The head of the LOC for the 2021 FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom, Sheldon Rostron, shares his thoughts on the upcoming tournament and how the preparation has gone for the massive event from 5 to 16 December.

1. Your thoughts on things as they currently stand in terms of the tournament. The NWU and LOC are confident that the event planning and processes in place are very good and we will be able to host a safe event. We will also ensure that the event continues to deliver great hockey and entertainment for the supporters and those back home due to Covid-19. We are counting the days as we check off and implement the last aspects and round off two years’ worth of planning. We’re happy that the event can go ahead and we are proud of all the stakeholders that will make hockey possible and support these women in making this World Cup a reality. We’ll warmly welcome all participating nations!

2. Talk to us about some of the nations confirmed and what you expect from such competition?

We know that Holland will be a force to be reckoned with and will present a solid, well-trained team. It’s safe to assume that the European countries would have pre- pared well, with ease of access to train and play against each other over the past few months, despite the challenges of the pandemic. They would have been able to put small bubbles together and play matches.

We expect the German, English and Spanish teams to do well; they are always tough opponents and play with passion and flair. I think the Pan Americas will be an interesting one. Canada has been working hard and has done well in the continental championships and Argentina as the previous world champs (and were dealt a blow with Covid-19) hopefully being able to recover well and fight for their title at the AWC. From the Asian Continent, we expect India to be a tough competitor. Looking at the senior team’s performance at the Tokyo Olympics, we know their junior team will fight to maintain the momentum built.

They always have good talented youngsters. We are not too sure what to expect from Korea and Japan, just because we do not know too much of what they have been up to recently. However, they are normally speedy, well-trained and put up a good fight. We will always be behind our team and we are certain the South African team that was selected will do well. We have a talented group and look forward to seeing what they will display against the world’s best. We hope that being at home and with all their preparation, they will reward themselves and make our nation proud and deliver a brand of hockey we know they can!

3. What challenges lie between now and the tournament-start on 5 December and how are you tackling such challenges?

Covid-19 remains a moving target and we continuously monitor and re-assess our current situation and try and predict what lies around the corner. We are fortunate to have experts close to us and be in an environment that we have to know what we are doing. We also have plans in place and many people who are well-trained and can respond in a heartbeat. Funding remains a continuous challenge, ensuring that we can cater for all the needs of such a large event and ensuring the safety of all participants. We are continuously looking out for sponsors and are very fortunate to have many on board already.

The uncertainty of broadcast and if the event will continue is now past. That allows us to provide clarity on the rights and being involved in this wonderful women’s sport, which also happens to be the fastest- growing. Trying to ensure that we entertain and take the sport to the people, while Covid-19 forces us to deliver the event in a bio-bubble remains a challenge.

We really wanted to share this event with not only the world but also local supporters and make it fun for our province and close community; they have been hungry for hockey for so long.

The last event in Potchefstroom (in 2007) was such a great experience and attracted people from far and wide. That’s what we love about sport. Sport connects, unites and inspires and we now have to figure out how to maintain these attributes and continue to make an impact.

4. What are some of your roles as the head of LOC? Give us a general update on how things are going for you.

Firstly, I have a great team of experts and passionate people who want this to be an absolute success. Despite the challenges and obstacles, they have been so positive and busy making sure all the boxes are not only ticked but also that we excel at our responsibilities. So… I’m a bit of a control freak and always want to deliver 110 per cent in everything I do.

Luckily, I have many colleagues and friends who always want to deliver and please others. That’s what I love about our team; we work together to deliver the best. There is absolute trust and confidence in each other’s work, which means I just have to manage and direct all the great ideas and plans. I am just a problem-solver and try and connect the dots on time and in time.

I’ve played a large role in the commercialisation part of this event and in maintaining and building relations with all the stakeholders to deliver the event. I enjoy challenges and strategic thinking and presenting. This project entails all those elements and, hopefully, I get to do this again!

5. Thoughts on NWU and South Africa as hosts – what people can expect, the Astro, the tournament format, accommodation, memories to be made and the experience of a lifetime.

We are a sporting nation, very hospitable and competent in hosting world stage events. I think it is something we like doing; hosting others and making them feel and be a part of us, even if it is for a short moment in time. South Africa needs something like this right now – for the sporting code itself and putting us on the global map again and competing at the highest levels. It also allows our people to feel free again after being engulfed and held captive by the pandemic and virus.

We need positivity; we need sport to put smiles on our faces and make us talk about something different again. Sport has always been part of our South African DNA and remains one of the strongest tools to deal with our past and move forward as a nation. It’s powerful and unites our collective passions, focus and ambitions. We need to keep this flame burning.

The NWU is used to hosting world-class teams, athletes and events. Our facilities are magnificent and are true monuments of the hard work of our staff, leaders and students. They continuously open their arms to the world to train and prepare for events or even play host to global events. It is in the NWU’s nature to provide opportunities for our students and staff to grow, develop and have opportunities to excel.

This event is no different; our community will be working together to ensure we welcome the world and share this special place called Potchefstroom in the wonderful province of North West.

We are well-known for our sports tourism and provide great accommodation options with great food and great people.

Despite all the challenges, they will feel at home, comfortable and ready to deliver on the field daily. So much so, that they will come back after Covid-19 and explore all the other tourist attractions and use us as a springboard for their future successes. That is what we did for the Spanish football team, Australia and several other teams.