Name: Cindy Botha
Age: 25
Test Caps: 8
Test Goals: 1
When did you make your Debut and how did it feel to represent your country for the 1st time?
My First Debut was in January 2009 at the German series in Stellenbosch. My first game was actually postponed till the next day due to the bad fires they were having at the time, so by the time the day finally came I was really excited and I loved every minute of it. It hadn’t all really all sunk in yet, until I was actually standing on the field singing my National anthem, it definitely was a dream come true for me!
You attended the African Qualifier in Ghana, what was it like? What were some of your highlights?
Ghana was great. Really not what we expected at all. They treated us so well and really went out of their way and the people were so friendly. We also had lovely accommodation and having our men’s team travel with us was good for the comradery in S.A hockey. My main highlight would definitely be the ‘amazing race’ through the streets and markets of Ghana which was organised as a social event between the boys and the girls. It added a fantastic competitive element off the field as well as being an eye opening experience.
Have you ever played hockey overseas, for whom and how do you feel it benefited your game?
Yes, I spent a season overseas in England, Canterbury, and I played for Canterbury. Ian Jennings was my coach (known to most as Jenno) and he was brilliant and did wonders for me and my hockey. The level and coaching benefited me tremendously and I feel it took my hockey from one level to the next. It benefited me strength wise, as the England National league is tough, mental wise as Jenno is really tough, and also as a person I learnt so much on and off the field.
Can you tell us about your training routine and buildup to the Champions Challenge later this year?
We have been building this whole year as a National team for Champions Challenge and tournaments such as Four Nations and Africa Cup have all been stepping stones in preparing for this tournament. We have all been training very hard within our provinces and I have travelled to Cape Town to train with the majority of the team where we played numerous matches against boys teams. Besides the usual rigorous training schedule there has been lots of extra training sessions to fine tune specific aspects of my game.
Do you have any superstitions or habits before, during or after games?
Mmm, well I have to play in black underwear 
Always have and always will, and habits such as going to the bathroom before I play is one that will never change.
Tell us about Cindy Botha when she’s not playing hockey?
Hahaha, well when I am not playing hockey or training, I absolutely love swimming, so am then doing swimming training. Otherwise am usually at the beach, love having breakfasts, going for lunches, coffees, as well as having a good party when I can. In other words, I love to work hard and play hard.
If you could add any dimension to your game, what would it be?
As a sports woman I am always continually trying to improve and be better in all areas, however one dimension would be my defensive work which I have been focusing on quite alot lately.
Most memorable hockey moment?
Scoring my first internatioanl goal at the Africa Cup of Nations this year was very exciting for me, however one of my most memorable moments was scoring a top right reverse stick goal for Canterbury my overseas club in a crucial game, making the score go to 2-2 as we were 2-1 down. There have been so many ‘Firsts’ for me this year that each one really has been and is memorable, and each time I go onto the pitch to play for my country it seems more memorable than the next! I really love it!
If you could change anything in South African hockey, what would it be?
Perhaps to try and improve the strength of local leagues, we should have Invitation Tournaments (like the one held in Durban in May), once a month, each time in a different Province. We could all assist with costs eg: hosting the out of town players. When I was in Canterbury we traveled most weekends, sometimes up to four/five hours for a match and then drove straight back! This would definitely raise the standard on a regular basis and not just once a year at IPT.
Other interests?
Well I am a real shop-a-holic, I love going to movies (and having salt and vinegar popcorn) as well as spending time with family and good friends. A braai at home is one of my all time favourites (boerewors rolls or spare ribs, made with my dad’s special recipe) or else a dinner out is definitely one of my favourite relaxations!
