African Hockey Federation | News - Page 84 of 85

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.

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.

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.

Strathmore Gladiators secure final playoff slot

The play-offs lineup for this season’s Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League has been confirmed after the final two slots were clinched at the weekend. Two-time champions Strathmore University Gladiators confirmed their place on Sunday evening after a hard fought 1-0 win away to bottom-placed Bay Club at the Kisumu Sports Club. Steve Nyabuto scored the only goal of the game to propel his team to the knockout stage. The win coupled with USIU’s 3-2 to loss to Kenyatta University (KU) Vultures means the Gladiators will finish second in Pool A, behind champions and leaders Butali Sugar Warriors. In the play-offs set for next month, Butali will take on Pool B runners up Greensharks while 2013 champions Kenya Police will be up against Strathmore. The winners will contest in the final to determine the winner of the 2016 men’s premier league season. Strathmore coach Meshack Senge was delighted with result praising his charges for their fighting spirit which he said will be essential in the play-offs. “We have achieved our first target of the season and that was to make it to the playoffs. Our second target is to ensure we qualify for the club championship and we are working towards this,” Senge told Daily Nation Sport Monday. He however said it was too early to start thinking about next month’s clash with Police but is relishing the encounter. “We still have a our final match against KU (Vultures) to think about but every match we play now is a build up to the Police encounter,” he added. The win against Bay Club moved Senge’s side to 13 points, five behind Butali with one match to play. Nakuru jumped to third place after their emphatic 1-0 win over Sikh Union Nairobi. The Rift Valley side are on nine points, one ahead of USIU who dropped to fourth while Sikh complete the top five. In Pool B, Police pipped Greensharks to clinch top spot after hitting them 2-0 on Saturday evening. Both teams finished their preliminary matches with 13 points but Police are perched at the top due to a superior goal difference. In the women’s Premier League, champions Telkom Orange opened a five point lead at the top after a remarkable weekend. Orange scored 28 goals from two matches to move to 16 points with two matches remaining. Four points from those two matches will see them retain the title. Strathmore Scorpions are placed second with 11 points and have three matches left while newcomers Amira Sailors are third, a point back. USIU Spartans and Sliders complete the top five places with 10 and nine points respectively.

Hockey star turned footballer Pauline Naise joins Harambee Starlets camp

National hockey team star Pauline Naise is among the 24 players that reported to the Harambee Starlets training camp on Friday at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani. Naise has featured for both the junior and senior national hockey teams in a number of international assignments. She last featured for the national hockey team in February 2015 during the World League Two series in Uruguay before taking a break from the sport at the end of last season after leading her club USIU Spartans to a fourth place finish in the league. The midfielder, who features for Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League side Vihiga Leeds, was among the four new players that have been called up to the team that is preparing to make a debut in the African Women’s Cup of Nations next month in Cameroon. The others are striker Janet Bundi of Women Premier League (WPL) Zone B side Nyamira County Starlets, Soccer Queens’ Esther Nyandika and Bertha Omita – who turns out for WPL Zone B side Oserian. REMAINED OPTIMISTIC Speaking to Daily Nation Sport from Kasarani, Naise expressed delight at having earned her first call up to the national team. Naise remained optimistic of making the team for the Morocco friendly match as well as the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon. “I did not expect to be called for this duty but I am so happy that after so many years, the coach has seen it fit to call me. I like to play hockey but football is my first love,” the 22-year-old midfielder said. “This is my first time here and I am still unsure of whether I will make it to the tournament so I just want to put up a convincing performance during training.” Starlets have a busy schedule in the next few weeks, as they have three friendly matches lined up ahead of the continental showpiece. Starlets will play Morocco away in Marrakech on October 16, before hosting Cameroon (October 22) and Egypt (October 28). At the continental showpiece, Starlets have been drawn in a tough Group B which also has Mali, Ghana and defending champions Nigeria. PROVISIONAL SQUAD Jacky Ogol, Enez Mango, Vivian Corazon, Jackeline Akoth, Purity Nyongesa, Samantha Akinyi, Vivian Akinyi, Lilian Awuor, Ann Aluoch, Wendy Achieng, Elizabeth Ambogo, Christine Nafula, Irene Ogutu, Cherise Avilia, Dorcas Shikobe, Caroline Anyango, Neddy Atieno, Esse Akida, Dorcas Anyango, Mary Kinuthia, Esther Nandika, Pauline Naise, Bertha Adhiambo, Janet Bundi. Source: Daily Nation | Date: Friday October 7 2016

Police host Greensharks

Kenya Hockey league continues this weekend with several matches expected to be played in Nairobi, Nakuru and Kisumu. African queens Orange Kick off this weekend games as they take on Daystar University. Daystar who have not won a single game this season will be facing a wounded Orange who need to score many goals to stay top of the league since they started they league on a wrong footing. The game of the day will be between Kenya Police and their longtime rivals Greensharks. Police currently are 2nd on the log with Greensharks leading the pool having played 4 games each. The winner of this match will move to the top and both teams are looking to book a slot in next year’s Club Championships. The two matches to be played out of town will be between Nakuru Sikh hosting Sikh Nairobi on Saturday in Nakuru and on Sunday BAY hosts Strathmore University.

HAZ Annual Award Winners Announced For 2016

The Hockey Association of Zimbabwe announces the winners of the various HAZ Awards for 2016

Indoor Hockey Glory for the KZN Raiders

It’s been a riveting weekend of indoor hockey in Bellville down in the Western Cape. There have been more goals than controversial statements from Donald Trump and as the weekend progressed the quality of the hockey started to experience an upsurge as well. Ultimately it was the expected KZN Raiders who did the job and emerged victorious. After the group stages were completed on Friday, the knock out stages is where the tournament truly begins and the quality of games really backed that statement up. The Raiders continued on their relentless march in both the women’s and men’s tournament where the victims of their brutally efficient hockey was the WP Pens and Mpumalanga respectively. There was a major upset in the Quarter finals of the men’s tournament as an opening salvo of supreme pace and relentless attack saw the Southern Gauteng “B” Side, known as Wits march to an early lead against the KZN Inland side. It was a lead they would not release and they ended up victors with one of the displays of the tournament. There reward though was a match against the unstoppable Raiders in the Semi-Final where Ryan Hack’s men could not be stopped. It’s been a riveting weekend of indoor hockey in Bellville down in the Western Cape. There have been more goals than controversial statements from Donald Trump and as the weekend progressed the quality of the hockey started to experience an upsurge as well. Ultimately it was the expected KZN Raiders who did the job and emerged victorious. After the group stages were completed on Friday, the knock out stages is where the tournament truly begins and the quality of games really backed that statement up. The Raiders continued on their relentless march in both the women’s and men’s tournament where the victims of their brutally efficient hockey was the WP Pens and Mpumalanga respectively. There was a major upset in the Quarter finals of the men’s tournament as an opening salvo of supreme pace and relentless attack saw the Southern Gauteng “B” Side, known as Wits march to an early lead against the KZN Inland side. It was a lead they would not release and they ended up victors with one of the displays of the tournament. There reward though was a match against the unstoppable Raiders in the Semi-Final where Ryan Hack’s men could not be stopped. The men’s final was an altogether different affair. Southern Gauteng were the heavy underdogs but started with a bang when Kyle Marks scored from a rebound, the Raiders fought back before a sensational goal by Brandon James gave Southerns the lead again. Raiders, not to be outdone fought back with a great team goal finished off by Greg Last. After half time the Southerns boys started to tire and the Raiders almost looked to have more energy and raised the game to another level. After taking the lead through inspirational skipper Fairweather and another through Eustice, the Raiders employed a brand of game management that would make the All Blacks proud in seeing it out. The tournament was undoubtedly one of the best indoor IPT’s that we have seen in South Africa, although there is room for improvement. The involvement of PSi in hosting the IPT raised the tournament to a better level and it would make sense if a continued involvement was sought out for them by SA Hockey. In terms of the individual awards the top goalscorers awards were shared in the men’s by Jethro Eustice (Raiders) and Gavin Jelley (Inland), and incredibly shared in the ladies as well by Cindy Hack and Eloise Walters (both Raiders). Matthew Becker did is own national hopes no hurt, by being named keeper of the tournament while Nicole le Fleur won the award for the lady. Lastly it was to player of the tournament which was easily won by Jethro Eustice in the mens tournament. In the ladies tournament Nicole de Vries, who had received stiches on Friday when a mask hit her, was named the player of the tournament. Final Positions Men’s Indoor Inter Provincial Tournament Women’s Indoor Inter Provincial Tournament 1. KZN Raiders 1. KZN Raiders 2. Southern Gauteng 2. Western Province 3. Western Province 3. KZN Mynahs 4. Wits 4. Southern Gauteng 5. KZN Inland 5. North West 6. WP Pens 6. KZN Inland 7. Eastern Gauteng 7. WP Pens 8. Mpumalanga 8. Mpumalanga Source: SA Hockey Channel | Date: 17 October 2016

PHL takes SA hockey into a bright new future

Both men’s and women’s hockey broke into new territory in Randburg in September 2016 as the inaugural Premier Hockey League began what most involved feel will be a revolution in the game in South Africa. The Milo Maropeng Cavemen and the Nestle Pure Life Blyde River Bunters emerged triumphant on 25th September 2016 in gripping finals as the Department of Sport and Recreation backed event came to an end. Six men’s and six women’s teams, playing as franchises that are 100% owned by the South African Hockey Association (SAHA) after a draft system, played each other once in a league stage before the top four teams progressed to the semi-finals, followed by the grand finals. “It was a definite success and something different for local hockey. To play with young and experienced players all in the same team and from all different provinces, was amazing. Nobody knew each other at first, but if you’re a top hockey player then you need to adapt. The same applies to having different coaches – a lot of our players had never played under coach Lindsey Wright before,” said the captain of the Nestle Pure Life Blyde River Bunters, Nicolene Terblanche, who is also the national women’s captain. “The PHL was a great success, just ask any of the players and they’ll tell you they wish they were doing this for the last few years. It was well-organised and thanks to SuperSport, the players had the experience of playing on TV and being able to use the video referral system. The only time we’ve had that before has been in international hockey and not a lot of players get to do that. For 16-year-olds, this incredible tournament meant they learnt a lot,” Terblanche added. “The first season has been really inspirational and a lot of people watched the TV coverage on SuperSport. The PHL is what hockey needs and it was exciting to see it on TV. I hope the tournament grows as it’s the foundation of our future hockey and an opportunity for the national selectors to see more players. Additionally, they got to see a lot of games at good intensity and pressure. It’s one of the best tournaments I’ve played in,” said the captain of the Milo Maropeng Cavemen, Rassie Pieterse. The veteran Southern Gauteng goalkeeper has played all over the world and won many tournaments, but he said the sheer elation of some of the Cavemen team when they were handed their gold medals brought home another great benefit of the PHL. “We had a good mix of experience and younger players that bring a lot of energy and that’s important too. For some of the guys from the smaller centres like Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Stellenbosch, Pinetown and East London, it was the first time they’ve ever won a gold medal because they play for minnows. Hopefully they can take knowledge back to their clubs because now they’ve experienced what it takes to win a tournament,” Pieterse said. Terblanche was a compelling leader of a very young Bunters side – with an average age of just 21 – and she was similarly inspirational off the field as she handed all the money from her three player of the match awards during the tournament to the fundraising efforts of the national U21 teams as they head off for their junior world cups in India and Chile. “I’ve been in their shoes before and know that every cent helps, so I decided to donate all my winnings,” Terblanche humbly said. With opportunities for top competition few and far between for South Africa’s leading players, Terblanche was eager for SAHA to persevere with the exciting PHL concept. “I really hope this happens every year now. With no major international tournaments for us in 2016, it was absolutely not a nice year for the national players, but then the PHL came along. We all looked forward to it, it was so exciting and the community really got into the swing of it as well with all the posts on Facebook and other social media. “By putting the PHL on TV, it made sure people were talking about it, whenever I went back to the office, my colleagues would ask me about the tournament. So it’s been very positive and I know the players that didn’t play this year are very jealous to miss out,” Terblanche said. Published: 03 October 2016 | Source: SA Hockey

Double Qualification For Ghana Hockey In The Hockey World League Series

The National Male and Female Hockey Teams of Ghana on Sunday 11th September 2016 both booked tickets to the 2nd Round of the Hockey World League Series. The Female team played Kenya in the morning of the Sunday the 9th, and needed a win to qualify, having beating Nigeria earlier in the tournament by 2 goals to nothing. As Kenya is ranked directly behind Ghana, it was sure to be a tough one, and indeed did not disappoint. The Ghanaian ladies started threatening the goal of their Kenyan counterparts early in the game and came very close on numerous occasions to scoring. The game however stayed barren for the most part, creating a very charged and restless atmosphere in the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium. The ladies finally put everybody to rest when Richel Bamfo received a ball and tore past the goalkeeper and an incoming defender to guide the ball into the post in the dying minutes of the game. The ladies had one task after this; to hold on to the lead and that they did to the admiration and excitement of all. With this result, the National Women’s team secured the single slot available to the 2nd round to take place in Spain in February of 2017. In the Men’s game which was the last of the day and for the tournament, Ghana only had to manage a draw to secure their place in the 2nd round as they had beaten Namibia 7 – 1 and their arch rivals Kenya by a lone goal earlier in the tournament. This task that looked very doable in the beginning considering Ghana’s play throughout the tournament, would soon be put in doubt as Nigeria drew first blood about halfway through the first half. It was not until the dying minutes of the game that the Ghanaian team equalized through Emmanuel Ankomah (One Finger). Even though this gave the many Ghanaian supporters some kind of comfort, it was not until Shadrack Baah connected a brilliant pass from Michael Baiden, the Ghanaian International based in South Africa to secure the win, did the fans really breath a sigh of relief. Managing to secure this result meant that the male team would join their female counterparts who had qualified earlier in the day, in the 2nd round of the World League Series to take place in Bangladesh in February. We are so proud of our men and women and wish them the best in their preparations towards to the 2nd round of the competition. Signed: Daniel Kenaz Mensah Sec. Gen.