Young Padayachee ready to reprise role in national hockey team

Madibaz hockey star Sachin Padayachee will turn out for the SA U21 team when they defend their title in the SA interprovincial tournament starting in Cape Town on July 28.

Rising Gqeberha hockey star Sachin Padayachee is keen to assess his progress over the past 12 months when he reprises his role in the South African U21 squad for their defence of the IPT title.

The 2025 tournament, at what is considered to be the highest level of domestic competition, starts in Cape Town on July 28.

The 21-year-old Madibaz player enjoyed a breakthrough 2024, during which he was a member of the national team who stunned critics by winning the senior interprovincial.

He and his team also claimed gold at the 2024 Junior Africa Cup in Namibia, which only took place this April following its postponement from the first week in December.

They beat hosts Namibia 5-0 in the final to claim the title for the sixth time.

Exposure to elite, high-pressure hockey has no doubt been crucial in shaping Padayachee’s skills on the pitch.

“My game has grown a lot over the last year as I’ve learnt more about the sport through those high-level tournaments,” the third-year sport management student at Mandela University said.

He credits consistent refinement and a commitment to peak fitness as being key.

“It’s really about doing the little things well during a match. We follow an intense fitness programme at Madibaz and that’s made a real difference.”

A focus area is sprint repeats to build endurance, improve turning speed and boost explosiveness.

“These are all crucial elements of the game,” he said, explaining that being fit also puts him “in a strong mental space” as it promotes confidence and self-belief.

Despite this not being his first rodeo, every selection is special.

“There's always excitement when it comes to pushing for more. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the national team again.”

“Defending the IPT title will be tough, but we’re always up for a challenge. We know how to come together when it counts.”

The Junior Africa Cup had been a career highlight, he said upon reflection.

“Representing my country was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was an honour and blessing and going unbeaten made it even more memorable.”

He credits much of his success to a strong support network, which includes everyone from family, friends and teammates to the coaching staff at Alexander Road High and Madibaz.

“None of this would have been possible [without them].”

Padayachee recently played a key role in the Madibaz’s run to the semis at the University Sports South Africa competition in Stellenbosch.

It was significant for the Bay students as it marked their return to the USSA A section following their relegation in 2022.