AWSUM had a chat with Alizwa Matwa, first team hockey captain of Selborne College. We asked him about their season and what his expectations are for the game against Grey High.

What is the highlight of your team’s hockey season this year?
At the start of the season, we hosted the Nomads Festival, which featured some of top schools in the school; unfortunately, we didn’t do well, however after that festival we participated in the Grey PE Hibbert Shield where we came 4th out of 12 schools. The boys showed great mentality and determination to bounce back.

How do you motivate your team?
I tell the boys that they are aware of what we have to do. I tell them that if we play for each other and something bigger, we will end the game with a positive outcome.

Who is your vice-captain and how does he support you?
Nqaba Bashe. I would say I am a reticent person, so he pretty much does most of the talking and I always ask for his opinion when making decisions.

Are you happy with your team’s line-up for Saturday’s derby? Do you have any injuries in your team?
Yes, I am happy with our line-up, and fortunately, we have no injuries.

What do you as a team want to achieve this year? What will make you proud?
We want to become the best possible versions of ourselves and win more games than we lose obviously. The boys play their hearts out, sweating, bleeding and even crying for the badge and I am extremely proud of them.

What are your plans for the future?
I am planning to study IT next year, definitely playing hockey and hopefully get the opportunity to play at the highest level possible. I have received offers from UFS and NMU to play hockey while studying there, so those are my options now.

Read the special edition newspaper for the Grey High vs Selborne College derby here.