Two hockey superstars are re-writing the record books yet again as they prepare to play their part in the Rabobank Hockey World Cup.
South Africa's Pietie Coetzee is the highest goal scorer in women's international hockey, while Luciana Aymar has won the FIH Player of the Year award on a record eight occasions. The two women have now entered the record books again – this time as the only players to grace the pitch the last time the World Cup was a joint occasion back in 1998. On that occasion Argentina finished fourth and South Africa finished seventh. Pietie got her World Cup career off to a flying start, scoring seven goals in that tournament, while Luciana failed to get on the score sheet. Two World Cup gold medals have probably made up for that disappointment since!
For Pietie the chance to play on the World Cup stage nearly passed her by. Discussions dating back to February led to the player and the South Africa coaching staff deciding that she would be better off missing the World Cup and targeting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow instead. "The extensive build-up for the World Cup was something that I just couldn't be part of, for the sake of my business really, but I have never stopped training, so I feel that I can step in and perform a role."
And the experienced player is all too aware that the demands on her this time around might not be the role she is used to playing. "I am there for the team and what is best for the team. If that means being on the bench, so be it. I am surprised and delighted to be here, but I know that I am here in a different role this time."
Talking about the South Africa team, Pietie smiles as she says that it is a team that might spring a few surprises. "We have experienced players that you know all about, but there are some other players who could make a difference. In the past we have fallen short when it comes to consistency, but the squad has been playing more internationals and spending more time training together, so it is time for us to perform at a higher level all of the time, that is the thing that will lift us from being a top 12 team to being in the top six."
Both Luciana and Pietie have shown longevity in a sport that is notorious for injuries. They have both developed their training and nutrition to a point where they are able to monitor their health and, to a certain extent, protect their bodies. "It is all a question of personal experience," says Pietie. "When you have played for a number of years you learn how to train smart. I always do a lot of research into training and I have learnt a lot over the past 14 years."
Pietie's inclusion in the South Africa squad was only announced earlier in the week, when it was clear that Lenise Marais would not recover from a leg injury. Luciana Aymar by contrast has always been on the Argentine team sheet and, according to team head coach Carlos Retegui, is part of a squad that is ready for this tournament after a disappointing few months. Certainly the player they call The Magician in Argentina is ready for the occasion. She tweeted: "Las Leonas are anxious with just a short while to the World Cup, but there are good vibes in the team."
For both these hockey icons, this World Cup is likely to be their last, and as Pietie says: "I have had a long and enjoyable career, whatever happens here I will look back and be very happy and satisfied that I have given my best."
