THE HOME OF THE FIELD HOCKEY UMPIRE - AFTER A YEAR OF UNCERTAINTY MORE OF THE SAME? - Hockey the Magazine
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THE MAGAZINE
FOURTH EDITION | 2021
PLAYING
OVERSEAS,
IS IT FOR
YOU?
FH UMPIRES:
THE
HOME OF
THE FIELD
HOCKEY
UMPIRE
AFTER A YEAR OF
UNCERTAINTY
– MORE OF THE SAME?
FEATURES
WHAT’S INSIDE
5 Feature
SA Country Districts –
It’s more than Hockey
08 14
8 Feature
FH Umpires: The home of the
Field Hockey Umpire
11 Feature
After a year of uncertainty –
More of the same?
14 Tribute
Tribute to Fabian Gregory
17 Feature
Community is rallying together to help SA
Men’s Hockey achieve Tokyo 2021 dream!
21 Health Hints
Weightlifting
23 Feature
Mike Bechet
25 Feature
Tick tock Tamlyn Kock
27 Feature
Playing overseas, is it for you?
32 Feature
Ryan Hack is back
34 Feature
John Paul - The complete player
38 General news
39 Gallery
27
HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE
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LETTER
FROM THE
EDITOR
TYRON BARNARD
2021
is not just underway, its fully fledged,
its happening and in many ways it feels
like it’s a sequel to 2020. The Hockey
World has been heavily influenced by
delays, which have been felt here in
South Africa. The likes of the Masters,
Indoor IPT and a host of test matches fell victims to the pandemic.
But slowly and surely there has been an element of return to play. The SA Hockey Men
and the SA Hockey Women were both in various camps which Hockey the Magazine was
able to attend, while Cindy Hack joined Eastern Gauteng for a coaching clinic at Woodlands
College. Of course, there was the launch of the Johannesburg Hockey League which was
great to witness as kids got back on the turf.
In the Netherlands they have been back in action for a while despite a snow delay, and
Austin Smith took the opportunity to bag his 100th Hoofdklasse goal for Den Bosch. The
Olympian shares with us this issue as the player editor, sharing his thoughts on whether
going overseas is for you or not, including talking about the incredible sacrifices that you
make in the quest for hockey glory.
Mike Bechet is profiled in this edition after a career which has influenced numerous
schoolboys to reach the green and gold while Chris Rembe profiles the incredible career of
Jody Paul. Regular contributor Garreth Ewing takes us through the challenge of the Men’s
game, while James King takes a deeper look into SACD through Gary Carsons.
In this month’s edition we also profile the superb Keely Dunn of FHUmpires who has
taken the importance of the third team to the next level. Her creation of content throughout
lockdown including profiling some incredible umpires was a testament to the superb work
she is doing in developing the game.
As always, we are incredibly thankful to you the reader. Our game has a number of
incredible and inspirational stories that have deserve to be told. Previously these stories
have had a limited audience and we are pleased to be able to tell them to as many of you
as possible. Our goal has always been to tell as many stories as possible, expose as many
writers as possible and to lift the game of hockey. We believe that four issues in we are
achieving that in spite of the pandemic.
Hockey is a special sport. Its our duty to provide it a special platform.
Hockey the Magazine. Feel it. It is here!
HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE | 3
FEATURE
SA COUNTRY
DISTRICTS
– IT’S MORE THAN HOCKEY
by James King
HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE | 5
T
he ink had hardly dried on the email to Gary Carson, Tradition
President of the SA Country Districts Hockey Asso- There is that moment in a sportsperson’s journey when you know
ciation, when the detailed response came through. you’ve “made it”. The hours of training, personal and family sacri-
One senses this is the mark of a man who has an fice, punishing your body and straining your finances to breaking
intimate knowledge of an organisation and a sport point all seem worth it. For SACD hockey people the proud mo-
which he has served for over 30 years. ment when you put on your blazer for the opening function, and
don it again for the end of tournament dinner, are such moments.
A Rich Heritage The tradition is also evidenced in the Griffon Club. The club was
The history of SACD Hockey extends prior to Gary’s involvement. established in 1991 by a few founder members with the aim that at
Founded in 1957, the organisation didn’t always have the profile each tournament, prospective nominees would be evaluated and,
that it does today. It started with the smaller district and minor if found to meet the criteria, would be accepted into the club.
provincial associations sending teams to an annual tournament. The qualifying criteria were initially having attended at least 3
The SACD team chosen from this would then play invitational SACD tournaments (now 5). The main criteria are then checked,
games. mainly looking at what the player contributes to hockey off the
It wasn’t until the late 1990’s that the SACD Men’s team started field of play. The aim was to encourage people to promote and
playing in the Inter-provincial tournament (IPT). They have an grow hockey off the actual playing field.
enviable record in the tournament, with the Men’s team topping Evidence of past, current and continued involvement via coach-
the B section once in their history, and finishing 2nd in the B sec- ing (a hockey coach at a school would not qualify as this was his
tion of the last 2 tournaments in 2018 and 2019. job), umpiring and growing umpires, executive positions in a club/
Whilst the Women’s SACD Hockey only started with their tour- district/province, are considered. Provided this off-field work was
nament in the 1990’s, they are a constant challenger in the B sec- found to be worthy then the nominee was accepted into the club
tion of the IPT. and then recognized publicly at the final dinner at SACD.
Both the Men’s and Women’s SACD tournaments are held an- As Chairman of the Griffon Club, Gary humbly recognizes that
nually, from which the SACD composite teams are chosen to rep- without the weeks, days and hours put in by its members and pro-
resent SACD at the IPT. Logistics only allow them to meet as a spective members, SACD hockey as we know it could not be sus-
team the day before the tournament. Despite this, they produce tained.
high quality hockey, proudly flying the banner for SACD hockey
at their respective tournaments. Covid-19 and Sustainability
It is the annual SACD tournaments themselves that provide Sustainability has faced a number of challenges with the
the fundamental ethos that is SACD hockey. Covid-19 pandemic. Not least the cancellation of the 2020
SACD tournaments, and the threat to both the Men’s and Wom-
Camaraderie en’s tournaments this year.
They come from as far afield as Bushbuck Ridge, Kokstad, To maintain momentum for the teams, a number of vir-
Tweespruit and the heart of the Karoo, Beaufort West. In the tual interactions were planned and implemented during the
Men’s game, at least 220 players from all over South Africa de- time of the 2020 event. The over-arching impression is that the
scend on the chosen venue for the SACD tournament. They have SACD leadership will ensure the opportunity will be available
been given the opportunity to play in a “fun tournament with for both teams to fight once again for the top spot in the B
serious hockey”, as Gary puts it. Section.
The selection rules have changed over the years. Whereas the The future looks bright. Firstly, Gary explains that SACD
initial attendance at SACD may have been the minor provinces, hockey is a breeding ground for latent or missed talent. “The
the tournament now does have lower-tier teams from some of the SACD tournament is that tournament for the better than aver-
bigger provinces. The criteria are clear though. This is no “sec- age player but not the elite player. We have had people in var-
ond-chance saloon”. Players wear their SACD blazers with pride, ious capacities come to the SACD tournament and then grow
and put their all into the matches on the field. and progress into a provincial IPT side”
There is a welling of his chest as the President explains what Secondly, he encourages those in the further reaches of
makes SACD different. He talks freely of the sportsmanship, the South Africa to get out there and follow their hockey dreams.
recognition, the tradition of teams sitting together after a hard- “If there is no hockey where they are, then start a club. Grow
fought game. It’s more than hockey, with a major highlight being and promote hockey. By doing this everyone who does this
“the camaraderie that is, and has, built up within the SACD com- will ensure that the game we love continues to thrive. Good
munity”. work will always be rewarded.”
Community Acknowledgement and Recognition
There is a massive sense of community that surrounds SACD Celebrating success is key for SACD hockey. Recognition is par-
Hockey. Players attend multiple tournaments over many years, amount. Acknowledgement of selfless sacrifice for the good of
officials and office-bearers are involved for decades. A core team the game is part of its DNA.
of approximately 20 people spend a significant amount of time Legendary figures like Reg Sansom, Danie Liebenberg, Gary
every year planning and executing the SACD tournament. Carson, Mike van Reenen, Nigel Leverton and Ryan Ashton are
The President of SACD hockey is justifiably proud of what the embodiment of this. Ailsa Blignaut, a recent inductee into
these volunteers achieve. They are also trend-setters, as SACD the Griffon Club and Chairperson of SACD Women’s hockey, is
tournament player awards have been adopted by the SAHA IPT. another.
Over its most recent past, the tournament has become more se- What makes SACD hockey so special? It could be a blazer
rious in terms of the focus on quality hockey. This has not come laden with tournament pins. Perhaps the fanfare of bagpipes
at the expense of the social and community nature of the tourna- for the tournament winners. Even the soon-to-be urban leg-
ment, as the teams continue to mix socially for the course of the ends shared long into the tournament nights. The camarade-
week they are together. rie on and off the field. The friends you make. The goals you
If the quality of the organizing and the hockey, and the fun of score, or the ones you save. It may be all of these.
sharing stories with old friends were not enough excuses to be One thing though remains abundantly clear; SACD hockey
part of this community, then the traditions play a huge part. is more than hockey.
6 | HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE
@planethockeysa
FEATURE
FH UMPIRES:
THE HOME OF THE
FIELD HOCKEY UMPIRE
by Catarina dos Santos
8 | HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE
T
he umpire community all has clearly made a massive impact in the
over the world knows her hockey world and has caught the eye of
name and what she stands many umpires, coaches and players. She
for. Keely Dunn of FH Um- has also created different, inexpensive
pires has created a home memberships that any umpire can sign
for field hockey umpires up for and receive perks and training.
everywhere; where all umpires, young “Not only is this a great platform for
and old, new and experienced, will be spectators but also for players, coaches
celebrated, supported and mentored. as well as any ‘up and coming’ umpire”
FH Umpires is a platform that umpi- says Michelle Joubert of South Africa,
res, players, coaches and even spectators winner of the 2015 FIH Female Umpire of
can use to engage and interact with top the Year Award. “She [Dunn] has a mag-
umpires, players and coaches during dis- nificent way of linking each scenario for
cussions and interviews that Keely Dunn discussion through the eyes of the res-
runs herself and streams on Facebook pective person that she is interviewing,
and YouTube. Having been an interna- ultimately showing how differently the
tional umpire herself, Keely is knowle- game is perceived or how different the
dgeable and passionate about umpiring. situations may seem from different pers-
In addition to that, she is fierce and pectives. Clearly a lot of hard work and
unafraid when tackling topics that mi- many hours of working with her team
ght be difficult to discuss. “I think she and the rest of the hockey community
has a wonderful platform to discuss rele- goes into this and it has allowed her to
vant and current issues.” Says Kathleen deliver quality service to hockey. Perso-
Faling, who is the umpire manager at nally, I think it’s been amazing to see how
the U16 Inter-Provincial Tournament in she has brought top level individuals to
South Africa. “She allows people to ask her discussions. No matter how sensitive
all sorts of questions relating to the wor- or difficult the interpretation of a speci-
ld of umpiring and answers fairly and fic scenario might be, the discussion is
honestly. She is also not afraid to stand done with respect and we, as internatio-
up for the umpire.” says Faling. Dunn is nal umpires, have the opportunity to see
known amongst many an umpire for her how coaches think or feel about certain
willingness to help and the unapologe- rules and the application of the rules. It’s
tic manner in which she supports and amazing to see that if you have passion
mentors umpires from all walks of life. for the game, it takes hard work to get to
“I want to ‘claim’ an umpire who may
the top of any area you choose to pursue
be struggling and say ‘Hey, you’re mine
your dream in and that we are all human
now and I care about you and I will help
it’s about being part of one thing – the
you.’” says Keely Dunn.
love of the game.” says Joubert.
“I had the worst tournament of my
FH Umpires is going from strength
life in the Dominican Republic and af-
to strength, creating the much needed
ter that experience, I figured that the-
link between all levels of umpires, coa-
re might be umpires all over the world
that felt that way I did and needed to be ches and players. The platform aids in
mentored and supported.” said Dunn. “I making sure the interpretation of rules
saw a gap in the system and knew I could being the same throughout the hockey
fill it with a platform like FH Umpires.” community worldwide.
Keely went on further, describing the “Umpires also need mental support.
importance of being able to discuss your Knowing that someone is there for them
worries and concerns as an umpire with takes a lot off of their shoulders. When
someone who has the experience and I get a message from an umpire saying
knowledge. She takes a more personal that their tournament went well or that
approach to this and takes the time to they finally understood the interpre-
respond to messages from the many um- tation of a rule, it makes me so happy.”
pires who reach out. Dunn also allows Says Dunn.
umpires to interact in a live chat and “Much effort and preparation go into
comments section of her live streams these interactive sessions and this makes
and is open to the submission of topics the forum very credible. It’s an interna-
that others might think are important to tional forum and promotes better um-
discuss. She uses clips from matches to piring and better understanding of the
discuss specific issues related to topics game.” Says John Wright of South Africa,
and often has top umpires and players winner of the 2017 FIH Male Umpire of
join her on live streams to discuss spe- the Year Award.
cific issues which allows those following “I always tell people that I was too
to see a different perspective to many stupid to quit.” says Dunn when asked
complicated situations. how why she didn’t quit when her ex-
“Keely is doing a great job providing periences became difficult. “I knew it
the ‘go-between’ for umpires, young and was on me to take responsibility for my Umpires also need
old, to have a platform where they able umpiring mistakes during that game in mental support.
to get expert advice and to listen to cur- the Dominican Republic and I did. I cou-
rent International Umpires, players and ldn’t help but feel lonely afterwards and Knowing that someone
coaches about the rules and the issues I knew that there were probably umpires
that exist around the interpretation of out there feeling the way I felt.” is there for them
most of those rules.” says Peter Wright, Keely Dunn boldly and valiantly con- takes a lot off of their
FIH umpire from South Africa. tinues to inspire, innovate and celebrate
Dunn, who lives in Calgary, Canada, the field hockey umpire. shoulders.
HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE | 9JOIN
THE
THIRD
TEAM
.
COMMUNITY
.
400+ Video Clips
P. SUPPORT
3 Membership Levels
1 Growing Umpires’ Community
What Are You Waiting For?
MENTORSHI
FIND OUT MORE:
@FHumpires
www.fhumpires.com/htmFEATURE
AFTER A YEAR OF
UNCERTAINTY –
MORE OF THE SAME?
by Garreth Ewing
HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE | 11Photos by: Rayder Media / Hockey India
F
ebruary ____, 2020. The and July. All of this will be subject to
last time the SA Men’s team Covid limitations and the ongoing bud-
played a test match. The get challenge. The need for competition
fourth game against Ger- to fine tune and improve match fitness
many, subsequently cance- is key to the team being competitive in
led a week later, is memo- Tokyo. Training will only take us so far.
rable not only for the disappointment of Calendar congestion has mounted as
losing out on the fixture (due to a facility the Junior Africa, Indoor Africa and Ou-
malfunction), but also because it was tdoor Africa World Cup qualifier dates
around that time a mysterious virus cau- move, again. Considering the overlap be-
sing problems around the world started tween the various squads this will exert
come to the forefront of conversation. real pressure on the player group as they
About a month later South Africa and try to manage hockey priorities as well
the World locked down. as their everyday work and family sche-
2020 is history, although its impact dules. The balancing act between the lo-
will be felt for years to come. Since the cal, African and global calendar is a real
disappointment of an Olympic postpone- challenge.
ment, the Men’s squad has been making Covid has highlighted the structural
the most of things, and we gratefully re- and organisational deficiencies in many
turned to the training ground in August areas of life. The split between the ho-
last year. ckey haves and have-nots has been em-
Cultural growth through the magic phasised in similar fashion. Those that
of Zoom, and a squad who have worked can have locked themselves away and
hard on their conditioning have been po- trained at full intensity throughout the
sitives drawn from the lockdown, but as crisis. Others have drawn on their con-
we look towards 2021 what can hockey at siderable resources and modified their
the highest level expect? programmes to continue international
The bad news, in many respects, competition, and even club leagues,
seems to be more of the same: The Sum- through all but the worst of the pande-
mer test match events in Cape Town were mic. An already wide performance gap
canceled due to the impact of Covid’s is now increasing, and South Africa is
second wave. But while the European now firmly in the category of teams just
teams are now settling into a modified doing their best to keep things going at
FIH Pro League schedule international this stage.
hockey in South Africa is still firmly on The next four months of preparation
hold. will be crucial. If we secure competition
The squad is fresh from regional and settle into a routine that includes
training camps, designed to fill the gap more than just conditioning and training
in contact between players and coach. in isolation, then hopefully some mo-
While the sessions gave a good impres- mentum can be built leading into Tokyo.
sion on where everyone is at, as well as There is optimism that local leagues will
valuable opportunities to engage with se- resume in March and April, giving athle-
lectors and coaching staff, they were not tes increased hockey volume and ball
an ideal replacement for international contact.
competition. The IOC has committed to the Olym-
The question remains, what will the pics, although as athlete handbooks spe-
2021 season, in terms of international ll out it remains to be seen exactly what
competition, specifically Olympic prepa- the event will look like. Participants have
ration, look like? been encouraged to vaccinate if it’s avai-
The last article I submitted to Hockey lable in their home country. What the
The Magazine, described with much ex- rest of us are supposed to do is not yet
citement the schedule put in place for clear. Hockey has at least qualified and
the SA Men leading up to Tokyo and on we will be spared the stress of finding a
to the African Cup for Nations World safe competition window to book a spot
Cup qualifier. But it had to be pulled due at the Games.
to the changes forced at short notice by Best case: Four international series
fresh Covid restrictions and the threat in 3 months, training at a host town in
to player health imposed by the second Japan before entering the Village to play
wave. more practice matches and complete
Planning for 2021 has already gone acclimatisation, tested regularly (maybe
beyond ‘Plan C’ and my worry is that vaccinated), Covid and injury free.
we’ll run out of letters of the alphabet Worst case: The third wave strikes
The question remains, before we get on the plane to Japan. and our preparation schedule is cance-
what will the 2021 So where are we now? Post-regional led. Arrive at the Village days before we
training, a team will be selected and sub- compete and we start the tournament
season, in terms mitted for ratification by Saha and Sas- simply hoping for the best.
coc. Another, final, round of HP training Either way the team will be in Tokyo
of international commences in March while the players as prepared as circumstances allow, and
also continue with their monitored con- ready to give their best for Team South
competition, ditioning programme. Africa. The hope is that finances are in
specifically Olympic As far as competition goes, there is place, administrators are empowered to
discussion with three opponents for se- put the athletes first and, above all, that
preparation, look like? ries and practice matches between now Covid plays ball.
12 | HOCKEY THE MAGAZINETRIBUTE
TRIBUTE TO
FABIAN
GREGORY by Marissa Langeni & Gary Dolley
14 | HOCKEY THE MAGAZINESA
Hockey is sho- and the SA ‘A’ Mens Manager. He served
cked and sad- various national teams noticeably as the
dened by the coach of the SA u17 and u18 Boys, SA u21
sudden passing Women and the Assistant Coach of the
of the multi-ta- SA Women. In 2014 he made a switch
lented Fabian and was appointed the National Mens
Gregory. Fabian excelled as an all-round Coach. As a coach he represented SA
sportsman at school, representing Bor- at different international competitions
der at Athletics, Baseball, Cricket, Foo- with his best highlights being the Africa
tball and Hockey in various age group Cup and Olympic Qualification events of
teams. His leadership attributes saw him 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2015, the Womens
in a role as captain in his school Hockey World Cups of 2006, 2010 and 2014, the
and Cricket teams. Junior Womens World Cup of 2009, the
He obtained national school colours Commonwealth Games of 2010 and 2014,
in Hockey and Cricket in the SACOS era. and the Olympic Games of 2008 and 2012.
Fabian achieved provincial hockey co- Fabian was presented with his FIH
lours for both Border and Western Pro- Coach certificate in 2016, this is the hi-
vince. ghest level of FIH Education.
The well-liked Fabian qualified as a In 2016 Fabian took up an opportuni-
teacher and quickly got involved in coa- ty to coach in Hong Kong at club level
ching at school and club level. He em- and was eventually appointed at as the
braced the challenge of achieving his Hong Kong National Mens Coach a roll
coaching qualifications in both hockey he fulfilled until his untimely passing.
and cricket, which afforded him the Fabian was highly regarded in Afri-
chance to grow as a coach and to take up can Hockey circles and was always
coaching opportunities in both sports in willing to impart & share his knowledge
various provinces. with other African Hockey coaches. He
Fabian took on the position of Coa- was highly regarded within the interna-
ching Education Manager at SA Hockey tional hockey coaching arena.
in 2008. He was instrumental in the re- He made a huge impact on the stan-
Fabian was highly viewing and restructuring of the SA Ho- dard of coaching within South Africa &
ckey Coach Education Scheme, which Africa and has been attributed by many
regarded in African became the cornerstone of the current players at all levels as the biggest in-
SA Hockey Coach Education Framework. fluence in their hockey development.
Hockey circles and Given his background in Education, Fa- The tributes seen since his passing
was always willing bian excelled as the lead coaching faci- speak volumes about the passion he had
litator and coaching manager that coor- for the game, his special ability for talent
to impart & share dinated the SA Hockey & Dutch Hockey identification and his mentorship role
coach education exchange programme. for both coaches and players alike.
his knowledge with Fabian took on national opportuni- We pay tribute to Fabian Gregory to-
other African Hockey ties as a highly qualified coach himself day and express our sincere condolences
from as early as 2004 when he took on to his son Jamie, his family, his friends
coaches. the role as Assistant Coach of the SA/u19 and the hockey community at large.
HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE | 15FEATURE
COMMUNITY
IS RALLYING
TOGETHER
TO HELP SA
MEN’S HOCKEY
ACHIEVE TOKYO
2021 DREAM!
HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE | 17S
outh Africa’s Men’s Hockey says the move to team up with the Men’s
team have started a bid to rai- hockey team is inspired by his team’s com-
se funds to head to Tokyo 2021 mitment to continue shaping the future of
with Matchkit.co partnership South African sports.
and crowdfunding campaign… “Our purpose is to help athletes better
and the community is rallying commercialise their careers,” he said. “In
to help! 10 months, we’ve created partnerships
The South African Men’s hockey team with Red Bull, South America’s 6 rugby
is pulling out all the stops to make their playing nations and the USA Olympic
Tokyo 2021 Olympic dream a reality swimming team, but the project most clo-
during a difficult financial climate for the se to our heart is SA Men’s Hockey.
federation. “They are fully transformed with 50%
The team has been boosted by a part- black team members at player level and
nership with award-winning platform, 60% black representatives at management
Matchkit.co, to further commercialise level, yet there is still zero support from
Photos by: Hockey India
and grow their brand as they step up their SASCOC. We are offering our tech up for
preparation for the showpiece expected to free to help the hockey team raise the R3.
be held in July this year. Mathckit.co has 5-5m to get them to Tokyo. We know sport
enabled the team to set up a crowdfunding can change lives, and we are committed
campaign, with a plea to all corporates, to seeing every colour and creed of South
fans and the public to get behind the team African represented on the global stage.”
as they look to raise the 3.5 million Rands The Men’s squad features an exciting
needed to fulfil their Olympic dream. blend of experience, youth and diversity, a
Team Head coach, Garreth Ewing, says glowing representation of the talent South
the partnership will give the players and Africa has to offer. Rising goal-keeper Siya
staff a vital commercial boost in a sporting
Ntshulunga – who currently juggles a full-
code that has struggled for support.
-time job while living his dream- hopes the
“We are running a highly professional
platform will grow his profile as he looks
environment with very little financial su-
for sponsorship opportunities.
pport,” he explained. “All of the teams who
“It is very difficult finding sponsorship
are ranked above us on the rankings have
full-time resources, including players and opportunities, so any platform that can
staff. All of our players and staff have full- help grow my profile and brand will be
-time jobs; every bit of support will go a beneficial towards getting that support,”
long way. he said.
“We are ranked 14th and the goal is for “The challenges of working full-ti-
us is to play the top six teams in the wor- me, playing sport and representing your
ld to test ourselves against the best. We country is never an easy task; it comes
have been invited to a few tournaments with great responsibility. It comes with
overseas in preparation for Tokyo, but the sacrifices, from waking up extra early in
challenge remains the ability to meet the the morning to push yourself in training
financial demands required of us to par- to then fulfilling your KPI’s at work during
ticipate. the day.
“Getting to the Olympics is a dream “Not many people have the opportuni-
come true, especially considering how ty to represent their country, so we have
difficult it is to qualify. We have done the to make sure we make the most of all the
hard work and deserve to be there; it wou- opportunities and resources we get. I’m so
We are ranked 14th and ld be heart-breaking if we are unable to go. thankful to Matchkit for offering us this
We hope as many beneficiaries as possible platform; I hope the supporters will get
the goal is for us is to play will come out in support of our dream,” he behind us,” he concluded.
concluded. Interested beneficiaries can pledge
the top six teams in the Matchkit’s growth since its launch in their support for the South Africa’s Men’s
world to test ourselves June 2020 has given athletes unpreceden- Hockey team on the crowdfunding link
ted access to a growing global digital en- on the profile below: https://matchkit.co/
against the best. vironment. Co-founder, Mike Sharman, springdog.
18 | HOCKEY THE MAGAZINEGROUP A GROUP B
ARGENTINA AUSTRALIA BELGIUM CANADA
INDIA JAPAN GERMANY GREAT BRITAIN
NEW ZEALAND SPAIN NETHERLANDS SOUTH AFRICA
24/07 JAPAN VS. AUSTRALIA 24/07 NETHERLANDS VS. BELGIUM
24/07 NEW ZEALAND VS. INDIA 24/07 GREAT BRITAIN VS. SOUTH AFRICA
24/07 ARGENTINA VS. SPAIN 24/07 CANADA VS. GERMANY
25/07 INDIA VS. AUSTRALIA 25/07 SOUTH AFRICA VS. NETHERLANDS
25/07 JAPAN VS. ARGENTINA 26/07 GERMANY VS. BELGIUM
25/07 SPAIN VS. NEW ZEALAND 26/07 GREAT BRITAIN VS. CANADA
27/07 ARGENTINA VS. AUSTRALIA 27/07 GERMANY VS. GREAT BRITAIN
27/07 INDIA VS. SPAIN 27/07 BELGIUM VS. SOUTH AFRICA
27/07 JAPAN VS. NEW ZEALAND 27/07 NETHERLANDS VS. CANADA
28/07 JAPAN VS. SPAIN 29/07 BELGIUM VS. CANADA
28/07 AUSTRALIA VS. NEW ZEALAND 29/07 SOUTH AFRICA VS. GERMANY
29/07 INDIA VS. ARGENTINA 29/07 NETHERLANDS VS. GREAT BRITAIN
30/07 AUSTRALIA VS. SPAIN 30/07 CANADA VS. SOUTH AFRICA
30/07 JAPAN VS. INDIA 30/07 GERMANY VS. NETHERLANDS
30/07 ARGENTINA VS. NEW ZEALAND 30/07 BELGIUM VS. GREAT BRITAIN
QUARTER FINALS
01/08 1ST GROUP A VS. 4TH GROUP B 01/08 1ST GROUP B VS. 4TH GROUP A
01/08 2ND GROUP A VS. 3RD GROUP B 01/08 2ND GROUP B VS. 3RD GROUP A
SEMI FINALS
03/08 WINNER QF 1 VS. WINNER QF2 03/08 WINNER QF 3 VS. WINNER QF 4
SEMI FINALS
05/08 GOLD MEDAL MATCH 05/08 BRONZE MEDAL MATCHGROUP A GROUP B
GERMANY GREAT BRITAIN ARGENTINA AUSTRALIA
INDIA IRELAND CHINA JAPAN
NETHERLANDS SOUTH AFRICA SPAIN NEW ZEALAND
24/07 NETHERLANDS VS. INDIA 25/07 AUSTRALIA VS. SPAIN
24/07 IRELAND VS. SOUTH AFRICA 25/07 JAPAN VS. CHINA
25/07 GREAT BRITAIN VS. GERMANY 25/07 NEW ZEALAND VS. ARGENTINA
26/07 NETHERLANDS VS. INDIA 26/07 AUSTRALIA VS. CHINA
26/07 SOUTH AFRICA VS. GREAT BRITAIN 26/07 ARGENTINA VS. SPAIN
26/07 GERMANY VS. INDIA 26/07 JAPAN VS. NEW ZEALAND
28/07 NETHERLANDS VS. SOUTH AFRICA 28/07 NEW ZEALAND VS. SPAIN
28/07 GREAT BRITAIN VS. INDIA 28/07 JAPAN VS. AUSTRALIA
28/07 GERMANY VS. IRELAND 28/07 ARGENTINA VS. CHINA
29/07 GREAT BRITAIN VS. NETHERLANDS 29/07 SPAIN VS. CHINA
30/07 SOUTH AFRICA VS. GERMANY 29/07 JAPAN VS. ARGENTINA
30/07 IRELAND VS. INDIA 29/07 NEW ZEALAND VS. AUSTRALIA
31/07 INDIA VS. SOUTH AFRICA 31/07 CHINA VS. NEW ZEALAND
31/07 GERMANY VS. NETHERLANDS 31/07 JAPAN VS. SPAIN
31/07 IRELAND VS. GREAT BRITAIN 31/07 ARGENTINA VS. AUSTRALIA
QUARTER FINALS
02/08 1ST GROUP A VS. 4TH GROUP B 02/08 1ST GROUP B VS. 4TH GROUP A
02/08 2ND GROUP A VS. 3RD GROUP B 02/08 2ND GROUP B VS. 3RD GROUP A
SEMI FINALS
04/08 WINNER QF 1 VS. WINNER QF2 04/08 WINNER QF 3 VS. WINNER QF 4
SEMI FINALS
06/08 GOLD MEDAL MATCH 06/08 BRONZE MEDAL MATCHHEALTH HINTS
Author: Shilo Ramdin
Owner & Head Trainer
at Strength Society and
Performance Coach
WEIGHTLIFTING
HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE | 21If you are an athlete and aren’t using the Olympic weightlifting move-
ments in your training, then you may not be realizing your full athletic
potential. Regardless of the sport you play, weightlifting movements and
their derivatives offer a host of benefits to take your game to the next
level.
Will sprinting faster and jumping higher help you dominate your
competition? Do you need to add lean body mass or decrease fat mass to
optimize your body composition for peak performance? Are you intri-
gued by the idea of naturally increasing your serum testosterone level?
Do you have any movement restrictions or you could you use a little
more flexibility in just about every major joint in your body?
If the acquisition of any of these attributes is what you are after, then
grab your chalk, lifting shoes, and get to your closest lifting platform
because it is time to start weightlifting.
BETTER QUALITY
OF MOVEMENT
If sprinting faster, jumping higher, improving body composition, and
enhancing your hormonal profile still isn’t convincing enough, wei-
ghtlifting will also help you move better. As a sport, Olympic weightlif-
MORE
ters are second only to gymnasts in flexibility tests (Jensen, C., Fisher, G.
1990). Good weightlifting encourages full ranges of motion in just about
every major joint in the body, all the while yielding improvements in ba-
POWER
lance, coordination, and kinesthetic sense (Hedrick, A., Wada, H. 2008).
Motor learning has shown us that this is in fact true when it comes to
technical skill acquisition. It is not often an individual’s lack of unders-
tanding of what they need their body to do when executing a technical
Sprinting and jumping are fundamental tasks of many sports, and better
skill. Rather impaired biomechanics due to flexibility limitations are of-
performance in these abilities are often the prevailing distinctions be-
ten a common cause of technical inefficiency (Muratori, L.M. et. al 2013).
tween better and worse athletes. While there are many inherent genetic
Overall improvements in flexibility and athletic coordination through
factors that dictate your ability, these characteristics are still trainable.
weightlifting will ensure restricted motion will never be the reason for
The major mechanisms that improve sprint and jump ability are similar,
an inability to execute proper technique in your chosen sporting skills.
and enhancing lower body strength and power is the best way to elicit
improvements.
WRAPPING UP
Long term investigations into weightlifting demonstrate enhanced
lower body strength, generally measured through 1-repetition maximum
back squat testing (Tricoli et al. 2005). Infact some studies have demons-
trated that the inclusion of weightlifting movements increase back squat If you are now on board with the benefits of adding weightlifting
strength to a greater extent than traditional strength training alone (Hof- movements to your training plan but are apprehensive to get star-
fman et al. 2004). ted due to the technical requirements of the lifts, just relax. You
Lower body power development may even be more critical than stren- can yield many of the same benefits by first starting with wei-
gth for enhancing sprint and jump abilities. Power is the product of force ghtlifting derivatives.
and velocity, and you will be hard pressed to find any exercises more ef- If you aren’t comfortable doing a clean, start with a clean pull.
fective than the clean, jerk, snatch, and many of their derivatives at ma- If you can’t figure out the snatch starting from the ground, try
ximizing both variables to yield the highest power outputs (Suchomel et starting from the mid-thigh or knee. If you don’t yet have the coor-
al. 2015). dination to perform a split jerk, start with a simpler push jerk.
The clean and snatch are likely the most popular weightlifting move- Rome was not built in a day, and nor will your weightlifting te-
ments, but in fact the dip and drive portion of the jerk has been shown to chnique.
produce more power than the second pull of the clean or snatch (Garham- However, technical mastery and athletic development are not
mer, 1980). Many studies have substantiated the positive effects on verti- dependent. Technique may always be a work in progress, but
cal jump, and short sprint performance through the use of weightlifting athletic development will begin immediately.
movements (Hackett et al. 2015; Hoffman et al. 2004; Tricoli et al. 2005).
WEIGHTLIFTING
22 | HOCKEY THE MAGAZINEFEATURE
MIKE BECHET by Ken Borland
HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE | 23M
ike Bechet is the sort Things like mental attitude and a cultu- nior Natal side (1991-92) to interprovin-
of coach who makes re of no excuses play a huge role. I look cial titles and was the convenor of the
administrators squirm for guys with big hearts, the capacity to South African selection panel for both
but is adored by his train hard and who live a good lifestyle. the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
players, for the same I always advise my players to surround Bechet has even excelled in the world
reason – the great pro- themselves with winners from whatever of umpiring, having an SA III grading and
ducer of schoolboy talent is renowned for field. having blown the 1987 and 1988 SA U18
being straightforward and honest, and as “Basically I want to develop good IPT finals.
passionate about the game as anyone. people, that’s what really counts for me, It was out on the park where Bechet,
Bechet’s fame was made at Maritzburg and you want them to continue playing. who considers himself a schoolmaster
College, where 21 future senior interna- Unbeaten seasons don’t fill me with much first and foremost, first began honing his
tionals and 74 SA U18 caps have passed pride, I get more pride out of developing coaching skills.
through his hands since 1982. Since 2015 international and provincial players. “Hockey was always my passion and
he has been at Jeppe High School in That’s the bigger picture that I’m after. being coached by people like Darryl Bes-
Johannesburg and his impact is clear. He And it’s incredibly humbling to stay in tall, Alan Paton, Tony Godding and Brian
may be coaching the U16A team, but it is touch with a lot of my former players who Edwards, I was exposed to so much coa-
no coincidence that Jeppe have become a have made it big. ching wisdom. I used to pick their brains
dominant force in South African school- “They all come back to me and that’s while I was playing, I was taking in infor-
boy hockey, being the top-ranked team in the rewarding bit, to have an influence mation all the time I was out on the field.
both 2018 and 2019. And there have been on people’s lives. I accept that I’m not In July 1981 I began employment at Ma-
a couple more SA Schools caps coming everyone’s cup of tea, but if you can han- ritzburg College and I have always said
through his pipeline. dle discipline and train hard then you I’m a schoolmaster not a teacher, because
Among the more recent internatio- will flourish under me,” Bechet says. I teach phys ed and I coach sport,” the
nals Bechet coached at school are Tevin One only has to spend five minutes on 65-year-old says.
Kok, Tyson Dlungwana, Tommy Ham- the side of a sports field with Bechet to Von Mayer, who has followed in Be-
mond, Siya Nolutshungu, Taine Paton, know that it is obvious he hates losing, chet’s footsteps as a schoolmaster coa-
Peabo Lembethe and Matt Guise-Brown. but he is more than willing to embrace ching hockey, albeit further in the heart
Before the recent era, Proteas such as Ste- the tough lessons that defeat can impart. of the KZN Midlands at Michaelhouse,
ve and Iain Evans, Grant von Mayer, Ryan “One does actually learn a lot more says it was only when he was a student
Shrives, Darren Gallagher, Charl van der from losing, especially kids,” Bechet says. that he realised the key to Bechet’s suc-
Merwe and Gareth Carr all graduated un- “And knowledge is power and I do read a cess.
der Bechet’s coaching. lot. Sports books like the autobiographies “Bech really gets the best out of people
And this is not to mention the impact of people like Jose Mourinho, Pep Guar- because he gets you to play for something
Bechet has had on cricket in this country, diola, Rod McQueen, Eddie Jones, they other than yourself. Often you end up
as coach of the Maritzburg College 1st XI were all hard guys. My approach is cer- playing for him.
for 572 games, he had a major hand in the tainly that you must be all-in or not at all.” “That’s because he brings a system and
development of Jonty Rhodes and David A product of Durban High School, Be- an organisation to the game, that comes
Miller, as well as one Kevin Pietersen, chet studied at both Rhodes University from the fact he was a fine player him-
who played for England. He was an SA and UCT. He has a BA Honours in Physi- self. He demanded that you do things to
Schools and SA U19 selector from 2008 to cal Education and an HDE and has twice improve your skills. When I talk to other
2020. been the recipient of the South African coaches now in the different fora, they’re
Bechet’s coaching approach could be Hockey Association’s President’s Award all like him now. So Bech has spawned a
described as “tough love” and the former for services to hockey, in both 2005 and whole lot of new coaches who continue
parabat has always been more interested 2010. his approach”.
in the character of his charges than in Bechet has seen all sides of the ho- Mike Bechet has already had a mas-
their skills. ckey realm – as a player he represented sive impact on South African hockey,
“I like to pick guys who absorb infor- Eastern Province, Western Province and and the good news is that influence will
mation and who have good character, I the champion Natal side, as well as being continue through his legacy – the young
value that above skill. You can teach so- capped for the SA U21s in 1976. He has men he coached now becoming mentors
meone skill but you can’t teach character. coached Natal Schools (1989) and the se- themselves.
24 | HOCKEY THE MAGAZINEFEATURE
TICK
TOCK
TAMLYN
KOCK “My time will come”
by Catarina dos Santos
HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE | 25E
ighteen year old Tamlyn Kock to almost every tournament I’ve played
has been in the spotlight for in. I don’t know where I would be without
as long she’s been playing her support. ” Says Tammy, “I am so gra-
hockey. This talented young teful for everything she has done for me.”
player matriculated during Tamlyn has been selected for many
one of the toughest times in highly ranked teams in her high school
history from Beaulieu College in Midrand, years. At only 16 years old, she was se-
South Africa, achieving one distinction lected to be a part of the U21 Southern
and scholarship offers from universities Gauteng Women’s side that won Gold at
not only in South Africa but the United the U21 IPT in 2019. At the 2018 Pro-Series
States as well. “I struggled mentally during Indoor Nationals Tournament, Tamlyn
this pandemic but I have been trying to was selected for the All Star Indoor Team
focus on training and my mother has hel- that then travelled to Germany and Ams-
ped me stay focused and motivated which terdam in January 2020 to play in a series
I really appreciate.” of matches. In addition to this, Tamlyn
Tamlyn attended Herlear Primary and was selected to play at the prestigious
went on to attend her first year of high PHL (Premier Hockey League) Tourna-
school at Northern Cape High School. ment, just one week after she turned 17.
After much consideration, she finally ac- She played for the Madikwe Rangers, coa-
cepted her scholarship at Beaulieu Colle- ched by the highly renowned, Tsoanelo
ge that was funded by the Allister Frederi- Pholo. Tamlyn scored the winning goal to
cks Hockey Development Fund (AFHDF). take the Madikwe Rangers into the finals,
“I wanted to see what high school would where they won the Gold Medal. “Tamlyn
be like first and feel it out. I was nervous
is a huge talent and a great prospect for
about moving to Joburg.”
the future.” says Coach Pholo, “She’s an
With the support of her parents, the
asset to every team she plays in.”
AFHDF and Beaulieu College, Tamlyn
Tamlyn made her first appearance in
made a big move at a young age to Johan-
the green and gold for the south African
nesburg to follow her dreams. “I noticed
National U21 Women’s Team in August of
right away the level [of hockey] in Sou-
thern Gauteng was much higher than in 2019 and then was selected for the South
the Northern Cape. The training sessions African National Indoor Women’s team
were very structured and I was able to after winning the ‘Most Promising You-
work on very specific skills. It made me ng Player’ award as well as having scored
a better player.” Tamlyn worked very hard the most field goals in both the A and B
and though her achievements show it, she section of the 2020 Indoor IPT that was
modestly accepts her congratulations. hosted in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa in
“I am really grateful for the opportunity February on 2020.
that was given to me by the AFHDF and Despite not making the travelling
to Errol Davis, my school coach at Beau- squad for the U21 AFCON Tournament
lieu, for motivating me and supporting later this year, Tamlyn showed great ma-
me when I moved to Beaulieu. I wouldn’t turity in how she handled her disappoint-
have been there without his help.” ment. “Like anyone, I was extremely disa-
She was selected for the South Afri- ppointed that I didn’t make the travelling
can U16 High Performance Squad at the team. However, I am not in a rush. I know
2018 Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT). that my hard work will pay off and my
Tamlyn had also been playing in the Sou- time will come. I will keep working hard
thern Gauteng Premier League for a year under the guidance of my coaches to pre-
at that point. She played for the Beaulieu pare for the next challenge.”
Hockey Academy’s Senior Women’s Team Tamlyn has decided to take a gap year
starting in her Grade 9 year (2017). “It was from her studies in 2021. “I will continue
very tough to move to Beaulieu but I was to play my hockey at Beaulieu Hockey
very well supported, especially by my Academy in Joburg this year and will be-
mother (Debbie Kock). She has travelled gin my studies in 2022.”
26 | HOCKEY THE MAGAZINEFEATURE
PLAYING
OVERSEAS, IS
IT FOR YOU?by “Playing Editor” Austin Smith
HOCKEY THE MAGAZINE | 27W
hen I travelled to In- at anytime and no one would know ex- field hockey is just not developing quickly
dia for the Hockey cept myself. Half way through the session enough at this moment in time. Growing
India League or HIL your mind starts telling you to stop, and up in Cape Town I attended great hockey
for short I introduced evidently the older I become I notice the schools with brilliant coaches but once I
myself to the team sooner that voice creeps into your head! got to club level I felt my development was
as a South African So what stopped me from quitting ses- beginning to slow down. Playing abroad
with a British passport who was living in sions early? Well, it’s quite simple, if you truly broadened my hockey horizons. I
The Netherlands. Unfortunately most of have a powerful enough goal when your learnt so much in the first few years es-
the guys couldn’t speak English so they mind starts feeding you exit strategies pecially and I felt I was continually being
didn’t really follow the joke. I’m often you return fire with the strongest mental challenged with new styles of play, differ-
asked by young South African players image you can of your dream. I’ve never ent techniques and just an all round differ-
especially what it’s like playing overseas allowed myself to quit a session early un- ent approach. This is a huge reason why I
and if I recommend it. So here are some less it’s for fear of injury. As you can see chose to play abroad!
things I’ve learnt from training, playing from the above picture, as a team we also
and living abroad for the past 9 years! trained no matter what! Fun, Mates and Tourism Wednesdays
Part of living abroad is meeting new peo-
Why? Proving yourself ple, hopping over the border to visit other
Firstly what reason do you have for going Moving to Holland in 2009 was another
countries, learning all the quirky cultural
to play hockey or any other sport abroad? big decision for me. I had finally settled
differences which make a country unique
The chance to learn new skills, train with in England after four years and my pro-
and if you’re really lucky finding a really
a better team, for your own personal de- fessional career as a teacher / director
great Dutch girlfriend;) In Holland if you
velopment as a person? There are many of hockey was developing well. Honestly
reasons why players choose this option I can’t even remember what made me travel two hours north, south or east by
and it’s something people often ask me make the final decision to go to Holland, car you are in another country. In con-
so hopefully I’ll be able to explain what I a mixture of wanting to know if I could trast to living in Johannesburg where you
learnt and how playing abroad changed make it in the best league in the world or are probably still trying to get back to Pre-
me as a player and a person. the chance to play semi professionally. I toria after a days work.
had written to all of the twelve Hoofdklas- A nice routine Jacques le Roux and I
Growing Up se clubs asking if they were interested in started when he was still playing at Den
I still remember the first time I left to live having me for the coming 2009/2010 sea- Bosch was Tourism Wednesdays. Time
overseas, destination Reading Hockey son. Aged 24 and after my recent success seemed to be flying by and neither of us
Club, England. As I wasn’t paid to play at as a player at the Beijing Olympics, being had seen much of the country we were li-
that stage in my career I was also working named SA’s Player of the Year and also ving in so we made a pact to go somewhe-
full time at a local school just outside of Reading Hockey Club’s MVP I thought it re different every Wednesday come rain
Reading. I lay in bed that first night with would quite easy to pick up a contract in or shine. We had some epic drives toge-
tears in my eyes wondering why I’d cho- Holland. I was sorely mistaken… ther talking about life and saw many of
sen this, or rather why I’d let my coach I didn’t even receive a reply from most the beautiful attractions which are in
persuade me to. It was the first time I had of the clubs I emailed but after some mon- Holland. If you are in another country for
left home for longer than a week or two. ths of waiting I finally got an offer from a limited amount of time don’t take it for
I’d had to say goodbye to my girlfriend of HC Den Bosch. I quickly researched the granted, before you know it you’ll be on
two years, quit my university and started club, signed my contract and that August a flight back home without ever having
up with UNISA (which was hard enough I arrived in Holland for the first time. The experienced any of the local tourism or
on its own dealing with their ‘help cen- idea of being paid to play hockey seemed traditions. So make sure you get out there
tres’!) and for the next four months up un- incredibly strange to me and with it came and explore, it’s key to find a balance be-
til Christmas I was going to have to work a whole lot of pressure, a kind of pressure tween focussing on your hockey but also
things out on my own. I grew up so much I wasn’t used to. No-one from Den Bosch having something else to keep your mind
in those first few months away from home. had ever heard of me. In the past they fresh.
It sounds simple enough but until you had had some big name signings so to see
have lived on your own, away from friends me arrive at their first training session Grateful
and your family it’s hard to explain how was I’m sure a disappointment for them. Along my travels around the world, En-
lonely you can feel at times. I had to ac- I may have been given a contract by the gland and Holland especially I have met
tually learn how to feel comfortable with board of Den Bosch but fitting into a new and worked with some fantastic people.
just myself for company. I also perfected team is something I would have to do my- I’m not going to mention everyone be-
the skill of how to take “selfies” with my self. I could feel the eyes of everyone on cause the list is very long! I would like
camera! me at training asking questions like; is he
to thank all the staff at Bradfield College
good enough? Does he deserve to be here?
who were especially accommodating in
Training while no-one is watching Will he make any difference? Why did
covering duties and classes while I was
You often hear elite athletes talking about we buy him? Dealing with this pressure
off training or touring. To the members of
training alone or training harder and lon- isn’t easy and something players coming
ger than any of their competition. I liked abroad need to anticipate. As someone Reading Hockey Club who made me feel
the idea and challenge of being away who is quite shy and unimposing with so welcome at ‘The Ding’, I will always re-
from South Africa for an extended period new people I found this difficult. I made member winning the league with you twi-
of time. My goal was to return in 2006 af- sure I had the basics in place, I made a ce and of course the brilliant Christmas
ter a year abroad and prove to the SA coa- conscious effort to learn everyones name and awards dinners.
ch I was good enough to make the 2006 in our team and those of the supporters Finally to the members of Den Bosch
World Cup and Commonwealth teams. as soon as possible. I made sure I trained Hockey Club where I’m currently playing,
Unfortunately or fortunately depending at my best every session to prove I was I truly feel at home at this family club and
on how you look at it I wasn’t selected for good enough and not just here for a paid city. Let’s hope we, the Men’s1 can bring
either team. Disappointed but even more holiday. More than ten years later and back the former glory the club saw over
determined I returned to England and I’m still at HC Den Bosch and enjoying it ten years ago!
worked harder than ever before. I recall a more than ever. Thanks to the supporters 2
fitness session I did in the sleet and free- If there are any South African players
zing cold on New Year’s Eve 2008. That Learning back home thinking about travelling
session summed up what I achieved in I can’t believe looking back how much I abroad to play and have any questions
my years in England. I trained so many ti- have learnt about the beautiful game of please feel free to drop me an email at
mes on my own when I knew I could stop field hockey. I love South Africa but club info@austinsmith.co.za.
28 | HOCKEY THE MAGAZINEIf you look out of your window to the east in the mornings you will see the sunrise, a new day, certain and
vibrant. But to the East that’s not all that is rising with a vibrant spirit and a certainty, Eastern Gauteng Hockey
is re inventing itself, and slowly rising to shine bright once again in the fields of SA Hockey.
The province is putting effort into growing its league structures and increasing player numbers to accommodate
the growth.
EGHA is invigorating its Website and its Social media presence and we invite every hockey person , from east,
west, north or south to come along on the journey, to add value and rekindle the hockey friendships we forged
over many years.
Please join us on our website, get in touch and assist the growth, the fresh rise, the vibrancy
https://egha.org.za/
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