Zambia National Women’s Hockey Team Gears Up for Hockey 5s World Cup

Zambia National Women’s Hockey Team Gears Up for Hockey 5s World Cup

The Zambia National Women’s Hockey Team is in the final stages of preparation for the Hockey 5s World Cup scheduled to take place in Oman from January 24-27, 2024. Coach Floyd Chomba has unveiled the final 10-member squad, featuring four new players – Esther Mwale, Annie Chalwe Mvula, Loveness Mudenda, and Rita Katoka.

Hockey 5s is a modified format of hockey with a reduced number of players, featuring four infield players and a goalkeeper. The game is played on a smaller pitch, and goals can be scored from anywhere past the halfway line. Each match lasts for 30 minutes, divided into two halves.

Despite the unique format, Zambia has experience in Hockey 5s, having qualified for the 2024 Oman Hockey 5s World Cup by defeating South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt in the World Cup Qualifiers held a year ago. The team is familiar with the format, and their past achievements, including Youth Olympic Games qualifications in 2014 and 2018, reflect their prowess in the sport.

Placed in Pool B alongside Australia, South Africa, and Ukraine, the Zambia National Women’s Hockey Team is set to kick off the tournament against South Africa on January 24, 2024. The squad, led by coach Floyd Chomba, is optimistic about their performance in this international competition.

Full Squad:

• Goalkeepers:
  • Chengelo Chungu
  • Esther Mwale
• Infield Players:
  • Anna Mvula
  • Martha Nankala
  • Brenda Kalunga
  • Ireen Mulenga
  • Carol Nakombe
  • Loveness Mudenda
  • Harriet Mutangama
  • Rita Katoka

The team is gearing up for a competitive and exciting tournament, representing Zambia on the global stage in women’s hockey.