Southern Gauteng u18A girls ready for SASHOC Nationals’ challenge
A strong Southern Gauteng u18A Girls’ squad has been named to defend the title the province claimed in 2024.
They’ll be in action at the SASHOC National Week at St Anne’s DSG, in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, from 29 June to 5 July.
As the team heads into the final stretch of preparations, head coach Natasha le Roux believes the group is steadily building towards peak performance.
“We’re growing week by week, trying to refine the areas that still need attention,” she explained.
“There’s a good feeling in the camp, and we’ll be ready when the first whistle blows. Apart from one player who had a slight niggle, everyone has been able to stay actively involved in our preparations, and that’s all we can really ask for.”
Taking the reins as the head coach of a region known for its deep talent pool, Le Roux acknowledged that it comes with some pressure: “We’re very lucky to have excellent schools in Southern Gauteng that consistently produce great hockey players. With that comes quite a bit of expectation.
“But, if the players weren’t up for it, we wouldn’t have selected them. Yes, there is definitely pressure, but we’re not shying away from it. Pressure is, after all, a privilege.”
The squad has been juggling its preparations with the girls’ responsibilities, as many of them are still writing their exams. Despite those challenges, Le Roux said she is confident that a solid foundation has been laid.
“Like all regions, we have had to prepare while players are writing exams and playing club and school hockey. So, our prep has been limited, but I am quite happy with what we have done in the short time we have had for practice sessions and prep games,” she said.
When asked about her confidence heading into the tournament, Le Roux offered a grounded perspective: “I think anyone going into a tournament with confidence based on previous success might be in for a tough tournament. Tournament hockey can be a rollercoaster at the best of times.
“It’s important that this new team focuses on building for the next step in 2025, rather than obsessing over the final product of 2024.”
Beyond results, Southerns’ coach hopes to instil a sense of unity and purpose in her squad.
“As a team, I want each individual to fight for the player next to them. If every player can make the one beside them look good, we will be successful,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“These u18 players are role models for the youngsters who dream of being in their position one day. If we can teach them to play as a team, to never give up, and to work hard for everything they want, we’ll have given them life lessons, not just hockey lessons.”
Southern Gauteng u18A Girls Team
Charlie Dalling (Kingsmead College), Khanyisa Ndamase (Kingsmead College), Kate Horton (Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge), Nicole Bailey (Northcliff High School), Tayler Billet (Roedean School), Tori Tanner-Ellis (St Stithians College), Raffael Abrahams (Steyn City School), Keovaan Jansen (Northcliff High School), Amber Fairon (Dainfern College), Zoe Opaley (Heronbrige College), Azania Peterson (St Andrew’s School for Girls), Andani Mphoentle Tshikhudo (St Andrew’s School for Girls), Nomthandazo Kelly Rens (Hoërskool Monument), Bokamoso Swazi (St Mary’s Waverley), Kristen Cikes (Brescia House), Ciara van der Walt (Hoërskool Noordheuwel).
