Bronze for Knysna’s Elephants
KNYSNA - During December 2023, the PSi Knysna Elephants U14B boys team participated in the PSi Indoor Hockey National tournament in Cape Town for the third year.
The team consisted of 11 boys: Liam Jefferies (captain), Tivon Buchalter (vicecaptain), Luke Sturgess, Krige Theron, Oliver Hansson, Michael-Jay Roets, Kean Dalton, Erik Neville Nothnagel, Albert Jacobs van Rooyen, Jesse Smart, Yandisa Litole, coach Wanda Mtshilibe, team manager and franchise managers Hélène Reyneke and deWilton Lombard.
“Unfortunately, the Elephants had not been able to utilise the newly built indoor sports centre in Knysna,” said Hélène Reyneke, one of the Elephants' franchise managers. “This made preparing for nationals challenging. Thanks to Knysna Primary and Oakhill for allowing us to use their premises, and Oudtshoorn Municipality who allowed the team to practise at the De Jagers Sport Centre in Oudtshoorn.
“This gave the team a taste of what was waiting for them in Cape Town – fast-paced indoor hockey.”
Even though the team had little time to practise together, their love for hockey and their amazing gees drove them to train hard, with their sights focused on nationals.
The team was met by fierce competition but stood their ground, even though for some of the players it was their first ever participation at such an indoor event.
The Elephants ultimately did Knysna proud. They finished third in their pool and
eighth overall, out of a total of 17 teams.
“The bug has bitten all our new players, and we are all ready for PSi Indoor Hockey Nationals 2024!”
Reyneke also extended a huge thank you to all who made their trip possible.
“We want to give a huge cheer to our sponsors (Knysna Municipality, Grants Sports, Princess Hockey, anonymous cash sponsors) parents, players, coaches, manager and admin staff for their time and effort to allow these kids to live their dream, and experience such a big event.
“The atmosphere, intensity, pressure and team spirit were felt by all.”