Proteas’ poor Games showing a matter of concern in local hockey circles

THE local Hockey season will commence today with some mouthwatering clashes in the local leagues.

The players were involved in the pre-season PSI pro series in midMarch and they have been involved in pre-season training since the beginning of February.

Our national players will not be here for week one as they have just competed in the Commonwealth Games in Australia and only return next week.

The South African squads did not perform as expected and the national teams have to become a priority for the governing body. South Africa are moving backwards in the sport and this has to become a focal point if we hope to be competitive on the world stage.

Back in local action, the Pinelands men’s team made a swift return to the top flight by winning the men’s Grand Challenge Reserve last year.

The stalwarts of Pinelands remained there last year and their contribution towards gaining promotion is undoubted. Jack Thonnissen and the Pinelands faithful will have a tough opener against the champions, Stellenbosch, at Coetzenburg tonight at 6pm. Maties are a powerhouse in local hockey and continue to add to their already illustrious squad annually.

Langa will host Fish Hoek at 3pm and this has the potential to be a fiery encounter. Luthando Jonas and Thulani Mnani have returned to Langa after playing for Central last season.

The Hoekers are always a tough unit, though.

In the women’s division Central have made a swift return to the grand challenge as well. They will not be in action tomorrow as all their matches have been postponed in honour of the late Winnie Madikazela-Mandela.

The WPCC-Victorians game (at WPCC, 3pm) will be the clash of the weekend.

Conberg will host Somerset at Bergvliet at 4.30pm.