Folks, I think Norman Da Costa nailed the era and rivalry in Nairobi. One of these days, I will get the courage to write about the rivalry between DI and Tornadoes in Dar es Salaam during the 1970's and 80's. This rivalry was at times bitter, very bitter and I think it would be more prudent to let those who experienced it mellow more before anything is written about it. Else I will only succeed in opening old wounds.
The strange thing about this rivalry was that even at the worst of times, the captain of the DI men's hockey team would fall in love with, and marry the captain of the Tornadoes ladies team. And vice-versa. Thankfully, I estimate that 95% of the rivals, now living in Toronto, have buried the hatchet. Buried the hatchet and become friends. Real friends. Tornadoes did not have a club house and used the DI premises for socializing. Even though there was that tiny percentage who would not even glance at their hockey rivals at the club, by and large the Goans got on well. To end this on a positive note, here is a video of the Christmas Tree Party at the DI, circa 1967. 1967 folks. The kids in this video are 45 years older today. http://www.flickr.com/photos/45002663@N00/10128905854/ Mervyn
