THANDO CELE
The University of Pretoria’s hockey club has dominated the Northern Gauteng hockey scene for over a decade and has produced numerous international players in both the men’s and women’s teams. The style and brand of hockey now synonymous with the Candy Stripes is a fast-paced and attack-oriented approach attributed to the teams’ ongoing success. In 2017, UP-Tuks will try to reach new heights at regional, provincial and national level in the hopes of cementing a legacy in hockey.
The new set-up of management and sponsorship deals will strengthen the club, and also create a very enticing prospect for the incoming flux of fresh talented youngsters. Several junior provincial and national athletes from schools around the country have been recruited as part of UP’s sports bursary programme.
The 2016 hockey season was highlighted by breakthroughs and lots of success for the UP-Tuks men’s and women’s teams at inter-varsity, regional and league level. They swept aside all who came before them in the Northern Gauteng Hockey league, successfully defending their league titles once again. UP went on to finish second at the annual USSA hockey tournament, as well as provide a healthy representation of hockey players at provincial level for the men, women and u/21 categories.
The 2017 season will be met with ever-increasing anticipation and excitement to uphold the high standards of 2016, and to build on UP’s status as one of the premier varsity hockey clubs in the country. With the inaugural South African Premier Hockey League (PHL) contributing to the sport’s popularity in 2016, the upcoming season will provide an opportunity for the UP-Tuks players to make a strong case for club selection. Nicolene Terblanche’s leadership has been met with resounding optimism following the success of the 2016 hockey season. There is plenty to look forward to in 2017, and TuksHockey will further build the talent of the future and continue in the relentless pursuit of success.
Image: Saspa.
