The year 2019 can be seen as a rip-roaring breakthrough for the NWU hockey star, Pierre Botma. Not only did he star in the USSA tournament and leagues, but he also played a key role in taking the Drakensberg Dragons to a win in the Premier Hockley League (PHL).

This was all considered when the Potchefstroom Gimnasium old boy was awarded the prestigious NWU Hockey men’s player of the year award at the year-end function last weekend. The women’s player of the year award went to the sensational Jessica de Bruyn-Smith, who led the NWU women’s team to a first-ever Varsity Hockey win.

Botma was thrilled to take the award and credited hard work for his success this season. “It is a huge honour to take the award. It was a tough, long year but, in the end, it was all worth it to hold the trophy, especially knowing the hard work that was put in through the season,” he stated.

After his studies, Botma plans to play hockey overseas to further his game. “That is the main goal at this point, depending on where the road takes me. I have one year of study left and then I want to go overseas and play hockey,” he explained.

NWU Hockey Award winners:

3rd side player of the year: Men – Rynhard Thirion, Women – Kayla Spies

2nd side player of the year: Men – Jacques Marais, Women – Mialette Kock

Most improved player of the year: Women – Kutlwano Moshugi Men – Onalenna Monaledi

Top goalscorer of the year: Reserve Leagues – Men – Jeandré Wessels, Women – Mialette Kock Premier/USSA/Varsity Cup – Men – Pierre Botma, Women – Carli Pretorius

Player of the year: Men – Pierre Botma, Women – Jessica de Bruyn-Smith.