UJ hockey coaches acknowledged for good coaching prowess

Date: November 22, 2022 | Hockey, Sport

The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) hockey team coaches, Shaun Laubscher and Tebogo Moepye, end the year on a good note following their teams’ impressive performances in various tournaments. Laubscher was recently appointed as the South African Schools goalkeeper coach for the Under/16, U/17 and U/18 girls teams for the 2023/24 season, while Moepye is nominated for the Coach of the Year for Women at the Gauteng Sports Awards.

The two coaches have guided the UJ men’s and women’s second hockey teams this year. Laubscher was raised in a sport-loving family; his father was a passionate cricketer, while he, his brother and cousins played different kinds of sports activities. “I have always enjoyed hockey and being an educator has helped me be part of the sport and help many other people who enjoy it, for a long time,” says Laubscher.

Reflecting on his coaching journey this year, Laubscher says, “This year was absolutely an incredible year for me on a personal level. I felt more confident and was blessed with many amazing opportunities.”

“Some of the highlights for me were coaching the Sporting Superheroes Senior Ladies JHL side, the Southern Gauteng Boys goalkeepers, and working with the South African Ladies 5s team.

“University Sport South Africa (USSA) is always a very special tournament to work in, tough week of competition but an amazing experience. This year, the UJ ladies were also incredible to watch and coach throughout the season,” explains Laubscher.

Speaking on his selection as a goalkeeper coach for the SA Schools u/16/17/18 girls teams, Laubscher says: “I feel privileged to be given this opportunity. It is incredible to be able to guide and coach players at this level and start them on their journey to high performance hockey. I thank everyone who has backed me, especially the incredible coaches and support staff at UJ who are always there to celebrate and commiserate with us in happier and sad times.”