Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE Zimbabwe Hockey teams are hoping to make the nation proud at the Junior Africa Cup that will be staged in Egypt next week.
This comes after a draw for the tournament was conducted this Wednesday. It is now less than two weeks for the continental showpiece roars into life on the 12th until the 19th of this month in Egypt.
Following Monday’s draw, the Zimbabwe men’s side will face the hosts Egypt on the opening day, while their female counterparts will meet Nigeria.
Zimbabwe hockey under 21 men’s coach Prince Mwale said, ‘‘It is going to be tough but we look forward to a challenging play against Egypt which is a tough opposition but we’re ready to compete because they are familiar foes we last played against them in 2017 and we lost so it was a learning process and I think we’re geared and in a better position as we now have a sound team.’’
The following day Zimbabwe men will play against regional rivals South Africa and the women’s side will take on Kenya.
The action continues on the 15th of March after the resting day on the 14th, as the hosts welcome Zimbabwe ladies, while the men’s side faces Nigeria before taking Ghana on the 16th.
The second round will see Zimbabwe women facing South Africa, while the men’s side takes on Kenya.
Teams that will occupy the top two slots will qualify for the Junior World Cup later this year.
As part of Zimbabwe’s preparations for the tournament, the national hockey teams are set to regroup for the final camp this Friday at St John’s College in Harare
