Ahead of the 9th edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup taking place in South Africa (1-12 April), we’re conducting a series of exclusive interviews with the participating teams. Today: Christa Ramasimong (RSA).
Christa, how does it feel to be playing a World Cup, especially when it’s at home?
It’s a great privilege and an honour as a South African to be part of such a huge tournament, and also hosting it in my hometown! I’m so excited! I’m super, super keen for this tournament!
You’re even a student at the North-West University of Potchefstroom, so you must know the venue very well!?
Yes, I started studying here in 2019 so this is my fourth year. We have world-class facilities at the North-West University and it’s great knowing that such a huge tournament is being hosted here, as we have also hosted the FIH Hockey Pro League the past weeks.
Precisely, did you follow the Pro League action?
Yes, of course! I was even working with the teams and we also had the opportunity as students and student athletes to look at what world-class international hockey is about. So that was also an amazing experience for us.
Would you say that playing at home brings some sort of an extra motivation to the team?
Yes, 100%! I feel like it just gives you as a team an extra boost because you know that you’re actually playing for more and people at home are looking at you. I feel as South Africa a lot of people don’t know much about hockey, but this is going to be a new introduction into South Africa, a new culture in our sports.
Do you think that this event could have a positive impact on the development of hockey in your country?
Yes, 100%! I feel like this is going to motivate the sporting code in South Africa because currently we are one of the amateur sports, we don’t get paid to play nationally or to play club hockey, but I feel that this might bring a change, knowing that, if we do perform at the World Cup, we might get the recognition that we need from the sporting department.
What are your expectations, as a team, at this World Cup?
It really is to perform and give our best. South Africa is not really well-known for hockey specifically but we would love to defy whatever odds are there and we would love to make history as a team. And just give our best for South Africa!
