It is all fast-paced action as the biggest indoor hockey league in town prepares to kick off.
Local players got a taste of the action when the Pro Series Indoor (PSI) Gauteng league hosted a pre-season festival at Reddam House Helderfontein on 24 and 25 August.
The PSI Gauteng, which starts on 7 September, sees 156 teams of players from U9 level to U18 level compete for ultimate glory.
These teams represent about 25 hockey clubs from across the province and compete in 20-minute per half, six-a-side matches in indoor arenas.
“Indoor hockey is quicker, requires more technical skills and players have to be super fit,” said Alistair Fredericks, the organiser of the festival and also the manager of the Gauteng Gryphons team, which is selected from the best indoor hockey players in the province.
“Our Gauteng Gryphons plays against franchises from all over the country,” he explained.
Players did not lack for energy at the pre-season festival and took results as seriously as they would if they had been knock-out finals.
But in-between matches players rested on the sidelines or watched on with their parents in the stands, cheering on excellent hockey.
Lead manager for PSI Gauteng, Reza Rosenberg said the day was all about young players getting to know indoor hockey better as well as gelling with their teammates. “It’s [about] the enjoyment on the children’s faces today, their smiles.
“Everything has gone well here, we have had quite a few numbers out here, [especially] juniors out here to get some indoor [hockey].”
Details: Pro Series Indoor Gauteng
www.psihockey.co.za
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