SPORT: Hockey is life for Dean Bond
"I was also captain for Northern Natal Hockey team for eight years, for which I have been playing for the past 18 years."
Hockey is more than a mere sport in Dean Bond’s eyes, it was a sport which introduced him to a new world where camaraderie and fitness were paramount to success.
“I initially played rugby, but when I was told I would never get into the first team because I was too small, I decided to stop.”
It was then Dean’s older brother introduced him to hockey, when he was in Grade 8.
“I started playing hockey in 1997 and I have never look back.”
While his slight build had counted against him in rugby, it proved to be his strong point in his new found sport. He has excelled in hockey, and had quickly risen up the ranks and was captaining his first team a year after picking up a hockey stick.
“I was also captain for Northern Natal Hockey team for eight years, for which I have been playing for the past 18 years.”
Bond had twice lead his team to victory in the Natal Country Districts, he had been selected for the Inlands team, coached a women’s Inlands team (which won a bronze medal) and coached the Ferrum Hockey team so well, that the team had won the recent Regional Spar Tournament. Counting these as some of his highlights, Bond said his passion for hockey has also seen him and fellow hockey player, Blessing Khumalo, start up their own hockey school, named New Age Hockey Academy.
“I coach for New Age Hockey twice a week and I coach others at the hockey club as well.”
Dedicated to promoting and playing the game of hockey, Bond admitted it was a tough sport.
“You need hand, eye and ball co-ordination, be super fit and have 3D skills. I would encourage anyone to play as it isn’t as dangerous as rugby with its head injuries and there is a strong camaraderie among players.”
If anyone would like more information on joining a hockey team, they could contact Dean Bond on 084 581 3758.
