Hockey Captain. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Marcel Simbarashe. Marcel is the Hockey Captain of Bredasdorp High School’s 1st boys’ hockey team for 2024. He today scores goal number 3 in our series this year on Hockey Captains from high schools in South Africa and Namibia.
Marcel, at what age did you start playing hockey?
- I started playing hockey at the age of 16.
Why do you like hockey? What made you decide to play hockey?
- I love hockey because it has the same concepts as football. It’s a very complex sport that requires a lot of skill and thinking. I started playing hockey because my coach called all the football kids to come to her class. So my friends and I thought the school was thinking of setting up a football team, but they wanted us to play hockey. So we just decided try it.
Who is your favourite professional hockey player? Why?
- My favourite hockey player is Mustafa Cassiem. Mustapha is a South African hockey player who plays as a forward for the South African national team. His skill is unmatched in the hockey world at such a young age. Especially his indoor hockey is extraordinary.
What position are you currently playing? What position/s have you played?
- At the moment I play the position centre forward, but I am able to play in any position, except goalkeeper.
When were you first elected captain?
- This year is my first time chosen for captain.
What, in your opinion as Hockey Captain, is the greatest task of the captain – on the field and during training?
- The most important task of the Hockey Captain during a game is to keep the boys motivated, composed and focused. In hockey there are many factors that can cause a player to slip up and become demotivated during games since it requires a lot of skill. The captain has to be the pillar that players can lean on when their heads are down. During practice, a captain should know the difference between being a captain and a coach. You have to lead and motivate the boys and also point out their mistakes and help them fix it.
Marcel, tell us what prowess/qualities do you think a good hockey player should possess?
- Discipline and consistency. Since it’s such a skilled sport you can’t be amazing in a few months. It takes years. So, if you are a person that loves shortcuts and easy ways in life, then this sport is not for you. One quality that is important is to be eager to learn new things.
In your career up to now – which game has been the most fun for you? Please elaborate.
- It wasn’t just one game, but it was a tournament we played at Curro Hermanus. The team was so close after that tournament, the whole chemistry of the team changed after that. We played three games being undefeated in the tournament.
Which game do you want to forget soon? Your worst game? What did you learn from it?
- The worst game I played was the Robertson 2024 sports day. That was actually a disgrace to the game I love. That was a game of rugby and golf mixed. No discipline was showed from our opponents and the umpire was one sided.
How do you handle pressure during a hockey game?
- Handling pressure while I play, I normally just tend to calm myself down and take everything step by step. I also focus on doing things right and not wrong.
As Hockey Captain, how do you motivate your team?
- I motivate my team to feel comfortable with all the team players and always having a positive attitude when getting on the field or during practice.
What are your current top 5 priorities in life?
- Family, friends, hockey, God, academics.
Do you have any advice for beginners in the game of hockey?
- Don’t stop working. You might feel like your skills aren’t improving but you just have to keep going. Polish your basics and keep it simple. Flashy skills doesn’t win you games.
Do you plan to continue playing hockey after school? At what level?
- I do plan to playing club hockey after school. If I get a chance I might play nationals.
What’s your biggest single highlight (sport or otherwise) in the last five years?
- That’s getting first team, I’ve tried to get Boland but I’m not close to that level yet. I need to work a little harder.
How would your coach and teammates describe you?
- My coach will describe me as an outgoing person and an inspiration to others. My teammates will describe me as an egoist or not very humble.
Is there any coach or hockey player you look up to as a role model?
- Yes, one of my role models is coach AD, coach Lou’s husband.
Which professional hockey player would you like to have coffee with?
- Marlon Landburg or Terrence Pieters.
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