For the second year in a row the Steinhoff Maties Hockey Club of the Stellenbosch University has won both the men and women’s Western Province Grand Challenge League.
For the men it was a highlight of a season that had its ups and downs, while the women got the treble of titles – USSA, Intervarsity and Grand Challenge – they were looking for.
It was coach Neville Rothman’s first season in charge of the senior men’s team. Steinhoff Maties managed a place in the final of the Varsity Hockey but lost against USSA champions UJ. “Even though we were part of the Varsity Hockey tournament we regarded the league (Grand Challenge) as our highest priority. So to defend our title – in the way we did – is a massive achievement for everyone involved. You can never expect to win the Grand Challenge as it’s a tough competition with many good teams. The expectation set by ourselves and the University is to win the league so there is some pressure but the players relish this challenge,” said Rothman.
Not only did Rothman lose some players to national duty he also had to make work with injuries to key players like striker Shannon Boucher. “Careful planning from the beginning allowed us to work with an extended squad during these times but you can never really plan for injuries and this is where I need to compliment the players as many of them had to play for longer periods during matches as our squad towards the end was rather depleted.”
Steinhoff Maties men ended the season on Saturday with a 4-4 draw against WPCC. “The entire season has been the highlight as we have remained unbeaten.”
Steinhoff Maties women have always been a powerhouse of student hockey. For coach Jenny King winning the Grand Challenge is always a goal. “I won’t say we expected to win the league, but we do put everything in to ensure we do secure the title. There is always pressure when you play for a Steinhoff Maties team. Everybody always wants to beat us, which is great as it drives us to keep improving. Losing players to injury and national duty was part of our planning and we were prepared. We always train with a squad of 20 so as to keep the continuity in the game and team performance.”
The treble were all part of the planning for King and her team. “Our focus now shifts to the 2015 Varsity Hockey.” Steinhoff Maties women are the defending champions. What is most pleasing for King is the fact that the Vics women team are currently lying second on the log. “It proves the depth of our high performance programs, players and coaches.”