DGC, who won the Mackenzie Cup in 2023, once again lifted the title on Sunday in Cape Town. Photo: Supplied.
Durban Girls’ College(DGC) produced a gritty performance to score an impressive 8-6 victory over Reddam House Constantia in the final of the Mackenzie Cup in Cape Town on Sunday.
The girls from KwaZulu-Natal, led by captain Lara Mervis, showed strong character and scored some outstanding goals in a tightly contested final.
They impressed in Pool B, where they withstood the challenges of some redoubtable teams to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
Their successes in the group stage included an 8-6 win over Herschel Girls School, a 4-2 defeat of Clarendon High School forGirls, and a 10-5 victory over Glenwood House.
In the knockout phase of the competition, they brushed aside a Herschel Invitational side 12-4 in the last eight to move onto the semifinals.
With a shot at the title game on the line, coach Peter Lavett‘s troops upped the ante and dominated DSG Makhanda, outscoring them 9-2, while Reddam House defeated Herschel 9-7 in their semifinal to set up an interesting showdown for the silverware.
It was a hard-fought battle from the outset, with DGC drawing first blood through a long-range effort in the first chukka from skipper Mervis.
Reddam quickly responded, striking twice before the experienced Inge Southey won a five-metre penalty for DGC. She also converted it.
At the halfway point, there was nothing to separate the sides, who were tied at 5-5, with further goals from Lia Janse van Rensburg, a second for Southey, and another from Isabella Stephenson keeping the KZN visitors in the game.
Both sides came out firing in the second half, and the lead exchanged hands several times.
It was, however, DGC who scored struck three more times, and they also defended bravely, with goalkeeper Hannah Weinert pulling off some fantastic saves, to seal the win.
Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus after the game, captain Lara Mervis said she was pleased with how her team had performed: “It was a great weekend in Cape Town, and I’m very happy with how we played,” she said. “The team played really well, and we worked together nicely.”
Mervis said that win, in their home pool, was the boost DGC needed to clinch a second title in as many weeks.
“Yes, that win at Top Schools definitely gave us the confidence that we needed and helped us perform the way that we did,” she explained
DGC’s success was also reflected in the individual awards, which included their Kayla Andrews receiving the Attacker of the Tournament accolade, while Inge Southey was named the Player of the Tournament.
The Durbanites will next shift their attention to the St Anne’s Water Polo Tournament, which take places from 26 to 28 September.
They’ve been drawn in Pool B and will face Roedean School, Rhenish Girls’ High, and St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls.
When the Rhenish Girls’ High School first hockey side enjoyed a superb season in 2024, many wondered whether they would be able to replicate that form or even better it in 2025.
In 2024, Rhenish was, at times, unstoppable. They played some superb hockey on their way to 37 victories in 50 matches.
They lost only twice, drew 11 times, and scored a whopping 160 goals while conceding only 17.
Captained by Leah du Plessis, they were fearless in attack, rock solid in defence, and bullied most of their opponents in midfield.
The Stellenbosch school also won the Fairtree Super 12 Tournamentfor a first time, which put a shiny bow on a superb season.
When coach Chris Gerber and his side returned to action early in 2025, they had said farewell to only one player from last year’s group. They set their sights high.
Rhenish was expected to dominate once again, and they made their presence felt early on at the Greg Beling Festival, in East London, in March, where they went unbeaten.
They carried that momentum out of the pre-season event into the season proper. “It was an incredible season for the girls,” coach Gerber told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“They had an amazing year. Beating some big powerhouse schools like Oranje Meisies twice during the year has been incredible.
“The girls have had an unbeaten season. We played 45 matches, won 38 and drew seven, scoring 140 goals and only conceding 15.” It was only in tournament play, in some contests that went to penalty shootouts, that Rhenish went down, but their record in regulation time was clean.
Rhenish head coach Chris Gerber was named the Coach of the Year at the Hyundai Hockey on 216 Awards. Photo: JB – LookonImages
Gerber was quick to admit that there was a high level of pressure and expectation heading into the new season.
He credited his team’s work ethic and discipline for their success. Those were the keys to Rhenish becoming a force to be reckoned with.
“There was a lot of pressure and expectation throughout the season,” he reckoned. “However, I am extremely pleased with how the girls handled that. Every game, they pitched up and played exceptional hockey.
“To be the top hockey team for the second year in a row is a reward for the hard work, discipline, and effort the girls put in. They have been incredible throughout. I’m extremely proud.”
While Rhenish dominated in the Western Cape, they fell short of adding silverware to their cabinet, missing out at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival, the All Girls’ Festival, and the Super 12 after shootouts.
At St Mary’s and the Super 12, they bowed out in the semifinals, while they lost to Collegiate Girls’ High in the final of the All Girls’ Festival. Those exits were bitter pills to swallow, and penalty shootouts are a key item on the list of things that Gerber want his team to work on in 2026.
“Obviously, you want the showdowns to go your way, and ultimately, that is where we lacked during the season,” he admitted. “However, the lessons we had from that will go a long way in the future. We will get stronger from that and work hard to get that right in 2026.”
Puck Bakker was named Girls’ Defender of the Year at the Hyundai Hockey on 216 Awards. Photo: Marnus Prinsloo
Despite only one player not returning from the 2024 team, Rhenish says goodbye to only five more – Jasmine Aitken, Leah Du Plessis, Puck Bakker, Ruby Cilliers, and Shené Du Plessis – after the 2025 season.
Gerber thanked them for their contribution to the programme, saying: “A special mention must go to our Grade 12 girls, whose leadership, spirit, and presence have left an unforgettable mark on this team.
“They’ve made a special impact, not only through their performance, but in the examples they’ve set, and the heart they’ve brought to every game.
“They will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will genuinely cherish the memories we’ve made together.”
Heading into 2026, Rhenish will not be short of experience. When asked what spectators can look forward to, the coach replied: “You can expect a team that will be excellent and keep setting standards.
“We will keep pushing to be the top team in the country.”
Janelle Wightman in action for Falcon College during the 2025 season. Photo: Supplied
There was a sense of optimism, excitement, and expectation when the Zimbabwe u18A girls’ team arrived in South Africa for the Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge in August.
The visitors took on the South African u17 girls in four tests at St David’s Marist Inanda, in Johannesburg.
It was an uphill battle against the home team, with Zimbabwe going down in all four games but showing great character and fight on the turf, despite the losses.
While the results didn’t go their way, there was a silver lining for the Zimbabwean side, with one of their players, Janelle Wightman, catching the eye with her standout performances in goal.
Wightman, who hails from Falcon College in Esigodeni, was on her game and pulled off some incredible saves to make the South African side work extra hard for their victories.
Her performances during the series came on the back of a tough and competitive season at her school.
“This season truly felt like a dream, and I can hardly believe how quickly it flew by,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“Our Falcon College first team accomplished so much. The growth and learning have been remarkable.”
Schools’ hockey has come on leaps and bounds in Zimbabwe, with several schools investing heavily in improving and growing their programmes.
Some, like Chisipite Senior School and Peterhouse, have competed in South African tournaments, with Chisipite in action at the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament, and Peterhouse contesting the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Festival.
Photo: Supplied
Wightman said there is fierce competition within Zimbabwe. “The competition here is intense, with numerous schools showcasing a variety of playing styles and top skills,” the ‘keeper explained.
“It’s always a thrill to compete against all of them. This season, Falcon College faced several teams, including Arundel, Hellenic, Peterhouse Girls, and Chisipite.
“I’ve significantly improved my game thanks to our practices, and I genuinely enjoy growing and honing my skills with my team.”
The Falcon College learner, who looks up to senior players Tanatswa Mutaramuswaand Bradley Heuer, has represented her country at the u16, u18 and u21 levels.
She was also nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year at the Hyundai Hockey on 216 Awards and admitted it came as a surprise.
“I was absolutely thrilled when a friend told me about the nomination. I could hardly believe it! Initially, I didn’t even think I had a shot, and it filled me with pride,” she exclaimed.
Wightman will head to South Africa next year to pursue her studies in the Western Cape. “I’m moving to Somerset West for my studies and hope to keep playing at a hockey club there,” she said.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all my hockey coaches at Falcon College and from the Hockey Association of Zimbabwe, as well as to everyone who has contributed to my journey,” she ended.
Led by coach Connor Whiting, the home team is among the favourites, but they will face some tough competition in Pool A from the Eastern Cape duo of Collegiate Girls’ High and DSG Makhanda, as well as Rhenish Girls’ High, from Stellenbosch.
DSG and Collegiate already have some match practice in the bag after participating in a pre-season spring festival at DSG last week.
There, DSG played three matches and defeated Woodridge College 8-2 before going down 3-7 to Glenwood House and 5-8 against Clarendon School for Girls.
Collegiate, meanwhile, beat Kingswood College 6-4 and Woodridge 7-2 but lost 3-5 against a DSG Invitational side. They were also well beaten by Clarendon, who powered their way to a 9-3 win.
Pool B is, arguably, the group of death and will be contested by Herschel Girls School, Glenwood House, Durban Girls’ College(DGC), and Clarendon.
They defeated St Anne’s 10-4 in the final and will head to Cape Town brimming with confidence and keen to add a second trophy to their haul. They won the Mackenzie Cup in 2023.
Clarendon, meanwhile, will be aiming high and will be eager to improve on last year’s top five finish. Under the guidance of coach Hannah Muller, the East London school will have medals on their mind.
In the pre-season, they lost only to Kingswood, going down 3-4, but they’ll have to play their socks off to secure a semifinal spot from a tough group.
Pool C is wide open and there for the taking. It features Wynberg Girls’ High, the Herschel Girls School Invitational side, Fish Hoek High, and an unpredictable Springfield Convent School outfit.
St Cyprian’s School, Rustenburg Girls’ High, Reddam House Invitational, and Somerset College, will clash in Pool D.
The action kicks off on Friday morning with an Eastern Cape derby between Collegiate and DSG Makhanda at 07:00.
POOLS
Pool A: Reddam House Constantia, Collegiate Girls’ High, DSG Makhanda, Rhenish Girls’ High. Pool B: Herschel Girls School, Glenwood House, Durban Girls College, Clarendon High School for Girls. Pool C: Wynberg Girls’ High, Herschel Girls School Invitational, Fish Hoek High School, Springfield Convent School. Pool D: St Cyprian’s School, Rustenburg Girls’ High, Reddam House Invitational, Somerset College.
FIXTURES
Friday, 12 September
07:00 – Collegiate vs DSG Makhanda; 07:40 – Herschel vs Clarendon; 08:20 – Wynberg vs Springfield; 09:00 – St Cyprian’s vs Reddam Invitational; 09:40 – Reddam vs Rhenish; 10:20 – Glenwood House vs Durban Girls College; 11:00 – Herschel Invitational vs Fish Hoek; 11:40 – Rustenburg vs Reddam Invitational; 12:20 – DSG Makhanda vs Reddam; 13:00 – Herschel vs Durban Girls College; 13:40 – Fish Hoek vs Wynberg; 14:20 – Somerset College vs St Cyprian’s; 15:00 – Rhenish vs Collegiate; 15:40 – Clarendon vs Glenwood House; 16:20 – Springfield vs Herschel Invitational; 17:00 – Somerset College vs Rustenburg; 17:40 – Reddam vs Collegiate; 18:20 – Glenwood House vs Herschel; 19:00 – Wynberg vs Herschel Invitational; 19:40 – St Cyprian’s vs Rustenburg.
Saturday, 13 September
07:00 – Fish Hoek vs Springfield; 07:40 – Durban Girls College vs Clarendon; 08:20 – DSG Makhanda vs Rhenish; 09:00 – Reddam Invitational vs Somerset College.
Khotso Mabona, Rebecca Haswell and Owen Mc Menamin walked away with big prizes at the inaugural Hyundai Hockey on 216 Awards. Photos: St David’s Marist Inanda Photography Team/TeamPhotoSA/Pretoria Boys High School.
Rebecca Haswell, of PearsonHigh, was named the Girls’ Goalkeeper of the Year at the inaugural Hyundai Hockey on 216 Awards in Johannesburg last week. Owen Mc Menamin, from Pretoria Boys High, and Khotso Mabona, from St David’s Marist Inanda, shared the Boys’ Goalkeeper of the YearAward.
The trio produced outstanding seasons for their schools and provincial sides at the SASHOC National Week, which was hosted in KwaZulu-Natal.
Haswell represented Eastern Province u18A, McMenamin donned the blue and navy of Northern Gauteng A, and Mabona was in goal for Southern Gauteng A.
With those goalkeepers backstopping their challenges, Eastern Province finished fourth in the girls’ competition, Northerns picked up the bronze medal in the boys’ tournament, and Southerns ended as the runner-up to Western Province A.
While their performances at the inter-provincial event were notable, it was their contributions to their schools’ seasons that most impressed the Hockey on 216 panel of Kelvin Watt, Bridgett Kee, Krinesan Moodley, and Manny Segale.
In the wake of the awards, SuperSport Schools Hockey caught up with all three goalkeepers to look back on the season.
Photo: Supplied by Marissa Haswell.
Rebecca Haswell – “I’m only just getting started.”
“This season was definitely a bittersweet one,”she said.
“With regard to my school team, we had some really incredible moments and then some that were not so great, but we never gave up. Saying goodbye was definitely not easy.
“At the SASHOC National Week, we ended fourth, and I was so grateful to be a part of such a talented group. I learnt a lot about grit and determination this year.”
The Pearson goalie also revealed what motivated her to take her game to the next level while facing some of the toughest opposition in South Africa.
“Honestly, something that really shifted my mindset this year was to play for the love of the game, not for accolades or achievements, or even people, but to go onto the pitch pressure-free, and give my all for my team.”
She added: “IPT was an incredible experience. It was the highest [placing] that I’ve ever ended with EP, and we even beat Boland in the pool stages, which was a massive feat.
“I’m very grateful for the lessons I learnt and the experience I gained. Making the SA u18A teamwas truly a dream come true and has just motivated me to work harder and keep building.”
Haswell described being named the Goalkeeper of the Year at the Hockey on 216 Awards as “very special” and revealed that the recognition has motivated her to get better at her game.
“It’s always amazing to receive recognition, but, more importantly, it reminds me to persevere and endure no matter what. I still have a lot of work to do, and I’m only just getting started.”
Khotso Mabona has praised his goalkeeping coach, Shaun Laubscher. Photo: St David’s Marist Inanda Photography Club.
Khotso Mabona – “My path to this position hasn’t been easy or ordinary.”
“Coming into the year, we knew it would be difficult,”Mabona began when talking about the St David’s Marist Inanda 1st XI. “We lost 13 players from our 2024 team and knew it was a rebuilding year.
“Over the course of the year, our results were very inconsistent, but I’m proud of the work the boys put in. In terms of development for the St David’s side next year, I think it was a successful year.”
Heading into the season, Mabona admitted he had no expectations, He simply wanted to play hockey. However, his coaches, Andy Aldred and Shaun Laubscher, steered him in the right direction and made him aware of his potential.
“At the beginning of the year, I really had no goals for this season,” he recalled. “I actually thought it would be my last. Mr Laubscher asked me to play for his JHL team, and I thought it would be a good idea, just for some fun.
“I managed to win the ‘Keeper of the Tournament. My coaches used that to convince me that I could be better and do something special this year, and I think that’s where my personal ambition began to grow and, in a sense, inspired me to have the season I had.”
Being crowned the Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the SASHOC National Week is something Mabona will treasure for the rest of his life.
Similarly, the Hockey on 216 award meant a lot to him, and never in his wildest dreams did he think he’d be where he is currently.
“It’s absolutely amazing,”he enthused. “If you had told me when I picked up my first hockey stick in grade 8, or even at the beginning of 2025, that I’d be in this position, I’d never have believed you.
“I’m honestly grateful for the support of my mom and Mr Laubscher, who’ve played a massive role in where I am today.
“My path to this position hasn’t been easy or ordinary, but I think it should inspire all players out there to work hard, even when no one knows you or sees the effort you put in.
“Keep working because anyone can achieve something great.”
Owen Mc Menamin was one of the key players in Northern Gauteng’s win over KZN Coastal at the SASHOC National Week. Photo: Brad Morgan.
Owen Mc Menamin— “I hope I can inspire other keepers to always give their all and to work hard.”
“The year definitely came with its share of challenges, but overall, I think I had a really good and consistent season,” he said.
“The moment pre-season started, I began working towards the goals I set out, and I just continuously had those in sight. So, yes, although there is always room for improvement, I am very happy with how my season went.”
Mc Menamin joined Pretoria Boys’ High in 2024 from their city rivals, Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool(Affies).
He said motivation has been hard to come by. “There are a multitude of things that inspired me. I think a bigger inspiration was born last year when I joined PBHS, and I really wanted to just be the best I could be for the school.
“My parents are also a constant inspiration in my life. They never hesitate to put all my needs first so I can reach my goals, and I just wanted to honour them by playing my best.”
As the last line of defence, Mc Menamin played a major role in helping Northerns to finish third at the SASHOC National Week.
He made some brilliant saves in goal, but it was his performance against KZN Coastals A on the opening day of the tournament, which included saving a penalty stroke in a one-goal win, that stood out to him. At the end of the week, he was included in the SA Schools side.
“It’s always an honour to play for my province and an even bigger honour to be selected for the national side,” he said.
“I have to admit that making both those sides was the goal for the year. Seeing the hard work behind the scenes come together has been so rewarding.
“The Northerns team managed great results this year, which was not expected by anyone. So definitely big ups to the coaching staff involved there, too.
“For now, I am focused on preparing for the SA camp that will take place in October, as preparation is key.”
Commenting on his joint-win at the Hyundai Hockey on 216 Awards, the shot-stopper said: “I am stoked and feel blessed to have received this award. It was unexpected, but it just made me so proud of the work I put into my goalkeeping.
“I hope I can inspire other keepers to always give their all and to work hard,” he concluded.
Parel Vallei’s first team coach Wayne Coetzee has not only changed the girls’ programme at the school, but he has also found himself changed by the new challenges he has faced. Photo: ES MEDIA
Coetzee had plied his trade at the Bloemfontein school for most of his coaching career, but, he felt, it was time to step into the unknown and embark on a new challenge.
Bomber, as he’s affectionately known, took over the girls’ hockey programme at PV and also took on the task of coaching the girls’ first team.
In a chat with SuperSport Schools Plus, he reflected on his time at the Somerset West school since coming on board.
“The two environments are very different,” he said. “Parel Vallei is an up-and-coming school and a force to be reckoned with in the future, and the school is working hard to put in place structures to get to the top.
“Grey College, meanwhile, has those structures, and they are already embedded in the country as a force. I think PV is that youngster that’s coming through, and you’ve got to keep an eye out for them.
“What I do enjoy here, though, is that it’s not a ‘win at all costs’ environment. It’s a lot more about allowing the kids to play with freedom and not with a lot of pressure.”
There were always going to be challenges for Coetzee during the early stages of his tenure and navigating the first 10 games was tricky, but his side progressed markedly and produced some outstanding results.
Wayne Coetzee led Parel Vallei to a bronze medal at the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament. Photo: ES MEDIA
“I think we had a successful season,” he said. “I was looking back, and after the first 10 games, we ended up winning our first match only in the eighth game.
“In that period, we won two, drew four, and lost four, and then we never looked back, and that’s when our season kicked off.
“It was a lot to do with us finding one another. The players were learning my style and what works, and once that clicked, we never looked back.
“Beating Bloemhof 2-0 was nice, and we had a hell of a game versus Rhenish where we lost 0-1 and then ended the season with a solid 3-0 win over Pearson.”
While his players performed on the AstroTurf, the side was also building strong relationships and a team culture.
For Coetzee, it was his first time taking charge of a girls’ side. It was, he admitted, a fun experience. “I think I’ve become a little bit softer,” he said, laughing.
“Coaching girls almost weighs you down and makes you softer. They are fun to coach.
“With boys, you’ve got to be firmer, and you’ve got to keep trimming the tree because of their ego, but with girls, you have to keep watering and fertilising the tree.
“You have to praise them, talk positively, be a father figure, and look after their mental state.”
The coach also featured on the team’s Instagram page several times this season and said the girls enjoy having his sons around them.
“They are social media-driven and have been very inclusive, especially with my family. They love it when my boys are around. They take time to play with them. My boys want to be on the bus because they’re really good with them. It’s like a family. We care for one another.”
Jordan Boer represented the SASHOC National Week winning Boland u18A side and was also included in the SA Schools team. Photo: Shot by Shani Photography
Heading into 2026, Coetzee’s main agenda will be to continue growing the PV girls’ programme and building on the foundation laid in 2025.
Jordan Boer and Skylar Bougaard were also selected for the u18 SA Schools team, while Emihle Wulana represented the SA u17 side against Zimbabwe in August.
“The way you want to run the programme is to make the players a lot more marketable.
“Because I am one of the national selectors, it helps me coach the players and present them that way so we can have more Boland players and more SA players.
“We are fortunate to have three SA players in the setup this year with Jordan, Emihle, and Skylar.
“The more we work on the programme and get the girls in the right shape in terms of what selectors are looking for, then that number will increase,” he concluded.
Rebecca Haswell, Litha Kraai, Leah du Plessis and Khotso Mabona all walked away with big prizes during the inaugural Hockey on 216 Awards. Photos: TeamPhotoSA/Ray Chaplin/Marnus Prinsloo/St David’s Marist Inanda Photography Club.
Litha Kraai, of South African College High School (SACS), was named the Boys’ Player of the Year, while Leah du Plessis, from Rhenish Girls’ High, and Abigail Holderness, of DSG Makhanda, shared the Girls’ Player of the Year Award, at the inaugural Hyundai Hockey on 216Awards, in Johannesburg, on Wednesday.
The awards, which aired on DStv channel 216 and the SABC Plus App, honoured the best hockey players in the country after a thrilling 2025 season.
The winners were selected by the Hockey on 216 panel, which consisted of Kelvin Watt and co-hosts Bridgett Kee, Krinesan Moodley, and Manny Segale.
There were some tough decisions to be made and twice it was decided that awards should be shared in the categories of Girls’ Player of the Year and Boys’ Goalkeeper of the Year.
The breakdown
Abigail Holderness, of DSG Makhanda, shared the Girls’ Player of the Year with Leah du Plessis, from Rhenish Girls’ High. Photo: Marnus Prinsloo
Players of the Year
The winning trio – Kraai, Du Plessis, and Holderness – were outstanding from the first match of the season to the last, whether in action for their schools or their provincial teams at the SASHOC National Week, and all three scored a bucketload of goals while serving as the engines that drove their sides.
He also helped Western Province u18A to win their fifth straight SASHOC National Week title and made the SA Schools u18A side. He, furthermore, represented the SA u21 team, and early in the year won a bronze medal at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup with the SA Men’s Indoor team, which was the best result in the history of South African men’s indoor hockey.
Du Plessis and Holderness were equally effective for their sides as Rhenish and DSG dominated the schoolgirls’ hockey scene.
The Rhenish skipper led her side to 38 victories in 45 matches this season. They drew seven matches and scored a whopping 140 goals while only conceding 15. On three occasions, they lost out in a penalty shootout, but they were never bettered in regulation time.
Holderness also put together a splendid run with the Eastern Province u18A side at the SASHOC National Week, but they just missed out on a podium finish, ending fourth.
Owen McMenamin shared the Goalkeeper of the Year Award with Khotso Mabona, from St David’s Marist Inanda. Photo: Pretoria Boys High on Facebook.
Goalkeepers of the Year
In the boys’ section, Khotso Mabona, from St David’s Marist Inanda shared the Goalkeeper of the Year accolade with Owen McMenamin from Pretoria Boys High.
Both shot stoppers were influential, reliable, and sometimes spectacular performers for their schools, and they represented Southern Gauteng and Northern Gauteng respectively at the SASHOC National Week.
Mabona was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, after helping Southerns to a runner-up finish at the SASHOC National Week, while McMenamin pulled off some incredible saves to help his side to a somewhat unexpected third place and the bronze medal under the guidance of coach Steven Paulo.
In the girls’ category, Rebecca Haswell, from Pearson High School, took home the prize. Although Pearson didn’t have the best of seasons, Haswell was a rock-solid performer in the last line of defence.
She also starred for Eastern Province and was rewarded with a place in the u18A SA Schoolsside.
Several good goalkeepers missed out, which proved how safe goalkeeping is in South Africa.
Jeppe High School for Boys captain Ethan Kapanda takes home Defender of the Year at the Hockey on 216 awards. Photo: Chriso van Deventer
Defenders of the Year
Luken Brunette (Garsfontein), Jo le Roux (SACS), and Ethan Kapanda (Jeppe) were the three defenders nominated in the boys’ category.
The Midfielder of the Year category was hotly contested, and it was an unenviable challenge to separate the nominated players.
Ultimately, the selectors went with Christo Swanepoel, from Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG), and Abigail Holderness, from DSG Makhanda.
Swanepoel, who put together an impressive season with the Stellenbosch school, was selected ahead of the SACS duo of Litha Kraai and Mohlodi Maseko.
Holderness, meanwhile, just edged out Rhenish’s Pippa Viljoen and Paarl Gimnasium skipper, Joné De Winnaar.
Reece Theunis was named boys’ forward of the year at the Hyundai Hockey on 216 awards. Photo: Ray Chaplin Media
Forwards of the Year
The Forwards of the Year awards were given to Reece Theunis, of SACS, and Leah du Plessis.
Theunis, in his second season at first-team level, came into his own and owned the striker position in a star-studded SACS outfit.
He scored some outrageous goals and was a constant source of stress for defenders.
Young Players of the Year
The special awards of boys’ and girls’ Young Players of the Year went to Alanda Rademeyer, of Paarl Gimnasium, and Callum Anderson, from Bishops Diocesan College.
Jeppe High School for Boys head coach Siya Sityana is the boys’ coach of the year. Photo: Christo van Deventer
Coaches of the Year
In the boys’ category, SiyaSityana, from Jeppe High School for Boys, received the award.
He oversaw a memorable unbeaten season for the Kensington school and also led the Southern Gauteng u16A boys’ side to IPT glory at Hilton College, in July.
Chris Gerber, from Rhenish Girls’ High, won the girls’ award. Throughout the season, Rhenish set the standard, and Gerber also guided the Boland u18A side to the SASHOC National Week title.
HOCKEY ON 216 AWARD WINNERS
Teams of the Year
SACS and Rhenish Girls’ High
SACS record in 2025: Played 32, Won 33, Drew 2. Rhenish record in 2025: Played 45, Won 38, Drew 7.
Tournaments of the Year
Boys
Hibbert Shield
Girls
Spar KZN Challenge
Best hospitality experience
St Stithians College – Easter Festival
BOYS
Goalkeepers of the Year
Khotso Mabona – St David’s Marist Inanda
Owen McMenamin – Pretoria Boys High
Defender of the Year
Ethan Kapanda – Jeppe High School for Boys
Midfielder of the Year
Christo Swanepoel – Paul Roos Gimnasium
Forward of the Year
Reece Theunis – SACS
Player of the Year
Litha Kraai – SACS
GIRLS
Goalkeeper of the Year
Rebecca Haswell – Pearson High School
Defender of the Year
Puck Bakker – Rhenish Girls’ High
Midfielder of the Year
Abigail Holderness – DSG Makhnada
Forward of the Year
Leah du Plessis – Rhenish Girls’ High
Players of the Year
Leah du Plessis – Rhenish Girls’ High
Abigail Holderness – DSG Makhanda
Young Player of the Year – Boys
Callum Anderson – Bishops Diocesan College
Panorama Primary School will be in action at the WP Primary Top Schools Tournament. Photo: ES MEDIA
The top 20 primary schools in the Western Province region will put themselves to the test with silverware on the line in the Western Province (WP) Primary Top Schools Tournament, which starts on Friday, in Cape Town.
The annual event continues through until Sunday, and all matches will be played on the Western Province Cricket Club AstroTurf.
The tournament, organised by the WP Primary Hockey Association, brings together many of the best young players from around the province.
In 2024, De Hoop Primary School won the girls’ section, while Bishops Diocesan College claimed top spot in the boys’ section.
Both teams will be aiming to defend their titles, but the competition this year is tighter than ever.
De Hoop has been paired in Pool B and will face Beaumont Primary School, from Somerset West, as well as Kenridge, Kirstenhof, and Durbanville.
Pool A, meanwhile, will be contested by Somerset College, Sweet Valley, Springfield, Panorama, and Eversdal.
Surprisingly, De Hoop and Springfield are the only teams in action that have won the tournament in its last seven editions.
The boys’ action also promises to entertain. Pool A is filled with strong sides, including Bishops, SACS, Kenridge, Western Province Prep, and 2023’s winners, De Hoop.
Beaumont Primary will battle it out in Pool B against Gene Louw, Sweet Valley, Somerset House, and Panorama.
Chairperson of WP Primary Schools hockey, Claudell Müller. Photo: Supplied
“It is an honour for me to welcome you to the most prestigious event on our school calendar, the Western Province Primary Top Schools Tournament,” Chairperson of WP Primary Hockey, Claudell Müller, said in a statement.
“This tournament showcases our top primary schools, and we are excited to see their talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship on display.”
Hockey in the province in a healthy state, which was proved in July when both the boys’ and girls’ Western Province u13 sides won gold at the SASHOC National Week.
Several players who featured for those teams will be in action this weekend.
“What an incredible season we’ve had in WP Primary School hockey,” Müller added.
“Our province has shone brightly, with both our girls’ and boys’ teams claiming gold and the title of top primary school province in the country.
“This achievement is a testament to the grit, determination, and perseverance of our talented young hockey players.”
Parents and spectators are also advised to download the Enhanced Sports App that will be used for fixtures, results and logs throughout the tournament.
DAY 1 FIXTURES
Friday, 5 September
BOYS
15:45 – Beaumont vs Gene Louw @Astro A 15:45 – Somerset House vs Panorama @Astro B 17:15 – De Hoop vs SACS @Astro A 17:15 – Bishops vs WP Prep @Astro B 18:45 – Gene Louw vs Panorama @Astro A 18:45 – Sweet Valley vs Somerset House @Astro B 19:30 – Kenridge vs WP Prep @Astro B
GIRLS
15:00 – Sweet Valley vs Panorama @Astro A 15:00 – Somerset College vs Springfield @Astro B 16:30 – Kenridge vs Durbanville @Astro A 16:30 – Kirstenhof vs De Hoop @Astro B 18:00 – Sweet Valley vs Somerset College @Astro A 18:00 – Eversdal vs Panorama @Astro B 19:30 – Beaumont vs Durbanville @Astro A 20:15 – Eversdal vs Springfield @Astro A 20:15 – Kenridge vs Kirstenhof @Astro B
SACS concluded the 2025 season with an impressive 8-1 victory over Wynberg Boys’ High. Photo: AP – a_pieterse_photography
The term “golden generation” is often used in sports when a team performs well or achieves a rare feat.
The actual meaning of the term, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is a “group of skilful players of similar age who achieve success” or “players who are expected to succeed”.
No matter how you interpret it, there is no doubt that the South African College High School(SACS) first-team hockey side of 2025 was exactly that, a golden generation.
After years of dominating schoolboy hockey in South Africa, SACS entered the 2025 season intent on making a strong statement, focused on separating themselves from the chasing pack.
Under the tutelage of coaches Sam Holmes and Jody Erasmus, and Director of Hockey James Peverley, they kicked off their campaign with an international tour to The Netherlands in March and made light work of their Dutch opponents, winning four and drawing one against some of the best age group club teams in the world.
When they returned home, many hockey enthusiasts were eager to see what they had in store, and the boys in blue and white delivered a season-long highly entertaining show.
Led by their talisman Jo le Roux, SACS went on an insane winning spree, which included claiming the coveted Hibbert Shield title in Gqeberha with a 6-2 win over Paarl Gimnasium in the final.
They also beat Paul Roos Gimnasium three times in a calendar year. After edging out PRG in the semifinals of the Hibbert Shield in a penalty shootout, they registered 3-1 and 5-2 victories in May and July, respectively.
The only bump along the way came in the form of a 2-2 draw against Paarl Gim in June, but other than that, they were unstoppable, and they scored goals by the bucketload.
Complacency could’ve crept in at any point, but they stayed calm and focused, delivering top performances week in and week out as they overwhelmed their opposition.
There is no denying that Litha Kraai was the side’s star yet again, but SACS, this year, relied more on a combined team effort, with many players making their presence felt.
Kraai, along with Le Roux, Reece Theunis and Mohlodi Maseko, grabbed the headlines, but there was more to the SACS side than those four players.
Aidan Hughes had one of his best seasons, going about his business humbly and effectively every week. Zach “Iniesta“ Redfern was also heavily involved, helping to pull the strings, and Matthew Lassen was more than just a defender, which he demonstrated when scoring a hat-trick against Wynberg.
Other unsung heroes during the season included Adam Thompson and Reagan Wille, who often went under the radar due to the big names surrounding them.
As for head coach Sam Holmes, he enjoyed every moment watching his side entertain on the turf.
““I’m super impressed,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus. “It’s been a long season, a lot of pressure, and the guys have executed again and again and again. They’ve done it with absolute joy, a love for hockey, and a love for entertaining.
“We are such a bizarre team. We can be very average for 25 minutes and then score three to four goals in three minutes. But overall, I’m very happy.”
In their final match of the season, SACS thumped Wynberg 8-1 at the Astro of Dreams.
Lassen, as mentioned above, netted three goals, while Le Roux, Maseko, Kraai, Wille, and Cameron Groves also struck.
“Guys, like Litha, have obviously run the season and ran out in South African schoolboy hockey, provincial hockey, and even indoor men’s hockey,” Holmes said.
“But it’s special to see that even after having superstars like him in a game where we scored eight goals, he scored only one. That means it was a positive team contribution from a ton of guys.”
SACS will lose seven players heading into 2026, with Le Roux, Theunis, Redfern, Hughes, Thompson, Wille, and goalkeeper Lorenzo Virissimo set to leave the school.
“You don’t always get to have the storybook ending, but I’m glad this group has got it,” Holmes said.
“I have coached Jo le Roux, Aidan Hughes, Zach Redfern and Reece Theunis since 2021. They have set the standard for what training looks like.
“They are always first at training and always doing extras. They have inspired a lot of people, and I’m glad that they and the other matrics have got the ending they deserve.
“We haven’t spoken a lot about it, but a guy like Lorenzo came up from the seconds, and he did his job unbelievably well and was a great part of this team.”
Bishops ended their season on a high note after a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Rondebosch Boys’ High. Photo: Bishops Diocesan College on Facebook.
When the hockey season kicked off in March, one thing was certain, and that was that Bishops Diocesan College was going to have teething problems.
Led by coach Ryan “Juju” Julius, the southern suburbs outfit had put together a stellar season in 2024 and produced SA Schools stars Joshua Mettler, James Grieve, and Rob Veldtman. However, at the end of the season, they bade farewell to 14 players and began a new project with a young and inexperienced squad.
That inexperience and lack of game time at the first-team level were evident during the season in the highly competitive environment of Western Cape schoolboy hockey.
Bishops was inconsistent but, at times, they played some brilliant hockey under the leadership of senior players Adam Diggle and James Robb-Quinlan.
The reality is that coach Julius and his players were in a rebuilding phase and had to embrace the challenges and sometimes the scrutiny that came with that process.
Rebuilds are a common thing in sports, especially at the school level, and every team, at some stage, will have to go through that challenging process.
Before the Springboks went back-to-back as World Cup winners, they had to endure several years of mediocrity, but things changed when the players started to buy into Rassie Erasmus’s systems and long-term plans.
If Bishops had a choice, they wouldn’t have fielded a young side this year, but the coaching staff simply had to play the cards they were dealt.
Coach Julius has a long-term plan, however, and they’ll have positives to take out of the 2025 season, including a 2-1 win over their rivals Rondebosch Boys’ High on Friday night.
“We wanted to ensure that we ended the season off in the best way possible,” coach Julius told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“A key focus for us was ensuring that we have a good platform for next year. We are losing only three players – Adam Diggle, James Robb-Quinlan, and our goalkeeper, Noah Macnab.
“So, we have a young, dynamic, and vibrant bunch. Hence, we needed to create a solid platform for 2026.”
Bishops was made to work hard for their win after going down 0-1, following a Daniel Fisher goal in the second chukka.
After the halftime break, they came out firing in the third quarter and equalised with 25 seconds remaining in the chukka when Robb-Quinlan converted a penalty stroke.
Troy Stockdale scored the winner in the fourth chukka after picking up a ball that Callum Anderson played into the circle.
“The game had a lot of emotions. It came down to tactical details, as well as being clinical on set pieces, and general field play,” Julius said.
“The boys showed good perseverance and grit and applied the tactics really well, and I was pleased with that.
“There was massive support, and that adds a lot of pressure and distraction for the boys, but I’m happy with how they handled it.
“At the beginning of the season, they weren’t as mature, but as the season concluded, they demonstrated good traits of maturity, and that came through against Rondebosch.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Bishops will take the many lessons learnt in 2025 and the experience gained by a young unit and use those as the building blocks for their forthcoming challenge.
Water polo silverware will be on the line this weekend when the Mackenzie Cup takes place in Cape Town from Friday.
