A move to Germany’s second-tier Bundesliga has made the past year a memorable one for hockey player Sachin Padayachee.
Germany (28 October 2026) – South African hockey player Sachin Padayachee is getting a taste of professional competition in Germany, where he is adapting to new tactics, facing tough opposition and working towards another season with Bremen Hockey Club.
The move followed his representation of South Africa at the Junior World Cup. Respected hockey mentor Solly Casoojee helped open the door by connecting him with a coach at Bremen, which competes in Germany’s second-tier Bundesliga.
Padayachee hopes his experience will encourage other local players to pursue their own international ambitions.
“This is proof that anything is possible no matter where you come from,” Padayachee said from his European base. “I hope that me being here can pave the way for the next generations to filter into Germany.”
His progress has also earned recognition at home. Padayachee was recently named Mandela University’s top male athlete at the Madibaz Sport awards after an impressive 12 months in hockey.
He missed the gala evening and had no idea he was in contention until messages of congratulations started arriving.
“It is massive, as there are thousands of athletes it could potentially have been awarded to.”
He described the honour as “a blessing and an honour” and was particularly pleased that Madibaz Hockey received the recognition.
Adapting to German hockey has presented its own challenges, particularly when it comes to man-to-man marking systems. The league also demands consistency, with every club chasing promotion to the top division. Padayachee compares the intensity to South Africa’s toughest interprovincial matches.
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His immediate goals are to perform consistently, help Bremen finish in the top four and secure another season with the club. He will spend another month abroad before returning home, with plans to head back to Germany for the 2027 season.
Padayachee graduated from Mandela University in April with a national diploma in sport administration. He credits his time with Madibaz Hockey and the national under-21 team for preparing him for the demands of competition overseas.
“My time with Madibaz Hockey has definitely been of the highest importance. Everything I’ve learnt from the coaches and players has been applicable in Germany.”
The experience has helped him develop technically, tactically, physically and mentally.
“It has genuinely shaped me,” Padayachee said.
Despite the individual accolade, he insists his progress would not have been possible without the people who supported him along the way.
“I genuinely wouldn’t be the player that I am today without them. They deserve all the glory and praise.”
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