Ranchi, Jan 09(.) Ahead of Saturday’s Women’s Hockey India League(HIL) final, SG Pipers Coach Sofie Gierts has expressed confidence that her side’s mental fortitude will carry them through and they will emerge champions.
During an online media interaction on Friday, Gierts who has the rare distinction of being the only woman to coach a Men’s senior team when she mentored Royal Uccle hockey team in the Belgian men’s league in 2021 said
“The biggest strength of the side are the strong personalities we have, amazing people, with lots of talent, it is not easy for players to be in a new group for only 20 days and start combining well, but the personality and the character that the players have will make the difference, I am confident that we have enough character to win it(HIL).”
SG Pipers, who finished last during the 2024-25 season have turned their fortunes around this season as they sit top of the table after the league stage with 11 points, winning three matches and losing one.
Coach Sofie, a former Belgium international highlighted the side’s defensive abilities
“from the first day itself we tried to build a strong defensive unit, our policy is ‘first defense and then offence’ except the last game we were unbeatable in the regular time, and that is an important strength that we have to keep.”
Coach Sofie Gierts observed that there is room for improvement and the Pipers need to come up with their best during the final
“in some matches we played better with ball and in some we were better at without the ball, in the final all has to come together,”
She was all praise for the young players of the Piper’s squad
“I am a huge fan of the young players of our team, they have a lot of talent, they are focused and they know exactly what they want. If you observe, we play the midfield with 20 year olds, 19 year old’s- its exceptional, their character is really what you need and if India can develop them well the future looks bright for them,”
SG Pipers will face Shrachi Bengal Tigers in the final at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Stadium tommorow. Tigers finished at the second spot in the legue standings with 10 points. The current season of Women’s Hockey India League(HIL) was hosted entirely in Ranchi.
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