UJ skipper Gareth Heyns is expecting fast-paced creative final

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) men’s first team hockey captain
Gareth Heyns has played Varsity Hockey for a number of years and is well-versed in the dynamics that play out between traditional rivals and long-term opponents who have also become good friends – at least off the pitch, that is.

The prospect of appearing in the final for the second successive time in this, the second edition of the biannual Varsity Hockey men’s competition, is precisely why Heyns’ thoughts carry much weight.

“I don’t think we have reached our full potential as yet. We are a new team, so we are still trying to get connections right and nail down the exact type of hockey we want to play, says the UK leader. “We have the plan but it’s about guys getting to know each other a lot better.”

This showdown for Varsity Hockey 2016 glory takes place at UJ’s Hockey Astro on Monday, May 23 and the all-important start time to pencil into your diary is 6.45pm.

So what about those 60 minutes’ action come Monday evening in Jozi?

“Yes, it comes down to which team turns it on. I have massive respect and belief in this UJ team and will always back them to fight till the last seconds.”

UJ so clearly proved this point in their incredible semi-final defeat of Wits after trailing by four goals with just minutes to go.

“There have been a few matches during which we have had to up our game at key moments but in the end we need to be more professional and consistent so that we operate from the start of the game and don’t have to play ourselves out of those situations,” said Heyns.

Certainly a balanced perspective from a captain, so where does this UJ team rank as a unit when compared to the Varsity Hockey title winners of two years ago?

“The team of 2014 had played together for a long time and we had something special in that we were all good friends and knew each other very well. I certainly think this team has the potential, but it will take time. It’s not something that happens overnight. In saying that I don’t think we are far off. It’s a few things here and there that we need to get right.”

The ability borne of hard-earned experience in the all-or-nothing matches is also prevalent in this UJ team, both as team-mates in other representative provincial or national teams and also purely as individuals. The experiences of good outcomes and the bad can only be obtained in the furnace of knockout matches.

“Yes it does play a massive role. I think players learn how to conduct themselves and control their emotions in key moments of those games and that is what separates the winners from the losers. In those games it’s the little things that count and if you can get those things right then you give yourself a great opportunity.”

What’s absolutely without doubt, too, is that the UJ lads, like the men from Tuks, will play through the pain barrier in honour of their coaching staff, team-mates and the colours they wear.

“Our hockey facility at UJ is, thankfully, very professional and they take great care of us. Tuks have always been a tough, physical side that won’t back down to any challenge.

“I think the spectators can expect a physical game that’s fast and creative, value-plus in those 60 minutes of play for sure.”