The City of Cape Town is set for Masters Hockey World Cup

The 11-day masters world series will take place on 11-21 October, with Hartleyvale Astro in Observatory and Western Province Cricket Club in Rondebosch being the two selected venues.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Motingoe says preparations have been extensive and they are ready to welcome the world hockey fraternity in South Africa.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be the host nation for the World Masters Hockey World Cup 2024 and to welcome teams from all over the world to Cape Town next week. Our preparations have been extensive, and we are ready to ensure an unforgettable experience for all participants, spectators, and supporters.

Our expectations are high, and we anticipate a celebration of Masters Hockey at its finest. We’re ready to host this global event on the field and in creating a memorable experience that highlights the spirit of camaraderie and competition. We can’t wait to welcome all the teams and fans to Cape Town next week,’’ said Motingoe.

The world masters will see over 100 teams from 25 countries contest for the coveted prize on South African shores. Motingoe says local teams are ready to host and showcase what they are made of on home soil.

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“We are proud to have several South African teams representing the country across different age categories in both men’s and women’s divisions. The players have trained incredibly hard, and their expectations are high.

Competing on home soil gives them a unique advantage, support from family, friends, and local fans, who will undoubtedly lift their spirits. There’s also a sense of pride in representing the nation in front of a home crowd, and the teams are eager to show the world what South African Masters Hockey is all about. Playing at home means the teams can draw energy from the familiar surroundings and use this momentum to perform at their best. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of these players, and they are determined to make the most of it,’’ said Motingoe.

Motigoe also highlighted some of the challenges participants had to endure ahead of the tournament.

“One of the primary challenges faced by many of the athletes is balancing their professional and personal lives with their commitment to the sport. Masters Hockey players often juggle full-time careers, family responsibilities, and intense training schedules. Financial support has also been a challenge, as many athletes rely on self-funding or sponsorships to cover travel, accommodation, and equipment costs for the tournament. Thankfully, we have received great support from the City of Cape Town and local sponsors, but additional assistance, particularly in funding, would help ease the burden on these players,” added Motingoe.

The tournament will also include the SA Masters Hockey Legacy Project, which aims

to support the development of under-resourced communities through programs like the Ikageng Hockey Upliftment Program.

This project will ensure that the tournament’s impact continues long after the final whistle by providing opportunities for young athletes in South Africa.