GARETH Bishop has again been selected for the South African Country Districts hockey team.
At the age of just 22, he is considered a ‘senior’ in the team as it is his fourth appearance in the space of five years, even though he is younger than many in the team.
The SACD tournament was played at the Tshwane University of Technology and the KwaZulu-Natal team finished fifth out of 12 teams.
Gareth, who plays link or midfield, netted four goals in six games. He loved every moment, and in particular watching the final.
“Southern Cape beat Western Province in the last 10 seconds of the game. It was brilliant to watch,” he said.
Gareth is now looking forward to the men’s SA IPT where the SACD team will compete in the B section.
This will take place in Durban, most likely at Queensmead, from August 25 to 30.
The SACD team won their section two years ago, so he’ll be hoping for much of the same this year.
“One moment of brilliance can win you a game,” he said. “I’m working on my fitness as generally, if I am fit, the feel is there,” he said.
It’s not that he’s unfit, he just wants to be in peak condition. “I’m fairly quick off the mark, I’ve got some pace,” he laughed.
He’s also preparing himself mentally. “Basically, the way I see it is that if I play well, I help the team, so my focus is to play to the best of my ability,” he said.
Gareth has also played representative cricket, both indoor and outdoor. He’s a very useful spin bowler, but batting is definitely his strength.
He is a teacher intern and sports coach at Creston College. At the time of his interview he was filling in for the Afrikaans teacher.
“My Afrikaans is nie so lekker nie, maar ek kan ‘n bietjie praat,” he said.
Fortunate Mshengu has been selected for the women’s team, but was not available for an interview at the time of going to press.
