben Muchedzi, Craig Bonethrone, Sibo Mangena, Rangarirai Museki, Stuart Murinda and Brad Hauer
Coaches
Collin Williams and Tongayi Mukwewa
Women
Jordyn Clipstone, Jaime Hasbroek, Christina Kondos, Nicky Hiripis, Cara Ross, Bridget Riley, Sarah Evans, Jenna Palmer, Mary Campbell, Bridget Hoard, Sarah McMillian, Natasha Hess, Stephanie Campbell, Kelly Kaulback, Aimee Nativel, Chantelle Zietsman, Jessica Dollar, Jessica Bray, Briony Bray, Pauline Ndlovu, Kristina Manolios, Roxy Viviers, Jessica Hilton-Barber, Chantelle Williams (nee Dexter), Melissa Sibanda, Natalie Dexter, Kirsten Godfrey, Michelle Williams, Sarah Burgess, Bridget Hatton, Rashmi Bhagat, Simone Karim, Audrey Mangwende, Runyararo Chadzinya, Melissa Warambwa, Chiyevo Chingoka, Tariro Nyamudeza, Tariro Dziso, Matiwana Madamombe, Iman Johnson, Harmony Johnson, Kelly Diplock, Anotida Chimuka, Beatrice Chada and Allison Shumba
Coach: Eddie Chitinga