This month, Cape Town will host the Masters Hockey World Cup. Ballito businesswoman Rochelle van Staden will proudly represent South Africa as the goalkeeper for the women’s 35A team.
Despite a lifelong love for sport, Rochelle never imagined she would one day wear the South African colours in hockey. “To me, this was not even a possibility,” she reflects. Though she played hockey in her youth and dabbled in several sports, including action cricket and javelin, life took over, and she stepped away from competitive play, opting instead for social club hockey just for fun.
In October 2022, Rochelle received a phone call that changed everything. “I was asked if I’d be interested in playing for SA Masters. I didn’t even know it existed!” Masters hockey is split into five-year age groups from the age of 35 upwards, and Rochelle seized the opportunity. She began by playing in a tournament in Johannesburg where the national teams were drafted. After showing her mettle playing as a goalkeeper for both the A and B teams, Rochelle was selected as the keeper for the SA Masters 35A side.
“It was surreal,” she says, recalling the moment she was called up to the A team. But the real work had only begun. Balancing a demanding training schedule with coaching junior hockey players, her job, and family life proved to be a challenge. Yet, Rochelle embraced the grind, crediting her love for coaching and the joy of working with eager young players as one of the things that kept her going. “They’re so willing to learn, and it’s amazing to see their excitement when they achieve something.”
With just weeks to go before the tournament, Rochelle has been honing her skills with personal coaching sessions to ensure she’s in top form. “It’s a big responsibility,” she admits. “As a goalkeeper, there’s always pressure, but I’ve learned not to let it get to me. It’s a team effort, and I know we’re ready.”
The SA Women’s Masters team boasts a roster filled with talent, including several former national players with hundreds of caps between them. But despite the experience and high stakes, the team remains grounded and supportive of one another. Rochelle laughs as she describes the dynamic between the players. “We spend so much time together, and the team is full of characters! At the end of the day, we’re all here to achieve one goal.”
The opening ceremony is set for 11 October at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, and Rochelle and her team will play their first game the following day. It’s been a whirlwind, but her passion for hockey and determination to succeed are stronger than ever. “It’s never too late to wear your colours,” she says.
As she prepares for the World Cup, Rochelle’s focus is clear: “We’ve put in the preparation, and now it’s time to enjoy the moment.”
Details: Catch Rochelle and the South African Women’s Masters team live streamed in action from 12 October on https://samastershockey.co.za/
