By GRACE CHAILE –
ZAMBIA’S quest for medals at the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games begin today when the girls’ hockey team face hosts China.
The boys team plays their first match against Newzeland in group B which has also Mexico, Canada and Germany.
Zambian girls in Group B with New Zealand, Germany and Uruguay, have promised not to lose focus against China who enjoy home ground advantage.
Coach Thomas Mumba said the Zambian teams were high spirits and ready to stake their claim in these highly-rated matches.
He said it was Zambia’s maiden appearance at the Youth Olympics and therefore the teams have been psychologically prepared for the task ahead.
“I know Zambia has been written off in these groups and now the onus is on the players to prove otherwise. The boys had a practise game on Friday which ended 4-3 in favour of Spain. They showed the spirit of resistance in the Spain game and hope they do the same against New Zealand,” he said.
The boys squad has Blessings Lowole, Samson Tembo, Shadrick Katele, Victor Mwanza, Alfred Mphande, Samuel Tagwireyi, Richard Lungu, Brighton Siwale and Gift Bwalya while Eniless Mambwe, Angel Musema, Catherine Kalomo, Comfort Phiri, Loveness Mudenda, Martha Nankala, Esther Mwale, Carol Nakombe and Margret Munthali constitute the girls team.
