The annual hockey challenge is reaching young players who now have the chance to experience the game, thanks to the generosity of others.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (25 September 2025)- Hockey sticks, balls, and boots are finding new hands thanks to a powerful “Pay it Forward” initiative linked to the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.
What began as a competitive regional tournament has now grown into something far greater. Over the past 15 years, the vision has always been to grow hockey at the grassroots level. Now that the ripple effect is being felt in some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most underserved communities.
Recently, the SPAR KZN team, Nomfundo Shezi, Mfanelo Ntanzi and Galloway visited Khwezi Primary School in Pietermaritzburg’s Sobantu community to meet Enzo Ntshangase, the man driving an inspiring sports programme in the area.
Through the travelling tournament, which takes place across ten regions of the province, participating schools were encouraged to donate their unused hockey equipment. An impressive collection of sticks, shoes, balls, and other gear is making its way to eager young players.
“Enzo’s passion to grow hockey at grass roots is truly inspirational and there is some amazing talent coming through in spite of their lack of adequate facilities. We felt privileged to have visited him on site for this handover today,” said Galloway.
SPAR KZN’s Advertising & Sponsorship Manager, Nozipho Mkhize, echoed the sentiment.
“It takes a village! We are tremendously appreciative by the generosity of others. Because of this vision, and the paying it forward passion of the players in the tournament, we hope to ignite the next generation of young hockey players. We thank everyone that has contributed and made a difference. And thank Enzo for his incredible hard work.”
The donations even included a remarkable personal contribution. Matthew Sanders, a student at Ashton International College, rallied support and collected 60 hockey sticks, 80 balls and five bags, presenting them as part of the drive.
Related Story
The SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge hopes this initiative will keep growing year after year. Proving that the impact of sport extends far beyond the pitch. It also sparks dreams where they are needed most.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 