International hockey puts Potchefstroom sport facilities on the map

The ninth edition of the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup is taking place in Potchefstroom, the first of its kind to be hosted on African soil.

The Covid-19 pandemic prevented the 2021 edition of the event from taking place in December last year. This time around, however, Potchefstroom and the NWU were more than ready to host the event. It started on 1 April 2022 and will conclude on Tuesday the 12th.

Potchefstroom is known for hosting numerous international athletes for training due to its altitude, creating perfect conditions. Paired with the top-class training facilities, including the High Performance Institute (HPI), the NWU hockey academy, athletics field, and Senwes Park, the NWU and Potchefstroom have excellent facilities to host international events like the Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup.

The NWU provides facilities that compare to international standards, said Strelza van Aardt (20), SCC sports office portfolio committee member with the portfolio hockey, and also a former NWU hockey player. “The hockey culture is certainly rich in Potchefstroom. We (the NWU) hosted some of the FIH Men’s Pro League games as well just a few weeks ago, certainly establishing Potch as one of the hockey hubs in South Africa,” Van Aardt said.

Sheldon Rostron, chairperson of the local organisation committee for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in South Africa and NWU director of sport, agreed with Strelza and said that the NWU is accustomed to hosting international clients and added that both Potchefstroom and the university will benefit from the international exposure.

“Brand awareness for the NWU will be created locally and internationally, allowing the university to enter international markets.” This ultimately means that the university will gain more clients and business opportunities, subsequently creating opportunities for the Potchefstroom business community as well.

Chanté Ferreira (22), NWU hockey player and member of the U21 South African women’s squad at the tournament, said that by hosting a tournament like this, the university is put one step above others in South Africa. “The upgrading of facilities will be a long-term benefit for the university and will make the NWU a preferred partner to host international events.”

The South African team made it through to the first semi-final, where they were beaten by the Netherlands.

The Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup serves as a platform for under 21 international hockey players to show their skills and put their hands up for selection into their respective senior national sides. Sides like Austria, Ireland, and Uruguay made their debut at the tournament. “We do not have any big expectations because we know the tournament is going to be tough. We just want to give our all,” Fiona Felber (20), captain of the Austrian U21 hockey squad, said.

Some of the other countries participating in the tournament include the United States of America, the Netherlands, Germany, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Korea, England, India, Wales, Malaysia, and Canada.

South Africa will play the United States of America tomorrow (Tuesday, 12 April) in the 7th and 8th place match. The Netherlands and Germany will play one another, also tomorrow, for the final title as champions. Visit the website of the International Hockey Federation for regular updates of games, scores and placement of the teams. Follow our live updates on Twitter as well at @3streamsmedia.