
Audio By Carbonatix
It came as no surprise when the roll call for honours had South Africa running away with almost everything.However, what many people had not bargained for was the tons of praises heaped on Ghana as a "great" host and "fantastic" event.Anybody and everybody who matters in international hockey was at the National Hockey Stadium to witness history in the making.Considering the short time for preparations and numerous problems that beset the count down to the tournament, Oko Nii Koi Dzane and his Hockey Association must be very proud men this morning as will be the entire LOC for the tournament hosting.
Ghana's male and female team would have to improve and that they will surely do but the boys with the magic sticks emerged from South Africa as their dominant force was brought to the fore by claiming the best prizes on offer.
It was a fitting finale to the two week tournament which had as much to show on the field as it did off it.South African midfielder Carr Gareth was named, 'Best Male Player' and 'Overall Best Player of the tournament as well as 'Top Scorer' in the Men's category with eight goals. Such was his outstanding individual play that no one had any complaints.
The South Africans needed little motivation as defending champions especially on Nelson Mandella's 91st birthday.
Goalie Brendon Botes was named the 'Best Goalkeeper' with Thomas Hammond, the 'Best Defender'.The Men's team was also decorated with the 'Most Exciting Team' award.
The South African Women's team were not to be denied as they were also voted the 'Most Exciting Team' of the Tournament, with Shelley Russel winning the 'Top Scorer' Award. Merescia Marsha won the 'Most Prestigious Female Player' of the Tournament, whilst Rix Marriete was voted the 'Best Goalkeeper' of the Tournament.
It was not a dry night for Ghana as the Black Sticks took consolation in Pamela Condobrey winning the 'Defender of the Tournament' (Female) and Elikem Akaba as the 'Most Promising' Male player.Egypt's baby sensation El Sabbah Nour Mohamed picked up the 'Most Promising' Player of the Tournament in the Female category.
The awards were lavished on deserving recipients by the President of the World Hockey Federation Leondro Negre after South Africa won gold in both male and female categories as expected with Ghana taking silver in the women category after losing by 5 goals to 1 to the South Africans. The bronze medal also went to Ghana's Men after they beat Nigeria in a match that travelled to over time. In the match of the tournament Egypt took home the silver medal in the male category after losing to the South Africans 3-1.The closing ceremony was simple but once again a classic ambience of music, art,colour and dramatic choreography.
Describing it would not do justice to the fine art displayed by Prof Nii Yartey and the Ghanaian cultural troupe assembled at short notice from the school of perfroming arts - Legon and others. What next for the man with the Midas touch Rex Danquah and his team? The hero turned villain and now boucing back as a hero again? Sources have hinted at the Women African Cup of Nations and the All African Games.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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