Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE are set to step up their preparations for the African Hockey Road to Paris 2024 (Men/Women) qualifiers following the recent announcement of the final teams.
The qualifiers will be held in Pretoria, South Africa from October 29 to November 5 at the University of Pretoria.
Hockey Association of Zimbabwe named the final teams last Friday for the qualifiers.
Zimbabwe women’s team coach Bhavik Chauhan said their build-up has been going well with the team meeting three times a week.
The winners in each category — men and women qualify for the Olympics.
In the men’s section the second placed team will have another chance to try and qualify at the Olympic round two qualifiers next year. Zimbabwe’s women are up against South Africa and Nigeria in Pool A.
Chauhan conceded it’s not going to be easy as they face African champions, South Africa in the pool stages but remains optimistic.
The two teams met at the Africa Cup of Nations last year in Ghana and Zimbabwe lost 3-0.
“Its extremely difficult. I think we have South Africa, the champions for Africa who got the highest ranking in Africa for our first game and as such is going to be a tough game.
Chauhan said last year they played SA at the Africa Cup in Ghana and despite doing extremely well, they lost .
“We have got a great chance and our target is to reach the semi-finals stage. The other Pool is a lot trickier but the teams are definitely easier to beat compared to South Africa,” said Chauhan.
Pool B is made up of Ghana, Kenya, Namibia and Zambia.
HAZ hosted a development series involving Zambia in August and it featured the senior teams as part of the preparations. It also presented the coaches with a platform to assess the players in action which helped in the selection of the final teams.
HAZ secretary general Sarah Bennett said the teams will be intensifying their preparations but due to financial constraints they will not have any pre-tournament competitions.
Teams
Men: Evans Chikwani, Amos Chomunorwa, Alec Chomunorwa, Gift Chomunorwa (vice-captain), Tinokudzaishe Elijah, Tadiwa Kamusewu, Mutsawashe Kanyangarara, Tatenda Kanyangarara, Phinias Makarara, Eliah Mangere (GK), Pritchard Matambo (captain), Fleming Mazuwa (GK), Asme Mpofu, Arnold Mpofu, Constantine Muchono, Esau Mufandaedza, Tafadzwa Mugore, Onward Shumba.
Non-travelling Reserves
Brad Heuer, Forbes Motsi, Norman Muchacha, Lucky Sikisa.
Women
Mercedes Beekes, Briony Bray, Kelly Diplock, Roxy Frazer-Mackenzie, Nicolle Grant (captain), Simone Herbst, Iman Johnson, Tatenda Maswera, Jenna Mathieson (GK), Nakai Mujaranji, Tanatswa Mutarumuswa (GK), Farirai Nengare, Natalie Terblanche, Alexi Terblanche (vice-captain), Taya Trivella, Michelle Williams, Rumbidzaiishe Zimuto, Rumbi Zimuto (vice-captain).
Non-travelling Reserves
Tsungai Chadzinya, Chiyedza Chiseya, Bethel Chiwondzo, Briangh Clark, Athina Mujiba, Kelcy Ndoro, Kaylee Sithole, Reinette Van Heerden.
Pools
Men
Pool A: South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Uganda.
Pool B: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia.
Women
Pool A: South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe.
Pool B: Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Zambia.
