Randfontein Primary School is celebrating a proud sporting achievement after 13-year-old Grade Seven learner Tshiamo Motubatse was selected as part of the Southern Gauteng Hockey team.

The talented young athlete has quickly established himself through dedication, skill and a growing passion for the sport. Tshiamo’s selection marks a significant milestone in his hockey journey and reflects his commitment both on and off the field.

Reflecting on the moment he received the news, Tshiamo shared his excitement.

“I felt really happy and proud when I found out I was selected to represent Southern Gauteng. It made me even more excited to play and give my best for the team,” he said.

Tshiamo only began playing hockey in 2022, but the sport has already had a profound impact on his life.

“What made me love the sport was the confidence it gave me. As I learned new skills and improved my game, I started believing in myself more,” he explained. “This confidence didn’t just help me on the hockey field; it also had a positive impact on my academic results, as I became more focused, disciplined and motivated in my schoolwork.”

His hockey journey began with the encouragement of someone close to him.

“My elder sister introduced me to hockey. She has always inspired me to believe in myself and try new things. Thanks to her encouragement, I discovered my passion for hockey,” he said.

Among his achievements, Tshiamo recalls one unforgettable moment that stands out as a highlight of his hockey career so far. He described a tense semi-final that came down to a decisive final shot.

“The game was tied, and after the shootout, it was still level. Our coach said that whoever believed in themselves could take the final shot. I was nervous because I knew how much was riding on that moment,” he said.

“I prayed, trusted God, and decided to take the shot. Thankfully, I scored the winning goal. The feeling was incredible. My teammates ran onto the astro to celebrate with me, and they even lifted me. It was a moment I will never forget because it taught me the importance of believing in myself, even when I am scared.”

Looking ahead, Tshiamo has ambitious goals both on and off the field.

“My future dream is to represent the South African Men’s Hockey team one day. I also aspire to become an advocate. I am motivated to work hard in both sport and academics so that I can achieve my goals and make a positive impact in my future career.”

His selection to the Southern Gauteng Hockey team is not only a personal achievement but also a source of pride for his school and community. Tshiamo’s journey serves as an inspiration to other young learners, demonstrating that with hard work, self-belief and support, great things are possible.

*This article was amended after it was published. An earlier version included the wrong surname, stating Tshiamo’s surname as Kotu. However, the original source has since informed the Randfontein Herald that the correct surname is Motubatse. The correct surname has now been provided and the article has been updated accordingly.