NWU HOCKEY TEAMS EXCEL AT USSA TOURNAMENT

Lesiba Dikhoba 

@lesiba.dikhoba 

North-West University (NWU) hockey teams delivered outstanding performances at the 2024 USSA tournament, held in Johannesburg at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), with the ladies team earning a 2nd place, and the men’s team achieving a 4th place finish. 

The ladies team showcased dominance in their group stage matches, winning all three matches without conceding — with commanding victories over Nelson Mandela University (7-0), the University of the Free State (4-0), and the University of Pretoria (1-0). 

The Eagles continued with their unbeaten streak following a 2-1 win against hosts, Wits, to book their place in the final. Despite a strong performance against the University of Pretoria in the final, it wasn’t enough to earn them 1st place. 

In contrast, the men’s team had mixed results in their group stage matches — with a 3-0 loss to Stellenbosch University, a 2-1 victory over Wits, and a 3-3 draw against Varsity College. Advancing to the semifinals, The Eagles efforts weren’t enough as they were defeated 2-0 by the University of Pretoria and were narrowly beaten by the University of Johannesburg in their 3rd/4th place playoff game. 

Both teams had challenges in their 2024 USSA campaign, with inconsistent refereeing being one of them. According to the NWU hockey manager, Shaun Hulley, officiating was one of the biggest issues at the tournament. 

“One of the biggest challenges was that the level of officiating was not up to the standard expected for such a high-level tournament. This could have led to frustration and potentially unfair game outcomes,” he explained.

However, Coach Hulley’s teams focused on what they can control. “The teams focused on controlling the controllable. They accepted that the quality of officiating was beyond their control and chose to concentrate on aspects they could influence, such as their performance, strategy, and teamwork. This mindset helped them stay focused and maintain their composure during the games,” he mentioned.

Moreover, the coach believes the high competition levels were also a factor in their performances. However, his side relied on their comprehensive preparation and support systems. 

Their well-balanced program, including video analysis, quality coaching, psychological support, strength and conditioning, and physiotherapy, equipped them to handle the high competition levels effectively. 

Fortunately, both teams avoided major injuries, all thanks to their conditioning programs, the presence of physiotherapy and biokinetics professionals. With both teams earning respectable results at the 2024 USSA hockey tournament, Coach Hulley showed gratitude to the unwavering support from the NWU.

“The university provided a well rounded program, including video analysis, quality coaching, psychological support, and access to physiotherapy and biokinetics. This holistic approach was instrumental in keeping players motivated, confident, and prepared for high-level competition,” he said.

The tournament provided the NWU with lessons to be learned, with the coach saying that the team gained valuable experience that will be used to continually learn and grow in all facets of the game, tactically, technically etc. 

Looking ahead, both teams are looking to elevate their performances in the next USSA tournament. “We would like to take things one level higher in the next USSA tournament for the mens and ladies team, the men to get a bronze and the ladies to win the tournament,” Coach Hulley added. 

The NWU hockey teams have set high standards for future competitions, with their performances at the 2024 USSA tournament showcasing their commitment and continuous growth.