Brackenfell teen's hockey dreams take flight

A grade eight Brackenfell teen is a true example of being sports disciplined after training and competing in hockey since he was just in Grade one, and has been selected for the Western Province Hockey team and will be representing his school in Europe in 2026.

Zach Desmore, 14, who is part of the Bellville Hockey Club and lives in Brackenfell Protea Heights, proves that hard work pays off.

"I play for Bellville hockey club and featured in the U14A Fairmont hockey team in the role of captain," said the young boy.

Zach has also been selected to represent The Northern Knights at the Pro Series Indoor (PSI) nationals which starts this week.

Three months ago, Zach's mother, Vera Desmore, began a Backabuddy page to raise R70 000 to meet his requirements to attend the European tour in October 2026.

Zach's year began on a challenging note when his mother struggled with school placement for him for Grade Eight, but this did not deter the determined teen, who went on to slowly realising his dream of becoming an international professional hockey player one day.

"Against all odds, Zach finally got placed at his current school  and he hasn't stopped working since. Through dedication and determination, he was called up to the Western Province Hockey Team, and now he's been selected to represent his school in Europe," she wrote via the page.

"This is a dream come true as his life ambition is to play for his country one day and maybe for a club in the Netherlands. This is something I really can't afford on my own and I need help to please get my boy to have something to look forward to next year."

Zach said he trains seven days a week to realise his dreams and began at age of seven: "What I love about the sport is how it allows me to deal with different situations and how to overcome obstacles. "I feel that it will be a challenge and I feel very honoured to be a part of this team going overseas."

Desmore told Cape Argus they were proud of their son's achievements. "We have watched Zach grow especially this year in his composure and his team presence. He has shown determination to grow his skill and this can only come from the love of his sport which demands discipline if you want to succeed and play at a higher level which is his dream."

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