News for 18 August 2015
All the news for Tuesday 18 August 2015
Black Sticks men's coach demands more ahead at Oceania Cup
Nick Haig scores a goal for the Black Sticks against Australia in the 2013 Oceania Cup tournament in Stratford. Andy Jackson
Black Sticks coach Colin Batch is demanding more from his players in the Oceania Cup hockey tournament in Stratford.
Batch knows what is required from the Black Sticks men who are preparing for the October 21 to 25 Olympic qualifying tournament.
It's the final chance for the team to book their spot at the 2016 Rio Olympics and over the fours days of competition they play Fiji, Samoa and world No 1 Australia.
The Black Sticks men finished sixth at the World League semifinal in June, three places away from an automatic Rio qualification and Batch isn't mincing his words when he explains where to from here.
"It's fair to say that everyone went through some soul-searching following that tournament. There are some good lessons to take forward, and there have been some good signs in the recent training block, but there's a long way to go.
"It's clear what we have to do at Oceania Cup and we have no other alternative than to prepare in the best way possible."
Following the National Hockey League in Whangarei from Sepetmber 12 to 20, Batch will name is Oceania Cup squad, from which the final 18 players for the tournament will be selected.
"There will be changes to the team from the World League semifinal – there has to be. We can't keep failing at those critical tournaments," he said.
"There's a bigger push from the players to be more responsible for their own performance – at trainings and during competition. And so we are trying to replicate as best we can the pressure that Australia will put on us during each training."
Batch said players know they have the ability to beat Australia – in April this year in Malaysia, New Zealand beat Australia 3-1 on penalty shoot-outs to claim the Azlan Shah Trophy.
"It does help, we also know that we normally perform well against the best teams in the world. But Australia will be tough and they will prepare well," he said.
"We don't know which players Australia will bring across – but whoever comes will make for a difficult game and we just need to focus on our own preparation. They have already qualified for Rio, so they will have players trying to impress and secure their spot in the team."
Batch said the support of the crowd in Taranaki should not be underestimated.
"There was great support at the event two years ago and the team really appreciates it and responds. There are Auckland clubs that are putting on busses to get people down there – people will come from various regions I'm sure. The more support, the better."
The Black Sticks women will also play against Australia, Samoa and Fiji in Stratford in October. The team have already secured Rio qualification, but will be playing for valuable ranking points.
Tickets have gone on sale, with Sunday's VIP function already sold out.
Stuff
National hockey body to unveil roadmap soon
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) will unveil a new road map for the development of hockey at the end of the month.
Under the road map, the MHC will spell out their priorities and targets set for the national teams to achieve.
Said president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal: “ A new road map is essential as the MHC have a new set of officials and the targets have to be changed in line with the changing times. I have a specific target in mind and one of which is to ensure our team qualify for the 2020 Olympics.”
Previously, the MHC also had road maps but they were not followed.
For Subahan, getting the MHC’s finance in order is also a top priority.
“We have already started bringing down our debt level. We have settled over RM1mil in the last two months. We are also looking for sponsors to finance our road map,” said Subahan, who took charge of MHC on May 13.
To date, the MHC have QNet on board as partners with a RM300,000 sponsorship per year for five years while Tenaga Nasional is the title sponsor for the Malaysia Hockey League.
“More sponsors will come in and we also have some commitments from the National Sports Council (NSC). So I feel confident that we will be able to get the money in,” said Subahan.
He added that the hiring of technical director Terry Walsh of Australia was part of the road map and hoped to see greater participation from the state affiliates.
The Star of Malaysia
Subahan: Shaking and moving
Subahan being welcomed at the Kelab Aman Happy Hockey function.
DATUK Seri Subahan Kamal has only been three months in office, but his achievements in the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are dynamic, as well as progressive.
He took over from Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on April 28, quite reluctantly though, when nominations closed and he was unchallenged.
But since, he has not only brought down MHC's massive debts, but also managed to hire the best hockey mind in the world -- Australian Terry Walsh as Technical Director.
"When I took over from Tengku Abdullah, MHC had a debt of RM2.8 million and we have managed to reduce it to RM1.7 million with good team-work from all departments," said Subahan.
RM1 million in three months, and Subahan is confident he can solve the money issue soon.
MHC have also managed to rope in Qnet, an Asian direct selling company, who are also the official direct selling partners of with the Manchester City Football Club.
"Qnet have been silently supporting hockey since the days of Tengku Abdullah (2011) but have come in strongly with a pledge of RM1.5 million over five years to help facilitate the national team's participation as well as the organisation of various domestic and international tournaments," said Subahan.
The president also took responsibility over the failure of Malaysia in the World League Semi-finals.
"Even though the current office bearers were barely weeks into their job when the team left for Belgium, I take responsibility for their failure to qualify for the Olympics.
"Having said that, the MHC have started preparations to make sure we have a strong team to challenge, and qualify for the next Olympics in 2020 Tokyo," said Subahan.
To that effect, Walsh was hired over the weekend -- and the Australian started Monday on the run by organising a coaching seminar for 14 Malaysian coaches.
Walsh and the coaching committee will, in two weeks time, name the national chief coach as well as coaches for the various national teams, including the women's.
After chairing the Executive Board meeting on Saturday, Subahan said there were many other issues which has been tightened up since he took over, but he will only speak about them when he organises a 100-day in office function.
"I have a plan, and my team of office bearers have been performing to their personal KPI's. More information will be revealed when we host out 100-day in office function.
After naming Walsh during lunch time, at night, Subahan attended a Kelab Aman Happy Hockey fund-raising dinner in Kuala Lumpur, and there were many happy faces when he announced several incentives for the junior development programme for ages four to 18.
Barely 100 days on, Subahan and his team have managed to almost turn around the MHC, and now there must be positive changes on the pitch as Walsh said: "Malaysia can break into the top-10 and even the top-8 when certain things are aligned."
However, the Australian was frank and point blank when asked if Malaysia can win major tournaments like the Olympic and World Cup in the near future: "That, is out of sight."
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
$21,000 at stake in QPCC Carnival Hockey festival
Hikers of Guyana is the lone overseas club registered to challenge some of the top local clubs for the more than $21,000 in cash and prizes at stake in the Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) Eight-A-Side Carnival Hockey festival which flicks off at the Queen’s Park Oval Ground, St Clair from 6pm today
In the men’s Open Division, host club Queen’s Park will be represented by two teams, while Petrotrin, Courts Malvern, Fatima and Paragon are also registered to compete.
The women’s Open will feature Hikers, Pink, Magtastic, Paragon, Harvard Checkers and Hikers.
The tournament winners in both men and women Open Divisions will each collect $4,000 while second and third gets $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.
Among the veterans and mixed Divisions, the champion team gets $2,000, second collects $1,000 and third, $500.
The quartet of Paragon, Supligen, Petrotrin and Malvern will compete in Group A of the mixed tournament while Hikers, Don’t Truss Us and Coal Pot are in Group B.
And in the veterans category, QPCC, Carib, Courts Malvern and Fatima will do battle.
At the end of each of the four categories, the top four teams will advance to the semifinals on Saturday morning ahead of the playoffs for third spot and the finals.
Groups:
QPCC Carnival Hockey festival division and groupings:
Men’s Open:
QPCC I, QPCC II, Petrorin, Courts Malvern, Fatima, Paragon
Women’s Open:
Pink, Magtastic, Paragon, Harvard Checkers, Hikers (Guyana)
Mixed:
Group A: Paragon, Supligen, Petrotrin, Courts Malvern
Group B: Hikers (Guyana), Don’t Truss Us, Coal Pot
Veterans:
QPCC, Carib, Courts Malvern, Fatima.
Tomorrow
Ground One:
Mixed Division: Supligen vs Malvern, 6pm
Veterans Division: QPCC vs Malvern, 6.40pm
Women’s Division: Harvard Checkers vs Hikers, 7.20pm
Men’s Division: QPCC 1 vs Paragon, 8pm
Ground Two:
Mixed Division: Hikers vs Coal Pot, 6pm
Women’s Division: Pink vs Paragon, 7.20pm
Men’s Division: QPCC II vs Malvern 8pm
Men’s Division: Petrotrin vs Fatima, 8.40pm
Today’s fixtures
Ground One:
Mixed Division: Coal Pot vs Don’t Truss Us, 6pm
Women’s Division: Paragon vs Harvard Checkers, 6.40pm
Men’s Division: Paragon vs Petrotrin, 7.20pm
Veterans Division: QPCC vs Fatima, 8pm
Mixed Division: Paragon vs Supligen, 8.40pm
Ground Two:
Mixed Division: Malvern vs Fatima, 6pm
Women’s Division: Pink vs Magtastic, 6.40pm
Men’s Division: QPCC I vs QPCC II, 7.20pm
Veterans Division: Carib vs Malvern, 8pm
Mixed Division: Petrotrin vs Malvern, 8.40p
The Trinidad Guardian
Hockeyroos leading a social media ‘Roovolution’
Australian Hockeyroos social media campaign getting more people engaged in the game
Australia's Hockeyroos have started their own 'Roovolution'
The success of Australia men’s and women’s hockey teams has inspired thousands of people around the world in recent years. But now their efforts off the pitch are also beginning to prove extremely effective in engaging new fans of the sport.
One of their key campaigns is the ‘Roovolution’, launched by their women’s team, the Hockeyroos, shortly before the 2014 Hockey World Cup.
With the Australian sports landscape dominated by the likes of rugby, golf, tennis, Aussie Rules Football, cricket and soccer, competition to attract youngsters into any sport is extremely difficult.
The Hockeyroos have stepped up to the challenge and through their unique social media campaign, the Roovolution is certainly gaining momentum.
The women’s team adopted the hashtag #Roovolution through various social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, using both their team and personal accounts.
The Roovolution hashtag is open to interpretation - whether it’s a take on ‘revolution’ or ‘evolution’. Either way, it’s getting more people talking about and involved in hockey.
The hashtag collects all of their content into a topic, which makes it easier for fans to find news, photos and videos of the team on the various platforms.
There, the team and players post behind-the-scenes photos of their preparations and on field action as well as their experiences off the pitch. Their fans also contribute via messages of support for the Hockeyroos as well.
Its success has been driven by the fact that it’s their own creation. The hashtag is used exclusively by the women’s team and represents their collective personality. Speaking of this, Hockeyroos hero Ashleigh Nelson, said: “Roovolution has been so successful because of the ownership of the hashtag that we have. It was created by and pushed into the social media sphere by the players. This ownership mentality is something that we are trying to embed within our training culture too.”
The campaign was particularly effective during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, where a series of print-out posters that people could pose with and upload to social media proved popular.
The team also reached out to their networks across Australia to get celebrities to join the #Roovolution, including various sporting stars such as top jockeys, football players and media personalities. Such endorsements created a contagious buzz which helped them grow their following.
So far, the #Roovolution has attracted more than 1,800 posts on Instagram alone, with the majority linked to the girls and the Hockeyroos.
Their campaign is certainly proving popular, acting as an inspiration for the next generation not only in Australia but around the world.
Additionally, their campaign also serves as an example to others who may be looking for ideas to help engage more people in the sport of hockey in their country.
As the Roovolution continues to grow, it is hoped that through such activity and continued on-field success, many more people will get involved in hockey thanks to the Australian Hockeyroos.
You can join the Roovolution by visiting any of these sites:
Instagram - #Roovolution
Facebook - TheHockeyroos
Twitter - @Hockeyroos
FIH site
Team lists confirmed for 2015 Ford NHL
Pictured: Kyle Pontifex, courtesy www.photosport.co.nz
New Zealand’s eight regions have confirmed their squads for this year’s Ford National Hockey League in Whangarei.
Defending champions Auckland, who won both the Men’s Challenge Shield and Women’s K Cup in 2014, have once again named strong line-ups.
Auckland Men boast seven current national squad members in Simon and Marcus Child, Ryan Archibald, Arun and Jared Panchia, Devon Manchester and Dwayne Rowsell, while they have also added South African Tim Drummond as an international guest player.
The Auckland Women include four national squad members in Katie Glynn, Liz Thompson, Amelia Gibson and Julia King, along with three Development Squad players. Furthermore, the team is strengthened by experienced campaigners Krystal Forgesson and Charlotte and Sam Harrison.
One of the biggest highlights on the women’s side is the inclusion of Kayla Whitelock and Emily Naylor in the Central Mysticks side after a break from the sport following the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Both players will play the Ford NHL before making any plans for a potential Black Sticks comeback ahead of the Rio Olympics.
For the men, the Capital Cobras have named four National Squad players in Stephen Jenness, Alex Shaw, Blair Hilton and Jacob Smith as well as former Black Sticks goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex who will be a force to be reckoned with as the side’s custodian. The Cobras will also have the services of Dutch midfielder Steven Ebbers as an international guest player.
Round 1 of the Ford NHL gets underway on August 29, with Round 2 the following weekend at various venues around the country before all teams head to the ITM Hockey Centre in Whangarei for finals week from 12-20 September.
CLICK HERE to see this year’s Ford NHL team lists
Earlybird tournament passes are still available online and are cheaper than purchasing at the gate. Daily passes will be available at the gate only.
The 2015 Ford National Hockey League is proudly supported by the Whangarei District Council and Trillian Trust.
CLICK HERE for more on the 2015 Ford NHL
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Familiar faces for Tisdall at hockey final
DAVE NICOLL
Riversdale women's hockey team captain Holly Tisdall at the Gore hockey turf ahead of this weekend's final between Riversdale and Mataura. Robyn Edie/Southland Times
Riversdale women's' hockey team captain Holly Tisdall has been to a number of finals in her 25 years with the Riversdale Hockey Club.
On Saturday, Riversdale will play Mataura in the women's division one final at the Southland-Wide Hockey Tournament.
Tisdall started when she was playing at 5 years old at Riversdale, following in her mother's footsteps playing for Southland teams and southern when she was younger.
Her Mother Shona Elder captained the Southland women's team in the K Cup competition for two years. She was also a non-travelling reserve for the New Zealand team which was selected for 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Tisdall played hockey for the Gore High School first XI for five years, she started at the inside position but has shifted back.
``As I'm getting older, I'm going to the back," she joked.
She really enjoys the team aspect of hockey.
It was the people playing that kept her going, she said.
``Everyone in our team gets along. We're on the same wavelength."
Some of the team had been playing together for a long time, she said.
``We're a good unit. We don't have any stars."
Last year's final was a draw against Mataura, Tisdall said.
``We were happy enough with that, they're a good unit."
Historically, Mataura have come out on top over the years.
Mataura has always been a little bit ahead of Riversdale, Tisdall said.
``They've got some very strong players.
``I don't think we've beaten them, We drew with them in the last game but I don't think we've beaten them."
The final would be tough and they would be going in as underdogs, Tisdall said.
``I've been in a few finals at national tournaments but it's the finals for the club you always remember."
Southland Wide Hockey Finals Draw Saturday, August 22
Pypers Produce Southern Classics vs Eastern Red, 10am , turf 1, div 3 women.
Eastern Green vs Invercargill Blue, 10am , turf 2, div 4.
Mataura vs Riversdale/Hokonui, 11.30am, turf 2, div 2 women.
Eastern Green vs Eastern Grey, 12pm , turf 1, div 2 men.
Mataura Gold vs Riversdale, 2pm , turf 1, div 1 women.
Phoenix vs Eastern United, 3.30pm, turf 1, div 1, men.
Stuff
SA hockey legend to retire
Marcia Cox (Gallo Images)
Cape Town - South Africa hockey captain Marsha Cox has announced she will retire from international hockey after 14 years on the world stage.
“After having played more than 300 matches I've decided to call it a day on my international career,” Cox announced after she received a special award at the GSport Awards in Johannesburg on Friday.
Cox, formerly Marescia, made her debut in October 2001 at the age of 18 and has since gone on to represent her country at three Olympic Games and two World Cups, earning over 300 caps.
She has also competed at four Commonwealth Games and was part of the South African team that finished in fourth place at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. She has been selected for the International Hockey Federation World XI three times – 2007, 2009 and 2010.
“You never want to walk away from the game but there comes a time in every athlete’s career when they just know that it’s time to step down. I’ve enjoyed an amazing ride as part of a team of true professionals and for that I will always be grateful,” she said.
“I’ve certainly always tried my best, and the teams I’ve played with have always given their all in a very competitive international environment. Now it's time for the next generation of players, and the next captain to have her opportunity to take South Africa to the next level on the world stage.”
The 32-year-old Durban native, who lives in The Netherlands, will also take time off have her first child and will thereafter consider the future of her professional career in the Dutch Premier League in the Netherlands.
Marsha Cox's retirement speech:
In order for me to open the next door of opportunity in my life, I need to close this one as a South African Women’s Hockey player. After 14 years of great experiences, challenges and unforgettable memories I am ready for the next round of opportunities that lie ahead of me.
My career as a SA hockey player and captain has been extremely special. This decision to relinquish my role as a national player was really very difficult, especially when, for most of my life, I lived, breathed and loved this team with all my heart.
Playing my debut in 2001 at the age of 18 was a dream come true and every minute on the field in green and gold was an extension of that dream. I have had amazing experiences, which taught me lessons that go beyond the hockey field and its surroundings. The people who I have been privileged to play with and work with have all been so influential in my career and I cannot thank you enough.
The list would be too long to mention all, but I hope that you all know that I appreciate all that you have done for me. There are, however, a few people whom deserve special mention:
Firstly, thank you to my mum, Marian and my family for their continued support, financial and emotional! My passion and pure love and enjoyment for the game comes from you. This journey that I embarked on would not have been possible if it was not for you!
Thank you to Greenwood Park Primary School, where it all began. As a 6-year-old having an opportunity to play school hockey and have the support of the coaches and staff to develop and discover my talent and passion is rare.
I am eternally grateful for having the start that I was so fortunate to be given. Thank you to Northlands Girls High School for exposing me to coaches that I loved being coached by such as Tracy Perry, Bell Meek, Michelle MacNaughton and over and above that for the teams that I just loved being a part of.
Thank you to KwaZulu-Natal hockey association, Lennie Botha and his executive members, Southern Gauteng Hockey Association, Sheila Brown and all the provincial coaches for their support, encouragement and opportunity to grow as a competitive athlete and to continue to learn about the game. I thoroughly enjoyed my student years and want to thank Karen Sharratt and UKZN, as well as Adrian Carter and the University of Johannesburg for giving me not only unforgettable experiences and memories but also friendships that will never end.
My hockey family extends further than the national players whom are my lifelong friends and sisters but also to the strong friendships that I was blessed with to form with others through my school and student years.
The national coaches who played a major role in my personal development and understanding of myself and the game, Ros Howell, Jen King and Giles Bonnet and members of their management teams. Ros Howell, for teaching me the values of the team coming first, Giles for teaching me to want more and expect more from myself. I have loved every minute of working with you and hope that you know that I would not have worked so hard to be part of something this special, if it was not for you.
To my sponsors, Kookaburra, Nike and Clere Active for your support and allowing me to follow my dreams. I am eternally grateful for your support throughout my career. I am also blessed to be an ambassador for LIV village, an organization that just proves that if you follow your heart all things are possible. Thank you to Lee-Roy Newton and Newton Sports Agency for helping me make this dream possible.
I have been blessed to have been exposed to so many strong, powerful people who I continue to learn from and this list is extremely long, but words cannot express my gratitude to you all for teaching me lessons daily. Sometimes you are not even aware of, but by the way you live your lives I have learnt so much from you.
I have been blessed to play a few seasons of hockey abroad, in The Netherlands. I have learnt that not only does sport unite nations but it unites people in ways one would never dream of. I would not have met my loving and supportive husband if it was not for the game we both love so passionately. Alexander, thank you for your continued support and encouragement to follow my dreams relentlessly.
To the SA team, I cannot express how much the former and current players of the team mean to me. The past players who I never had the opportunity to actually play with, but whom I have met and got to know along my journey, I have so much respect for you all. The players I have had the opportunity to share highs, lows, sweat, blood and tears with; the bonds that we created over the years will last forever. I love how my friendships have lasted through these years and go beyond our shared passion for hockey.
Of course, absolutely none of this would be possible without the South African Hockey Association and the Ministry of Sport and Recreation. To SAHA CEO Marissa Langeni and Minister Fikile Mbalula I am eternally grateful to you all for giving us the platform to follow our sporting dreams with all our hearts. I hope that players of the future are granted even better opportunities in this ever evolving game, and that SA hockey grows to achieve the dreams we all have had…to win a medal at an Olympic Games or Commonwealth Games.
It is difficult to make this decision, however, I feel blessed to make it with a happy heart as I look back at the last 14 years with a deep gratitude. This is just the end of my journey as a player but I look forward to staying involved as a player’s representative and also other levels of involvement in the game.
Thank you.
Sport24
Women’s National Team veteran Kristine Wishart announces retirement
Shaheed Devji
Kristine Wishart
After six years and seventy-eight senior international matches with the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey Team, veteran midfielder Kristine Wishart has called it a career.
The 27 year-old native of Hamilton, Ontario, who played in her first senior international match for Canada in 2010 in Chile, decided it was time to move on after the Women’s National Team recently was unable to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
“There have been a lot of ups and downs,” she says from Ontario. “I think I’ve always battled back from those downs. I just always loved it. I just always enjoyed really playing when I had the chance.”
With the prospect of another four-year cycle ahead of her, Wishart – one of the teams eldest athletes – felt it was time to take the next step, passing the proverbial torch to the team’s younger athletes.
“Krissy was someone who gave her all in both trainings and games,” says Women’s National Team director and head coach Ian Rutledge. “The courage Krissy showed over the past few years to fight back from major injuries and then put herself back in selection consideration was inspiring.
"Krissy will be missed from the Program but we wish her the best of fortune in her retirement".
Wishart was a five-time first team All-Canadian at the University of Guelph, where she graduated in 2009, before joining the National Program that same year.
In addition to the 78 games played, her career with Canada included two appearances at the Commonwealth Games; 2010 in India, and 2014 in Glasgow, when she overcame a serious hand injury to be selected. She also competed in the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
“My favourite moment always was before you’re about to play a game,” Wishart reflects. “You’re standing there with all of your teammates and your national anthem is playing. That’s always been a prideful moment for me.
“I think I feel like I’ve given a good part of my life towards (field hockey) and I’m excited for the next step in my life and my career.”
Wishart graduated with a degree in Mathematics from the University of Guelph, but is not yet certain what she will end up doing during her post-playing days. She was one of the few players who was so working full-time – in recreations – while playing for the National Team.
That experience will open many doors, and Wishart is excited as the prospect of choosing where she lands.
“Maybe some athletes come out of it feeling like they don’t have any experience,” she says. “But I almost feel the opposite. I could go back to school for so many things or I could pursue so many careers.”
And with the determined and methodical approach that defined much of her career with Canada, there’s only one way she will be approaching the next step.
“I’m just going to kind of chip away at those and see what happens.”
Field Hockey Canada media release
At 17 already a hockey star At 17 already a hockey star
Ben Burger
Che February in action for the WP u.18 team at the interprovincial hockey tournament in Bloemfontein earlier this year. There he was selected for the SA u.18A team. PHOTO: Terry February
17-year-old Che February is the People’s Post Let’s Play Sport Star of the month for July.
Che lives, eats and sleeps hockey. His greatest dream is to play professional club hockey in Europe or Australia and to represent South Africa at the Olympic games.
“I would like to start playing hockey full-time, professionally if possible, even if that means staying in Europe to do so and coming back to South Africa during the European hockey league off-season,” he says.
Che, who attends Wynberg Boys’ High School, started playing hockey in Grade 4 at Somerset House in Somerset West when he was 10 years old.
In 2011 Che was selected to captain his school’s u.13A hockey side and he was selected for the Western Province u.13A hockey team. In 2012 he was selected for the Paul Roos Gymnasium u.14A hockey team and the Boland u.14A Pinotage hockey team.
Che moved to Wynberg Boys’ High to start Grade 9 in 2013. Here he was selected for the school’s u.16A hockey team and the Western Province u.16A interprovincial tournament hockey team. The team won gold in Johannesburg.
Last year Che was selected for the school’s first team and again for the WP u.16A interprovincial tournament team.
At this hockey tournament in Durban the team won gold again. Che was the top goal scorer and voted best striker.
He was also selected for the South African u.16A hockey team.
At the pro series indoor national tournament last year Che was selected for the SA u.17 indoor hockey team.
Che still plays for his school’s first team and also plays for the second team of WP Cricket Club’s hockey club.
He was on the WP u.18A interprovincial tournament team that played in Bloemfontein earlier this year. There he was selected for the SA u.18A team.
Che says he chose hockey because he fell in love with the fast pace and adrenaline when he first played it as a 10-year-old.
According to him it takes hard work and dedication if you want to be good at hockey. He adds that it is difficult to balance academics and training.
“This year I am fortunate enough to be coached by one of the best hockey coaches in South Africa, Paul Revington. All our training sessions are high performance and the training sessions are intense.
“At school we train every day of the week, except for a Tuesday, and then I also train twice a week for two hours each after school at the WPCC hockey club.
“It is difficult to balance hockey training and academics. Because I don’t have much time at home to put in the hours for studying I try my best to listen during lessons at school. I try to understand as much of the work as possible from the very beginning in class, so when it comes to exam time I revise a lot instead of restudying my work. In this way I use most of my time after school for hockey training.”
He says it is also important to live your passion, dream big and enjoy your sport.
“In my case, goals are very important. The only way you can determine if you are moving in the right direction is by setting goals. The goals will help you when the training gets seriously tough and the games become challenging.”V
If you want to nominate a sport star between the ages of 13 and 18, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Write Sports Star as the subject. Mention the achievements of the nominee in detail. The email should be shorter than 300 words. The decision of the judges is final.
17-year-old Che February is the People’s Post Let’s Play Sport Star of the month for July.
Che lives, eats and sleeps hockey. His greatest dream is to play professional club hockey in Europe or Australia and to represent South Africa at the Olympic games.
“I would like to start playing hockey full-time, professionally if possible, even if that means staying in Europe to do so and coming back to South Africa during the European hockey league off-season,” he says.
Che, who lives in ...... and attends Wynberg Boys’ High School, started playing hockey in Grade 4 at Somerset House in Somerset West when he was 10 years old.
In 2011 Che was selected to captain his school’s u.13A hockey side and he was selected for the Western Province u.13A hockey team. In 2012 he was selected for the Paul Roos Gymnasium u.14A hockey team and the Boland u.14A Pinotage hockey team.
Che moved to Wynberg Boys’ High to start Grade 9 in 2013. Here he was selected for the school’s u.16A hockey team and the Western Province u.16A interprovincial tournament hockey team. The team won gold in Johannesburg.
Last year Che was selected for the school’s first team and again for the WP u.16A interprovincial tournament team.
At this hockey tournament in Durban the team won gold again. Che was the top goal scorer and voted best striker.
He was also selected for the South African u.16A hockey team.
At the pro series indoor national tournament last year Che was selected for the SA u.17 indoor hockey team.
Che still plays for his school’s first team and also plays for the second team of WP Cricket Club’s hockey club.
He was on the WP u.18A interprovincial tournament team that played in Bloemfontein earlier this year. There he was selected for the SA u.18A team.
Che says he chose hockey because he fell in love with the fast pace and adrenaline when he first played it as a 10-year-old.
According to him it takes hard work and dedication if you want to be good at hockey. He adds that it is difficult to balance academics and training. “This year I am fortunate enough to be coached by one of the best hockey coaches in South Africa, Paul Revington. All our training sessions are high performance and the training sessions are intense.
“At school we train every day of the week, except for a Tuesday, and then I also train twice a week for two hours each after school at the WPCC hockey club.
“It is difficult to balance hockey training and academics. Because I don’t have much time at home to put in the hours for studying I try my best to listen during lessons at school. I try to understand as much of the work as possible from the very beginning in class, so when it comes to exam time I revise a lot instead of restudying my work. In this way I use most of my time after school for hockey training.”
He says it is also important to live your passion, dream big and enjoy your sport.
“In my case, goals are very important. The only way you can determine if you are moving in the right direction is by setting goals. The goals will help you when the training gets seriously tough and the games become challenging.”
News24