Herman Gibbs
CAPE Town will again demonstrate its capacity as a world-class venue next month when it hosts the Masters Hockey World Cup, a biennial event that showcases the talents of seasoned men’s and women’s hockey players from around the globe.
Hartleyvale Astro in Observatory and Western Province Cricket Club in Rondebosch will be the two venues in the Mother City. The 10-day events start on Friday, October 11, with the opening ceremony at V&A Waterfront.
The tournament will run until Monday, October 21. The age groups include 65 and over men (Hartleyvale), and over-35 and over-40 men and women (WPCC grounds).
The closing function will be held in the beautiful suburb of Camps Bay, overlooking the ocean against the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain.
This event will bring more than 2000 players, management teams and officials to the shores of South Africa for a feast of hockey from some of the world’s most experienced exponents of the game.
In the past, the event has delivered many exhilarating matches and unforgettable moments.
SA Masters Hockey president Reg Marais said they were delighted to host players from around the world. He added that the backing of the city would enable them to deliver a world-class event.
“As we approach the start of the World Cup, the anticipation of welcoming our Masters hockey friends to the most beautiful Cape of Good Hope grows every day,” said Marais.
“We will once again be partnering with the City of Cape Town as we aim to build on the success of the 2022 edition of the tournament to ensure a truly spectacular experience for all.
“We are honoured by the decision of the City of Cape Town to again come on board as a premier sponsor of the Masters Hockey World Cup.
“It is always gratifying when a top city such as Cape Town places its stamp of approval on an event by allocating resources for the hosting function.
“Their expertise, experience and commitment will contribute significantly to the ultimate success of the tournament.”
Mayoral committee member JP Smith said city officials are buoyed by the opportunity to show what the city has to offer, plus the chance to support the hockey fraternity.
“Hosting the Masters Hockey World Cup in 2022, the first ever on the African continent, was a wonderful addition to Cape Town’s already diverse events calendar,” said Smith.
“It is exciting, therefore, to once again welcome the event and more than 2000 participants back to the Mother City in 2024.
“We are looking forward to seeing what the event has in store and particularly its contribution to growing the sport.”
There will be 52 technical officials to ensure the matches proceed smoothly, while 65 umpires will be on hand to run the rule on the field of play.