Sharjah: " I am not scared of men but I learn from them," said Daniella D'Souza, who steered Lusitanians 'B' to a 2-1 victory over Dubai Republicans in the final of the Sun and Sand Mixed Hockey Tournament at the Sharjah Wanderers ground.
With an objective to promote women's hockey, Eusebio Coelho, the chief organiser of the tournament, had requested all teams to include a lady player. As an incentive it was decided that any goal scored by a woman will be counted as two.
Daniella's goal thus helped Lusitanians win the title. Republicans scored through their male player Jude, which accounted for only one. Daniella scored a total of 26 goals (13 goals) and walked away with the best lady player award.
"It was great to play along with men. I learned a lot from watching their skills and also on how to be quick on the field. I enjoy mixed hockey," said Daniella, who works for General Motors.
"It is my father Norbert D'Souza who taught me the game. Despite a quadruple by-pass surgery my 55-year-old father still plays the game.
"I studied in Canada where I used to play regularly. I arrived in Dubai last year and am delighted at this opportunity," said Daniella, who began playing hockey at the age of seven.
