KILIMANJARO's Moshi Khalsa defended the title in the 2024 Nyerere hockey tournament, garnering a 2-1 victory over Black Mambaz in a thrilling final which took place in Moshi last week.

Moshi Khalsa, on the one hand, entered the field with full force, boasting home-ground advantage and full support of the outfit's followers.

The domestic hockey giants, with the supporters rallying behind them, managed to go 1-0 up in the 22nd minute through Varinder Bhamra. 

The Moshi Khalsa performer netted from a penalty stroke which was awarded to his outfit.

Black Mambaz, on the other hand, stepped up, orchestrating their attacks in their opponents' area and ultimately levelling matters 11 minutes later via Jackson Tairo.

Both teams had equal chances of scoring later on and displayed classic stick work, which kept the cheering fanatics on their toes until the final whistle.

Paul Damas of Moshi Khalsa sealed the victory for the squad, scoring the winner to make it 2–1 and the club held on until the final whistle.

To qualify for the final, Moshi Khalsa defeated the spirited, youthful Tanga Stars by penalties in a pulsating last-four duel.

The teams had drawn 1-1 in the regular time, prompting the penalties to settle the tough semi-final.

Black Mambaz also beat the Tanzania People's Defense Forces (TPDF) team via penalties after drawing 1 -1 in another keenly contested semi-final tie to sail through to the final.

The Best Disciplined Team prize went to Dar es Salaam's Twende, and Manvir Varinder Bhamra of Moshi Khalsa laid his hands on the Best Upcoming Player prize.

The Best Player of the Tournament prize went to Melkiori Peter of the runners-up, Black Mambaz.

Twende team triumphed in the Ladies' showpiece, outperforming long-time rivals, TPDF, and leaving the army squad taking second place.

Ilala Girls walked away with the showdown's Best Disciplined Team prize.

Zainab Juma of Twende garnered the Best Player of the Tournament's honour and Hadija Suweth of Temeke won the Best Upcoming Player gong.

Hai District Commissioner Lazaro Twange, who had represented Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, was the showdown's closing day's chief guest.

He handed over the prizes to winners and runners-up and delivered a brief speech.

The other dignitaries who attended the closing day also handed over other tokens of appreciation and awards.

The 13th edition of the Nyerere hockey tournament saw eight men's teams and four women's squads take part, with games being played at Sikh Union Club's ground.

The Sikh Union Club organized the tournament under the umbrella of the Tanzania Hockey Association (THA).

The event was kindly sponsored by the Sikh Community of Moshi.