News for 07 May 2019
All the news for Tuesday 7 May 2019
Australia series will help us: Manpreet
The Indian squad, a mix of youth and experience, will play five matches
Manpreet Singh.
Playing against a world class team like Australia will provide good exposure to youngsters and will boost the confidence of the team ahead of next month’s FIH men’s Hockey Series Final, feels India captain Manpreet Singh.
The India team travels Down Under for five matches starting on Wednesday.
The tour, marked as a preparation for next month’s Hockey Series Final in Bhubaneswar, will be newly-appointed chief coach Graham Reid’s maiden assignment with the team.
The side will play two matches each against the Australian national team and Australia-A and a lone game against club side, Western Australia Thundersticks.
Important series
“Playing a world class team like Australia ahead of the important Series in June will only help build our confidence. We had a good tournament in Malaysia in March and some of the youngsters did well there,” Manpreet said.
“While Jaskaran Singh will make his international debut, it will be Gursahibjit’s second tournament with the Indian team and Armaan Qureshi is also returning after a long gap.
“I am confident these players will live up to the expectations. It will be good exposure for them against the world No. 2 side,” he added.
The team boasts of an interesting mix of experienced players and newcomers. And Reid will look to test all combinations ahead of the Hockey Series Final, where India needs to finish on top to ensure a place in the final round of the Olympic qualifier scheduled in October this year.
India began its season with a silver at the 28th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh and will hope to keep up the good show.
Ideology
Talking about the ideology of the new coach, Manpreet said Reid emphasises on having team players rather than relying on individual performances.
“The new coach constantly reminds us why a team player holds more value to him than an individual player with excellent skill set.
“He also instils winning mentality in every player and confident body language has also been an area of focus apart from game-specific tactics over the past three weeks of training,” Manpreet said.
The Hindu
One Month Out, USMNT Sets Sights on FIH Series Finals
BHUBANESWAR, India – In one month, the U.S. Men’s National Team is set to begin their first major competition of 2019 in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Series Finals in Bhubaneswar, India. Serving as one possible way of qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, USA has been hard at work the past several months preparing as one of eight teams in competition. Per the FIH, all games will be streamed on FIH.Live
As the final stage of the 2018-19 FIH Series, the Finals consists of at least five qualified teams from the FIH Series Open (previously named the Hockey Series Open). The top two teams from each FIH Series Finals will secure a place in the Qualification Events for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games which will be held in October and November 2019.
The FIH Series Finals consists of three separate tournaments and locations, each one consisting of eight teams playing in them, with berths into the Olympic qualifiers up for grabs.
USA found their way to Bhubaneswar, India after claiming first place in the Hockey Series Open in Salamanca, Mexico last June. With a tournament record of 3-1-0, USA tied with Mexico atop the standings heading in to their final match. After posting a 22-0 win over Panama, USA, who was ranked No. 26 at the time, finished ahead of Mexico with a higher goal differential.
Beginning on May 15, the team will meet in The Netherlands at the Hockey Club Hilversum for final preparations before departing for India. They will play practice matches against Ireland on May 24 and 26.
Who competed in the FIH Series Open and how did nations qualify for the FIH Series Finals?
All nations affiliated to FIH that were not playing in the FIH Pro League were eligible to enter the FIH Series Open, which took place between June and December 2018.
The nine highest placed nations in the FIH World Ranking (as of June 9, 2017) that were not playing in the FIH Pro League were exempt from the FIH Series Open and qualified directly for the FIH Series Finals. Each FIH Series Finals will include at least five qualified teams from the FIH Series Open but contain no more than three of the teams that qualified directly for the Finals based on World Ranking.
How do teams qualify for the Olympic Games?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved Qualification System for the men’s and women’s field hockey competitions at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is as follows:
The Host Nation – Japan
The five (5) Continental Champions*
Six (6) teams from the Olympic qualifiers
* As Japan Men and Women won the Asian Games yet had already qualified as hosts, seven nations will qualify for each of the Men’s and Women’s hockey events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games through the Olympic qualifiers
Who will play in the Olympic qualifiers?
The top two nations in each of the FIH Series Finals**
They will be joined by the top four nations from the FIH Pro League
The remaining spots will go to the best ranked nations in the FIH World Rankings (as at the end of the 2018/2019 round of Continental Championships) not having qualified through either of the above events or as Continental Champions
The seven Olympic qualifiers will each feature two nations playing two back-to-back matches, with nations drawn to play each other based on their rankings at the end of the 2018/2019 Continental Championships.
The nation with the highest aggregate score over the two matches will qualify for the Olympic Games. If at the end of the two matches both teams have same aggregate score, the winner will be decided by a shootout competition held immediately after the second match.
The Olympic qualifiers are scheduled for October and November 2019 and the matches will be hosted by the higher ranked of the two competing nations.
**if Japan, Scotland or Wales finish in the top two (2) of their respective pools, they will not secure a place in the Olympic qualifiers. Japan have already qualified as both host and winners of the Asian Games; for Scotland and Wales, the reason is that England are the nominated country for Great Britain’s qualification pathway. If any of these three teams do finish in the top two (2), the team that finishes third does NOT automatically qualify for the Olympic qualifiers. Any such additional place is determined by the FIH World Rankings as at the completion of the continental championships (8 September 2019)
USFHA media release
FIH Series Finals to stay in cyclone-hit Bhubaneswar: Hockey India
Odisha authorities, now engaged in massive rehabilitation and rebuilding of infrastructure, also surveyed the Kalinga Stadium to assess the damage.
Sandip Sikdar
File image of Kalinga Stadium(Getty Images for FIH)
Hockey India allayed concerns the FIH Series Finals may have to be shifted out of Bhubaneswar in the aftermath of Cylone Fani, confirming on Monday that the June 6-15 tournament will be in the Odisha capital as scheduled.
A federation official told Hindustan Times on Saturday that the tournament, the first step in the qualification for the Tokyo Olympics, may have to be moved out if the organisers can’t repair damage caused to the stadium by the cyclone.
“We’ve just three weeks to set things right. Foreign teams will start reaching Bhubaneswar around May 29-30. We need to decide about the venue in a day or two,” a HI insider said on Saturday on condition of anonymity. “Even some foreign teams are enquiring about the situation in Bhubaneswar.”
“Lucknow and Raipur have the best available turfs right now, and if we can’t repair the Kalinga Stadium (in Bhubaneswar) within three weeks, we’ll have to shift to one of these places.”
However, HI CEO Elena Norman said the tournament will stay in the original venue. “There is no plan to shift the FIH Series Finals from Bhubaneswar. The event will go ahead as per schedule despite the cyclone. There is no major damage to the stadium,” she said over phone from Australia.
“FIH has not questioned HI. It is aware that the tournament can still go ahead as per schedule.”
When contacted, the international hockey federation (FIH) said it is in touch with the Indian federation to assess the situation.
Odisha authorities, now engaged in massive rehabilitation and rebuilding of infrastructure, also surveyed the Kalinga Stadium to assess the damage.
“The hockey stadium is absolutely fine. It doesn’t even have a roof. There is no damage to the field of play. There is damage to the floodlights. Some seats were blown away in the storm but the turf is absolutely fine. The damages are repairable,” an Odisha sports department official said on condition of anonymity.
“We have lost some electricity poles, which has stopped the flow of water in the city. Because there is no electricity, there is cash crunch as ATMs are not working, neither are mobile networks. The issues are being fixed phase-wise and will take a bit of time but the tournament will go ahead here.”
The Kalinga Stadium hosted the 2014 Champions Trophy, 2017 Hockey World League Final and the showpiece World Cup in November-December.
The finalists in the FIH Series Finals will secure a place in the qualification events for Tokyo that will be held in November.
India are in Pool A with Poland, Russia and Uzbekistan while Pool B has South Africa, Japan, Mexico and US. India will open against Russia on June 6.
Hindustan Times
Belfast date for women
By Jugjet Singh
National women’s hockey coach K. Dharmaraj speaking to reporters during Monday’s press conference at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. PIC BY SYARAFIQ ABD SAMAD
KUALA LUMPUR: After their men’s counterparts have performed and failed to impress, it’s now the turn of the Malaysian national women’s hockey team.
The women will have to show their mettle in the FIH Series Finals in Belfast from June 8-16.
Malaysia are in Group A with Ireland, the Czech Republic and Singapore while Group B has South Korea, Scotland, Ukraine and France.
Comparatively, the Malaysian men had it easier, as irrespective of their finishing in the recent FIH Series finals in Kuala Lumpur, they will still go to the second round of the Olympic qualifiers due to their World No 13 ranking.
But the national women’s team, ranked World No 22, do not have such luxury.
“Based on our ranking, we will only play in the next round of the Olympic qualifiers if we make the final (in Belfast). No two ways about it,” said national women's coach K. Dharmaraj.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal has eased the pressure on Dharmaraj’s team.
“We (MHC) know that the women will be on a very difficult journey to reach the Olympics as the normal progress should be Junior World Cup followed by the senior World Cup and then the Olympics.
“They have yet to play in the World Cup and based on their 22nd ranking, it is going to be a difficult qualifier.
“Having said that, we still believe in this team to pull off a few upsets and that's why we have agreed to send them to Europe early to play as many friendly matches as possible,” said Subahan.
“We will head for Italy on May 23 and play four friendlies there. Two with the Italian national side, and two more with Spain's national team.
“After that we will head for Scotland and play a few friendlies with them as well. I believe there is a good chance of Malaysia playing Scotland in the semi-finals, and so, these friendlies will prepare us early,” said Dharmaraj.
And to get acclimatised fast, Dharmaraj will train his charges at 3am during the fasting period, as it would be the same as 8pm in Belfast.
New Straits Times
Women’s team to train in the wee hours during Ramadan
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian women’s hockey team will do whatever it takes to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Even if it means missing precious time with their loved ones for Hari Raya Aidilfitri and training from 3am to 4.30am.
Coach K. Dharmaraj said during the month of Ramadan, they have to change their training times and they will have double sessions to prepare for the FIH Series Finals at the Banbridge Hockey Club in Ireland.
“We will be training from 9pm to 11pm and then 3am to 4.30am. This is some of the sacrifices we have to make,” said the former national junior coach.
“I’ve done this before and this would augur well for our preparations. The girls will also be playing during the Hari Raya festival.
“It is not easy to train in the wee hours but we need to work hard because we will be facing really tough opponents.
“We don’t care about our ranking (world No. 22) because we only want to give our best.
“Hopefully, a miracle can happen when we are in Ireland.”
The FIH Series Finals is the qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Olympics.
Malaysia are drawn in Group A with the Czech Republic, Singapore and hosts Ireland in the eight-team competition.
South Korea, Scotland, Ukraine and France are drawn in Group B.
The team will leave for Europe on May 24 to play two matches each against Italy Spain as part of their preparations for the World Series.
Dharmaraj said there is a gap in between the final test match against Spain and the tournament, so they will look to play a series of games against Scotland in Glasgow.
“We are facing higher ranked opponents, but we have nothing to lose,” said Dharmaraj.
“I believe the series of friendly matches in Europe will help us in the FIH Series Finals and get to the Olympic qualification. We hope to finish in the top two in the tournament.
The Star of Malaysia
FIH Series in KL was a thriller
s2h Team
Entertaining Canada and Malaysia ensure OQ After witnessing twists and turns that made the event exciting, Canada and Malaysia ensured their passage to Olympic Qualifiers to be held in the year end. Kuala Lumpur witnessed glorious moments coming from Austria and Italy while the hosts huffed and buffed before making it to the finals in the last week end. The way the matches went down the wire, it augurs well for the sport of field hockey.
Canada beat a prodigal Malaysia 3-2 in the final of the FIH Hockey Series Finals in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Both nations booked berths in the Olympic qualifiers later this year.
Italy, the lowest ranked nation in the competition, ended a heartening campaign beating Austria 2-1 to take third place. Wales beat China 3-2 to finish fifth and Brazil beat Belarus 4-3 to take seventh.
Four more teams from two other Hockey Series Finals at Bhubaneswar, India, and Le Touquet, France, in June, will also make the Olympic qualifiers.
Four teams from the FIH Pro League and four other from best ranked nations who haven’t qualified from either route or as continental champions complete the field for the qualifiers to be held in November.
Canada could qualify directly for Tokyo 2020 should they win the Pan American Games title.
Malaysia, who came within a whisker of qualifying directly from the Asian Games last year, wasted two penalty strokes against the Red Caribou.
The Malaysians who lost to Japan in the Asiad final in Jakarta in a shootout heaved a sigh of relief after crossing their semifinal hurdle.
In a nerve-wracking campaign that saw them lose to tournament revelations Italy 2-4 after drawing with China 4-4, the Speedy Tigers beat Austria 3-1 in an ill-tempered semifinal on Friday.
Canada ended Italy’s dream run that comprised three wins out of three in the pool comprising China, Malaysia and Brazil.
The Canadians beat the Italians 3-1 in the semifinals to set a date with the host nation at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Victory in the final contrasted Canada’s stuttering start when they lost to Wales 1-3. The North Americans bounced back with a 2-1 win over Austria and a 6-2 over Belarus.
Finishing second in the pool, Canada were taken all the way to the shootout by China after a 3-3 draw in the crossover. They won the tiebreaker 3-1 to make the semifinals.
Malaysia made the last four with a 2-1 win over Wales in the other crossover.
The final conformed to the world rankings with Canada (10th) and Malaysia (13th) squaring up to each other. Italy, the lowest ranked at No. 32, will reflect on a memorable tournament while Austria the fourth highest ranked in the event at No. 19 doing no more, nor less than expected.
Wales at No. 24 did likewise at fifth but China endured bitter disappointment finishing sixth after starting third highest ranked at No. 14.
Brazil, ranked No. 31, finished a rung lower than pre-tournament status. The South Americans beat No. 32 Belarus 4-3 to grab seventh spot.
Malaysia’s Tengku Tajuddin was voted best player of the tournament and the final and won a third honour as top scorer of the tournament with four goals.
The best junior player award went to Francois Sior of Italy with Canada’s David Carter being adjudged the best goalkeeper.
Stick2Hockey.com
Absence of Kumar and lack of goals cost Malaysia dearly
By T. Avineshwaran
PETALING JAYA: The absence of goalkeeper S. Kumar and poor finishing were the cause of Malaysia’s lopsided performance in the recently concluded FIH Series Final.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the team need to be more clinical in front of goal and improve the goalkeeping standard.
In the tournament, Malaysia finished second after they were beaten 3-2 by Canada in a pulsating final at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
“It is a pity that we did not finish as champions. I am not embarrassed to say that we were the best team in the tournament because we created so many goal-scoring chances,” said Subahan.
“If we got the goals, we could have won matches by bigger margins. Our goalkeeping was not up to mark too.
“Hairi (Rahman) and Hafizuddin (Othman) played their best but they are not S. Kumar.
“We missed Kumar and needed his experience in the tournament.
“We have asked the National Sports Institute (NSI) to monitor his recovery because we want him as soon as possible.
“Also I have asked consultants Taeke (Taekema) and Martijn (Drijver) to give their reports on the players.”
Subahan said that coach Roelant Oltmans had requested for a goalscoring specialist to help the forwards and hoped that the National Sports Council (NSC) will approve the hiring.
“We are looking to get former Australian international Jamie Dwyer to help with our goalscoring woes.
“Also, we will be going to Europe to prepare for the Olympic qualifiers (October-November).”
From July to August, the national team will be travelling to Germany, Spain, Holland and Belgium to play a series of test matches and also a four-nation tournament in Spain.
They were also invited by Japan to play at the new Olympic Stadium in August.
Only 12 teams will play in the Tokyo Olympics next year. So far, only the host nation has been confirmed as one of the teams.
Four slots would go to the champions of the 2019 Pan American Games, 2019 African Qualifying Tournament, 2019 Euro Championship and 2019 Oceania Cup while another seven will be from the Olympic qualification events.
The Star of Malaysia
Getting legend Dwyer to sharpen attack
By Jugjet Singh
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal during Monday’s press conference at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. PIC BY SYARAFIQ ABD SAMAD
KUALA LUMPUR: Australian hockey legend Jamie Dwyer will be roped in to make Malaysian strikers more deadly for the final Olympic Qualifier in November.
This was revealed by Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal on Monday.
The credentials of the 40-year-old Dwyer are remarkable. He won the World Player of the Year award twice, played in three Olympics, four World Cups and eight Champions Trophy tournaments.
“I am not embarrassed or ashamed to admit that even though the team hit their target in the FIH Series Finals, they were atrocious in two departments,” said Subahan.
“Our boys fared badly in two areas; goalkeeping by Hafizuddin (Othman, 60 caps) and Hairi (Abdul Rahman, 47 caps) as well as shooting skills in the circle.
“And since we have made the next round on merit, we are in talks with Dwyer to help our strikers become much more deadly as we did receive a huge number of chances in every match, but poor shooting made the team's mission harder.”
The two goalkeepers, as well as the injured S. Kumar (who is in the exclusive 300-cap club), trained under Dutch coach Martijn Drijver while Malaysia's penalty corner flickers trained under Dutch great Taeke Taekema recently.
However, there was little improvement in both the goalkeeping and penalty corner departments, which suffered a disappointing dip in performance.
“I have asked both Drijver and Taekema to provide us with a report. But then again, Hairi and Hafizuddin were always in Kumar's shadows and did not get much playing time and so did the best to their capabilities.
“For sure, we missed Kumar between the posts and the National Sports Institute have told us that his recovery is getting along well and he should be ready for the November Qualifier," said Subahan.
National coach Roelant Oltmans was the one who requested for Dwyer’s help.
“Oltmans asked for Dwyer to help our strikers and the Australian has been contacted about it.
“The NSC (National Sports Council) have also agreed to hire Dwyer and now we are just waiting for his (pay package) confirmation.”
The team will head for Europe on July 21 to prepare for the final Olympic assault.
India have also hired striker Kieran Govers from Australia to help prepare their frontline for the pre-Olympic Qualifier in Bubaneswar.
New Straits Times
Burras Team Named For 8 Nations Invitational Tournament
Ben Somerford
Hockey Australia today announces the 18-member team which has been selected to represent Australia’s men’s Under-21 team in an 8 Nations Invitational Tournament in Madrid next month.
The Burras will compete in Pool B against hosts Spain, the Netherlands and India in the tournament from Monday 10 June to Sunday 16 June. Germany, Great Britain, Belgium and Austria are in Pool A.
Ben Bishop will lead the Burras tour as Head Coach, supported by Brett Livermore (assistant coach), Andrew Smith (team manager), Dan Mirecki (physiotherapist) and Mitch Pemberton (strength and conditioning coach)
“We are very excited to be able to participate in this fantastic touring and competition opportunity,” Bishop said.
“Our athletes will be able to compete against some of the best junior teams in the world in Madrid while also having the opportunity to play against the European style of hockey which will form an important part of their development.
“We are grateful to the Commonwealth Games Association for their support in allowing this tour to happen.”
The team will depart Australia on Tuesday 4 June and have three days of preparation prior to commencing tournament play on Monday 10 June.
Matches will be played at Club de Campo and Somontes in Madrid. Click here for full schedule.
Australia Under-21 Men’s team:
Athlete (State)
Cade Banditt (QLD)
Jonathan Bretherton (VIC)
Nathan Ephraums (VIC)
Harrison Farrell (QLD)
Michael Francis (QLD)
Dane Gavranich (WA)
Sam Gray (NSW)
Anand Gupte (ACT)
Liam Hart (QLD)
Ehren Hazell (NSW)
Max Hendry (VIC)
Brayden King (WA)
Dylan Martin (NSW)
Sam McCulloch (TAS)
Alistair Murray (WA)
Daine Richards (NSW)
Christian Starkie (WA)
Ben White (VIC)
Hockey Australia media release
Collective efforts needed to revive hockey: Asif Bajwa
I will be seeking financial support from the PM and provinces while PHF marketing department will gather funds for round the year hockey activities
LAHORE - Newly-appo inted Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary former Olympian Muhammad Asif Bajwa Monday vowed to lift hockey out of present gloom by taking all the stakeholders on board to seek their opinion for a rare guard action.
“The situation is dismal as far our hockey is concerned as we are struggling at international level and out kitty is empty and in the given circumstances we have to take a fresh start by taking all the former Olympians and players into confidence and to seek their technical assistance to revive the game,” he told newsmen at a news conference here at the National Hockey Stadium.
The former Olympian said the task assigned to him is ‘challenging’ and he has accepted the challenge to contribute in a national cause and to play his role to revive the sagging fortune of the game. “I will take every possible measure, assembling all the stalwarts of the game at one platform requesting them to lend support for a mission, which is not impossible,” he said.
Bajwa, who last served as the Secretary PHF in 2013, said collective efforts are needed to revive the game. “My specific mandate is re-structuring of the PHF, formation of the national junior strings and setting up of hockey academies and most importantly seeking sponsorship from government and private business houses in order to run the PHF on modern lines to bring it par with the national hockey federations of those countries who have progressed a lot in the game in recent years,” he said.
The PHF official said it is a sour reality that that PHF is cash starved and adequate funds are needed to re-start hockey activities on solid lines. “I will be seeking financial support from all the provincial governments and the Prime Minister besides establishing a professional marketing department of the PHF to gather ample funds to generate hockey activities round the year,” said Bajwa.
He said in few days time he will be presenting his road map for the revival of the game and will incorporate the input of the former masters of the game on allied issues. “If needed we will also consider the option of hiring foreign coach to groom out team but we have yet to set our priorities by collectively working on a one point agenda which is the revival of the game,” said ex-Olympian.
He expressed his gratitude to PHF President Brig (r) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar for giving him the responsibility to act as PHF secretary. “It is a sour reality that Pakistan, which was a force to reckon with at the highest level of the game by possessing all the major hockey titles, is now a pale shadow of its glittering past and regaining glory and winning medals at international level have now become a uphill task as it takes years to build a medal winning combination due to competitive international competition.
“I request all the former Olympians to come forward and table their useful suggestions for the revival and betterment of hockey which is now a dying sport and it is our collective duty as former Olympians and international hockey players to restore the status, image and pride of our national side which is in wilderness,” he said.
He said one of the points on his agenda is the resumption of international hockey in Pakistan, which is only possible by restoring the confidence of FIH in the PHF and to get sufficient funds to invite foreign teams and to organise international events in a befitting manner.
To a query, he said the decision of his appointment will be endorsed by the PHF executive board in its coming meeting. “Outgoing secretary Shahbaz Ahmad Senior resigned from the post and the PHF chief has accepted it. The federation is taking every decision under its constitution in consultation with its executive board and congress,” Bajwa said.
The Nation
Newly appointed PHF secretary Asif Bajwa vows to lift national sport out of gloom
Asif-BajwaPakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) newly-appointed secretary general and former Olympian Muhammad Asif Bajwa on Monday vowed to lift the national sport out of present gloom by taking all stake-holders on board to seek their opinion for improvement. “The situation is dismal as far as our hockey is concerned. We are struggling at international level and our kitty is empty. In the present scenario, we have to take a fresh start by taking all former Olympians and players into confidence and seeking their technical assistance to revive the game,” he told media at the National Hockey Stadium here. The former Olympian said that the task assigned to him was “challenging” and he had accepted the challenge to contribute to the national cause and play a role in revival of the national game. “I will take every possible measure, assembling all stalwarts of the game at one platform, requesting them to lend support for a mission, which is not impossible,” he added.
Asif, who last served as PHF secretary general in 2013-2015 was of the view that collective efforts were needed to revive the game. “My specific mandate is re-structuring of the PHF, formation of the national junior strings and setting up of hockey academies. And most importantly seeking sponsorship from government and private business houses in order to run the PHF on modern lines to bring it on a par with national hockey federations of those countries who have progressed a lot in the game in recent years,” he maintained.
The PHF official said it was a bitter reality that the PHF was cash-starved and adequate funds were needed to re-start hockey activities on solid lines. “I will be seeking financial support from all provincial governments and the Prime Minister besides establishing a professional marketing department of the PHF to gather ample funds to generate hockey activities round-the-year.” He said in a few days time he would be presenting his roadmap for revival of the game and would incorporate the input of the former masters of the game on allied issues. “If needed, we will also consider the option of hiring foreign coach to groom our team, but we have yet to set our priorities by collectively working on a one-point agenda, which is revival of the game”.
He expressed his gratitude to PHF president Brig (r) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar for giving him the responsibility to act as the secretary of the PHF.
Asif said it was a reality that Pakistan, who were a force to be reckoned with at the highest level of the game by possessing all major hockey titles, were now a pale shadow of their glittering past. “Regaining glory and winning medals at international level has now become an uphill task as it takes years to build a medal winning combination due to competitive international competition. I request all former Olympians to come forward and table their useful suggestions for revival and betterment of hockey, which is now a dying sport and it is our collective duty as former Olympians and international hockey players to restore the status, image and pride of our national side which is in wilderness,” he said. He said that one of the points on his agenda was resumption of international hockey in Pakistan, which was only possible by restoring the confidence of games ruling body, International Hockey Federation, in the PHF and to get sufficient funds to invite foreign teams and organise international events in a befitting manner.
The Daily Times
Tumilty steps down after trophy-laden spell at Bann
Mark Tumilty. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Irish club Banbridge have confirmed that Mark Tumilty has stepped down from his role as head coach of the men’s first team following last Saturday’s EY Champions Trophy semi-final game at Havelock Park.
It brings to an end a hugely successful era in which Tumilty, during a nine-year stint, led the club to two Irish Hockey League wins, two Irish Senior Cup titles, three Kirk Cups, two Ulster Premier Leagues and two Anderson Cup successes.
He was also at the helm when the side emerged on top from a Euro Hockey League group featuring Belgium’s Royal Leopold and France’s Saint Germain in front of a raucous home crowd in 2016, reaching the KO16.
He was named the Club Performance Coach of the Year at the 2017 Sport Northern Ireland Coaching Awards as a result.
“After nine seasons as head coach at Banbridge Hockey Club, the time has come for me to step down,” Tumilty said of his decision.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time coaching the men’s first eleven at the club and the decision to leave has not been taken lightly. However, I feel that this is an appropriate time to hand the reigns over, to allow me more time to spend with my family and to allow someone else to further develop the current group of players.
“It has been a privilege to work with the Bann players past and present, the coaching staff and the management team at Banbridge Hockey Club.
“While there have been many highlights in my coaching career, in particular, I would point out the EHL ROUND 1 at Banbridge and taking part in the European tournaments at the Dragons and Eindhoven; winning the Irish Senior Cup in 2015 and lifting the IHL title in 2010/11.
“Also, the 2016/17 squad was an exceptional group of players and it was a privilege to coach and work with them and see them deliver both the Irish Senior Cup and Irish Hockey League title.
“Although I am stepping down from the Head Coach role to focus on my family, I will continue to support the club in whatever capacity I can and look forward to seeing continued success at Banbridge Hockey Club.”
In addition, under his guidance, eleven Bann players played at Senior International Level with Eugene Magee representing Ireland at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Paying tribute to Mark Tumilty, Banbridge HC President Jo-Anne Lyttle stated; “Mark has informed us of his decision to step down from his role as Head Coach and while we are disappointed that he is leaving us, we fully understand his position.
“Mark has been an extremely dedicated coach, putting in many hours each week of coaching to ensure that the team had the best training opportunities provided and he is leaving with a list of achievements which is the envy of many coaches.”
“We have been privileged to have such a committed individual working with the club who has been able to produce top results with the Men’s 1st XI.
“Mark has the ability to produce successful performances from both seasoned internationals and young players just entering the playing panel which has been key to our success throughout recent years.
“He has also supported our junior and ladies sides and has always sought to deliver for the club as a whole. We sincerely thank him for all his work and support over the past nine years and wish him all the best for the next chapter.”
The Hook
Champs Butali Warriors leap to the summit
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Kisumu Lakers Vivian Ogweno(l) and Strathmore Lynn Wendy(r) fight for the ball when they played Ladies Premier League at City Park. On 13/04/2019(Jenipher Wachie, Standard)
Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League champions Butali Warriors dislodged Wazalendo from the top of the standings.
Butali clobbered 2016 winners Strathmore University Gladiators 7-0 over the weekend, to maintain their unbeaten run and move three places up the log. Butali are tied on nine points with four other sides, but enjoy top spot thanks to their superior goal difference.
Led by last season’s league top scorer George Mutira, who bagged a brace Butali were too good for the students who are still chasing their first 2019 league win. Francis Kariuki netted twice while Moses Ademba, Constance Wakhura and Calvins Omondi scored one goal each for the sugar millers.
Butali have been near perfect in all aspects of the game this season scoring 11 goals and conceding one in three matches. Butali captain Kenneth Nyongesa said that their superb show against the students was a pointer to their intended title defence.
“We are determined to give our best in every match. We have a very strong squad as well as a dedicated technical bench. We are all working hard towards achieving our objective of a successful defence,” Nyongesa said.
Wazalendo, who were pushed to second place have maintained a clean sheet but have scored five goals only.
Western Jaguars and Green sharks, who have played four matches winning three and losing one are in third and fourth places respectively.
Former holders Kenya Police are sixth with four points from three matches following their 5-3 win over Jaguars. Strathmore, who have gone five matches without victory lead from the wrong end of the table with one point.
Sikh Union are also stuck in the relegation zone with three points.
In the women’s Premier League title hunt, champions Telkom maintained their top spot with seven points while promoted Lakers are second with five from three outings each.
Strathmore Scorpions are third with four points same as fourth-placed Amira Sailors. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) are at the bottom with one point.
Demoted Parkroad Badgers top the men’s Super League standings with 21 points increasing their chances of returning to top-flight hockey next season. Unbeaten Badgers are six points clear of their closest challengers Technical University of Kenya while Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCAU) are third with ten.
The Standard Digital
Maties make a statement after thrashing UJ 7-0
By Shafiek Mouton
Sandisiwe Tabata of Maties during Maties v UJ at UCT on 5 May
A third quarter blitzkrieg ensured that Maties trashed UJ 7-0 in their South African Varsity Hockey match at UCT on Sunday.
Maties started like a house-on-fire with Lida Kotze slamming home from close range in the 3rd minute after a short corner.
Both sides had their moments in the first half with UJ’s Kristen Paton especially impressing with her surging runs from midfield, however Maties did enough to go into halftime with Kotze’s early strike still separating the teams.
Maties made their intensions clear in the second half and came out to stretch their lead. The busy Ammaarah Hendricks and captain Paige Phillips both coming close to scoring before Lee-Anne Louwrens’s powerful strike took their lead to 3-0 in the 7th minute of the second half.
Shortly after that further strikes by Hendricks and Aimee Pote put the game beyond the girls from Gauteng. Jivanka Kruger gave her best throughout the game but Maties, led by Stephanie Botha, Hendricks and Paton, turned out to be much too strong in the end.
FNB Player of the Match: Stephanie Botha
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Jivanka Kruger
MTN Connect Award: Sandisiwe Tabata
Scores (Note: A field goal counts 2 in this competition)
Maties: 7
Goals: Lida Kotze, Lee-Ann Louwrens (2), Aamaarah Hendricks (2) and Aimee-Leigh Pote
UJ: 0
Teams
Maties: 1. Sandisiwe Tabata, 2. Jamie Southgate, 3. Kristen Block (GK), 4. Stephanie Botha, 5. Lee-Anne Louwrens, 6. Tammy Minnaar, 7. Lida Kotze, 8. Paige Phillips, 9. Aimee-Leigh Pote, 10. Lenta Cullinan, 11. Monique Bartsch, 12. Zola Nompuku, 13. Simone van der Colff (GK), 18. Ammaarah Hendricks, 20. Francisca Darkoh, 22. Caitlin Odendaal, 23. Angela Welman, 24. Lara Stevens.
Coach: Satchi Reddy
UJ: 1. Nadia Mattana, 2. Dinisha Coopoosamy, 3. Celine da Silva, 4. Zeena Martins, 5. Thato May, 6. Gabriella Terblanche, 7. Phia Gerber, 8. Kristen Paton, 9. Lisa Hawker, 10. Jivanka Kruger, 11. Tanika Schram, 12. Tenika Kriel, 13. Demi Harmse, 14. Pauline Jacobs, 15. Kaylim Bowers, 16. Lathabo Nkoe, 18. Kelly Hewitt, 23. Paula-Ivana Rebelo (GK)
Coach: Tsaonelo Pholo
Varsity Sports media release
Wits show their class, annihilating Madibaz 7-0
By Shafiek Mouton
Nompilo Thenjwayo of Wits during Wits v Madibaz at UCT on 5 May
Wits showed everyone that they shouldn’t be ruled out when they put on a clinical display against Madibaz to win 7-0 at the UCT Hares astro on Sunday evening.
Wits started the match looking determined and won a string of short-corners in the first quarter. They enjoyed most of the ball possession and territory in the first half and were rewarded when Lezaan Janse van Vuuren slammed home to give the team from Gauteng a lead of 1-0 shortly before heading into the break at halftime.
The third quarter was a tightly contested affair with both teams struggling to find the back of the net. Wits captain Nompilo Thenjwayo then changed the complexion of the game just before the end of the third quarter with a stunning field goal in the 43rd minute.
The turning points in the match came in a period of two minutes in the 51st minute just after Wits called their powerplay when first Michelle Copeland and then Ashleigh Datnow scored to take the game away from the Port Elizabeth-based Madibaz.
For Wits, Janse van Vuureen had an impressive game in defence, made a few defence-splitting passes.
In the end, the Wits powerplay proved to be the turning point in an otherwise hotly contested match.
FNB Player of the Match: Ashleigh Datnow (Wits)
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Kerryn Frost (Madibaz)
MTN Connect Award: Nompilo Thenjwayo (Wits)
Scores (Note: A field goal counts 2 in this competition)
Madibaz: 0
Wits: 7
Goals: Lezaan Janse van Vuuren, Nompilo Thenjwayo, Michelle Dykman, Ashleigh Datnow
Teams
Madibaz: 1. Kerryn Frost, 3. Hannah Knott-Craig, 4. Zhanique Sissing, 5. Lara Cunningham, 6. Staci Edwards, 7. Caitlin Gouws, 8. Kanyisa Gwata, 9. Sinead Walsh, 10. Shaneal Fernandez, 11. Britany Reddy, 12. Emma Fraser, 14. Ewuraama Asmah-Andoh, 16. Caitlin van Goederen, 17. Caitlin Brooks, 21. Cassidy Holmes, 22. Emma Hobson, 23. Malikah Potgieter, 24. Tumishang Shirinde
Coach: Andrew Beynon
Wits: 1. Tamsin Copeland, 2. Michelle Dykman, 3. Nolwazi Ngubane, 4. Imogen Bangert, 5. Lezaan Janse van Vuuren, 6. Angelique Pieterse, 7. Nomnikelo Veto, 8. Ashleigh Redhead, 9. Mandisa Sigudlu, 10. Nompilo Thenwayo ©, 11. Ashleigh Datnow, 12. Danielle Quinn, 13. Nolwazi Zondi, 14. Erin Haupt, 16. Lisa Bone, 17. Storme Johnson, 19. Rethabile Tsebiso, 24. Sisipho Magwaza (GK)
Coach: Pietie Turner-Coetzee
Varsity Sports media release
Kovsies stun NWU on day three
By Shafiek Mouton
Kovsies beat NWU 4-1 in the third match of Sunday’s Varsity Hockey action at UCT in Cape Town.
Kovsies were quickest out of the blocks and took a deserved lead in the 11th minute when Casey-Jean Botha scored a field goal from close range to hand the Free Staters the advantage.
However, NWU refused to be bossed about and grabbed a goal of their own when Jessica de Bruyn-Smith smashed home from a short corner to cut the Kovsies’ lead to 1-2.
The Kovsies then hit back through Shindré-Lee Simmons who stretched their lead to 4-1 on the stroke of halftime.
The third quarter was a dog fight with both sides trying to get the ascendency without being able to find the back of the net.
NWU’s captain Charne Maddocks showed her class with some deft touches and fought throughout the match. In the end Kovsies, with Lizanne Jacobs at the forefront, did enough to take the match 4-1.
FNB Player of the Match: Lizanne Jacobs
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Wiané Grobler
MTN Connect Award: Chane Hartel
Scores (Note: A field goal counts 2 in this competition)
NWU: 1
Goals: Jessica de Bruyn-Smith
Kovsies: 4
Goals: Casey-Jean Botha, Shindré-Lee Simmons
Teams
NWU: 1. Caitlin Grant (GK), 2. Mishka Ellis, 5. Jessica de Bruyn, 6. Kirsty Adams, 7. Miecke Flemming, 8. Mia Barnard, 9. Adelaide Siddel, 10. Meeghan Klomp, 11. Kelsey Minnaar, 12. Charne Maddocks, 13. Carli Pretorius, 15. Courtney du Preez, 16. Candice Silent, 17. Chante Ferreira, 19. Sare Laubscher, 22. Jacolene McLaren, 23. Kutlwano Moshugi, 24. Christa Ramasimang
Coach: Shaun Hulley
Kovsies: 1. Wiané Grobler (GK), 2. Chane Hartel, 4. Mikayla Claasen, 5. Anke Badenhorst, 6. Casey-Jean Botha, 7. Shindre-Lee Simmons, 8. Este van Schalkwyk, 9. Nadia van Staden, 10. Antonet Louw, 12. Heraldine Olin, 13.Lizanne Jacobs, 15. Refilwe Ralikontsane, 16. Mielanka van Schalkwyk, 17. Nela Mbedu, 18.Simoné Gouws, 20. Frances Louw, 23. Kia-Leigh Erasmus, 24. Michelle Ngoetjane
Coach: Luke Makaleniv
Varsity Sports media release
Hosts UCT show BMT to remain undefeated
By Shafiek Mouton
Chelsea Manoek of UCT during UCT v Tuks at UCT on 5 May
UCT came from behind to defeat defending champions Tuks in the final match of day three in Cape Town on Sunday evening.
The match started at a rate of knots with both teams creating chances although neither side was able to break the deadlock.
It was the visitors who spent more time in the UCT half of the field with Onthatile Zulu being a constant threat on attack. UCT keeper, Nepo Serage, made a couple of good saves and were ably assisted by Gillian Hermanus who cleared one shot off the line after Serage was beaten but had her last line of defence in place.
Tuks went into halftime with the score locked at 0-0 but they would have felt like they were never far away from opening the scoring.
However, it was more of the same in the third quarter as it was in the first two, with both sides unable to create good chances from which to test the keepers.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 46th minute when the nippy Maikemisetso Maroakane scored a brilliant field goal to give Tuks a two-goal cushion. That goal seemed to spur on the home side and they immediately hit back with a brilliant field goal of their own. Francesca Vercelotti slammed home from close range after a strong run by Nicole Koenig from midfield.
Koenig then got on the scoresheet too when she scored from a short corner in the power play which meant her goal counted two and suddenly the home crowd found their voice as their team were suddenly 4-2 ahead.
UCT endured a couple of nervy moments at the end but they held on to take the match 4-2 at the end.
Scores (Note: A field goal counts 2 in this competition)
UCT: 4
Goals: Francesca Vercelotti, Nicole Koenig
Tuks: 2
Goals: Maikemisetso Maroakane
FNB Player of the Match: Gillian Hermanus
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Gillian Hermanus
MTN Connector Award: Natalie Esteves
Teams
UCT: 1. Nepo Serage (GK), 3. Rosie Church, 4. Gillian Hermanus, 6. Jess Hutchinson, 7. Andrea Leader, 8. Michelle Winter, 9. Nicole Winter, 10. Chelsea Manoek, 11. Kayla Morgan, 12. Francesca Vercelotti, 13. Moletlo Somo, 14. Michelle Tullis, 16. Megan Pryce-Lewis, 17. Courtney Wheeler, 20. Modjadji Maake, 21. Candice Ewing, 24. Cameron Beckett, 28. Aaliah Dollie
Coach: Nicole de Vries
Tuks: 1. Alexis Steyn, 3. Onthatile Zulu, 4. Maikemisetso, 5. Megan Anderson, 6. Ashleigh Thomas, 7. Marizen Marais, 8. Max Hannan, 9. Dollie Trotse, 10. Kaylin Fourie, 11. Aimée Anticevich, 14. Lerato Mahole, 15. Natalie Esteves, 16. Jean-Leigh du Toit, 17. Thando Chithi, 18. Aneme Jacobs, 20.Micaela Roos, 21. Jessica-Lee Redfern, 23. Demi Tait (GK)
Coach: Zondi Inky
Varsity Sports media release
Kovsies run rampant as they thump Madibaz 16-2
By Shafiek Mouton
Kovsies proved to be much too strong for the hapless Madibaz when they smashed them 16-2 in the first game of day four of Varsity Hockey at the UCT Astro in Cape Town.
Simoné Gouws opened the scoring for Kovsies in the sixth minute when she slapped a powerful shot past Kerryn Frost in the Madibaz’ goal. Caitlin Gous then had her shot well saved which meant that Kovsies had a well-deserved 2-0 lead after the first quarter.
Antonet Louw then doubled the Free Staters’ lead when she powerfully finished after a penetrating run from midfield. Two saves in quick succession by Frost meant that the Madibaz would stay in the game.
Kovsies were applying relentless pressure and the Madibaz defence was severely tested in this period but somehow they survived and went into halftime trailing by 0-4 although the deficit could have (and probably should have) been much bigger at halftime.
Louw added to her goal tally in the 33rd minute by beating Frost at her near post to open up a 6-0 lead. She wasn’t quite done yet and completed her hattrick with a powerful tomahawk shot in the 40th minute.
The third quarter turned out to be a goal feast with the ladies from the Friendly City getting on the scoreboard too when Shaneal Fernandez scored a field goal. Further goals by Louw and substitute Michelle Ngoetjane meant that the Madibaz weren’t able to claw their way back into the match.
In the end the Kovsies were relentless and ran out deserved winners by 16-2.
FNB Player of the Match: Antonet Louw
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Wiané Grobler
MTN Connecter Award: Casey-Jean Botha
Scorers (Note: A field goal counts 2 in this competition)
Kovsies: 16
Goals: Simoné Gous, Antonet Louw (4) Michelle Ngoetjane, Casey-Jean Botha and Kia-Leigh Erasmus
Madibaz: 2
Goal: Shaneal Fernandez
Teams
Kovsies: 1. Wiané Grobler (GK), 2. Chane Hartel, 5. Anke Badenhorst, 6. Casey-Jean Botha, 7. Shindre-Lee Simmons, 10. Antonet Louw, 12. Heraldine Olin, 13. Lizanne Jacobs, 15. Rafilwe Ralikontsane, 17. Nela Mbedu, 18. Simoné Gouws,
Subs: 4. Mikayla Claassen, 8. Este van Schalkwyk, 9. Nadia van Staden, 20. Frances Louw, 23. Kia-Leigh Erasmus, 24. Michelle Ngoetjane
Coach: Luke Makaleniv
Madibaz: 1. Kerryn Frost (GK), 3. Hannah Knott-Craig, 4. Zhanique Sissing, 5. Lara Cunningham, 7. Caitlin Gouws, 8. Kanyisa Gwata, 9. Sinead Walsh, 11. Britany Reddy, 12. Emma Fraser, 16. Caitlin van Goederen, 17. Caitlin Brooks, 23. Malikah Potgieter,
Subs: 6. Staci Edwards, 10. Shaneal Fernandez, 12. Emma Fraser, 14. Awuraama Asmah-Andoh , 21. Cassidy Holmes, 22. Emma Hobson, 24. Tumishang Shirinde
Coach: Andrew Beynon
Varsity Sports media release
Tuks finally off the mark with victory over resilient NWU
By Shafiek Mouton
Onthatile Zulu of Tuks during Tuks v NWU at UCT on 6 May
Tuks won their first game of the Varsity Hockey weekend when they beat NWU 3-0 at the UCT Astro in Cape Town.
Both sides came close to scoring from penalty corners in the first quarter but couldn’t convert which meant that the score was locked at 0-0 after 15 minutes.
NWU’s captain came close to scoring whilst Tuks’ Onthatile Zulu had a couple of shots on target but was kept out by Caitlin Grant in the NWU goal. The sides went into the halftime break all square at 0-0.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 41st minute when Anemé Jacobs powered home a field goal to give the ladies from Pretoria a 2-0 lead. Natalie Esteves then scored a critical goal in the 53rd minute to stretch the Tuks lead to 4-0.
NWU were piling on the pressure in the dying moments of the match and for a brief period had an 11 to 7 numerical advantage with green cards handed to Tuks players in the powerplay. However, they couldn’t take advantage and the defending champions ran out 3-0 winners.
FNB Player of the Match: Onthatile Zulu
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Caitlin Grant
MTN Connecter Award: Natalie Esteves
Scores (Note: A field goal counts 2 in this competition)
Tuks: 3
Goals: Anemé Jacobs (2), Natalie Esteves
NWU: 0
Teams
NWU: 1. Caitlin Grant (GK), 5. Jessica de Bruyn, 6. Kirsty Adams, 12. Charne Maddocks, 13. Carli Pretorius, 15. Courtney du Preez, 16. Candice Silent, 17. Chante Ferreira, 19. Saré Laubscher, 22. Jacolene McLaren, 24. Christa Ramasimang
Subs: 2. Mischka Ellis, 7. Miecke Flemming, 8. Mia Barnard, 9. Adelaide Siddel, 10. Meeghan Klomp, 11. Kelsey Minnaar, 23. Kutlwano Moshugi
Coach: Shaun Hulley
Tuks: 1. Alexis Steyn, 3. Onthatile Zulu, 4. Maikemisetso Marokoane, 5. Megan Anderson, 7. Marizen Marais, 11. Aimée Anticevich, 14. Lerato Mahole, 15. Natalie Esteves, 16. Jean-Leigh du Toit, 17. Thando Chithi, 20. Michaela Roos.
Subs: Ashleigh Thomas, 8. Maxine Hannan, 9. Dollie Thotse, 10. Kaylin Fourie, 18. Aneme Jacobs, 21. Jessica-Lee Redfern, 23. Demi Tait (GK)
Coach: Zondi Inky
Varsity Sports media release
UJ narrowly defeat Wits in Joburg derby
By Shafiek Mouton
Lisa Hawker of UJ during UJ v Wits at UCT on 6 May
A Gauteng-derby at the foot of Table Mountain. Yes, that was the situation at the UCT Astro when UJ took on Wits in the third game of day four of the Varsity Hockey weekend. UJ managed to take the honours in the derby by beating Wits 2-1 in a close encounter.
There was no score in the first quarter with both teams failing to create clear-cut opportunities.
Nomnikelo Veto got her name on the scoresheet first for Wits in the 24th minute when she deflected a shot from a penalty corner past Nadia Mattana in the UJ goal. However, UJ hit right back straight thereafter when Lisa Hawker slammed a field goal home from close range to hand UJ a 2-1 lead just before the halftime break.
Wits came out guns blazing in the second half led by FNB Player of the Match Nomnikelo Veto and Ashleigh Datnow who made a couple of brilliant runs but couldn’t finish those opportunities off. Wits enjoyed all the possession in the third quarter but couldn’t penetrate the Orange Wave’s defence and the teams went into the fourth and final quarter with UJ leading 2-1.
Wits pressed hard in the final chukka but couldn’t manage to get the ball in the back of the UJ net. Kristen Paton, or KP as she’s known to her teammates, was a constant thorn in Wits’ flesh and deserves a mention whilst Veto had a storming game.
FNB Player of the Match: Nomnikelo Veto
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Nadia Mattana
MTN Connecter Award: Lezaan van Vuuren
Scores (Note: A field goal counts 2 in this competition)
Wits: 1
Goal: Nomnikelo Veto
UJ: 2
Goal: Lisa Hawker (2)
Teams
Wits: 24. Sispho Magwaza, 4. Imogen Bangert, 5. Lezaan Janse van Vuuren, 6. Angelique Pieterse, 8. Ashleigh Redhead, 9. Mandisa Sigudlu, 10. Nompilo Thenwayo ©, 11. Ashleigh Datnow, 13. Nolwazi Zondi, 14. Erin Haupt, 16. Lisa Bone
Subs: 1. Tamsin Copeland, 2. Michelle Copeland, 3. Nolwazi Ngubane, 7. Nomnikelo Veto, 12. Danielle Quin, 17. Storme Johnson, 19. Rethabile Tsebiso
Coach: Pietie Turner-Coetzee
UJ: 1. Nadia Mattana, 4. Zeena Martins, 6. Gabriella Terblanche 7. Phia Gerber, 8. Kristen Paton, 9. Lisa Hawker, 10. Jivanka Kruger, 12. Tenika Kriel, 13. Demi Harmse, 15. Kaylim Bowers, 18. Kelly Hewitt
Subs: 23. Paula-Ivana Rebelo (GK), 2. Dinisha Coopoosamy, 2. Dinisha Coopoosamy, 3. Celine da Silva, 4, Thato May, 11. Tanika Schram, 14. Pauline Jacobs
Coach: Tsaonelo Pholo
Varsity Sports media release
Maties win it at the death to top the table in Cape Town
By Shafiek Mouton
The fourth and final match of the Varsity Hockey weekend was a Cape derby between the old foes, UCT and Maties, who both went undefeated into the clash on Monday night.
A late Paige Phillips goal in the powerplay ensured that Maties went home with the spoils, 2-0 the final score.
Maties had six shots at goal against the one of the home team in the first quarter but Nepo Serage, the UCT keeper, kept them out. Serage had a very good game against Tuks yesterday too and can be very satisfied with her performances this weekend. The teams went into halftime with neither being able to break the deadlock.
In the third quarter the Stellenbosch-based team had a goal disallowed and a couple of goalmouth scrambles but couldn’t get the elusive goal with UCT doing just enough in the D to keep the Maties out.
The defining moment in the match came in the 58th minute when captain Paige Phillips flicked home from a well-worked penalty corner.
Scores (Note: A field goal counts 2 in this competition)
UCT: 0
Maties: 2
Goal: Paige Phillips
FNB Player of the Match: Paige Phillips
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Nepo Serage
MTN Connector Award: Nicole Koenig
Teams
UCT: 1. Nepo Serage (GK), 3. Rosie Church, 4. Gillian Hermanus, 6. Jess Hutchinson, 7. Andrea Leader, 8. Michelle Winter, 9. Nicole Winter, 10. Chelsea Manoek, 11. Kayla Morgan, 12. Francesca Vercelotti, 13. Moletlo Somo, 14. Michelle Tullis, 16. Megan Pryce-Lewis, 17. Courtney Wheeler, 20. Modjadji Maake, 21. Candice Ewing, 24. Cameron Beckett, 28. Aaliah Dollie
Coach: Nicole de Vries
Maties: 1. Kristen Block, 2. Jamie Southgate, 3. Sandisiwe Tabata, 4. Stephanie Botha, 6. Tammy Minnaar, 7. Lida Kotze, 8. Paige Phillips, 9. Aimee-Leigh Pote, 10. Lenta Cullinan, 11. Monique Bartsch, 24. Lara Stevens.
Subs: Simone van der Colff, 5. Lee-Anne Louwrens, 12. Zola Nompuku, 18. Ammaarah Hendricks, 20. Francisca Darkoh, 22. Caitlin Odendaal, 23. Angela Welman,
Coach: Satchi Reddy
Varsity Sports media release
Clarendon star set to shine in Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge
SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge will be held in East London this weekend
Thando Mtalana (left) and Bianca Wood are looking forward to representing Clarendon High when the school hosts the East London Coastal leg of the SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge in East London on Sunday. Photo: Supplied
Port Elizabeth - Clarendon High star Bianca Wood will have a spring in her step when she runs out for her school in the East London Coastal event of the South African SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge on Sunday.
The tournament will take place at Clarendon High in East London, starting at 8am.
The 19-year-old striker has just been included in the South African senior team to compete in the FIH Hockey Series final in Valencia, Spain, in late June.
The national squad will be competing with seven other nations for one of the two berths available from the event for the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year.
After initially being named in a national training squad, Wood said her excitement was even greater when she was included in the actual team for Spain.
“That really was a dream come true and I owe a lot to my Clarendon coach Cheryl Pope,” she said. “If it wasn’t for her and all the tournaments she takes me to, I would not have received the exposure.”
She added that she also owed her family a great deal.
“I would not have achieved what I have without the support of my mother and my brother,” said Wood.
“My brother was the one who introduced me to the game and taught me to play, while my mother has been a massive support in getting me to tournaments.
“Everything I do and achieve in hockey is always for her.”
Wood and her Clarendon teammate, ace goalkeeper Thando Mtalana, both spoke highly of the SPAR Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge and the exposure they received through the tournaments.
The 18-year-old Mtalana, who has played for junior national teams from 2016 to 2018, said the Challenge set the tone for the rest of the season.
“It really creates that hockey spirit that we all enjoy and allows us to play teams that we don’t meet in our annual derby days,” she said.
“I think that is great because it opens us and other schools to new skills and styles, from which we can learn.”
Wood added that the camaraderie of the events was always special.
“One of the big things is that we get to bond more with other players and it allows us to make more friends through the game of hockey.”
Hudson Park’s Jody Ann October (left) prepares to strike the ball during last year’s provincial finals in the SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge. Hudson Park will be defending their title in the East London Coastal leg of the challenge at Clarendon High in East London on Sunday. Photo: Full Stop Communications
SPAR EC sponsorships and events manager Alan Stapleton said they anticipated another fun day, with plenty of competitive hockey.
“All the sides who have entered will have a chance in the unique format for this tournament as it is geared to provide upsets,” he said.
“We are sure it will again be well contested, with the emphasis on the special spirit among the players which the day generates.”
Hosts Clarendon and defending champions Hudson Park are expected to continue their duel for the title, but will face stiff competition in the shortened 20-minute format.
Hudson won the inaugural tournament in 2016. Clarendon took the honours a year later, but Hudson were back in the winners’ circle last year.
The champions are in a pool with Cambridge, Lilyfontein and Green Point, while Clarendon, Stirling, Merrifield, Alphendale and Port Rex make up pool B.
Play will start at 8am and the pool winners will meet in the final at 2.45pm.
Fullstop Communications media release for SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge