Wits hockey team struggles to keep up with UJ during the first Hares UCT Astro in Cape Town
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) women’s hockey team beat Wits University 2-1 during the first weekend of the Varsity Hockey Hares University of Cape Town (UCT) Astro on Monday, May 6 at UCT.
This was Wit’s third loss after four rounds of matches that took place over the weekend.
After an uneventful first quarter, Wits’ Nomnikelo Veto scored a penalty goal in the 24th minute of the match, awarding Wits their first goal.
The captain of the UJ hockey team, Lisa Hawker replied immediately after Veto’s penalty shot with a field goal, putting UJ one point up from Wits.
UJ’s Pauline Jacob said the most difficult moment during the match was, “having to stay positive and calm when we conceded that first goal to Wits, and to keep on with our momentum.”
Pietie Turner-Coetzee, the Wits hockey coach, told Wits Vuvuzela “The girls were absolutely outstanding, just like they have been the whole weekend.”
Coetzee added that the UJ team “challenged us and I thought they did what needed to be done to get a result”.
Nompilo Thenwayo, captain of the Wits hockey side said, “Playing against UJ is always very tough as we know each other and have played against each other a number of times.”
Wits is now placed seventh out of eight in the Varsity Hockey League.
This season Coach Coetzee hopes to ensure the players develop to their full potential as she continues to motivate them.
Wits are set to play against the University of Free State’s hockey team – the Kovsies, kicking off the second weekend of the derby on May 10.
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits Ladies hockey captain Nompilo Thenjwayo takes over the ball at a 2018 Winter League game. Photo: File
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