South Africa’s national public broadcaster SABC has struck an agreement with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to broadcast all matches of the Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, which is due to take place from December 5 to 16 this year.

The tournament is being held at the North-West University (NWU) of the academic city of Potchefstroom, situated some 120km southwest of Johannesburg. It will involve 16 teams from all over the world.

FIH CEO Thierry Weil stated: “The FIH Hockey Junior World Cups are known to be the perfect platforms for future hockey stars to rise. We’re really glad to be partnering with such a recognised broadcaster as SABC, which will help us convey the performance of these hugely talented young female players to all hockey fans in South Africa, and also to the rest of the world, thanks to the production of the international feed. We look forward to an amazing event in South Africa.”

Gary Rathbone, head of sport for SABC, added: “This is an exciting opportunity for the public service broadcaster to showcase international hockey in South Africa.

“Hockey is one of the fastest-growing sports in SA schools, and the SABC is delighted to bring all South Africans who love the game a chance to see the international stars of the future of women’s hockey in action on home soil. Being broadcast on the SABC platforms means that everyone will be able to access great sporting action that will surely inspire the next generation of SA hockey talent.”

tagged in: International Hockey Federation, SABC