Beaulieu defender called up to SA U21 hockey squad

The Junior Hockey World Cup is set to take place in India next year, with a number of Beaulieu-based players making the women's and men’s teams, including 19-year-old defender Fawaaz Kahder.

July 4, 2022

Khomotso Makgabutlane 1 minute read

Fawaaz Kahder in action for the Northside Griffins against the Central Samurais in the Joburg Hockey League. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

A Beaulieu Hockey Academy defender has been called up to the South African U21 men’s hockey team to travel to India next year for the Junior Hockey World Cup.

Fawaaz Kahder (19) was named in the 38-man squad set to be finalised over the next 18 months. The selected players will attend the first training camp in July, with the final squad to be announced for the World Cup.
Kahder was announced in the first group of players alongside fellow Beaulieu College alumni Keanan Wax, Aiden Tun and Marvin Simons for the men’s team. Tamlyn Kock was called up to the women’s squad.

Fawaaz Kahder of the Beaulieu Hockey Academy premier men’s side goes to strike the ball. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Originally from Kimberly, Kahder attended Beaulieu College in 2017 as part of the Allistar Fredericks Hockey Development Trust alongside his fellow schoolmates.
“I am really honestly privileged to have been called up to the squad. It will be a great challenge and a massive learning experience.
“I was part of the big group that got offered the amazing opportunity to be part of the Beaulieu College family in 2017. Having all of us selected in the U21 men and women squads is a remarkable achievement. Will forever be grateful for the once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said.

Fawaaz Kahder is named in the SA U21 men’s side set to travel to India next year. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Should he be selected in the squad to India next year, Kahder said the experience would be an excellent time for learning. He added that his goals in the sport were ‘to grow as a player and become more mature’.
“[I’d like to] experience, learn and adapt to the different styles of play at a blistering pace.”
Since finishing high school, Kahder is currently studying boiler making online through Oxbridge Academy which allows him to play and coach at the hockey academy.

Fawaaz Kahder in action against Old Eds in the Southern Gauteng Hockey Association outdoor league for Beaulieu Hockey Academy. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

He concluded by listing a number of people he was inspired by, including his father and his late coach, Fredericks.
“[My dad] is a man of many talents with an ‘if the is a will there is a way attitude’ and I admire that about him. [Fredericks] an SA hockey hero mentored me and every one his light touched, whether it be on how to run a thriving business or how to be a relentless player.”