Goalkeeper Kamva Dyakala’s skills on the hockey pitch will
come under intense scrutiny when he makes his debut for South Africa this
month.
The 22-year-old Madibaz star, who has played for the
SA U21s in the past, learnt of his inclusion in the senior team last month. His selection is the realisation of a dream, to put it
mildly.
“Ten thousand per cent,” was Dyakala response when
prompted.
“I think any young aspiring hockey player has dreams
of playing for their country in the biggest of competitions,” the Mandela
University student, who will compete at the African Games in Ghana starting on March
8, said.
As a member of the national hockey talent squad, he
heard rumours that he was in the running.
“I didn’t want to believe it at first, so I just
continued training and working on my game because things can change quickly and
I didn’t want to get my hopes up.
“Then, when the squad were released, to see my name
among the top players in the country was unbelievable. It’s a feeling I can’t
explain, to be honest.”
The third-year inventory management student, who grew
up in Despatch before moving to Gqeberha, said his and his mom’s joy knew no
limits when he arrived home that evening.
“We were both so happy. As soon as I got home, I was
jumping around and she was just laughing.”
Dyakala’s development as a shot stopper has not come
without lifting a hand.
“At the end of each season, I evaluate myself and look
at parts of my game that I can improve,” he explained.
“Since 2022, I’ve tried to remain consistent with my
fitness and now I’m also working on my core and plyometrics (short, intense activity).”
Naturally, plenty of work is also being done between
the posts. In a departure from previous campaigns, he started working with his
coach on the technical aspects of goalkeeping before the season had even
started.
Dyakala believed that his hockey IQ, hence his ability
to control his area, had developed over the years. Even so, he acknowledged
that there was scope for growth.
Consistency proved to be defining for the Madibaz
goalie during his ascent of the ranks.
“I say this because not every game is the same. Some
are tough and in others you’ll find yourself having the game of your life.
“Having a ‘keeper who is consistent throughout the
season is better than one who is hot and cold.
“It’s a lot easier said than done.”
Contrary to what one might expect in a position where it
is all about the waiting game, fitness is crucial.
“Your fitness needs to be at an optimum level. The
ability to switch on when you’ve been doing nothing for quite a while takes a
lot of concentration,” Dyakala said.
“The fitter you are, the longer you are able to
concentrate and stay in the game when nothing is happening.”
