Coaches reveal players' selection criteria for Africa Olympic hockey qualifiers

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HOCKEY Coaches reveal players' selection criteria for Africa Olympic hockey qualifiers

Abigael Wafula 10:01 - 07.08.2023

Team Kenya will return to South Africa with the hope of making a statement since they failed to deliver in 2019, at the same venue.

As dates draw closer for the Africa Olympic hockey qualifiers to be held in Pretoria, South Africa from October 29 to November 5, 38 players are set to be selected to fight for a slot in the Paris Olympics next year.

60 players had assembled at the City Park Hockey Stadium to showcase their skills and from them, 18 ladies will be selected while in the men’s side, 20 will make the cut.

Strathmore Scorpions head coach Meshack Senge told KBC Sport that there are various factors that will be looked at while selecting the team of 38.

“We have a selection criterion that looks at various parameters including your attendance, discipline, and most importantly your technical and tactical abilities.

"We shall also be looking at issues around team cohesion and adaptability to playing systems,” Senge said.

Meanwhile, the men’s national team head coach Fidelis Kimanzi also reiterated what Senge had said and noted that it was crucial if they have to make a mark.

“We are looking at basics…teamwork, how players are doing at the moment and most importantly we shall also be looking at players who want to be part of this for the long term,” he said.

Team Kenya will return to South Africa with the hope of making a statement since they failed to deliver in 2019, at the same venue. The winners of the event will automatically book slots for next year’s Olympic Games.

Kenyan men will be up against hosts South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe while their women's counterparts battle it out with the hosts, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.