KNYSNA NEWS - Mmatshepo Modipane, the sports director at Oakhill Prep and the goalkeeper for the South African Women's Masters hockey team, recently showcased her talents on an international stage by leading her team to victory in the Masters Hockey World Cup, held in Cape Town.
Competing at venues including Hartleyvale Stadium and the University of Cape Town Hockey Club, Modipane and her teammates finished the tournament unbeaten, displaying some sharp skill and dogged teamwork.
The SA U-35 team dominated the preliminary matches, defeating Ireland (2-0), Australia's second team (8-0), and Argentina (2-0). Their strong performance continued in the knockout stages, where they triumphed over Germany (3-0) and then secured a spot in the finals with a 2-0 win against Australia.
Standout player
In the final match, they convincingly defeated the Netherlands 4-1. Throughout the tournament, Modipane was a standout player, conceding only one goal, which came in the final - a testament to her goalkeeping prowess against top-tier opponents.
Modipane, who fell in love with hockey at the age of 12, expressed her passion for the goalkeeper position. "Yes, I've played in the midfield here and there, but 95% of my career, I've always been the last line of defence.
'Organise the defenders'
"I enjoy the position because I have a different perspective on how the game might unfold, and then I try to anticipate accordingly.
Mmatshepo Modipane
"From here (as goalkeeper) I can also organise the defenders to assist me with any danger that may threaten our goal posts," she says.
Modipane also had high praise for her teammates and reiterated that consistency was key to their triumph as a unit.
"Our fitness levels and on-the-ball energy ultimately made the difference. As a unit we also gelled perfectly and I guess the old cliche is true, 'winning becomes a habit'.
"I feel honoured to be part of this group and can't wait for the interprovincial matches, to begin early next year," she said.
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