We caught up with SA Junior Women’s Hockey Head Coach, Lenise Marais, to hear her thoughts on the FIH Junior World Cup taking place in less than 2 months’ time in Potchefstroom from 5-17 December.
- Who is Lenise? Your loves, dislikes, what wakes you each morning? What does a typical day entail?
I am a hockey nerd who enjoys reading (the Harry Potter and Hunger Games series are my favourites) and watching sport. I’m a huge cricket fan and would jump at the chance to chat cover drives with Laura Wolvaardt. I also support Everton Football Club. I am a focused and determined person who aspires to make a difference each day. A typical day starts with a commute along the R44 whilst taking in the picturesque rugged mountains, beautiful vineyards and rolling strawberry fields from Somerset West to Stellenbosch. As Maties Hockey Head Coach I have meetings and planning sessions in the morning and afternoon, and then practice sessions in the evening. My days can become quite long, and I do sometimes get lost down the hockey-rabbit hole, but I am exceedingly privileged to be in the position that I am.
- Talk to us about your love for hockey and the difference between playing and coaching?
I started playing hockey when I was 9 years old. I was shy, the “new kid” at school and was honestly just hoping to make friends. As it turned out, I could play a bit and so I stuck with hockey. Whether it was training sessions, playing games, or even fitness – I enjoyed it all growing up. My love for the game grew even more during my time as a Stellenbosch University student where my hockey development accelerated whilst representing Maties Hockey Club. For me one of the big differences is that as a player, I was directly impacting a game or phase of play during a game by my actions. Whereas as coach, those actions during games are sometimes more subtle and thus my bigger impact moments take place in practices and other team preparation moments. As a coach I am more methodical and continuously considering and trying to manage the macro and micro moments that affect the team both on and off the field. Switching off whilst playing was also a little easier for me (during off time/holidays) but I am becoming better at powering down hockey-mode as a coach … slowly but surely.
- When were you appointed as coach for the SA Junior ladies and how have things gone to date?
I was appointed at the end of 2019. The pandemic has impacted our JWC preparations significantly, but we have adjusted our plans as and when needed to. The staff and players have displayed such resilience throughout these times and can only be commended for their commitment and willingness to adapt to the changing circumstances when required to. We have been fortunate to have had several training and selection camps and are about to enter the final phases of our Junior World Cup (JWC) preparation shortly.
- Looking at the squad/ talent pool in this age group: Your thoughts on how you believe we may perform?
The talent in this age group bodes well for the future of women’s hockey in South Africa. The camaraderie within the group speaks to the shared values and culture the staff and players have committed to from the outset of this journey together. Our focus will be on executing our individual skills and collective game strategies to the best of our abilities.
- Talk to us about the countries participating in the tournament – your thoughts on who may take it as well as which nation may be the surprize package?
It is sometimes difficult to judge nations at the Junior level however we are mindful of and will be guided by how nations typically play at the Senior level. The Netherlands will undoubtably come into the tournament as favourites whilst many of the other European nations will also be tough competitors. Canada won the Pan America qualifier and seem to be a well organised and capable team, whilst Argentina will be up for the battle of defending their title as current JWC winners. The Asian teams will also be skilful and very well organised. Games will be challenging but it is going to be exciting to witness the future stars of our game in action.
- What is the greatest challenge that you as a coach face with the Juniors? And how do we go about overcoming / addressing this challenge?
Our program is completely self-funded. This places a huge financial pressure on the players and many of them have had to source funds via sponsors and/or supporters thus far. We desperately need the government through the guise of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and corporate South Africa to step in and financially assist these young women now and in the coming years. Our athletes are fulltime students, high-performing athletes, and positive ambassadors of our game and country. We are grateful for the goodwill of our current sponsors and supporters and hope through our upcoming performances to attract further partners along our journey.
- Your support structure: Who are some of the key people (hockey or family etc) that support you and make your job easier?
Our team manager, Lynn Abrahamse, has been a pillar of strength and support. Organising events these past eighteen months has been extremely challenging, due to the dynamic lockdown levels and restrictions, but Lynn has remained calm, focused and admirably executed her role regardless of the numerous changes to our program. She has been a rock for the players and staff. The coaching staff of Marcelle Keet, Bevan Bennett, Luke Makeleni and Marcel Lamont have been exceptional in their roles thus far. They have worked tirelessly in their areas of expertise and I am grateful for all they have contributed to the players and team environment. I am thankful to the Maties Hockey Club Staff who have supported and encouraged me this year and Maties Sport High Performance Unit for assisting in my journey as a high-performance coach. My family, friends and Kary Sharratt are my biggest cheerleaders and I could not have done this job without them in my corner.
- Your thoughts on the venue: North West University?
The facilities at North West University are outstanding and they have hosted countless previous events. I have no doubt they will deliver a successful an unforgettable event. I am looking forward to December and the hospitability of the NWU and local community.
- Your thoughts on LOC Head, Sheldon Rostron and his team?
Sheldon will have a clear goal in terms of what he and his team will aspire to deliver with regards to this event. The NWU community and LOC are passionate people and will work tirelessly to ensure a successful event. I wish them all the very best in this final preparation phase and would like to thank them on behalf of our team for their support thus far and for their efforts in organising this event.
