Denied a shot at competing at the Rio Olympics despite both teams qualifying, the South African Olympic Committee have given the green light for both men’s and women’s hockey teams for Tokyo 2020.
“It’s been a long journey for SA Hockey. This has been significant for every athlete within our hockey teams,” said Marissa Langeni, South Africa Hockey’s CEO.
Earlier this year, the SA men’s team launched a crowdfunder with the help of Matchkit.co in a bid to raise funds and make sure they could travel out to Tokyo amid increased uncertainty.
On the selection side, Tim Drummond, 33, will captain the men and joins Olympians Rassie Pieterse, Austin Smith, Clinton Panther and Taine Paton. Matt Guise-Brown, Hampstead & Westminster’s penalty corner king, is also called up.
Mustapha Cassiem, 18, and 21-year-old Sam Mvimbi will be playing in their first major tournament.
“We thrive under being the underdog,” said vice captain Kenna Horne.
Erin Christie will captain the women’s squad and features Lisa-Marie Deetlefs, who will travel to her third Olympics. She is the only Olympian in the squad.
Coach Robin van Ginkel said: “The year that we have had extra as a result of the postponement, has been a massive positive for us in growth. Our energy has been revived and I truly believe we are in a better position than we would have been a year ago.”
Olympic Squads
Women
Quanita Bobbs, Erin Christie, Lisa Deetlefs, Lilian Du Plessis, Nicole Erasmus, Tarryn Glasby, Robyn Johnson, Charne Maddocks, Lerato Mahole, Phumelela Mbande, Edith Molikoe, Kristen Paton, Tarryn Potts, Celia Seerane, Nomnikelo Veto and Onthatile Zulu
Coaches and Management
Gillian Doig (Manager), Robin Van Ginkel (Head Coach), Nkuliso Zondi (Assistant Coach) and Taren Naidoo (Video Analyst)
Men
Erasmus Pieterse, Timothy Drummond, Austin Smith, Mohamed Mea, Matthew Guise-Brown, Jethro Eustice, Nduduzo Lembethe, Taine Paton, Nicholas Spooner, Clinton Panther, Samkelo Mvimbi, Abdud Cassiem, Mustaphaa Cassiem, Nqobile Ntuli, Keenan Horne and Tevin Kok
Coaches and Management
Martin van Staden (Manager), Garreth Ewing (Head Coach), Siphesihle Ntuli (Assistant Coach) and Ashlin Freddy.
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