Hockey Captain. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Luyanda Mbokazi. Luyanda is the Hockey Captain of Curro Hillcrest High School in Durban, 1st boys’ hockey team. He today scores the eight goal in our series this year on Hockey Captains from high schools in South Africa and Namibia.
Luyanda, at what age did you start playing hockey?
- I started playing hockey at the age of 9 years, in Grade 3.
Why do you like hockey? What made you decide to play hockey?
- My coach asked me to play hockey. I tried it out band fell in love with it ever since. Hockey is my place where I get to escape from the outside world and clear my mind.
Who is your favourite professional hockey player? Why?
- Mustapha Cassiem, South African field hockey player who plays as a forward for the South African national team. His skills are outrageous and what he has achieved at his age is inspiring.
What position are you currently playing? What position/s have you played?
- I currently play midfield/ blocker and forward.
When were you first elected Hockey Captain?
- The first time I was elected as captain, was in 2023.
What, in your opinion as Hockey Captain, is the greatest task of the captain – on the field and during training?
- To bring the energy to the training sessions so everyone can be inspired to always come to sessions and have fun while they are there. Also to motivate players on the field to give off their best when they step on the field or when things are not going our way, I lift everyone’s head to keep them pushing.
Tell us what prowess/qualities do you think a good hockey player should possess?
- Having good communication with the players. Not afraid to take accountability and plays for the team and not for themselves.
What inspires you every time you step onto the hockey field for a game?
- The fact that God gave me this talent and what I do with that talent on the field is my way of thanking Him. Also, my family sacrifices to get me where I am today.
In your career as Hockey Captain up to now – which game has been the most fun for you? Please elaborate.
- PSI Indoor Hockey game, December 2023. It was a must win game and we were 3-1 down with two minutes to go. We got one back with a minute and 30 seconds to go. Thirty seconds later a through ball came from my best friend, Siya, and I flicked it one time to equalise. With ten seconds to go I set up Siya to win us the game with a move we have been practising for week before the tournament. We celebrated like there was no tomorrow. Sticks were thrown to the floor, chests bouncing against each other. It was just a wonderful moment to be in.
Which game do you want to forget soon? Your worst game? What did you learn from it?
- The game at home against Ashton. We have had come from a winning streak with no defeats and this was the day things changed and we lost o-4. The boys and I were disappointed, but it just reminded us that every team goes through tough games and that the loss doesn’t define who we are as a team but the way we bounce back from a loss is what define us as a team.
How do you handle pressure during a hockey game?
- I do a lot of self-talking. I just tell myself to relax and focus on what I need to do in the game and everything will fall into place or work accordingly to the way we practiced.
As Hockey Captain, how do you motivate your team?
- I tend to compliment them for the simplest things they do, like passing the ball with good pace, passing to the target and make good tackles so it builds confidence in them to play consistently throughout the game.
What are your current top 5 priorities in life?
- 1. God
- 2. Health
- 3. Family
- 4. Personal growth
- 5. Purpose
Do you have any advice for beginners in hockey?
- Make the most of the time you have on the field when you play this game called Hockey, as you will learn a lot and find yourself enjoying what you do. Also have a reason as to why you play the sport because that will be reason that will make you always play your heart out and push you when it gets tough.
Do you plan to continue hockey after school? At what level?
- Yes, club level, Provincially and Nationally.
What’s your biggest single highlight (sport or otherwise) in the last five years?
- Representing KZN on two occasions, U16 and currently U18.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests besides hockey?
- Basketball and soccer.
How would your coach and teammates describe you?
- Leader, funny, teamplayer, talented, hard worker.
Is there any coach or hockey player you look up to as a role model?
- Mustapha Cassiem and Lloyd van Vuuren.
Which professional hockey player would you like to have coffee with?
- The Cassiem Brothers
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