Onthatile Zulu of South Africa during the women’s hockey match. Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images
JOHANNESBURG - South African Hockey has received a timely boost after Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie approved R3 million in funding for the World Cup campaign.
The decision follows widespread criticism after players revealed they would have to help fund their trip to the tournament in Belgium and the Netherlands in August.
Two-time Olympian Onthatile Zulu led the public outcry on social media.
McKenzie stressed that the funding is a once-off intervention in the national interest, and should not be seen as a long-term solution to the financial challenges facing national sports federations.
The World Cup will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from 14 to 30 August.