News for 21 March 2017
All the news for Tuesday 21 March 2017
No airfare so Toussaint out
COACH ON THE FLOOR T&T men’s hockey team coach, Glen “Fido” Francis, second from left, has the attention of his players during ing a training session at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, yesterday morning in preparation for the FIH World Hockey League Round Two qualifying competition which flicks at the same venue on Saturday involving eight countries, including host T&T. Photo: Anthony Harris.
T&T senior men’s hockey squad, led by Darren Cowie, will have to do without the services of Australian-based forward Akim Toussaint for the eight-team International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) Hockey World League Round Two qualifiers. T&T hosts the event which will take place at the T&T Hockey Board at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, from Saturday to April 2.
The news of Toussaint’s absence was confirmed by confirmed yesterday by team officials, who cited the financial cost of $20,000 to get Toussaint back to T&T as the main hindrance.
Toussaint, left T&T two weeks ago to pick up a job as player/coaching at Australia’s Southern River Hockey Club, and there was confirmation from his new employers that should the proper arrangements be made to have him returned to Australia, and if not, then he will be allowed to leave.
However, due to limited financial resources the T&THB was unable to meet the $20,000 bill to cover his travel expenses from and Australia and back.
But while, Toussaint misses out, T&T coach, Glen “Fido” Francis will welcome veteran and most capped T&T player, Kwandwane Browne back into the fold today.
Browne, the player/coach at English Premier Hockey League club, Halmstead & Westminster, along with Tariq Marcano (St Albans), are the two overseas—based players in the squad.
Browne will be making his national team return, his first appearance since a torn Achilles tendon on his left foot in 2015 prior to the Pan American Games in Canada, while his last competitive outing for national team was the FIH World League Round Two qualifiers in California, in 2014 while Marcano, coming off his first professional season is due to arrive tomorrow.
In the eight-team event, host T&T, will compete in Pool B alongside Russia (#22), Japan (#16), and Switzerland (#30) while Pool A consists of Barbados (#48), Chile (#25), Malaysia (#14), and USA (#27).
At the end of the tournament the top three teams will qualify to the Hockey World League Semifinals (Hockey World Cup 2018 qualifiers) which will be held in June and July this year.
Prior to its opening match versus Switzerland on March 25, T&T will play three warm-up matches versus Barbados (Monday March 20th), Chile (March 21st) and USA, two days later.
Apart from the overseas duo and Cowie, the other experienced campaigners in goalkeeper Andrey Rocke, Mickell Pierre, Marcus James, Aidan De Gannes, Stefan Mouttet, Jordan Reynos, Jordan Vieira and Shaquille Daniel, son of former national senior men’s hockey player and Commonwealth Games Rifle Shooting medallist, Roger Daniel while the players promoted from the Pan American Junior Men’s Championship team include Teague Marcano, Tariq’s younger brother, and Emmanuel brothers Kwasi, Kristien and Kieron, and Byer duo, Danielle and Lyndell.
This is T&T’s third time participating in the World League after making its debut in 2012.
The Trinidad Guardian
Women's team named for Gryphon Hockey World League 2 in West Vancouver
Shaheed Devji
Canada’s women celebrate a goal against Uruguay on July 20, 2015 at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Ontario (By Yan Huckendubler)
Field Hockey Canada Women’s National Program has named its 18-athlete Women’s National Team which will represent Canada at the 2017 Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 at West Vancouver’s Rutledge Field from April 1-9, 2017.
Canada will take on six other nations for the right to play for 2018 Women’s World Cup qualification at the World League Semi-Final (Round 3) later this year. The top two finishers in West Vancouver will move to the next stage in Johannesburg, South Africa this July.
Team Canada consists of 12 players that played at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Ontario and won a bronze medal, including team captain Kate Wright (Gillis), who currently sits in third in all-time games played for Canada’s Women’s National Team with 159 international caps to her name.
Wright is joined on the team by a host of veterans who have played more than 100 international matches for Canada including Danielle Hennig (Kelowna, BC; 123 caps), Hannah Haughn (North Vancouver, BC; 118 caps), Sara McManus (Tsawwassen, BC; 111 caps), and Brienne Stairs (Kitchener, ON; 104 caps).
Making their Senior International debuts on the World League 2 roster are Alison Lee (Mississauga, ON), a 22 year-old defender who has represented Canada at the Indoor Hockey World Cup, and 17 year-old forward Jordyn Faiczak (Waterloo, ON) who continues her quick ascent within the Women’ National Program.
The team also features a group of athletes from the North Shore – where the competition will be played – including Alex Thicke, Haughn, Karli Johansen, Rachel Donohoe, and Stephanie Norlander.
Canada’s women open the 2017 Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 competition on April 1st against India at 4:30pm at Rutledge Field in West Vancouver, British Columbia.
Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. Additionally, we would like to thank the Province of British Columbia and viaSport for their generous support of this project.
The West Vancouver Field Hockey Club is also proud partner of this event.
Team Canada
Team Canada Staff
Head Coach – Ian Rutledge
Assistant Coach – Steph Andrews
Team Manager – Carrie Trumpy
Physiotherapist – Elliot Usher
Team Doctor – Dr. Kristen Taunton
Video Analyst – Stef Sloboda
Field Hockey Canada media release
Canadian women to host Open Practice March 28 in West Vancouver
Shaheed Devji
Fans, friends, family, and the media are invited to catch a final glimpse of Canada’s women’s field hockey team before it hosts the 2017 Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 West Vancouver at an open practice March 28, 2017 at Rutledge Field in West Vancouver.
MORE: Women’s National Team named for 2017 Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver
At the end of the training session, a select group of young, local field hockey players will get a chance to take to the field with Canada’s Women’s National Team.
After the session, Canada’s women and the coaching staff will be available for comments with the media.
Details of the session are as follows:
WHAT: Open Practice and Media Availability
WHO: Canada’s Women’s Field Hockey Team
WHY: Meet Canada’s women’s field hockey team before its hosts a 7-team international tournament in West Vancouver from April 1-9
WHEN: March 28, 2017 (3:30-5:00pm rain or shine; youth on field at 4:30pm; media availability at 5:00pm)
WHERE: Rutledge Field, Ambleside Park (1243 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC)
The Canadian women will be competing the 2017 Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver from April 1-9, when they host six other nations from around the world.
The top two finishers at the competition move on to the World League Semi-final later this year, where spots for the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup will be awarded.
Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. Additionally, we would like to thank the Province of British Columbia and viaSport for their generous support of this project.
The West Vancouver Field Hockey Club is also proud partner of this event.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Mahmood hat-trick sinks Black Sticks
Photo: www.photosport.nz
A hat-trick from Pakistan drag flicker Abu Mahmood has seen his side overcome the Vantage Black Sticks Men 4-2 in the third test in Wellington.
Pakistan played with a raised intensity following Saturday night’s 2-2 draw, with a glut of penalty corner attempts proving too much for the Kiwis to stop.
Holding a 1-0 lead at halftime, Pakistan charged ahead with Mahmood delivering three second half flicks past the New Zealand penalty corner defence.
Head coach Darren Smith said while it was a disappointing result, it was a good learning experience for many of the younger players.
“We started pretty well but got caught in the second and third quarters. Pakistan’s basic skills were very good and they scored some nice corners,” he said.
“At time we found it hard to find our passes and structure and were ineffective going forward but when we were down we actually played some really good hockey.
“We’ve got a high quality group of boys here and some of them are playing their first internationals and are doing a good job. We need to do better and we’ll move on to Wairarapa now with plenty of motivation.”
Pakistan seized the momentum early in the match and were first to score thanks to a penalty corner strike from Abdul Haseem Khan in the sixth minute.
Carrying a one goal lead into halftime, Pakistan doubled their advantage just minutes after the break when Mahmood slammed a drag flick low and into the side of the goal.
Mahmood brought up his double in the 35th minute with almost an instant replay of his first goal, following another penalty corner.
The Black Sticks responded in the 45th minute with Cory Bennett ripping home a penalty corner flick.
Mahmood scored his third with a 53rd minute strike before Stephen Jenness send home an absolute screamer with an upright reverse right on the stroke of fulltime.
With the series locked up at 1-1, the Vantage Black Sticks and Pakistan now head to Wairarapa for the fourth and fifth tests on 22nd and 23rd March at Trust House Hockey Wairarapa in Clareville.
Presale tickets are still on sale through the Hockey New Zealand website, and gate sales are also available for both tests.
VANTAGE BLACK STICKS 2: (Cory Bennett, Stephen Jenness)
PAKISTAN 4: (Abu Mahmood 3, Abdul Haseem Khan)
Halftime: Pakistan 1-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Abubakr heroics help Pakistan rout Kiwis in hockey test
LAHORE - Hat-trick boy Abubakr helped Pakistan rout New Zealand 4-2 in the third hockey test at Wellingtons’ hockey stadium.
Abubakr of Faisalabad justified his inclusion in the national senior team and earned a unique distinction of slamming a penalty corner hat-trick in Pakistan's well-deserved win over New Zealand, ranked six places higher, said Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) spokesman on Monday. The 5-match series stands at 1-1.
The match began with New Zealand entering Pakistan's circle a few times. Off a fierce tomahawk, Pakistani goal keeper Amjad made an exceptional save with out stretched right hand. Thereafter, Pakistan had better of the exchanges for most of the first half. They combined well and repeatedly entered opponents' 23 metre area and chances arrived. Off the second penalty corner, captain Haseem Khan put his side ahead with a well executed indirect drill. The green shirts led 1-0 at half time.
Just minutes into the second half, Pakistan doubled the advantage via another penalty corner. Abubakr's superb low drag flick found the right corner of the goal. The third goal in the 35th minute off the fifth PC was the replica of the previous one as Abubakr was again spot on.
Down by three goals, the hosts applied tremendous pressure in the last 10 minutes of the third quarter. They had opportunities. A few were squandered while Amjad under the bar also had a great day. The persistence paid as off the second PC in the 45th minute, Cory Bennett sent an unstoppable flick high into the roof.
After seeing off early New Zealand pressure in the last quarter, including two PCs, the green shirts got a penalty corner of their own. Brilliant Abubakr completed his hat trick, this time off a ripper sent high to the left side of the net. Trailing 1-4 with just seven minutes left, black sticks continued to search for goals. After wasting another PC, they finally added another goal when Stephend Jennes sent a scorcher via an upright reverse in the last minute.
Pakistan team's show here has shown an upward graph. After losing the first test, the green shirts gave an improved performance to draw the second game. And today, they had a convincing win. The fourth test will be played on March 22.
The Nation
Three International Tour Rosters Set for Women's Junior National Teams
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Following an intense training camp weekend held in both Chapel Hill, N.C. and Durham, N.C., the coaching staffs for the U.S. U-17, U-19 and U-21 Women's National Teams have announced the tour rosters for upcoming international trips. All three junior squads will be traveling to different global locations with the U-17 USWNT traveling to Ireland from April 11-18, the U-19 USWNT venturing to Germany from April 12-18 and the U-21 USWNT making the trip to England from April 10-16.
The squads will compete against other international teams to gain elite level exposure and to build on techniques and concepts they have been working on during training camp weekends. The U-17 USWNT will travel to Dublin, Ireland where they will compete in three matches against Ireland.
U-17 USWNT Ireland Tour Roster:
Skyler Caron (Hampton, N.H.), Leah Crouse (Virginia Beach, Va.), Sam Davidson (North Andover, Mass.), Charlotte DeVries (Wayne, Pa.), Emma Deberdine (Millersville, Pa.), Riley Fulmer (Chapel Hill, N.C.), Sophia Gladieux (Boyertown, Pa.), Mary Harkins (Kimberton, Pa.), Adele Iacobucci (Malvern, Pa.), Jonna Kennedy (Watertown, Mass.), Margot Lawn (Pasadena, Md.), Annie McDonough (Kennett Square, Pa.), Isabelle Perese (Worthington, Ohio), Kathryn Peterson (San Diego, Calif.), Abigail Pitcairn (Aspinwall, Pa.), Paityn Wirth (Thompsontown, Pa.), Madeleine Zimmer (Hershey, Pa.), Brynn Zorilla (Vista, Calif.)
The U-17 USWNT is led by head coach Jarred Martin and will be assisted on the tour by Jennifer Stone and Kelly Doton. The athletic trainer will be Merecedes Cunningham.
"We are excited to have this opportunity to play over in Europe against Ireland," said Martin. "The team has had two great training weekends and we are looking forward to playing together and representing the United States in Dublin. I am thankful to have two great coaches join me, Jen Stone and Kelly Doton, ont his tour. Selections were very difficult this year because there are so many talented players on this U-17 squad. That goes to show the junior development in this country from a club, school and within the Futures Program is moving in the right direction."
The U-19 USWNT will venture to Germany to compete in a series of test matches against Germany's Junior National Team.
U-19 USWNT Germany Tour Roster:
Mackenzie Allessie (Mount Joy, Pa.), Mayv Clune (Quakertown, Pa.), Mary Crumlish (Amherst, N.Y.), Lexi Davidson (North Andover, Mass.), Makayla Gallen (Glen Mills, Pa.), Greer Gill (Virginia Beach, Va.), Katie Jean (Mount Joy, Pa.), Ali McCarthy (Madison, N.J.), Caroline McGovern (Churchville, Pa.), MaryKate Neff (Villanova, Pa.), Madison Orobono (Macungie, Pa.), Sammy Popper (Blue Bell, Pa.), Lily Posternak (York, Maine), Rachel Robinson (Mount Joy, Pa.), Haley Schleicher (Virginia Beach, Va.), Meghan Schneider (San Diego, Calif.), Meredith Sholder (Alburtis, Pa.), Jillian Wolgemuth (Mount Joy, Pa.)
The non-traveling alternates in alphabetical order are Kyler Greenwalt (Gambrills, Md.), Kaylie Mings (Bellaire, Texas) and Megan Rodgers (San Diego, Calif.).
The U-19 USWNT is coached by Tamara Durante and Ole Keusgen.
The U-21 USWNT will play in a four match test series against England to be held at Bisham Abbey. The games will be played on Thursday, April 13 (4 p.m. local), Friday, April 14 (4 p.m. local, Sunday April 16 (3 p.m. local) and Monday, April 17 (10:30 a.m. local).
U-21 USWNT England Tour Roster:
Maddie Bacskai (Berwyn, Pa., Princeton), Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas, Stanford), Virginia Bramley (Elizabethtown, Pa., Penn State), Amanda Collins (Binghampton, N.Y., UConn), Brooke Deberdine (Millersville, Pa.), Skyler Fretz (Oley, Pa., Penn State), Danielle Grega (Kingston, Pa., ODU), Caroline Hanks (Niskayuna, N.Y., Maryland), Abby Julius (Hummelstown, Pa., Liberty), Kelee Lepage (Honey Brook, Pa., Maryland), Gabrielle Major (Royersford, Pa., UNC), Madison Morano (Hammonton, N.J., Penn State), Jenny Rizzo (Hershey, Pa., Penn State), Taylor Stone (Herndon, Va., Louisville), Julianna Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), Casey Umstead (Green Lane, Pa., UConn), Nicole Woods (Beverly, Mass., Louisville), Corinne Zanolli (Newtown Square, Pa.)
The non-traveling reserves are Alex Halpin (Mohegan Lake, N.Y., UNC) and Ryan McCarthy (Madison, N.J., Princeton).
The U-21 USWNT is lead by head coach Phil Edwards and assisted by Shannon Taylor. Rachel Dawson will be the tour manager and Deborah Fischi will be the athletic trainer.
"The U-21 group has had two excellent training camps to start 2017," commented Edwards. "We have been able to name a squad for the test series with a good balance of experience between those who played in the major tournaments in 2016 and some fresh faces who will be gaining their first taste of hockey at this level. It is going to be exciting to see them compete on the international stage against England."
USFHA media release
MHC to send national teams to Asia Cup Indoor tourney
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will compete for the first time in an international indoor hockey tournament.
Previously, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) only sent state or club teams to compete at the Asian or South-East Asian level tournaments.
But with indoor hockey being included in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games from Aug 19-31, the MHC have decided to take a more serious approach to prepare the teams.
They will send the men and women’s teams to take part in the seventh Asia Cup Indoor Championships in Doha, Qatar, from April 24-28.
Wallace Tan will coach the men’s team while K. Gobinathan is the women’s coach.
Said MHC chief executive officer K. Logan Raj (pic): “The tournament is part of our preparations for the SEA Games as there are an additional two golds at stake. Both teams are already in training and we hope to select the final 12 for the tournament by the end of the month.”
Iran are the kingpins of men’s indoor hockey at Asian level, having won six times since the Asia Cup was introduced in 2008.
Despite being represented by a state or club side, Malaysia were runners-up on four occasions – in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2013.
In the women’s category, Malaysia were the inaugural champions in 2009 when the tournament was held in Ipoh. Then, the Armed Forces represented the country.
Logan said the women’s team will go on a week-long tour of Australia at the end of the month while the men’s squad will train at home.
German Paul Lissek will join the two teams today as a consultant coach. The former men’s national team coach recently ended his coaching stint in South Korea.
The Star of Malaysia
Grooming youngsters crucial for Indian hockey: coach Roelant Oltmans
B Shrikant
India hockey team coach Roelant Oltmans is preparing his men for major tournaments in 2018 -- the Commonwealth Games (April 4-15), Champions Trophy (June 23-July 1), Asian Games (August 18-September 2) and the World Cup at Bhubaneswar.(Getty Images)
The next 20 months, starting from April 1, will be very crucial for the Indian men’s hockey team. In 2018, India will be participating in the Commonwealth Games (April 4-15), Champions Trophy (June 23-July 1), Asian Games (August 18-September 2) and of course the World Cup at Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.
With that in mind, chief coach Roelant Oltmans has chalked out an intense programme and a major component of that is grooming players from the Junior World Cup winning team to replace the seniors in a phased manner.
Oltmans will be experimenting with players this year, especially at tournaments like Sultan Azlan Shah Memorial in April, an invitational three-nation tournament in Moers, Germany from June 1-6 — which will also involve Belgium and a series of matches against Belgium, Holland and Austria in August.
These events will be before and after the Hockey World League semifinal in London from June 5-25.
“Then we will play the Asia Cup (Sept 30-Oct 8) and Hockey World League final (in December) and in between we may have some matches with Australia. So the year through we have quite some matches.
“We need to have 30-40 matches per year internationally to groom them. We have 33 players in the squad and we need to give the youngsters enough chance to showcase themselves.
“We always take same set of players to tournaments and it doesn’t work all the time, we have to bring in the others. We tried that last year in Champions Trophy by leaving out some senior players and it worked,” Oltmans told Hindustan Times in an interview on Monday.
The Dutch coach said they will be using competitions this year to build up for the hectic schedule in 2018. “There also you have to prioritise. Next year, the two most important tournaments for me are the Asian Games, because it is the Olympics qualifier, and the World Cup.”
Asked about developing talent base in the country, Oltmans said the National Hockey Academy started in New Delhi is a move in that direction.
According to him, one of the negative points of the Indian system is that players come into the national coaching framework late, when they get into the Under-21 squad. The national academy will have players in 14-18 age group and trained by top coaches. Though Oltmans will not be involved with that as he is no longer the high-performance director, he will still keep an eye on the programme.
He says his ultimate aim is for India to win a medal in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. His contract is till 2020 and the 62-year-old coach will be taking a call on his future only after that.
Hindustan Times
Polo crowned Copa del Rey champions for 29th time
Real Club de Polo won the Copa del Rey for the 29th time in their history and their second in succession thanks to a 4-1 final win over Atlètic Terrassa.
They had swept into the final with a 7-0 win over FC Barcelona last Friday and then a 5-3 win over Junior FC on Saturday to advance to the decider. Atlètic beat RC Tenis 3-2 and Club Egara by the same scoreline to take up their final berth.
Polo started the final strong, earning a couple of penalty corners and they took the lead in the 13th minute via an attack down the right flank by Matías Rey for 1-0.
One became two in the 25th minute when Llorenç Piera beat Marc Calzada. Pedro Ibarra missed a stroke to extend the advantage but Manu Bordas did make it 3-0 in the second half.
Jan Malgosa pulled one back with 18 minutes to go but Mario Fernandez was not to be beaten again and Polo’s weekend was finished off when Álex Casasayas added an extra gloss to the scoreline.
He ended up as the weekend’s top scorer with David Alegre winning player of the tournament and Fernandez the best goalkeeper.
Euro Hockey League media release
Wimbledon continue winning ways in England
Wimbledon continued their impressive run of form leading into the Euro Hockey League KO16 with a 2-1 win over Hampstead and Westminster, another side bound for the English playoffs.
Borja Llorens nailed a penalty corner in the 28th minute before Johnny Kinder got on the end of Phil Ball’s spin and pass for 2-0 at the break.
Richard Alexander got one back with the final touch to a pitch length move, initiated by Kwan Browne’s interception, but they could not find another goal to snatch a point.
Wimbledon already have top spot in the bag in the league with seven points to spare over second place Holcombe who beat Beeston 4-3. Wimbledon are lining up their EHL KO16 date with UHC Hamburg on April 15 in Eindhoven
Third place Surbiton picked up all three points to move second after a 3-0 victory at Reading, David Goodfield hit a brace and Dave Beckett was also on target.
At the bottom, Brooklands MU gave their hopes of avoiding the relegation play-offs a massive boost after a 2-0 win over Loughborough Students.
It has been a tough campaign for Loughborough, already relegated going into the game, and Brooklands took full advantage to secure a precious three points.
First half goals from Peter Flanagan and Sam Perrin were enough to move the hosts above Canterbury and in to eighth place. Canterbury are now three points behind Brooklands after they fell to a 4-1 defeat at mid-table East Grinstead.
Dominic Bowden Nick Catlin and Chris Griffiths scored for the hosts, James Oates scoring what proved to be a consolation for Canterbury.
Euro Hockey League media release
Grove Menzieshill retain top spot in women’s National League 1
Grove Menzieshill held on to pole position in the Scottish women`s National League 1 with a 3-1 away win over fourth placed Wildcats at Auchenhowie. There were two goals for former Scotland captain Linda Clement while youngster Hanna McKie got the other, Heather Aitken got the consolation for the home side.
Edinburgh University are still in second place after beating Erskine Stewart`s Melville 9-0; Amy Brodie scored four, player/coach Sam Judge got a couple, and the other goals came from Becky Dru, Becky Merchant and Maisie Morris.
Milne Craig Western failed to make any inroads at the top after being held to a goalless draw by Watsonians.
Dundee Wanderers moved slightly towards the top four with a 5-1 victory over second bottom Hillhead. The Taysiders were two up at the interval, Vikki Bunce opened from the penalty spot and Jessica Ross scored a second before the interval.
In the second half Charlotte Watson added a third with a fierce reverse stick shot while Emily Dark made it 4-0 with a drag flick at a penalty corner. Emma Martin pulled one back for Hillhead, but the final strike came from Lorna Husband in her first team debut for Wanderers.
Elsewhere Bromac Kelburne moved further towards safety with a 4-2 victory over bottom side CALA Edinburgh.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Butali Sugar Warriors stock up for opponents
By BRIAN YONGA
From left: Butali Sugar Warriors players Zack Aura, Rijsen Joost, Bernebus Odhiambo and Bran Musasia celebrate a goal during their Africa Cup of Club Championships match against Ghana Police at City Park Stadium on January 9, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Former champions Butali Sugar Warriors sent a strong message on their intentions to reclaim the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League at the weekend with an 8-0 hiding of Western Jaguars.
The Kisumu-based side hammered Western Jaguars 8-0 in the opening encounter at the City Park Stadium on Sunday in what was a winning start for new coach Godfrey Wakachunga.
Wakachunga replaced former coach Cliffe Okello, who died on January 24 this year. And Wakachunga has already sounded a warning shot to his title rivals of his team’s intention to wrestle back the gong.
“That is the perfect start any coach would want from his team and we are yet to hit top gear yet. Teams should be very afraid to face us,” a confident Wakachunga said. A brace each from Emmanuel Simuyu and Vincent Odhiambo set Butali on course for an emphatic result.
It was paramount for Butali to get off to a winning start with champions Strathmore University Gladiators and title rivals Kenya Police all recording winning starts last weekend.
Butali’s big scoreline took them to second on the league standing on three points, a point behind leaders United States International University of Africa (UISU-A), who came from behind to beat Nakuru 2-1 at the same venue.
Wakachunga further added that the team is determined to win back the title in honour of Okello.
“Cliffe had a very successfully spell with the team and it is only fair to honour him by winning more titles just as he had wanted most,” he added.
Butali have a three week break, with their next assignment on April 15 against USIU-A. While Butali flourished at the weekend, newcomers Technical University of Kenya found the going tough in the top-flight.
The students suffered their second successive loss of the season after they went down 4-1 to Nakuru to find themselves bottom of the log after only two rounds.
Despite so much promise, the league debutantes are clearly struggling in the top-flight and have already been tipped to return to the second-tier league at the end of this season.
However, TUK coach Simiyu Nyaranga believes his team just needs time to adapt to life in the Premier League.
“We played really well in our first two games and lost due to minor details. It is along season and I think we will turn things around,” Nyaranga said.
Daily Nation
Malaysian National U16: Selangor Girls 4 Sarawak 0
By Jugjet Singh
Pic: Selangor's Nur Farah Hanis scored five goals to date
GIRLS' Under-16 champions Selangor romped away with their third win, when they hit Sarawak 4-0 Monday.
However, the will face their Group A nemesis in Sabah Tuesday, in what coach Azman Ali believes will be their toughest hurdle.
Selangor had earlier hammered Kelantan 7-0 and Kedah 4-1.
"So far, the tournament has been going great for us, but I believe to top Group A, we must beat Sabah who have also showed an impressive form," said Azman.
Selangor's Nur Farah Hanis is the tournament top-scorer with six goals, and she is only 14-years-old.
"She also played for Selangor last year and after three matches here, she has scored five field and one penalty corner goal. This girl has plenty of talent in her considering her age," said Azman.
And who does Azman fear in this season?
"It has to be Kuala Lumpur. They have shown great determination, and the girls are well prepared. We hope not to cross their path in the knock-out (open draw) and only face them in the final," said Azman.
RESULTS -- Boys' Group A: Negri 1 Johor 1, Kedah 1 Terengganu 9; Group B: Perlis 0 Malacca 3, Sarawak 2 Selangor 2; Group C: Kelantan 4 Pahang 6, Kuala Lumpur 0 Sabah 2.
Girls' Group A: Kelantan 5 Kedah 0, Sarawak 0 Selangor 4; Group C: Kuala Lumpur 2 Malacca 0, Johor 1 Perak 0.
TUESDAY: Boys' Group A: Penang v Terengganu (KPM, 5pm), Negri v Kedah (KLHA, 5pm); Group B: Perak v Selangor (KPM, 7pm), Perlis v Sarawak (KLHA, 7pm).
GIRLS' Group A: Sabah v Selangor (KPM, 7,30am), Kelantan v Sarawak (KLHA, 7.30am); Group B: Pahang v Negri (KPM, 9,15am), Terengganu v Penang (KLHA, 9.15am); Group C: Perak v Malacca (KPM, 3pm), Johor v Kuala Lumpur (KLHA, 3pm).
Note: All matches at Jalan Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
National U16: Inka leads Sabah charge
by Jugjet Singh
Pic: Inka Shafika Juani
SABAH Girls' mauled Sarawak 10-0, with Inka Shafika Juani helping herself to a hat-trick in the National Under-16 tournament in Jalan Pantai Sunday.
Sabah, who beat Kedah 5-0 on Saturday, will face a sterner test in the next two matches against defending champions Selangor and Kelantan.
The 10 were scored by Cyra Cynthia Anis (fourth, 42nd), Sufiamira Basri (30th), Inka Shafika Juani (35th, 37th, 55th), Kersimah Kauran (48th), Melanie Juim (51st) and Flovenia Silverius (52nd, 57th).
Team manager Ibrisam Nadzri said: "We have been in full training for three weeks before arriving here but both the early matchs do not indicate our true strength. We face tougher opponents in Selangor and Kelantan, and that will be our real tests."
Selangor Girls' also won both the matches to date by hammering Kelantan 7-0 and Kedah 4-1.
RESULTS: Boys' Group A -- Kedah 0 Penang 2, Terengganu 0 Johor 2; Group B: Sarawak 2 Perak 5, Selangor 1 Malacca 3; Group C: Kuala Lumpur 2 Kelantan 3, Sabah 2 Pahang 1.
GIRLS' Group A: Sarawak 0 Sabah 10, Selangor 4 Kedah 1; Group B: Penang 0 Pahang 0, Negri 3 Terengganu 0.
MONDAY -- Boys' Group A: Negri v Johor (KPM, 5pm), Kedah v Terengganu (KLHA, 5pm); Group B: Perlis v Malacca (KPM, 7pm), Sarawak v Selangor (KLHA, 7pm); Group C: Kelantan v Pahang (KPM, 3pm), Kuala Lumpur v Sabah (KLHA, 3pm).
Girls' Group A: Kelantan v Kedah (KPM, 7.30am), Sarawak v Selangor (KLHA, 7.30am); Group C: Kuala Lumpur v Malacca (KPM, 9.15am), Johor v Perak (KLHA, 9.15am).
Note: All matches at Jalan Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Sabah and Pahang through to second round of U-16 meet
by S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah and Pahang qualified for the boys’ second round of the MHC-Milo Under-16 hockey championships in contrasting styles.
Playing in Group C, Sabah were 2-0 winners over winless Kuala Lumpur while Pahang had to stave off a fierce challenge from Kelantan before winning 6-4.
Sabah finished first with two wins and a draw for seven points while Pahang collected six points for second place.
Sabah penetrated the KL defence after only 11 minutes with Mohamed Izaz Afdhaal scoring a field goal. Mohd Hasdar Haruna added the second through a penalty corner in the 26th minute.
Sabah coach Hasrul Jideh was happy his players stuck to the game plan.
“We made fewer mistakes and were in control. We were confident but I told the players not to be complacent. The main objective was to get full points to reach the second round,” said Hasrul.
The Pahang-Kelantan clash was more thrilling and dramatic with Kelantan leading 4-3 at one stage only to crumble at the tailend of the match.
Wan Muhammad Najmie Ahmad Dzaib (fourth minute), Mohamad Shamir Rizmi Shamsul (14th), Mohammad Amirul Aiman Mohd Safei (22nd), Mohamad Hazim Mohd Ahir (44th), Wan Muhammad Najmie Ahmad Dzaib (48th) and Muhammad Syahir Hasif Harun (58th) netted for Pahang.
The scorers for Kelantan were Mohammad Syhadan Abdul Rahman (11th), Muhammad Hakimi Aseraf (17th), Muhammad Hakimi Aseraf Nordin (20th) and Muhammad Syahmi Aiman Mat Jusoh (26th).
Pahang coach Mohamed Soffian Mohamed praised his players for a splendid fightback.
“Kelantan were full of confidence after the draw with Sabah and win over KL. We didn’t play well in the early stages. But the players managed to regroup and did better in the last quarter.
“This is a lesson to the players not to under-estimate any teams. We have an experienced team but we’re not playing to our potential. We need to improve our performance in the second round,” said Soffian.
In the girls’ category, KL and Johor are through to the second round after registering their second win in Group C.
Yesterday, KL defeated Malacca 2-0 while Johor edged Perak 1-0 win.
In Group A, defending champions Selangor have virtually sealed their second-round place. They registered their third straight win by beating Sarawak 4-0.
Sabah are set to join Selangor in the next round after they demolished Kedah 5-0 for their second victory.
RESULTS
Boys
Group A: Negri Sembilan 1 Johor 1, Kedah 1 Terengganu 9.
Group B: Perlis 0 Malacca 3, Sarawak 2 Selangor 2.
Group C: Kelantan 4 Pahang 6, Kuala Lumpur 0 Sabah 2.
Girls
Group A: Kelantan 5 Kedah 0, Sarawak 0 Selangor 4.
Group C: Johor 1 Perak 0, Kuala Lumpur 2 Malacca 0.
TODAY’S FIXTURES
Boys
Education Ministry Turf
Group A: Penang vs Terengganu (5pm).
Group B: Perak vs Selangor (7pm).
Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium
Group A: Negri Sembilan vs Kedah (5pm).
Group B: Perlis vs Sarawak (7pm).
Girls
Education Ministry Turf
Group A: Sabah vs Selangor (7.30am).
Group B: Pahang vs Negri Sembilan (9.15am).
Group C: Perak vs Malacca (3pm).
Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium
Group A: Kelantan vs Sarawak (7.30am).
Group B: Terengganu vs Penang (9.15am).
Group C: Johor vs Kuala Lumpur (3pm).
The Star of Malaysia
David Knipe announced as Scotland U18 Boys’ Head Coach
Scottish Hockey is delighted to announce the appointment of David Knipe as Head Coach of Scotland’s U18 Boys’ squad.
David is the Head Coach of the Grange men’s first team squad, who are currently sitting in second place in men’s National League 1 and pushing reigning champions Bromac Kelburne all the way for the title. David will now also take on the responsibility of developing the next generation of male Scotland hockey stars.
The Scotland U18 boy’s finished third at EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow last year - and will aim to be equally competitive next time round, but with the emphasis on providing the appropriate support and opportunities for our aspiring young athletes to showcase their talents and grow their skills on the international stage.
Andy Tennant, Head of Performance for Scottish Hockey, said “We are delighted to have secured David’s services to help accelerate the development of our best young male athletes, with the ultimate goal of delivering more high quality hockey athletes into the under 21 and senior men’s programmes in future.
“David is an excellent example of a new breed of ambitious young coaches who will help us drive towards our ambition of delivering successful Scotland teams and podium athletes.”
David Knipe said, “It's a real honour and exciting challenge. I am looking forward to meeting and working with the squad and to helping play a part in their development as both people and players.”
The under 18 programme kicks off at Easter with a trip to Cardiff to play internationals against Wales and Switzerland.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
FIH announces restructuring of Committees and Panels to support the Hockey Revolution
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced changes to its Committee and Panel structures that oversee the management and development of the sport to align with the Hockey Revolution strategy.
All Committee and Panel membership has been disbanded, with the exception of the Athletes’ Committee, Judicial Commission and Disciplinary Commissioner. New Panels and Committees have been introduced, some have been refined and others have been completely removed from the new structure.
As a result FIH will be calling on nominations for all Committees. This year however there will be an extra emphasis on gender equality as Hockey’s 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy further integrates recommendations outlined by the International Olympic Committee and in Olympic Agenda 2020.
A prerequisite of each Committee is that each continent has representation and the Continental Federations will be asked to nominate one male and one female candidate from their region for consideration.
Whilst Committees will require continental nominations, Panels will be appointed directly by FIH, with all membership to be approved at the next FIH Executive Board meeting in June 2017.
Several new Panels have been created as part of the new structure and are designed to modernise and enhance the competency of hockey’s governing body. These include: International Relations & Olympic Solidarity Panel; Event Portfolio Implementation Panel; Home & Away League Management Panel and Commercial and Broadcast Panel.
A newly established Officials Committee has also been created. This Committee combines the Appointments Committee, Technical Officials development and appointments (formerly part of the Competitions Committee) and Umpiring Committee.
The HR & Governance Panel has been separated, with a new HR & Remuneration Panel created and a stand-alone Governance Panel established.
A significant development has been to widen the remit of the Medical Panel to a new Health & Safety Panel. It will look at not only medical matters for athletes but athlete health, safety and welfare both on and off the pitch.
The Competitions Committee will develop and implement the new regulations required to support the new Event Portfolio announced under the Hockey Revolution strategy.
Several other Panels have been abolished, with many of the responsibilities now being undertaken in-house. These include the Masters Panel as well as the High Performance & Coaching Panel, an area that the FIH Hockey Academy is currently managing.
With a new President, Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, elected in November 2016 followed by the appointment of a new CEO, Jason McCracken, three months later, hockey’s new leadership team took the opportunity to review and restructure the governance structure to support the FIH’s strategy.
Speaking about this, FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra said: “We are grateful to all of those who have given up their time to support our sport through Panels and Committees over the past years. Their contributions have helped the sport reach great heights. However, with the new event portfolio now in implementation mode we took the decision to refresh this structure at what is a crucial time for our sport. I am confident that these changes will help our sport continue to grow over the coming years. We look forward to receiving nominations over the coming months and announcing the new Committee and Panel membership after the June Executive Board meeting.”
FIH CEO Jason McCracken added: “It was critical that the FIH aligned our Committee and Panel structure to support the Hockey Revolution. With this new structure in place we are moving quickly to implement the new Event Portfolio, build our commercial and broadcast proposition while focusing on athlete and officials’ welfare. We are excited about the new structure and now the hard work begins to find the very best people, who share our vision, to join the new Committee and Panels as we move to the implementation phase of the new Event Portfolio.”
For more information about FIH’s Panels and Committees click here.
FIH site