SA men’s, women’s hockey coach ‘enjoys the challenge’

JOHANNESBURG: Sheldon Rostron is not only a coach but also a keen juggler and 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 team 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.

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-toodistant 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 No 1 to be able to regain our position in the top 11,” Rostron said.

The tournament will take place in Ismailia, Egypt, from 19-29 October with the men opening their account against Zambia.

The women’s side will also get their tournament under way on Sunday, where they will face Kenya.