SA hockey once again come undone

Posted on March 09, 2022 by Ken

South Africa’s second game in the FIH Hockey Pro League in Potchefstroom saw them once again come undone as they were hammered 10-2 by a fast and skilful India side who were relentless in the first half.

India powered into an 8-0 lead at halftime with four goals in each quarter, their short-corner work being particularly clinical, Jugraj Singh scoring a hat-trick from the set-piece.

The pace at which they played clearly rattled the South Africans, who struggled to match the ball-speed and inevitably made basic mistakes or gave the possession away through poor passes. They also lacked composure in defence, with India earning a short corner with just about every circle-entry in the early stages of the match.

South Africa began the second half in much better fashion, keeping India in their own territory with much better ball-retention and earning a couple of short-corners which were well-saved by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. India’s brilliant counter-attacking skills then came to the fore as they broke out of their cell and swiftly stormed downfield, Gursahibjit Singh scoring with an excellent angled finish.

South Africa were 9-0 down but they provided some hope with a strong performance in the second half, producing patches of attractive hockey.

Daniel Bell found the box with a low short-corner flick in the 44^th minute and Richard Pautz punched home early in the final quarter, after good build-up by Tyson Dlungwana down the left flank and neat touches by Dayaan Cassiem and Bili Ntuli.

India had the final say though, two minutes before the end as Dilpreet Singh broke free and fired a superb shot into goal from the top of the circle.

“We did not start the way we wanted,” Bell admitted, “we struggled to get into our rhythm in the first half. We wanted a more competitive game and we need to keep them out better.

“In the second half there was a big change, we started to play some hockey and show our flair.”

“The first half was not a true reflection of our ability,” Pautz said. “We had a very slow start and our mindset was off. But a 2-2 draw in the second half shows our capability.

“That’s what we should be doing consistently and we need to be more clinical in the circle.”

Tags: 10-2, come, fast, FIH Hockey Pro League, first half, hammered, India, once again, Potchefstroom, relentless, saw them, second game, skilful, South Africa, undone
Category Hockey, Sport
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Thought of the Day

John 15:4 – “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

For those who believe in Christ, their greatest desire should be to grow into the likeness of His image.

But once the emotional fervour has cooled, what about your daily life? Do you reveal his indwelling Spirit through the sincerity of your motives, your honesty, unselfishness and love? You may speak of Christ living in you, but is that reflected in your actions and do you allow Him to find expression through your life?

We need to draw from the strength Christ puts at our disposal – the indwelling Spirit that overcomes our human weaknesses and inadequacy.

And remember we bear fruit, we cannot produce it.

My Springbok squad for Europe tour

Aphelele Fassi, Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Edwill van der Merwe, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jaden Hendrikse, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Jasper Wiese, Cameron Hanekom, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Elrigh Louw, Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, Franco Mostert, RG Snyman, Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Johan Grobbelaar.

Ken Borland