Hockey in Tanzania was quite tenuous until the new Association took over and rebuilt men’s hockey to emerge as one of the strongest hockey nations in East Africa.
Additionally, in 2013, the Tanzania Hockey Association, with the authorization of the Director of Sport of the Ministry of Sport, Culture and Youth, Mr. Taddheo, asked Valentina Quaranta to help them to rebuild the female team and develop hockey for girls and youth in Tanzania. They invited her to train the National Women’s Team in time for the African Nations Cup that was held in Nairobi, Kenya in September 2013 and to find a sponsor to help fund the trip for the Women and Men’s National teams.
Both teams took part in the African Nations Cup and then followed this up by competing in the Hockey World League Round 1 tournament in Nairobi, 2014. The teams gained valuable experience playing against teams such as Ghana and Kenya who have a long hockey tradition behind them.
A further milestone was achieved this year, with the first men’s hockey tournament to be held in Tanzania since 1987. Played on grass as turf is not yet available, a positive message went out as several teams took part.
In a fitting end to the year, Valentina received the President’s Award at the FIH Congress in Marrakesh.
On receiving the Award, a delighted Valentina wanted to express her thanks to the Tanzania Hockey Association for their support over the past two years and for their current endeavours to provide turf for the women’s team to train on.
