South Africa has opted to withdraw both its men’s and women’s hockey teams from the ongoing 13th African Games in Accra.
This decision aligns with recommendations and guidelines set forth by the International Hockey Federation.
The withdrawal comes due to concerns regarding the readiness of the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Pitch to host the competition adequately.
Team SA has communicated this decision to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the African Hockey Federation.
According to South Africa’s Olympic governing body, SASOC, “despite repeated assurances that the pitches would be ready for international-standard competition, the pitches are unsuitable.”
Additionally, a statement from the organization issued on Monday indicates that it has communicated its reasons for departing from Ghana to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
“In correspondence sent to the LOC, Team SA team leader Ms. Patience Shikwambana states: “Over and above making this decision, our SA Hockey Federation consulted with Sports Flooring Warehouse, a South African-based specialist in carpet laying, and an FIH recognised service provider. They have also advised us – having analysed the images we shared with them – that the field is not satisfactory and may cause harm to the athletes.”
Ms. Shikwambana also noted: “The rescheduling of the hockey competition, on three numerous occasions has, in addition, caused an inconvenience to us logistically, as a team, where we had to arrange for both the teams to fly to Ghana in time for the commencement of the competition.
“In the first Chef De Missions’ site visit meeting at the end of October 2023, we were advised that there would be test events to ensure readiness of venues before the start of each competition. This, unfortunately, has not been the case for Hockey. In addition, according to the FIH field certification guideline, ‘If a field that is not certified is being considered as a tournament venue, it should be tested at the earliest convenience to demonstrate compliance with this specification’.
“These tests should be conducted months in advance before a competition – which, in this case, have not taken place. Furthermore, ‘The FIH has a number of accredited test institutes, and these have accredited engineers located around the world’, which we are not certain if they have been involved and provided the necessary certification.”
South Africa has already secured qualification for both its men’s and women’s hockey teams for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Given the proximity of the African Games to the Paris Olympics and the concerns surrounding the conditions in Accra, it was deemed a potential injury risk for Team SA to compete under these circumstances.