By Aiden Tun
Good afternoon players, coaches and Maties staff?
Before I tell you who I am, let me tell you what I believe: “I believe in showing up when it's hard, leading when it's uncomfortable, and earning respect through actions, not just titles and words.
My name is Aiden Tun, I'm a hockey player, and every day I strive to live by those words—on and off the field
Today, I have the privilege of representing Maties Hockey — a sport that is fast-paced, fiercely competitive, and rooted in tradition. I'm proud to be standing here today as part of this incredible family of athletes, coaches, and supporters who make Maties Sport what it is.
For those who don't know much about hockey, it's a game of constant movement — one that demands precision, endurance, and unity. But more than that, it teaches you to be relentless. There are no timeouts, no standing still. You're always in the game — thinking, adjusting and giving everything you've got. And that's precisely what it feels like to play for Maties.
Playing hockey for Maties is more than just wearing a jersey. It's becoming part of a legacy — a tradition of excellence that stretches far beyond the pitch. Every time we step onto the turf, we're playing for something bigger than ourselves. We're playing for the badge, for the history, for the people who built this program, and for those who'll come long after us. That's the heartbeat of Maties Hockey — and, I believe, the same for every code represented here today.
And while each sport represented here today has its own challenges, one thing unites us all: the pride we feel when we wear maroon and gold. Whether you're playing on a turf, on a court, on a field, or in a ring, you are part of a culture of excellence, built by those who came before us and carried forward by us right now.
As we all gear up for the USSA, I want to leave you with the words of the great Serena Williams:
“A champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they can recover when they fall."
We will face challenging moments — in games, in life, in training. But what matters is that we show up — again and again, every single day, with hunger, with heart, and with belief in our team and ourselves.
This year, Maties Hockey has the honour of hosting USSA right here at home. And let me tell you — it's special. It means more than I can say, as such opportunities don't come around too often. It's more than just familiar turf — it's representing our community, our fans and our families.
There's a fire in knowing we're not just playing for medals; we're playing right here, in front of our people, for our university. We feel the weight of it, but more importantly, we feel the pride. It's our chance to show the country who we are — not just through our results, but in how we carry ourselves, how we support each other, and how we fight for every single ball.
To Maties Sport, Stellenbosch 肆客足球, and everyone working behind the scenes — thank you. Thank you for giving us the platform to grow, compete, and believe in something bigger than ourselves. Your support fuels us more than you will ever know — thank you for investing in us, believing in our potential, and helping us chase our dreams as student athletes.
To all the athletes and coaches heading into your respective tournaments: back yourselves, trust your preparation, lean into your teammates, and enjoy the moment that you'll remember long after the final whistle. These are the times that define us as student athletes.
One day, you all will lace up for one last time at USSA. The warm-up won't feel any different, but somewhere deep down, you will know. So while you still have time, make every session, every game, and every moment count. Let's make this USSA campaign unforgettable.
Go out there and make Maties proud. Let's leave no doubt about who we are. Let's play with purpose, pride, and passion. Let's show them exactly what the Maroon Machine is made of.
Thank you, and good luck to each and every one of you.
In the words of our coach, Bevan Bennett
LES GO ….
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