The University of Pretoria is proud to boast that one of its own has been asked to take care of the national hockey astro turf. Coach Sihle “Sigz” Ntuli is the current TuksHockey first men’s team coach who has been at the helm of success with some of the best field hockey players the country has to offer.
With him by their side, they dominated the local league and made it look easy to win back-to-back in the University Sports South Africa (USSA) inter-varsity competitions. The side caused a stir two years ago when they decided to leave the local league to set up their own match schedule to better suit and prepare the players for potential national duty. This decision offered a good return for the Tuks side regardless.
Coach Ntuli’s track record boasts of having experience as the SA u/21 men’s head coach. He has also travelled to the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Recent publications point out that Coach Ntuli has now shifted his focus to the upcoming Nations Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. This will serve as a qualifier for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s Hockey World Cup. He has expressed his excitement for the responsibility that he has been given.
It is important to shine a light on South African hockey. This is a sport that sorely lacks financial backing from the state, and it is one in which the country has immense potential. The least we can do, especially as UP students, is to show the players our support and love for this moment. There is a sense of pride and joy for many of the players that are currently in the Tuks team who will also be representing the country in the national jersey. We decide whether to make this sport a big deal or not. So let us attempt to put in an effort and attend a game when we can. Spread the message.
Congratulations, Coach Ntuli. Make UP and the country proud!
