The South African Hockey Association and its long-standing sponsor, Nedbank, parted ways this week after a fruitful relationship dating back about 15 years.
The president of the South African Hockey Association, Charles Smith, announced on Thursday that Nedbank has not renewed its sponsorship.
”We are obviously sad that Nedbank’s review of sponsorships and business relationships has resulted in the ending of a wonderful and mutually beneficial relationship since we unified hockey 11 years ago and even before that,” said Smith.
”We wish Nedbank well especially in the months ahead under Tom Boardman’s leadership. We thank Nedbank and our many friends within their organisation for the fantastic support of hockey over the years.”
When asked about a new sponsor, to replace Nedbank, Smith answered: ”Sometimes when one door closes another opens. We have made contact with companies who we believe would make good business partners and we would also welcome any fresh approaches from the corporate world.
”The substantial hockey community including both genders, players from the age of six to 66 or more and the profile of our hockey-playing fraternity make it very marketable.
”Many of our present and former players and administrators hold major decision-making positions in industry, commerce and the professions.
”The latent spending power and investment potential of the hockey community has not remotely been fully tapped,” he said.
”Given the sound and clean administration coupled with our reputation at home and abroad I am confident we will find new sponsors.” — Sapa