Daniel Bell in action against the Dutch.
In only his second international series Steinhoff Maties Hockey’s Daniel Bell showed his intent to become a regular member of the South African Men’s hockey team
Bell, Dylan Swanepoel, Pierre de Voux, Jacques le Roux, Shannon Boucher, Keenan Horne and Marc Fourie – all Maties – played for the SA team in the Summer Series matches against Netherlands and Ireland. SA lost against the Dutch, played to a draw against the Irish in the first game and then lost a thriller 4-5 in the last Irish match.
Earlier in January Bell along with Fourie, Boucher and Horne made their debut for South Africa in a series against Austria. “It was such an honour for me to play for my country. I will never forget my first time lining up for the national anthem. Standing there I realised that I have made it. I enjoyed the whole experience so much. After my first match I came off the field with such a big smile…I just knew I was where I wanted to be,” said Bell.
Bell was one of the best players on the field against the Dutch and Irish. “I have to keep on working hard. If you play for your country you can never settle for being average. I want to be the best. I am happy with my form and my game in this series, but I know there is always room for improvement. I am moving forward, but I know I am capable of so much more!”
Bell added that playing with his club mates made the whole experience even more memorable. “Taking the field with my Maties teammates was something special. During the years we developed a special bond and to play together for our country was special.”
South Africa will play next in a series against Germany.