By Michael Uugwanga 
Grade seven pupil at Ruimte Primary school in Rehoboth, male Dizano Schrader is making waves at the Standard Bank Junior Hockey initiative.  The initiative started a few years ago with the aim of promoting the sport and develop young players. It is currently being played in 13 regions of across Namibia.  

Schrader is the current best goalkeeper in the boys’ under-13 category. Confidente caught up with Schrader and ganged his views on the decision to play hockey over popular sports codes such as football, rugby or cricket. 

“I started playing hockey in 2022, but at first I was just trying it out before I developed the love for it. [It was then] when I started practicing,” reiterated Schrader. “It is a great honour to play hockey and especially in the Standard Bank Junior Hockey programme. My mother is funding my hockey programme. 

“She is always supporting, even if I am going to play outside of  town or the country. Hockey is a sport that gave me confidence and it has taught me discipline.” 

Schrader  dreams  of becoming a pharmacist.  The Standard Junior Hockey initiative is an idea of former women senior indoor hockey coach, Erwin Handura.  A former hockey player himself, Handura runs a hockey team called Hockey School of Excellence, a side that is based in Katutura and home to young players from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.