A South African invasion could make the future a lot brighter for Crawley.

The team are currently bottom of Kent/Sussex Regional League and staring relegation in the face but player-coach Terry Higgs believes there are exciting times ahead.

The turnaround has followed the arrival since Christmas of six South African players who are now battling to save Crawley from the drop.

Higgs said: "The link is through one of them, Steve Curd, who lodges with one of our players, Jamie Westwood.

"I said I wanted some players and he said he could get a few. Since then we seem to have got one new one a week."

Joining Curd in the team are Pete Waller, Jerome Starkey, Ryan O'Neil, Anthony Basher and Paul Ottleib.

Higgs said: "They are enjoying their hockey. They like the team, the hockey and the social aspect.

"They have all played to a high standard at home although I lot of them haven't played for a year or two since they came over here to live.

"I don't think we have seen the best of them yet. Results may not have gone our way recently but our improvement is down to them."

Even if Crawley are relegated this year, Higgs believes the club has a bright future. He added: "I have always said it will take time to do what I want here.

"We have six cup finals left if we want to survive but I believe the side can do it. We have had some terrible luck. Whatever happens, it is a rebuilding job here, exactly like Brighton did a couple of years ago."

Crawley host Worthing tomorrow.