SA hockey teams doubtful for CWG 2010

JOHANNESBURG: Happy to qualify for the Delhi Commonwealth Games, men’s and women’s hockey teams of South Africa still have a number of hurdles to overcome before they can participate in the October 3-14 mega-event.

South African Hockey Association has received confirmation from the South African Sports Confederation and Olympics Committee that both the teams have been registered for Games, ending months of speculation on whether hockey would have the country’s representation in the event.

But according to SAHA chief executive Marissa Langeni, that is all they know at this stage amid concerns about lack of coaches, training camps and funds.

Besides, both men’s and women’s teams have been without fulltime coaches for sometime now.

A meeting between SAHA and SASCOC on May 7 was expected to provide some clarity on these issues.

Because hockey is not recognised as a professional sport in South Africa, most players in the national sides have fulltime jobs or are students. Some of them have already indicated that they may not be available to go to India in October.