Two of the things the TuksHockey player, Mark Chong, loves most is hockey and animals.
As a player, he is already rated as one of the real up and coming talents of South African hockey. Chong is in the South African under-21 squad. Those who have seen him play are of the opinion that he will definitely get to play during the World Under-21 Tournament as he is just such a life wire with a stick in hand.
Playing link he seemingly always has a plan up his sleeve to challenge the opposition’s tactical savviness.
From Sunday his challenge is going to be to see how he can help the Northerns under-21 side win the national tournament hosted by Pretoria Girls High School.
It is going to be the fifth big tournament since May Chong will be playing. The 19-year old represented Tuks during the Varsity and USSA Tournaments. Played for the Northerns during the national senior tournament and was also in action during the PHL Tournament.
Apparently, if you are as passionate as Chong about hockey, there is never a stage where you feel enough is enough. Wanting to take a break and forget about hockey for a few weeks.
“I love hockey as you tend to get addicted to the fast pace at which the game is played. And then there is the challenge of trying to manipulate the other team. Playing link means I am mostly in the thick of things. The most important thing to do is to continually recycle the ball to try and create scoring opportunities for my teammates.”
Chong has no hesitation in singling Australia’s Jame Dwyer out as a player he admires.
“His work rate is unbelievable as his skills and vision. It is all qualities I am aspiring towards.”
Helping and caring for animals is Chong’s other true passion. At the moment he is studying BA General, but he hopes to be able to switch later on to study to become a vet.
The coaches at TuksHockey are certainly doing something right as the Northerns under-21 side, is apart from one player, an all Tuks side. Guy Elliott who coached Tuks to victory during the Varsity Tournament is the head coach. He will be assisted by Gilbert de Villiers.
Elliott admits to his side being quite formidable but years of coaching made him a realist.
“There are never any givens in sport meaning a good side does not always equate to winning. It is going to be up to the players as to how much they want to be the victors.”
Tuks is also well presented in the Northerns under-21 women’s side with 14 players having been selected.
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