News for 06 July 2019
All the news for Saturday 6 July 2019
SA Hockey Men named for Africa Road to Tokyo Event
Tim Drummond will captain the side
The South African Hockey Men’s side to take on the African Road to Tokyo Event in Stellenbosch from 12-18 August has today been announced. The South African men, who recently rose in the world rankings from 16th to 14th will be looking to build on the form shown in their fantastic FIH Hockey Series Finals in India and defend their title as African Champions.
South Africa’s main opponents in that regards will be the Egyptians, who are ranked 20th in the World, and recently completed an unlikely victory against Ireland at their own FIH Hockey Series Final. The fact that they slipped up after that will raise the pressure on the Egyptians as this will be their last qualifying route for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The South Africans will also be weary of the challenge of the Zimbabweans, the Namibians and the Ghanaians who have all shown growth in their games since the last African Cup.
Garreth Ewing has taken the opportunity to recall the highly experienced duo of Clinton Panther and Taine Paton, while Dayaan Cassiem has overcome the concussion that ruled him out in India. Other players returning to the squad are Andrew Hobson, Daniel Bell and Mo Mea.
“I’m happy to say that our selection process for the African Road to Tokyo Event was a difficult one. There were many more players available and this made for some healthy discussion between the selectors. I believe we have a balanced and experienced team for this Olympic qualifier and I know they will be very competitive in the tournament.” Shared Ewing.
Be sure to back the lads as they take their next big step on the Road to Tokyo. Broadcasting and coverage details will be shared closer to the event when finalized.
SA Hockey Men – African Road to Tokyo Event – 12-18 August 2019
No, Player, Province, Caps
1, Tim Drummond (Captain), KZN Raiders, 140
2, Dan Bell, Southern Gauteng, 46
3, Dayaan Cassiem, Western Province, 26
4, Tyson Dlungwana, Northern Blues, 34
5, Jethro Eustice, KZN Raiders, 111
6, Andrew Hobson, Western Province, 6
7, Keenan Horne, Western Province, 50
8, Tevin Kok, Northern Blues, 28
9, Nduduzo Lembethe, Northern Blues, 16
10, Mohammed Mea, KZN Raiders, 21
11, Siyavuya Nolutshungu (GK), Eastern Province, 12
12, Nqobile Ntuli, KZN Raiders, 42
13, Clinton Panther, KZN Raiders, 100
14, Taine Paton, KZN Raiders, 110
15, Rassie Pieterse (GK), Southern Gauteng, 149
16, Austin Smith, Western Province, 171
17, Nicholas Spooner, Southern Gauteng, 14
18, Alex Stewart, Western Province, 9
Reserves
Ryan Julius, Western Province, 33
Taylor Dart, Southern Gauteng, 34
*Caps per FIH Tournament Management System at 08 May 2019, Province is most recently represented province.
SA Hockey Association media release
Tess Howard: ‘We all want the same thing, for GB to defend Olympic hockey title’
GB international Tess Howard speaks to The Hockey Paper on her whirlwind six months since debut
Tess Howard fights for the ball in GB colours PIC: WorldSportPics
I guess I truly didn’t know what the senior programme was about until I broke into it. You learn more about its uniqueness the longer you’re in it. I had watched the team grow and change over the last six years – and didn’t ever comprehend a call up, but when the phone call came I thought ‘I might as well go for it’. The opportunity to play alongside the top players and join the GB vision was really special for me. I relish being part of a team, especially the camaraderie of it all.
The Perse School, where I studied before Durham University, is still very close to me. Glenn Kirkham has looked out for me since I joined the juniors and I am now starting to understand what he was experiencing as a full time teacher and GB athlete. There’s no shying away from the fact it’s hard juggling academics and hockey. But the staff at The Perse and my team-mates at Cambridge City supported me to believe I could strive for both.
Alongside my hockey ability, I think it’s really important for me express my character on and off the pitch. No questioning it is really hard to let your guard down but it’s so important to be yourself and build relationships within the team.
The Elite Development Programme (EDP) was critical to providing the tools I needed to train at the seniors’ intensity. The EDP, driven by Paul Revington, is supportive and challenging, the ideal balance, and having Hannah Macleod to share her experiences too on and off the pitch was really important.
I had a glazed idea of what it would be like with the senior squad before joining, but I didn’t realise how much it would take to get used to. Jumping into the deep end in October in the build up to the Champions Trophy was really the best thing. I had to get to know the girls quickly and I hadn’t really played with any of them before either. You just can’t hide, but I know now it’s more enjoyable if you just “go for it”.
The welcome ceremony and shirt presentation were two special moments. The first game was made all the more inspiring to stand alongside my new team-mates and I knew my effort was all for them. I just wanted to work as hard as I could, to show how much it means to me to wear the shirt but more importantly to wear it alongside some of those I had looked up to for years. I think it’s good I haven’t really processed it but, by playing regularly, it has made me believe that I can contribute to the team and bring more energy.
The first game went by in a whirlwind. The work standards the team demands of you I was ready for: you run no matter what. You defend your heart out and attack with fight. I look back at the photos now and I can’t believe it was only six or so months ago. Adjusting to the perceived pressure of international games is the hardest, and finding ways to be more free out there will help.
It’s great that more EDP players are joining senior training and winning their first caps. It normalises the transition. When Lizzie Neal and I joined we were the first of our ‘age group’ but now it has become more fluid. As more girls come up, it shows the opportunity is there and if you are performing you should be able to compete for your country.
Ultimately we all want the same thing; we want Great Britain to go to the Olympics and defend the title. We have to have the collective knowledge and belief that the best possible team is out there fighting, and that drives our competition.
This article is selected from our regular, packed 32-page print edition, available as subscription only:
The Hockey Paper
Yes, McCann can help Malaysian hockey
By Aftar Singh
Right man for the job: Former Australian forward Michael McCann is in Malaysia to help improve the scoring ability of the national forwards in tournaments.
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Australian hockey striker Michael McCann feels that Malaysian players must start thinking on their feet.
McCann was brought in for a week to help improve the scoring ability of the national forwards.
The Australian said that while the strikers are adept at scoring goals, they need to be more confident.
“They must have the ability to get more balls in the semi-circle and must also be fast in scoring goals before the defenders can get to the ball.
“The biggest task for me is to help them generate more goal-scoring opportunities than they had before,” said McCann.
“The forwards must also learn to fight hard to get the ball and they must try to get as many penalty corners as possible so that they have more chances of scoring,” said McCann.
McCann helped Australia win the Athens Olympic gold in 2004 and has 165 caps and scored 72 goals.
“I must admit it is difficult to make changes in just a week. I wished I had more time with them.
“The players also need to change their mentally towards scoring goals. I am trying to build up their confidence and also help them try out different ideas in delivering goals,” said McCann.
“This is how we are taught in the Australian and German teams. The players here also have a different mentality than us Australians,” added McCann.
The national team have experienced forwards in Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil, Faizal Saari, Muhd Shahril Saabah and Firhan Ashari but they not been prolific.
McCann has been the coach of German club Mannheim for the last eight years and helped them finished a creditable third in the European League last year, they are the runners-up in the German League.
The Malaysian team will be going to Europe on July 27 in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games playoff matches in October.
McCann has promised that he will be there to assist the strikers get the goals in the matches against Germany, Spain, Holland and world champions Belgium.
The Star of Malaysia
Indian hockey team's PR Sreejesh says exclusive camp will help goalkeepers in all-important Olympic qualifiers
File image of PR Sreejesh.
Bengaluru: The seven-day national camp for goalkeepers was an ideal initiative ahead of the all important Olympic qualifiers, India's feels senior most custodian PR Sreejesh.
Sreejesh alongside Krishan B Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Jugraj Singh, Paras Malhotra, Jagdeep Dayal, Pawan, Prashant Kumar Chauhan and Sahil Kumar Nayak were part of the goalkeepers Camp which began on 1 July at SAI, Bengaluru here under the supervision of Dennis van de Pol who was invited by Hockey India.
"We focused on important ground basics, and there was a lot of emphasis on PCs and shootout scenarios. This was a good initiative taken by Hockey India as it helps in our preparations for Olympic Qualifiers later this year. Dennis was particularly good in explaining the minor mistakes we would make.
"All the sessions were engaging and I am sure this will only help build the goalkeeper pool in India with youngsters understanding the requirements at the International level," said Sreejesh.
Dennis, who is with Drijver Goalie Academy in the Netherlands as well as the KNHB (Koninklijke Nederlandse Hockey Bond) and trains the National Youth in the Netherlands apart from regular assignments with foreign teams, was impressed with the available talent in India.
"Initially before I came here I was thinking that there may be some disparity between Sreejesh, Krishan, Suraj and the remaining goalkeepers called for the camp because they don't necessarily have the kind of experience as these senior athletes but they surprised me with their skill, talent and eagerness to learn," expressed Dennis.
"Someone as senior as Sreejesh too would ask a lot of questions and be inquisitive about how he can further improve in certain areas. His enthusiasm easily rubs off on other players too and it's good to see younger goalkeepers look up to him.
"We do have such short camps back in the Netherlands with a mix of Senior and Junior team goalkeepers and this really helps build performance," Dennis added.
A special camp for the Indian defenders will be organised in the following week.
Firstpost
Sally Tippen guides England to success at Masters Hockey European Cup
By Mark Taylor
Sally Tippen was the captain fantastic for England over-65s as they clinched Masters Hockey European Cup glory in Belgium.
The Cambridge City Hockey Club stalwart, who has not missed a season since 1991, skippered the side in Antwerp as they won four matches out of five.
The category is uncontested as England are the only national team in the over-65s age group, but LX and Alliance have over-65 teams that enter the trophy event as non-national teams, and England defeated them 4-0 and 6-0 respectively.
England also played Wales, Scotland and the Netherlands over-60s teams in friendlies, securing two wins and a draw.
Billie Seavill scored in the 1-1 draw with Wales – which was a highlight for Tippen – and they completed their set of games with a 2-0 victory over Scotland, with Tippen and Laura Dymock on target
“We were delighted that we had achieved a win and pleased that the team had performed well on the showcase pitch in front of a crowd of supporters, including our Ladies 60s team who had come to support us on their day off,” said Tippen.
“The team gelled well on and off the pitch and I am very impressed with the professional approach of our new coach, Richard Young.
“The greatest challenge this year was convincing our coach that we had to change the system he wanted us to play. We did this at the Home Countries tournament just before the European Cup so it was a bit risky.
“I am so proud to lead out the team at the beginning of each match and see how the team develops during the year. The team are so supportive of each other on and off the pitch which helps hugely in making the captain’s role easy.”
Looking ahead to the new forthcoming hockey campaign with City, Tippen added: “My plans for the coming season are to continuing playing either 4th or 5th XI club hockey and Masters hockey, and try to reduce my current hockey admin workload!”
Cambridge Independent
2019-20 Junior and Senior U.S. Men’s National Indoor Teams and Head Coach Named
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Following two different tryout weekends and an individual goalkeeper trial, the 2019-20 Junior and Senior U.S. Men’s National Indoor Teams as well as the newly appointed head coach have been named.
Seven athletes that were selected to the Senior Indoor USMNT are currently involved in the outdoor senior or junior men’s program. Leading the squad are Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.) and JaJa Kentwell (Spring City, Pa.) who both were on the 2014 Indoor Pan American Cup roster, and Alex Grassi (Brookeville, Md.). These experienced athletes are strengthened by the addition of some outdoor Junior USMNT players like Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.), Colin Hennessy (Marlborough, Mass.), David Kristof (Darien, Conn.) and Dean Schiller (Alexandria, Va.).
The Junior Indoor USMNT also has some outdoor players representing in Gavin Chung (Glen Ridge, N.J.), Jack Hawley (Ventura, Calif.), Tyler Kim (Fredericksburg, Va.) and Colin Kirkpatrick (Annville, Pa.).
2019-20 U.S. Men’s National Indoor Team:
James Albanese (Mercerville, N.J.), Brett Andrews (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Glenn Carr (Shickshinny, Pa.), Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.), Stephen Dennis (Fairfield, Conn.), Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.), Alex Grassi (Brookeville, Md.), Colin Hennessy (Marlborough, Mass.), JaJa Kentwell (Spring City, Pa.), Scott Kline (Dublin, Ohio), David Kristof (Darien, Conn.), Jesse Larson (Crownsville, Md.), Joe Page (Alexandria, Va.), Nicholas Richardson (Sunapee, N.H.), Dean Schiller (Alexandria, Va.), Michael Young (Syracuse, N.Y.)
2019-20 Junior U.S. Men’s National Indoor Team:
Matthew Barraco (Allentown, Pa.), Zane Boler (Lewisberry, Pa.), Gavin Chung (Glen Ridge, N.J.), Koehl Comiskey (Dallas, Pa.), Jack Hawley (Ventura, Calif.), Ishaq Inayat (Princeton, N.J.), Malcolm Johnson (Lisle, N.Y.), Tyler Kim (Fredericksburg, Va.), Colin Kirkpatrick (Annville, Pa.), Toby Peck (Downingtown, Pa.), Jack Weitzman (Fulton, Md.), Jonathan Wihide (Taneytown, Md.), Bradley Wittbecker (Taneytown, Md.)
Just this week, the head coach of the Indoor USMNT was named with Alex Gheorghe (Greenwich, Conn.) leading the program. Gheorghe has been involved with the sport his whole life and even began his coaching career at a young age, volunteering to coach youth players in Romania while still playing himself. He represented on Romania’s National Team at all levels as an athlete and was the head coach of the Romania Women’s National Team.
"We’re very pleased that Alex has agreed to join the staff of the indoor men's program," said Rutger Wiese, U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach. " We wish him great success in his role and as Indoor USMNT head Coach.”
Gheorghe’s coaching resume continues as the club director and founder of the AGH Field Hockey Club, varsity head coach at Sacred Heart Greenwich as well as the head coach of the boys’ East Coast High Performance. He is the former U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team Head Coach and has coached in multiple USA Field Hockey programs including the Futures Program, and at the National Futures Championship and AAU Junior Olympic Games. He earned recognition from the FIH for his effort as a youth coach and has dedicated his time to understanding the finer aspects of the game, from the smallest technical detail to the broader strategies of game play.
The U.S. Men’s National Indoor Team will have training camp weekends once a month in June, August and December, as the squad prepares for an international tour at the end of the year. More preparation will take place early in 2020 as the Indoor USMNT trains for the Indoor Pan American Cup to be held in March in Pennsylvania.
USFHA media release
India name 33 players for Jr girls national coaching camp
The four-week long camp, to conclude on August 3, will hold under the watchful eyes of coach Baljeet Singh Saini.
India name 33 players for Jr girls @Twitter:
Hockey India Friday named 33 core probables for the upcoming junior girls national coaching camp to begin on July 8 at the Sports Authority of India centre in Bengaluru.
The four-week long camp, to conclude on August 3, will held under the watchful eyes of coach Baljeet Singh Saini.
After a great tour of Ireland, where the team won the Cantor Fitzgerald U-21 International four-nation tournament against the likes of the hosts Ireland, Canada and Scotland, India went to Belarus, where they defeated the junior and development teams.
Coach Saini believes the tour of Ireland and Belarus has motivated his team to become the best junior side in the world.
"The team performed exceptionally in our recent tours of Ireland and Belarus. I am very satisfied with the way they played, and this national camp will now give us the opportunity to keep working in the right direction," Saini said.
"There are a few players who have made transition into the senior team set-up, therefore this camp will give the opportunity to more players to perform and be a part of our team.
"Our focus in the upcoming camp will be on our basics, fitness, agility and trying our different tactics. It is important that we maintain our rhythm in these four weeks, and keep building towards our ultimate aim which is to lift the Junior women's Asia Cup next year," added Saini.
List of core probables:
Goalkeepers: Rashanpreet Kaur, Khushboo, F Ramengmawii.
Defenders: Priyanka, Simran Singh, Marina Lalramnghaki, Gagandeep Kaur, Ishika Chaudhary, Jotika Kalsi, Sumita, Akshata Dhekale, Usha, Parneet Kaur.
Midfielder: Baljeet Kaur, Mariana Kujur, Kiran, Prabhleen Kaur, Preeti, Ajmina Kujur, Vaishnavi Phalke, Kavita Bagdi, Baljinder Kaur, Sushma Kumari.
Forwards: Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, Gurmail Kaur, Deepika, Lalrindinki, Jiwan Kishori Toppo, Rutuja Pisal, Sangita Kumari, Yogita Bora, Annu.
Daily News & Analysis
Scotland U21 men’s squad announced for Euros
Scotland U21 Men’s Head Coach Graham Moodie has named his squad for U21 Men’s EuroHockey Championship II in Plzen Litice, Czech Republic.
The tournament gets underway on 14 July and Scotland will take on Russia; Portugal and Italy in Pool B before the latter stages of the tournament.
The Scots are taking a strong team and will play in the opening game of the tournament when they face Portugal to get their campaign underway.
Scotland U21 Men go into the tournament after competitive preparation series’ against Club All Stars; Ireland and Wales, putting in good performances across all the matches.
Competition will be tough in Plzen Litice as the top two teams in the competition will be promoted to A Division in 2021.
Scotland U21 Men’s Head Coach Graham Moodie said, “Selection for the Euros was tough. It was very competitive for places in the squad and it was a hard decision, but we’ve selected a strong squad for the tournament.
“We’re really excited to go and compete in the Euros; the target is to gain promotion, and the players we have are capable of achieving this. We have one more camp before we travel to Czech Republic and we’re looking forward to our final preparations for the competition.”
Scotland U21 Men’s squad:
Douglas Gourlay, Grange
Martin Rose, University of Edinburgh
James Nairn, Grange
Robbie Crol, University of Edinburgh
Andrew Lochrin, Uddingston
Andrew McAllister, Western Wildcats
Ali Richmond, Loughborough University
Andrew Webb, Loughborough University
Ben Pearson, University of Edinburgh
Alex Batstone, Bath Buccaneers
Jamie Golden, Grove Menzieshill
Joe Waterston, Beeston
Cameron Golden, Grove Menzieshill
Andrew McConnell, Western Wildcats
Hamish Roberts , Loughborough University
Struan Walker, Clydesdale
David Nairn, Clydesdale
Jack Jamieson, University of Edinburgh
Schedule
14 July | 11:15 | Scotland v Portugal
15 July | 18:00 | Russia v Scotland
17 July | 11:15 | Scotland v Italy
19 July | TBC | TBC
20 July | TBC | TBC
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Hockey fixtures 2019/20: Hampstead & Westminster and Surbiton ladies open on the road
By Rod Gilmour
Hampstead will be on the road on opening day PIC: Simon Parker
English hockey’s two domestic champions will both take the defence of their titles on the road after the 2019/20 fixtures were released.
Hampstead & Westminster will travel to Beeston on September 14 in the men’s Premier Division, with the newly-promoted women’s side also taking on Beeston ladies in an opening double header.
Investec women’s Premier Division champions Surbiton ladies are away to promoted Loughborough Students on the same day.
The fixtures’ release comes as The Hockey Paper campaigns clubs and supporters to Watch Your 1s throughout the September.
With the international game continuing to be well-supported, we are urging clubs – from the elite down to grass roots – to get on board with #watchyour1s, with our manifesto calling for more vibrancy and colour at domestic matches.
With the apathy towards watching domestic hockey, we know this will take time to deliver but our aim is highlight the best work of clubs across the UK in this key month.
Elsewhere in September, Old Georgians, who were promoted to the top flight for the first time in their history, are at home to University of Exeter on the opening weekend.
The Surrey side have signed some top talent in recent months and their credentials as a play-off side will be tested a week later when they take on champions Hampstead & Westminster at the Rec on September 21.
If you would like to take part in our campaign competition or are already hosting an event, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or keep in mind to gather information and images of your 1s event to submit for our competition.
Sign your club up for HockeyFest and keep your eyes peeled for #watchyour1s on social media.
Don’t miss our EuroHockey preview! Subscribe by July 30 to receive your copy!
The Hockey Paper
Lakers look past JKUAT in hockey league
By AYUMBA AYODI
Diana Akinyi (left) of Strathmore Scorpions tussles with Agriphina Misoi of USIU Spartans during their Premier League match at City Park in Nairobi on June 16, 2019. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Lakers are without their top goalkeeper Millicent Adhiambo as they go all out to defend their unbeaten run against Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in the women’s hockey Premier League duel at Kisumu Simba Club on Saturday.
Lakers, who are the only other side that is yet to concede defeat this season besides champions Telkom, is place third in the log with eight points drawn from one win and five draws. Their only victory came against Kenyatta University whom they beat 1-0 while they have forced draws against Telkom (2-2) and United States International University (USIU) (0-0) among others.
Team manager John Paul disclosed that the 16-year-old Adhiambo, who is a student at Sinyolo Girls is occupied with school work while also assuring that their second choice Effi Anyango is up to the task.
“We are all ready for the varsity challenge and victory will quite be important and a boost to our placing in the league standings,” said Paul adding that they have been able to have a full house in training since Wednesday. “We have been lucky to have our away players from Busia, Kakamega and Homabay joining us from midweek and it’s quite inspiring.”
Amira Sailors will also be in search of their second victory on Saturday when they take on former champions Sliders at City Park Stadium. Sailors are placed fourth in the log with six points while Sliders are sixth in the nine-team league with five points.
An explosive varsity derby is in the offing tomorrow when USIU face Kenyatta at City Park. USIU are placed second in the league with eight points drawn from two wins, two draws and a loss while Kenyatta, who are winless have two points from two draws and equal number of defeats.
At the same time, Western Jaguars are all set to scale back to the top of the men’s Premier League if they beat Greensharks Saturday and Sailors on Sunday at City Park.
Jaguars, who have been a revelation this season, have only suffered one loss in their six outings against former champions Kenya Police 5-3 in Kakamega. Some of their stunning victories this season have come against former champions Strathmore Gladiators (2-0) and Nairobi Simba (2-1).
Daily Nation
Jaguars ready to maul Sailors and Sharks in Nairobi
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Park Road Badgers return to premier league campaign against Mvita XI as newcomers Lakers entertain JKUAT in Kisumu. (Jenipher Wachie, Standard)
Buoyed by their brilliant form in Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League, Western Jaguars target maximum points in Nairobi weekend.
Having survived relegation on the last day of the 2018 season, they travel to City Park as the most improved side longing to overcome their opponents and strike double victory. Currently lying second on the log with 13 points, one less than leaders and defending champions Butali Sugar Warriors, Jaguars long to ascend to the summit.
Today, Jaguars lock horns with Greensharks, a team they have not beaten in their last five meetings. They hope to turn the tables on Sharks who have beaten them four times boasting a 2-2 draw as their best result in November last year.
They face Sailors which has also been a tough side for them in their previous matches. Jaguars are keen to post better results against Sailors who they lost 0-2 in their first premier league encounter in August 2016.
Jaguars coach Peter Okova said his charges are eager to produce a good result. “We have always had an upper hand at home (Kakamega) and struggled away but we are looking to change the narrative and excel no matter where we are playing. We have young talented players who are determined to give their best and I believe they will deliver,” Okova said.
Sharks and Sailors are currently fifth and eighth on the log. In another men’s premier league encounter, 2012 winners Nairobi Sikh Union will tackle gritty United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) tomorrow. They will have to be at their best as they seek to overcome the students who have already proved they are no pushovers by snatching a point each from top guns Butali and Kenya Police in 3-3 and 2-2 draws respectively.
In women’s premier league, debutants Lakers are out to extend their unbeaten run when they take on Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat).
The Standard Digital
The Johannesburg South Hockey Club is on the rise
The club was founded by Michael Richards, who was a professional hockey player back in the day.
Players giving it their all on the field.
The Johannesburg South Hockey Club, based in Kibler Park, has taken southern areas by storm since its establishment in February 2019.
The club was founded by Michael Richards, who was a professional hockey player back in the day.
According to Richards, the response from the communities in and around the South has exceeded his expectations.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming. The growth of the club over such a short period has exceeded all expectations.
“To date, we have more than 70 players at the club, with more joining on a weekly basis.
“We have had senior players as well as players from the surrounding high schools joining the club. We have entered four teams in the Southern Gauteng Hockey League,” said Richards.
According to Richards, the men and women A-teams are gunning for league honours. The B-team men and women are youngsters from high school.
“Starting a hockey club is tough, but we have received so much support from our players and we have really managed to build a family. Many of the parents and family members of our club players are part of our growing family and we are privileged to have them at every game,” said Michael.
One of the reasons the club is thriving is that it hosts popular activities. Just recently, the club held an annual five-a-side tournament.
Some of the members from the Johannesburg South Hockey Club based in Kibler Park.
The club also launched an academy to develop and improve the skills of younger players.
“We also want to develop coaches by providing them with the know-how to develop team tactics and improve the results of the school teams when they play against the schools of the north,” Richards explained.
The Southern Courier