UJ prepare for Ussa hockey tournament
JOBURG – Dominant UJ hockey teams will search for consistency in the upcoming varsity showpiece.
Despite their proud standing in varsity hockey, the University of Johannesburg men’s and women’s teams know they face a scorching challenge in the University Sport South Africa (Ussa) tournament at Wits in July.
The men captured their second straight Varsity Hockey title in the biennial competition this year to add to three straight Ussa titles from 2012 to 2014.
Men’s coach Garreth Ewing said given the different format it has compared with the Varsity Hockey competition, they would treat the Ussa tournament as a new challenge.
“We’ve done quite well in recent years, winning three in a row, but last year we came fifth so we are hoping to climb back up the table this year,” he added.
“With the eight-team, two-pool format, the tournament is really a bit of a shootout, so anything can happen.”
Although the UJ women are the defending champions, hockey manager Elize le Roux said they would not be getting ahead of themselves. “While I would love to see them defend the title, there is a process in place to prepare and play each game on its merits,” she said.
“We have to first focus on our pool fixtures before worrying about possible semis or the final.”
The women’s team lost some key players from last year’s side, but Le Roux said UJ were fortunate to have retained the core of their team. They did, however, receive a blow recently when one of their top players, Carmen Smith, was ruled out through injury.
Due to the congested nature of the tournament, Le Roux said several factors were essential in their pursuit of success. “I do think it differs per institution, but playing five days in a row, often with limited rest in-between, is challenging,” she added.
Ewing said the UJ men had managed to retain a sense of continuity from the Varsity Hockey squad, which should stand them in good stead. “We have three new players in Brad Robertson, James du Plessis and Luke Barnard. Unfortunately, Leneal Jackson is injured, otherwise, it’s the same group as the Varsity Hockey squad.”
He said their team ethic would be important in their drive for success. “I don’t really want to single anybody out, to be honest. Our strength is that everybody has a role to play.”
