Hockey: Borren mulling over his options

By TERRY MADDAFORD

National women's hockey coach Jan Borren has been given another few days to decide whether he will seek a further term.

Borren discussed the role with New Zealand Hockey Federation chief executive Ramesh Patel yesterday, but has asked for a few more days to decide whether he will take the team through to the 2002 World Cup.

"He will give me an answer on Sunday," Patel said.

"We have been through the confidential replies we got from the players after the Olympics and he is happy with those. He just wants to go over a couple of things with his family."

Applications will also be considered from other interested parties.

Contrary to earlier expectations, it now seems the expected avalanche of retirements after the Olympics might not now be forthcoming, with only Kate Trolove and Rachel Petrie confirming their intention to retire.

"There might be another two or three, but we are not expecting too many more," Patel said.

"We will have a clearer idea in January when a squad are named to prepare for a test series here in early March."

Invitations have been sent to Korea, England and South Africa to play four tests, with the Koreans the most likely to come.

The women will also play four home tests against India in May in further preparation for the Champions Trophy.

The Champions Trophy tournament in Holland in August will involve the top six teams from the Sydney Olympics.

The national men's team will have some regional academies and, it is hoped, a four-test home series against India in June.

It would be the Indians' first visit in almost 10 years and will serve as vital preparation for July's World Cup qualifying tournament in Scotland.