Daveyton smoke hampers New Zealand
Daveyton smoke hampers All Whites
Posted: 2010-06-07 21:36
New Zealand's World Cup squad cut short their first training session in South Africa this afternoon (Monday) when smoke from nearby Daveyton Township made a full workout a threat to the players' health.
Households in the townships use wood, coal and paraffin to keep warm and to cook and the smoke left a low white blanket wafting over Sinaba Stadium.
The All Whites arrived in South Africa late on Sunday ahead of the start of sports' most-watched tournament on Friday and their first match against Slovakia in Group F on June 15.
The coaching and medical staff, and captain Ryan Nelsen, huddled on the pitch discussing conditions before deciding on a short stint under the smoke.
"It's probably not ideal but it's out of our control. Some players will have to go back, though. There are a couple of players we won't put into this," coach Ricki Herbert told a small group of reporters on the field, referring to those with asthma and other medical concerns.
"A light jog and a stretch ... it'll be very short, not what we had planned."
The team chose the site as it was identified as the best facility near the up market Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate where they are staying. Conditions are expected to be clearer in daytime and Herbert said the shorter session would not affect the team's preparations.
"Not at all; I don't think it matters anything. Unless we get hammered in all three (group games) and then I'll tell you it did," he said.
Comment on this article:
TERMS OF USE: The comments posted below do not reflect the views of KickOff.com. Users are reminded that no misuse of this comment facility will be tolerated. Any abusive, racist or inflammatory comments will be deleted and the user banned. Please report abusive posts to editor@kickoff.com