Cameroon joins the Fray By Jean Serge Ofakem On December 27, 2020, •The Eastern region with . This was impossible the Cameroon Hockey a Club (Bertoua Hockey because of the financial Association launched the Sport Qcademy), limitations that confront- first edition of the Cam- •The Northwest region ed the relevant parties at eroon Hockey League with a club (Bamenda the said point. A notable (CHL). This League is the Hockey Sport Academy). point of emphasis is that very first national com- the Cameroonian Hock- petition which brings to- The Cameroon Hockey ey Association has not gether seven Clubs from Association thought that yet received aid from the across the country. it was necessary to start Cameroonian govern- Five regions of Came- by launching a national ment. However, in De- roon are represented in indoor hockey competi- cember 2020, the Cam- this competition. These tion because of the avail- eroon Hockey League include: able infrastructure. Cam- saw the light of day, with eroon does not yet have seven teams in the race •The central region with an artificial synthetic for the national title. three clubs (Elcom Hock- turf field. The limitation This initial party was ey Sport Academy, INJS has meant that a field at the Complexe Beac HC, Beac HC), hockey tournament was de Mvan gymnasium in •The Littoral region with impossible for this initial Yaoundé. The opening a Club (Edea Hockey edition. Nevertheless, match involved the INJS Sport Academy), the country has current- HC of Yaoundé facing off •The southern region ly embraced eleven-a- against Elcom Hockey with a club (Ebolowa side Hockey matches on Sport Academy. INJS HC Hockey Sport Academy), clay courts in the various recorded the first official regions. Further progress victory in this nation- should emanate from al league, winning 19 these foundations. against 14. It must be said that the Our thanks go to the launch of the Cameroon African Hockey Feder- Hockey League comes ation for its continued two years later than in- support, the President of itially forecasted in the the Cameroon Hockey ten-year development Association Jean Serge plan (2017-2027) set up ENANAK OFAKEM, for in 2017. According to this his availability and his strategy, the CHL would financial means for the launch in 2018 with four development of Hockey teams. in Cameroon. The future is bright. Of this, we are certain.

5 Politics-Administration Dichotomy By Dennis Ababio

Photo by ecna.com

Rethinking the Conti- Conclusively, the vision, Politics and adminis- nental Conversation structure, and strategy tration are inherently drawn to implement this different and should be It is existential and the programme are all that approached as such. Ad- leverage it offers is over- will make the objectives ministration lies outside whelming. We could suffice. National Federa- the spheres of politics seemingly refer to it as a tions like England, Aus- and the ignorance of it dignity journey from the tralia, and India among slows the pace of growth cliff’s edge. others have distin- and doing exploits, espe- I was prompted to at- guished themselves from cially in public spaces. tempt this piece after many with the practice of Maintaining this differ- a glance through FIH’s this theory in its internal ence can potentially be strategy (Hockey2024); governance of the game. substantial and sustain a five-year strategy to What of Africa? effective and efficient promote and develop governance among the the game *at all levels* The Antidote to Ineffec- National Federations throughout the world. tive Governance of the in Africa. South African Its promising and in- Sport Among African Hockey has 3 full-time spiring posture spells Federations staff: a general manag- out four strategic areas: Politics-Administration er and an administrator participation, education, Dichotomy is the the- based in Tshwane, infrastructure, and in- ory that constructs the spiration. Within these boundary between poli- four areas are 8 strategic tics and administration, Its promising and in- goals, that exist to help asserting the normative spiring posture spells guide the development relationship between of hockey through to elected officials and out four strategic are- 2024. administrators in a given as: participation, edu- society. cation, infrastructure, and inspiration 6 and the national youth man- The overall vision of the fed- The country has adopted ager based in Port Elizabeth. eration or association is at the corporate-political dif- The executive board compris- the center of this effort. ference, with its dominance es volunteers. An administrative and cor- exemplifying the success of Currently, all federations porate setup solely based on the approach. under the African Hockey meritocracy will yield results A similar scenario can be Federation (AfHF) but South within comprehensive time- shown of one of the most Africa has not ‘believed’ this lines. It should give no room successful federations in the theory. To maximize the Poli- to ineffectiveness, as the world, India Hockey. When tics-Administration Dichoto- organizations are within their Hockey India appointed Ms my theory at the AfHF level, rights to dismiss the poor Elena Norman as CEO and there should be a balance in performers. The power of the others to manage adminis- numbers; between the elect- elected officials is separated trative duties, the outfit saw ed officials and the corporate from the merit-based admin- a gargantuan rise in revenue, and administrative officers. istration. Sports governance and Hockey India’s league This provides room for exten- should focus on creating became one of the most rec- sive attention to corporate such efficiencies. The para- ognized in the world. During themes like marketing and digm shift would elicit ac- her term as the CEO of Hock- communications, finance, countability among African ey India, the Indian Women and administration, as op- federations, ensuring pro- Hockey team qualified for posed to relying on volun- gress in positive conduct. the Olympic Games after 36 teerism in such vital themes. years, taking part in the 2016 in positive conduct. Rio Olympics and climbing The Politics-Administration The national federations to No. 9 in FIH Rankings. Dichotomy theory theory within the AfHF should not Besides, the Junior Men’s seeks to cultivate efficiency see financing as a barrier to Hockey Team won the Jun- and effectiveness, checks implementing this theory. The ior Hockey World Cup 2016 and balances, professional- change would be instrumen- and the Indian Men’s Hock- ism, and political and policy tal in shifting the sport from ey team ranked No. 5 in the neutrality. the ‘hobby like and ‘non-re- FIH Rankings. In July 2019, Thus, elected officials (pol- sourcing volunteerism’ ap- she had been announced as icymakers/ the board/ po- proach. South African Hock- a Finalist in two categories litical leads) will be free to ey is a member of the South Business Woman of the Year make and implement policies African Sports Confederation Award and the Spirit of Sport and actions. The corporate and Olympic Committee Award. setup takes up all set poli- (SASCOC), the Africa Hockey Meritocracy works. Modern cies and objectives, develops Federation (AHF), and the approaches to administra- strategies with guidance International Hockey Federa- tion and governance reduce from elected officials, and tion (FIH). the place of archaic ways, carve out day-to-day action in sports and other areas. It plans and strategies. is time the African national federations contemplated the implications of the Poli- tics-Administration Dichot- omy theory. Breaking away from the already existing style will do wonders for the sport. The egg must be broken to make an omelet.

7 TOP STORY: By Makhtum Muziransa Italy Opens Windows for Ugandan hockey

Richichi- The Main Man “From my first day at the Richichi’s journey in Ugan- It is a hot Sunday afternoon sports centre in Lugogo, I dan hockey started as a and Francesco Richichi can- saw good players with a well-wisher usually pres- not quite believe what he desire to play but most of ent to watch and donate to seeing. The Italian is in Ugan- them were resigned to being Weatherhead Hockey Club in da, coaching the men’s na- anonymous and playing in 2018. However, he has con- tional hockey team planning difficult conditions,” Richichi tinued to stamp his turned to participate at the 2019 shares. He started focusing influence on the game and is Olympic Africa Qualifiers, on promoting his players. No a genuine stakeholder. and has taken his job in good one can quantify the ripple stride. He genuinely loves effect of playing profession- working with these play- ally both for individuals and ers. For all Uganda’s lack of the national team. international exposure, there So, when Richichi’s friend is some interesting talent to Filippo Treno, was appointed work with here. coach at Pistoia and failed to “Again, Baguma,” he mutters, secure some players, in a heavy Italian accent, an opportunity presented. every time there is a positive According to hockeylove.it, action in Uganda’s attack. an Italy-based online pub- And I really mean every time! lication, Richichi came to The Wananchi Hockey Club Treno’s rescue. He recom- attacking midfielder Emma- mended Baguma and Colline nuel Baguma, is peerless! Batusa in February. The two He sprays the right passes have since committed their at will to his forwards and efforts in helping Pistoia pro- switches at times to recycle gress from the second to the possession. He presses, cre- first division. ates goals, scores others, “Emmanuel is having no and learns to inject penalty problems as he is good with corners with pace. Every day a strong character. Colline is of watching him is witness- still struggling to express his ing growth. You can tell he is full potential as he is more destined for a payday some- emotional at the moment but day, somewhere! he will come good,” Richi- “In a few years of being chi, who returns to Uganda in Uganda, I passed my Uganda did not make it to in July to train the national ideas to the clubs and Stellenbosch because they team for the Africa Cup due we have built a national lacked the funds. In this, January 2022 in Ghana, team. I want to thank Richichi sensed a missed op- shares. the Uganda Hockey portunity to expose his play- The International Aspi- Association (UHA) and ers and get some rewarded ration Olympic Committee with chances they deserve to And they are not the first. (UOC) as they also have a play the game under better Before them, Richichi helped desire to grow. I love them conditions. Innocent Mbabali secure a and hope we can do great The Wananchi Hockey move to Hockey Team Bolo- things together because I gna last year. Mbabali was love good challenges,” the Club attacking mid- an instant hit bringing his Italian added. fielder Emmanuel Ba- versatility to the team in the guma, is peerless! first division. -Fransesco Richichi 8 He continues to push for A few players like Derrick And one of the bigger moti- opportunities that are open Akuwa had worked their con- vations in their camp was a to him and many will be tacts to get a feel of hockey chance to join their three col- grateful for that. Many of his in Europe. However, Akuwa’s leagues in Italy or elsewhere friends in the rest of Europe exposure was not full time. in the world. are taking note of what is With Italy’s current open- These players have also happening and if all goes door policy, Ugandans might grown up with some of according to plan, then more just have unlocked another their peers who have turned opportunities will open up for reason to play the game they around their fortunes, trav- other players to have interna- love. elled the world, and turned tional into household names by club experience. Talent in Slumber playing boxing, rugby, foot- ball, netball, and cricket. “Many of my friends ask There is a hunger that burns Most of them are just looking about Ugandan players and deep inside Ugandan hockey for a similar chance. many of the players were players. And nowhere did this noticed in the Test Series in become more apparent than . But they need to be at the Federation of Inter- protagonists at the Africa national Hockey (FIH) Series Cup in January.” held at Sikh Union Club in However, it is deeper than Nairobi. Uganda’s men beat just going to Italy or Europe Kenya - a regional power- for players from this part of house at all levels - twice, the world. For years (since and held the team to a draw 2007 for men and eternity once. for women), Ugandans have played hockey for fun and The experience out of love for the game. proved one thing; it’s There was never anything never a lack of talent else to drag players to the here but a shortage pitch. With no national team of opportunities to assignments to look forward showcase that talent. to, there was no bigger mo- In the movie, Cin- tivation to play beyond local derella Man, James club rivalries. Even playing Braddock is a hapless abroad meant looking just lightweight boxer at next door to Kenya. Mbabali the start and bows had had such a stint in 2018 out of the game with a bro- with United States Interna- ken wrist – a decision that tional University (USIU) in leaves him wallowing in pov- 2018. erty. Later with a hunger to ‘fight for milk’ for his family, A few players like Derrick Braddock accepts an offer to Akuwa had worked their con- fight the world’s number two tacts to get a feel of hockey with a shot at fighting the in Europe. However, Akuwa’s best of the best. He takes his exposure was not full time. boxing seriously again and With Italy’s current open- lives happily ever after. door policy, Ugandans might For the Ugandans team, just have unlocked another these were not just games reason to play the game they but the ‘milk’ was an oppor- love. tunity to change the history of the game back home 9

Little People- Jairus Muzembi ‘Boca’ By Zawadi Gathenge

List anything you would need as an emergency in the hock- ey field, he will find it for you. From kits to equipment, he will know where and when it is available. All you have to do is ask and he will find it. Even after you forgot you needed it, there it will be. Show us your money, he has what you asked for.

Recently, the Kenya Hockey Union has found it efficient to use his skills to their advan- tage. His role in sourcing the National Team’s kit has been profound. It is impressive to see such commitment to growing our young entrepre- neurs.

Who is he, though?

Jairus Boca is a hockey play- er, an entrepreneur, and a teacher. He previously held It does not matter whether the keeper’s position at Ka- Ngumu! the sun is killing you or you rate Hockey Club, before are covered in multiple jack- making a shift to Sailors No. Not what you are think- ets to keep away the cold. (formerly Chase Sailors). He ing, you Kenyan reader you! You will buy the ice popsi- also played for the Kenyatta Not the eatable stuff. cles. When there is a match University Vultures. That is just Boca, and his re- in Nairobi and its environs, Boca is also an English-Liter- sponse to literally everything you can always count on ature teacher, with a Bache- you ask him to do. Boca to be there. As you all lor’s degree in the area from If it is funny, Ngumu! If it is trudge through the mud to Kenyatta University. Beyond hard, Ngumu! New? ...well, make it to JKUATs pitches in that, he can be anything you ngumu! the bush, he is ahead of you, want to be, from your enter- with unlimited energy. When tainer to master of ceremony. In our first edition of Little you are contemplating how People, he is our main man. you will get back to the city The Little People. Jairus Boca is among the after matches in the distant These are the people that engines that keep our sport Africa Nazarene University, make the wheels go round. running. he is there. City Park on a Stick around for more in the Mostly it is in the back- rainy day, who is that? Boca! next edition. ground. Every weekend, he Ready to sell! will place his ice-cooler on one of the benches and ap- The Man! proach the easiest target. He is the man, literally. Do “Watu wakule ice bana you need socks? “Tafuta Boca (Come on people, have some (Look for Boca)”. A shirt? ice)” he starts. Same deal. 11 FROM GOLD COAST TO GHANA- THE MAN WHO WAS By Dennis Ababio

DR. EMMANUEL EVANS AM- Aboagye ejects and Saa- The initial efforts to develop FOM (October 7, 1919 - April rah-Mensah records the first the game were propagat- 7, 2021) goal with a powerful hit to ed by Mr. Wartenberg, E. K the right foot of the keeper. Okoh, and his wife, Theodo- Ghana’s First World Cup Dr. Amfom takes off the piece sia Okoh, then a teacher, and - Africa Cup/ World Cup of handkerchief covering his Mr. Kwesi Appiah. Qualifiers Egypt 1974 head to wave in jubilation. Dr. Amfom was the only The flies and heat are gone Chairman before Independ- It is day one, match one for from his mind. ence when the association Ghana, at its maiden Afri- was Gold Coast Hockey As- ca Cup of Nation’s in Cairo, The game ends with Ghana sociation. He was the found- Egypt. A crowd has formed, clinching the three maximum er of the Gold Coast Hockey and Egypt is proving a formi- points. Association. He eventually dable side. became the first Chairman It’s the second half already of the newly formed Ghana and 14 minutes into the half. The Beginnings Hockey Association in 1960, a Tension has been building. When Dr. Amfom arrived while after E. K Okoh passed away. Theodosia Okoh be- Dr. Emmanuel Evans Amfom from his studies at Edinburgh came the Vice-Chairman as has conspicuously placed his University in Scotland in of then. handkerchief on his balding 1947, he was among the few head. Is it the heat? The flies? who could relate with hock- Theodosia Okoh took over Dennis Ababio creates a ey, a game which was then as the first female Chairper- penalty corner with a quick played by the expats in Forts, son in 1961 after Dr. Amfom’s dribble to find the left foot of Castles, and other top senior transfer to Tarkwa as a medi- the Egyptian’s left half. high schools. cal practitioner. 12 The latter’s role, however, .His mother, Mary Evans, was emerged on occasion. Dr. the daughter of William Tim- Amfom led the Ghana Hock- othy Evans, a teacher-cat- ey Delegation to the Cairo echist of the Basel Mission 1974 Africa Cup/ World Cup Middle School or the Salem Qualifiers and the 1975 Kuala School at Osu. Lumpur World Cup. Between then and his death in 2016, Medical Career and his life has been a glorious Vice-Chancellor tribute to society and the Evans-Anfom worked in sport. various hospitals in the gov- Some Achievements and ernment medical system: Awards Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, 1934: Listed on the Honour Dunkwa-On-Offin Govern- Board of the Salem School, ment Hospital, Tarkwa Gov- Osu ernment Hospital, the Kuma- 1968: Elected 1934: Listed si Central Hospital, Tamale on the Honour Board of the Government Hospital, and Salem School, Osu Effia Nkwanta Hospital in Se- 1968: Elected president of the kondi. He accepted the first He was a member of the Ghana Medical Association Ghanaian surgeon’s, Charles Council of State in the Hilla 1971: Elected Fellow of the Odamtten Easmon, offer in Limann government from Ghana Academy of Arts and 1963 for a teaching profes- 1979 to 1981 and a myriad of Sciences sorship position at the then other roles in higher educa- 1974: Honorary Doctor of Sci- newly established University tion and the Examinations ence (Hon. D.Sc.), University of Ghana Medical School. Council. of Salford 1996: Honorary doctorate In 1958, Evans-Anfom Dr. Emmanuel Evans Amfom in literature (honoris causa) co-founded the Ghana paid his dues to Ghana. From Hon. D.Litt. by the Akrofi Medical Association togeth- his personal life to his career, Christaller Institute, Akro- er with Charles Odamtten and hockey. He forever will pong Akuapim Easmon, Silas Dodu, Anum remain in the hearts of the 1983-1998: Chairman of the Barnor, and Dr. Schandorf. nation, especially the hockey Inter-Church and Ecumeni- Dr. Anfom served as the sec- enclave. cal Relations Committee of ond Vice-Chancellor of the Ghana Kwame Nkrumah University This write-up is based on an 2003: Awarded honorary of Science and Technology interview conducted by the Doctor of Science degree (KNUST) from 1967 to 1973, author of this piece and the (D.Sc.) by the KNUST introducing the matriculation late Dr. Emmanuel Evans 2006: Decorated with the Or- ceremony into the institution. Amfom at his residence on der of the Star of the Ghana the 26th November 2016. Association Commissioner of Educa- tion Credit: Linkfam, Daniel Early Life Evans-Anfom served as the Owulaku Lomotey, Nii Teiko, A member of the Ga-Dangme Commissioner of Education Evans Amfom people of Accra, Evans-An- under the military govern- fom was born on 7 October ments of Fred Akuffo of the 1919 at the Evans family Supreme Military Council and house, High Street, Accra. later, Jerry John Rawlings’ His father, William Quarshie Provisional National Defence Anfom, was of Shai and Nze- Council in the late 1970s and ma origin. early 1980s. 13 14 I am Just a Spectator… What do I Know? By Andrew Mogaka How the stick makes contact with the ball is so important. You can stop, pass, deflect, divert the ball with a sin- gle movement. Is there any better sound than that of the ball hitting the board for a goal? Unless that sound is in your own goal. A good goal- keeper orchestrates proceed- ings from the back, as he or she is the only person who can see everyone on the pitch at any time. The hockey play- er is a multi-tasking mas- ter: running, bending, while controlling a pass, receiving a pass, making a tackle, joining the attack, falling Why do we love hockey? Does The ball is too small, the back to defend, running it pay? This would be the first rules too difficult to follow. into the ‘D’ area to score, or question? The goalkeeper is over- prevent a goal, changing No, it doesn’t, sorry, at least dressed; can he really see from defending to attacking, not here! Large crowds don’t anything through that hel- while aware all the time of throng hockey matches, most met? There is not one referee the teammate’s position. As spectators are players who on the pitch, but two. And for the short corner, the ball have just played the previous how do they manage to see can be at the back of the net game, or are waiting to play the ball, the fouls? Don’t they in under three seconds, and the next game. Sponsors are confuse each other with dif- the defenders can do nothing not falling all over each oth- ferent decisions? Then there’s about it. Google Floris Jan er to be associated. Whose a long corner and a short Bovelander, who may single- game is it, anyway? How did corner... handedly have been respon- we get to know about his To the player, it is a differ- sible for the change in the game, and grow to love it? ent experience, probably. short corner rule. Get this: There are drawings from an Everyone can see the ball. 215 goals in 241 international ancient tomb found in Egypt, The thrill begins with prepa- matches. showing that about 4,000 ration. The uniform. Shin We can all agree that hock- years ago, a game very sim- guards, hockey stick, mouth ey in Kenya is not in the best ilar to hockey was played. In guard(maybe). Discussing state of health. There isn’t the 16th century China, and tactics. If the game is at City enough hockey being played, Mongolia for over 1,000 years Park Stadium, Nairobi there pandemic or no pandemic. a game called Beikou, similar is the adrenalin rush just be- There should be a thriving, to hockey, was played. The fore you enter, and hear the vibrant premier league, with Arabs, Greeks, Persians, and sound of the umpire’s whistle. at least twenty teams, both Romans each had their own You want to be on the pitch. for men and women, and a versions. It isn’t very clear how You have to be on the pitch. country-wide league, where hockey eventually found its The sound of the ball slicing teams battle it out to earn way here but as early as 1900, through a well-watered as- the right to join the premier hockey was played largely by troturf surface is something league. the Sikh and Goan communi- that you can’t forget. On a ties. To we who are less famil- dry surface, the ball doesn’t Only then will we have cor- iar with hockey, it’s the most move well; that must be porate sponsors lining up. dangerous game on earth; frustrating. The ball needs to Meanwhile, I am just a spec- everyone is armedwith a stick be caressed from one player tator... what do I know? ready to hurt someone. to another, with just the right amount of force and timing. 15 Uganda Hockey- Great Strides Forward By Thomas Odongo

March 2021 was such a sig- However, Kenya women’s The ranking applied the new nificant month for Uganda side won all their matches World Ranking model, which hockey, both on and off the (11-00, 6-0, and 5-0 respec- took effect from January 1, turf. Great developments tively) against 2020, after approval by the have occurred within the Uganda. Both teams com- FIH Executive Board. Moving fraternity in a space of just 10 prise of fresh off-the-boat away from the previous tour- days. players, with the majority nament-based ranking sys- On the turf, the national having their first interna- tem, this new match-based sides (men and women) took tional experience during this system involves an exchange part in the FIH ratified test tournament. of points between the two matches/series against their teams competing in each Kenyan counterparts. This After the Nairobi event, match played. The number of event was between 18th and Ugandan national teams points exchanged depends 21st March 2021 at Sikh Un- (men and women) attained on the result of the match, ion Club in Nairobi. On the the FIH Men’s and Women’s the relative ranking of the other hand, administratively, World Ranking. Before the teams, and the importance the local hockey governing current one, Uganda last had of the match. body Uganda Hockey Asso- an international ranking in ciation (UHA) held an elec- 2007 when the senior men’s Uganda Hockey Association tive Annual General Meeting team had an engagement (UHA) General Secretary, on Saturday, 27th March in the 2008 Olympic qualifi- Stanley Tamale who is also at Lugogo Sports Complex, ers. Ugandan national sides an umpire and has been . become the latest teams to around the national sides for attain global ranking. How- a while now narrates that the The Test Series ever, they currently remain at ranking is a huge boost for To start with the test series, the bottom of their respective the game here in Uganda. Uganda men’s side dominat- categories. ed their Kenyan counterparts Uganda’s men’s team is winning two of their three ranked 91st globally with After the Nairobi event, games and registering one 126.013 points while the Ugandan national teams draw in the process (1-1, 1-0, women’s team is ranked 76th (men and women) at- with 77.359 points. and 2-0 respectively). tained the FIH Men’s and Women’s World Ranking 16 “It means immense footing Wafula also aims to sit down Stanley Tamale who has to move forward. It becomes with his new team and spell been Assistant General Sec- easier to lobby both locally out both short and long-term retary is now Secretary Gen- and internationally. It’s also plans for the game with do- eral himself after getting motivation for the players mestic competitive play still eight votes against Joseph and technical teams to work at a halt for over a year now Kamin who had four. Ken- harder to move up the rank- due to COVID-19 disruptions. neth Tamale (10 votes) won ings,” Tamale said. in the treasurer race, Richard “We must have a focus. Our Ssemwogerere (eight votes) Local Elections target is not only the Africa is the new Organizing Sec- Cup of Nations (ACN) that retary while Saddam Hus- On administrative grounds, will be held in Ghana next sein (eight votes) is the new Uganda Hockey elective AGM year but other engagements Publicity Secretary. Innocent saw Philip Wafula takeover as well. We must have a Raskara, Martin Okello, and from Lydia Gloria Dhamuzu- focus; where do we want Bridget Baine are the new ngu as the new Chairperson. to see hockey in the imme- committee members. They Wafula, who has been the diate, medium, and long were all unopposed. Uganda Hockey General term? We shall also work on However, the new Uganda Secretary, got nine votes grassroots development and Hockey leadership has also while Dhamuzungu, who is as well take hockey beyond one lady, Bridget Baine who the incumbent, got three. 12 Kampala,” Wafula added. is a committee member and delegates from six clubs cast He also points out that, as a possibly cannot make execu- their votes in the open-ballot way of reinstating compet- tive decisions. This has elicit- election. itive play, UHA will invent a ed severe criticism regarding Among other objectives, mini-league that will involve the gender imbalance. Only Wafula now seeks to bridge schools but domestic com- three women had contested the gap between clubs that petitions will be reinstated as for elective positions but only he says have been in exist- well. Baine who was unopposed ence for some time now. alongside two men went “Interestingly, Lydia and I In the other races, former through. Incumbent Chair- come from the same club Publicity Secretary Josh- person Dhamuzungu was (Weatherhead) but I was ua Opolot got nine votes voted out while Namubiru nominated by other teams to claim the position of who was once a committee that do not belong to me. I Vice-Chairperson. Incum- member had her attempt for now want to bent Michael Nashimolo the Vice-Chairperson posi- bridge the gap between got no votes while Fatumah tion fall through. clubs and make sure we are Namubiru had three. New Uganda Hockey one family,” Wafula said. Executive Committee Chairperson: Philip Wafula Mulindo Vice-Chairperson: Joshua Opolot General Secretary: Stanley Tamale Treasurer: Kenneth Tamale Organizing Secretary: Richard Ssemwogerere Publicity Secretary: Saddam Hussein Committee Members: 1. Innocent Raskara 2. Martin Okello 3. Bridget Baine 17

A Thousand Winning Ways By Dennis Ababio

“Now hear me; I have asked I don’t think “consistent” was If I’m being completely hon- you to stop running and not to a word that anyone would use est, I think the whole trajec- stop playing hockey. to describe my competitive tory of my life might have We are down, but if it ends style. It was nerve-wrack- changed at that moment as this way, we will all not be in ing for me to go out there, well. That was the day I knew the Tokyo Olympics. This has compete in front of a crowd I wanted to take the athletics been a dream we had always of friends, family, and team- career international. That wanted to work for. Go back mates. I tried to hold myself to also put me on the path to and play hockey”. an impossibly high standard knowing that I wanted to That was the exact quote. It and I was never quite sure coach. The sport had given is over a year but I could tell of myself. In a sport like ath- me so much and I wanted to you, word-for-word, that was letics, when you’re out there pay it forward.” – Benjamin the quote. I can still envi- on your own, confidence is Azameti, (4*100m Gold-med- sion the South African Men’s everything. Unfortunately, it allist- African Champion- coach’s face when he said it felt like confidence was a skill ship). to the team and my reaction I had not come even close to as a spectating commentator. mastering. Intentional Coaching, The team was a goal down Deliberate Influence in the third quarter in a qual- And then Coach told me I Be very intentional about ifier-deciding match for the could take down anyone in the words you use with your Tokyo Olympics. My feelings the tracks. And it was like a athletes because you never at this point remain as clear switch flipped in my head. “I know which ones will change as they were on that day. can?” I thought. “I can.” the course of their lives. This The SA men’s team came out has become one of my core on top with 3 goals to 1 that I went on to win the first beliefs. day. They had something ex- tournament of my University tra, something more than the career the very next race. I Egyptians. upset the fourth, second and ‘ I’ll admit I still get first-seeded athletes to make goosebumps sometimes Insights from Benjamin it happen. My coach award- when I think about the Azameti ed me the Most Outstanding moment when my ath- “I’ll admit I still get goose- athlete of the entire event at any training practice thereaf- letics career has been a bumps sometimes when I roller coaster of ups and think about the moment when ter. The coach said one sen- my athletics career has been tence to me and the trajectory downs a roller coaster of ups and of my whole athletics career -Benjamin Azameti changed. downs. 19 Years later, I see this lesson Using different and unique revolve around their other proven again and again. It tactics to build and reinforce endeavors. I know that this is seems like almost all suc- the type of culture you want exactly the kind of strategy cessful sportsmen and wom- to create, really helps your that will make the culture of en have a story similar. I’m message cut through the producing highly motivated always so amazed and hum- noise and become internal- and passionate athletes con- bled at the stories they tell ized by your athletes and sistent. about how coaches or train- their parents so much more The reality is that any single ers impacted their lives. Of- quickly. tactic like this is helpful, but ten, they remember a single Utilizing this kind of crea- it’s the bigger picture, the sentence a coach might have tive strategy to reinforce the sum of all of the many ways uttered to them and it sticks impact of our words (and we build a culture in any with them for decades. nonverbal communication!) sport that creates a lifetime is something that should impact. Over the years, we It’s really easy for us to forget be focused on. After some have come up with many this, but part of the power thought about this subject, other unique, creative strat- of coaching is that a con- here’s what I came up with egies to help reinforce the versation can be so much for moments before a sports type of positive, caring, com- more than just that. It’s one season begins. mitted culture that we know of those things that’s easy makes our athletes success- to overlook unless we make The Impact Frame ful. it a part of our culture. It I reached out to have an in- As I write this, I’m reminded all comes down to culture. teraction with a lot of youth- of the Billy Graham quote: An even more fundamental ful sportsmen and women “One coach will impact more belief I hold as a sports en- and asked them to share young people in a year than thusiast is that we can all in- their reflections on personal most people do in a lifetime.” tentionally mold the culture interactions they had with My greatest hope is that we we want in our practices and each of their coaches. Most can all use our positions to training. We must start by of them tend to be playing make a positive impact on thinking outside the box and sport and more passionate our athletes that transcends using creative strategies and about it just because of what the game and lasts a life- tactics to reinforce what’s their coaches tell them and time! most important. how the coach’s philosophies And to do that, we must be very intentional about every single word, because they matter. Just for the culture, be inten- tional about what you say to your athletes.

It’s really easy for us to forget this, but part of the power of coach- ing is that a conversa- tion can be so much more than just that.

20 Kenya and Uganda need each other more than ever By Makhtum Muziransa

FIH BI-NATION TEST SE- .Ironically, there has been As second vice president of RIES RESULTS little acknowledgment of the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) efforts of their women, who and U-20 national team beat Uganda by a combined coach, Malungu is tasked to MEN 21 goals in three games. ensure their strategic plan Thursday: Kenya 1-1 comes to fruition. He is bent Uganda On the other hand, Uganda on doing that with a younger Saturday: Kenya 0-1 has heavily celebrated its team hungry to learn new Uganda men’s results and also turned ways. Sunday: Kenya 0-2 a blind eye to the abysmal performance of the Hockey In Uganda, Kenya sees a Uganda She Cranes. partner with whom they can have a symbiotic relationship WOMEN “First, we need to know why to develop stronger nation- Thursday: Kenya 11-0 we are playing these test se- al teams from East Africa. Uganda ries,” Kenya assistant coach For years Kenya has walked Saturday: Kenya 6-0 Mike Malungu said. this journey alone. Uganda’s “Once we establish the why, men’s national teams had Uganda we will be able to assess the hitherto had no exposure Sunday: Kenya 5-0 results from a better perspec- since 2007 while the women Uganda tive. had never taken part in an FIH-sanctioned competition. Both Uganda and Kenya can- The fans, of course, want to And if they do not harness not let the results of April’s win every match but we have this relationship, they are 2021 FIH (Federation of Inter- a long-term project to estab- likely to fall into the same national Hockey) Test Series lish structures and develop a trap their neighbors have held in Nairobi get to them. team that will compete and been in. not just participates at major Kenyan fans have since then tournaments,” Malungu add- First, we need to know ed after he and head coach taken to social media to why we are playing these express anger after their side Fidelis Kimanzi were accused lost two and drew once in of drastically overhauling test series, Once we es- their three encounters with their national team in favor tablish the why, we will be Uganda’s male side – Hockey of younger players able to assess the results Cranes. from a better perspective -Mike Malungu 21 . One where the national by benchmarking on Kenyan from their schools. In 2011, teams go into major tourna- hockey, calls it “a very good representing St. Mary’s Col- ments without any practice idea.” lege Kisubi (Smack) as play- matches. er-coach, Kasasa was voted Malungu has asked his Part of Uganda’s success the most valuable player at detractors; “What have we over Kenya last week can be the edition held in Mbarara. done in the past 30 years? attributed to the familiarity In 2013, he coached Smack We may beat Uganda with a some of the Cranes garnered to bronze. In that team, he more experienced team but from playing some of their had Ashraf Tumwesigye, Pe- then how does that help us if Kenyan rivals during the Fed- ter Walusansa, and Timothy we go to the Africa Cup and eration of East Africa Sec- Ntumba – three players he lose 7-2 to Egypt as has been ondary School Sports Associ- has built his national team the case?” ation (FEASSSA) Games over defensive unit around. Al- the years. fred Agaba, who scored the Kenya has since 2007 gone to final goal in the 2-0 win in two Nations Cups and three “Ugandans are no pushovers, Nairobi, was a keeper in that Olympic qualifiers but apart we have been playing hock- 2013 team. Most of the other from having their players ey with them in secondary players on the national team accumulate caps, there are school games and whenever like Brian Okodi, Maxwell no other noteworthy achieve- their clubs visit western Ken- Mugisha, Stuart Kavuma, and ments from those trips. “We ya,” Malungu, who has also Martin Okello have represent- need to have something like used FEASSSA as one of the ed Kakungulu alongside their rugby () or football platforms to develop players peers Emmanuel Baguma and (Cecafa), where we (Uganda for his club Western Jag- Colline Batusa who are now and Kenya) test our players uars through Musingu High on semi-professional stints in annually (in-home and away School and other Kakamega Italy. fixtures) before we engage in institutions, said. Namusoke’s major competitions,” Malun- knowledge of the Kenyans, While most of the coaches gu said. which is limited to her school have been involved in this days as a player at King’s grassroots program to develop This is no strange idea for College Budo, was also not players for their club, with the the countries who have both as rich as Kasasa’s as she has regular FIH Series, the narra- gone back to the drawing not been involved in schools’ tive can change to consciously board for different reasons; development. building national team play- Uganda to revive national Most of the players on the ers on even better pitches. teams and Kenya to rebuild. men’s side have grown un- Kasasa, who has developed der coach Vincent Kasasa’s The schools’ activities are usu- players for his club Weather- watch while he has also ac- ally held on grass and red-dirt head - tively watched others grow pitches but regular national team engagements on water-based pitches like the one at Sikh Union Club and City Park in Nai- robi will highly enhance the technical abilities of players. Kenya has since 2007 gone to two Nations Cups and three Olym- pic qualifiers but apart from having their players accumulate caps, there are no other noteworthy 22 achievements from those A shuttle between games, Para Badminton and Hockey By Perpetua Makana

Scaling the heights needs I really wanted to do the In late 2018, Ojwang joined determination, resilience, most to satisfy my cravings.’ the Kenya Para Badminton enough motivation, and the In his quest for new ventures, team whereby he excelled urge to learn each day. Basi- he had options ranging from the trials following his back- cally, this is the life of a gam- basketball, hockey and ground in the sport. In the er, a player, and a passionate rugby. With the right influ- first take he won against the sports person. ence, in the form of Aredha then Kenya One, becoming Mandela, he joined hockey the favorite. In an interview, On the ones and twos, allow and that became the muse Ojwang shed light about the me introduce to you to one he had been looking for. With para badminton elaborating, such figure, Antony Ojwang the new addition, he had to ‘It’s called para badmin- Otwal, an alumnus of Hom- work his way around it to ton because it comprises of abay high school. On the perfect his skills and quench people with disabilities. It has second year of high school his passion. people from different varia- Ojwang started a life that tions as they have different has had him glued to his After three years of bliss, physical disabilities but that dreams, never to look back. Ojwang exited Homabay does not limit their skills and The badminton journey start- high school to join Jomo Ken- passion.’ Illustrated Otwal. ed and it was a success as he yatta University of Agricul- fast became the best play- ture and Technology (JKUAT). In 2019, Otwal represented er in the region, bagging a Being active in hockey from the country in Uganda for an number of accolades. In all 2014 upon joining Bay Hock- international para badmin- the single games he partici- ey club, he had a couple ton tournament. Appearing pated in, he came out as the of glorious chances. These in three categories: single best player as he topped in included the position as the matches, doubles and mixed the competitions. Kenya Hockey Union Nation- doubles, he came in second al League runners up for Bay in the single matches and In a one on one with Ojwang, Hockey Club 2016, gaining in the double matches, and he had it that, ‘Despite all promotion to the premier third in the mixed doubles. the winnings, I still felt it was league, and the 2019 Nation- He earned 2 silvers and 1 not enough and I had to add al League championships bronze. something else to my plate, for JKUAT Wildcats HC, gain- preferably an outdoor sport. ing promotion to the super league.

23 Wrapping up the tourna- ment, he was second overall but first in the continent. Asking of his aspirations, he had the following to quote, ‘I aspire to play and win the Paralympics. I am not sure if I will qualify for the upcom- ing 3rd Fazza- Dubai Para Badminton international tournament but come 2024, I am certain that I will qualify and emerge the winner.’ Said Otwal.

In the process of shuttling between games, Ojwang has taken the words of Jamie Paolinnetti to heart. Imply- ing, ‘Limitations only live in our minds but if we use our imaginations, our possibil- ities become limitless.’ This has been his driving force and they keep him going as days pass by. Disabilities are not limitations and the how much one can dream can only be determined by self. Going up the ladder is easy but what you do once you get up there, matters.

Closing the file of Antony Ojwang Otwal, I leave you with this,’ In greater at- tempts, its glorious even to fail.’ It will not matter in the moment but eventually it will. Keep on keeping on. Adi- os!

‘I aspire to play and win the Paralympics. I am not sure if I will qualify for the upcoming 3rd Faz- za- Dubai Para Badminton interna- tional tournament but come 2024, I am certain that I will qualify and emerge the winner.’ - Anthony Ojwang Otwal 24

If you can’t play, let someone By Conrad Mandela

With many years of com- an impact in his field hockey Despite the Covid-19 pan- petitive hockey and trophies journey directly or indirectly. demic that destabilized under his belt, Goldstein In this regard, he has opened everything across the Mambiri has decided to give doors beyond imagination. world and brought almost back to society. Having rec- Goldstein Hockey Founda- everything to a standstill, ognized the mismatch in tion (GHF) appreciates and Blue Pirates was anticipating opportunities in passionate natures young talent and its debut match and a start players limited in various polishes already existing tal- to their journey to the top ways in regards to field hock- ent. Young men and women hockey tier. Their preparation ey, the former prolific Wa- mostly residing in Western has been under the watch- zalendo player and who has Kenya are the first beneficiar- ful eyes of Bramwell Lijoodi, had a stint with the Western ies of the organization which among other tacticians and Jaguars, has come up with a aims at pushing the vision a pool of young, hungry to foundation Goldstein Hockey forward and keep repainting learn and execute players, Foundation. His persistence and nurturing their dreams. the founder, as well as the and dedication to the game well-wishers and fans they have seen him grow from Having been in social hock- have attracted over time. High school through college ey for about 3 years mainly This eagerness for their first and into his working days. targeting tournaments, GHF match has been palpable, is now seeking to not just especially because it was a Goldy as most people know participate but lift the titles home match. A win would him has not allowed distance of the various leagues in the have been a great start. and lack of time to keep him Kenya Hockey scene. The away from what he loves. registration of Blue Pirates If you can’t play, let someone In consultation with other in the National League is play. This is the slogan that players, friends, and coaches not the end. It seeks to rise drives the Goldstein Hockey in the hockey family, came through the ranks and com- foundation and the entire up with the foundation. petitively give clubs in the family under the Blue Pirates The realization of his brand top-tier league a run for their Hockey club. GHF also an- has everything to do with money. With a close working ticipates the start of a very the support he has always relationship with their elder competitive ladies’ team in received from others in his brothers Western Jaguars, the various women’s leagues support system. Bungoma Farmers, and also gives the ladies Youngsters, and the Collins teams a run for their mon- Through this foundation, Cheloti Hockey, GHF seeks ey. The foundation will be a Blue Pirates was formed. He to promote and advance the great force to reckon with in dedicated this to everyone sport not only in Western but matters hockey and other that has had and is having throughout Kenya and be- areas of life soon. yond the borders 26 Starting from the Bottom… Kenya’s Development Team Program By Zawadi Gathenge

But this is slowly chang- This includes reaching out to ing in the hockey scene. children from the slums, es- Thanks to Tom Olal, Ken- pecially Kibera, who have an ya’s hockey development interest in the sport but lack program is slowly form the fare, kit, and even sticks ing roots and growing to try and play. The strategy It is not yet an elabo- produced inspiring results. rate venture, but it is a Children as young as 3 be- blossoming seedling. gan attending the sessions. A sign of hope. Some- Older teenagers also partic- thing that tells us we ipated, motivating a clear are not ready to die, not structuring to these sessions. yet, anyway. Over time, some of these players would proceed to join teams playing in the league. The role of the development team in Kenya’s hockey pipe- line was already visible.

Erik van der Dussen joined in 2014. He has been instru- mental in lifting the program to its current heights through the shipment of equipment and kit. Boudewijn Rip came on board in 2016 with a large It’s a crazy thing, growth. The Beginnings shipment of red Mimaki uni- By now, every hockey play- forms from MHC. For people, it’s inevitable. er in Kenya is aware of the Development Team. Olal However, in other facets of engaged in this singular Now… life, it just may never happen. effort beginning in 2013, with You may wonder, what exact- This has been the cry of a few players from college ly is the development team Kenya’s sports, that there and university teams partic- today? Simply put, it is an simply aren’t sufficient de- ipating in the early Saturday effort to instill hockey skills velopment opportunities in morning training. It was an among children and younger the country. To some degree, unstructured activity, involv- players while teaching them this has been true. The little ing volunteer trainers and life skills that will prevent boys playing soccer in the trainees, and only 4 players their indulgence in vices like village remain unsupported at the onset. The target was drug abuse or crime. Every- and unacknowledged, los- unclear, at this point. How- one is welcome, as a train- ing their passion along the ever, Olal had a vision, one er or learner. It is never too way. Estate hockey, which which involved children and full to accommodate a new once thrived in Kisumu, is no younger players having an member. All you need is dis- longer a thing. Your great opportunity to master the cipline and the desire to play. river swimmers and cliff di- basics before confronting the Thanks to Tom Olal, Kenya’s vers go nowhere as they grow realities of the league. hockey development pro- older. Not to mention the impossibilities that surround Over time, the team would gram is slowly forming roots sports like volleyball and develop a distinct focus. and growing branches. It is basketball, among others. not yet an elaborate venture, 27 but it is a blossoming seed- ling. A sign of hope. Tom Olal explains that he has benefited from the assistance of other senior coaches and players, including Parkroad’s David Omwaka (Mbuyu). They teach players as young as 4 and as old as 22, cov- ering all areas including goal-keeping, basic skills, and advanced technique. These coaches have ensured that the Development Team does more than just teach hockey. The sessions also include a feeding program every Saturday. After every training session, some of the players have reading assign- ments to be reviewed the next Saturday. It keeps them grounded.

The Sponsorships Bura Girls, and Multimedia They recently finished second Olal is quick to point out that University to name but a few. in the National League and this effort has not been in are awaiting the resumption vain. He has acquired the as- More importantly, the Devel- of the sport to explore the sistance of DFG Wolverine’s opment Team has facilitated Premier League. Boudewijn Rip, Erik van der the education of some of Dussen, and Paul Egeter, all its young participants. The Signs of Life Dutch nationals, in reaching coaches actively try to link It is a beautiful effort. For a out to clubs in the Nether- the very youngest to opportu- sport full of cries of death, it lands for kit and equipment nities in high schools, chang- is great to see the emerging donations. es that would be impossible potential. We can only hope if they remained at home. that the internal and interna- These items do not only So far, schools like Kerugoya tional support continues. benefit the attendees of the Girls, Sinyolo Girls courte- training. Instead, the Devel- sy of a Dutch parent, Pim In the children lies the possi- opment Team acts as a con- Janus and Rabobank, and bilities of the next generation duit to ensure the items reach later Amaiko SDA School and of great players. This is an schools, street clubs, chil- Nduru Boys in Rongo have opportunity to save Kenya’s dren’s homes, and even some gained significantly. One hockey from the bottom up. of the teams in the league. player from Shelter Children’s This is the future. With the most recent bulk of Home was also admitted to about 2000 kit pieces and the Mpesa Foundation High some equipment, significant School through their bursary They teach players as progress has occurred for program. grassroots and high school young as 4 and as old as 22, sports. Some of the benefi- In the hockey scene, the local covering all areas including ciaries include Nairobi, Keru- girls’ club, Oranje, has ac- goal-keeping, basic skills, goya, Parklands Arya, West- quired the bulk of its players and advanced technique. ern Jaguars, Wazalendo, from the Development Team. These coaches have ensured St Mary’s Mabera, Lakers & that the Development Team Kisumu Youngsters, Nakuru, does more than just teach 28 hockey Thriving Abroad - Kenyan men’s Edition By Zawadi Gathenge “Most people never run far Despite the love in our ma- He would later shift to VFB enough on their first wind to mas’ meals, there is true Stuttgart at the Regionalliga, find out they’ve got a sec- mastery out there. Greatness. where he remains to date. ond.” Taste beyond what we have Take a quick trip to the Neth- William James, Philosopher. ever imagined. erlands, where you find And so it has been for some speedster Douglas Nyerere. Among my father’s people, of our men, those who have His first venture to the coun- there is a saying on the child dared to venture beyond the try was in September 2019, that never leaves home re- Kenyan boundaries. While when he joined Venlosse maining convinced that his Willis Okelo, Douglas Nyer- Hockey Club. Since then, the mother cooks best. It is a ere, and Lynus Sang form club has merged to form HC dream we would all rather the crème of local hockey, Delta Venlo. His brief stint cling to, but one that is inevi- their journeys to different would be followed by anoth- tably shattered. countries have brought them er visit in early 2020, whose great experiences. Their follow-up has since been im- transformation has been full possible following the onset of wonder, skills, and most of the COVID-19 pandemic. of all, resilience. Welcome to our male account of thriving The Sweat, The Wonder, abroad. The Lessons Despite the variety of expe- From Bangladesh to riences, the players report a Germany and The Neth- consistent world of possibili- erlands ties beyond what Kenya had When Mariners Hockey Club to offer. For Lynus Sang, it played its 2016 league, it had would be his first time con- two unique factors on the fronting the drag-flick as a pitch. The goalkeeper and goalkeeper. This was an en- top midfielder were Kenyans, tirely new technique and only who recently arrived to boost consistent practice and time the club’s chances at the ensured his mastery. Awis championship. Lynus Sang may have fared better but and Willis Okelo, both invit- he reports his share of awe ed by German coach Peter when he realized the levels at Gerhard, confidently held which the game is played in their places in these strange Europe. surroundings, leading Mari- “If we moved our top league ners to victory. Okelo (locally to Germany, we could only known as Awis), carried the play at the fourth division, player of the tournament initially. Of course, with prac- award. tice, we could improve…the country has a lot of talent”, A year later, Awis would he says. make his way to Germa- ny, joining Bad Kreuznach Lynus Sang and Willis Ok- Hockey Club in Frankfurt. He eyo, both invited by German played in the Third Division, coach Peter Gerhard, con- before moving to the second fidently held their places in division to play for Red-White Munich Hockey. these strange surroundings, leading Mariners to victory. 29 For Nyerere, his first sense Why is Their Cooking Lessons was that he was a stranger to Better? They brought the lessons. the game. The Dutch style of One must wonder, if Kenya is Kenya must learn from play is intense, sophisticated. so talented, why then are we them. Greatness does not It took him time to gel with struggling? The players all simply walk to you and the team and accomplish have answers, lessons from shake your hand. You go for the skills that the experience their experiences. it, sweat for it! Our union demanded. It all comes down to re- must commit to deliberate- One consistent thing is the sources. Nyerere cites the ly seeking improvements willingness to simply revert to extensive commitment of for its players and its clubs. the drawing board. All three the Dutch league to building One dilapidated hockey report an openness to these their younger teams, begin- pitch is not enough. We new experiences, the readi- ning with the children. By the need more, more locations, ness to learn and excel. Most time people join professional more opportunities for importantly, the discipline sports, they have been play- exposure, more practice. culture forms a crucial part ing all their lives. Of course, Of course, resources may of their transition. Learning Kenya has the Development not allow an immediate the basics required commit- Team. Hats off to Mr. Tom change, but the desire to ment beyond that of an ex- Olal on his sustenance of progress must be visible. perienced player. It was akin the team, and all the donors to becoming a child again, a from the Netherlands that Most of all, we need the hockey baby, ready to learn support this effort, facilitated belief that we can do bet- to walk once more. And it by Boudewijn Rip. ter. Our faith in ourselves seems to be working. and each other must be re- However, more local commit- stored. Only then can clubs ment is necessary. Awis sup- find the energy to seek ports the resource approach, out sponsors. Then can noting the importance of players commit to positive companies and individuals experiences on and off the in funding the sport. Howev- pitch. It is a tough call, but er, it is the duty of individual one we should be willing players, clubs, and even the to make if we want to sail union to suitably position to these high winds. And why welcome such contributions. not? We are not an impov- One only has to watch the erished sport or nation. We Dutch league to see the myr- do not lack experienced iad of sponsors that support and well-trained coaches. different teams. All we need is a step up, to- Sang is particularly keen on wards more accountability, the role that every stakehold- commitment, and desire to er has in marketing the sport. grow. “We are its face. Whatever we do or say, as players, as We sent our ambassadors the union, as clubs, deter- abroad, they brought us the mines who we draw in.” His message. What will we do view comes from realizing with it? that clubs in Bangladesh rely more on individual funders Look out for the next and donors than entire com- NewsBeat Edition to catch panies. the Ladies Account of Thriving Abroad.

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