Hockey | World Masters Hockey Set To Sizzle In Cape Town 2024
Picture Credit: Gavin Nel
Excitement builds as top players head for South Africa
- The 100 days countdown to the World Masters Hockey World Cup in Cape Town has begun
Cape Town, South Africa: The countdown has started for the World Masters Hockey World Cup 2024, with 100 days to go before this sporting extravaganza takes off in Cape Town at different venues in the Mother City on October 11.
This biennial event will bring more than 2000 players, management teams and officials to the shores of South Africa for a feast of hockey from some of the world’s most talented and experienced exponents of the game.
With the City of Cape Town, a hosting partner of the tournament, the excitement is building for the 10-day event, with matches being played at three venues from October 12 -21.
It will be a showcase of the sport at a high level as men and women hockey players from around the world demonstrate the experience, they have picked up on the astroturf after years of exposure to the game.
And after the final ball has been struck, the teams will celebrate and enjoy the camaraderie these sorts of occasions engender at the closing function to be held in the beautiful suburb of Camps Bay, overlooking the ocean against the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain.
SA Masters Hockey president Reg Marais said they were delighted to host players from around the world to the event.
“As we approach 100 days to the commencement of the World Cup, the anticipation of welcoming our Masters hockey friends to the most beautiful Cape of Good Hope grows every day,” he said.
“We will once again be partnering with the City of Cape Town as we aim to build on the success of the 2022 edition of the tournament to ensure a truly spectacular experience for all.”
He added that having the backing of the city would enable them to deliver a world-class event.
“We are honoured by the decision of the City of Cape Town to once again come on board as a premier sponsor of the World Masters Hockey World Cup.
“It is always gratifying when a top city such as Cape Town places it stamps of approval on an event by allocating resources to the hosting thereof.
“Their expertise, experience and commitment will contribute significantly to the ultimate success of the tournament.”
City of Cape Town officials are equally buoyed to again show what the city has to offer, plus the opportunity to support the hockey fraternity.
“Hosting the World Masters Hockey World Cup in 2022, the first ever on the African continent, was a wonderful addition to Cape Town’s already diverse events calendar,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
“It is exciting, therefore, to once again welcome the event and more than 2000 players back to the Mother City in 2024.
“We are looking forward to seeing what the event has in store and particularly its contribution to growing the sport.”
IRL VS RSA WOMEN WHM.jpg: Ireland women in action against South Africa at the 2022 World Masters Hockey World Cup hosted by the City of Cape Town.
Picture Credit: Gavin Nel
A total of five age divisions will be gunning for the title of world champions, with men and women competing in the over-35 and over-40 sections.
The remaining sections will see players contesting the over-65, over-70 and over-75 age-groups.
Matches will be played at the Hartleyvale Hockey Stadium, Western Province Cricket Club and the astros at the Wynberg Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools.
Besides the players and officials involved, the local organising committee, who have been preparing for months to run an event with clockwork precision, are expecting around 2000 spectators to attend the matches, both local enthusiasts and those from abroad.
There will be 52 technical officials to ensure the matches proceed smoothly, while 65 umpires will be in attendance to run the rule on the field of play.
South Africa last hosted this tournament in 2022, which catered for the age-groups which will be competing in New Zealand later this year as World Masters Hockey decided on a split of ages and genders.
In a city which prides itself on providing its visitors with numerous, mouth-watering attractions, the World Masters Hockey World Cup 2024 will be just one more dynamic dimension Cape Town can offer for 10 days in October.
