GAVIN Stephens is the new president of the Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (Haz). Stephens, who was Haz treasurer from 2004 to 2011, takes over from Kays Kanyangarara.
Report by Fortune Mbele, Sports Reporter
“I have been re-elected to the position of Haz president. I last served in this position between 2000 and 2004 and throughout the intervening period held positions on the Haz executive board.
“I have served in a national capacity for nearly 25 years (since 1988), but hope that I am wiser this time around as president,” Stephens said.
He added that hockey was on the threshold of recovery in the country and stressed his short and long-term goals during his tenure at the helm of Haz.
“Zimbabwe Hockey could be on the threshold of recovery, but it will require player commitment and participation, international exposure for our national teams, coaching and umpire development and exposure, administrative restructuring to ensure strong clubs, provinces and Haz committees.
All this requires finances. At present the marketing opportunities are being restricted at the Khumalo Hockey Stadium and this has cost the game dearly this year,” Stephens said.
Stephens said he hoped Haz would next year conclude agreements with the government for the rehabilitation of Magamba Hockey Stadium in Harare as had been done with Khumalo Hockey Stadium in Bulawayo.
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“During 2013 we hope to conclude agreements with government for the rehabilitation of the Magamba Hockey Stadium in Harare. An excellent job at the Khumalo Hockey Stadium was done and we would like to see that repeated in Harare so that we can host the FIH World Series (Round 2) in 2014 in our capital city,” Stephens said.
