Hockey feast in city

THE Namibia Hockey Union (NHU) will host the Tri-Nations Cup which feature the hosts, Botswana and Zimbabwe at the Doc Jubber Fields, starting from today.

NHU president Jesse Schickerling said the tournament between the three countries will see a total of 15 matches in three days and these include under 16 boys and girls, under 18 girls and under 21 men teams, men and women senior teams as well as masters teams. Namibia will field nine different teams, with Botswana seven, while Zimbabwe will only have three teams.Schickerling also said that invitations were extended to Malawi and South Africa, but the two countries only confirm to participate next year.He said in 2005, the NHU decided to create an internationally recognised tournament catering for all SADC countries, adding that the Africa Hockey Federation gave official recognition to that.But he adds that the AHF suggested that the tournament be extended to ultimately include all SADC countries.The opening ceremony of the tournament will be on Saturday from 09h00, with the first match set to kick off at 10h30.NamibiaŽs under 21 men side takes on Zimbabwe at 12h00, before the Namibian women senior side takes on Botswana at 13h30.NamibiaŽs senior men side will then follow as they will meet the senior men side from Botswana at 15h00.Matches start today from 16h30.Namibia will field nine different teams, with Botswana seven, while Zimbabwe will only have three teams.Schickerling also said that invitations were extended to Malawi and South Africa, but the two countries only confirm to participate next year.He said in 2005, the NHU decided to create an internationally recognised tournament catering for all SADC countries, adding that the Africa Hockey Federation gave official recognition to that.But he adds that the AHF suggested that the tournament be extended to ultimately include all SADC countries.The opening ceremony of the tournament will be on Saturday from 09h00, with the first match set to kick off at 10h30.NamibiaŽs under 21 men side takes on Zimbabwe at 12h00, before the Namibian women senior side takes on Botswana at 13h30.NamibiaŽs senior men side will then follow as they will meet the senior men side from Botswana at 15h00.Matches start today from 16h30.