The action at the North West University gets underway tomorrow morning at 11:00 when the hosts, South Africa take on England.

The North West and South African player, Christa Ramasimong, said they can make a statement at the World Cup.

“Playing on home turf just gives you an extra boost because you know that you’re actually playing for more and people at home are looking at you.

“I feel that in South Africa, a lot of people don’t know much about hockey, but this is going to be a new introduction into South Africa, a new culture in our sports.”

The opening match of the tournament was meant to be between Ireland and Ukraine. However, this game is no longer on the cards as Ukraine withdrew from the World Cup earlier in the week. This came as the war in the country made it impossible for them to travel to South Africa due to the war in their country.

Earlier in the month the FIH pulled Russia out the tournament because their military invasion of the Ukraine. Austria was named as a replacement team for Russia.

At 13:00 the hockey powerhouse, the Netherlands will be up against the USA, while at 15:00 Canada will face Zimbabwe.

At 17:00, Korea will be up against Uruguay, while the first day’s action will be capped off at 19:00 with Argentina up against Austria.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport