Maties rule under master coach King

THE Maties hockey academy has once again proved that it is one of the finest hockey institutions in the country by clinching the women’s and men’s grand challenge titles.

The academy continues to attract some of the finest talent in the country and has consistently been the best team in both competitions. The Maties women

under the tutelage of Jenny King, have clinched the past seven titles and a total of 17 in the past 20 years. King has been at the helm for 19 years and has been instrumental in the success of the club.

She has been ably assisted by high- performance manager Paul Revington for the past three years and together they have become a formidable team. Revington is a former international coach of South Africa, Ireland and Malaysia and will be leaving Maties to take up a new post as the Great Britain development programme head coach for women at the end of the season.

South African coaches are well-respected internationally with countries like Australia, Canada, China, England and Ireland utilising local expertise, indicative of local knowledge and experience.

Today sees the start of the knockout competition for the grand challenge teams.

The eight teams will be involved in a straight knockout format. Maties women will have a fairly easy encounter against the relegated Bellville team and should proceed comfortably. The top four teams should all progress, although Conberg are expected to test Victorians.

The men’s matches will be a lot closer, with some exciting clashes scheduled. Fish Hoek against UCT is too close to call with the Hoekers being favourites only by virtue of their having played four matches in recent weeks.

UCT last played a competitive match at the beginning of June. Langa will look to continue where they left off against WPCC recently, and Central could be too strong for Vics.