THE FUSE

After decades in the game and years of setbacks, the lifelong hockey player has earned his place at the 2026 Masters Hockey World Cup and turns to the community to assist.

Cape Town, South Africa (05 February 2026) – At an age when many athletes are packing away their boots, Stewart Beyers is pulling on the green and gold.

The lifelong hockey player has been selected to represent South Africa at the 2026 Masters Hockey World Cup, set to take place in the Netherlands in July and August. For Stewart, who turns 45 this year, hockey has been a hobby, a place of grounding him and offered a sense of identity that has endured through every stage of adulthood.

His selection did not come easily. Stewart has trialled for the national Masters side three times before, falling short on each occasion. After his most recent disappointment, he seriously considered walking away from the process altogether. Going to the trail comes with financial costs, emotional strain, and a question that most athletes face when things are not always going their way: When will my breakthrough come?

Then came one final decision, to try one more time. That choice changed everything.

When the selection email arrived, there was no celebration or fanfare. He sat in silence, absorbing the weight of a dream realised after years of trying. For those closest to him, it was clear this was the validation of a lifetime spent showing up.

Behind the achievement lies years of early-morning training sessions, weekend matches, and tournaments across the country. It also follows a period of significant personal challenge. After suffering a stroke last year, Stewart fought his way back to full fitness, making his eventual selection all the more remarkable.

One line has followed him throughout his journey, capturing the spirit that carried him through setbacks and back again: “Do not go gentle into that good night… rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

The 2026 Masters Hockey World Cup will be Stewart’s first appearance at the tournament, and potentially his only opportunity to represent South Africa on this stage. Like many Masters athletes, he and his teammates are required to fund their participation independently, covering international travel, accommodation, tournament fees and local transport.

In total, approximately R150,000 is needed to make the journey possible. Despite the financial hurdle, the honour of representing South Africa remains central.

As preparations continue, those wishing to support Stewart Beyers’ journey to the 2026 Masters Hockey World Cup can do so via his fundraising link here.

Sources: Supplied

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