The Zimbabwean
By Lisa Dube
29 August 2012
“The lack of suitable pitches meant we could not host any teams. The stadiums became unplayable since 2003. We have failed to compete at major international tournaments,” he said.
The government through the Ministry of Sports, Art and Culture managed to refurbish Khumalo Hockey stadium in Bulawayo a few years ago. The improvement of local stadia will see the local association winning bids to hosts international tournaments that will contribute in the improvement of the game.
The country recently got a vote of confidence from the Africa Hockey Federation to host the 2014 World League Hockey first round tournament.
The continental hockey mother board will however need assurance from the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart, confirming that the local facilities will be upgraded for Zimbabwe to play hosts to such high profile tournaments.
Africa Hockey Federation’s Seif Ahmed said, “AHF support Zimbabwe to host the first half of the 2014 hockey season Zimbabwe, through their representative, want to host the pre-qualifiers of the World Cup tournament.
The tournament will have six competing nations and they are going to be men and women competitions,” he said.
Hockey has never seen the spotlight in Zimbabwe since the national women’s team won a gold medal at the 1980 Olympic Games and Hockey Association of Zimbabwe president, Kays Kanyangarara, believes the success of the sport lies in the refurbishment of the local stadiums.