UJ Hockey assembles new squad for 2023 sport season

Date: Feb 13, 2023 | Hockey, Sport

On Thursday, 09 February 2023, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) senior men’s hockey club has assembled and unveiled its 2023 senior men squad with new and returning student-athletes. The squad boasts ten (10) new first-year students and thirteen (13) returning students, who hail from various parts of South Africa and Namibia.

This initial phase of the programme is focused on the development of the cultural code, team building and physical assessments. From 13 to 17 February 2023, the club will host open trials and all aspects of training will commence a week later.

Head Coach, Moabi Malebye, said they are excited to start afresh and tackle the 2023 season.  “Each year is different and has its own challenges. We are eager to start preparation and build towards the key events of 2023.”

In 2022, the UJ senior men’s hockey team finished in 5th position in the USSA championships in Cape Town, while also coming 4th in Varsity Hockey in Pretoria in the same period.

With the assistance of the senior players who competed in various competitions such as the University Sport South Africa (UUSA) and Varsity Hockey in 2021 and 2022, the new players have adapted to the UJ hockey culture and playing style.

Head Coach, Moabi Malebye, said he was eager to start competing and finishing at the highest position. In 2022, the UJ senior men’s hockey team finished in 5^th position in the University Sport South Africa (USSA) championships in Cape Town, and finishing in  4^th position in Varsity Hockey in Pretoria in the same period.

The UJ Hockey squad:

**New players