Hockey News of Wednesday, 12 March 2003

Source: Ghana Hockey Association

Pretoria Ready to Host the Best Clubs in African Hockey

The 15th edition of the Africa Cup for Club Champions Competition and the Annual Congress of the African Hockey Federation (AfHF) is scheduled to take place in Pretoria, South Africa from March 23-30 2003.

So far, 10 clubs from 9 countries and 5 clubs from five countries have confirmed their participation in the prestigious competition that will be hosted by the South Africa Hockey Association (SAHA) at the Technikon Pretoria Hockey Stadium.

Two clubs from Ghana, Exchequers of Bank of Ghana (male) and Extinguishers of Ghana National Fire Service (female) will represent the country and will pitch their strength against the elite hockey clubs in African hockey.

Other Clubs that have confirmed their participation and are expected to fly into South Africa in the coming week for the competition are:

Male Police Union HC – Egypt (Defending Champions)
Gaborone HC – Botswana
El Sayadeen HC – Egypt
Kisumu Simba HC – Kenya
Nyala HC – Malawi
Unam HC (Men) – Namibia
Yobe Desert Rollers HC – Nigeria
Wanderers HC – South Africa
BAC HC – Zimbabwe

Female
Telkom – Kenya (Defending Champions)
Unam (Women) – Namibia
Mariam Burar Abba Ibrahim Queens – Nigeria
RAU – South Africa

A release from the South Africa Hockey Federation signed by its General Manager Paul Richards, indicate that all is set for the hosting of the competition.

The two clubs are expected to leave Ghana on March 17, 2003 for Pretoria to acclimatize and practice on the water-base artificial turf ahead of the commencement of the competition.