This association oversees hockey in the greater Tshwane area, including Pretoria and its surroundings.
The competition commences today (Friday) and concludes on Monday. Basil's chairperson, Thoriso Bogwasi, expressed the players' readiness to showcase their skills and sportsmanship on the field.
"Our commitment to affordability and accessibility ensures that our journey to Pretoria is an inclusive and memorable experience for all involved. We are looking forward to the competition; it also sets sights on future endeavours, including expanding our junior team and competing in prestigious national and international tournaments," he stated.
Bogwasi mentioned that Basil is sending a team of 14 players to the tournament, consisting of seven men and seven women. He acknowledged the intensity of preparations, particularly gearing up for the challenge of playing seven games in two days with a relatively small squad. Bogwasi expressed confidence in the team's ability and motivation.
"Travelling with both men and women teams is a huge achievement for us in terms of planning. This week, we were refining our team play to seamlessly integrate our new players, and everyone is ready," he said. Discussing the preparations, Bogwasi revealed that planning began in December after receiving an invitation from The Northerns Blues Hockey Association, which hosts an indoor league over four weekends in February. He highlighted the club's eagerness to tackle this opportunity. "Training kicked off in mid-January, and this month we started sharpening our skills with friendly matches against the local Hitmen Hockey Club every Thursday evening," he said. Bogwasi described the journey as building team cohesiveness, especially with new players joining the club. Additionally, he emphasised Basil's dedication to promoting hockey in Botswana.
"However, to truly succeed, hockey needs to be seen as commercially viable in Botswana. By showcasing the sport’s benefits and creating opportunities for sponsorship and investment, we can ensure its sustainable growth and success," he said. Bogwasi mentioned that the club is actively working on building a grassroots programme with the goal of developing a strong junior team competing not only locally but also in tournaments within the SADC region. The team comprises Obonye Mogapi, Motheo Ketshabile, Thoriso Bogwasi, Robert Tonhoro, Karanvir Sidhu, Tefo Marobolo, and Kgomotso Konyana for the men, and Laura Ashley Rusere, Tshepiso Jacob, Jayden van Stryp, Ipelo Nkomba, Maya Kganela-White, Tlotlo Masole, and Bonani Mpatane for the women.
