The Herald (South Africa)

Madibaz aiming to turn tide

Women’s side remain positive after struggling in first round of Varsity Hockey tournament

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AFTER a challengin­g opening weekend in the Varsity Hockey tournament, the NMMU-Madibaz women’s team will be taking a positive attitude into the second half of the competitio­n in Potchefstr­oom today. Madibaz defeated the University of KwaZulu-Natal in their first match in Stellenbos­ch, but lost the remaining three games to end the weekend near the bottom of the log. However, coach Michael van Rensburg said the team would be motivated to turn the tide in their remaining matches, having learnt much from playing against the country’s top varsity sides. “The girls have been really positive and are fully aware of our longterm vision,” he said. “The first weekend was incredibly tough, but they have held their heads high. “We are looking forward to the second weekend as we look to improve on the performanc­es we gave in Stellenbos­ch.” Van Rensburg added that a priority for the squad would be to keep working on their fitness and conditioni­ng. “Statistica­lly, we played our best hockey in the first and third quarters when we were fresh. “In the second and fourth quarters, we were fatigued and this is where the opposition targeted us. “We have come up with short-term solutions to the problem, but our conditioni­ng is most definitely a crucial area for us as we look ahead to the USSA [University Sport South Africa] week at the end of June.”

With their opponents piling on the pressure, Van Rensburg said they would also be looking at improving their defensive systems.

“We weren’t anywhere near our best in this area and we reviewed this during the week.

“The other facet we would look to improve on is our general spatial awareness and improved decision making on-field.

“Another focus will be how to best use the periods of play when we do have a numerical advantage due to either cards been issued or in the power play stage.”

Van Rensburg said he could see a definite improvemen­t in the women’s teams thanks to tournament­s such as Varsity Hockey and the Premier Hockey League.

However, the timing of tournament­s needed to be addressed to avoid potential burnout from the high workload in a short time.

“But, for us as an institutio­n, it is vital that we attend the top tournament­s,” he said.

“Despite the results, the ladies have learnt a lot and it will only stand us in good stead as we move forward into the new era we are creating for ourselves.”

THE EP Hockey Federation fixtures for this weekend are: Tomorrow, 3pm (KC March Astro): Women’s Presidents League, Old Collegians v Rhodes Rats; 4.30pm (KC March Astro): Women’s Presidents League, Wosa v Old Vics Sunday, 11.30am (NMMU): Women, Presidents League, NMMU Gusheretts v Pirates Jolly Rodgers; 4pm (NMMU): Men’s Premier League, NMMU Madibaz v NMMU B; 4pm (KC March Astro): Men’s Premier League, Old Grey v Pirates Bluebeards

 ?? Picture: SASPA ?? IN CONTROL: Madibaz hockey player Carly Redcliffe makes a move during their 4-2 win over the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the Varsity Hockey tournament in Stellenbos­ch at the weekend
Picture: SASPA IN CONTROL: Madibaz hockey player Carly Redcliffe makes a move during their 4-2 win over the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the Varsity Hockey tournament in Stellenbos­ch at the weekend

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