The Wykeham Collegiate is thrilled to welcome Emile Odendaal as the new head of ourhockey programme. A man who was, quite literally, born into the sport, Emile has lived and breathed hockey from the moment he could hold a stick. His journey in the sport has been shaped by his family’s deep passion for hockey, his mother, Elsie Coetzer, and brother, Morne Odendaal, are renowned coaches who instilled in him not just a love for the game, but
a relentless drive to achieve excellence.

Emile’s coaching pedigree speaks volumes. One of his most remarkable achievements was taking a school that ranked outside the top 100 in South Africa and transforming it into the number three team in the country. This feat required dedication, innovation, and sacrifice; qualities he now brings to TWC as we set our sights on new milestones in the years ahead.

His coaching style is dynamic, dominant, and exciting to watch. He believes in crafting athletes who are not only competitive on the field but also strong, independent, and hardworking individuals in life. For Emile, hockey is more than just a game; it is a platform to develop young women into resilient and driven leaders. He takes pride in unlocking the full potential of every player, understanding that each athlete brings a unique set of skills that,
when nurtured correctly, can lead to extraordinary success.

His coaching career is rich with success stories. Emile has worked with many top hockey players, but one of his proudest moments was discovering a talented young girl from a township, providing her with the necessary resources and support, and watching her rise to the international stage. She went on to play in the Paris Olympics and has earned over 50 caps for South Africa. Additionally, he has guided players from small schools in
underrepresented provinces to national selections, with athletes earning spots in the SA U.21  and SA Schools teams.

With this level of expertise and vision, Emile sees boundless potential in The Wykeham Collegiate’s hockey programme. “TWC has immense talent, and there is great potential for growth and improvement. Being part of this journey truly excites me,” he says. His shortterm goal is simple: to outplay every team this season. His long-term vision? To establish TWC as the best hockey school in South Africa

At the heart of his coaching philosophy is the belief that “What you don’t change, you choose.” He emphasizes that both coaches and players must continuously evolve and improve every day. For him, growth, adaptability, and excellence are non-negotiable. Under his leadership, every training session is a step toward sharper tactical awareness, refined technical skills, and a resilient winning mindset.

Beyond hockey, Emile is a man who values sports, family time, and a good braai. His love for the game is matched by his enthusiasm for life, and his message to young athletes is one of gratitude: “Be grateful for the opportunity to play and enjoy this beautiful sport. We never know what tomorrow has in store, so embrace every moment on the field.”

With Emile Odendaal at the helm, TWC’s hockey future is bright. His passion, experience, and drive to elevate the game will no doubt propel our athletes to new heights. As he puts it simply, “I chose TWC, so TWC all the way!” And we couldn’t be more excited to have him on board.