Hockey development gets boost

Namibia Hockey Union (NHU) will host the annual Indoor Hockey League and Field Hockey League, as well as further develop and introduce the sport to other regions, courtesy of a sponsorship of N$275 000 for the 2016/2017 sport calendar made by Bank Windhoek.
The NHU expects between 46 and 48 teams to participate in the 2017 Bank Windhoek National Indoor Leagues. For both men and women there will be three different leagues: Premier, First and Second leagues, played in Windhoek and at the coast (Swakopmund and Walvis Bay). Approximately 460 hockey players will be participating.
The 2017 Outdoor Hockey leagues will comprise out of 24 to 26 teams (380 players), men and women teams, and will compete in two leagues each (Premier and Reserve leagues).
The NHU Development Hockey Programme will be conducted in four Namibian regions where hockey has never or very little been played before.
“We envisage arranging and organizing four hockey coaching and training clinics in these regions. Some of our National Men’s hockey players will be involved in these events,” said Marc Nel, President of the Namibia Hockey Union (NHU).
“Bank Windhoek is proud to renew its relationship with the Namibia Hockey Union to further develop the game of hockey. We believe that our financial contribution will assist the NHU in organising decent leagues for the players to gain skills and experience needed as Namibia constantly participates in continental and international competitions”, said Riaan van Rooyen, Head of Corporate Affairs, Strategy and Sustainability at Bank Windhoek.
“The NHU would like to thank Bank Windhoek for their confidence they have in hockey. The role the Bank Windhoek plays, as our main sponsor, gives us the opportunity to develop hockey and expand it to other regions in Namibia. Bank Windhoek’s support is much appreciated and we hope that there will be a long relationship between the Bank and the NHU,” said Marc Nel.