Hockey teams not black enough

2008-05-21 17:55

Durban - Once again the spectre of sport transformation has reared its ugly head. And this time it is field hockey that is getting it in the neck.

With both South Africa's men and women's teams having qualified for the Beijing Olympics in August and given the go-ahead by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Commitee (Sascoc) to attend, questions have been raised about the composition of the teams despite having being selected months ago.

According to South African Hockey Association president Dave Carr, his organisation had come to an agreement with Sascoc late last year that six players of colour out of a squad of 16 would be selected for both teams.

However, the sports portfolio committee, chaired by Butana Komphela, is insisting that there be a 50-50 representation.

Ironically, Komphela's committee is satisfied with six blacks representing the SA women's team but are insisting that the men have eight. Furthermore, the committee would like to see more Africans in that figure as opposed to Coloured and Indians.

Speaking at the women's interprovincial hockey tournament in Durban, Carr said that he did not quite understand the discrepancy in the ruling.

"The sports committee have given this recommendation to the sports minister and I am waiting for a letter from him to see what we do next."

Carr says it is completely disruptive for both teams' preparation for Beijing and especially so for the men.

"There is a squad of 18 men players already in Beijing," explained Carr.

"Now there is uncertainty amongst the players as to whether they will retain their selection."

- SAPA