Tough dual role for Rostron in SA hockey’s ‘Operation Egypt’

SHELDON ROSTRON is not only a coach but also a keen juggler – will lead both the men’s and women’s teams to the African Hockey Cup of Nations in Egypt starting on Sunday.

He has been head coach for the women’s side since Giles Bonnet resigned in 2014, and in August took up the reins as an interim mentor to the embattled men’s team.

“I enjoy the challenge, it is obviously a lot of work... to be able to prepare two teams, but I am quite used to taking on quite a lot of roles and doing different things,” Rostron said. “Working with the two different groups meant quite a bit of learning.”

The men’s side should receive most of Rostron’s attention as they aim to qualify for the Hockey World Cup in India later this year.

“The demand is a bit heavier on the men in terms of making sure we qualify for the World Cup,” Rostron said ahead of departure for Egypt.

The women’s team have already earned their place for their World Cup tournament in London after finishing fifth at the recent World Hockey League Semi-Finals in South Africa.

Rostron has had an impressive run with the women’s side,winning the African Cup of Nations in 2015, the World League semifinal in Valencia, Spain, in 2015 before qualifying the side for the World Cup.

While the dual role is a first in SA hockey, it is something that has been tried elsewhere when Carlos Retegui led the Argentina men and women’s sides to bronze medals at the 2014 Hockey World Cup.

Rostron’s focus with the women’s team is to gain as many points as possible on the world rankings as they look to crack the top 10 in the not-too-distant future.

“With the girls, it is more of a focus we want to remain African champions but also making sure we secure the vital points being ranked number one to be able to regain our position in the top 11,” Rostron said.

“By doing that we fix some of the damage created by our not going to the Olympic Games and it also helps us to set a platform for next year where we can break through the top 10 at the World Cup.”

History favours both teams as the women will be looking to claim their ninth African title while the men are going after their eighth continental prize.

The tournament will take place in Ismailia, Egypt, from October 19-29 with the men opening their account against Zambia, before taking on Nigeria, Ghana, hosts Egypt and Kenya.

The women’s side will also get their tournament under way on Sunday. They face Kenya before taking on Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt and Ghana.