Kara nets national recognition

ATHLETICISM comes naturally to Riverside Hockey Club’s Kara Stella. The 25-year-old has represented KZN in basketball and outdoor and indoor hockey. She has also represented South Africa in both indoor and outdoor hockey. Her performances has also shone through on a national level, when Kara was chosen for the South African women’s indoor hockey side.

The local resident not only represented the country at her first indoor world cup last year, but recently earned the best player award in the international series between South Africa and Namibia. She also scored nine goals in the five-match series, in which South Africa secured a 5-0 whitewash.

Kara said, while she was chuffed to win the award, of far greater significance to her,was that the team played well.

“It’s lovely to get the recognition which highlights your sacrifice and hard work, but I’m not one for personal achievements. For me, it’s how the team plays that is more important. We have really gelled as a unit and I think the world cup was our starting point.

“Up until then, South Africa had an eight-year gap from playing any international games in the indoor arena. It was a great experience and it allowed us to grow as a team,” she explained.

The indoor hockey women’s side finished ninth in the world cup, the highest ever finish for a team from the African continent.

The team was seeded 18th in the world going into the tournament, and ended their historic world cup by beating Canada 4-2, with Kara netting two of the goals.

Kara also praised the Riverside Hockey Club, which she said has helped develop her game.

“I play in the outdoor squad for the club and there are a lot of positives playing hockey here. The camaraderie is unmatched: my teammates are always willing to hang out after practice and just chill. There’s a lot more depth within the club, which is great for the development of my game. The club has also produced great talent, which only strengthens the province,” she said.

No one can deny the youngster’s talent as she chases another dream, cementing her spot in the SA outdoor squad.

“I’ve been capped four times and I’d like to earn a regular place in the team,” she said.