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Africa Hockey Nations Cup tourney: LOC boss appeals for govt support
According to Mr Awuku, the LOC had already written to the President for financial support to enhance the nation’s preparations but they were yet to receive any positive response.
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“We want government to stretch forth its hand to support us as quickly as possible to motivate the players and the technical team to go the extra mile and win this tournament to qualify Ghana to participate in the male and female World Cups.
“With financial support, we can buy jerseys for our players, buy quality hockey sticks, feed our players adequately, pay their per diem and also secure other personal items to boost their morale in camp.
“The LOC also needs money to buy tickets for the umpires who will officiate at the tournament, pay for their accommodation, per diem, feeding and rent buses for the various teams to make the tournament a success,” Mr Awuku stressed.
Target
“Our target is to host and win the tournament to enable Ghana's male and female teams qualify to participate in the World Cup in 2022 and 2023 respectively. However, financial constraints have affected our preparations to host the rest of Africa, hence my appeal to the President to support us financially,” Mr Awuku explained in an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Team Ghana began residential camping four weeks ago at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium in Accra to fine-tune for the tournament scheduled for January 17 to 23, 2022.
Ghana will compete with giants Egypt and South Africa, as well as Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria and Uganda for the single ticket to the Men’s Hockey World Cup in India next year.
In the female division, Ghana will contend with South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe for the sole slot to the Women’s World Cup slated for the Netherlands later this year.
Sponsors
He singled out Ghana Gas Company Limited for supporting the LOC in their quest to make the tournament a memorable one.
Mr Awuku said the company sponsored the astro turf pitch used for the continental competition last year, in addition to the refurbishment of the stadium, dressing rooms and the hostel facilities being used to camp the Ghanaian teams.
Other sponsors are Ashfoam, Kasapreko and Sikkens.