Olympics, here I come!

KNYSNA NEWS - Local hockey star Samkelo 'Sam' Mvimbi has written his name into the history books as the first ever hockey player from the Knysna/Plett region to qualify for the Olympic Games.

Mvimbi is one of 19 players selected for the SA men's hockey squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was announced last Thursday, 27 May.

He is not only the sole representative from the Knysna/Plett region, but also the only player from the Southern Cape and one of six that hail from the Western Cape.

Mvimbi is rightfully over the moon, and eagerly awaits the challenge that lies ahead in Tokyo. "My ultimate goal has been and always will be to play against the best, to test myself against the best, and this will be my chance to do so," Mvimbi said speaking to KPH.

"I'm really looking forward to it, to have the chance to represent my country on such a big stage." Mvimbi and his teammates will undoubtedly be facing off with the best, as their Olympic group includes four of the top six nations in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) rankings, including top-ranked Belgium.

While their group might be tough, Mvimbi says he and his cohorts won't be doing anything but pushing their competition. "We don't just want to walk away with a participation medal. We want to compete, and compete well," he said.

SA's first Olympic game will be against Great Britain on 24 July.

Sam Mvimbi in action during the second test match between South Africa and Namibia at Northcliff High School on 2 May. Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images

Early hockey days

Mvimbi was born in Knysna, lived in Plett and attended Greenwood Bay College for his primary school education.

He attended Oakhill College during his high school years until matriculating in 2017, and has called Knysna home for the past eight years. Oakhill's Head of School, Graham Howarth, is beyond proud.

"All credit goes to Sam for his incredible work ethic and dedication. Sam would always go the extra mile, in preparation, practice and performance. It is not only Sam's hard work, but also his humility and consistent application that made his Olympic dreams come true," he said.

Besides playing school hockey for Oakhill, he played club hockey for Old Oaks Knysna Hockey Club. "I am immensely grateful for my time with Old Oaks," Mvimbi said.

"I joined them in Grade 8 or 9 and they helped me grow so much." Old Oaks coach Nigel Leverton is "extremely proud" of the club's former player.

"It's not often that players from outside the main hockey hubs are noticed and from the early days of him running out for Old Oaks, we always knew he had it in him," he said. "He is an extremely driven individual and it's great to see him reach his potential. Everyone at Old Oaks will be glued to the TV watching one of our own take to the turf at the Olympics!"

Mvimbi made his national junior debut during his matric year for the U18 SA hockey team, after which he began playing for Tuks where he still plays when not on national duty. He made his senior SA debut against Namibia in May 2019 and was called up to the SA Olympic training squad in September 2019 before making the final squad last week.

Sam Mvimbi Photo: Maritz Verwey

Hometown support

Mvimbi further remains grateful for all the support he has received from his hometown, and encourages other budding hockey players to think big. "It all means so much, everybody back home has remained so supportive and I simply don't have the time to thank everyone," he said.

"For any upcoming players in Knysna or the Southern Cape, we can't think small. We have the facilities to make it, and yes it will take some extra work, but it's all about keeping on working when no one's looking. It's about how much effort you put in, how much you want it."

Sam Mvimbi