Krugersdorp mother and daughter achieve rare hockey milestone
A shared passion for hockey saw a Krugersdorp mother and daughter officiate together at this year's Inter-Provincial Tournaments, with the younger referee also earning national recognition.
Local hockey enthusiasts had more than exciting matches to celebrate during this year’s U12 and U14 Inter-Provincial Tournaments (IPTs), as Krugersdorp’s Anri and Marni Vermaas achieved the rare distinction of officiating together at the prestigious event.
The tournaments were hosted at the astro turf facilities of Hoërskool Noordheuwel, Hoërskool Monument and Krugersdorp High School (KHS).
Anri and her daughter, Marni, were both appointed as referees for the U12 IPT – an uncommon achievement that reflects their shared passion for hockey and commitment to officiating.
Marni, a Grade 11 learner at Hoërskool Noordheuwel, also officiated at the U14 IPT, where her performances received high praise from assessors and tournament officials.
She capped off an impressive week by being appointed to referee the championship finals of both the U12 and U14 IPTs – an honour reserved for officials who consistently demonstrate outstanding decision-making, game management and professionalism throughout the tournament.
During the week, Marni also attained her Mini Level 1 referee grading through South African Schools Hockey, marking another milestone in her rapidly developing officiating career.
The Vermaas family’s achievement is a proud moment for Krugersdorp and highlights the important role of mentorship, dedication and family support in developing the next generation of hockey officials.
