We caught up with Samukelisiwe Mlangeni, the first-team hockey captain from Hoërskool Patriot, to hear her thoughts on pre-season preparation, team goals, and what it means to lead with passion and purpose. As her team heads into the season, Samukelisiwe shares how discipline, teamwork, and inspiration from sporting greats continue to drive her both on and off the field.

What aspects of fitness and strategy has the team focused on during pre-season training?
During pre-season, our team mainly focused on endurance training so that we don’t tire easily on the field, especially after a long holiday break.

What are your team’s biggest strengths, and how do you plan to capitalise on them this season?
Our team’s biggest strength is our familiarity—most of us have played together before, which allows us to anticipate each other’s moves effectively. We plan to capitalise on this understanding throughout the season.

What does it mean to you to lead your school’s hockey first team?
Leading the school’s first hockey team means taking on significant responsibility and pressure—not only for my team but also as a role model for the U16, U15, and U14 teams. Although it can be intimidating at times, my teammates chose me for this position for a reason, and I intend to honour that.

How would you describe your school’s hockey culture, and what makes it unique?
Our hockey culture is all about always having each other’s backs. I’ve emphasised supporting one another across all age groups and skill levels. Unlike some sports that tend to stay within their own circles, our hockey teams actively encourage and support athletes from every discipline—that inclusivity sets us apart.

What are your main goals as a team for this season?
Our primary goals this season are to secure at least third place in our league and, importantly, to have fun while playing. We all share a unique energy and sense of humour that keeps our spirits high.

Which upcoming fixture excites you most, and why is it significant?
I’m most excited about playing against the new teams in our league, as we’ve been competing against the same schools for the past four years. This offers fresh challenges and opportunities to showcase our progress.

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 Thati Zulu. She’s an exceptional hockey player who shows immense determination and ambition. Despite being a university student, she already plays for the South African national team, is a mother, and serves as an ambassador for Adidas and Red Bull. Her achievements inspire me greatly in my approach to hockey.