ZAMBIA HOCKEY TEAM SHINES AT SUMMER OLYMPICS

 ............ as the team is CROWNED AS THE BEST HOCKEY TEAM IN AFRICA

Zambian team can hold their heads up high following the tournament- Picture by Around the Rings Images- ART.

 

It is obvious not among the most popular sports in Zambia but its international momentum has surely left a mark that will live to be remembered centuries ahead of this generation.

Zambia Hockey Under 18 team overcame all odds at the Summer Youth Olympics hosted in Buenos Aires, Argentina by pulling a giant killer’s act over two times defending champions Australia 6-4 to reach their maiden semi-final appearance in the history of the Olympic Games.

The Zambian boys started on a low and shaky losing out to host Argentina 4-0 before beating Poland 4-3 in the first round of the games.

Zambia challenges for the ball in a tense semi- final match - Picture courtesy of ART.

Their third match was against pre-tournament favourites Malaysia, of which they were beaten 7-2, before they walloped little known Vanuatu 17-1.

The result meant that Zambia would once more meet eventual champions Malaysia in the semi-final and that would mark the end of their journey at the tournament after losing out 7-4.

Ultimately, the performance of the lads was something that caught the eyes of many and this has earned them a place in the Guinea’s Book of Records as the Best U18 Hockey team on the Continent.

"An unbelievable achievement and I can't stress how impressive this is for the limited resources and support there is for hockey.  He added that indeed Hockey is one of the sports in the country that has received little or no support from relevant authorities and this has in some way affected its performance,”  Corey Hastings, former guest coach said.

A hockey team ready for the game. Picture courtesy of ART

But Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) Director Fredrick Chitangala has assured the Zambian Hockey team of continued support towards their success.

Speaking to Sports Insights crew, Mr Chitangala said he was pleased with the performance of the Zambian team stating that the Centre will continue to provide training opportunities to players, coaches and administrators in the country.

He further expressed gratitude to partners such as the Hockey Dreams Foundation and Coen Teulings, Chairman of the Merifi Capital in Belgium who have been crucial to supporting the development of hockey at the Centre and in Zambia at large.

Meanwhile, Hockey Association of Zambia Vice President Thomas Mumba said that he was happy with the performance of the team.

Mr Mumba said the team has met the target which was to reach the semi-final. He said the boys played well and managed to beat good teams such as Australia.

Phillimon Bwali manages the five-a-side hockey team. (ART).

Meanwhile, Zambian Hockey team player Phillimon Bwali came out second top goal scorer with 13 goals behind Malaysia's Akhimullah who bagged 22 goals to grab the top notch coveted award.

Under 18 hockey team getting ready for the match. Picture courtesy of ART.

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Story Written by: Darlingtone N. Kabambe and Barnabas Zulu
Edited by: Sherry Chabala and Esnart Chikobeli
Pictures Sources: Ireen Watema, Susan Ngoma and Valerie Banda