British Hockey Apology For Anthem Gaffe

South African hockey team angry at administrative blunder

The organisers of Investec London Hockey Cup in Chiswick have apologised to the South African women’s hockey team and their supporters for mistakenly playing only part of the country's national anthem.

Under South African's constitution written after the first democratic elections in 1994, the old apartheid era anthem 'Die Stem', (The Call) is played along with the liberation hymn Nkosi Sikele' iAfrika (God Bless Africa) as a joint anthem.

Shocked players listened as only 'Die Stem' was played in advance of their match against Great Britain last Tuesday at the Quentin Hogg Grounds near Hartington Road. A statement issued later by the South African Hockey Association said it had caused much embarrassment and discomfort to the players.

“We are extremely disappointed that an administrative blunder has been the source of much embarrassment for our team and all South Africans,” said SA Hockey Association CEO Marissa Langeni on Wednesday morning.

“The anthem played caused our team much discomfort as they stood not knowing what to do with themselves. This incident has robbed our team of what should have been a moment of pride,” said Langeni.

A statement from Great Britain Hockey said the error was made by a contractor responsible for sports presentation at the event. Standard procedure would be to check anthems to be played with visiting teams in advance.

"However on this occasion that did not happen and Great Britain Hockey accepts full responsibility.

"Great Britain Hockey and its contractor appreciate the sensitive nature of this unfortunate mistake and we apologise unreservedly for the offence caused"

The correct anthem would be played before all the remaining South African matches, said the statement.

The Investec London Hockey Cup has been running all week (5–10 June) at the Quentin Hogg Memorial Ground, Grove Park. It had been billed as the ultimate family event and a chance to see the best sides in the women's hockey world before many of them participate in the London 2012 Olympics.

June 9, 2012