KZN Inland intent on challenging for the SASHOC National Week title

The KwaZulu Natal Inland girls’ u18 team heads to the 2024 edition of the annual SASHOC Inter Provincial Tournament, which takes place in Bloemfontein from 16-21 June, intent on improving on their 2023 campaign, which saw them losing in the semi-finals against Boland, following an outstanding showing in the preliminary rounds.
They finished third in the end, but Inland led the way in the final third, proving themselves to be the most clinical outfit in the tournament, while also scoring more goals than any other team.
Their attack was headed by Emily Watson, who found the back of the net five times. She was tied with Taheera Augousti, Emily Macquet, and Gabriella Tait as the leading scorers of the tournament.
Of the 15 goals scored by the KZN Inland team, 13 came in the pool stage, where they won three, lost one, and drew one, on their way to topping Pool B.
This year’s team will not have Wilson’s services. She matriculated last year. However, they still have her erstwhile strike partner, Ella Shuttleworth. The St Anne’s learner found the back of the net four times in 2023.
The 17-year-old is not the only experienced member of this year’s squad. Amy Fletcher and Rebecca Macquet, who each scored once last year, are back in the side, too.
“The selection process for the Inland team was both lengthy and challenging with the amount of talent,” Morne Odendaal, the KZN Inland u18 head coach, said.
“Most players have been a part of the setup for the last couple of years. There are a few players who are unfortunate not to be in the A team but will play a significant role in the B team,” he added.
Odendaal takes over the coaching reins from Mathew Binnington. The St Anne’s head coach is aiming to build on the foundation laid by Binnington and has high ambitions for his side. He has also recruited some of the best brains in schoolgirls’ hockey to help him realise his vision.
His assistant coach is Gyster van Schalkwyk, the Oranje Meisies’ first team coach, and the team’s technical analyst is Brad Brook, Menlopark‘s Director of Hockey.
“Gyster will be focusing on our attacking play and counterattacks, while Brad will be responsible for our defensive structure and counter cover,” Odendaal explained.
KZN Inland’s logistics will be handled by Lelo Ntombela, the Cowan House Head of Sport, who is in the set-up as the team manager.
When asked about their brand of play, Odendaal said his charges would be adopting a value and principle-based coaching approach. “We aim for our players to be comfortable on the ball and confident in their actions,” he explained.
“We are focusing on seamless combinations within the team. You can expect a lot of grit at the back, seamless movement in the middle, and X-factor upfront,” he said.
U18 KZN Inland Squad: Amy Fletcher (Epworth), Ella Shuttleworth (St Anne’s), Emily Wilson (The Wykeham College – TWC), Erynne Marais (TWC), Genevieve McDonald (St John’s), Jade Kelly (St Anne’s), Jasmine Kelly (St Anne’s), Juliette Maskell (St Anne’s), Kgabiso Morafo (St Anne’s), Lamia Amod (St John’s), Leboga Molale (GHS), Lebone Sibiya (St Anne’s), Nyanyiso Khoza (GHS), Rebecca Macquet (St John’s), Shanaé Ogilvie (GHS), Siyamthanda Majikijela (GHS).
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