AWSUM had a chat with Jordan Paulsen first team hockey captain of Wynberg Boys’ High School. We asked him about their season and what his expectations are for the game against SACS.

Jordan Paulsen

How is the composition of the team for this weekend? Are there any injuries? There are currently no injuries in our team. It is very exciting because it is one of the few times this year we have a full-strength team. Rondebosch was the first time this year we had a full squad, and it is going to be a massive boost to have all of us playing. 

Are you happy with your results this year? The first half of the season was not a great one. We lost 2 out of the 3 derby games, but sometimes the results do not represent the performance. We lost to Paul Roos as well, which was not a great feeling. Despite those results, we have managed to win 2 out of the 3 derby games so far in the second half of the season. Some of the performances were not ones to be proud of, but you can never fault our work rate, and I believe that is what sets us apart from other teams. The way the team has transitioned from the mid-year break makes me a very happy captain. The boys kept working on themselves during the holidays, and it has shown with our performances on the field.

What do you expect from SACS on Saturday? SACS is ranked as the best school in the country. I expect nothing less than 100% from them. We know they are going to bring their best effort and showcase their skills. This will drive us to elevate our performance and make sure it is a competitive and eventful encounter. SACS vs. Wynberg is one of the oldest schoolboy derbies in the country. A derby always means more to not only the players but our brothers who came before us. Both of us are one win away from a triple crown, so that makes the encounter even more exciting.

What does being captain of Wynberg mean to you? Being the captain of Wynberg Boys’ High School means everything to me. Wynberg has been in my blood almost longer than I have been alive. I have been at Wynberg for 13 years now, and both my brothers are old boys who played hockey. I remember watching the first team at a young age and wanting to be just like them. It is such a big honour that my coaches have so much faith in me and trust me to lead my teammates. I have worked so hard to be in this position, and I’m glad that I have been entrusted with such a great responsibility.

Many people will want to know how your day goes from the big game to your run. Do you have any rituals or traditions? I do not really have any traditions before a game. I do make sure that all my teammates and I are in the best mood possible. I believe that if you are not enjoying yourself and having fun, you are not going to enjoy playing hockey, and that is the most important thing. In the changeroom, we play our music, sing along, but make sure we are all still thinking about the game. We then get in the huddle; I will have a few words with the guys, and anyone else who wants to say something will. We then sing one of our war cries to get the energy up and go straight into an energized warmup.

How do you as a team deal with the expectations of your fans and spectators? Dealing with the expectation and pressure is part of the process. It is a privilege to wear the Wynberg badge on your chest, and every time you get to wear it, there is pressure to perform. Our goal still stays the same. Our aim is to meet their expectations through our hard work and dedication. We stay committed to the plan and try to deliver our best performance possible.

Which famous player (any sport) do you look up to and why?Jordan Henderson is the perfect role model for any player. He was never the most talented player on the pitch. He wasn’t technically gifted like other players. What set him apart was how hard he worked. He was always the hardest worker on the field and led by example. He is the perfect example of a leader and somebody I aspire to be like.

Read the special edition newspaper for the SACS vs Wynberg Boys’ derby here.