Eustice is World Cup bound

The Cup of Nations was held from November 18 to 23, and Eustice and his teammates were looking to qualify for the World Cup after missing out at the FIH World League tournament, in Malaysia, recently.

“The Lads” defeated Ghana, Egypt and Kenya to book a spot in the final on Saturday, November 23.

According to the former Benoni Northerns junior hockey player, the tournament was a real eye-opener for him.

“There were a lot of unexpected situations and instances that did not go to plan at the tournament, which really put us on the back foot,” Eustice said.

“The main idea for us was to get the job done, regardless of how we did it.

“We were the reigning champs and all the sides and supporters knew it and really gave us a hard time.

“It was tough, but that sweet taste of victory at the end made it so much better.”

Eustice said the team did not play the normal style of South African hockey at the tournament.

“The pitch condition and the way that our opposition played against us did not allow us to truly use the structures and systems that we used in Malaysia, but we made sure that we would challenge what ever was in front of us,” he explained.

The defender said that most of the African teams against whom they played adopted a high-intensity running game, which was physically demanding.

“This tournament is probably not one of the most difficult competitions in the world, but it truly is one of the toughest,” Eustice said, adding that he is extremely excited about the World Cup and is eagerly anticipating playing hockey in a place where it is basically a culture and a lifestyle.

The hockey star has returned to Ireland for a few weeks, to finish the first half of the club season, and will return to South Africa for a training camp with the national team.

“I am also hoping to be selected for an international series against Argentina, in Durban, from December 11 to 18,” he concluded.