Sit down with SA Men’s Hockey goalkeeper

Paulshof resident, Rassie Pieterse, shared his experience as an SA Men’s Hockey goalkeeper.

“I started playing hockey at the very late age of 18 and I have always had a passion for sport. I did a lot of sport, but rugby was my number one… After some serious injuries, I had to stop rugby. One of my good friends at university was a hockey player and he convinced me to join the club and it all started there for me in 2002,” he expressed.

Pieterse, who is now managing director of TK Sports South Africa, added that hockey gives him the chance to travel the world and meet interesting people. He also loves pushing himself to greater things and that is why he enjoys the challenge of playing international hockey. Tournaments such as the Olympics and World Cups make it all worth it for him to carry on.

“My role in my team as the goalkeeper means that I play a huge role in the defence, be it communicating, organising, reading penalty corners and so forth, but mainly it is to keep the ball from getting into the net,” the number 23 player said.

“My favourite hockey memory to date is playing against Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics, to packed stadium, with God Save the Queen and a 2–-2 draw… it was a great game with a special atmosphere.”

Pieterse said it was every player’s dream to leave a legacy, which he hopes to do too, but he also wants to make sure that people remember him for making a difference both on and off the field, not always playing with pure technique but always giving it his all.

“My advice to young players starting their hockey career… [it may sound clichéd], but it is hard work counts. It is standard to work hard if you want to be the best – but to play with your heart and soul, that is the key… the player with the most hunger is usually the most successful one,” Pieterse expressed.

Details: www.smarttrainer.co.za

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