Captain Karel aims for big tournament with WA

Talented young hockey player Karel Cronje will again pull on the WA colours — this time for the State 16 Schoolboys side as they aim for glory at the School Sport Australia Boys 16 Years and Under Championships.

The tournament will be held at the State Hockey Centre in Adelaide with Cronje and his WA teammates flying out tomorrow before starting their campaign on Sunday.

No stranger to playing representative hockey for his State, Cronje will have an even higher honour this time, after being announced as captain of the underage side.

The Great Southern Grammar student said he felt humbled to lead his side at the championships.

“I’m going to have more of a leadership role being the captain,” Cronje said.

“I was told three weeks ago and it came as a surprise to me but I’m very grateful. Hopefully, I can be really positive around the boys and lead from the front.”

The 16-year-old will play in midfield for WA at the tournament, as centre-half and inner, and expected his team to perform well.

“We have been training well and I’m looking forward to coming up against the other States and see how we measure up,” he said.

“This group is pretty talented. A good bunch of guys and hopefully we can come away with a medal.”

Cronje is the sole Lower Great Southern Hockey Association representative playing at the championships.