For the love of the game - Passionate umpire teaches kindness and camaraderie through hockey.

Catching up with Wanri Venter ahead of the SPAR KZN School Girls Hockey Challenge

Words by Lachlan Nicholson

South Africa is a nation of sports lovers, where athletes who achieve success on the field are revered as heroes and legends. However, such glory would be impossible without the hard work and dedication of referees and umpires, who act as custodians of the games they love.

One such individual is Thomas More College sports coordinator, Wanri Venter. Now in her tenth year of service to the school, Venter has nurtured a love of hockey since her childhood in Stellenbosch, which grew as she became a student at the University of Stellenbosch. “I started umpiring during my first year at Maties (2000) because learning to do so was compulsory, but only really attended tournaments in 2004,” she explained.

As well as being an umpire and coach, Venter is still an active participant, “I enjoy hockey’s speed, fitness and physicality but most of all, the tactical aspect. The older you get, the more you rely on your experience.”

Officiating matches presents unique challenges because they are played at an ever-increasing pace. This makes the sport exciting for spectators, but requires umpires to be on top form at all times. “You strive to move constantly, so that you’re in the best possible position to make the right decision. When you umpire at a higher level, you need to trust your instincts because if you are unsure, you will miss the moment to step in.

“Often you’re like an actor on a stage; you need to sell your decisions using the tools at your disposal such as whistle tone, cards and body language. You need to earn the players’ trust by being calm, open to questions and confident.”   

Since earning her international badge in 2014, Venter has umpired 22 international matches, most of them locally between South Africa and Belgium, Scotland, Australia and India. She has twice travelled to Kenya; first to officiate for the Africa Cup of Nations then the World League Round One, she also was chosen to oversee several international indoor matches during December 2015 between South Africa, Australia, USA and Namibia.  

Venter believes that the lessons she’s learned from hockey have carried over into her personal life. “I have learned to never give up; the game is certainly not over until the final whistle. Friendships and other people's feelings are more important than winning the game.” 

Her next major event is the Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile which takes place from the 23rd of November to the 4th of December. She will also be helping co-ordinate the upcoming SPAR KZN School Girls Hockey Challenge that takes place at St Mary’s next month.

For those interested in becoming umpires, Venter has these words of wisdom, “The best place to start umpiring is with the little ones, as they play for pure enjoyment. As you gain confidence, you can umpire older age groups.” 

Chatting to Up-and-Coming Field Hockey Umpire, Jason Naidoo

SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament

Interview with Jason Naidoo

Asked how he would describe himself in one word, Jason Naidoo claims, curious!

Naidoo, a former pupil from Kingsway High School was recently elected as the Most Promising Umpire in the Durban South Regional at the SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament where he was representing his Alma Mater.

“That was my third SPAR tournament that I was a part of! Our girls did well finishing in the top four and we all enjoyed ourselves.”

“The first time I picked up a whistle, I was in Matric.” the confident young man shares, “There was a shortage of umpires, so I was asked by my first team coach to help out by umpiring a junior girls’ match. We were taking on Hillcrest at Hillcrest.”

“It was rather nerve wrecking. Not wanting to mess up or show any bias, I tried my hardest to see everything I could through the bunched group of girls around one ball but I actually enjoyed it.” continued the cheerful gent.

That was five years ago and he is still going strong, both with a whistle or hockey stick in hand. “In my eyes, the fast paced nature of hockey stands out the most to me. This mixed with the physicality and technical skill required makes hockey my favourite sport! There's just something magical about being out on a just-watered astro on a hot day.”

The gorgeous young sporting star spends his working days being a Striker for Red Bull, which is an international term for members of their off-premise sales team; he is responsible for how the brand is communicated within retail and convenience stores.  

“My hobbies include playing sport and keeping active. I also really enjoy exploring new and interesting coffee shops and dinner spots. On the sporting front I participate in both soccer and cricket too. Recently I've taken up golf which is a whole new challenge but I'm enjoying it! I play in the defence as a left or right back; the thrill of defending your goal as someone descends is exhilarating.”

Talking about a moment that stands out for him on the pitch, he reminisces, “I have played a lot of hockey but one of my favourite moments has to be at the Stellenbosch festival in 2008. We made it, unbeaten, to the finals only to meet a local rival in Thomas Moore College. The number of supporters and the atmosphere throughout that match was special. It was the most closely-fought match I have ever been involved in. We unfortunately lost the final in penalties but it will be a match I will never forget.”

His motto in life reveals how determined he is, stating he says, “Set your standards high and never settle for less than you deserve!”

On his bucket list, the adventurous soul said, “At the moment sky diving is a big one on my bucket list! With a whistle, it would have to be blowing a Germany vs Australia game at the Riverbank Arena, where the 2012 London Olympic Games were held.”

Still residing in the town that he grew up in, Naidoo affirms, “We have the best people here in Amanzimtoti and in Durban! When you couple our beautiful, laid back people with our stunning, all-year-round, weather you realise we're living in the best city in the world!”

The highly motivated individual reveals, “I'm passionate about the community and kids specifically! I run a junior youth programme every Friday that involves lots of sport, fun and most importantly life skills.”

The Sports Manage at Kingsway High School, Kerry Warne included, “I have known Jason for 10 years. He’s always been a really good friend, always helpful and reliable. As a coach, he is very passionate. He loves his sport and is very loyal to Kingsway High. Even though he now has a full time job, he still finds the time to help us out on the weekends with coaching and reffing.”

Naidoo, together with nine other umpires will take to the pitch to oversee the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament in July. 

Chatting to up-and-coming field hockey umpire Ziyaana Booley

SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament

Interview with Ziyaana Booley

Described as ambitious, determined, energetic and focused, Ziyaana Booley is making a name for herself in the hockey world.

Having recently been nominated as the Most Promising Umpire in the Durban North Regional at the SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament, representing Northlands Girls’ High School, Booley together with nine other umpires from around KwaZulu Natal, will head to the Grand Finals to gain more experience.

“The SPAR tournament was my first time I umpired properly; I usually just stick to playing. So umpiring was definitely something new. Initially it was really scary but I think I soon adapted to it.” the beautiful young lady states.

Having played in three of the SPAR tournaments in the colours of Northlands Girls High, the budding umpire states, “I am very proud of myself that I have that experience now, being at the other end of the game. If I were to pursue an umpiring career, I would love to officiate in a game between South Africa and Argentina. Being in the thick of the passionate Argentinians and surrounded by players I admire would be utterly invigorating.”

When not umpiring or studying, the recent matriculant enjoys softball, cross country, swimming and life-saving. “I definitely enjoy coaching the little kids at Chelsea Prep and probably just cycling along the promenade for fun!”

“I am a defender when I play. I started playing when I was really young and it’s all thanks to my mom for taking me to mini-hockey from a young age. I love the fact that you never really know what is going to happen on the pitch or how you are going to play, it’s all just in the moment.”

Asked about a moment that stands out for her, she states, “Probably playing my last school game for Northlands with all my friends, everybody just had so much positive energy.”

“I enjoy playing hockey because of the competitiveness of it, and the fun and excitement you get playing the game.”

Sports Co-Ordinator for Northlands Girls’ High School, Cynthia Field enthused about her former pupil, “I have known Zee since Grade 8 and she is a very talented girl who does not like to brag about what she has achieved. She is very disciplined and trains and plays hard. She captained our hockey and softball sides, she is an accomplished swimmer and was house captain and sets very high standards for herself.  She is extremely fit and still holds the record in the school for the Beep Test got to over 100 shuttles!”

The fledgling sporting star who dreams of travelling to as many different countries as possible, claims her favourite quote is from the AMC series’ Mad Men star Don Draper, Make it simple. But significant! Her bright future promises to be just that, significant.