South Africa’s premier women’s hockey players are taking their first steps to becoming a fitter and more competitive unit, in the city of Potchefstroom.

The South African national women’s hockey team recently took part in two training camps in Potchefstroom in December last year and from 3-10 January where countless balls were hit and sticks did most of the talking.

Still, wise words were needed from SA Hockey coach, Sheldon Rostron, who used the NWU Pukke’s Astroturf facilities to full effect during a challenging but ultimately fruitful training week where 26 players were tested mentally and physically in preparation for upcoming matches at the end of January.

‘In January and February, we play against China, Belgium, Chile, England and Germany in preparation for the Hockey World   League qualifiers that will take place in July in Johannesburg,’ said Rostron. ‘We are looking to increase our rankings as much as possible and improve in  every aspect, especially since we did not compete in last year’s Olympic Games in Rio, added Rostron.

Here are photos of the squad training:

Last year, the Premier Hockey League (PHL) brought a new dynamic to South African hockey with its first national hockey league. ‘We had the opportunity to witness the best hockey talent in the country. Out of that event, we identified a lot of future talent that we will keep an eye on going forward,’ he said.

Potchefstroom also has the right elements to be a home base for the national hockey team, with Rostron aiming to  increase the interest in hockey in the  city. ‘Potchefstroom has an environment that is conducive to high performance with fantastic training facilities at perfect altitude. The climate is also great and really puts us at a higher level for conditioning. We pride ourselves in becoming leaders in conditioning and technical and tactical preparation,’ he emphasised.

‘It is really fantastic to have the national side here and it means a lot for the province to have the country’s best players here,’ added Shaun Hulley, president of North West Hockey and trainer for the SA women’s team.

A squad of 30 has been announced for the upcoming  matches in Cape Town:

Sanani Mangisa, Marelise van Tonder, Mmatshepo Modipane, Phumelela Mbande, Lisa Deetlefs, Kara Stella, Nicolene Terblanche, Jessica O’Connor, Kirsty Adams, Erin Hunter, Nicole Walraven, Christine Roos, Quanita Bobbs, Celia Evans, Ilse Davids, Shelley Russel, Jade Mayne, Marizen Marais, Stefanie Baxter, Kelly Madsen, Izelle Verster, Sulette Damons, Candice Manual, Dirkie Chamberlain, Bernadette Coston, Lilian du Plessis, Kate Koening, Tarryn Glasby, Toni Marks and Tanya Britz.