New generation ready to take on Africa's best

The memories of that disastrous day on a steamy hockey pitch in Abuja in October 2003 are well and truly behind them.

That's what South Africa men's hockey team player Ian Symons reckons anyway. And now his team take on the rest of the continent at the Africa Cup of Nations with one outcome in mind, and that's taking the easiest route possible to qualifying for next year's World Cup.

Speaking at the launch of the September 29 to October 9 event, which is being co-sponsored by Spar and BDO Spencer Steward, Symons explained that his team are fired up to take the victory that will see them automatically qualifying for the global event in Germany next year. "There are three or four guys in the squad who were in the team that got beaten by Egypt that day, so there is still some bitterness there," he said, referring to the infamous final of the All Africa Games where the SA men squandered a 2-0 lead as the Egyptians bounced back to take the gold and the automatic qualification for last year's Olympic Games.

"But a new generation of players has come through and have beaten Egypt every time they've played them since," added Symons, pointing out that his side have played and beaten Egypt three times since then, defeating them 5-1 at the Olympics and 4-1 and 5-2 at the Champions Challenge this year.

"We just need to make sure we keep our composure on the field. We've really improved as a side," he said. The men's side have just come off a two-week training camp and will spend the next 10 days recharging before taking on not only the Egyptians but also Ghana, Namibia, Kenya and Nigeria.

For the Spar women's side it will be a case of by how large a margin they can defeat their African opposition as the massive chasm still exists in rankings between the South Africans and the rest of the continent.

"We don't want to be complacent," said vice-captain Marsha Marescia. "Because there's a fine line between confidence and complacency. I think this tournament will be good for us because we will have to deal with unconventional styles of play and will also give us a chance to try out new tactics."

The tournament kicks off next Thursday and all matches will be played at the Tshwane University of Technology.