schoolsthatrockHockey Captains. In our series on sport captains, Schools That Rock talks to Anotida Masanzu. Anotida is the captain of Curro Thatchfield, Centurion, girls’ 1st hockey team. Today she scores our fifteenth goal in this hockey captains series for high schools in South Africa.
“I started playing hockey when I was twelve years old and in Grade 6. The reason I am so passionate about hockey, is because hockey is a sport that ignites your mind and body to work together. I’m passionate because it’s fulfilling to play, and it improves your mental and physical state.
My favourite professional hockey player is Onthatile Zulu. She plays midfield like me, and she is a beautiful woman. She inspires me to play better hockey.
As hockey captain, the position I currently play, is midfield. I have played all positions in midfield, the sweeper, and centre-forward. This is my first year of captain, but I was vice-captain in Grade 7.
Our team has two training sessions per week. Personally I also spend time working on my stamina and skills.
Most stressful game
My most stressful game was against Eduplex recently. Their team was well-coordinated and had excellent communication.
My worst hockey performance was in Grade 7. I wasn’t able to stop the ball efficiently and I would often lose the ball to the opposing team. What I learned from that experience is to have more control of the ball and to defend myself.
Yes, I watch hockey games on TV. It’s interesting to watch how professional teams play. You can pick up a few pointers while watching For me as hockey captain, it is important to learn new!
Have you ever tried to imitate a pro in your games? Yes, I’ve attempted their defence tactics such as placing your stick horizontally on the ground to block your opponent.
A goal I would like to accomplish, is to improve my academics so that I can apply to a university of my choice.
Top five priorities
Rank your current top five priorities in life. My religion; family and friends; school; mental health; focusing on my goals.
How do you manage your hockey responsibilities and other recreational and non-recreational (academic) activities? My time management has improved since starting hockey. I dedicate 2 to 3 hours to my schoolwork on the days I have practice.
Yes, I hope to continue playing hockey at university. Furthermore I hope to make the provincial team in three years.
I motivate my team by speaking words of encouragement during practice, and I also ensure we do everything as a team. What I’ve learned about teamwork from past experiences on teams, as well as being captain? Being comfortable with your teammates and creating a bond brings everyone closer together on the pitch. Communication during the game is easier and more natural.
Suggestions I have implemented that helped my team succeed, is a calling system that my team can use during a game. It lets the one with the ball know the other players’ locations.
Best advice
The best advice I have received from my coaches, is to really bring my team together. This usually results in a better performance from everyone.
When a teammate is struggling with learning a new move, position or play, I would assist her in understanding it in her own way, because everyone processes information differently.
My advice for new hockey players is, to never feel intimidated or scared.
My role model is Coach Emma. She is very encouraging, and she helps everyone achieve their best
My single greatest highlight in the past five years, was in Grade 7 when I was a school prefect
The professional hockey player I would like to have coffee with, is Onthalie Zulu. I would love to know what she went through as a black woman in a predominantly white environment
What excites me most in life is trying new things.
Describe yourself in one word: Caring
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