Maritzburg College announces Mark Sanders as new first-team hockey coach
Traditional hockey powerhouse, Maritzburg College, announced Mark Sanders as their new hockey first-team head coach. The decorated mentor will hold the dual positions of Director of Hockey and First XI head coach.
Sanders has an impressive 27-year coaching record, 25 of which have been at provincial school level. He has had spells with good results as the head coach at King Edward VII, Parktown Boys’ High, St Stithians College, and St Benedict’s College.
“I have earned great experience along the way. I think it will serve me and the school well as we embark on this new chapter,” Sanders shared.
Over the past few years, Sanders has overseen the implementation of a playing system he envisions for Maritzburg College through its junior ranks. It is a system that he hopes to have the senior team playing going forward.
“We want to play a modern and fresh attacking brand of hockey. That is a brand of play that should help us regain our standing as one of the best hockey-playing schools, not only in KZN but in the country,” he said.
However, Sanders was quick to point out that though the style will be new to the Maritzburg College system, it is not a move away from the brand that made the school a powerhouse for many years.
“Traditionally, we have always been strong in defence, with a strong back four. Now, we want to build on that foundation and build a more attacking and dynamic side,” Sanders explained.
The coach’s experience is not limited to school hockey. Sanders has 12 years of coaching the A section of the men’s provincial hockey teams under his belt and led the Maropeng Cavemen to two championship titles in the Professional Hockey League (PHL). He has also held the head coach position at Wits University and coached Premier League clubs in Southern Gauteng, including Jeppe, Crusaders, and Old Edwardian’s.
Sanders’ experience spans beyond coaching and has served as a national selector for multiple major tournaments and was the Convenor of Selectors for the South African Men’s Indoor Team.
Sanders’ predecessor, Kyle Emerson, will continue his coaching duties with the school and will lead the age group teams.
“The future of College hockey remains bright and we look forward to what Mark will bring to College First XI hockey going forward. College extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to outgoing First XI coach Kyle Emerson, for his many years of commitment and service to the College First XI,” the school said in a statement.
