National teams (men and women) have lamented over lack of exposure ahead of the upcoming ‘African Hockey Road to 2024 Paris Olympic qualifiers.
The teams are currently preparing for the crucial qualifiers scheduled for October 29 to November 5 in Pretoria, South Africa.
Speaking during the national team training at City Park Stadium, national men’s coach Fidhelis Kimanzi said limited tournaments in the country, had hindered their ability to compete at par with other nations on the international stage.
He stated, “I think our plan is not necessarily on the qualifier. We would have wished to have a scenario where we have test matches, then we compete in a number of tournaments.”
”The only time our players get international exposure is when they are competing. This is a disadvantage for us compared to other nations who have a series of test matches to get the job done,” he added. Kimanzi also cited the unavailability of players as the other challenge.
“We have been training over the last 18 months, twice a week and we have had quite a few challenges here and there. Of course, the availability of players is a real challenge considering some of them operate from up-country. The status of the stadium is another challenge but there is little that can be done,” said Kimanzi
Despite these obstacles, he expressed hope that the qualifiers would provide an opportunity for two or three rookies to gain valuable experience.
National Women’s team coach, Meshack Senge echoed similar concerns about the lack of exposure, attributing it to financial constraints.
Senge noted: “We have had milestones in terms of training... the only setback we have had is a lack of exposure, and that’s due to finances, which is out of our control.”
The opening matches of the qualifiers will see the men’s team facing Egypt with the women’s side taking on Zambia.
