Player profile: LD Nel (Paarl Gimnasium)
Paarl Gimnasium‘s first boys’ hockey team will set its sights on finishing the 2024 schoolboy hockey season on a high when they take on Paarl Boys’ High on Saturday morning.
The action kicks off at 10:30 am on Paarl Boys’ High’s main Astroturf.
Coach Jacques Grobler’s Gim side has enjoyed an impressive season, recording some big victories along the way, which has led to them capturing two major trophies.
In March, they won the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Tournament and, earlier this month, they defeated SACS 2-1 to win gold at the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament.
Throughout the season, the Gimmies have been well led by their charismatic captain, LD Nel. He’s been a regular on the score sheets throughout the year and his influential impact was rewarded with a place in the Boland u18A team, which finished as the runners-up at the SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein.
On Friday, Nel will play his final match for Gim. Appropriately, his service to the school will end with the Paarl derby.
Ahead of the big clash, Nel talked hockey in an interview with SuperSport Schools Plus hockey correspondent, Short Corner, touching on his career at Paarl Gim, the massive inter schools match which will bring it to an end, and the future.
When did your journey with the first team begin, and against who? How many caps do you currently have?
I was picked for the first team in 2022, when I was in Grade 10, against a touring side from the Northern Cape. I’m currently on 97 caps.
You’ve had a pretty good season with your team. What are some of your highlights?
Yes, we’ve had an amazing season with lots of highlights. One was winning the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Tournament for a third time in a row. Winning the Cape Town International Tournament against SACS was also huge for our school.
Which people have played the biggest role in your Hockey career?
My first team coach Stevo (Jacques Grobler) has been influential.
He is an amazing coach and person, and I thank him for believing in me. Of course, I can’t forget my parents. They’ve always backed me, and I thank them as well.
Looking at you, you look more like a rugby player than a hockey player. Do you play any other sport?
Yes, I used to play rugby until Grade 7. I also play a bit of cricket, but hockey is the game I love.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
No, I would not change anything.
The Paarl Gim vs Paarl Boys’ High interschools match is always a massive event. How does it feel to take to the Astro in such a big game?
For me and my team, it’s an honour to be part of this big event.
Interschools is a 50/50 match and on the day it’s the one who wants the win the most that normally comes out on top.
What advice do you have for young hockey players?
Keep on working hard to achieve your goals. Never stop believing in yourself. Hard work pays off.
What are your plans for 2025?
Studying at Stellenbosch, BCom in Marketing.
Favourite meal?
Steak and Chips.
Favourite Movie?
Bad Boys 2.
Other Hobbies and Interests?
My friends are very important to me. I like being with them, and hiking and just chilling with friends.
Coach’s comment
Head coach, Jacques Grobler, who has coached Nel for the past three years in the senior side, commented: “LD is a positive person and very outgoing, which helps him to create strong bonds and friendships with his teammates.
“He has played for the first team for three years, so he knows what I expect of the group and has led the group exactly as a captain should, by example.
“LD has developed and continues to develop his leadership and hockey skills, which is almost a superpower for him as he loves to learn and just loves the game of hockey,” he concluded.
