World League a big feather in cap for local hockey

Ken Borland

A lack of exposure and top-class competition will kill any sport, but South African hockey will receive a tremendous boost from tomorrow when they host the prestigious Hockey World League semifinals at the Wits Astro.

Some of the world’s best teams are in Johannesburg for a tournament that gives the top five automatic World Cup qualification, never mind the tremendous booty on offer in terms of world ranking points.

Australia (2nd), Germany (3rd) and Belgium (5th) highlight the men’s event, which starts tomorrow, while England (2nd), Argentina (3rd) and the US (6th) are the highest-ranked women’s teams, with their tournament starting today.

South Africa’s women start their campaign against India at 6pm, and given that they are ranked 12th and 13th (SA), it should be a battle royale.

“It’s great for South African hockey to see such world-class teams here and the vibe is awesome in our camp. We’re confident we’ll do well and make South Africa proud. India are obviously a very tough start for us, they are very skilful and pacey, and we’ll have to stay very focused because we expect them to use a lot of target balls and deflections,” co-captain Sulette Damons told Saturday Citizen yesterday.

The other women’s co-captain Nicolene Terblanche, the battle-hardened veteran of 195 Tests, is expecting a real scrap against India. “Both pools are really tough, but whenever we’ve played India, it’s always been close and a very tough game.” she said.

The South African men’s side are simply over the moon at the prospect of playing in, and hosting, such an event. They play their first match tomorrow at 6pm against Ireland.

“It is the biggest event ever in South African hockey and we’re very excited. For many of the guys, it’s the first time they’re playing in a tournament of this stature and we’re up against world-class teams and players. Making the top five is definitely our goal.

“Ireland are above us in the rankings [9th cf 15th] and are an extremely talented side who have improved greatly under Craig Fulton. So they’re going to be extremely tough and they’re similar to us, they just get stuck in. But hopefully home ground advantage will give us something extra,” captain Tim Drummond said.