The national men’s and ladies hockey teams will today be handed over the national flag in the city ready for the World Hockey League.
Both men and women’s teams will represent the country at the League slated for September 2-8 this year in Nairobi, Kenya. The league will also involve Egypt, Ghana and hosts Kenya. National men’s team head coach Mnonda Magani said in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday that the final squads will also be named today.
“Teams going to Nairobi will comprise 22 men’s and 16 women’s players,” he said. The two teams have been undergoing intensive training at the Ukonga Prisons ground in the city since last month to prepare for the league.
Magani, who is also the Tanzania Hockey Association (THA) assistant secretary, said that teams sponsors will also be unveiled during the flag presentation ceremony.
Men’s team sponsors named by THA secretary last week are Pankaj Kansara and R& K Trucking LTD both of Dar es Salaam, Cultural Heritage and Hans Paul Automech of Arusha.
Others are Charan Singh & Sons, Rajinder Motors and Hari Singh & Sons of Moshi. While ladies team that is under head coach Italian Valentina Quaranta will be sponsored by Techno Brain, Diamond Motors and Jubilee Insurance all of Dar es Salaam.
Magani said the teams that had two training secessions morning and evening daily in the off-camp are in good condition. Tanzania women team will open their campaign with Ghana on September 5 at City Park Stadium in Nairobi.
According to the fixtures released by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) last week the men’s team will face hosts Kenya on the same day. The teams will play against each other to determine the winner and runner-up who will proceed to the second round of the league to be played at different venues.
The fixtures show that Tanzania men’s team will have a date with Egypt on September 6, and the following day they will face Ghana. The ladies team will take on Kenya on the same day.
By MBONILE BURTON, Tanzania Daily News