The Madibaz men’s hockey team will be banking on better fitness and a sharper set-piece strategy when they compete in the University Sport South Africa tournament next week.
The country’s varsities will gather in Bloemfontein from July 2 to 6 for the annual competition in which the Nelson Mandela University side were silver medallists a year ago.
Madibaz learnt some tough lessons at the Varsity Hockey event last month and coach Cheslyn Gie said they had been working hard to improve their overall level.
“In Varsity Hockey we conceded goals late in our matches, so we have improved our fitness levels,” Gie said.
“We have also worked on our set-pieces and hope to have a better return on them.
“In addition, we have reviewed our defensive shape, especially how we are looking to defend in our deep defensive zone.”
After being runners-up last year, Madibaz have had to regroup in the past six months, with a total of 14 first-year students being included in this year’s squad.
“Our team has completely changed from the one that played [last year],” Gie said.
“[Most] of our players will be experiencing the USSA tournament for the first time, especially as injuries have sidelined some of our senior players.
“However, we are determined to improve on our Varsity Hockey results and have set ourselves the goal of making at least the semifinals.”
He said players like Ignatius Malgraff, who would lead the attacking line, Laython Coombs as a link, and captain Alex Penhall in defence would have key roles to play.
Under coach Andrew Beynon, the women’s team face an equally testing week in Bloemfontein.
As with their male counterparts, Madibaz will be fielding a young team for the tournament, including 11 first-years.
However, Beynon said they realised the significance of doing well at the USSA week and the players were determined to show their potential.
“In recent years we have ended around the sixth [or] seventh positions, but this year we have targeted a place in the top five,” he said.
“We have been working for up to three months in preparation for this tournament and have upped the intensity in the last few weeks.
“The competition will be strong, but this group of girls have been extremely committed to [USSA] preparations.”
He was confident, with the positive attitude in the team, that they had the ability to produce some good results.