{"id":90271,"date":"2026-02-13T07:21:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T05:21:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssschoolsplus.co.za\/?p=90271"},"modified":"2026-02-13T07:21:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T05:21:31","slug":"reggie-keates-a-new-face-and-a-fresh-identity-for-st-annes-hockey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/?p=90271","title":{"rendered":"Reggie Keates: A new face and a fresh identity for St Anne’s hockey"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Reggie
Former Millfield Director of Hockey, Reggie Keates, takes over as Director of Hockey at\u00a0 St Anne’s DSG in 2026. Photo: Millfield School<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

He’s a calm character, well-spoken, passionate about hockey, and has arguably one of the most interesting philosophies in the school game.<\/p>\n

His name is Reggie Keates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Keates has been tasked with taking St Anne’s Diocesan College<\/strong> hockey to the next level as the Director of the school’s programme and first-team coach.<\/p>\n

He’s taken over the reins from Morn\u00e9 Odendaal<\/strong><\/a>, who has returned to C&N Sekond\u00eare Meisieskool Oranje<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>in Bloemfontein.<\/p>\n

Acquiring the services of Keates is a major coup for St Anne’s. He brings an impressive CV and a wealth of experience to his position.<\/p>\n

The South Africa-born coach spent the last 20 years leading and coaching at Millfield School<\/strong> in the United Kingdom (UK), a renowned sporting powerhouse.<\/p>\n

During his tenure there, he coached the school’s boys’ and girls’ first teams before taking over as the Director of Hockey. He was also involved in club structures and England’s pathway systems.<\/p>\n

Now that he has returned to South Africa, he intends to pass on the experience he gained abroad to the benefit of St Anne’s.<\/p>\n

“As a coach, like a player, your coaching evolves through time and experiences,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

“I was fortunate enough to be mentored by good coaches before I found my feet and my own way.<\/p>\n

“The principle at the heart of my coaching is player development from a holistic perspective. I always want my players to be playing different sports because of the transferable skills that can be gained from them.<\/p>\n

“I have also spent some time in Holland and America, learning and picking up on ideas that have contributed to me as a coach. I look to add that to my new role.”<\/p>\n

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Photo: Millfield School<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keates was born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal before leaving for the UK at the age of 18. Last year, when he returned to South Africa, he had a stint coaching at Hilton College,\u00a0where he took charge of the u16A and second teams for about five weeks.<\/p>\n

He and his family enjoyed their stay, and when the call came from St Anne’s, it felt too good an opportunity to turn down.<\/p>\n

“I had an exchange programme in June last year, and I coached at Hilton College,” he shared. “My three young children were also at a nearby pre-primary. We spent the month here, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.<\/p>\n

“My children and wife had an amazing experience, and that initiated us exploring the possibility of a move. So, when Mrs Martin<\/strong>, the headmistress, got in touch, it was a no-brainer, and I suppose the rest is history.”<\/p>\n