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Bukhosi Mangena Sports Correspondent
THE Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) has appointed former national team players Colin Williams and Eddie Chiringa as coaches of the men’s and women’s national teams for next month’s Africa Hockey Olympic qualifiers to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Williams will be assisted by former Hippo Valley coach Tongai Mukwewa while Chiringa will work alone for now.

HAZ vice-president Humphrey Chigwedere said they were happy with the appointments as all the coaches had vast experience vital for Olympic qualification.

“We’re happy as an association to have such great people at the helm of our teams.

“They have great qualifications and their experience is exactly what we need going into these qualifiers.

“We’ve great faith in them to see us through in this tournament,” said Chigwedere.

HAZ also announced changes to the teams’ management with Coleen Natival being named as the women’s manager and Kalpesh Parshotam managing the men’s side.

A new selection panel was also named.

HAZ secretary-general Sarah Bennett will head the women team’s selectors that include Nicola Watson, Eddie Chiringa and Tendai Maredza.

The men’s panel consists of Williams, Tongayi Mukwewa, Keith Kachambwa and Chiringa.

The Africa Olympic Qualifiers will be held from October 24 to November 1 and Zimbabwe has to shrug off competition from continental powerhouses Egypt and Kenya if they harbour any chances of qualifying for the Olympics.