Moshi Khalsa secure Africa Club Championship slot

DAR ES SALAAM: MOSHI Khalsa have booked their place to represent Tanzania at the upcoming Africa Club Championship after emerging victorious at the Mapinduzi Hockey Tournament held in Tanga recently.

Tanzania Hockey Association (THA) Chairman Kaushik Doshi confirmed to the ‘Daily News’ that the new Mapinduzi champions, Moshi Khalsa, will represent the country at this year’s elite Africa club championship.

The three-day event was organised by the THA and hosted at the Annadil Burhani Ground in Tanga, with sponsorship support from Reliance Insurance Agency and NAS Tyre Services Ltd.

The men’s final, a repeat of last year’s showdown, saw Moshi Khalsa face defending champions Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) in a fastpaced and tactical encounter, with both sides already familiar with each other’s style of play.

Despite an evenly matched start, Moshi Khalsa broke the deadlock in the 35th minute through Karitus Themison, who went on to deliver an outstanding individual performance.

Themison added three more goals in the 40th, 57th and 60th minutes to complete a superb four-goal display and seal a convincing 4–0 victory.

Moshi Khalsa reached the final after edging Arusha Twigas 1–0 in a tightly contested semi-final clash.

In the other semi-final, TPDF faced hosts Tanga Stars in a match marked by strong defensive displays. Tanga Stars frustrated the defending champions by denying them scoring opportunities, and the game ended in a draw after regular time.

However, in the penalty shootout, TPDF held their nerve to win 3–1 and advance to the final. In the ladies’ final, TPDF defeated Twende 2–0 to claim the women’s title.

Individual prizes in the ladies’ category, Prisca Mwita of TPDF, was named best player, while Twende Team earned recognition as the most disciplined side.

Catherine Damian of Twende Team was awarded Best Upcoming Player for her promising performance.

In the men’s category, Jamil Juma Shahbhai was recognised as the oldest goalkeeper, while Chidi Victor was named Best Player. Raju Zuberi of Tanga Stars received the award for Best Upcoming Player.

The tournament prizegiving ceremony was officiated by the chief guest, Amil Saheb, Chairman of Anjuman-e-Burhani, alongside Zoherbhai Saheb Badri and Shamu Msuya the representative of the Reliance Insurance, who presented trophies to the winning and runner-up teams in both the men’s and women’s categories.

This year’s Mapinduzi Hockey Tournament brought together five men’s teams and three women’s teams.