The Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) is making a final push to secure a main title sponsor ahead of the 4th edition of the Zimbabwe Junior Hockey Series, set to take place in Harare from August 13 to 16, 2026.
Considered Southern Africa’s premier junior hockey tournament, this year's edition promises to be the biggest yet, featuring teams from Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Eswatini, and continental powerhouses South Africa.
With under a month to go before the showcase begins, HAZ took to social media to rally corporate support for the regional showpiece.
"We’re still looking for a Main title sponsor and also in a few other categories. If you want your brand in front of the region’s best young hockey talent and their families, now is the time to get involved," HAZ announced.
Several key packages remain available for corporate backing, including the prestigious Main Title Partner slot, Team Protective Wear, Medical Services, Event & Player Sponsorships, and various Live Streaming Partner tiers.
Speaking to this publication, HAZ President Humphrey Chigwedere expressed excitement over the tournament's expanding footprint, highlighting South Africa's debut as a major catalyst for local development.
"In August from the 13th to the 16th, we are going to be hosting the Junior Series where we’re going to have South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe taking part," Chigwedere said.
"We are excited about this tournament because this is the future of hockey in the Junior Series. And we’re also excited that it has grown in numbers, with South Africa coming in for the first time. And when South Africa comes in, we stand to benefit because their hockey is advanced in Africa."
Chigwedere also attributed the rising standards of local junior hockey to the modernising infrastructure across the country, particularly the shift from traditional grass to artificial playing surfaces.
"The growth of the sport is growing steadily," Chigwedere noted.
"Because hockey is a very technical game and it’s better played on AstroTurf, we’ve moved as a country from the traditional grass generally. We now have AstroTurf at St. John's, CBC Senior School, Peterhouse in Marondera, Arundel, Dominican Convent, and Falcon College in Bulawayo.
"Because of these turfs, tournaments are being played on standard surfaces, which has helped our hockey grow. I believe our teams are going to fare very well, especially in the Junior Series, largely because of the turfs we are using at the moment."