President’s Cup Day 1 – Malawi Announce their return with an Emphatic Win Over Hosts

    The Malawi Sticks, the men’s team of Malawi marked their return to International hockey in Africa with a sound 3-1 bashing of hosts Tanzania. Malawi, whose last participation in international competition was in All Africa Games hosted by South Africa in 1999, announced their strong intention to compete for honours on the continent. An almost 2 decades of absence from the international scene may have weighed heavily on Malawi hockey, but the Malawi Sticks sent a positive signal home that hockey in Malawi, if adequately supported, can win laurels for the country. Malawi started strongly but were held at bay in the first quarter by a confident Tanzanian team who were confident they would scale this first hurdle of the competition. Seven minutes into the second quarter, Malawi drew first blood with a well taken goal from open play courtesy James Bandawe. Tanzania shook off the shock and carried the game to the Malawians. The continuous raid on the goal area of Malawi yielded result with Sunny D’Souza levelling the scores for the hosts in the 28th minute to end the half. The third quarter saw a lot of action but did not register any goals. The final quarter saw a battle for dominance with play swinging from one end to the other. It was however the Malawians who went ahead through a penalty stroke converted by Daniel Matavata in the 52nd minute. Tanzania threw everything into the game to redeem a point but in the process, they slackened at the back and the Malawians capitalized on that to punish them with a third goal a minute from the end of the match with a field goal by Denollye Mgeni. Earlier in the women’s encounter, Zambia inflicted misery on the hosts Tanzania with a 3-1 victory. Zambia led 1-0 at end of the first quarter through a lovely goal by Loveness Mudenda from open play. Tanzania came back strongly to draw level from a penalty corner converted by Shakira Mtenji to end the first half. The third quarter was evenly contested with no goals registered. It was however the Zambians who run away with victory in the first of three matches scoring twice through Carol Nakombe (47th minute) from open play, and Eniless Mambwe (56th minute) from a penalty corner. Day two will feature only one men’s match with hosts Tanzania seeking to rebound from the defeat to Malawi with an emphatic win over Zambia.  

    TD and UM Hold Briefing for Teams and Officiating Officials

      The Tournament Director and the Umpires’ Manager took turns to brief the teams and the officiating officials on the arrangements for the AfHF President’s Cup competition. The TD drew the attention to key aspects of the FIH Tournament Regulations that will guide the competition while the UM took his umpires through the salient issues to keep an eye on to ensure a free flowing game at all time to offer spectators gratifying entertainment while keeping a firm control at all times. The well mowed and manicured grass surface of the Twigas Club, looks set to withstand the anticipated pressure it will be subjected to from the upcoming battles between the nations. Meanwhile, all the teams have arrived in Arusha, settled comfortably and ready to do battle for honours. The action gets underway at 14:30Hours tomorrow (22/02/17) with the ladies’ category which will see the hosts Tanzania welcome Zambia. At 16:30Hours, the men’s competition starts with the hosts Tanzania welcoming Malawi back into African Hockey competition.

      Arusha Ready for the First Edition of the African Hockey Federation (AfHF) President’s Cup

        All is set for the Tanzania Hockey Association to host the first ever AfHF President’s Cup for both men and women at the Sikh Union Complex, formerly known as the Arusha Twigas Sport Club, in Arusha during the period February 22 to 26. The President’s Cup is a newly introduced competition by the AfHF and it is opened to all National Associations ranked below 7 in African Hockey according to the outdoor ranking published by the FIH. The winners of both categories will join the top 7 ranked African nations for the 2017 Edition of the AfHF Africa Cup for Nations Competition to be held in South Africa during the period August 18-27. The Local organizing Committee (LOC) has worked hard to ensure that preparations are on track to host the event which will bring together three (3) national teams made up of the hosts Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi. Tanzania Hockey has the experience in hosting international club competition, but this will be the first time it will host an international tournament at the continental level, and the LOC is confident that the decision to host the event in Arusha will further boost and promote the game in the region in particular and the country in general. Tanzania Hockey is relying on a syndication of sponsorship from various sources including corporate entities to organize this important event. The AfHF is particularly excited to have Malawi back in competition and vying for continental honors once again and is hopeful that the competition will trigger a wave of renewed interest and excitement towards hockey in National Associations in Eastern Africa. The Competition will be supervised by Ahmed Yousef of Egypt (Tournament Director) and Ediga Agbo of Nigeria (Umpires Manager) with officials drawn from the three participating nations and Kenya.

        AfHF Officials and National Associations Participate in FIH Hockey Academy Management Course

          Three officials of the AfHF and some National Associations participated in the FIH Hockey Academy Management Course organized as part of activities lined up for the FIH Congress in Dubai. The two Vice Presidents and the Treasurer actively engaged in the discussions and exercises and brought the African perspective at Continental and Country level to bear on the exchanges that sought to map out strategies to employ in achieving the goals of the FIH Hockey Revolution. The course covered topics such as “Leading the Change” which explored the processes and behaviours required to lead the Hockey Revolution in Continental Federations and National Associations, and “Athlete Pathway” which considered the role of the Athlete Pathway and High Performance Programmes in the Hockey Revolution. The Course was conducted by two renowned Educators Chris Solly, Managing Director at World Academy of Sport (WAoS), Former member of the Olympic Games Knowledge Services and Steve Griffiths, Director of International Federation Programmes at WAoS, Former Head of Organizational Development at World Rugby. André Oliveira, FIH Academy and Education Manager, coordinated the course. In an interaction with the officials of the AfHF on how they intended to utilize the knowledge acquired and networks acquired, they indicated their preparedness to share the knowledge through replicating the training programme and tapping into the networks for the benefit of the Continent and its National Associations.

          Africa Poised to Collect Some Major International Hockey Federation (FIH) Awards

            The development of hockey on the African continent has evolved gradually and is in position to receive a boost during the 45th FIH Congress to be held in Dubai, UAE during the period November 9-12, 2016. The announcement of the shortlist for all of the Hockey Revolution Awards to be presented during the prestigious event dubbed the “No Limits Ball”, three African Countries, Ghana, Malawi and Sierra Leone, will vie  with five others for the Pablo Negre Award. The Pablo Negre Trophy is presented to a National Association that has made a significant mark either through innovative programmes and initiatives or by embracing the spirit of hockey through exceptional sportsmanship. Africa will also be well represented when it comes to three individual awards. The illustrious awards which recognises and celebrates outstanding commitment and contribution to hockey by an individual are the Order of Merit, the Diploma of Merit and Honorary Member. Other awards to be given out on the night include Guust Lathouwers Memorial Trophy for umpiring, the Theo Ykema Award in recognition of development, the Etienne Glichitch Award for innovation and professionalism, the Super Fair Play Trophy Rene G Frank for exemplary sportsmanship and the HRH Sultan Azlan Shah Award which acknowledges actions and achievements of individuals within both hockey and their professional careers. The AfHF wishes all nominees the very best and the Editorial Team will follow the events closely and report on the outcomes.

            FIH Congress to Elect New President

              The main highlight of the 45th FIH Congress scheduled for Dubai on November 12, 2016 will be the election of the successor of Leandro Negre who has been at the helm and successfully directing the affairs of the Federation since he was elected in 2008. Three prominent hockey personalities will vie for the single most important position in global hockey. The contestants include the following: Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, a reputable Businessman from India, FIH Executive Board member since 2014, President of Hockey India (HI), Vice President of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), Associate Vice President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Chairman of the Hockey India League (HIL) and who has been accredited for the rejuvenation of hockey in India over the past five year. Mr. David Balbirnie, a knowledgeable Administrator from Ireland, a former National Team Manager who has been involved in the administration of the Irish, European and the International Hockey Federations with an established reputation as a collaborative decision maker with renowned financial acumen. Mr. Balbirnie served on the Executive Board of the European Hockey Federation (EHF) for a number of years and became its Secretary General. He aims to build stronger relationships with National Associations to ensure collaborative working drives the development of the sport. Mr. Ken Read, a legal practitioner and former Australian national player, Coach and Team Manager, Chair of the Tasmania Hockey Board, FIH Event Portfolio Panel, FIH Event Evaluation Panel and the FIH Competitions Committee, is credited with an extensive experience in the sport acquired over the years. As a lead FIH Technical Delegate for a good number of years, he played a crucial role in developing FIH’s New Event Portfolio which aims at transforming the sport of hockey and strengthen its position through robust governance. An African candidate, Ms. Hazel Kennedy, President of the Zambia Hockey Association; Former Executive Board Member of the African Hockey Federation and the current Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia, will be vying for one of four positions (or five if current Board Member Dr Narinder Batra is elected as President) as Ordinary Members to be elected during the Congress. The AfHF Editorial Board wishes all the candidates the very best in the process and looks forward to working with the winner of the Presidential elections.

              Africa to Present New National Associations for Approval by FIH Congress

                The Executive Board of the African Hockey Federation has been working over the past few years with a number of non-hockey playing countries to bring them on board the hockey family. The project which has focused predominantly on French-speaking countries also targeted English-speaking countries with some good results over time. The objective has been to increase the presence of the sport in as many African countries in a bid to shore up the sport’s global image and following. Four National Associations made up of Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali and Swaziland will be presented to the FIH Congress for approval. Should they be approved by Congress, this will raise the AfHF’s membership to twenty five National Associations.

                ACCC 2016

                2016 Edition of Africa Cup for Club Champions Competition to be Hosted by Kenya in January 2017

                  The Executive Board of the African Hockey Federation (AfHF) has re-scheduled the 2016 edition of the prestigious Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) to January 2017 and has selected Kenya to host the Competition. National Associations (NAs) have been notified and requested to confirm their Champions and runners-up accordingly. The AfHF also plans to host an Educators’ Course for the NAs in East Africa as part of the Federation’s strategy of targeted assistance to member NAs in the Region.

                  Jason McCracken

                  FIH confirms appointment of new CEO, Jason McCracken

                    Rio 2016 Technical Delegate succeeds Kelly Fairweather New Zealand’s McCracken begins February 2017 FIH Executive Board delighted with choice following extensive search 25 October 2016: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced that New Zealand’s Jason McCracken will take over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in February 2017 following confirmation of his appointment today. He will be leaving his role as Head of Insurance and Investment Risk at banking group ANZ to take on the role at FIH’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. He will replace Kelly Fairweather who is leaving for the International Tennis Federation after six years in the role. McCracken is well known to the hockey family having served as an Olympic and World Cup Umpire, FIH Committee Member and Technical Official for over 20-years. His most recent appointments were Technical Delegate at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Tournament Director at the 2014 Men’s Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands. He has also served as a Board Member for Hockey New Zealand and has played an important role in the development of hockey, especially umpiring, both within his homeland and internationally. Having held executive roles across global banking, insurance and financial organisations in New Zealand, Australia and India, his business experience and vast hockey knowledge proved crucial in the recruitment process. The appointment was made following an extensive global search over several months, with the FIH Executive Board and President Leandro Negre agreeing on Fairweather’s replacement earlier in October. Speaking of his appointment, FIH President Leandro Negre said: “On behalf of the Executive Board, we are delighted to confirm Jason’s appointment. With his incredible hockey knowledge, from grassroots to elite level, combined with his extensive commercial background as a CEO and an Executive General Manager, it was clear he was the stand-out choice.” Negre continued: “Our 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy is already having a significant impact on the sport, but with the new event portfolio due to be implemented over the next couple of years, it is going to be a very important period in hockey’s history. We’re confident Jason can drive forward our ambition through this strategy and we look forward to seeing him shape the sport’s exciting future.” McCracken also spoke with great enthusiasm having confirmed his appointment. He said: “This is a unique opportunity to combine my commercial skills with my passion and love of the game. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the organisation and work with our Continental Federations, National Associations, commercial partners, the IOC, along with the talented FIH team and many hockey friends from all over the world.” He added: “It is an incredibly exciting time for the FIH, with the Hockey Revolution transforming the sport. With the new event portfolio to be implemented over the coming years this is certainly a challenge that I am looking forward to. As hockey’s new CEO, I will be leading by example as we aim to make hockey a global game that inspires the next generation.” With Kelly Fairweather leaving the organisation in December, FIH Director of Sport and Development, David Luckes, will become temporary CEO until McCracken officially takes up his new role on 1 February 2017. McCracken will arrive following the election of a new FIH President which will take place on 12 November 2016 during the 45th FIH Congress in Dubai. For more information about that event, visit the official Hockey Revolution Part 2 website by clicking here. ENDS Notes to Editors For more information please contact: Danny Parker, FIH Communications & Digital Manager daniel.parker@fih.ch +41 (0) 21 641 0641 About the International Hockey Federation (FIH) The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is the world governing body for the sport of hockey, recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Founded in 1924, FIH today has 132 member National Associations. For more information on the Hockey Revolution, visit: fih.ch/inside-fih/our-strategy For more information about the FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf, click here.