By Llywellenie Mpasa:
The waiting is over. The highly anticipated 34th men’s and 25th women’s editions of the Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) will get underway today at the Hockey Stadium near Kamuzu Stadium.
Two formidable teams, Sharkia Club from Egypt and Blazers from Kenya, are among participating teams.
Hockey Association of Malawi (Ham) President, Wanthaza Mughogho said despite financial hitches, Malawi is set to host one of the most top hockey competitions in Africa.
“It is an historic moment and we hope the tournament will live up to its billing,” Mughogho said.
In the men’s tournament, participating teams will include local sides Genetrix, Scorpions and Parachute Battalion, alongside Sharkia Club (Egypt), Western Jaguars (Kenya), Kampala (Uganda), Kada Stars and Police Machine from Nigeria.
The women’s category promises fierce competition with teams such as Genetrix, Scorpions, and Capital Braves representing Malawi, while Lakers and Blazers will represent Kenya, Sharkia from Egypt, and Kada Queens and Delta Queens from Nigeria add an international flair.
Ghana will be represented by the Ghana Revenue Authority team.
Speaking on behalf of local sides, Scorpions captain, Innocent Poi Sabola said they are confident that they can do well.
“We have worked hard to prepare for this tournament and we are eager to make our nation proud. The ACCC is a platform for us to showcase Malawi’s hockey talent and compete at the highest level,” he said.
The atmosphere in Blantyre is electrifying as the city gears up to host not only a sporting event but a celebration of the vibrant spirit of African hockey.
With the global spotlight on Malawi, the hockey world eagerly awaits the opening match today, marking the beginning of a captivating journey towards crowning the continent’s club champions.
