The Maties hockey midfielder Aiden Tun has big dreams for the future after he recently got selected as part of the national men’s indoor hockey squad. He spoke to Sebastian Paulus about his journey into hockey.
Aiden Tun, first-team midfielder for Maties Hockey, reflects on the incredible feeling of being seen as an influence by young hockey players. PHOTO: Sebastian Paulus
Aiden Tun’s was eight years old when he first held a hockey stick.
While most boys at his school were honing their skills on cricket pitches or soccer fields, Aiden, who grew up in Kimberley, found solace and purpose in the rhythm of the hockey pitch.
“I initially played the sport only during the winter off-season. It was only when I made it to the provincial Northern Cape team that I realised I could pursue hockey professionally,” he recalls.
For the Maties hockey midfielder, now 21, a dream came true when he was included in the South African men’s indoor hockey team earlier this year.
He also represented Western Cape in his third interprovincial hockey tournament (IPT), and his team came out on top for the fourth year running.
“I always feel grateful when I have the opportunity to compete in such tournaments. The best part is the connections you form with other players,” Aiden says.
Recalling his own experience as a young hockey player, Aiden Tun is humbled by the realisation that he now serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for emerging talents. Aiden was recently selected for the South African indoor hockey squad, and cherishes the opportunity to leave a positive impact on the next generation. PHOTO:Instagram/AidenTun
It takes a village
In 2017, during his grade nine year, Aiden received a scholarship to attend Beaulieu College in Johannesburg after being recruited by Alistair Frederick. Alistair, who was the first coloured man to play in the South African men’s hockey team, later became one of Aiden’s mentors and held great significance in Aiden’s life.
“He saw something in me and helped me recognise it too, which led him to take a chance on me by offering me this scholarship,” Aiden says.
“Due to the lack of resources, there aren’t many opportunities available for hockey players in Kimberley. So, when I received this scholarship, everything else had to take a backseat,” he explains.
Doing it as a team
Aiden, the eldest of three siblings, grew up in a supportive family. He attributes his father’s unwavering support as one of his greatest motivating factors. “My dad is the most supportive man I know,” he says. “Thinking about all the sacrifices my parents made for me to pursue my dream serves as a constant reminder that I must keep pushing forward.”
His girlfriend, Tammy Kock, a fellow hockey player and currently a student at Northwest University, shares his passion for the game. Tammy has been a constant source of support and motivation for Aiden, and he credits her for instilling in him a sense of determination and resilience both on and off the field.
Tammy echoes Aiden’s sentiments. “We have known each other since primary school. He is my best friend. We share similar goals and dreams, and we motivate and support each other in achieving them,” she says.
Aiden Tun acknowledges the unwavering support of his girlfriend, Tammy Kock, who shares his passion for hockey and studies. Together, they navigate the challenges of university life and pursue their sporting dreams. PHOTO: Instagram/AidenTun
Putting in the work
Aiden’s hard work and perseverance began to pay off in 2019 when he caught the attention of talent scouts during a regional tournament. This earned him a scholarship to Stellenbosch University.
Currently in his third year of a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management at SU, Aiden juggles his Maties hockey commitments with his academic responsibilities.
He dedicates countless hours to improving his skills, perfecting his technique, and analysing the game. “Having a routine is crucial to me. I always seek ways to enhance myself. Whenever I have free time, I come to the turf to practise and work on areas that need improvement,” he says.
Beven Bennett, Maties’ first team hockey coach, describes Aiden as a “humble, hard-working kind of guy”.
“As a player, he exhibits phenomenal ball-handling skills, anticipates and reads the game exceptionally well. He is the ultimate team player, always striving for the growth of the group,” he says.
Aiden attributes his success in hockey to his relentless dedication, support system, and discipline. “I love planning everything,” he says.
“It helps me visualise everything and find the right balance between my studies and hockey. I aim to improve that balance each year,” he explains.
Staying strong
Throughout his hockey career, Aiden encountered various difficulties, including the financial challenges that come with being a hockey player.
“These struggles have only made me stronger,” he says. “Gathering funds for overseas tournaments and shouldering expenses like clothing, food, and accommodation can be taxing.”
“As a student-athlete, I always prioritise my mental health. With limited time to recover and engage in activities that regular students do, I make sure I am okay,” he says.
“I need to invest in my mental health as a student-athlete, when you have very little time to recover and do the things that normal students do, I always ensure that I am okay.”
Leaving a legacy
In his leisure time, Aiden finds solace in activities such as watching Netflix and listening to his favourite musicians, Drake and Jack Harlow.
“I enjoy my own company. Since I am always with my team members, I value the time I get to be alone and not play,” he explains.
Apart from working towards completing his degree next year, Aiden dedicates his free time to coaching hockey part-time at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch. “There is no greater feeling than when a young hockey player sees you as an influence. It’s amazing,” he says.
“I remember being a young hockey player myself, mesmerised and motivated by some of the players I played with during recent tournaments. It’s incredible to think that I can have that same effect on other young players.”
Aiden aspires to be part of the men’s outdoor hockey team, with the ultimate dream of representing South Africa in the Olympics as a member of the SA men’s olympic team.
But he also hopes to play a role in the development of talent in his hometown of Kimberley.
“For me, it is crucial to leave a legacy and become a role model for other hockey players in Kimberley,” says Aiden. “There is an abundance of talent in Kimberley, but not all of us get the opportunity to showcase our skills.”
Aiden Tun hopes to one day make it into the national outdoor hockey team, and to represent South Africa at the Olympics. PHOTO: Supplied/AidenTun