The Tanzania Hockey Association (THA) has secured the services of a coach from Holland, Nick Isbouts, to train the national teams.
THA secretary Kaushik Doshi told the ‘Daily News’ the Dutch coach has agreed to take over the job and will be in charge of both men’s and ladies teams.
The teams are currently preparing for the Africa Olympic qualifying tournament set for October 17-26, this year, in Ismalia, Egypt. He said the association has good communication with Isbouts who recently visited Tanzania and held talks on developing hockey teams.
He will be in the country a month before the tournament. Doshi said prior to this new assignment, the coach trained several teams in his country, including Hc Eindhoven, Hc Mop and Hc Helmond. He also coached Italian teams – Hc Lorenzoni Bra and Hc Cernusco.
“The good part is that Isbouts will be rendering his services purely on voluntary basis without taking any remuneration or consideration,” added Doshi. He said Isbouts will be assisted by Italian Valentina Quaranta and local coaches Mnonda Magani and Merica Kahola.
Doshi said the Dutchman has already submitted a training programme to the other coaches before his arrival. He also said most of the players are in the camp undergoing training for the Africa Olympic qualifying tournament and the rest will joining them later.
The qualifying tournament is organised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in conjunction with Africa Hockey Federation (AHF) in liaison with Egypt Hockey Association.
Tanzania men’s side will battle it out against other 11 African countries – Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Libya, Namibia and hosts Egypt.
In the ladies category, other confirmed countries are Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and hosts Egypt.
Doshi said the door is still open to any company wishing to sponsor the national teams and boost the morale of the players.
By MBONILE BURTON, Tanzania Daily News