After three incredible and insightful years, Cheslyn Gie steps down from his role as head coach for the South African men’s hockey team. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, invaluable contributions and a love for the game.
Gqeberha, South Africa (08 November 2024) – Cheslyn Gie, a name synonymous with South African hockey, recently concluded his successful tenure as the national men’s team head coach. His three-year journey, marked by dedication, passion, and strategic brilliance, has left an enduring legacy on the sport.
Gie, who is also the hockey manager at Nelson Mandela University, started his association with the Proteas as an assistant video analyst against Germany in 2009. He served as assistant coach from 2017 and was named interim head coach in 2022, after which the position was made official in January this year.
However, the Madibaz mentor acknowledged that every coaching position came with a shelf life due to the intense scrutiny and pressure to deliver results.
Some of his most significant milestones and favourite memories include South Africa’s victory in the inaugural Nations Cup in Potchefstroom in 2022 and qualifying for the FIH Pro League.
These accomplishments highlighted his invaluable contributions while also reflecting the collective effort of the team. However, Gie adds that the sport was sadly limited in its resources to upskill and provide proper compensation for the coaching team.
Gie hailed the 2023 Hockey World Cup in India as an “incredible opportunity” for his personal growth as a coach.
“The pressure, the crowds and the competition undoubtedly pushed me and the team to new limits.”
But the Olympic Games was the one that stood out. His charges won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to qualify for Paris, where they finished in a Games-best ninth after defeating the hosts. That saw them move from 14th to 11th in the world rankings.
These milestones highlighted the potential in this country and were also a testament to the work done by the players and coaching staff, Gie shares.
A bronze medal at the second FIH Nations Cup in Poland this year proved valuable preparation for the Olympics, which in itself turned out to be “a unique experience” from a mentorship perspective.
“I am happy I could play a small part in helping the team move in an upward trajectory,” Gie, who believes in empowering his players to make their own decisions, said.
“We wanted to create an environment where they felt comfortable expressing their ideas, even if these didn’t always lead to the desired outcome.”
Gie’s mentorship and guidance have shaped the careers of many young talents, inspiring them to reach their full potential.
He also advocates an attacking style to allow the South Africans to showcase their skills on the world stage. This approach, he believed, would benefit the players while contributing to the sport’s popularity back home.
Gie was thankful for the backing he had received from various quarters during his international stint.
“My family provided unwavering support, regardless of the situation, and close friends offered advice and encouragement. It’s important to have a strong support network to help you navigate the testing periods.”
The continued development of the sport at a national level needed the high-performance portfolio to set well-defined objectives and performance standards, he said.
“By having a clear mandate, the team and coach can align their efforts and work towards a common goal.”
For a sport that often flies under the radar, funding is always a headache and the bottom line for Gie. A budget to cover training expenses and full-time staff will be a huge step forward.
Sources: Madibaz Sport
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