Tim reflects on hockey journey
NGN catches up with Riverside Hockey Club player, Tim Drummond, about his recent stint as captain of the national squad.
RIVERSIDE Club hockey player and Protea midfielder, Tim Drummond, recently returned from international duty, where he captained the AmaStokke to victory at the Greenfields Africa Hockey Championships. It was double delight, with the women’s team also clinching the title. The SA men edged Egypt out 4-2 in a dramatic final, while the SA ladies overcame Ghana 3-0 in the morning.
It was the 27-year-old’s first time captaining the national team and he was quick to point out that the trophy belonged to his teammates and had little to do with him.
“I was lucky to just have the responsibility of the coin-toss. I was well-supported by the senior and junior players in on the turf and it was a fantastic experience leading them, and one which I’m honoured to have been a part of,” he enthused.
Drummond also had a taste of international league hockey a month prior to the African champs in New Zealand, where he played for the North Island side, Auckland.
“I was there for a month-and-a-half and it was just fantastic. The team was packed with a number of national players and I feel that was hugely beneficial to my development as a player. I played out of position in Auckland, which was refreshing and offered me a different perspective.
“I think in terms of development and for aspiring hockey players who have finished school, they need to go and experience it. I can assure you it will develop you as hockey player and more importantly grow you as person,” he said.
The former Hilton College pupil also had words of praise for his current club, saying it was one of the best in the province for a reason.
“I think in terms of looking to the future and developing youngsters, Riverside is one of the best. We have a large talent pool of up-and-coming players and I think the club’s interest in developing players from disadvantaged communities is also fantastic. I think we are evolving as one of the best,” he said.
He added his current motivation for his hockey is to support his good friend, Matt MacDonald, who has just been diagnosed with leukemia. He is urging Twitter users to use the hashtag, #MacAttack, to tweet their support.
