Top teams set sights on Mapinduzi Cup tourney

Four teams have so far confirmed their participation in this year’s Mapinduzi hockey championship opening on Friday at Lugalo grounds.

The two-day championship has been organised by Dar es Salaam Region Hockey Association ( DRH) and is sponsored by Dar es Salaam-based firms—Reliance Company and R.K Trucking Company.

THA secretary general, Kaushik Doshi yesterday named the teams as defending champions Moshi Khalsa, Tanzania Prisons, Dar Khalsa and University of Dar es Salaam.

“THA appreciates the efforts shown by these companies for supporting the Mapinduzi Hockey Championship,” Doshi said.

Doshi asked other companies to follow suit, noting that success in any sport is always the outcome of good cooperation between sports leaders and the business community.

He said the door was still open for other teams wishing to compete in the tournament. He said preparations for the event were on course.

“We want it to be more competitive and draw the best hockey teams in the country. This is our strategy to revive hockey after two or so decades of plummeting,” he promised.

“We’re delighted to see many teams are keen to participate in this year’s tournament. This shows Tanzania will likely join the list of the best hockey playing nations in the near future,” he said.

“Hockey fans should expect a major treat as the teams lined up for the championship are in high spirits, each looking forward to snatching the title,” said Doshi.

Hockey was at its peak in 1980s when Tanzania fielded a team at the Moscow Olympic Games.

During last year’s edition, Kilimanjaro’s Moshi Khalsa emerged champions with a win over Dar Khalsa in a thrilling final.