The host nation Zambia is all set to make its mark on the international hockey scene at the upcoming African Youth Olympic Qualifier.The event starts on 10 March and the final will be played on 15 March 2014 in the capital city Lusaka.The beautiful venue at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) hockey pitch is all set to host the event. South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia will be contesting for the two top slots to qualify for Nanjing Youth Olympics later this year.
The host nation Zambia is aiming to qualify for YOG, as they are working under the professional guidance of coach Nadeem Ahmed who is working with the Zambia Teams. Ahmed is also extending his support to establish a sustainable development programme for hockey at the OYDC. Clare Digby, the African Hockey Federation (AfHF) development chair said that the present activities and YOG qualifier will be a milestone in the promotion of hockey in Zambia.
Tayyab Ikram, FIH development expert, commented that Zambia is full of talent and if they can focus on both the development and high performance side of the game they can be a serious contender among the African nations.
The upcoming YOG qualifier will raise the profile of OYDC and will serve as a great incentive for the youth development programme, which is being supported by African Hockey Federation, he added.
