Witteberg ticking the right boxes as hockey action ramps up
The Hoërskool Witteberg girls’ first team will be out to maintain their unbeaten run in the WesGrow Series when they travel to Hoërskool Sentraal for their second match of the series in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
Witteberg, who played their first Wesgrow match of the season on Tuesday, were ruthless in front of goal and dominated, claiming an emphatic 7-1 win over Jim Fouché.
That victory was highlighted by an impressive showing from Arné Maritz, who netted four times for her team.
She was joined on the scoresheet by Juané Loubser and vice-captain, Juné Lombard, who struck twice to seal an emphatic win.
Before that performance, the school from Bethlehem produced positive showings during their pre-season games at the Balling Festival and Kovsie pre-season tournament.
Despite narrow losses to Monument and Hoërskool Sasolburg at the Balling Festival, they continued fighting hard and were rewarded with a 3-3 draw against Our Lady of Fatima.
That preparation, along with the challenges the team has faced so far, will place the side in good stead ahead of the season, said head coach Casey-Jean Terblanche.
“The start of the season has been positive, as we have gained valuable game time at the Balling Tournament and the Kovsie pre-season tournament,” she told SuperSport Schools.
“The Balling Tournament provided a great opportunity to assess players and determine the best positions for them, based on the style of play I want to implement.”
Terblanche’s side is a mix of youth and experience, with a handful of young players enjoying their debut seasons on the first team scene.
The coach says the newbies have gelled well in the environment as they seek to defend their league title and climb the country’s rankings.
“This year marks a rebuilding phase for us, with seven new players joining the team,” Terblanche said.
“While the team is relatively young, they show immense potential.
“The 2023 Wesgrow season was fantastic, with the first team girls clinching the Wesgrow league title.
“Our primary objective is to defend that title and improve our ranking in the SA schools’ standings.”
Witteberg will also use the game as a final preparation for the Greg Beling Festival in East London. Ahead of a big week for the side, one of their players, Juané Loubser explained what makes them a team to be reckoned with.
“We are not just a regular team. We are like sisters to each other. We always support, motivate, and laugh together, and we strive to improve as a team after every match and learn from our mistakes together,” she revealed.
“When we step onto the field as the first team, it is not just a responsibility for us but a privilege.
“I hope that, as a hockey team, we will always step onto the field with gratitude in our hearts and be a living testimony of Jesus’ love and grace. We rely not on our strength but know where our power comes from.”
Thursday’s game in Bloemfontein starts at 14:30, with Evané du Toit leading Witteberg.
Fixtures
Thursday, 14 March 2024
13:30 – Witteberg vs Sentraal (Boys u19A)
14:30 – Witteberg vs Sentraal (Girls u19A)
Friday, 15 March 2024
14:00 – Witteberg vs Sentraal (Boys u14A)
15:00 – Witteberg vs Sentraal (Boys u16A)
16:00 – Witteberg vs Sentraal (Girls u16A)
Saturday, 16 March 2024
09:00 – Witteberg vs Sentraal (Boys u19B)
10:00 – Witteberg vs Sentraal (Girls u14A)
11:00 – Witteberg vs Sentraal (Girls u18B)
12:00 – Witteberg vs Sentraal (Girls u16B)
