VANDERBIJLPARK. – The path to success begins within the hearts of those who aspire to be the best, seeking to transcend the ordinary and become extraordinary.
This journey was embarked upon by the Curro u/14 Hockey team just over a year ago when the players first joined the sport.
The Hockey Coaches immediately recognized a rare and precious quality among these young athletes, a vital ingredient that needed to be nurtured and cultivated.
The boys quickly realized that hard work and a growth mindset were essential for their progress. Fearlessly embracing the challenge, the Curro Boys astounded the local hockey community by capturing the coveted u/13 D8 hockey title in 2022, despite being newcomers to the scene.
However, the Curro boys were driven by a deeper desire to achieve more. This dream unfolded even further at the “Best of the Best” hockey championship, where the Curro Eagles emerged as Gauteng’s top hockey team in their age group.
Their journey continued to the “Champ of Champ” national tournament later in 2022, where they secured a place among the top 8 schools in the country.
This feat was widely regarded as remarkable, considering the team had only been formed a few months prior.
The boys’ love for the sport beckoned them back to the field at the beginning of the new school year.
The Curro Vanderbijlpark u/14 hockey boys embarked on another chapter of their hockey journey, participating in the Fairweather Hockey Festival held at Hilton College in April of this year. Remarkably, they remained undefeated throughout the tournament.
The 2023 D8 league promised excitement from the start, featuring dynamic and skilled teams competing for the championship.
On 9 June, the Curro Boys faced Sasolburg High School, a formidable hockey powerhouse, in the local D8 Hockey Finals.
The pre-match buzz suggested that Sasol High was a force to be reckoned with. Just days before the finals, Curro faced a pre-match obstacle, but the team had to confront their weaknesses, realizing the importance of unity and surrounding themselves with those who would support their dreams.
As the whistle blew, it became evident that Sasol High meant business, by scoring the first goal of the match. However, Curro refused to accept defeat.
Drawing on their symbolic Eagle character, the team instinctively focused and locked their vision on the task at hand. The Curro boys staged a remarkable comeback, mirroring their performance in the “Best of Best” final.
They equalized the score in the 2nd quarter and went on to score two more goals, ultimately being crowned as the u/14 D8 Champions for 2023. Both Sasol High (B-division) and Curro Vanderbijlpark will represent the Vaal Triangle at the Noordvaal Championships.
Curro Vanderbijlpark will attend the A-division playoffs in Polokwane from 2 –6 August 2023. We extend our best wishes to all the Vaal boys participating in the Noordvaal Playoffs. Boys, savor the joy of playing hockey and remember that the road to success is paved with memorable moments, hard work, and perseverance.
