THE South African men’s hockey side are not just going to this year’s Paris 2024 Olympics to make up the numbers but make South Africa proud.
That’s according to Glen Anil resident and goalkeeper of the team Gowan Jones.
With 90 international caps to his name, Jones is one of the senior players within the national set-up and could play a pivotal role in what is being described as the ‘Group of Death’.
South Africa are in Pool A of the tournament and will start their Olympic campaign off against Netherlands and Great Britain. After a rest day they will take on Germany and then Spain before rounding off the pool stages with a match against tournament hosts France.
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The 35-year-old also gave some insight into the team’s preparations ahead of the games.
“I think the belief is strong in the team and we are ready for the challenges ahead. Every single one of the teams in our Pool are ranked in the Top 10 so while it is considered as the pool of death, I think we can compete among the best in the world. Our bronze medal at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Nations Cup in Poland earlier this year is also a massive boost. We also take heart from our performances at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham where we finished fourth.
“The belief is there and I feel we have the momentum as well. We are going there to compete and not just make up the numbers. We have a good blend of young and experienced heads in the team. We are going to play with all our hearts and leave it all out on the turf for South Africa,” he said.
Jones also expressed his excitement at being selected for the Paris games.
“At the Tokyo Olympic Games I was there as a travelling reserve so I didn’t get to play. It was awesome being there to train with and support the team and coach in whatever way I could. This year I’m looking forward to playing and wearing the green and gold with pride. It was so pleasing and exciting getting the call to say I was selected as I’ve been in the national set-up for 14 years now. It still hasn’t quite sunk in yet but I cannot wait for the start of the Olympics,” he said.
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