New Delhi, 18 July 2013: Hockey India today announced the appointment of Mr. Dave Staniforth as Strategic Analyst and Goalkeeping Coach of the Senior & Junior Men Hockey teams.
Hockey India Secretary General Dr. Narinder Batra said that he believes in focussed and concentrated training for goalkeepers and the appointment of a dedicated Goalkeeping Coach is a step in that direction. Hockey India is sure that all the goalkeepers in the core probables will benefit immensely from his appointment. “Hockey as a sport is about precise strategy and execution, so I believe that Dave’s appointment will be significant ahead of the major events including FIH Hockey Junior Men World Cup 2013 and FIH Hockey Senior Men World Cup 2014” said Dr Batra.
“I am very happy with my new role with the Indian men teams and really look forward to preparing the goalkeepers for the busy hockey schedule ahead", said Mr Staniforth. "Having spent a lot of time following the Indian team during the last two years, I have a good understanding of the goalkeepers strengths and weaknesses.”
He added: “I think that having a quality goalkeeper backing up an attacking hockey style is crucial to any teams success and I will be doing my best to make sure that the Indian Men teams have this luxury. My role is twofold, namely as a goalkeeper coach and strategic analyst, a very similar job which I fulfilled for the Ranchi Rhinos during the Hero Hockey India League, earlier this year. I am honoured with my appointment and can’t wait to start.”
Mr Staniforth, 37, worked as Goalkeeping coach with the South African national side for three years. He has also worked with Riverside Hockey Club and Dave Staniforth Academy as Goalkeeping Coach. He also holds an FIH Certificate in International Goalkeeper Coaching and has done two other Coaching Courses - Irish Hockey Association Level 1 and English Hockey Association Level 2.
As a player, Dave Staniforth has 65 international caps and has represented South Africa in the XXVII Olympic Games in Athens 2004, Commonwealth Games in Manchester 2002, 10th FIH Hockey World Cup in Kuala Lumpur 2002, three times FIH Champions Challenge in Kuala Lumpur 2001, Johannesburg 2003 and Alexandria 2005 and 8th All Africa Games in Nigeria 2003.
Source: Hockey India media release.
