In the fast-paced world of hockey, excitement is building for the inaugural FIH Women’s Hockey5s World Cup in Oman on January 24th. Amidst the thrill of this variant of the sport, the South African Women’s Hockey5s team shines as a beacon of determination and resilience. ProTouch Africa’s successful crowdfunding campaign not only ensures their readiness for competition but also secures funding for other 2024 events.
“If you like excitement, you are a cricket fan that’s watching T20. If you are a rugby fan you are watching Sevens. This is what we’re bringing to hockey. I call it hockey in a pressure cooker.” the SA women’s Hockey5s Coach Tsoanelo Pholo expressed.
With four players on the field for each team, including a goalkeeper, the game is played with multiple balls around the field so there is constant play, creating a high-energy and dynamic atmosphere.
Coach Pholo passionately expresses her enthusiasm for the Hockey5s format, calling it “hockey in a pressure cooker.” She highlights the unique nature of the game, where the ball is in play almost 90% of the time, requiring exceptional conditioning from the players.
“But what makes it so special is that we have balls all around the field. So, the ball is in play literally 90% of the time.”
Coach Pholo acknowledges the intensity of the competition, stating that she has never seen a team as determined as the South African Women’s Hockey5s team.
“I almost feel sorry for the rest of the world because I’ve never seen a team, I’ve coached for 25 years. I’ve never seen a team that is so determined to do the most with the opportunity that they have in front of them.”
The journey to the FIH Hockey5s World Cup faced challenges, particularly in securing funding. Pholo recalled a call from Rebecca Eliot of ProTouch Africa, who recognized the individual efforts of the players in seeking financial support.
“So, when this whole campaign started, I got a really interesting call from a lady named Rebecca Eliot, she said coach, I see your players are looking for money individually, and I don’t like that they’re putting up personal details on social media, and I was like how can you help?”
ProTouch Africa streamlined the fundraising process by setting up a collective crowdfunding campaign for the Women’s Hockey5s team. This consolidated effort allows supporters to contribute not only to their World Cup campaign but also to their 2024 Season.
“With ProTouch Africa, she said let’s put the money in one little kitty. Again, with that support and with her (Rebecca Eliot) help, we raised the money (R620,000).”
Now fully funded and prepared, the South African Women’s Hockey5s team eagerly anticipates their first game against Zambia on the morning of January 24th in Oman. The team, fuelled by determination and community support, looks forward to making their mark on the international stage.
“So, the conditioning of the players needs to be at level 9000. That’s where we (The South African Women’s Hockey5s team) are right now.”
As the FIH Hockey5s World Cup unfolds in Oman, the South African Women’s Hockey5s team serves as an inspiring example of overcoming challenges through a collective effort. The fusion of ProTouch Africa’s support and Coach Pholo’s passion not only allows the team to participate but also brings attention to the dynamic and thrilling world of Hockey5s.
PROTOUCH AFRICA is a purpose-led and Sports Tech business founded in 2016 with a focus on enabling African Athletes to perform on the World Stage.
It is pioneering new ways for fans to interact and engage with their favourite teams, leagues, and athletes and enable alternative revenue streams.
ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit Project is focused on creating a transparent and sustainable funding mechanism for the next generation of African Athletes. Its vision is to launch the World’s first fan-owned impact investment platform for African Athletes in Q1 of 2024 by assembling an ecosystem of top-performing athletes, their fans, and the brands that support them.
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