By: Victoria Kwofie
The men’s and women’s hockey teams of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have departed Accra for Harare, Zimbabwe, to represent Ghana at the 2026 Africa Cup for Club Championship (ACCC), scheduled from January 24 to 31. The teams left the country on Wednesday, January 21, via the Kotoka International Airport.
GRA secured the slots to represent Ghana following impressive performances in the domestic league. The men’s team finished second in the Salpholda Hockey League, while the women’s team were crowned champions, earning qualification to the continental showpiece.
The Royal Ladies head into the tournament as defending champions of the women’s division and are aiming to defend their title while chasing a historic sixth continental crown. They will open their campaign against Lakers Hockey Club of Kenya, before taking on Bulawayo Hockey Club and Hippo Hockey Club, both from Zimbabwe.
The GRA men’s team has been drawn into Pool B, where they will face Hotspurs, Bulawayo Hockey Club, and Hippo Hockey Club, all from Zimbabwe. The men are targeting a podium finish this year after previously ending their campaigns at the classification stage.
Speaking ahead of departure, women’s head coach Ida Marmon, expressed strong confidence in her squad’s readiness and ambition.
“We are going to bring the trophy back. We are taking it there, and, by God’s grace, we will return with it. The girls have had enough training, and I can confidently say they are 100 percent fit for this competition,” she said.
Madam Ida added that she is not burdened by pressure heading into the tournament. “I don’t feel any pressure at all. The team is well prepared, both physically and mentally, and we are going all out. To our supporters and the hockey community, I ask that you continue to support us with your prayers and encouragement. We will not disappoint you; we will bring the trophy home.”
Men’s head coach Victor Sowah believes his side has done all the necessary preparation ahead of the championship and now must deliver on the pitch. “So far, I believe we have done everything required in terms of preparation. The responsibility now lies on us to go there and perform according to plan,” he stated.
Addressing expectations, Coach Victor noted that the men’s competition has always been highly competitive. “I don’t think there is pressure on us. If we are being honest, the men’s tournament is always very tough. Our aim is to put ourselves in a good position and give our best. If our best is enough, then we will proudly bring the trophy back home.”
He also acknowledged the defensive lapses observed during the league season but assured that corrective measures have been taken. “In sports, mistakes are inevitable. What we have done is to work on those blunders we made in the league. We have addressed them, and going forward, we are confident of doing better than we did domestically.”
Coach Victor also seized the opportunity to commend the GRA administration for their immense support. “On behalf of the technical team and the playing body, we want to express our deep appreciation to our management, both at the top and lower levels, for their massive support towards this championship. We promise to go out there and make them proud.”
