By Sandra Chibaya
The Zimbabwe U21 Women’s (and men’s) Junior hockey team is seeking financial assistance to travel to Cairo, Egypt for an upcoming Hockey Cup tournament to be held in March 2023.
After recent wins by both the ladies and men’s teams at the Central South Qualifiers (CSQ) hosted in Zimbabwe, The Hockey Association of Zimbabwe proudly announced the development of the junior team having to participate in the U21 Junior Africa Cup to be held in Cairo.
“The Hockey Association of Zimbabwe is running a “sponsor a player” initiative, to support the team and ensure no player is disadvantaged, and that facilities, people and requirements to make the event/tour successful continue to happen for all players.” reads part of the statement release by the Association recently.
“As you can imagine, a tour of this size with (36) players and (8) management for ten days is not going to be a simple or reasonable feat to achieve. With pre-tour travel and training from all over Zimbabwe to the actual tour costs, flights, accommodation, kit, bus, entry fees and medical cover, the cost we are currently looking at $750 per player for the 5months”
A guardian to Amber Tozana, one of the female members of the team pleaded with the public saying;
“Ladies and gentlemen! I’m trying to raise at-least $2000usd for my granddaughter to go to Egypt for an all African U21 hockey tournament. Any help either in cash or advice will be greatly appreciated”
The young female once broke her leg while playing soccer at school, three days before writing her final Ordinary Level Examination, but she was in the exam room with others. She had a pin and plate inserted six days later, and again had to continue with her exams despite undergoing general anesthesia two days before examinations.
Four weeks later Amber was on the Hockey field and managed to make it into the final squad for the upcoming hockey tournament.
A member of the Hockey Association Board Mr Cliff Kaseke told Amakhosikazi Media that the Association was “still looking for over 50% of a total tour cost of One hundred and twenty thousand United States Dollars ($120 000). Players are having a raffle and any contributions are welcome. ” he said.
“This is a great foundation to start getting our young players some international exposure and we are appealing to both co-operates and individuals to consider this sponsorship option for expected management funds such as tour cost, flights, food, accommodation, visas and medical care.”
Appealing to the wider public on some of her social media pages, one of the mums to a team member Tumi Sibanda, urged citizens to chip in with whatever help they could as it would go a long way in assisting the squad. Sizwakele Ndlovu, a media personality said
“Any assistance that can “send our kids to fly the Zimbabwean flag up high will be much appreciated” she said. “It takes village to raise a child, and it takes a whole country to rally behind a national team.” She added.
Members of the public are urged to contact Carla Jones on+263773478232 for all contributions
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