Times Of Swaziland: SA HOCKEY TOUR CANCELLED

SA HOCKEY TOUR CANCELLED
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Melusi Mkhabela on 29/02/2024 08:36:00


MBABANE – Eswatini Hockey Association (EHA) Under-11 hockey tour to
Heronbridge, South Africa, has been cancelled.
The much-anticipated Under-11 hockey tour to Heronbridge, Johannesburg,
cancellation has sent ripples of disappointment through the EHA and the young
players. The cancellation was prompted by the withdrawal of several players, who
cited conflicting school commitments coinciding with the scheduled tour dates of
March 18-23. Els Marie, the representative of the EHA, expressed the
organisation’s regret over the cancellation, attributing it to the unavoidable
school-related obligations that led to the players’ withdrawal. “The tour
was scheduled for March, but has since been cancelled because of school
commitments from some of the players,” revealed Marie.
The tour, which was poised to feature Under-11 male and female categories, was
designed to provide a platform for the young players to hone their skills by
competing against opponents with higher technical abilities. Tinavo Mushavi, the
EHA Head of Development, revealed that the aspiring hockey players had already
embarked on an intensive training camp, underlining the dedication and
preparation that had preceded the now-cancelled tour. With the young athletes
already two weeks into their training camp, the cancellation undoubtedly came as
a disheartening setback after their dedicated efforts to elevate their playing
level.
Amid the disappointment surrounding the cancelled tour, the EHA is gearing up
for a pivotal phase as it prepares to conduct an orientation session for
incoming board members, in collaboration with the Eswatini Sports and Recreation
Council (ESRC). Mushavi highlighted the significance of this upcoming
orientation session, emphasising their role in shaping the association’s
future direction and operations. The successful completion of this orientation
session is poised to pave the way for the EHA’s mandate for the year, marking
a crucial milestone in the organisations strategic planning and governance.