Meet the family that turned their love for hockey into a lifestyle that’s inspiring a community!
The Rautenbachs, Bloemfontein’s hockey-loving family, are living proof that fitness, family, and a shared passion can create a life full of purpose, joy, and connection. Known as the Pocket Rockets, this tight-knit family has turned their love for hockey into a thriving family business, a way of life, and a means to inspire others.
Ryno and Chantelle Rautenbach are no strangers to the world of hockey. Both born and raised in Bloemfontein, their lives have been intertwined with the sport from a young age. Ryno, a former Grey College 1st team player and South African Schools National representative, and Chantelle, who grew up playing hockey at Oranje Meisieskool, have carried their love for the game into adulthood – and into their family.
The couple’s journey together is a story of fate and shared values. “We grew up together. We’ve known each other for 31 years now,” Chantelle recalls. Ryno’s sister was Chantelle’s best friend in their first grade, meaning that Chantelle spent almost every weekend with them. “Although we lost contact over the years, fate brought us back together, and the rest is history,” she added.
For the Rautenbachs, hockey is more than just a sport – it’s a way of life. “Hockey is such an amazing sport,” Ryno explains. “It requires a lot of strategic thinking and planning, being very fit, and understanding your purpose in a team. It challenges you on so many levels, and that is what drives us.”
This passion led Ryno to establish Pocket Rocket Hockey in 2004, a coaching school that has already celebrated 20 years of inspiring young players. “I started it to improve and help younger players with their skills, knowledge, and love for the game,” he says. Chantelle later joined the mission, launching a pre-primary programme to introduce children to hockey in a fun, non-intimidating way.
Running Pocket Rocket Hockey has been a family affair, bringing the Rautenbachs closer together. “For our family, it has really brought us closer together,” Ryno shares. “My wife and I work very closely together to improve on every aspect, from training to admin to relationships with everyone part of the Pocket Rocket Hockey family.”
Even their children, Jayce and Rize, are involved as coaches-in-training, ensuring the next generation is ready to carry the torch. While the journey hasn’t been without its challenges – injuries being the primary low – the highs far outweigh them. “Investing in young players and seeing their skills and self-confidence improve is really a big reward for us,” Ryno says.
Beyond hockey, the Rautenbachs are a family that values connection, faith, and staying active. Ryno enjoys paddle tennis, DIY projects, and even restored a 1978 Ford F100 in 2020. Chantelle, the self-proclaimed extrovert of the family, thrives on spending time with loved ones. “I’m very passionate about being a mother and spending time with my family,” she says.
Their shared faith is also a cornerstone of their lives. “We are very passionate about God and love to attend our church, Lewende Woord,” Chantelle explains. This spiritual foundation guides their approach to life, encapsulated in their motto: “Eyes on God, Finish Hard!”
For the Rautenbachs, family is everything. “God blessed us with two amazing children, and we cherish every moment we have together,” Chantelle says. “We stick together and have each other’s backs. We support, motivate, and encourage each other.” Ryno added excitedly: “Go Team Rautenbach!”
Their friends describe them as a couple whose love is “deeply rooted in their shared passion, kindness, and loyalty.” It’s this combination of warmth, dedication, and infectious enthusiasm that makes the Rautenbachs a true inspiration – not just in the world of hockey, but in life.
As they look to the future, the Rautenbachs are focused on evolving as a family while continuing to impact the lives of others. “We are passionate about people,” they say. And with their unwavering commitment to each other, their community, and the sport they love, there’s no doubt the Pocket Rockets will keep soaring.
As Ryno and Chantelle put it: “If God gives you the opportunity and opens the door, it is your responsibility to give it your all. You finish hard.”
And that’s exactly what the Rautenbachs are doing – one hockey drill, one family moment, and one act of kindness at a time.
Text: Warren Hawkins Photographs: Gypseenia Lion
