Mozambicans defy odds to play roller hockey In aid-dependant Mozambique, roller hockey - also known as rink hockey - is as popular as soccer and basketball. Introduced by the Portuguese during the colonial era, enthusiasm for the sport survived the fight for independence, a 17-year civil war and countless natural disasters. The country took part in its first international competition in 1978, three years after independence. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES of the Maputo Red Star youth team