LISTEN: Continental qualification not an option
MALANSHOF – SASCOC stands by the agreement made in May.
The South African Hockey teams will not be using the continental qualification route to the Rio 2016 Olympics.
South Africa women’s and men’s teams both came out the victors at the Greenfields African Hockey Championship at the Randburg Hockey Arena on 1 November. The women beat Ghana 3 – 0 and the men beat Egypt 4 – 2 in the finals.
However, this does not mean that they will go to the Rio Olympics 2016. According to a statement on the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) website, “SASCOC wish to reiterate that the continental qualification route will not be considered.”
The qualification policy was signed in May and both SASCOC and the South African Hockey Association (SAHA) agreed to the terms.
In the qualification criteria for men and women it stated that, “SASCOC will consider selection of athletes if qualification is attained:
– Directly through the World Hockey League 2014/2015;
– Continental Qualification places will not be considered;
– Qualification place is allocated to the NOC (National Olympics Commitee), not athlete.”
South African Hockey Association CEO Marissa Langeni said, “At the end of the day the decision rests with SASCOC. As South African hockey we are happy, and we are convinced that these teams deserve their place in Rio.”
Listen to Langeni discuss the championship and failed qualification.
This would suggest that even though SA won the championships, due to both parties signing the policy, the teams cannot be permitted to participate in Rio 2016 Olympics.
Captain of the SA men’s hockey team Tim Drummond said, “It has been a huge effort by this team, we knew it was going to be tough playing against an Egyptian side. We will have to wait and see what happens.”
SASCOC was contacted for further explanation, and comment is awaited.
What are your thoughts?
Should SA be permitted to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics?
