Hero's Name: Samkelo (Sam) Mvimbi
Accolade Type: Sports Accolade
Applauded for: South African Men's Hockey Player
Nominated By: Terri Pautz
Growing up in Knysna, Sam’s ideal to represent his country as a hockey player was born when he watched the SA u.18 hockey team play in 2013. Only 14 years old at the time, he started dedicating himself to achieve his goal.
He spent many hours on the astro turf over weekends, after school, on public holidays as well as school holidays and every other free minute he had (with school academics and sport he didn’t have a lot of spare time). Sam got on track for representing our country when he was selected to the SA u.16 Hockey Squad at the age of 15 in 2015. During his school years and after matriculating, he continued to work hard and at 19 years old made his debut for the SA Men's team in the series against Namibia in 2019.
He continues to make us proud and currently has 14 caps under his belt. Recently he also learnt that he has achieved the ultimate dream - he will be representing SA at the Olympic Games in July.
Sam is currently studying a BAdmin International Relations at Tuks. Samkelo (Sam) Mvimbi is a local hero not only because of his South African representation achievements but also because of his determination and “never give up” attitude. He has remained humble and hard-working throughout and used the very little available to him to achieve his dream.
