Hockey: Argentinean captain warns Black Sticks she's a stopper

By TERRY MADDAFORD

In the 11 years since Maria Magdalena 'Maggie' Aicega played her first international at the Junior World Cup, she has won a record 172 senior caps for Argentina.

Now the captain of the world's best team, the 30-year-old defender - "I'm a stopper" she says almost as a word of warning to the Black Sticks - admits it has, at times, been hard work.

"But always enjoyable," said Aicega, her bubbly personality showing through soon after her team's arrival for this weekend's two tests.

"We have a very nice group of players," she said. "Many have been together for more than five years in the international team. We all play in our national league, which has many, many teams. Hockey is popular in our schools too."

Not surprisingly, only one of the team's expanded squad is married such is the demands of their sport these days.

In a soccer-mad country, at least among the male populous, hockey is the highest profile women's sport.

Why have the Argentine women done so well?

"There are many players with good individual skills. There are other things too.

"Life is sometimes difficult in our country," said Aicega. "The hardships endured by many people is on our minds. There is a degree of humility in our players and many sacrifices made by them.

"After Sydney, where we won the Olympic gold medal, hockey is even more popular. We don't get many people to watch our national league but when the national team plays we get big crowds."

Aicega and her team-mates have their sights firmly set on Athens and the defence of their Olympic crown.

She admits that could be her swansong. But, with another seven players with more than 100 caps, there will be no shortage of experience if she chooses to step aside.