Share

Smith demoted - via email

Johannesburg - Austin Smith says he was surprised to be stripped of his South African men's hockey team captaincy through email.

Hockey South Africa announced an interim coach - Charlie Pereira - and captain - Rhett Halkett - for the World League Round two tournament in Brazil from starting on February 27.

Smith was named in the squad, but for the first time since 2008 he was not the captain.

"I think it was more a case of miscommunication seeing that I told him (Pereira) that I could be reached via email while in India," said Smith in a statement on Wednesday.

"I didn’t expect to receive that news in an email though."

Smith said he had since spoken to Pereira and had accepted his apology for what happened.

In the email Pereira disclosed the main reason Smith was dropped as captain was because he would miss the build-up in Rio de Janeiro and it was important that the squad have leadership from day one.

Smith would only arrive in time for the first match in Brazil because of his commitments to club side Den Bosch in Holland.

"When the dates for the training camp before the tournament was announced I already made the commitment to my club."

"I don’t agree with all of the reasoning for the decision but it is something we will discuss in person during the tournament."

Smith, 27, made his international debut for South Africa in March 2004 and became captain of the team in 2008.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1117 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1282 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1976 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE