North Coast hockey masters ready for World Cup push

Nine North Coast hockey masters recently earned South African colours and now look forward to play in next year’s World Cup.

Masters hockey is split into five-year age groups from the age of 35 upwards, with the first batch of players selected to a training camp in Johannesburg last weekend.

The players were selected to a Green and White team in age groups where multiple teams were warranted, which represent the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams respectively.

An invitational team was also selected.

In the ladies 35 age group, Shelley Jones and Rochelle van Staden were picked for the green team, while Danielle Robert-Hardman and Joanne le Roux made it into the white team.

Chantel Robert was selected for the invitational team.

Lauren Glossop and Genevieve Chisholm played for the ladies 40 age group green team, while Lauren de Klerk turned out for the invitational team.

Zenon Michael Jagiela was the only North Coast man to make the cut and represented the men’s 35 team.

All nine players travelled to Johannesburg for the Africa Masters Invitational Cup last weekend.

“We played four matches each in searing heat. It was serious competition because we’re all playing for a spot on that team next year,” said Chisholm.

“I have never trained so hard in my entire life, but it was so nice to see such support from all the KZN players and North Coast ladies in particular.”

The players will have a final chance to showcase their talents at a training camp next year before the World Cup kicks off in Cape Town in October.

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