SPONSORS of this year’s annual Greenfields Elite Club Challenge announced that they will be offering the largest prize money in SA hockey history to the 2015 winning team – R25 000 cash.
Greenfields Sports Turf Systems, a division of Belgotex Floors, is the proud sponsor of this prestigious event, which takes place from Friday, 17 to Sunday, 19 July at Riverside Sports Club in Durban North.
This is the only non-tertiary national hockey tournament on the SA circuit to feature the country’s top club hockey teams (including national and provincial players from KZN, Gauteng and the Western Province) battling it out for the coveted prize money. Teams include defending champions, WP Cricket Club Badgers, as well as Riverside Hockey Club, Wanderers Hockey Club, Malik Old Albanians Hockey Club, Old Edwardians Hockey Club and Kearsney Hockey Club.
Two national players, Cameron Scott Mackay (24) and Robin Jones (23), will represent Kearsney Hockey Club in the competition. Cameron plays forward and Robin plays midfield/defence. Both of them started playing hockey at a young age and believe it to be a unique and exciting sport.
The highlight of Cameron’s career thus far was when he was selected for the national men’s squad after IPT last year. For Robin, the highlight of his sporting career was attending the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Their advice to aspiring hockey players is to never forget why they play the game and do what it takes and more, and you will be rewarded.
According to Greenfields’ synthetic turf manager, Ayden Shrives, the reason for their participation in this event is to help build awareness and create real opportunities for SA’s talent in the hockey arena.
“It makes perfect sense for a company which produces world-class astro-turf and synthetic flooring to support and nurture the teams and players within those fields. These tournaments give players first-hand experience of playing on a Greenfields surface, as well as allowing us to interact directly with our market,” explained Shrives.
The tournament was established in 2013 by Riverside Sports and Riverside Hockey Club to showcase proficient top class hockey by premier players in a festival-type tournament.
According to the chairman of Riverside Hockey Club, Wayne Philips, this year an additional two more teams were added to the already competitive line-up, promising even more exceptional hockey displays and a fun weekend outdoors with good music, food and entertainment.
“We encourage everyone who is not only a hockey but sport and outdoor enthusiast to take the family along and enjoy the sensational matches on display at our world-class facilities. This is pure hockey enjoyment at its best,” added Philips.
Entrance is R7 per day for secure parking and free for Riverside members.
