Parktown boys reflect on their Hockey 5s journey in Kenya
After representing South Africa in Kenya, Parktown Boys’ High learners Hoosen Jabbar and Ndyebo Pongwana returned home with memories of a memorable international experience and a place in the Hockey 5s World Cup.
For Parktown Boys’ High learners Hoosen Jabbar and Ndyebo Pongwana, representing South Africa in Kenya was about more than the result on the scoreboard; it was about stepping into another country and meeting various new faces.
17-year-old Jabbar and 18-year-old Pongwana formed part of the national Hockey 5s team, competing in the World Cup Qualifier 5s Tournament in Kenya.
Read more: Parktown High School for Girls learners fly the South African flag high in Russia
Jabbar explained that hockey 5s is a faster paced version of hockey, played outdoors and consisting of two 15-minute halves. Goalkeeper Jabbar described stepping onto the field in the national colours for the first time as a surreal moment, while defender and attacker Pongwana said the experience was like a dream come true.
“You step on the field and you just have to do your best to make sure that the dream stays a dream for you,” Pongwana said.
The boys said the trip itself was remarkable. Travelling with their teammates, arriving in Kenya, and showing off their skills as they competed against other national teams.
Although, Jabbar did stress that the country’s weather was very hot. “It was a very nice experience. Lovely people around there. Kenya is a very nice place also.”
The South African national team went on to qualify for the World Cup, which will take place in the coming months, after reaching the final, where they lost 6–5 to Kenya.
Returning home became a special moment, as their families warmly welcomed them back before they returned to school, where their school mates were excited to see them also.
Pongwana, who is Parktown Boys’ High’s head boy and first team hockey captain, said he felt honoured to return to the school community. He added that he felt important having represented his country and school in Kenya.
The experience has also strengthened Jabbar’s ambitions, making him believe that his hockey career is off to a great start.
Both boys marked having gone to Kenya as an important chapter in their hockey careers and, potentially, the beginning of a fruitful journey as South Africa will be heading to the World Cup in Egypt later this year.
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