From the moment Zeyad Davids first gripped a hockey stick in Grade 2, he felt something awaken inside him. Encouraged by his friend Siza Gule, he stumbled, learned, and slowly fell in love with a game that would shape his world. By Grade 8, that spark had become a flame, and it has been burning ever since.

Now, as a Grade 12 learner at Parktown Boys High, Zeyad stands on the brink of a new chapter. His dedication and relentless drive have earned him a place at the South Africa U18 hockey training camp, a milestone that whispers of bigger dreams on the horizon.

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High school shaped him not just as a player, but as a young man. His coaches have guided him with wisdom that went beyond tactics and drills. “They didn’t just teach me how to play hockey. They taught me how to carry myself with discipline, resilience, and heart.”

Behind every early morning, every late-night training session, every frozen dawn or scorching afternoon, was the quiet force of his family.

Their unwavering support pushed him to chase the impossible, to rise above fatigue and doubt, and to never settle for less than his best.

For Zeyad, talent is only the beginning. Making the SA U18 squad proves that dedication can not only open doors; it can reveal that the journey is far from over. “There’s always someone else working harder. You can never stop improving.”

Lessons from the field extend beyond hockey. A coach once told him that even the most gifted player will stall without the humility to learn. That wisdom has become his compass, guiding every move on school pitches and national arenas alike.

Balancing studies, friendships, and a grueling training schedule would challenge anyone. Zeyad trains almost every day, alternating between school sessions, club practices, and one-on-one coaching with former South African stars Justin Rosenburg and Julian Hykes.

Fridays are sacred, devoted to sharpening his skills in ways that separate the good from the great. “Balance is often preached, but sometimes you have to let it take a back seat to passion.”

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His eyes are set on the horizon: To play for South Africa at the World Cup, to leave his mark as one of the country’s finest, and to continue his education at the University of Pretoria or Wits while preparing for the SA U21 team.

To young players who dream like he does, Zeyad offers a simple truth. “Surround yourself with people who push you forward, and treat criticism as a tool, not a wall. Being coachable will carry you further than talent ever could.”

From a small boy holding a hockey stick for the first time, to a national prospect standing on the edge of greatness, Zeyad’s journey is one of heart, sweat, and unwavering love for the game.

“I live by the words: ‘Remember why you started’. That little boy wouldn’t want me to give up now.”

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