Chatting to up-and coming umpire Ansie Joubert

SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament

Interview with Ansie Joubert

Newcastle has a rising star in hockey umpire, Ansie Joubert.

The motivated and driven sports star was recently crowned as the Most Promising Umpire at the annual Northern KZN Regional of the SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament.

“I thrive on the energy that you always feel at a hockey field, there is always something happening.  I love the team spirit in hockey as well as the competitiveness.  I really enjoy the action.” the gentle Joubert states.

“I started playing hockey in Grade 1, all my friends and my sister played, so I joined them.  I have never regretted this choice.

Asked what a memorable moment on the pitch was, she claims, “For some reason the ones I remember most is playing through injuries.  One that especially stands out is playing evening league in Bloemfontein in winter, with legs cramping and ice chips hitting you as you ran, with no-one on the bench because they were all down with flu, we had to play through it.  Luckily we won that game, so it’s a good memory.”

“I am not playing hockey at the moment, but my main positions have always been left striker or left link.  However I was always happy to play where our coach needed me. I even played one game as goalie.” Joubert says smiling.

“Currently I coach Mini hockey as well as our schools under 13A team.  I have also been privileged to coach our under 13 district side for the past 3 years, this year will be the fourth.  I am lucky that I can live out my passion for hockey in a variety of ways, with umpiring now also added in the mix.”

“On the umpiring front, I have been umpiring informally since 2012, only umpiring for my hockey team while coaching. I have always been delighted to accept when other umpires offered to umpire for me.” 

Thinking back, Joubert recalls, “If I remember correctly the first time officially with the whistle, it went okay! Luckily it was not a big game.  Last year I umpired once, for our first team where I was rather a nervous wreck as I did not have a lot of confidence.  Luckily I umpired with a friend, who was willing to help me a lot.”

“This was my second SPAR tournament, last year I enjoyed supporting our team from the side lines.  At the regional this year, I was honoured to officiate in the final at Pionier High, where Ferrum beat Dundee. That would have to be the biggest game I have blown so far.”

Away from the hockey field, the motivated and driven sports start relishes aqua-activities, “Swimming is another favourite for me, I swim the Midmar Mile every year, and then I also take part in triathlons. I occasionally play tennis, scuba dive and have even tried surfing before.”

“I enjoy any kind of adventure, going out and doing new things. I also enjoy reading, drawing and travelling. I would still love to travel to Greece, hike the Inca trail in South America and then go sky-diving!”

“I had the privilege to summit Mt Kilimanjaro with my mom and a group of students, parents and colleagues from school in 2012, an achievement and experience that no one can ever take away from me. I am a farm girl, who enjoys being outdoors, being active and learning new things, whether it is surfing, skiing in Switzerland, rowing down the Orange River or hiking the Otter Trail. These experiences affirm the feeling that I have lived and hope to continue to do so.”

Continuing, the passionate teacher said, “After three years of living in London, I really enjoy the slower pace of life in Newcastle.  We have most things that we need here, it is a big town, yet everyone works well together and one can still have good relationships with people.”

Originally from Dundee, the young whistle blower works in Newcastle, and lives at the school she teaches grade 2s, “I am also head of St Dominic’s Academy’s Boarding Establishment which has its challenges but is rewarding.”

Her eyes light up as she concludes the chat, stating, “I still visit on my parents’ farm during the holidays, this is where I recharge and find my peace.”

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.