Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
ELEVEN clubs made up of eight for men and three for women, will battle it out at the Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) Cup tournament that starts today and ends tomorrow at Bulawayo’s Khumalo Hockey Stadium. The winners of the competition, which marks the end of the hockey season, will represent the country at the Africa Cup of Club Championships (ACCC) to be held in Zambia later this year.
Tournament director Kalpesh Pashotam said the stage is set for Zimbabwe’s premium club hockey competition.
“As Matabeleland Hockey Board we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to host this prestigious event to be held at the stadium. Everything is set and our games will start early in the morning and hockey fans should come in their numbers for a special treat. The tournament promises to bring together the best hockey players in the country and we expect it to be an epic event,” said Pashotam.
Defending men’s champions Hippo Valley are favourites to lift the title having been instrumental in Masvingo Province’s win at the HAZ Inter-Provincial Finals held in Bulawayo in July.
They will battle it out against Masvingo’s Rams, Western Knights of Mashonaland West, a Midlands side and two Harare clubs Eradicators and Enthusiasts.
The host province will have Bulawayo Young Masters and Bulawayo Hockey Club who are expected to give Hippo Valley a good run for their money.
Defending champions Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC), Hippo Valley and Chelsea Drifters will battle it out in the women’s category following withdrawal of Harare’s Scorpions. Besides competing for a place at the ACCC, the tournament will be a platform for the national selectors to have a final look at the players who will represent the country at the Africa Olympic Qualifiers to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from October 23 to November 1.
Provisional 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, BridgetRiley,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(neeDexter), 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