We caught up with Nazneem Alexander, the first-team girls hockey captain from Northern Cape High School to hear his thoughts on pre-season preparation, team goals, and what it means to lead with passion and purpose.

What aspects of fitness and strategy has the team focused on during pre-season training?The team focused heavily on improving overall fitness, regaining strength, endurance, and agility from the previous season, and taking it to the next level. Strategically, we worked on building stronger team relationships, improving technical skills, and developing mental toughness. All of this has been aimed at enhancing our overall gameplay and functioning as a cohesive unit on the field.

What are your team’s biggest strengths, and how do you plan to capitalise on them this season?Our biggest strengths are the wide range of individual skills within the team, combined with our determination, resilience, and drive to never give up. Regardless of the situation, every player gives 100% when representing the school. We’ve built a strong bond and always fight for each other, both on and off the field. We plan to capitalise on this by continuing to support one another, play with purpose, and never stop chasing our dreams — as Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

What does it mean to you to lead your school’s hockey first team?It’s been one of the greatest honours and privileges of my school career. I’ve played hockey with most of my teammates since Grade 8, and they are an amazing group of individuals. Being part of this team has always been a dream of mine since joining Northern Cape High School. I was inspired by the captains who came before me, and I’ve always aspired to be a leader others can look up to. I am truly grateful to have been entrusted with this responsibility, despite the pressure that comes with it.

How would you describe your school’s hockey culture, and what makes it unique?The hockey culture at NCH is rooted in sportsmanship, fair play, and, most importantly, teamwork. Our players are like family — we play for one another, support each other on and off the field, and never back down. What makes our culture unique is the diversity within our team. We come from different backgrounds and ethnicities, which creates a rich blend of cultures. This diversity strengthens our unity and contributes to a powerful school spirit — or as we call it, “gees”. Trots Groen!

What are your main goals as a team for this season?Our main goals are to continue growing together and to push ourselves to new heights. One major goal was already achieved when we won the inaugural Wildeklawer Hockey Tournament on 1 May — we brought home the gold and the trophy. We’re aiming to win the Classic Clashes and retain the Northern Cape League trophy, which we won in 2024 for the first time in many years. Every time we put on the school badge, our goal is to give nothing less than 100%.

Which upcoming fixture excites you most, and why is it significant? I’m most excited about the annual Classic Clashes and the Northern Cape League playoffs. These matches are significant because they allow us to showcase our talent, go head-to-head with the top schools in the province, and fight for the title of champion. As our coach always reminds us, “It’s the team that wants it the most that will get it.”

Which hockey player or sports figure do you look up to, and how has their career influenced your approach to the game?
I look up to Charnè Maddocks. Despite coming from the small town of Kimberley, she believed in her dreams, worked hard, and made them a reality. She was one of the few Northern Cape players selected for the SA U16 team and has since represented South Africa multiple times, even playing abroad. Despite facing multiple injuries and undergoing surgeries, she never gave up. Her perseverance and determination to rise again have been a major inspiration to me — especially because I’ve faced similar setbacks with injuries. Charnè’s resilience is why she’s my role model and why I continue to push forward, no matter what.