Hockey accuses BNSC of neglect
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday March 10, 2016 15:48
BHA president, Unaswi Matebu told Mmegi Sport yesterday that they have not finalised their travel arrangements due to financial constraints. She said they tried to seek financial assistance from BNSC but with no luck.
She said they have now pleaded with the commission to provide them with a bus of which they are not sure if it would be availed. She said it is difficult to work with the BNSC because hockey is not given the same treatment like other codes. She said they are even called a small code, but when they bring medals, the country rejoices.
“We had no choice, but to request parents to pay for their children’s trip. At the moment some parents have come forward with contributions. We are hopeful that we would make the trip. The team is expected to leave on Wednesday,” she said.
Each parent is expected to contribute P5,000 for the trip.
Matebu said despite the challenges, they intend to work hard to build the sport. She said the previous committee quit because it was tough for them to get support from BNSC.
Sources suggested that the trip should be cancelled because there is no money.
“We should not be seen forcing it to happen. Right now we have been given a Friday deadline and we have been informed that if a player does not contribute they would be replaced.
A player should be selected because of their ability not because they have money,” said a concerned parent.
Players were given letters to seek for sponsorship from different companies.
Bobby Gaseitsiwe, BNSC sports development director-technical said he was not aware of hockey’s situation.
He said BNSC treats affiliates equally. Gaseitsiwe said if there are no funds ‘there are no funds’. He said it does not matter which code would be seeking assistance at any point.
“BNSC affiliates are the same. There is nothing like big or small codes. When they do well in international competitions, it is us who take pride in that,” he said.