Thu 24 Jul, 2008
|
|
|
|
South Africa men are going to Athens  x35
 |
| South Africa |
May 19, 2004 
News 24, South Africa
> Page Views 3782
Johannesburg - The South African men's hockey team will be in action at the Athens Olympic Games, after the Court of Arbitration of Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland rejected the Hellenic Hockey Association's appeal on Wednesday.
The decision brought to an end months of anxious waiting for both countries and means that South Africa will have two hockey teams competing at the biggest sporting event on the planet.
The news will come as sweet justice for some members of the SA squad who missed out on Sydney 2000 when National Olympic Committee of South Africa (Nocsa) chief Sam Ramsamy pulled the plug after they had qualified through Africa.
Ace goal-scorer Greg Nicol was one of those unfortunate men, after he was the top goal-scorer at Atlanta in 1996. "Four year's ago was very difficult, but I'm thrilled that it has gone our way this time," he said.
Nicol, who will call an end to his illustrious international career after the Olympics said it was good for hockey in this country. "It's fantastic for the future of hockey in this country and I was confident. At least I was until about two days ago and then all these little doubts started creeping in, but luckily we can now get on with it.
"Personally it will be a wonderful way to bring the curtain down on my career and I honestly couldn't think of a better way to do it."
The women, currently in China for a four-Nation tournament, had alreadyt qualified by winning the All Africa Games title last year, beating Nigeria 10-0 in the final.
Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.
|
Opinions expressed here do not represent the official views of PlanetFieldHockey.com or its staff. Comments will be removed if they are considered offensive or of a personal nature.
Comments on this article
|
vangelaki
05-19-2004 11:18 am
|
Report this post
|
VERY STRANGE
EVRYTHING IS CRISTALCLEAR ?????? AND HONEST ?????
15 minutes ago while phoning the tas, nothing was known, no pressrelease could be done, meanwhile on this website the announcement is made ???!!!
What is the guaranty waterproofness?
Vangelaki
|
|
michèle
05-19-2004 11:35 am
|
Report this post
|
greece
KAKOMIRIA
what a pitty , sad for the development of this nice sport in greece
|
|
Gareth Nicol
05-19-2004 11:47 am
|
Report this post
|
|
YAY for the Bokke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
unbelievable
05-19-2004 11:50 am
|
Report this post
|
The Greek mens hockey team are currently on the pitch training.
Who want't to call them about this travesty?
Good luck to SA in the games, but also good luck getting your team onto the field at the world cup football.
|
|
Spicoli
05-19-2004 11:55 am
|
Report this post
|
Re: greece
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by michèle [/i]
[B]KAKOMIRIA
what a pitty , sad for the development of this nice sport in greece [/B][/QUOTE]
What development? That's the problem.
Good luck South Africa!
|
|
Rhino
05-19-2004 11:59 am
|
Report this post
|
Don't be too sad
Don't be too sad, Michèle, now the greek players living in greece will have the chance to start their championship 2003/2004, to play and to enjoy Hockey Matches without fanatism. Don't worry for the development of Hockey in Greece, we work for it... at the base.
|
|
Podge
05-19-2004 11:08 pm
|
Report this post
|
Rhino
Rhino, its good to see that you have the right approach to the situation. Why dont you suggest to the HHF to make the team available as warm up opponents for teams playing in the games. That way it will be a good yardstick for the team, they will be able to learn alot and still be involved, albeit on a periperhal level.
No luck Greece. You can know that this decision will go a long way to help the sport on a whole continent, rather than in a place where it is obvious that it has not been developed correctly and where imported players form the bulk of the 'national' team.
Go The Proteas!!
|
|
Greece
05-20-2004 2:24 am
|
Report this post
|
It is very strange ! just 5 minutes after the decision all sites had already the decision written!!! very strange.
Greek Boys keep your heads , hearts and flag heigher. You won the case , you won our compassion, you won the hearts of all the Greeks.
Let FIH and 'others' to feel bad for their rest of their lives for that.
you, your coach, your federation did excellent work. Keep going
We love you guys. Keep going.
|
|
Atruvian Man
05-20-2004 6:45 am
|
Report this post
|
PPodge&Rhino
U two guys represent the hobby athlete fraction here with no professional approach at all. Rhino is diaqualifying himself with his argumentation and Podge.....well everybody has read what this guys is posting, shows a lack of knowledge about professional sports and hockey
|
|
saboy
05-20-2004 6:50 am
|
Report this post
|
|
Actually decision sucks because Sa Hockey at the moment is at low level just waste of taxpayers money which could been put in developing hockey is SA because process is slower than snail. So Goodluck rememder what happend in commwealth games?? that was just the taste of whats more to come. anyway how can a side that loses to Malaysia{ no disrecpect } expect to put up a fight against aussie,holland,greatbritan, pakistan and they could not even beat Egypt!!! I still see no black players in sguad so where is transformation Mr Rev. U are just doing same as you predeccors so just save yourself from humiliation. Nocsa must just stop them fropm goin coz no criteria still met of transformation.
|
|
Jahman
05-20-2004 6:56 am
|
Report this post
|
|
Been hockey playa in Sa FEELSS GOOOD but leaves sour taste as well. Consideration our recent results we are facin an up hill battle so there lots of work to be done. Nway see youy boys in cape town for IPT guess who goin to win EC?NataL?Southern? I say Province
|
|
Frankie
05-20-2004 7:11 am
|
Report this post
|
Unbelievable - what an apt name and what a spiteful comment.
For your information, SA has QUALIFIED for the last 2 football World Cups - not bad for a team that has only being playing international football for 10 years.
Further, you are talking about football which is governed by FIFA not FIH. FIFA's RULES state the the host nation does not have to qualify. FIH on the other hand has, rightly or wrongly, CHANGED the RULES so that the host nation has to qualify. The Greeks were aware of that a long time ago.
The biggest injustice to come out of this hearing is that SAHA has to pay there own costs as well as 25% of CAS costs. Greece brought the case before the court (and lost) and now SAHA has to pay thousands of dollars (That's a LOT of Rands which it doesn't have to waste) all because the HHF has no respect for the RULES. This was an issue between FIH and HHF and these 2 parties should have to cover all the costs.
|
|
Bokke!!!!
05-20-2004 8:24 am
|
Report this post
|
|
Go SA you DESERVE every inch of the decision!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
Rhino
05-20-2004 8:30 am
|
Report this post
|
Good Idea Podge
Very Good Idea Podge ! And I am sure that the players will enjoyed it ! Note also that many of the "Volunteers" for the Hockey Olympic games are former or present hockey players, that the "Ball boys" are "juniors hockey players" . So Greece will be present
|
|
Rhino
05-20-2004 9:26 am
|
Report this post
|
To Atruvian Man
I don't undestand what you mean by "hobby athlete fraction with no professional approach at all". If you mean that I spend a lot of free time for my involvement in hockey and that I am not paid for that, as many people do at the basic level, you are right and I am proud that you told me that. If for you "no professional approach" means "not rational or logic approach", maybe it is because you don't know how it is difficult to have this professionnal approach for Hockey in Greece. And I am also proud that you associate me with Podge because I share most of his opinions. OK even if you think I am disqualified, I will not bring the case to the Court for Arbitration of sport, because I prefer to spend my time for the game...
|
|
Holiday Boys
05-20-2004 10:00 am
|
Report this post
|
|
this time SA are going for a free ride in Athens, they have no chance of winning any medals even if they import all their current exports in UK and Europe.
|
|
KL
05-20-2004 11:03 am
|
Report this post
|
Get over it Greece
CAS have ruled against the HHF on all points END OF STORY.
If you want someone to blame blame the HHF and Greek authorities for leaving it to the last moment to start preparations, agreeing to a qualification procedure they did not understand NOR HAD ANY INTENTION OF ADHERING TO, failing to promote the sport in a manner expected of a serious hockey playing nation and generally dragging hockey through the mud.
|
|
Andre
05-20-2004 11:16 am
|
Report this post
|
an observation
South Africa earned its spot fair and square through the Olympic Qualifier in Madrid. Having said that, I'll offer the opinion that their stunning upset loss to Egypt weakened the pools for the Olympics....I'd love to have either team in my pool.
|
|
Brendon
05-20-2004 11:24 am
|
Report this post
|
RE:Sa boy
Listen Buddy.We wouldnt be in this prediciment if the pencil pushers at Nocsa hadnt sent our world renowned baseball team instead of hockey during the Sydney games.
Transformation ?Have you had a look at the numbers of non white players in the squad.(Justifiedly)Thats a fair majority.Lets try to leave politics out of hockey for a change.The only way forward to to play against top opposition at the Olympics.Best of Luck Revs.Keep giving as many players exposure as you can.Rewards will come
Maby quota systems will enter our soccer teams one day.
All the best
Brendon
|
|
SASUPPORTER
05-20-2004 12:52 pm
|
Report this post
|
SABOY- rather surf www.dictionary.com
I cant believe what I have just read! When are you going to brush that chip off your shoulder buddy? Hockey have consistently chosen players on the basis of pure talent and merit and not because they are pink black blue or green. You are insulting South Africa, Hockey and the players of colour that are present in the side and the bigger squad by implying they are there because of a quota system
Emile Smith-arguably deserves to be there on pure merit and the unbelievably talented hockey player that he is
Bruce Jacobs- more then deserves to be there based on ability and has proven himself as a quality player
Reece Basson- brilliant striker, who has scored more goals in his first ten internationals than greg nicol did in his first ten
Clyde Abrahams- you tell him he is there based on a quota/colour system and see his response- an underrated player who has represented his country proudly over 100 times
Marvin Bam- probably the fastest utility player in the world, awesome to watch and the best in his position
Denzil Dolley- the meanest inside pull in world hockey- competing with the likes of Nicol, Basson, Smith and CUllen-a tough group
Jodi Paul- Excellent defender, again competing against a wealth of experience and talent
Saboy- you dont deserve to associate yourself with South Africa and insult a wealth of talent and experience. YOu said it, SA Hockey have little or no money yet they have consistenly over the years not fallen foul of any 'requirements', while rugby and soccer with their millions of rands in 'development', have no fixed quota numbers, yet still fail to produce a proportionate amount of black 'players' in the national team.
You also are arrogant to assume that Malaysia are walkovers. They beat india in the recent 4 nations tournament and made the last two olympics, while South Africa being the last qualified nation, do not have a realistic chance of getting a medal-like the other teams who will take up positions 4-12...duh its not rocket science..Competing in the olympics gives you tv time, exposure and allows the attraction of sponsors to the game, allowing for better development programs. You fail to also realise that the head of development and the head of hockey in SA are in fact people of colour, who have done a great job and deserve recognition based on performance and not the tone of their skin.
Dont waste your time posting pointless traitor-like comments that inflame, insult and imply incorrect perceptions. Get off your backside and develope the game in your community....
|
|
Atruvian Man
05-20-2004 1:03 pm
|
Report this post
|
@Frankie
SA offered to bear the costs - and I don´t want to know what was going on behind the scenes between SA and FIH which obviously are allies. This whole thing stinks and has a bitter taste, a taste which already has had a bad influence on the sport.
And please don´t come with comparisons between African and European Hockey or Football as the competetion in Europe is much stronger than the one in Africa - in both sports. So that is not an argument.
What about that: SA does not pay any costs at all and let Greece go to the Olympics? Deal?
I just hope that rumours saying HHF had no chance as CAS was biased are not true, for the good of Sport and justice.
|
|
Hockeycoach
05-21-2004 12:52 am
|
Report this post
|
Holiday Boys?
I read the message boards in the hope that something logical/profound will be printed every once in a while.Holiday boys.Why dont we send everyone who has 'no chance' of winning a medal back and just send the favourites in each sport?The olympics are about participation.Maybe you need a holiday to clear your head.
I hear they are sending another spacecraft to Mars soon-maybe you should volunteer.
|
|
hockey fan
05-21-2004 4:32 am
|
Report this post
|
what is transformation?
"saboy" has mentioned the word transformation when criticizing South Africa - what does he mean by 'transformation'? I am confused.
|
|
Alfie
05-21-2004 6:39 am
|
Report this post
|
Interesting reading everyone's views. Some want the host nation to go, some want SA to go, some say SA shouldn't go because they wont get a medal. Do only those will probably get a medal get to go -- Holland, Aus,Pak etc. What I find amazing is that people seem to attack some else's view very quickly. Can't wait to see who will attack me for my lack of knowledge, professioanlism, spirit. Oh wait I have not given my knowledge. oops, you will have to ask nicely...
oh what the hey.
Go bokke
|
|
Podge
05-21-2004 10:16 pm
|
Report this post
|
Atruvian man
Well excuse us for coming from Africa. You obviously dont realise that Africa has two teams in the Olympic games for the first time ever and the sport is growin all the time. You only have to see the results between Nigeria and Pakistan at last year's Afro-asian games to realise that.
Football is a different story I suppose...Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, Shaun Bartlett, Benedict Marcathy, Quinton fortune...not to bad for a bunch of people from the SOuth of the continent. I dont see to many greek players playing in Europe? And what makes us such a bad soccer nation, we have qualified for the last two soccer world cups that we were allowed to compete in, while mens hockey have qualified for the last three olympic games. Tell me where the lack of development and growth in our sport is?
Sour Grapes.
|
|
Frankie
05-24-2004 3:46 am
|
Report this post
|
Atruvian Man
The press release that I read stated as follows:
'QUOTE
The Court of Arbitration for Sport pronounces:
1. The Court of Arbitration for Sports has jurisdiction to hear the appeal filed on 17 February 2004 by Hellenic Hockey Federation.
2. The appeal filed by the Hellenic Hockey Federation is admissable.*
3. The appeal filed by the Hellenic Hockey Federation is dismissed.
4. The Hellenic Hockey Federation shall bear 50% of the costs of this arbitration and the Federation Internationale de Hockey and South African Hockey Association shall bear 25% of such costs, the amount of which is to be determined and served by the Secretary General of CAS.l
5. Each party shall bear its own costs.
Done in Lausanne, 19 May 2004'
(Source: planetfieldhockey.com)
Forgive my lack of understanding, but that sounds like a pronouncement by CAS rather than an offer by SA Hockey. However, you were obviously at the court case so you would know better.
I'm not even going to waste my time resonding to your other points regarding football, collusion and the costs (the answer is yes).
The rumours you mention exist because they are started by malicious, ignorant, prejudiced plonkers - recognise yourself?
|
|
|
|
saboys
05-26-2004 9:11 am
|
Report this post
|
|
Iam not sayin all the non players are there bcoz they are qouta players. What if they all decide to resign?? Then what I am hockey players had privilegde of playin with and against all those players ask them how they feel about transformation and you realise that i am not talkin out of my ass. this is feelin amgonst all players of non colour so think again before you pass jugdement. Nway thats how i feel rugby soccer thats their own fault and we cannt say bcoz they failed we shall fail. Whats transformation??? Not whats happenin in Sa hockey for sake of peace and progress Let everybody in Hockey circles do their bid or else we shall definately not go next olympics!!! So Good luck to them and Yes Go province
|
|
Podge
05-26-2004 8:52 pm
|
Report this post
|
Saboy
I dont think you can make sweeping statements on behalf of those players like that. Its a dangerous thing to do. I cant see any of them giving up the privilege of playing for their country in the olympics, especially since they have all played crucial parts in getting their team to the games and are leaders in their own rights. Dont question their loyalty because you question your own:
Firstly you implied before that these players were there due to a quota system and that more should be there based on that type of 'transformation'. Would you like to be known as being in the national team based on the fact that you are a particular hue and not the best person for that position. Thankfully hockey has been able to pick all players on the basis of ability and has not been forced into choosing players because they are luminous red! It is in fact white players that have been dropped from the team in recent times, due to poor form while the players of colour have consistently performed!
Those players I mentioned are there based on ability- look at the current IPT results and the scorers...Bam, Jacobs, Basson, Dolley.....They have all performed and validate their presence in the national squad on form not colur, as do Cullen, King and Mcinroy- all goal scorers in the last few days.
There is a lot more that should and can be done for development of the sport in the country, however there is a limit on this based on the funding available. I believe in the Eastern Cape, there is a new turf in an area that is a source of talent for players from disadvantaged backgrounds, and there are similar development drives elsewhere.
Perhaps you should be more specific and using the principle of ability and not quota/transformation, name players other than the ones I have mentioned, who should be in the national team but as you seem to imply are not there based on the tone of their skin. I would be very interested to see who you name ahead of current squad members.
I also would like you to elaborate on what transformation is according to your definition. Since the head of SAHA, its development program as well as the heads of two provinces are 'people of colour', how much more transformation is required. Are you saying they are not transformed in themselves....that would really be an insult to them.
There is no doubt that the development program needs to be rolled out into broader areas, and to the black majority population of South Africa, and that in the more conservative areas, there is a lack of embracing of the ideals of a non-racial south africa (as we have seen in rugby). However as I said before, this requires a huge injection of capital, which in fairness hockey does not have and cricket and rugby have had (millions and millions of rands) as well as time. There should be a 'transformed' development officer in every major city, employed full time and with a budget to match.....The only way this will happen is if Hockey can get the olympic tv time it deserves, and in so doing be exposed to a broader population and also attract the necessary sponsorship to kickstart real development.
PLayers resigning from a team or pulling out of an olympics, means taking a giant step backwards and ony brings disrepute to the game and country. Sponsors dont like to be associated with controversy- you only have to look at the resignation of the cricketers in Zim, to see that this method does not work.
Finally, since you are so passionate about development, are you involved in coaching clinics in black townships in SOuth Africa. How many sticks have you donated to players in these areas? Those are the questions that every hockey person in SA should be asking....develope the sport in your own community!
|
|
Jamie Brown
05-27-2004 12:34 am
|
Report this post
|
FRom the horses mouth...Good Luck
As an ex SA int player, having gone through all the politics before Atlanta 96, and knowing what a huge biased influence politicians have on the outcome of a spotrsman or sportswomans dreams with the stroke of a pen,it is truely awesome our boys are going.I am pleased to see that our boys are off to Athens andthey so rightly deserve it..You would not even begin to understand what sacrifices the guys make over four years for 2 'once in a lifetime' very important weeks.
As for the Greeks, they received the "Games" 6 and a half years ago and have had the oppurtunity to qualify over the years like everyone else,( goodness after doing some coaching in England I was even thinking of going over to Greece 5 years ago to do a little coaching)so they have had enough time to prepare' look how Korea men and women have made the sport their own in so little time.
I do feel for the Greek players though,I am sure of their unrewareded committment , but their time will come if they are serious enough about the game.(maybe China 2008) SA players had to wait 40 years to get back into the Games, and beleive me a few amazing players never got to show their skills to the world ( of all colours in SA).
So as an ex player who also put his life on hold for the game, I have nothing but admiration for all amateur sportspeople and encourage all hockey lovers to get behind the guys and girls of the SA teams and wish them all the best. Go Clarky, Beefy, Jacko,Neddy and co...
do us proud ...........and of course Grant Ravenscroft another Jeppe joe, good luck to you, your talent has obviously shone through and not as a result of my coaching back in the old school days..best of luck from a jealous old Bok....
Jamie Brown
|
|
Shrek
06-03-2004 6:20 am
|
Report this post
|
Reply to Brendon
Brendon!
Before u make comments about quota maybe u should get ur facts straight otherwise u sound like a fool.
Have u looked at the make up of our country. There is no need for quota in soccer because soccer is representitive of our country. Thats how many black people there are to white in SA. Thats how all teams should look.
|
|
Dick Snijder van Wissenkerke
06-17-2004 1:39 pm
|
Report this post
|
Olympics
As a dutchman brought up in sa but now living and playing hockey in the netherlands, i am really glad to see that south africa is playing in the olympics. i wish them all the best, lots of luck but of course my favourite team is the cloggys.
|
|
kon
08-10-2004 2:11 am
|
Report this post
|
olympics
great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
|
|
jamil patterson
08-30-2004 9:04 am
|
Report this post
|
sports
how could i be a star.
|
|
jamil patterson
08-30-2004 9:06 am
|
Report this post
|
sports
how could i be a star.
|
|
|
|
 |
HOME | FEATURES | CLUBHOUSE | CAMPS | LINKS | ABOUT US | STORE | ADVERTISE
Use of this site is subject to certain Terms & Conditions.
|
|
|
