Execution key against Affies, says Paarl Gim skipper, Joné de Winnaar
Paarl Gimnasium‘s girls’ first-team hockey captain, Joné de Winnaar, believes sound execution and staying disciplined on defence will be key if her side is to claim victory against Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria (Affies) this weekend.
Gim will welcome Affies to Paarl on Friday for an early evening derby clash at 17:45.
It has been an eventful start to the season for coach Danelle van Zyl’s side, who have included themselves in the “top teams” conversation early on.
Last weekend, they were in action at the St Mary’s Waverley Hockey Festival and, despite not playing to their utmost best, they still finished seventh out of the 32 teams.
Gim went down in the quarterfinals, losing 1-2 to the eventual winners, St Mary’s DSG, Kloof. Later, they defeated the 2024 champions, Durban Girls College, in the 7th/8th place playoff.
“St Mary’s was a tough challenge, but it gave us some valuable insights into where we stand,” De Winnaar told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“We are focusing on improving, learning from that experience, and using it as motivation to push harder.
“Looking ahead to Affies, we’re confident that we are going to deliver a strong performance.”
The girls from Paarl are still trying to find their rhythm this season. When they do click, they’re going to be a very dangerous side.
At St Mary’s, they let several matches slip. It came down to small margins, admitted De Winnaar. “One big lesson is the importance of maintaining composure under pressure and being consistent each game,” she commented.
“We saw moments where we let the game slip due to small mistakes, and that’s something we need to work on. We can also be more consistent in decision-making in a few areas and try to win the 50/50 balls.”
Playing at home is always a big boost for Gim, who can bank on strong backing from their loud supporters and parents on the sidelines. It will be no different come Friday afternoon.
De Winnaar has identified areas that she and her team need to work on to come away with the victory.
“I think it will be crucial for us to stick to our game plan and execute it effectively. We need to be sharp in our press, our finishing in the D, as well as the nine-yard area, and make sure we’re disciplined on defence.
“Affies will come out strong, so we need to be mentally tough and physically prepared,” she added.
“If we focus on our strengths and communicate well, we will have a great game and ensure positive results.”
WESTERN CAPE FIXTURES
Friday, 11 April
17:45 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Affies
17:45 – Rhenish vs Collegiate
19:00 – Springfield Convent School vs Paarl Girls’ High
19:15 – Herschel Girls High vs HMS Bloemhof
Saturday, 12 April
09:20 – La Rochelle vs Hermanus
11:30 – HMS Bloemhof vs Collegiate
