UJ hockey star selected for national team
"I'm over the moon," says Clinton Panther.
Clinton Panther, one of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) stand-out players in their dramatic Varsity Hockey final victory over Maties recently has been called up to represent his country.
Panther, 23, who found the net in the sudden-death phase in that match and was named Samsung Super Striker has been included in the South African men’s hockey team to take part in the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands from 31 May to 15 June. He jetted off to The Hague on Wednesday.
Panther, who has been part of the UJ side for the past five years says his hard work on and off the field has paid off.
“I’m over the moon to be able to represent South Africa at the Rabobank World Cup. It’s a major tournament and a prestigious event for any professional sportsman,” Panther says.
“I’m extremely excited, feeling good and hopefully all my preparation will pay off,” he adds.
He was equally excited about joining a ‘well-balanced team’ in The Hague.
“Our team is a combination of experience and youth. This is always good because the younger players have the drive and determination to achieve, while the experienced ones have the stability and knowledge to raise the standard of the game.”
“Hopefully I will be on top of my game so that I can create opportunities for others. As a team, we need to encourage one another.”
He continues that if they play to their full potential they have the ability to cause a few upsets at the World Cup tournament.
“We just need to stay focused. We will go to the World Cup and give it our all. We intend to cause some upsets and improve our world ranking, which is 11th at the moment.”
Panther first was selected for the SA team in 2010 and says that first international against Zimbabwe remains a highlight.
“Singing the national anthem before the game and knowing that I had achieved my goal was an awesome feeling.”
Representing his country at the London Olympics and singing the national anthem alongside his brother Brandon (also a member of the national squad) in Malaysia in March this year are other stand-out moments.
Panther, who has played in all the national age group sides on his way up, says he used these platforms to gain experience while trying to add as much value as possible. He has big dreams and would like to represent South Africa in Rio and beyond.
