VPHS Magazine 2014 | Page 157

VPHS U16A All in all we managed to build a team that can and will dominate in the coming years. It all comes down to how hard these u16 hockey players are willing to push themselves in fitness training and in their attitude towards this sport. As a coach, I do believe this is highly possible and it is an inner characteristic that will have to be tapped into over the next few years. Special thanks must go to Mr Ryan, Mr Lehman and to my captain, Andrew Rhodes, for his leadership abilities. In all, this was an enjoyable year and if one can look past results and look at the bigger picture, which is Victoria Park Hockey, then we are on the right pathway to success. Mr A Betts Back Row: Ridhaa Brown; Keanon Geldenhuys; Matthew Jones; JP van Vuuren; Hardus Pretorius; Middle Row: Jayson Bouwer; Bulumko Blouw; Kyle Myburgh; Liam Jacobs; Jason McNamara; Front Row: Chadley Smith; Lukholo Debeshe; Andrew Rhodes (captain); Mr Betts; Patrick Butler (vicecaptain); Lindokuhle Mbilini; Chumile Mfazwe U14A 2014 turned out to be a tough year for this up and coming side. Firstly the team had four of their key players making the 1st team setup and basically being unavailable for almost all of their matches. Secondly the side was fresh from the u14 age group, and the jump to the u16 level is always a challenging one. This, however, did not deter my u16 boys in tackling some of South Africa’s top hockey schools such as Wynberg, Grey PE and St Andrews College. What impressed me about this years’ team was their ability to hold their own against some tough opposition. We often view a loss as a disaster in sport; however, only losing 2-1 to Wynberg is an incredible achievement and a testament to the future of Victoria Park hockey. If one had to combine the four boys who played in the 1st team with the seven top u16a players, Victoria Park should have a side that could take on Wynberg in the future. Back Row: Kuphumla Matwa, Michael Currie, Cameron Campbell, Isma-eel Langeveldt, Tristan Jansen, Front Row: Matthew Potgieter, Buhle Tshazibana, Matthew Nell, Mr A. Ryan, Russell Cummins, Sibahle Mayekiso, Hayden Adams This year saw the u14A hockey boys take on many seemingly insurmountable challenges. The manner with which the team handled the pressure amazed me and others that were privileged enough to watch all of the games this season.