Africa Hockey Federation commend Ghana Hockey Association

President of the Africa Hockey Federation (AfHF), Mr Seif Ahmed has commended the Ghana Hockey Association (GHA) for the successful hosting of the World Hockey League Series Round 1.

He applauded the association for their organisational abilities, and added that “as a member of the FIH, they are capable of hosting the World Cup - not small tournaments like this.”

In an interview with Finder Sports after the three-day tournament, which began last Friday and ended on Sunday, September 9, 2012, the AfHF boss said the GHA had proved to be a serious body with the development of the game at heart.

Although the association was not given any monetary support for the tournament by government, they stood against all odds and made sure Ghana was saved by the disciplinary actions that would have come on them.

President of the GHA, Oko Nikoi Dzani and his executives were forced to look elsewhere for the about GH¢100,000 to host the tournament which has come to a successful end.

Mr Ahmed added that Ghana’s qualification to the next round would give the team the needed exposure since they could be playing with more experienced sides in the competition.

He explained that Ghana’s win will also give them the opportunity to travel outside the continent to play their counterparts in Europe.

Mr Ahmed also said his last visit to the country was in 2010 and he has seen a lot of change in Ghana’s hockey and wished the European teams would come down to play the Black Sticks.

Mr Ahmed stated that the WHS matches were put together by the FIH to serve as a stepping stone for qualifying for the World League, Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.

It was also meant to give the participating teams an avenue to better their rankings in the World League.

The WHS Round 2 will be played in March 2013 while the Round 3 will also be held in June the same year, with Round 4 taking place early 2014.