Dear Friends

We trust you are all well and keeping safe. After much deliberation with various stakeholders including the Masters provincial chairpersons, SAHA and local authorities, it has been decided to postpone the SA Masters IPT to August 2021. While we can’t predict what will happen in the coming months with respect to COVID-19 and lockdown, it was agreed a later date would give SA Masters and Western Province, as the local organising committee, more time to plan and prepare as well as giving players time to get hockey fit. We have attempted to shorten the accommodation required by one night to assist in driving down costs. The amended tournament format will allow teams to travel on the last day of the tournament.

We are further working on an African Nations Cup to replace the World Cup, scheduled for later this year. We are very happy to announce that we have received interest from Europe and the United States as well as our African neighbours to participate in the tournament. We are therefore excited to announce that we shall be conducting trials for the Africa Nations Cup on the dates set out below.

The agreed dates for this year’s IPT including allowance for World Cup 2022 trials are as follows:

• Thurs 5 Aug
  • WC trial day 1 (Trialists to be available to play from 11h00)
• Fri 6 Aug
  • WC trial day 2 (08h00 to 13h00)
  • IPT teams to arrive by 15h00 latest
  • IPT matches will start from 16h00
• Sat 7 Aug & Sun 8 Aug
  • IPT matches (two full days)
• Mon 9 Aug (public holiday)
  • Morning matches and finals games for medal sections until 14h00
  • Team depart from 14h30 onwards

The various playing venues have been secured as per the above dates.

The finer details regarding the tournament itself will follow in due course. The organising committee will liaise with the provinces and respective master’s chairpersons accordingly.

Thank you.

For the Love of the Game & Be Safe

SA Masters Hockey Association Executive