By The African Hockey Federation expressed dissatisfaction with South Africa’s withdrawal of their male and female teams from the ongoing African Games, Accra 2023.
During a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, Seif Ahmed, President of the African Hockey Federation, stated, “We came here to play, not to find excuses not to play.”
South Africa pulled their teams out of the competition, citing safety concerns with the pitch.
“I believe hockey in Africa will benefit greatly from this pitch. There are 25 countries playing hockey in Africa. Only one country, South Africa has certified turfs.
“Of course, if we take over the turf late we cannot certify it. But, from our experience, we know it is safe to be used.”
The continental President suggested that South Africa did not follow due process in deciding to withdraw from the competition. He added that the claim that the pitch was substandard was unfounded, as the turf had not been laid at the time the pictures circulated by the South Africans were taken. Additionally, he noted that the quality of the turf could not be accurately assessed from the pictures.
Mr. Seif further clarified that mandatory certification requirements only apply when a pitch is to be used for Olympic qualifiers.
“What we have heard is that the real reason South Africa pulled out of the competition is because they are afraid of injuries, as they are preparing for the Olympic Games. We are here to protect the athletes, but we have no control over injuries.”
South Africa’s male and female teams secured qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after competing on the old turf at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Pitch in Accra during the African Cup of Nations in 2022.
The newly installed surface at the pitch is of the highest quality and identical to the one to be used at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Apart from hockey, South Africa is participating in seventeen (17) other disciplines at Accra 2023 with a contingent of three hundred and forty-six (346) athletes.
With over 5,000 athletes from 54 countries participating, the Games feature twenty-nine (29) different sporting disciplines across two cities – Accra and Cape Coast.
