From Komani to Jozi: Lusiba takes over at St Benedict’s College
After serving for six years as the Director of Hockey at Queen’s College in Komani, Siya “Ozzie” Lusiba has left the school to pursue “a new challenge” in 2026.
The former Border u18A coach has left his hometown of Komani to take over the reins at Bedfordview’s St Benedict’s College, where he will lead the school’s hockey programme while coaching the first team.
It’s a move that was not in the works, Lusiba said, but over time it became irresistible.
“To be honest, it wasn’t really something I was looking for, but it’s an opportunity I had to take, he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“There were some uncontrollable situations from my end at Queen’s, and I just felt the need for growth.
“I also have umpiring ambitions, so the move made sense in that regard. I felt like I couldn’t take the next step in my career because I was [isolated] in the Eastern Cape, so something had to give.”
Lusiba, who took over at his alma mater after a very successful run at St Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein, enjoyed some memorable moments with Queen’s.
He, along with the current first-team coach, Michael Baiden, led the school to some notable results while consistently producing provincial players.
He reflected on his time at the school: “Yeah, it was a good five or six years, and I think we took the school’s hockey programme to the next level,: he said.
“Obviously, there were some challenges when it came to the players we got from primary schools because they would leave the province or choose to play rugby.
“Looking back, I think being part of the SA coaching setup was a big achievement, not only for me but for the school, as well. We also had some players making the Border sides, and our coaches got to coach provincial teams.
“Parents also got involved, and we received sponsorships from our old boys, which was something that didn’t happen before. So, it was a good ride.”
Lusiba is already hard at work with his Bennies‘ side gearing up for the forthcoming season.
“I’m looking forward to this challenge and working in a school that is so different from where I’ve been before,” he said. “I’m also excited to be working with different hockey people, coaches, and new kids.
“This opportunity will allow me to see where I stand among the top schools and coaches in the country.”
The coach will take charge of the dugout with Bennies for the first time on 9 March when they tackle Marais Viljoen in a league fixture.
Two days later, they’ll face a huge test when they visit Kensington to take on Jeppe High School for Boys, who went unbeaten in 2025.
