The Road to the Paris Olympics becomes clearer for African Hockey nations as the qualifier takes place at Pretoria University from Sunday 29 October 2023 to Sunday 5 November 2023 (Finals day). Eight African Men’s teams and seven African Women’s teams will battle it out with the winner securing the spot as Africa’s representative at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
South Africa are the undoubted favorites having won the tournament on all four occasions since the qualifier was removed from the All-African Games in 2003. They will face a tough challenge from Egypt, who have contested every final with the South Africans since 1992. Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and others may all contest the tournament.
In the women’s tournament the South Africans have won every occurrence since the return from Isolation but have seen Ghana and Kenya make massive strides and showed some truly superb displays at the Commonwealth Games.
The women’s tournament is the only route for the African women’s Hockey teams to qualify for Paris games, while in the men’s tournament the second-place finisher will be invited to FIH Olympic Qualifying tournament early in 2024.
School students get free entry to the venue at the African Hockey Road to Paris 2024 Qualifier if you arrive in your school uniform or in your school sports uniform. Make sure you book your tickets through the app selecting the option under the 7 Day pass section. Other tickets are available through the SA Hockey Fan App:
App Store link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sa-hockey-association/id6444644890
Google Play link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.saha.app
Celia Seerane, South African stalwart, can’t wait to get underway at the tournament:
“This is arguably the best preparation we have had for an African Cup. The most exciting aspect of the squad is the youngsters coming through who play without fear and with a spirit that is contagious. As a team is incredibly excited for the opportunity to play and to test ourselves against the best in Africa.”
Inky Zondi, the South African assistant coach, is not taking the tournament for granted:
“The African Hockey Road to Paris 2024 Qualifier is the only ticket any women’s side in Africa has to the Olympics. We know that no team has travelled to Pretoria to merely make up the numbers and all our competing for a spot in the Paris Games.”
Cheslyn Gie, South African Men’s Head Coach is looking forward to the African challenge:
“There are no easy matches at the African Qualifier, we have prepared with the same intensity as we do for a World Cup or other event. We believe we have had a great preparation and can’t wait to play Zimbabwe in our opening game on Sunday.
Dayaan Cassiem, South African Men’s captain, is thrilled to represent his country once again:
“I am incredibly grateful to be here and to represent my country. The culture in this team is incredibly good with a bunch of players ready to compete and make the country proud.”
