SA hockey tour cancelled
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