Varsity Hockey is proving to be a vital cog in the production line of South African hockey excellence. With Varsity Hockey alumni filling the South African national side, the importance of the tournament is clear.
The three weeks of hard hitting action exposes the players to tougher conditions, which prepares them for the higher echelons of the sport according to SA-U21 squad-member and Tuks goal-keeper Estiaan Kriek.
“The difference in level is the speed, skill and intensity of the game. The speed and intensity of Varsity Hockey is a lot higher than that of school hockey,” said Kriek.
UJ defender and SA Junior World Cup player Kyle Lion-Cachet echoed Kriek’s statement.
“I feel the difference between school hockey and Varsity Hockey is that the pace of the game is a lot faster and a lot more physical. There is less room for error.”
The players have dubbed the level of competition within the tournament what makes it such an important stepping stone in South African Hockey with Gauteng and Wits centre-half Michael Marki commenting on the jump in competition from high school to Varsity Hockey.
“For me the jump from Matric to first year was quite big. We’re playing against guys who have more street smarts than you and to catch up you need to adapt a lot quicker otherwise you’ll get left behind, whereas high school hockey, although still very fast paced and intense, is a lot more forgiving.”
South Africa U21 coach Garreth Ewing explained that Varsity Hockey is a necessary nursery for South Africa’s next batch of top talent.
“Varsity Hockey is a great opportunity for aspiring national players, especially the Under-21s. Seeing the players under the pressure of competition and exposure to a high-profile environment gives me, as national coach, a good chance to see who can cut it at the next level.
“University competition has always been a feeder to SA Under-21 teams, and Varsity Hockey has taken that to the next level.”
Catch the Tuks leg of the competition, which will be televised live on SuperSport on Sunday 13 May and Monday 14 May. The final will also be broadcast live on SuperSport on 21 May.
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