The Langa Hockey Club is making waves, with a number of outstanding performers from within its ranks, and the club is fully exploiting the City’s Sports Centre in the area to hone their skills.

The astroturf at the City’s Langa Sports Centre has been the local Hockey Club’s practice ground and sanctuary for the past eight years.

However, the history of the club dates back to 1988, when residents in the area formed a sports club.

Recently, 17 learners participated in interprovincial and regional tournaments during the winter school holidays.

With their natural talent, determination and developing skills, some were successfully selected to the South African National High Performance squads.

Some senior players are part of teams that will compete in the Western Province Men’s Grand Challenge – one of the toughest leagues in the country.

Other stars emerging from the local club are:

Zen Kraai – played in the U21 men’s team at the 2021 World Cup in India

Thabang Jeyi – made the U21 SA National Team Squad for 2022

Inam Gungubela – made the U14 Western Cape provincial team. The team won gold in the recent schools national tournament

The club is dedicated to the development of young hockey players starting from U9 teams. Players can gradually progress to senior teams like the men’s seniors 1 team, who are in major Leagues. The Langa hockey club is unique as few hockey clubs in South Africa cater for such a broad spectrum of age groups.

‘The Langa Stadium is in great condition, with the added safety of security on duty and floodlights to keep it well lit. Without having such a well-run and vibrant facility, we would not be able to manage to reach grassroots players,’ said club treasurer, Colleen Hodge.

‘We are glad to see so many enthusiastic and talented players making use of this particular multi-purpose Sports Centre, as well as other City facilities around the metropole. Playing hockey has many advantages, and teaches important life skills like discipline and teamwork. Sport also teaches us to respect other players on and off the field. We would like to congratulate the players for achieving such a high standard and thank them for taking the lead in setting an example for other players and teams to follow,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

Source: City Of Cape Town