One of our better games - Bonnet
While the SA women's hockey team spurned a number of chances in front of goal in their 1-1 draw against Ireland on Tuesday, coach Giles Bonnet was pleased with the improved performance of his team.
"We're creating a lot of chances," Bonnet said after his side's penultimate tri-series match in Randburg.
"This was probably one of the better games we have played in terms of control of the game."
The home team went 1-0 down in the 12th minute and at times it seemed they would be unable to convert any of their numerous chances at goal.
"We hit the upright three times today, and we created a lot of scoring chances," Bonnet admitted.
The coach stressed, however, while it was important his side won their games, the emphasis was on improving their play ahead of th Olympic qualifying tournament in New Delhi, India, later this month.
"We want to see if we can now convert those chances into goals," he said.
"I'm happy we came back at the end, that we scored the equaliser and we had the opportunities to win."
Despite conceding early, the South Africans dominated Ireland throughout the match.
Nicolene Terblanche eventually struck back for the hosts, netting the equaliser with six minutes left.
"The out-letting was better and we bring the ball into certain areas well," Bonnet said.
"It's just a question of belief, most probably, when it comes to scoring the goals.
"We're training well – the girls are doing it in training.
"Everybody feels we're really close to that, not to just winning by 2-1 but maybe scoring four or five in a game.
"We know in India we'll need to do that."
Bonnet singled out performances of his team members, but was pleased with his entire side in their penultimate tri-series game against the Irish.
"I was very pleased to see Leslie George playing in the midfield. I think she did really well," he said.
"Marsha [Marescia] we know plays well, but players like Dirkie Chamberlain, Sulette Damons and Jade Mayne all raised their game.
"Shelley Russell played a good second half and Tarryn Bright, who hasn't played for a while since her injury on Saturday, came back and I thought had a solid game.
"Lisa Deetlefs also did really well.
"Everybody played a good game and improved their performance today, and I think it's a positive for the group."
South Africa were set to play their last tri-series match against Belgium on Wednesday night, with Ireland facing the Belgians in the last game of the series on Thursday.
The hosts will then play Belgium in a two-test series on Saturday and Sunday.
South Africa are up against Poland in their opening encounter of the Olympic qualifiers in New Delhi on February 18.