Kovin Moodley On Pan Am Hockey Challenge
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Kovin Moodley, the Bermuda women’s hockey team coach, is confident his players are ready to execute their game plan and make the most of the home advantage in the Women’s Pan American Challenge.
Bermuda get their campaign underway against Paraguay in their first pool match today [September 21] at the National Sports Centre at 6 pm.
Moodley has been at the helm since leading the team to the top of their group in the Central American and Caribbean [CAC] Games qualifiers on home turf in April 2022.
Since then, he has overseen the team’s progression, including their participation in the CAC Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in the summer of 2023.
Now, Moodley views this tournament as the culmination of a well-planned, three-phase approach.
“This is the final phase of our three-phase approach and our third competition together,” Moodley told Bernews.
“We have a core group of players who have been part of each tournament, which has helped with our continuity and style of play.”
Moodley is particularly proud of the culture that has developed within the team.
“There’s a lot of ownership in the group and less entitlement – the team is seen as a team of service and recognises there’s a much bigger vision than just an individual tournament,” he said.
Despite the eight changes to the squad since the CAC Games, Moodley believes the new faces will add fresh energy.
“This group has been working together for nine months since the CAC Games,” the South African said.
“A few players who were off-island and unavailable for previous tournaments are now available.”
Bermuda will compete in a tough pool against CAC Games champions Mexico, along with Paraguay, Guyana, and Brazil.
Only one team from the group will advance to the Women’s Pan American Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay, next summer.
“We know about Guyana and Mexico,” Moodley said. “We beat Guyana 1-0 in the CAC Games qualifiers.
“Mexico will be the favourites, and it will be exciting to take on Paraguay and Brazil.
“We’re facing strong nations, stronger than anyone we’ve played in the past, so it’s about executing how we want to play.”
Moodley has encouraged his players to feed off the energy of the local crowd.
“Field hockey is a small community in Bermuda, but a lot of support came out for the CAC Games qualifiers, which was incredible,” he added.
“I’m sure there will be even more sport for the Pan Am Challenge.
“We’re playing at home soil, which adds more edge with the local support, and we’re excited to perform in front of them.”
