Lack of adequate preparation cost us - Akpokavie

Richard Akpokavie, President of the Ghana Hockey Association (GHA), said the Black Sticks inadequate preparation ahead of the FIH Women’s League in India cost them.

The Black Sticks housed in Pool A alongside hosts India, Thailand, Poland and Malaysia are yet to lock horns with Malaysia in their last match though a win would not improve their chances of qualification.

The Black Sticks recorded poor performances following their 0-13 lost to India, 1-3 to Thailand and 0-4 to European giants Poland.

Akpokavie told GNA Sports that the poor display was as a result of inadequate preparation. "it was a difficult tournament anyway, but when we heavily lost the first match, they were affected mentally and that comes because for other level of competition, you need to prepare yourself well. The more you play the more experience you are and the more tough you are when it comes to competition.

‘‘We prepared but we could have prepared better but for lack of resources and the National Sports Authority (NSA)'s inability to release funds though we submitted our budget."

He added that ‘‘At the moment we are waiting for a technical report to know what really went wrong because we expected them to do better. We need to get some expertise to support us technically to make sure the players are up to the task and also get more competitions for the players to develop’’.

He hinted that the Black Sticks will target the ultimate at the Hockey Africa Cup of Nations in October.