Old Eds and Wanderers hockey teams gear for Durban showdown

Old Edwardians and Wanderers hockey clubs are gearing up for this year’s annual Greenfields Elite Club Challenge at the Riverside Sports Centre in Durban North from 15 to 16 July.

The two hockey clubs will be competing against other clubs from the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal for a grand prize of R26 000 which will go to the winning team. This is the largest tournament prize money offered in South African hockey.

Teams include 2015 champions Badgers of Western Province, Riverside Hockey Club, Malik Old Albanians Hockey Club and Kearsney Hockey Club.

Old Edwardians first team coach, Thornton McDade, said “It is always such a great event to be a part of that our men’s first team looks forward to every year. The quality of hockey played and at such fantastic facilities make this a highlight in our hockey calendar.

“We have seen the level of hockey improve year upon year and that’s why initiatives like these are so important to grow and develop our country’s talent from grassroots level so when the 2020 Commonwealth Games come around our SA teams will be a force to be reckoned with.”

Wanderers first team manager, Patrick Owgan said, “The competition is tough but we have high hopes of claiming the title and largest prize money this year.”

The tournament was established in 2013 by Riverside Sports and Riverside Hockey Club to showcase top class hockey by premier players in a festival-type tournament.

Riverside Hockey Club’s, Wayne Phillips, said, “We would like to thank our main sponsors, Greenfields–Belgotex Sport for their unwavering support over the past three years. I would like to encourage everyone to bring their friends and families to come and enjoy a weekend of festivities and watch world-class hockey at its best.”