DAR ES SALAAM: MOSHI Khalsa continued to conquer Mapinduzi Hockey Tournament and won a slot to represent Tanzania at the international club level competition 2024 in the men’s category while Twende Ladies won it for the women’s category.
Ended at the Barracks ground Lugalo in Dar es Salaam recent the annual tournament which was also saved as a national club tournament, brought together over nine men’s and 6 ladies’ teams.
The prestigious event organised by the Tanzania Hockey Association (THA) and sponsored by Reliance Insurance Co and Nas Tyre Services Ltd saw both genders’ top teams test each other’s skills for the top honours.
Though the showdown for gents was also a nailbiting final between Moshi Khalsa from Kilimanjaro Region and Dar-based team Black Mambaz Blue.
The final kept the public on their toes throughout the whole game as both teams displayed classic stick work, but the home team had an upper chance to win the game and they had no one to blame for their missing chances.
However, the scoreboard was opened by Temison Kisonga in favour of Moshi Khalsa in the 9th minute of 1st quarter. It was the only goal that separated the two teams and helped the defending champions to retain the title in a narrow win.
It was the same for the women’s category, Twende Ladies recorded also a 1-0 victory over Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) in extra time after a normal time goalless result.
The exciting final was graced by the chief guest the acting High Commissioner of India, Manoj Verma. Earlier, the chief guest inspected the lineup before the game and wished both teams the best of luck.
Varma commended both finalist teams while handing over trophies and other prizes to the winners in different categories.
Apart from winners and runners-ups, others who received prizes in the men’s category were tournament Best Player Hafidhi Mkuti from Black Mamba Blue, Best Upcoming Player Adam Said from JMK Youth Park of Dar es Salaam, while Best Discipline Team Award went to JMK Youth Park.
The women’s Best Player award went to Judith Kasaba from TPDF, Satma Selemeni won the Best Upcoming Player Award and the Best Discipline team went to Majani ya Chai.
Kaushik Doshi the chairman of THA thanked the chief guest for gracing and colouring the final event, at the same time, he also thanked the sponsors and the management of TPDF for the ground usage.
