KaNyamazane hockey team crowned champs of Ehlanzeni 2022 Hockey League

These winners did not let the lack of a decent hockey field, adequate equipment or financial difficulties prevent them from reaching the stars.

The KaNyamazane hockey team ended its eight-year trophy drought in style.

Since the beginning of the season, this team has performed outstandingly. They clinched the league for the first time in their history since Robert Chiloane founded the club in 2014.

With schoolchildren from low-income households making up the majority of the team, they were able to achieve a 90% victory rate this season, and amassed 36 points after 16 games, losing just twice and drawing three times.

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According to Coach Vuyo Dlamini, this will always serve as a motivation drive as they soldier on.
“We last had a new kit and equipment a few years ago, when Nedbank in partnership with Ranyaka donated to us. The field of play has always been a problem, but our passion for the game kept us moving on, and we decided to play in a soccer field, which is not ideal for hockey. We had no choice but to play our games there,” said Dlamini.

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The club is forever developing and has more than 70 players consisting of both male and female teams. “I’m glad that we are growing and that the kids in our dangerous community have something to do for recreation. I’m pleased that we were able to defeat nearly all of the clubs this season, which began in April, despite having only limited resources but experienced players,” he continued.

“It has been a tough year and a great year at the same time. My biggest challenge is that we had to dip in our pockets in order to pay for transport to our games.”

Dlamini concluded by saying that he has planned to use the off-season break to try and knock on as many doors as he can in order to find sponsors and raise money for the team.