CAPE TOWN – South African hockey midfielder Luke Wynford is setting his sights on World Cup glory after helping the team secure the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and qualification for next year’s World Cup in Belgium.
The versatile midfielder, who can play both attacking and defensive positions, describes representing South Africa as “an honour and a blessing” that fulfilled a childhood dream.
He said: “It’s something I dreamed of as a young player, and to achieve that is very special to me.” Wynford doubles as hockey coach at DF Malan High School in Cape Town.
World Cup ambitions
The AFCON victory secured South Africa’s spot at the 2026 Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, a tournament where Wynford hoped for a full campaign after being called up mid-tournament in 2023 as an injury replacement.
“There’s nothing better than to represent your country on the biggest stage,” he said. “I’m hoping this time around I’ll be a part of the team from the beginning of the tournament.”
The team’s ambitious goal? “To compete and finish in the highest place SA has ever finished at a World Cup.”
AFCON Challenge
Wynford highlighted the unique nature of African hockey competition. “The style of hockey is very different from other international tournaments,” he explained, “which poses different challenges that we may not always face.”
The biggest challenge for him wasn’t on the field but off it: “Getting the team together to train for an extended time period. We had only a few days together as a team to prepare before starting the tournament.”
Coaching philosophy
Wynford international experience enhances his coaching philosophy, which prioritises character development. “Team culture is probably more important than any tactics a coach can give a team,” he emphasised.
For young players his advice is clear: “Always strive to be a good human being first and a good hockey player second. Hockey lasts only so long, and you want to be remembered not just for what you can do on the field, but also for the type of person you are both on and off the field.”
He also stresses resilience: “Setbacks are inevitable and sometimes out of your control but your attitude towards it is something you can control. Your attitude towards a setback is so important. You can either use the setback as motivation to come back better or let it break you.”
Faith and gratitude
Wynford credits his faith and support system for his success. “First and foremost, all the thanks, praise and glory go to Jesus, as without Him none of this is possible.” He also thanked his family for their unwavering support.
As South Africa awaited confirmation of World Cup preparation plans, Wynford represents a new generation of players combining international excellence with grassroots development, a winning formula for South African hockey’s future.
