WINDHOEK – The University of Namibia or Unam Hockey Club once again competed successfully in the annual Easter weekend hockey tournament against clubs in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Unam made its debut at the annual competition for the first time in 1998 in Cape Town, where national team player Magreth Mengo played in that tournament for the first time representing Unam. She is the only remaining member of the first team still participating in the tournament. The team participated again in 1999 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, before her inclusion in the senior women’s national team that represented Namibia at the 7th All African Games, also in Johannesburg in 2000.
Both the male and female teams of Unam played in the B-Category and finished 3rd overall respectively. The men lost their semifinal game against Beaulieu Hockey Academy 2-1 after leading 1-0 at half-time. In the last five minutes the Unam men could not cope with the pressure and conceded two goals going down 2-1. The men finished 3rd out of 8 teams.
The ladies lost their last playoff game 3-0 to Phoenix Hockey Club and finished 3rd out of 7 clubs. Isascar Tjikuniva and Emilia Kashopola were voted Unam Player of the Tournament for the men and women’s teams respectively, while Uaatjo Matuzee and Berthwell Sabisa received accolades for the most improved female and male players. The Easter weekend tournament has over the years proved to be a good development tournament, as players are pitted against top opposition on artificial turf. The tournament rotates annually between Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and East London. East London will host the tournament next year.
By Staff Reporter