One of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) newest and youngest hockey recruits has been selected to play for the South African men’s indoor hockey team during the Indoor World Cup next year.
First-year corporate communication student Keegan Kieck’s performance at the recent inter-provincial tournament in Durban convinced selectors that he deserved a place on the team.
“This is a huge dream coming true for me. I have been training very hard and it’s an honour for me to have the opportunity to play alongside the best players in the country, especially with me being younger and less experienced,” the 19-year-old said.
However, the side first will have to show their mettle at the Indoor Hockey World Cup Africa Qualifier tournament in Windhoek, Namibia, from 9 to 13 April.
Should they qualify, they will be heading to Germany in February next year to join the top hockey-playing nations at the World Cup.
“This is one step closer to realising my ultimate goal,” said Kieck.
“I would love to make the SA men’s outdoor side one day, then play overseas and ultimately become one of the best hockey players in the world.”
The young sporting star is more than an overnight success, after first taking up the sport at the age of three.
He shares his love for the game with his parents, who both played hockey in their youth.
“It’s always been a part of me.”
Although he enjoys other sports like tennis, golf, soccer and cricket, Kieck said he knew at a young age that hockey was the sport that he would pursue.
The former St Stithians College pupil started playing provincial outdoor hockey at the age of 10 when he made the Gauteng U/13 team.
Since then he has represented his province in every age group throughout his school career. Last year he also made the SA U/21 men’s outdoor team.
Kieck explained that indoor hockey differs vastly from the outdoor version of the sport.
Aside from being played indoors, the field is a quarter of the size and the game is much faster, with fewer players and lighter sticks.
“Indoor hockey is a great way to sharpen all your hockey skills – from your vision to your speed.”
He said he constantly was driven to improve himself and his game.
“It’s one of the most enjoyable team sports I have ever played. We all play because it is good fun.”
UJ hockey manager Elize le Roux said she was very proud of Kieck and that his selection was a great honour for the university.
“To have a first-year player of Keegan’s calibre in the under-20 age group and involved in the senior SA selection is fantastic. We wish him well.”
