Experience Never Retires: Accra Hosts Maiden Citizens International Masters Hockey Tournament to Mark Club’s 40th Anniversary

Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda will contest Men’s Over-40, Men’s Over-50 and Women’s Over-35 titles from 17 to 22 November 2026 in a week-long celebration of masters hockey, friendship and African sporting excellence.

Citizens International Hockey Club, one of Ghana’s longest-standing hockey clubs, will bring the curtain down on its 40th anniversary celebrations with the maiden Citizens International Masters Invitational Hockey Tournament (CIMIHT), to be held in Accra from 17 to 22 November 2026.

Founded in 1985, the club has spent four decades developing hockey in Ghana, from youth to masters level. Its anniversary year has featured a long list of activities, and this tournament, held under the theme “Experience Never Retires”, is the grand finale.

The tournament will make Accra the centre of African masters hockey, bringing national masters teams from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda to the capital. It is organised in collaboration with the Ghana Hockey Association and the Masters Hockey Association of Ghana, with matches at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium, Accra.

The competition will feature three categories: Men’s Over-40 (M40), Men’s Over-50 (M50) and Women’s Over-35 (W35). Kenya, Uganda and Ghana will battle in the M40 round-robin, while Ghana and Nigeria renew one of West Africa’s fiercest sporting rivalries in a two-match M50 series. In the W35 category, Ghana’s women will face Kenya in a back-to-back contest.

Action begins on Wednesday 18 November at 8:30 am, when Kenya meet Uganda in the M40 opener. The opening day closes with the headline M50 clash between Nigeria and Ghana at 3:30 pm. The tournament reaches its climax with the finals on Saturday 21 November at 1:45 pm.

MATCH SCHEDULE

Masters hockey has grown steadily across the world as former internationals and lifelong club players keep competing well beyond their elite careers. Ghanaian masters players have built valuable experience on the international stage, including appearances on the European Hockey Masters and World Hockey Masters stages. As the first tournament of its kind in Ghana, the Accra event brings that standard of competition home and lays the foundation for a regular African masters fixture.

Mr Kwame Owusu, Chairman of Citizens International Hockey Club, said: “Forty years ago, a group of committed hockey lovers founded this club. There is no better way to celebrate that journey than by bringing Africa’s finest masters players to Accra. Our theme, Experience Never Retires, speaks to every player on the pitch who has given decades to this sport and still has more to give.”

Mr Samuel Ofosu, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, added: “Preparations are on course to deliver a well-organised, competitive and memorable tournament. We are proud to welcome our brothers and sisters from Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda, and we invite the public and the media to come out in their numbers to support the players.”

Beyond the pitch, the organisers expect the tournament to promote healthy, active ageing, strengthen sporting ties across the continent and showcase Ghana’s capacity to host international sporting events. Visiting delegations will also experience Ghanaian hospitality, culture and tourism during their stay.

Entry to all matches is free for everyone.Members of the public, hockey enthusiasts, schools and families are encouraged to attend and cheer the Ghana teams on home soil.

The organisers are also calling on corporate bodies to partner with the tournament. This maiden edition lays the foundation for a bigger tournament next time, with a larger field and an expanded programme. Companies interested in sponsoring the next edition should contact Citizens International Hockey Club.