Mabona, Haswell, and Mc Menamin reflect on superb seasons in goal
Rebecca Haswell, of Pearson High, was named the Girls’ Goalkeeper of the Year at the inaugural Hyundai Hockey on 216 Awards in Johannesburg last week. Owen Mc Menamin, from Pretoria Boys High, and Khotso Mabona, from St David’s Marist Inanda, shared the Boys’ Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
The trio produced outstanding seasons for their schools and provincial sides at the SASHOC National Week, which was hosted in KwaZulu-Natal.
Haswell represented Eastern Province u18A, McMenamin donned the blue and navy of Northern Gauteng A, and Mabona was in goal for Southern Gauteng A.
With those goalkeepers backstopping their challenges, Eastern Province finished fourth in the girls’ competition, Northerns picked up the bronze medal in the boys’ tournament, and Southerns ended as the runner-up to Western Province A.
While their performances at the inter-provincial event were notable, it was their contributions to their schools’ seasons that most impressed the Hockey on 216 panel of Kelvin Watt, Bridgett Kee, Krinesan Moodley, and Manny Segale.
In the wake of the awards, SuperSport Schools Hockey caught up with all three goalkeepers to look back on the season.
Rebecca Haswell – “I’m only just getting started.”
“This season was definitely a bittersweet one,” she said.
“With regard to my school team, we had some really incredible moments and then some that were not so great, but we never gave up. Saying goodbye was definitely not easy.
“At the SASHOC National Week, we ended fourth, and I was so grateful to be a part of such a talented group. I learnt a lot about grit and determination this year.”
The Pearson goalie also revealed what motivated her to take her game to the next level while facing some of the toughest opposition in South Africa.
“Honestly, something that really shifted my mindset this year was to play for the love of the game, not for accolades or achievements, or even people, but to go onto the pitch pressure-free, and give my all for my team.”
She added: “IPT was an incredible experience. It was the highest [placing] that I’ve ever ended with EP, and we even beat Boland in the pool stages, which was a massive feat.
“I’m very grateful for the lessons I learnt and the experience I gained. Making the SA u18A team was truly a dream come true and has just motivated me to work harder and keep building.”
Haswell described being named the Goalkeeper of the Year at the Hockey on 216 Awards as “very special” and revealed that the recognition has motivated her to get better at her game.
“It’s always amazing to receive recognition, but, more importantly, it reminds me to persevere and endure no matter what. I still have a lot of work to do, and I’m only just getting started.”
Khotso Mabona – “My path to this position hasn’t been easy or ordinary.”
“Coming into the year, we knew it would be difficult,” Mabona began when talking about the St David’s Marist Inanda 1st XI. “We lost 13 players from our 2024 team and knew it was a rebuilding year.
“Over the course of the year, our results were very inconsistent, but I’m proud of the work the boys put in. In terms of development for the St David’s side next year, I think it was a successful year.”
Heading into the season, Mabona admitted he had no expectations, He simply wanted to play hockey. However, his coaches, Andy Aldred and Shaun Laubscher, steered him in the right direction and made him aware of his potential.
“At the beginning of the year, I really had no goals for this season,” he recalled. “I actually thought it would be my last. Mr Laubscher asked me to play for his JHL team, and I thought it would be a good idea, just for some fun.
“I managed to win the ‘Keeper of the Tournament. My coaches used that to convince me that I could be better and do something special this year, and I think that’s where my personal ambition began to grow and, in a sense, inspired me to have the season I had.”
Being crowned the Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the SASHOC National Week is something Mabona will treasure for the rest of his life.
Similarly, the Hockey on 216 award meant a lot to him, and never in his wildest dreams did he think he’d be where he is currently.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” he enthused. “If you had told me when I picked up my first hockey stick in grade 8, or even at the beginning of 2025, that I’d be in this position, I’d never have believed you.
“I’m honestly grateful for the support of my mom and Mr Laubscher, who’ve played a massive role in where I am today.
“My path to this position hasn’t been easy or ordinary, but I think it should inspire all players out there to work hard, even when no one knows you or sees the effort you put in.
“Keep working because anyone can achieve something great.”
Owen Mc Menamin— “I hope I can inspire other keepers to always give their all and to work hard.”
“The year definitely came with its share of challenges, but overall, I think I had a really good and consistent season,” he said.
“The moment pre-season started, I began working towards the goals I set out, and I just continuously had those in sight. So, yes, although there is always room for improvement, I am very happy with how my season went.”
Mc Menamin joined Pretoria Boys’ High in 2024 from their city rivals, Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies).
He said motivation has been hard to come by. “There are a multitude of things that inspired me. I think a bigger inspiration was born last year when I joined PBHS, and I really wanted to just be the best I could be for the school.
“My parents are also a constant inspiration in my life. They never hesitate to put all my needs first so I can reach my goals, and I just wanted to honour them by playing my best.”
As the last line of defence, Mc Menamin played a major role in helping Northerns to finish third at the SASHOC National Week.
He made some brilliant saves in goal, but it was his performance against KZN Coastals A on the opening day of the tournament, which included saving a penalty stroke in a one-goal win, that stood out to him. At the end of the week, he was included in the SA Schools side.
“It’s always an honour to play for my province and an even bigger honour to be selected for the national side,” he said.
“I have to admit that making both those sides was the goal for the year. Seeing the hard work behind the scenes come together has been so rewarding.
“The Northerns team managed great results this year, which was not expected by anyone. So definitely big ups to the coaching staff involved there, too.
“For now, I am focused on preparing for the SA camp that will take place in October, as preparation is key.”
Commenting on his joint-win at the Hyundai Hockey on 216 Awards, the shot-stopper said: “I am stoked and feel blessed to have received this award. It was unexpected, but it just made me so proud of the work I put into my goalkeeping.
“I hope I can inspire other keepers to always give their all and to work hard,” he concluded.
