Hudson Park star Mayekiso eager to don SA colours in Malaysia
The Hudson Park High School girls’ hockey programme has hit new heights over recent years under the tutelage of first-team coach Jerry Snyman.
The Eagles, as they’re affectionately known, are now serious contenders and have become a force to be reckoned with in the Border region.
Their results from the past season are encouraging after they went toe-to-toe with some of the best schools in the Eastern Cape.
In 2025, the school situated on Devereux Avenue in Berea had six players selected to represent the Border u18A girls’ side at the SASHOC National Week in Pietermaritzburg.
Out of those six, Busiwe Mayekiso shone the brightest and was named in the South African Schools u18A High-Performance Team.
That selection gave Mayekiso, who is in grade 11, an opportunity to play for the SA u17 side at the Dato Mirnawan Cup, which kicks off on 1 November in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.
“Being selected to represent South Africa and travel to Malaysia means the world to me,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus before departing South Africa.
“It’s such an incredible honour and a dream come true to wear the national colours and represent my country on an international stage.
“This opportunity is not just about travelling or competing. It’s about showcasing the hard work, dedication, and passion that’s gone into reaching this point. It’s a moment that reminds me why I started, not only for myself but for everyone back home who has supported and believed in me.”
Since making her debut for Hudson Park in grade nine, Mayekiso has been a regular member of the first team.
She’s made valuable contributions and scored important goals in big games.
Apart from representing herself and her family in Malaysia, she also wants to do her school proud.
“Playing for Hudson’s first team over the past three years has been an amazing experience and a huge part of my growth as both a player and a person,” she explained.
“Every season has come with its own challenges and highlights, but what’s made it truly special is the bond within the team and the incredible support from the coaches and staff.
“The school has played such a big role in my journey, from the coaches who’ve guided me to the teammates who’ve become like family, and the staff and students who’ve always supported me.
“Wearing the school’s name overseas is a huge honour because it’s a reflection of everyone who’s helped me get to this point. I feel proud to show what our school stands for: hard work, teamwork, and commitment, and I hope to make everyone at Hudson proud by giving my very best out there.”
The Border star was also part of the South Africa u17 side that won the Allistar Fredericks African Challenge against Zimbabwe in August.
She scored her maiden international goal in one of those fixtures and will be aiming to pick up from where she left off when the team lands in Malaysia.
When asked what spectators can expect from her, she said: “People who know and support me can expect nothing less than my absolute best when I wear the green and gold.
“I’m going to give my all and play with heart, pride, and passion every single time I step onto the field.
“I want to represent my country with humility, dedication, and the same hard work that got me here.
“I’ll stay focused, keep pushing myself, and make sure I give everything I have for the team and for South Africa.
“Most importantly, I’ll enjoy the moment and make everyone who has supported me proud,” she concluded.
South Africa kicks off their campaign on Sunday, 2 November, against the Australian state side, Queensland, at 12:00 SAST.
Follow SuperSport Schools Hockey for all the updates.
TEAM
Annika Kloppers (Die Hoërskool Menlopark, Northern Gauteng), Peyton Marais (Curro Durbanville, Western Province), Timari Jonker (Potchefstroom Gimnasium, North West), Jamie da Silva, Ella Bowyer (both St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, KZN Coastal), Zezethu Kunene (Maris Stella, KZN Coastal), Raffael Abrahams (Steyn City School, Southern Gauteng), Holly Hofmeyr (St Anne’s Diocesan College, KZN Inland), Xylia Choene (Oranje, Southern Free State), Claire Volschenk (Eunice, Southern Free State), Azania Petersen (St Andrew’s School For Girls, Southern Gauteng), Siphiwe Thwala (Middelburg High School, Mpumalanga), Busiwe Mayekiso (Hudson Park High, Border), Katherine Sickle (Rhenish Girls’ High, Boland), Emihle Wulana (Parel Vallei, Boland), Jemma Ferreira (St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, Eastern Gauteng), Anjun Kazie (Milnerton High, Western Province), Amogelang Motlatle (Curro Hazeldean, Northern Gauteng).
FIXTURES
2 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Queensland (Australia)
3 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Australia Crocs
6 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Malaysia Tigers
8 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Japan
