The University of Johannesburg will have three hockey stars in the SA Women’s team that will be participating at the World League semi-final tournament in Valencia, Spain, from June 10 to 21 as they bid to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Strikers Lilian du Plessis and Bernadette Coston (2013 Varsity Hockey player) as well as defender Lisa Deetlefs (2013 Varsity Hockey player), who are all regulars in the national squad, were once again on the team sheet released earlier this week.
According to the criteria set by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, the team must finish in the top six at the tournament to stand a chance of competing in Rio.
South Africa, who are currently ranked 11th in the world, will face a tough draw against some of the top hockey-playing nations, including Argentina, the United States of America, Germany and Great Britain.
UJ hockey manager Elize le Roux said Du Plessis, Coston and Deetlefs were all invaluable members of the University’s team and would play a key role in their country’s ambitions.
The youngest of the trio, Du Plessis, impressed as an impact player in the recent Varsity Hockey competition, which saw UJ win the title for a second consecutive year.
The first-year education student was named FNB Player of the Match against Maties and Wits, respectively, and also claimed the Jet Super Striker award in the semifinal against Tuks.
Le Roux said Du Plessis had returned from a stint with the Belgium-based KHC Dragons shortly before the Varsity Hockey competition.
“We are certain her time with the European Hockey League team will also stand her in good stead for South Africa’s campaign in Spain,” Le Roux said.
She said the experienced Deetlefs and Coston were not eligible for Varsity Hockey, having exceeded the age limit of 25, but would be part of the university’s side for the annual University Sport South Africa championship, which follows the World League semifinals at the end of the month.
Le Roux said chiropractic masters student Coston, who was named 2014 UJ Sportswoman of the Year, was a great ambassador for the club.
“She’s definitely a role model. Bernadette is very committed and hardworking and her success is evident in her performance on and off the field,” Le Roux added.
She added that Deetlefs, who is completing her advanced certificate in business management, was always solid and reliable in defence.
Le Roux attributed the University’s success to, among other aspects, good coaching structures and sound player management.
“It’s very important for us to support the player on and off the field. We have a number of structures in place and take a well-rounded approach using biokinetics, physiotherapy, sport psychology, nutrition and academic support.
“Another big aspect is the pro-active recruitment strategy that we have in place.” she stated.
This was bearing fruit, she said, with six female players included in South Africa’s Under-21 Junior World Cup squad for 2016.
Marizen Marais, Kristen Paton, Cheneal Raubenheimer and Demi Harmse were also part of the 2014 Youth Olympics team, with Chloe Keeping and Carmen Smith joining them in the Junior World Cup squad.
