General News Archives

ASOIF governance review confirms FIH steady progress

22 June 2022 Lausanne, Switzerland: ASOIF’s (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations) fourth governance review of its member federations – published yesterday – has confirmed the steady progress made by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in terms of good governance. Indeed, FIH has scored higher marks than ever before in every section (Transparency, Integrity, Democracy, Development and Control Mechanisms), leading to an overall increase of 16 points compared to the last review (2019-20). With a total of 149 points, FIH tops Group B and is only 1 point away from Group A2. We’re particularly pleased with the following comments from ASOIF: FIH has done a significant work in important areas including gender equality, safeguarding and also outsourcing anti-doping to the ITA (International Testing Agency) FIH has successfully delivered an online Genery Assembly (Congress) FIH performed well on the new indicators for 2021-22: action is being taken to increase the diversity of the Executive Board, support is being provided to enhance the governance of members and there is an established risk management programme FIH achieved the “Top 10” in 9 out of 33 indicators assessed in this way Further, it’s worth noting that ASOIF cites FIH as an example of good governance practice in numerous areas such as gender balance, diversity at Board and Committee level, electoral process and rules, election campaigning rules, the implementation of a Code of Ethics or an Ethics Committee with independent representation. FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “This review confirms that the determination, work and efforts of FIH to become a leader in terms of good governance are being recognized. Of course, there is room for improvement. Therefore, we will keep on working on the areas where we can do better and will engage with ASOIF in this regard as well.” The aim of the ASOIF governance review is to promote and ensure a culture of good governance within the international federations and help drive continuous progress. #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please consult FIH.hockey, follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and download the Watch.Hockey app.

South Africa to host inaugural Men’s Nations Cup

22 June 2022 Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has appointed South Africa as the host country for the inaugural FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup. The event will take place at the North-West University of Potchefstroom – which successfully hosted the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in April this year – from 28 November to 4 December 2022. The aim of this new yearly event is to offer a top-level competition to the best-ranked teams not participating in the FIH Hockey Pro League and give the winning team the option to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League the next season, precisely. Therefore, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup marks the start of the promotion-relegation principle for the FIH Hockey Pro League, with the winning team of the first FIH Hockey Nations Cup having the chance to be promoted to the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Pro League (provided they meet the necessary requirements for it). The following eight teams – which include some of the powerhouses of world hockey! – will participate in the very first edition, having qualified based on their position in the FIH World Rankings of May 2021: South Africa, France, Canada, Japan, Korea, Ireland, Pakistan and Malaysia. FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “On behalf of FIH, I’d like to thank wholeheartedly the South African Hockey Association for hosting this inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup. Everyone could see how successful the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup – the first FIH World Cup to be staged on African soil – was, and we’re delighted to go back to Potchefstroom soon! With the Nations Cup, not only a true hockey festival awaits all hockey fans, but there’s a lot a stake for the teams, including a place within the FIH Hockey Pro League!” Shaune Baaitjies, Acting CEO of SA Hockey: “South Africa showed our capacity as a world class host with the hosting of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom earlier this year. The North West University facilities were outstanding and received wonderful reviews from all involved. We are delighted that the FIH has chosen to host the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Potchefstroom. The South African Men enjoyed playing the home series of games in the FIH Hockey Pro League at the venue and look forward to adding more remarkable memories for the international hockey family. It promises to be a wonderful tournament at a wonderful venue!” The inaugural FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup will be held in Valencia, Spain, from 11 to 17 December this year. For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please visit FIH.hockey, follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and download the Watch.Hockey app. #FIHNationsCup #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please consult FIH.hockey, follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and download the Watch.Hockey app.

Nations from four continents bidding for 2026 FIH Hockey World Cups!

16 June 2022 Lausanne, Switzerland: After completion of the bidding process for hosting the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s and Women’s World Cups, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is glad to announce that bids from four continents (Africa, the Americas, Europe and Oceania), to host either one or both World Cups, have been received. The bids are as follows: 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup: Australia (host city: Melbourne/Geelong, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane/Gold Coast – to be confirmed) South Africa (host city: Potchefstroom) Uruguay (host city: to be confirmed) 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup: England, in partnership with Wales (host cities: to be confirmed) Germany (host city: to be confirmed) South Africa (host city: Potchefstroom) 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup and 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup combined (= being played at the same time): Belgium/Netherlands (host cities: Wavre and Amstelveen) South Africa (host city: Potchefstroom) The hosts will be decided at the Executive Board meeting on 3 November and announced at the FIH Congress which will be held virtually on 4-5 November this year. FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “On behalf of FIH, I’d like to thank all National Associations who are bidding for our flagship events. We’re looking at really strong, and also diverse, bids here. We will now conduct a thorough analysis of each dossier so that the Event Bidding Task Force is fully informed of all aspects when making their recommendation to the Executive Board.” The FIH Hockey World Cup, for Women like for Men, is the pinnacle of FIH events. Being played every 4 years, both the Men’s and the Women’s World Cup involve sixteen teams amongst the best ones in the world. It will be the sixteenth edition of the World Cups in 2026. The next FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup will be played next month (from 1 to 17 July) in Terrassa, Spain and Amsterdam, Netherlands, whilst the next FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup will take place in January 2023 in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, India. #HWC2026 #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please consult FIH.hockey, follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and download the Watch.Hockey app.

FIH Pro League | Olympic Champions given a scare by South Africa

South Africa concluded their FIH Pro League tournament against Olympic Champions Belgium. The SA Men knew they would have a massive challenge ahead of them as the Belgians had won the previous four encounters with a combined 28-6 score line including the 5-0 victory yesterday. The game started off sensationally with South Africa winning an early penalty corner following some good work by the returning Dayaan Cassiem. The penalty corner itself was nothing short of perfection as Connor Beauchamp rifled the ball into the roof of the net. It was a rocket of a penalty corner and gave the African Champions a massive lift. Belgium would level but it would take a remarkable team goal of quick incisive play to create the goal finished off coolly by Nelson Onana. South Africa though continued to trouble the Belgians and were a good value opposition with Mustapha Cassiem enjoying making a nuisance of himself. The second quarter continued to follow the pattern of the first with both sides having opportunities and the South Africans looking very dangerous on the counter as the likes of Bili Ntuli, Dayaan Cassiem and Keenan Horne combined fluidly throughout. But the half reached its conclusion with a probably fair score line of 1-1. Early in the third quarter South Africa had a big chance through skipper Keenan Horne. The Striker was afforded space, but his tomahawk shot flew narrowly over the bar. The Belgians would take that lifeline and in 5 intense minutes push the pressure home. Florent van Aubel took advantage of a lapse in concentration in the South African defence to leap onto the ball and finish into the back of the net. Tom Boon then followed suite by robbing the ball from Tyson Dlungwana and finishing with incredible pace and added his second from a penalty corner. 4-1 at the end of the third quarter. South Africa continued to trouble the Belgians and ask questions which led to a reward for the team. Another penalty corner was awarded and the South Africans once again turned to Connor Beauchamp who took the opportunity like a season professional. It was a consolation, but it was a massively deserving one for a superb performance. For the South Africans all eyes now turn to the Commonwealth Games in 50 days where they will be looking to emulate or improve on their performances from previous tournaments, while applying the lessons taught throughout an incredible FIH Pro League experience.

SA Women’s Hockey Squad announced for the Commonwealth Games

In 50 Days’ time Team South Africa begin their Commonwealth Games challenge in Birmingham. The games initially awarded to Durban will be the 22nd hosting of the multi-sport event and the 7th staging of field hockey at the event. South Africa have competed in every event along with Australia, Canada, England, India, New Zealand and Scotland, with a best finish of 4th in 2010 and 2014. New Zealand are the defending champions having stunned Australia in the event in 2018 on the Gold Coast. The South African Women are in Pool B alongside five times champions Australia, defending champions New Zealand, African neighbours Kenya and Scotland. The top 2 teams in each pool progress to the semi-finals and by virtue of that will have a shot at one of the medals. Today SASCOC announced the SA Womens Hockey Team that will head to Birmingham just after completion of the FIH Hockey World Cup in Spain and Netherlands and will hopefully be buoyed by a massive performance in the Hockey showpiece. All 18 players selected for the Commonwealth Games are from the FIH World Cup Squad and the likes of Jean-Leigh du Toit and Maboloke (Nepo) Serage will look to add to their first caps earned at that tournament. Kristen Paton, Lisa Deetlefs, Erin Christie, Phumelela Mbande and Quanita Bobbs were all part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Squad, while Lilian du Plessis, Bobbs, Costin and Deetlefs featured in 2014. Deetlefs will be attending her fourth Commonwealth Games having attended her first in 2010. South Africa Squad for Commonwealth Games (Caps as of 08 June 2022) Player Caps Player Caps Bernadette Coston 155 Lilian du Plessis 145 Bianca Wood 12 Maboloke Serage 0 Edith Molikoe 5 Marizen Marais 36 Erin Christie 63 Onthatile Zulu 14 Hannah Pearce 16 Phumelela Mbande 57 Hanrie Louw 5 Quanita Bobbs 142 Jean-Leigh du Toit 0 Robyn Johnson 28 Kristen Paton 43 Shirndré-Lee Simmons 5 Lisa-Marie Deetlefs 271 Tarryn Lombard 52 Reserves Kayla de Waal, Charne Maddocks, Kirsty Adams, Sylvia van Jaarsveldt & Mathaphelo Ramasimong South Africa fixtures for Commonwealth Games 29 July 2022 – SA vs. Scotland 31 July 2022 – SA vs. Australia 2 August 2022 – South Africa vs. Kenya 4 August 2022 – South Africa vs. New Zealand Source: SAHockey.co.za