gsport Celebrates in Style

One year after qualifying for the Olympic Games, the SPAR
national women’s hockey team are about to demonstrate how far they have come
since their last Olympic appearance. Their coach, Jenny King, wants a top 10
finish in Beijing
to enable to qualify for the Champions League.

Jenny is another one of those selfless coaches, who just
wants to see her team thrive. It’s a big opportunity to her, too, to gauge how
much she has grown in her role as national coach.

She spoke to gsport about the road to the Olympics and she
shared some of the team’s Olympic goals.

Jenny, tell us about
the SPAR national women’s hockey team’s Olympic qualification route.

The national Team qualified in August 2007 during the
Africa Cup held in Kenya. SA won the final 5-0

Selection by SASCOC
has been the subject of much speculation: How has this affected the team?

Not at all, the team has concentrated on preparation
efforts and trying not to be distracted by political issues. A little pressure
on participation does prevent teams and athletes from taking competition for
granted.

How did the retirements of Lindsey Wright (nee Carlisle), Pietie Coetzee and Kerry Bee affect the team?

After the last Olympics there was a huge turn-over of
players which didn’t leave many senior players to lead the pack. The few that
were left behind have done a great job of mentoring a very young team and
ensuring that even the junior players have the confidence to take lead role and
responsibility on the field.

There are naturally
top players who will be disappointed not to have been selected for this
national team: What is your message to them?

I think this a time to reflect for all of those players and
make decisions as to whether they are prepared to continue working hard to the
next World Cup. There are always ups and downs in one’s International career,
and should they have the motivation to continue striving for tournaments like
the World Cup, Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games, then it is a case of even
harder work and complete determination to out play current players in the team.

What is South
Africa’s current world ranking, and do you view that ranking as reflective of
the team’s current form?

SA is currently ranked 12. I believe we could be ranked
anywhere in positions 8 -12, however to achieve this, the team needs to start
winning critical games to ensure we gain the much needed ranking points. I
believe ranking 12 has been a pretty good reflection of our ability over the
past 3 years, but on current form I believe the team is ready to make its move,
we now need to produce some results to prove it.

Initial preparations
have been scheduled for the team’s stay in South Korea: What are the team’s
planned activities, and preparations?

 Korea is a tough environment to be training in due to
culture, food, time changes and weather. However the acclimatization is
necessary, and most emphasis will be placed on set piece training, gym, running
and agility program and most important, recovery.

How does the team
view Beijing, as the Olympic Host city?

I don’t think we can even begin to imagine the extent of
the host countries ability to put on what I believe will be the most
spectacular Olympic Games ever.

What is South
Africa’s best previous finish, at the Olympic Games?

SA ended 9/10 beating Spain on golden Goals in the last
play off game

Does the team have
experience of the Olympic hockey facilities?

We did compete at the venue last August. There is no special
aspect of the facilities that would favor our play, but the facilities are very
good.

Is there anything in
the Olympic playing rules which depart from regular rules or conditions?

No, there are no new changes

Who will be the
team’s primary talents for goal-keeping, defensive and attacking play?

As goalkeepers go, Mariette Rix is our number 1, but I
believe that Sanani Mangisa will be called upon on more than one occasion due
to the extraordinary heat conditions. Tarryn Hosking will take the defensive
lead along side Kate Hector and Marsha Marescia will head the attack along with
Jen Wilson.

What do you know
about the team’s initial opponents at the Olympic Games?

We have recently played Netherlands and have had regular
experience against Australia. Spain, Korea and China are little known to us

What is the team’s
toughest competition in the early stages?

Every game will be tough. We have not beaten any of our
opposition recently, so it will be a real test of the team’s ability and
determination

What is a realistic
expectation, as far as the Olympic tournament is concerned?

We are aiming to end in the top 10, thus qualifying us for
the Champions Challenge next year

How can South Africa
best support the hockey team, while at the Olympics?

Don’t criticize. This is the best we have, the best
prepared they can be and will always be giving their best.

What are your
personal goals, as team coach?

As long as I am coaching a team that is growing in ability
and that they are happy and motivated, I am a fairly content coach. My greatest
challenge is getting the current team to believe that they are capable of much
more – but we are nearly there.