Player Profile: Ndyebo Pongwana (Parktown Boys’ High)
He was selected for the South Africa u16B team at the 2024 SASHOC National Week. Now, in 2025, Ndyebo Pongwana will run out for the Southern Gauteng u18A hockey side at the SASHOC National Week.
The tournament will be hosted on Maritzburg College‘s famous Pape’s Astro at the end of this month.
Pongwana was among the players who attended a Southern Gauteng capping ceremony at St John’s College on 16 June, and he believes he’s ready to make his mark.
A proud Parktown Boys’ High learner and a passionate Christian, Pongwana, bounded onto the stage with pride when his name was called.
He’s in grade 11, but being on the big stage is not foreign to him, Pongwana said. “It was a good feeling having all eyes on me,” he admitted. “I’ve been selected for a provincial side since grade eight until now.”
He is one of three children, and sport has been an essential part of his identity since he was young. He began playing hockey in grade one, following in the footsteps of an older brother, whom he admired deeply. “He was cool, so obviously I thought hockey was cool, as well,” he said.
That enjoyment soon grew into a love for the game, which has helped shape his path, both on and off the field. Over time, hockey has become more than a sport for him, Pongwana said. It is now a passion and a space in which he’s consistently excelled.
“Hockey has made my life a lot more interesting because I’ve excelled in it, and it has become a stress reliever for me,” he explained.
For the past four years, from grade 8 to grade 11, he’s earned provincial selection, which is a testament to his discipline, talent, and unwavering work ethic.
“U18A is a big title to carry around,” he said, “but at the end of the day, all it means is that I am one of the best players in the Southern Gauteng province, and that’s great.”
Reflecting on the contribution he hopes to make, he said it’s not about being in the spotlight or the accolades. Rather, it is about executing the basics well, showing consistency, and being a source of positivity for his teammates. As he gears up for the SASHOC National Week, Pongwana remains grounded and focused.
“Play the game, know your job, and do your job. Be a positive player.” That’s the approach that defines him, not only as an athlete but as a teammate and leader.
“Whether I have a great game or a terrible one, being positive is mandatory. If I can make my teammates happy and play positive hockey, then we’ll always do well as a group,” he said.
A talented midfielder, who also plays as a defender, he is determined to help Southern Gauteng bring a medal back home.
In a message to his teammates, he said: “I’m just very grateful to have all of you on my team. You’ve made me feel accepted and appreciated, so I’ll make sure to play for you all.
“What I do out there is going to be for the benefit of the province and the team. Let’s go show the country why we should be considered the best.”
