Uganda promised synthetic hockey pitch

By Fred Nangoli THE International Hockey Federation (IHF) has offered to contribute towards the construction of a $300,000 (sh510m) synthetic hockey pitch in Uganda. Theo Ykema, head of IHF's development and coaching committee who was in Kampala early this week revealed the offer on Tuesday but declined to state the exact amount. He said "the amount IHF is offering towards the project will depend on the input of the Ugandan government." The official who was on a two-day visit, said IHF had earmarked a substantial amount of money towards construction but added that the sports ministry will help in the project by putting in more. Ykema met the sports state minister Omony Ogaba whom he described as positive on the project. He said the construction of the pitch would start after April 21 when Uganda Hockey Association (UHA) presents to IHF a positive written response from the ministry during the IHF congress in Brussels, Belgium. Ykema who was also on his second visit to Uganda since 1999 said in Africa, one synthetic pitch is already established in Ghana. The construction of the pitch is expected to be complete by the end of the year.' Ends