Khomas and Oshana battle for ball possesion.
THE MTC national development hockey tournament held recently was a massive accomplishment for the Namibia Hockey Union and its partners. Five regions participated in this developmental tournament which took place at the Doc Jubber fields in Olympia, courtesy of MTC and the Ministry of Sport.
In the process 360 junior players showcased their talents and skills in 60 matches. Next year the NHU plan to organise the same tournament, then looking at including four more regions to bring the total number of regions part taking to nine.
Girls of Erongo and Khomas in action.
By 2010 the NHU plans on adding four more regions to ensure that hockey is well developed in all 13 regions of the country. The regions will be required to run regional leagues and to host regional tournaments. Oshana, Erongo and the Kavango regions gave a good count of themselves by reaching the final stages of the event.
Oshana was the region that left a good impression and a lasting memory of the 2008 MTC Development Tournament. Oshana’s u/14 boys reached the final and only lost narrowly to Khomas. Kavango’s u/12 girls and Erongo’s u/12 boys also lost in the finals to Khomas.
America Williams (left) of Khomas North tussle for the ball against a player of Khomas South.
Without a doubt, the outside regions gave good count of themselves and with proper coaching and equipment, the 2009 development tournament to be held on September 19th will deliver a few surprises. Although Omaheke only managed to have one team progressing the knock-out stages the players have the potential to do better in future tournaments.
Thomas Shoongo of Khomas takes control of matters in a boys u/14 match.
The former development player, Morgan Springbok, is doing a tremendous job in Omaheke and with more support and equipment at his disposal Omaheke will certainly become a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
Khomas illustrated to all the other regions that hockey is well developed in the region, by winning all four trophies at stake. More work needs to be done in all the other regions to ensure proper player development and growth.
The organisers extended their sincere gratitude towards MTC and the Ministry of Sport in making this event a reality.
