McKenzie demands SA Hockey documents for 'fair assessment' of Ntuli's dismissal

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie says he is awaiting documentation from the South African Hockey Association (SAHA) before making a fair assessment of former coach Sihle Ntuli’s dismissal.

Ntuli was dismissed after only four months in charge, following misconduct allegations made against him.

McKenzie would not be drawn into commenting on the specific allegations but indicated his role in the appeal process.

READ: Sacked SA Hockey coach Sihle Ntuli demands transparency, alleges 'flawed' disciplinary process

“I am the last point where you can appeal any decision that is taken against you. The paperwork is on its way to my desk, but I’m not going to comment on it for now because I need to look at the merits of the case. I will then give a fair assessment of the situation.”

Ntuli has labelled the organisation’s investigation leading to his removal as flawed and unfair. He suggests that the amateur nature of the sport allows the association's executive to operate without proper scrutiny.

“Of course, we’re an amateur sport. The association and the executive are taking advantage of the lack of eyes that are on us. Where have any of us seen a national senior head coach be dismissed or go through a disciplinary process without one single statement from the association to notify the public? If we didn’t see Rassie Erasmus on the side of the rugby field on one Saturday, people would ask, ‘Where’s Rassie?’"

Ntuli hopes the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and Parliament’s Sports Portfolio Committee will take up his case for review.