It is hard to believe that Jared Cass (UP-Tuks) only turned 19 on Monday when looking at his achievements on the hockey field.
He is positively impacting on the local hockey scene. During the recent senior men’s provincial tournament he received the player of the tournament award as well as the defender of the tournament award. He has also been included in the South African squad of 25 players from which the team for the World Cup will be chosen.
Guy Elliott (UP-Tuks men’s coach) is not sure but thinks Cass might be the youngest player to receive the top accolades at a senior tournament.
“I must say I am not really surprised. I have been following Jared’s progress from when he started playing men’s hockey in Durban while he was still at school. He is exceptional. He understands the game and can anticipate what is going to happen which enables him to be proactive.
“The reason why I enjoy coaching Jared is the way he continually questions why he is doing certain things. He is never just going to do what he is told because it is important to him to have a better understanding of the game. Naturally, it helps that his primary skills are excellent.
“I have no doubt that Jared is destined to become one of South Africa’s top players if he can keep his feet grounded which I am sure he will as he is a humble guy.”
As a youngster, Cass participated in quite a few sports, but it was literally a case of falling in love with hockey the first moment he got hockey stick to the ball.
“I can’t explain it. I just love the game. I guess I am naturally inclined to team sports as it is never just about an individual. There is no bigger award when you as a team succeed. For this reason being part of the Tuks team that won the Varsity Tournament was so special.”
As to his chances of making the South African team, Cass said: “I am going to follow my coach’s advice and not allow myself to feel pressurised. I will just do what I always do, and that is to play to the best of my ability.”
The 22-year-old Peabo Lembethe is the other Tuks player who is in the South African squad of 25 players. He considers it to be a tremendous honour.
“To play for the South African senior team has been my goal for a long time, now I am at least one step closer to realising my dream. The hard work is finally paying dividends."
Elliott said he is glad that the selectors have taken note of Lembethe's work rate when playing.
“As a midfielder, he has all the attributes to do be the best. It does matter for which team Peabo plays. He is the undercover ‘workhorse’. The guy who is not scared to put in the hard yards and do the work off the ball. He is also continually looking for ways to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. And he can be brilliant on defence.”
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