Bringing hockey passion to the Olympics

Former Benoni resident and Northerns member Jethro Eustice is a member of the national hockey team that has been selected to compete in the Olympics in Japan.

Eustice has represented his country in well over a hundred games.

“It is no surprise Jethro chose hockey as his game, as both his dad, Mark, and mum, Janine, played hockey and still do at Benoni Northerns,” said Ted Jarvis, former Benoni Northerns president.

“Like most children, he ran around the fields with a hockey stick and ball in hand while his parents would play.”

Eustice started as a mini-hockey player at Benoni Northerns and continued as a junior player.

He went to Jeppe Boys’ High School, arguably one of the top hockey-playing schools in the country, then later graduated from the University of KZN, where he also gained further experience playing super league hockey in the UK and Europe.

“Jethro plays his hockey in KZN but can often be seen playing for one of the Northerns teams when visiting his folks in Benoni,” said Jarvis.

“He is a familiar figure at the club and always willing to encourage young players and impart with his knowledge and experience.”

The Olympics is being played outdoors in a stadium dedicated to hockey.

“It must be noted that Eustice also has his national colours for indoor hockey,” said Jarvis.

“Jethro is an unassuming and modest young man and Benoni Northerns is proud to have played a role in his early development as a player, as well as developing his passion and love for the game.

“Benoni Northerns is proud of Jethro and wishes him every success at the Games.”

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