Steinhoff Maties Hockey will start the Grand Challenge League this coming Saturday at the Maties Astro. The men’s team will be up against Langa at 18:00, while the women will be in action at 13:30 against Durbanville. Both teams won the Grand Challenge last season.
It will be Neville Rothman’s first game in charge as coach of the Maties Men’s team. Rothman is not new to the Grand Challenge. He coached Vics for the past few years so he is not expecting nervous butterflies come Saturday’s match. “We have been working hard since early February. Langa is never an easy fixture to start off with but we are confident in our processes and we will look to play our usual brand of flowing hockey. Over the past 5 seasons I have coached the Victorians in the Grand Challenge so I am not nervous but this is my first year in charge of the TOP TEAM at Maties – I am more excited than nervous but am grateful for the opportunity that has been afforded to me.”
While Rothman is making his debut as the top team’s coach, women’s coach Jenny King is very experienced. “The team has had an extensive pre-season training program so I am confident that we will be technically and physically ready for the first game. Tactical preparation develops throughout the season so we look forward to getting a start. The first game of the season is never easy, but I am confident with the team almost at full strength that we will play well and get the result we need. The strength of the mid-field will give us a great attacking base to work from. It is great to have all teams at home this weekend, gives the season great momentum and a chance for all teams to get to see each other.”
Fixtures are available on this site under Fixtures tab.