African contenders vying for qualification
As the highly anticipated Paris Olympic Games draw nearer in less than a year, the global sporting community is gearing up for a thrilling hockey spectacle, set to be a pivotal part of the upcoming tournament. Following the exhilarating victories of the Netherlands women and Belgium men at the Tokyo 2021 event, all eyes are now fixated on the emerging contenders vying for qualification for the 2024 edition.
The stage is set for an intense showdown at the African Hockey Road to Paris event, scheduled to unfold from October 29 to November 5, 2023, on the prestigious grounds of Tuks University in South Africa. This event holds the key to determining the qualifying teams for both the men’s and women’s categories, with a reserved spot allotted for the continental champions in both the men and women’s categories.
Seven African nations competing for one spot
The women’s tournament, encompassing a competitive roster of seven teams, is poised to witness an intense battle for qualification. Among the contenders, the 2019 event champions, South Africa, are prepared to defend their title against a formidable lineup comprising the likes of Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia.
The South African Hockey fraternity has made a resounding announcement, revealing the formidable lineup for the upcoming African Hockey Road to Paris event. Tasked with the ultimate mission of securing a spot in the prestigious 2024 Olympics, the selected squad is primed for a formidable campaign. Notably, seven stalwarts from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics squad have retained their positions, providing a strong backbone to the team, including the seasoned veterans Celia Seerane and Quanita Bobbs. Meanwhile, the emergence of promising talents such as Aphiwe Dimba and Paris-Gail Isaacs marks a pivotal moment in South African hockey’s evolution.
Coach Bonnet has full confidence
Head Coach Giles Bonnet has expressed unwavering confidence in the squad’s capabilities, emphasizing their dedication to making the nation proud and clinching the coveted Olympic qualification. With an impressive total of 843 test caps collectively, the team represents a fine balance between experienced stalwarts and spirited newcomers. While the likes of Bobbs and Seerane boast an astonishing 172 and 173 caps, respectively, a fresh wave of energy is embodied by the inclusion of seven players with less than 20 test caps, including the debutants Aphiwe Dimba and Paris-Gail Isaacs.
The team’s composition also reflects a blend of mid-experienced players, with six athletes holding between 20 and 50 caps. Notable mentions in this cohort include Stephanie Botha, Edith Molikoe, Jean-Leigh Du Toit, Bianca Wood, Anelle Van Deventer, and Onthatile Zulu. Furthermore, the presence of seasoned campaigners like Kristen Paton, Tarryn Lombard, and Erin Christie, each boasting over 50 test caps, further solidifies South Africa’s formidable lineup.
The SA Womens Hockey team has been named for the African Hockey Road to Paris 2024 Qualifier. https://t.co/odthAIvf3P#EnRouteToParis #HockeyInvites #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/xywrbQXo3I
— SA Hockey (@SA_Hockey) October 18, 2023
Campaign kicks off next weekend
South Africa’s campaign kicks off on October 29, with an exciting encounter against Zimbabwe at 16:00, followed by a compelling face-off with the Nigerian team at 10:00 am the next day. Fans across the continent can catch the action live, as all the enthralling games will be broadcasted on Supersport, ensuring an immersive viewing experience for all hockey enthusiasts.
All matches LIVE on SuperSport 📺 Check revised Fixtures (rev. 19.10.2023) for "African Hockey Road to Paris 2024 (M/W)" | 29 Oct - 5 Nov 2023 at the University of Pretoria TUKS - RSA 🇿🇦https://t.co/RBWwabQR71#EnRouteToParis #Paris2024 #AfricaHockeyNews #HockeyInvites pic.twitter.com/ESqzHd5oQm
— African Hockey Federation (AfHF) (@AfrHockey) October 19, 2023
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