Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
SA’s De Voux and Julius are central to the club cause
ATHLONE-BASED Central hockey club have made a swift return to the top-flight of Western Province hockey after a one year absence.
The community club were demoted in 2014 and had to fight their way back to secure their premier status in possibly the most competitive hockey league in South Africa.
The return of national squad players Jean-Pierre de Voux and Ryan Julius adds an extra dimension to the Central cause. Both players started their hockey careers at the club and are returning to their roots.
De Voux left Central as a 16-yearold and was the recipient of a scholarship to Bishops. Julius followed suit, albeit eight years later.
The pair have since opted to return to Central and there has been a significant increase in the pre- season player numbers at the club.
Former national captain and Olympian Bruce Jacobs and current SA high-performance coach Kurt Cerfontyne are guiding the Central revival. They have both achieved at the highest level and their experience and input is invaluable.
Central has been a wonderful feeder of junior players over the years, but have struggled to bridge the gap of retaining and attracting their proteges over the years.
The gap between youth and experience has always been their Achilles heel. Players of the calibre of Ashlin Freddy, current Maties first- team coach, and Keenan Horne are products of the successful Central brand.
The return of De Voux is significant, though. He has been a stalwart at Maties, and his work-ethic and professionalism will be a significant boost for Central. The players will feed off his enthusiasm and undoubted ability.
Julius, though, is the new kid on the block and represents the future of South African hockey. He has already clinched an IPT title and represented the country at Under-21 and senior level.
The Vygieskraal faithful are in for a bumper season.
Central should be in contention for a position among the top teams this year. The club league is littered with current and former national players and games are more competitive than some IPT games.