Uganda had to give up their right to host this year' s African Hockey Club Championships as they failed to meet the preparations deadline, local media reported on Friday.

The Ugandan Hockey Federation (UHF) exceeded the Oct. 1 deadline set by the African Hockey Federation (AHF) to confirm readiness for the event.

UHF needed over 250 million Ugandan shillings (about 132,000 U.S. dollars) to prepare for the event. This included putting up flood lights at the Lugogo pitch, construction of toilets and dressing rooms as demanded by the African body.

However, after a six-month grace period extended by AHF, Emmanuel Ewachi, UHF's general secretary, said they were still short of funds to complete the works.

"Given the limited funds by UHF and the lack of government support towards the event, we've re-considered our position on hosting the 2009 edition of the meet," an email from Ewachi to NiiQuaye-Kumah, AHF secretary general, was quoted by the state-owned New Vision daily as saying.

"Therefore UHA terribly regrets to inform you that we are not in position to stage the event and is therefore withdrawing as hosts," wrote Ewachi in the email.

Uganda's withdrawal gives Kenya, who was next in line, another chance to host the week-long games that start on December 12. Kenya last hosted the tournament in 2007.

Comments