Manson to put expertise to use to hone skills of youngsters

FORMER SA Women’s Hockey player and East Londoner, Marcelle Manson, will be one of many national hockey icons working closely with young players and coaches as part of the Investec Hockey Academy’s first Eastern Cape leg at Stirling High School in East London.

The event on March 18 and 19 will see Manson, along with a number of SA Hockey icons, share their expertise with young players in both theoretical and practical sessions.

Manson (née Keet), 32, plays midfielder and defender, and has represented SA in both hockey and water polo. The Border player has co-captained the SA Women’s Hockey team and has competed in the Fina World Championships, the FIH Hockey World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. In 2013, Manson achieved 100 caps for the SA Women’s Hockey team – a highlight of her professional career.

After a long career in hockey, Manson hopes to help develop the future of SA Hockey on a competitive level through initiatives like the Investec Hockey Academy to showcase the talent that South Africa has to offer.

“I hope that SA Hockey gains their pride and recognition back, and that when young players watch their sport, they are inspired to chase their dreams, look up to and want to play for their country in the top tournaments of the world. I want SA Hockey to climb the international ladder, become competitive and show off the amazing talent that we have,” a passionate Manson says.

As it is for many young hockey players wanting to play professionally, it takes time to be noticed. Before making her debut in the 2005 Africa Cup, she had to work hard and take opportunities to prove herself on the field. Having attended Clarendon Girls High School, Manson was selected to represent her province in the U16 interprovincial tournament. Her potential was recognised, and through consistency and hard work in the Border hockey team, she was selected for the SA Women’s Hockey team at the age of 23.

Not having initiatives like the Investec Hockey Academy available when she was at school, Manson is passionate about the impact that these courses can have on local players and is looking forward to sharing her expertise with them.

“You only grow and learn from extending yourself and exposing yourself to as much as possible. You can learn so much from everybody you meet and what better way than from a professional environment with top coaches,” Manson says.

As a true all-round sportswoman, Manson attributes her success in sport to her family. Her two sisters are also very talented sportswomen; her younger sister Samantha has represented SA in water polo and has played provincial hockey, while her older sister Lee-Anne has represented SA in water polo and hockey, as well as playing provincial lifesaving and diving. In 2013, all three sisters played in the SA Women’s Water Polo team – a moment that the Keet family holds dear.

Now Manson hopes to take her coaching to the next level by coaching internationally and giving back to SA’s young players in initiatives like the Investec Hockey Academy.

The Investec Hockey Academy offers a Fundamental Players’ Course (ages 8 to 11), an Intermediate Players’ Course (ages 12 to 15) and an Advanced Players’Course (ages 16 to 18). Important aspects such as mental toughness, functional ability, vision training, fitness, nutrition, recovery techniques and athlete education in general are key focuses of the academy’s courses.

“Follow your dreams – if you’ve got a burning desire in your belly to be something great, to make a team or to be the best, don’t let anyone tell you that you are not good enough, not even yourself. Put in those extra hours and do whatever you can to get you where you want to be,” Manson says.

The Investec Hockey Academy’s next set of courses will commence on March 18 and 19 at Stirling School. To book contact Bernadine on (031) 940-5565 or register online at www.investechockeyacademy.com — DDC