The country’s rising young hockey stars can expect a memorable experience when they compete for top honours in various age groups at the South African Schools Hockey Association (Sashoc) national tournaments to be hosted by Southern Free State Hockey between 25 June and 12 July in Bloemfontein.
The Sashoc Nationals 18-day hockey festival is expected to deliver superb performances from the best school players across the nation, who will represent their provincial teams.
Sashoc has ensured the top-flight inter-provincial tournaments will not only offer a strength versus strength format, but will also give young hockey players valuable experience both on and off the field with the host province ensuring the best in terms of organisation and hospitality.
Along with the hard-working local organising committee, Sashoc started the planning and logistical process for this year’s Nationals in December 2022, ensuring organisers were given sufficient time to put quality events together across the board.
The hosts are also providing superb facilities, boosting the participating players and teams’ experience.
The main field to be used will be the University of the Free State’s (UFS) astro turf, where the A-section games will be played. The B-section matches will be played at the Grey College (secondary) and Eunice High School.
“We are looking forward to welcoming team officials, players, parents and all other hockey lovers to Bloemfontein,” said Louise van der Merwe, head of the local organising committee.
“We invite everyone to come and experience and appreciate schools hockey at the highest level, and true Free State hospitality.”
“We truly appreciate the tremendous backing we have received from all our partners and sponsors, who all make a huge difference in ensuring this event is as successful as has come to be expected from our premier schools hockey event of the season,” said Wendell Domingo, Sashoc chairman.
“With more than 118 000 players registering to compete in schools hockey last year, it is clear that the sport is growing in popularity. We are eager to see the latest generation of young stars in action.
“The Sashoc team and the committee are doing an incredible job in the build-up to ensure this is a world-class event in terms of organisation and hospitality, and we are grateful for their continued efforts.”
With an extended agreement with SuperSport Schools, the Sashoc Nationals will have significant reach.
Family members, friends, and fans of the players will again be able to watch live, with matches in all age groups being broadcast on television and on the SuperSport Schools app.
