Menlopark looks to the future with optimism
Die Hoërskool Menlopark is eyeing the rest of the season with optimism. After a strong St Mary’s Waverley Festival campaign, coach Brad Brook’s side has returned home buoyed.
The Pretoria school did not go as far as they would have liked. However, in an elite 32-team field, they made the quarterfinals and were not dispirited by their run.
They finished top of Pool A, recording five wins in seven games, with one drawn and only one lost.
Then, having progressed to the Cup, Menlopark also finished in first place in Pool E, adding another two wins and one loss to the eventual runners-up, HMS Bloemhof, to their record.
Menlopark’s success was built upon their team-first principles. Brook said his side didn’t click and wasn’t as clinical as they would have liked in their first few matches at the festival but they overcame that by pulling together.
“We showed heaps of grit and character when things weren’t going our way. We managed to hold onto the ball for long periods of time and build phases, which is exciting. But, most of all, the way the team played for one another the deeper we got into the tournament impressed me the most,” Brook explained.
The coach’s team talks have revolved around sacrificing individual glory for the good of the team. His side internalised those teachings at the tournament and was able to make up for their shortcomings by pulling together at all times.
“I constantly tell them that individual goals are wonderful, but team goals are better. They give you a chance to win tournaments,” Brook elaborated.
Menlopark demonstrated dynamism and an ability to bounce back from setbacks, which drove their successes at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival. They’re taking that mindset and fighting spirit with them into the rest of their season.
“We contest a very competitive league with the likes of AHMP (Affies), Waterkloof, and Garsfontein, to name a few. So, winning the league again would be the first prize. We also would like to medal at the St Anne’s Tournament and hopefully qualify for the Fairtree Super 12 again,” Brook shared.
If they’re to achieve those lofty goals, the Menlopark girls can look back on their performances at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival and tap into the teamwork that brought them success. They already understand that it’s that all-for-one attitude that could help them achieve their ambitions.
