The founder of the app which aims to leverage athletes’ potential off the field says he is offering the platform for free to help South Africa men reach the Tokyo Olympics. “We know sport can change lives and we are committed to see every colour and creed of South African represented on the global stage,” said Matchkit’s co-founder Mike Sharman.
South Africa are attempting to raise upwards of £170,000 to reach the Tokyo Games after “zero support” from its national Olympic committee.
“Our purpose is to help athletes better commercialise their careers” Sharman said. “In 10 months we’ve created partnerships with Red Bull, South America’s 6 rugby playing nations and the USA Olympic swimming team, but the project most close to our heart is SA Men’s Hockey.
“They are fully transformed with 50 per cent black team members at player level and 60% black representatives at management level, yet there is still zero support from SASCOC.
“We are offering our tech up for free to help the hockey team get them to Tokyo. We know sport can change lives and we are committed to see every colour and creed of South African represented on the global stage.”
Goalkeeper Siyavuya Nolutshungu said: “The challenges of working full-time, playing sport and representing your country is never an easy task, it comes with great responsibility.
“It comes with sacrifices; from waking up extra early in the morning to push yourself in training to then fulfilling your KPI’s at work during the day.
“Not many people have the opportunity to represent their country so we have to make sure we make the most of all the opportunities and resources we get.”
For more information behind the crowdfunding head to matchkit.co/springdog
