Video: Hockey clinic introduces the game to youngsters in Ikageng

The love for hockey was taught in a fun and interactive manner at the Keagile Primary School in Ikageng as the South African Hockey Association (SAHA) hosted its Potchefstroom Modified Hockey/Fun and Action workshop on Monday, 17 April.

Modified Hockey forms part of Physical Education in the Foundation and Intermediate Phases and is CAPS compliant. This specific event formed part of a national roll-out of Modified Hockey in the North-West province.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

Children of all ages took to the court at Keagile Primary and showcased their ball skills, through passing, throwing, running, catching, jumping and kicking. The basics of hockey is taught in a fun as well as affordable way.

According to Mandla Mbotho, chairperson of the Sport Is Life Movement Non-Profit Company, this initiative promotes the development of sport in townships.

“We want to identify and help mobilise resources to develop infrastructure in the townships particularly in schools. We’d like to develop learners to the level of provincial players and possibly SA players (Proteas),” adds Mandla.

Video: Wouter Pienaar

According to Mandla, the response of schools in the area were also refreshing, as kids participated with big smiles on their faces.

“Kids can get involved if their schools get in contact with Sport Is Life Movement NPC. As we are driving the development of Hockey in the township schools in Potchefstroom alongside South African Hockey Association,” stated Mandla.

The project manager of Modified Hockey, Gary Dolley, was also at Keagile Primary as he put the kids from various local schools through their paces.

“It is fantastic to see the talent that lies in their youngsters. They rally enjoy it and it’s a pleasure to teach them the basics of hockey in an affordable way,” mentioned Dolley.

Mandla Mbotho can be contacted via Whatsapp on 076 111 3656 for more information.