Hoerskool Dr EG Jansen goalkeeper Izak van Niekerk played the game of his budding career, backed by a determined and unpassable backline, in their 1-0 loss to Lomagundi College in their opening match of the St Dunstan’s Easter Sports Festival on April 16.

Van Niekerk pulled save after save out of his talented hat, topped by a miraculous dive to distract a Lomagundi attacker approaching on the right in the second half.

The last line of defence put his body on the line, diving left and right with catlike reflexes, and repeatedly kept batting away balls fired by the persistent Lomagundi forwards.

Describing his performance, the 17-year old explained that although they could have done better as collective, he was pleased with how he performed.

“It was a good game. Unfortunately we lost. But we put up a good game. We fought until the end. We could’ve done better and probably taken it,” he said.

The keeper’s passion for hockey started early in his life but he took the sport seriously in Grade Eight and has never looked back since then.

“I started in Grade Eight because I love and have passion for the sport. I started goalkeeping in Grade 10 and I love it.”

While the youngster was one of the standout players of the first day of the festival, he expects to continue his heroics throughout the competition.

And although still trying to find his feet and make a name for himself in the sport, he dreams of donning the green and gold and represent SA internationally.

“It’s my goal,” he said. “I’m working hard to achieve it. I’ve been training every week. I hope to get there one day,” said Van Niekerk.

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