UNION HIGH SCHOOL FIRST TEAM HOCKEY

What can the school and parents expect from your team this year at the Interschools?

At Interschools, anything can happen on the given day. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. Identifying the strength and weakness of our opponents is the best way to prepare for the match. We have put in the hours, done the fitness, had the board talks and prepared well to deliver a spectacular high tempo performance. As we stand on the brink of this momentous occasion, we carry the pride of representing the Union Schools and promise to give it our all.

Where is your strength as a team?

We are on fire right now, making it difficult to pinpoint a single strength for the season. The obvious catalyst of our success is the ability to keep balls out of our net. Our goalkeeper Musa Zweni’s ability and the defender in front of her has been phenomenal this season, allowing Captain Brigetté Oelofsen, my midfielders and striker to focus primarily on attacking principles.

What is the highlight of your team’s hockey season this year?

Well, choosing a highlight for this season is not easy. All of our tours and “adventures” with the team have been beyond exciting. But I guess if I had to choose, I would say our tour to Cape Town in the first term takes the cake.

How do you motivate your team?

I motivate my team and myself by reminding them of that green and gold badge they wear on their hearts and what it represents. Not only are we playing for our school but we are playing for each other. Each of us is playing for the girl alongside us and that is motivation enough.

Who is your vice-captain and how does she support you?

My vice-captains are Anna Pringle and Musa Zweni. Both of them are a great help when it comes to managing the team. I can rely on them to get tasks done that I might not get to as well as by helping lead the team both on and off the field. I am very grateful to have them and would not be able to lead the team the way I do without them.

What do you as a team want to achieve this year? What will make you proud?

As the 1st XV Hockey of 2023, our goal is to set a new standard of hockey for the upcoming generations. We want to be the foundation for the building of better, higher-quality hockey. It would make us immensely proud to watch the younger hockey players grow into talented hockey players with not only amazing skills but a proud Unionites sportsmanship.

What are your plans for the future?

My plan for next year is to study Physiotherapy at the University of the Free State, while pursuing a career in varsity league hockey with Kovsies. I hope to learn and grow as both a hockey player and an individual.