The city of Bloemfontein will play host to this year’s South African Schools Hockey Association (Sashoc) national tournaments. Southern Free State Hockey is the host federation.
The competition will take place from 25 June to 12 July and multitudes of players, both boys and girls, will showcase their talent. Superb performances by players of top schools across the nation, representing their provincial teams, are expected.
Matches will take place at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) astro hockey field, where the A-section teams will go head-to-head for top honours. The B-section matches will be played at Grey College (secondary) and the Eunice School for Girls.
“We are looking forward to welcoming team officials, players, parents, and all other hockey lovers to Bloemfontein. We invite everyone to come and experience and appreciate school hockey at the highest level, and true Free State hospitality,” said Louise van der Merwe, head of the local organising committee.
She said the commitment by various sponsors to support this year’s Sashoc nationals was overwhelming, and that they were excited about the extension of their agreement with the premier broadcaster SuperSport Schools to broadcast live matches of the Sashoc nationals.
“This will also have a significant impact,” said Van der Merwe.
According to Van der Merwe, Sashoc has ensured the top-flight, interprovincial tournaments will be a battle of strengths.
“This will give young hockey players valuable experience both on and off the field, with the host province and sponsors ensuring the best awaits them in terms of organisation and hospitality. A solid platform has been built over the years through district and provincial events,” said Van der Merwe.
Wendell Domingo, chairperson of Sashoc, said along with the hard-working local organising committee (LOC), the federation had started the planning and logistical process for this year’s nationals during December last year.
“This was done by ensuring the organisers were given sufficient time to put a quality event together across the board. The hosts are also providing superb facilities, boosting the experience offered to the participating players and teams,” said Domingo.
“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 it has come to be expected from our premier schools’ hockey event of the season.
“The Sashoc team and the LOC 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,” he added.
“With more than 118 000 players registering to compete in schools hockey last year, it is clear that the sport is growing in popularity in terms of participation and youth development.
“We are eager to see the latest generation of young stars in action,” said Domingo.
