Tuks' players made an impact on South African hockey in 2024

One of the biggest positives to take from South African men's hockey in 2024 is the South African under-21 team being crowned senior provincial champions.

It is hard to remember when last, if ever, the South African under-21-side won the senior tournament.

They also won the Provincial Under-21 Tournament.

This is exciting. With the proper management and guidance, these youngsters got the makings to become one of the best South African hockey teams to compete at the Olympic Games over the next eight years.

When talking to Tuks' Jamie Seale, who plays for the South African Under-21-side, it becomes clear why the team has been such a formidable force in 2024 in local hockey.

Seale's dad was himself an avid hockey player in his younger days.

"The most important thing my dad taught me is that the moment I step onto the Astroturf, I should remember that no player is better than me. I play with that mindset every time I am on the field. I was not the only one to do so during the provincial tournament. We really backed ourselves to win every time we played.

"Credit should also go to our coach, Guy Elliot. During the final against Southern Gauteng, he kept reminding us that if we stuck to the game plan, we would make sports history. That served as extra motivation to all of us."

The Tuks player plays as a midfielder. For the South African under-21-side, he played as an outside midfielder.

Asked to brag about his best traits as a player, Seale said his aim was to make things happen on the Astroturf.

"I back myself on my speed, stickwork and dribbling skills. I can 'eliminate' several players with the ball on the stick. In doing so, I create opportunities that can impact the outcome of any game. Having the ability to read the game, I am often in the right place at the right time to score a goal."

SHOUT OUT TO FOURIE

Getting back to 2024 and Tuks Hockey Tegan Fourie's leadership qualities deserve a shout out. 

She captained Tuks' women to win the USSA Tournament. She was also co-captain of the Northerns Blues, who won the senior provincial tournament.

Fourie does not believe in complicating things as captain. For her, it is all about leading by example.

" I play with the mindset of the team first. Playing as a midfielder, I realise that I need to stay composed. Distribution is a big part of my game. I always want to set up an attacking platform for the team. This is my third year as captain for Tuks. In time, I realised the importance of being able to communicate with my teammates during a game. I am constantly encouraging and guiding my teammates during a game."