Hockey Captain. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Thaylen Gilbert. Thaylen is the 1st team Hockey Captain of Curro Durbanville High School in Cape Town. He today scores the ninth goal in our series this year on Boys’ Hockey Captains from high schools in South Africa and Namibia.
Thaylen, at what age did you start playing hockey?
I started playing hockey when I was 13 years old. The moment I stepped onto the hockey pitch for the first time I knew that this was going to be the sport for me. I found my passion and hockey has become a significant part in my life.
Why do you like hockey? What made you decide to play hockey?
In Grade 7 I joined the hockey team because I wanted to represent the school by playing a winter sport. So I decided to play hockey. I love hockey as I enjoy playing sports and I love being outdoors. Hockey takes the stress of school and the feeling of winning tournaments or saving a last-minute p-flick is what made me fall in love with the sport.
Who is your favourite professional hockey player? Why?
- My favourite hockey player is Anton Van Loggerenberg. He is the reason why I became a goalkeeper. He makes the impossible seem possible. He represents our country at every single national tournament and inspired me to be a leader like he is from the back.
What position are you currently playing? What position/s have you played?
- I currently play Goalkeeper, but I have played right link and all along the frontline.
When were you first elected Hockey Captain?
- I was first selected Hockey Captain in U16 as our team wasn’t one of the greatest teams, but we had a lot of potential. We needed a leader to motivate us and after the game against Rondebosch, the team elected me to be their captain.
What, in your opinion, is the greatest task of the captain – on the field and during training?
- The greatest task of a captain, in my opinion, is keeping the team morale high. It ensure that even in the tough situations we play for each other. During training is just to keep everyone motivated, even when they are doing bad as our team has so much potential, we just need to unlock it.
Tell us what prowess/qualities do you think a good hockey player should possess?
- Perseverance and dedication, to keep on fighting for the badge even when the games are tough.
What inspires you every time you step onto the hockey field for a game?
- To, one day, represent our country and also wear the green and gold with pride.
In your career up to now – which game has been the most fun for you? Please elaborate.
- The game this year against York High School was exhilarating. The tension undoubtedly increased throughout the game as the teams were so competitive. We were fighting for our badge all throughout the night. The loud chanting from the York High students just set the tone of the game as it was so fast paced, and the game could have gone either way. The score ended 1-2 and we lost, but I can say that it was absolutely the best game of my life.
Which game do you want to forget soon? Your worst game? What did you learn from it?
- The SACS game in U16. I could’ve performed so much better. I learned that even when I have a bad game, I can still pick myself up afterwards and move on.
How do you, as Hockey Captain, handle pressure during a hockey game?
- “I don’t feel the pressure, you cannot put pressure on me, no chance” – Jose Mourinho
As Hockey Captain, how do you motivate your team?
- I reassure them that we play for the people standing next to us on the field. We have grown so close to one another since tour, that we play for one another every game to make each other proud at the end of each game.
What are your current top 5 priorities in life?
- Family, School, Friends, Hockey, Gym
Thaylen, do you have any advice for beginners in hockey?
- To never give up. Hockey can be a difficult sport to grasp at first, but with the right coaches and perseverance, you can become an amazing player.
Do you plan to continue hockey after school? At what level?
- Yes, I do. I hope to play in the Grand Championship league as I play in the promotion league currently which is one below the highest division.
What’s your biggest single highlight (sport or otherwise) in the last five years?
- Making the Western Province team in 2022.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests besides hockey?
- I also love playing soccer. I am a diehard Liverpool supporter and have a passion for football. I also love playing cricket as I used to play cricket for four years.
How would your coach and teammates describe you, as Hockey Captain?
- Hard working, dedicated and selfless. After playing in this team, I have grown so close to my teammates and I want the best for them in every way on and off the field.
Is there any coach or hockey player you look up to as a role model?
- Mustapha Cassiem, South African hockey player. His story is very inspiring and seeing how incredible he is doing currently and the passion that he also plays with when representing our country. That is why he is my role model.
Which professional hockey player would you like to have coffee with?
- Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh, an Indian field hockey player from Kerala. He is one of the best keepers of all times, and I would love to get to know him and his perspective of hockey.
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