Bulawayo ready for Hockey Series Open
BULAWAYO is ready for its first international hockey tournament in years when the city hosts the Hockey Series Open which starts at Khumalo Hockey Stadium on Friday.
Zimbabwe, Namibia, Egypt and Zambia are the countries that are taking part in the Hockey Series Open with matches to be played from 7 to 9 December. Local Organising Committee spokesperson, Nomashawekazi DamasaneNdlovu said the city is gearing up for the games with the venue being prepared.
“Preparations for the tournament are at an advanced stage. Our world class hockey facility is being made ready to receive our teams. We shall see some of the teams coming to climatise at the stadium just before the tournament begins,’’ Damasane Ndlovu said.
Foreign national teams are expected to start arriving in Bulawayo from Wednesday ahead of the start of the matches on Friday.
Three matches are lined up for Friday with the opening fixtures being a women’s clash between Namibia and Zambia before Egypt and Namibia men meet in the second encounter of the day. Zimbabwean men and their Zambian counterparts play the last match of the day on Friday.
Meanwhile, Zapalala Supermarket are the title sponsors of the Hockey Series Open with their chief executive officer, Lloyd Turner announcing that it was part of their social responsibility initiative.
“Zapalala are honoured to support the Hockey Series Open Zimbabwe which gives developing hockey playing nations the opportunity to test themselves against some of the world’s best — sport develops communities and creates irreplaceable friendship and comradery,’’ Turner said.
Hockey Association of Zimbabwe president, Grant Campbell welcomed the sponsorship from Zapalala and said they need such partnerships so as to attract up-and-coming hockey players.
“The HAZ is delighted to have Zapalala come on board to support the Hockey Series Open, — its partnerships like this that Zimbabwe hockey needs to create a point of reference to our emerging young hockey players,’’ said Campbell. — @Mdawini_29