African Hockey Federation | News - Page 83 of 85

Exciting Day 6 Ends with Semifinals Line-up as Sharkia Miss out for the First Time

An exciting day of hockey at the ACCC 2016 ended with joy and pain for some clubs. Significantly, for the first time in the 28 years history of the Competition, Sharkia Men’s Club, record 22 times winners of the competition, will not make it to the finals as they missed out on a semifinal place. In the men’s competition, Police of Kenya fought back to redeem a goal losing 1-2 to Exchequers of Ghana, but progress to the semifinals where they face Police of Ghana. Defending Champions Eastern of Egypt will face the might of Butali Warriors of Kenya in the other semifinal match. In the women’s competition, Police of Ghana needed compatriots GRA to beat Heartlands of Nigeria to hand them a semifinal berth. GRA had a comfortable 3-0 lead as the 64th minute only to succumb in the last 6 minutes of incessant pressure mounted by Heartland to end the match 3-3. Off the pitch, it was heartbreak for Police of Ghana but a joyous moment for Heartlands who celebrated the outcome of their hard work that puts them in the semifinals where they face defending champions Orange of Kenya. In the other semifinal match GRA of Ghana will face Kada Queens of Nigeria to determine who heads into the grand final on Sunday afternoon.

Profile of Exchequers Hockey Club

The club was founded in 1972. It is based in Accra, capital city of Ghana. It was formerly known as Bank of Ghana Hockey Club before being changed to Exchequers Hockey Club to reflect the name of the National Exchequers of the Central Bank of Ghana. It is one of the top clubs in Ghana. Exchequers dominated Ghana Hockey between 1988 to the early 2000 with its players forming the core of the National Team. It was the first club to represent Ghana in the first ACCC held in Cairo, Egypt in January, 1988. Between 1988 and 2017, Exchequers has represented Ghana in the ACCC eleven (11) times, winning two (2) silvers and two (2) bronze medals. Chairman: Frank Awuku Team Manager: Kester Ajao Coaches: Richmond Attipoe and Winfred Sackey Goal keeper Coach: Bright Dzokoto Captain: Emmanuel Ankomah

Shocks and Thrills on Day 4 as Defending Champions are Beaten

In one of the two top liners of the Day 4 in the men’s competition, Kenya Police inflicted a painful 2-1 defeat on defending champions Eastern Company of Egypt. The defeat signaled the determination of other clubs to break the Egyptian dominance in the competition. Eastern were visibly stunned by the result as they stood on the turf in disbelief after the final whistle. In the second top liner, another set of Policemen from Ghana arrested the ambitions of dominant Sharkia with a sleek 1-0 victory. The Ghanaians fought the Egyptians in all compartments of the game signaling yet again the determination of other clubs to knock the Egyptians off their perch. The other men’s match between Wananchi and Weatherhead produced 7 goals with the latter running away with a 4-3 win. In the women’s encounter, homesters and favourites, Orange, dismissed Weatherhead 9-0 in a one sided match. Wananchi made sure they dispatched Dar Ladies 2-1, while contenders, Ghana Police and Heartlands of Nigeria shared the spoils in a pulsating 2-2 draw. Day 5 in the men’s competition will see some fireworks as Eastern Company will seek to get their ambitions back on track with a win over Exchequers of Bank of Ghana. The Bankers will not be pushovers and it promises to be an exciting encounter. In the women’s competition, the two Ghanaian clubs square off in a battle to keep their championship chances alive.

Team Profile – Ghana Revenue Authority (Women)

The Ghana Revenue Authority hockey ladies team was given birth by the former Customs, Excise and Preventive service after the merging of the three (3) Revenue institutions in Ghana made up of the VAT Service, the Internal Revenue Service and the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service. The team was established to get the service to participate in the Security Service Sports Association Games and also help to enhance the development of sports in the country. GRA hockey ladies team contributes 68 percent of its players and officials into the national female hockey team. This have given way for the employment of several young talented hockey players into the organization. The team competes in both local and international competitions yearly. The team have been in top flight in most of the national competitions namely; the Greater Accra Hockey league, T-Tommy memorial hockey championship, Oguaa Fetu Festival Hockey competition, etc. Currently the team holds champions in all the national competitions in Ghana. On the international front, the team have been consistent in the Africa Hockey Federation club championships from 2012 after its first time in Abuja in 2008. ACHIEVEMENT OF THE TEAM IN ACCC 2008- Bronze medal in Abuja 2012- Silver medal in Zimbabwe 2013- Bronze medal in Uganda 2014- Bronze medal in Zimbabwe 2015- Bronze medal in Zambia

Team Profile – Wananchi Sports Club

Founded: 1972 Membership: 90 active players most are tertiary students with approximately 20 being young upcoming professionals. Currently developing the WSC patron’s society. Number of Teams: 2 Teams: one men’s team and one women’s team Successes: Men’s Team The men’s team ranked 6th in Africa Cup of Club Championship held in Kampala, Uganda 2014 National Hockey League Champions for the years: 1987-1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 Wananchi Open: Weatherhead Open: Esther International Tournament: Independence Cup: 7 Aside tournaments: Uganda Cup: USPA Awards: Etoma Thomas: playing semi professional Hockey in Tanzania with Moshi Kalsa. Opio Thomas: Derick Akuwa: In 2011, played semi-professional hockey in Holland and 2012 played in the South African Hockey league with the University of Johannesburg. The most capped Uganda National Team player. Provided 4 out of 18 of the National Team that represented Uganda in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. Note Field Hockey is the 1st Team Sport in Uganda to participate in the Olympic games. Provided 9 out of 16 of the National Team during the 6th Africa Nations Cup in 2000 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Provide 11 out of 16 of the 2007 African Olympic qualifiers in Nairobi, Kenya Provide 11 out of 16 of the 2011 national tour to Kenya Women’s Team National Hockey League: Runners up 2013 and 2014 League winners 2015, 2016 Challenges: High expectations of growing fan base to continuously match the best in the region. The increasing number of local and international assignments places a financial strain on both the club and the players. Efforts to address the Challenges: South Africa Trained Coach Albert Onjima has taken over coaching duties. The club has provided support to schools like City High School, Kololo SSS, Kakunguru Memorial School, Kyambogo College School and Naguru High School, which are nurseries for the future. WSC has secured an assortment of training equipment from other well-wishers. WSC has put in place efforts to source funds. Previous Sponsors: Fundi Bao Stanbic Bank Ssemanda Associates Sadolin Paints IBM Computers (Savio Martins) Shell Jinja Road (Lubo Former Treasurer UHA) Infocom Caltex (U) Ltd Crane Bank SDV Transami Multiple Industries Rwenzori Mineral Water For any further information please contact Joshua Opolot, Chairman: 0776526344 or Joachim Wandera, Treasurer: 0701496899

Team Profile – Ghana Police (Women)

The Ghana Police Hockey women’s team was formed by Mr Gorman Ankrah and restructured by Supt. Rtd Twumasi Ankrah during the leadership of C/Inspector Rtd Sakyi of the blessed memory. Under its previous manager, ASP Miss Grace Ankomah and the current Manager Miss Comfort Aduonum, the team have won many local titles and international recognition. They were silver medalists in the 2015 edition of the ACCC in Lusaka Zambia. This is their second appearance in an international tournament. The team is captained by PW / Inspector Rejoice Noi.

Team Profile – Ghana Police (Men)

The team was formally formed by Mr Gorman Ankrah and reformed in the year 1997 by Supt. Rtd Mr Twumasi Ankrah under the leadership of G/Sgt Eric Adjei Obayah as the head coach and captained by G/Sgt Ackah Francis now the current coach; with manager G/Sgt Harrison Afrifa, the team has won four local titles and the 2016 edition of the ACCC is their first international appearance. The team was formally formed by Mr Gorman Ankrah and reformed in the year 1997 by Supt Rtd Mr Twumasi Ankrah; under the supervision of G/Sgt Eric Adjei Obayah as the head Coach and captained by G/Sgt Ackah Francis, now the current coach for the teams. With manager Sgt Harrison Afrifa, the team has won four local titles and this edition of the African Cup for Club Championship is their first international appearance.

Eastern Company Hockey Club off to a Blistering Start

Defending Champions Eastern Company Club of Egypt set the Nairobi City Park Hockey Stadium alight with a crisp display of hockey and a 14-0 thumping of Weatherhead of Uganda. The defending Champions were ruthless from the start of the match and though this was not a major test, they looked strong to defend their crown. In the other men’s match, Niger Flicker of Nigeria succumbed to the force of Ghana Police bowing 2-5. The women’s competition saw defending champions Orange making light work of Kada Queens of Nigeria beating them 5-2. Heartland of Nigeria beat Dar Ladies of Tanzania 2-0 while Ghana Police commenced their search for a first title with a 6-0 thrashing of Wananchi of Uganda. Sharkia women showed how much they have developed over time wresting Sliders of a Kenya to a pulsating 2-2 drawn game. Day 3 will see some interesting matches with an anticipation of a lot of fireworks.

ACCC 2016 – No Surprises on Day One as Sharkia Make their Intentions Clear

Record winners of the ACCC men’s category, Sharkia Hockey Club of Egypt announced their intention of reclaiming the crown they lost to compatriots Eastern Company in the last edition held in 2015 with a hard fought 2-0 win over Butali Warriors of Kenya. The very thrilling encounter saw the determined Kenyans giving their opponents a good run for their money, stretching them the entire period of the match. Sharkia were relieved to come out victors while the Worriers live to fight another day. In the other men’s matches, Exchequers of Ghana beat Weatherhead of Uganda 6-2, while Kenya Police made light work of Wananchi of Uganda 4-2. The women’s competition also started on a blistering note with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) whitewashing Wananchi of Uganda 11-0, while Weatherhead of Uganda bowed 3-6 to Sliders of Kenya. The final match of the day saw Sharkia battling to a 2-2 draw the Kada Queens of Nigeria. Match Day 2 promises to be exciting with the men’s defending champions taking the turf to commence the defense of their crown in a match against Wananchi of Uganda. Women’s defending Champions Telcom Orange of Kenya will also commence the defence of their title in a match against Kada Queens of Nigeria.

Excitement in Nairobi as Hockey Africa Cup for Club Champions Get Underway

The City Park Stadium and its surroundings is experiencing a high level of excitement not only for a successful entry into the New Year, but also in anticipation of the staging of the much awaited 2016 Edition of the African Hockey Federation’s (AfHF) prestigious Africa Cup for Club Champions Competition (ACCC). The Competition had to be rescheduled from December 2016 to pave way for a successful men and women’s FIH Junior World Cup Competitions. Nine (9) Men and ten (10) Women’s clubs from six Nations will be vying for the Gamal Shiraz Trophy in what is expected to be a fierce competition. Dominant nation in the Men’s competition, Egypt, will present two men’s clubs, defending Champions Eastern Company and 22-times champions Sharkia Hockey Club. Ghana will present regular entrants and performers Exchequers of Bank of Ghana and League Champions Police Hockey Club. Nigeria will unleash the Flickers from Niger State, Uganda will be represented by Wanachi Club and Weatherhead Club, while Kenyan Police and Butali Warriors will defend the home turf. In the women’s competition, dominant club, Orange of Kenya will bring along fellow country women Sliders Club to battle opposition from rivals Ghana’s GRA and Police Clubs, Nigeria’s dominant force, Heartland Club and debutants Kada Queens, Egypt’s regular participants Sharkia Ladies, Uganda’s Wanachi and Weatherhead Clubs and the Dare Salam Ladies from Tanzania. The Men and Women’s Competitions will be overseen by TDs Walter Imoedemhe of Nigeria and Elizabeth King of Ghana respectively. Nashon Randiek from Kenya will manage the umpires. It promises to be very exciting times in the heart of the Kenyan capital.