Author: asawula

The annual SASHOC National Week hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Western Province (WP) u18A girls in past seasons, but they are determined to change that narrative in 2025.

After disappointing results and failing to make the final last year, Province will fancy their chances when the tournament kicks off on Monday, 30 June, at St Anne’s DSG in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal.

The girls from the Western Cape will embark on the journey with their sights set on causing an upset and silencing critics who don’t consider them as “favourites” for the tournament.

Coach Natalie Esteves from St Cyprian’s School leads the side, and will be assisted by coach Ziyaad Ismail from Springfield Convent School, while Fairmont’s Liza Duckitt is the team manager.

The Western Province selectors have named a strong squad for the tournament, featuring six players who did duty for the side at last year’s event in Bloemfontein, where they finished in seventh place. Despite that disappointment, Province will be starting with a clean slate this time around and will need the experienced heads in the team to show character and leadership.

Jehan Abrahams (Wynberg Girls High) and Hannah Henderson (Herschel Girls School) have been entrusted to co-captain the side. They are no strangers to the Province system, having donned the blue and white since their u16 playing days.

In fact, Abrahams and Henderson are the only players who represented WP during the senior indoor women’s IPT earlier this year. No doubt their experience and knowledge of the tournament will be invaluable.

Other players who will look to make their mark at the national tournament include Zara Berrisford, Khanya Moore, Samantha Flint and Georgia Maw. The four also formed part of the 2024 squad and experienced the heartbreak of losing crucial pool games against Northern Gauteng A, Southern Free State A, Southern Gauteng A and Boland A, in the fifth to eighth playoffs.

Applying that shaping moment as fuel and motivation, these players can inspire the young crop of players making their respective provincial debuts at the tournament.

Over the last five editions of the tournament, WP came closest in 2022, finishing second behind Southern Free State A after losing 6-0 in the final.

Since then, it’s been fourth place and last year’s seventh. By their standards, the coaches will demand more from the players, and rightfully so, considering the amount of talent at their disposal.

Getting WP on the podium and winning a medal will be the main item on the agenda for the coaches, but it will require great teamwork, gutsy performances and standout showings from the experienced heads.

WP has been drawn in Pool B this year and will face last year’s finalists, Northern Gauteng A, KZN Coastal A, KZN Inland A, Border and local counterparts, Western Province B.

They open their campaign against KZN Inland A on Monday, 30 June, at 11:45.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

Western Province u18A Team:

Peyton Marais (Curro Durbanville), Georgia Maw (St Cyprian’s School), Nina Wides (Herschel Girls School), Sam Flint (Herschel Girls School), Zara Berrisford (Westerford High School), Amy Ten Cate (Durbanville High School), Kira Totaram-Jacobs (St Cyprian’s School), Camryn Corner (Fairmont High School), Chelsey McGregor (St Cyprian’s School), Sarah Ashbolt (Herschel Girls School), Thimna Waka (Table View High School), Hannah Henderson (Herschel Girls School), Jehan Abrahams (Wynberg Girls’ High School), Khanya Moore (Springfield Convent School), Isabella Amm (Springfield Convent School), Emma Hibbert (Reddam House Constantia).

Ready, Set, Go!

The countdown is on for the 2025 edition of the u18 SASHOC National Week in Pietermaritzburg.

The tournament commences on Monday, 30 June, with the final scheduled for Saturday, 5 July.

The girls’ matches will be played at St Anne’s DSG’s Upper and Lower AstroTurfs.

Last year, Southern Gauteng A reigned supreme and ended the week unbeaten after defeating Northern Gauteng in the final.

It’s going to be highly competitive. Southern Gauteng faces a tough task to repeat their title-winning success. There are plenty of challengers who could spring a surprise. The battle for medals is going to be intense.

The action from day one will be LIVE on SuperSport Schools and on DStv Channel 216.

You can also follow the action here on SuperSport Schools Plus

Below are the squads for the u18 girls’ teams playing in the A-section.

Note: Changes will be made if any teams need to be updated.

Boland u18A

Katherine Sickle (Rhenish Girls’ High), Leah du Plessis (Rhenish Girls’ High), Lily Newton (Rhenish Girls’ High), Pippa Viljoen (Rhenish Girls’ High), Puck Bakker (Rhenish Girls’ High), Rose Quinlivan (Rhenish Girls’ High), Sarah-Ellen Groenewald (Rhenish Girls’ High), Andrea Fortuin (Parel Vallei), Anya Swanepoel (Paarl Gimnasium), Elré Oosthuizen (HMS Bloemhof), Emihle Wulana (Parel Vallei), Cassie Fairbairn (Paarl Girls’ High), Joné de Winnaar (Paarl Gimnasium), Jordan Boer (Parel Vallei), Skylar Bougaard (Parel Vallei).

Border u18A

Mbaliyethu Khumalo (Hudson Park High School), Keera Van Vuuren (Hudson Park High School), Rania Khan (Hudson Park High School), Jessica Schaefer (Clarendon High School for Girls), Megan Phillips (Clarendon High School for Girls), Alex Viljoen (Merrifield College), Tarelle Jones (Aces), Caroline Kretzmann (Clarendon High School for Girls), Tariro Chinamasa (Merrifield College), Quinn Carr (Clarendon High School for Girls), Hannah Faro (Hudson Park High School), Busiwe Mayekiso (Hudson Park High School), Cara Knott (Clarendon High School for Girls), Ahlumile Moni (Stirling High School), Kishka Baartman (Stirling High School), Kara Batting (Hudson Park High School).

Southern Gauteng u18A

Charlie Dalling (Kingsmead College), Khanyisa Ndamase (Kingsmead College), Kate Horton (Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge), Nicole Bailey (Northcliff High School), Tayler Billet (Roedean School), Tori Tanner-Ellis (St Stithians College), Raffael Abrahams (Steyn City School), Keovaan Jansen (Northcliff High School), Amber Fairon (Dainfern College), Zoe Opaley (Heronbridge College), Azania Peterson (St Andrew’s School for Girls), Andani Mphoentle Tshikhudo (St Andrew’s School for Girls), Nomthandazo Kelly Rens (Monument), Bokamoso Swazi (St Mary’s Waverley), Kristen Cikes (Brescia House), Ciara van der Walt (Hoërskool Noordheuwel).

Southern Gauteng u18B

Stella Alves (Redhill School), Megan Muller (Hoërskool Linden), Gomolemo Modise (Monument), Morgan Reedijk (Hoërskool Noordheuwel), Georgia Prince (Brescia House School), Juliet Horton (Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge), Zoe Greeff (Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge), Kayla Williscroft (Monument), Keila Schutte Hanekom (Hoërskool Noordheuwel), Addison van der Byl (Beaulieu College), Dannika Ramroop (St Teresa’s School), Mazvita Kawisi (Redhill School), Chloe Potgieter (Parktown Girls High School), Erin Stoffels (Monument), Masego Modisenyana (Krugersdorp High School), Khumo Menyatso (Krugersdorp High School).

Eastern Province u18A

Rebecca Haswell (Pearson High School), Mikè Holder (DSG Makhanda), Kerrin Gillies (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Eden Oliver (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Anna Kirsten (Woodridge College), Jessica Stevens (DSG Makhanda), Abigail Holderness (DSG Makhanda), Gemma Bower (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Taryn Peltenberg (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Kezia Abersalie (Alexander Road High School), Amber-Rose Roth-Uren (St Dominic’s Priory School), Linati Goniwe (Westering High School), Ayanda Klass (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Kate Brennan (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Khazimla Nogalawe (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Inathi Ndlazi (Westering High School).

Northern Gauteng u18A

Amogelang Motlatle (Curro Hazeldean), Andrea Groenewald (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Anouk du Plessis (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Beracah Mosaka (CBC Mount Edmund), Bontle Sejane (Hoërskool Waterkloof), Cameron Holworthy (Midstream College), Cara Bouwer (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Hannah Zhou (Home schooled), Jana Seebach (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Lisa Marie Grey (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Mia Pretorius (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Moya Reinach (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Okuhle Ntshaba (Curro Hazeldean), Onthatile Khoza (Curro Hazeldean), Thato-ya-Ona Dimpe (Pretoria High School for Girls), Zoe Badenhorst (Hoërskool Menlopark).

Northern Gauteng u18B

Anja Steidler (Menlopark), Anjone Lourens (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Annika Kloppers (Hoërskool Menlopark), Atli Motsoadi (Curro Hazeldean), Boipelo Mazwi (Hoërskool Overkruin), Kathleen van Rooyen (Hoërskool Menlopark), Lize Wiltz (Hoërskool Waterkloof), Masego Bokwa (St Marys DSG), Mia Perold (Hoërskool Waterkloof), Mikela Harmse (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Mila Badenhorst (Hoërskool Waterkloof), Nonhlanhla Mokgwathi (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Phawu Motlohi (Sutherland), Priella Nsubuga (St Marys DSG), Realeboga Moloisane (Cornwall Hill), Rofiwa Mulibana (Sutherland).

KZN Inland u18A

Annabelle Balmer (St John’s DSG), Chanel Dennis (Epworth), Emma Williams (St John’s DSG), Erynne Marais (TWC), Hannah Schwegmann (St Anne’s), Holly Homeyr (St Anne’s), Jade Kelly (St Anne’s), Jasmine Kelly (St Anne’s), Kathryn Schulze (Epworth), Kgabiso Morafo (St Anne’s), Lamia Amod (St John’s DSG), Mika Khumalo (GHS), Nyaniso Khoza (GHS), Sbonga Ngubane (GHS), Sienna Solms (St John’s DSG), Siphokazi Mpontshane (Epworth).

KZN Coastal u18A

Alwande Diadla (Kloof High), Caprice Bengtson (Durban Girls’ College), Ella Bowyer (St Mary’s DSG), Enyenhle Nzama (Danville Girls), Erin Moodley (Durban Girls’ College), Gabi Howarth (Our Lady of Fatima), Jada Blair (Westville Girls), Jamie Da Silva (St Mary’s DSG), Jenna Shaw (Our Lady of Fatima), Jenna-Leigh Freese (St Mary’s DSG), Mia Lopes (Our Lady of Fatima), Morgan Nel (Ashton College), Nicola Dudas (Reddam Umhlanga), Nicola Forbes (St Mary’s DSG), Nonkosi Xaba (Ashton College), Zezethu Kunene (Maris Stella).

Western Province u18A

Peyton Marais (Curro Durbanville), Georgia Maw (St Cyprian’s School), Nina Wides (Herschel Girls School), Sam Flint (Herschel Girls School), Zara Berrisford (Westerford High School), Amy Ten Cate (Durbanville High School), Kira Totaram-Jacobs (St Cyprian’s School), Camryn Corner (Fairmont High School), Chelsey McGregor (St Cyprian’s School), Sarah Ashbolt (Herschel Girls School), Thimna Waka (Table View High School), Hannah Henderson (Herschel Girls School), Jehan Abrahams (Wynberg Girls’ High School), Khanya Moore (Springfield Convent School), Isabella Amm (Springfield Convent School), Emma Hibbert (Reddam House Constantia).

Western Province u18B: 

Hayley Lewis (Herschel Girl’s School), Anjum Kazie (Milnerton High School), Danica Muller (Rustenburg Girls), Kiara Kommer (Durbanville High School), Leah Hofmeyr (Rustenburg Girls), Minke Lourens (Stellenberg High School), Luwandile Giyo (Milnerton High School), Ilke van der Merwe (Stellenberg High School), Jenna Petersen (Pinelands High School), Nina Cullis (St Cyprian’s School), Tamar Hankey (The Settler’s High School), Cassidy Frank (Reddam House Constantia), Emily Brink (St Cyprian’s School), Inam Gungubela (Langa Hockey Club), Kate Naiker (Rustenburg Girls), Tatum Malherbe (Rustenburg Girls).

Southern Free State u18A

McKenna Pienaar (Oranje Meisieskool), Botlhale Motlhaolwa (CBC), Georgia Kambanis (Eunice High School), Anne Prinsloo (Oranje Meisieskool), Kirstin Booysen (Oranje Meisieskool), Marlene Du Plessis (Oranje Meisieskool), Claire Volschenk (Eunice High School), Carli Oosthuizen (Oranje Meisieskool), Xylia Choene (Oranje Meisieskool), Atlegang Kgantsi (Oranje Meisieskool), Victoria Mabaleng (CBC), Cale Potgieter (Eunice High School), Nthati Monyai (Eunice High School), Bianca Rees-Gibbs (Eunice High School), Quincley Norris (Brebner High School), Tavia Williams (Brebner High School).

The annual SASHOC National Week tends to produce surprises, upset results, and Cinderella stories, and the Border u18A girls’ team wants to be a part of that narrative this year.

Led by the experienced coach Jerry Snyman, the Eastern Cape side will arrive at the national event with nothing to lose and ready to throw the kitchen sink at their opponents.

The tournament will be hosted at St Anne’s DSG, in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, and runs from 30 June until 5 July.

You can catch every minute of it LIVE on the SuperSport Schools App and DStv channel 216.

Border had a disappointing run last year and just managed to stay in the A section after finishing in 11th place behind Northern Free State.

This year, they’re drawn in Pool B where they will face Northern Gauteng A, KZN Coastal A, KZN Inland A, and Western Province A and B.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus ahead of the tournament, Snyman said his team’s preparations have gone smoothly.

“Prep has been good, despite the busy derby season and nursing injuries we’ve had,” he said. “We are in the final stages now of tweaking the finer details ahead of the tour.”

Snyman and the selectors have named a solid 16-player squad that includes players from Hudson Park High, Clarendon High School for Girls, Stirling High, and Merrifield College.

Only two players, Tarelle Jones and Tariro Chinamasa, were part of last year’s outfit, so it’s a new squad, and Snyman is excited to see what his side can produce.

“As much as it’s a new team, these players have been playing hockey since their primary school years. Some have grown immensely over the years, which has led to them being picked for the team, proving hard work does pay off.

“The players have made sessions so easy,” he added, “as they’ve all been selected for their various talents, skills, or roles in the team, and the girls have stepped up to the task and become a team, which is what coaches want at the end of the day. A team plays for a team, not individuals.”

Despite being drawn in a tricky pool, Border will fancy their chances of making a mark. To do that, they will target certain games within the group.

Coach Snyman believes unity through thick and thin will be vital in their quest.

“Our group could be worse, having finished where we finished last year,” he said.

“We knew this year was going to be a tough task. Nonetheless, we have our goals and targets set for some games.

“We will need to stay as a team through the highs and lows. We cannot let a poor performance, or a missed goal, get us down. We need to keep in the fight until the end, regardless of the results.”

Clarendon’s Cara Knott will lead the side, with her schoolmate, Caroline Kretzmann, serving as vice-captain.

Border kicks off its campaign against Northern Gauteng A on Monday, 30 June, at 13:10.

Border u18A

Mbaliyethu Khumalo (Hudson Park High), Keera van Vuuren (Hudson Park High), Rania Khan (Hudson Park High), Jessica Schaefer (Clarendon High School for Girls), Megan Phillips (Clarendon High School for Girls), Alex Viljoen (Merrifield College), Tarelle Jones (Aces), Caroline Kretzmann (Clarendon High School for Girls), Tariro Chinamasa (Merrifield College), Quinn Carr (Clarendon High School for Girls), Hannah Faro (Hudson Park High), Busiwe Mayekiso (Hudson Park High), Cara Knott (Clarendon High School for Girls), Ahlumile Moni (Stirling High), Kishka Baartman (Stirling High), Kara Batting (Hudson Park High).

Northern Gauteng u18A boys’ head coach, Steven Paulo, is looking forward to leading the provincial side at the SASHOC National Week in KwaZulu-Natal.

The national tournament, which kicks off on 30 June and runs until 5 July, will be hosted by Maritzburg College, and matches will take place on the famous Pape’s AstroTurf.

Catch the action LIVE on the SuperSport Schools App and DStv Channel 216.

Paulo’s Northerns’ side heads into the event as one of the underdog teams, a label they will embrace and use to their advantage.

In last year’s tournament, the side from Pretoria played some good hockey during the group stages but lacked consistency and fell short of reaching the semifinals.

Ultimately, they finished in 10th spot, behind Western Province B and Border, who were relegated and will do battle in the B-Section of the tournament this year.

Last year, Paulo was in charge of the Northerns’ B team that won a bronze medal in the B section.

He’s taken over the coaching reins from Kagiso Mathaba, Stefan Coertzen, and Chadwin Petersen.

Colin Mendoza, from Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies), will assist him, while Lesedi Leeuw is the team manager, and Justin Swan the biokineticist.

The team includes strong representation from Hoërskool Garsfontein and Pretoria Boys High, with St Alban’s College, CBC Mount Edmund, Cornwall Hill College, and Affies also providing players.

“I think players have chosen themselves,” coach Paulo told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“We have been watching their school matches, and the boys have delivered good and consistent performances.

“Our goal should always be to make the semifinals. We remain focused on getting the processes in place and delivering good competition for our opponents.”

Preparation for the inter-provincial tournament is a challenge, but Northerns has the advantage of their schools being in close proximity to one another.

“Our prep has been going steadily. We have been working on building connections, and the boys are gelling as a unit.

“I’ve taken over from some seriously good coaches. I am looking forward to the challenge. I want to give the team and, specifically, the boys the kind of support that will make my predecessors and province proud,” he added.

The side will be co-captained by two of the returning players, Kabo Mulaudzi (Pretoria Boys High) and Luken Brunette (Hoërskool Garsfontein).

Joining Maluadzi from PHBS will be Owen McMennamin, Junior Moloisane, Rorisang Boshomane, Mwela Mutale, and Liam Brooker.

Hoërskool Garsfontein’s contingent, besides Brunette, includes Duardt Tollig, Amand van der Vyfer, Andrea Clerihew, and Lesego Msiza.

Affies has two players in the team, Johan Pieterse and Wium van Niekerk. The side is completed by Tyler Trower, from CBC Mount Edmund, Tuduetso Monnanyana from Cornwall Hill, and St Alban’s College star Clayton Koorbanally.

Northerns is in Pool B and will face Boland A, Southern Free State A, KZN Coastal A, Southern Gauteng B, and Western Province B.

They kick off their campaign against KZN Coastal A at 13:45 on Monday, 30 June.

Northern Gauteng u18A

Owen McMennamin (Pretoria Boys’ High), Luken Brunette (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Kabo Mulaudzi (Pretoria Boys High School), Junior Moloisane (Pretoria Boys High School), Liam Brooker (Pretoria Boys’ High), Tuduetso Monnanyana (Cornwall Hill), Johan Pieterse (Affies), Duardt Tollig (Hoerskool Garsfontein), Rorisang Boshomane (Pretoria Boys High), Wium van Niekerk (Affies), Tyler Trower (CBC Mount Edmund), Mwela Mutale (Pretoria Boys High School), Clayton Koorbanally (St Alban’s College), Amand van der Vyfer (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Andrea Clerihew (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Lesego Msiza (Hoërskool Garsfontein).

“This one is the invincible season. We want to go unbeaten throughout the rest of the year.”

Those were the words of South African College High School (SACS) captain, Jo le Roux, when he led his side to glory at the Hibbert Shield, in Gqeberha, in May.

Before winning that prestigious tournament, SACS enjoyed a stellar pre-season tour of The Netherlands where they ran rampant against some of the best hockey clubs in the world.

They returned to South African shores and defeated Parel Vallei High School 4-1 before heading to the Hibbert Shield with a point to prove, having lost in the 2024 final.

They dominated their group and cruised into the semifinals where they edged out Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) 6-5 in a penalty shootout before beating Paarl Gimnasium 6-3 in the final.

Coach Sam Holmes‘ outfit picked up from where they left off after the Hibbert Shield, beating Bishops, Rondebosch Boys’ High, DF Malan, Paul Roos, and Reddam House Constantia. They were then, surprisingly, held to a 2-2 draw by Paarl Gim.

On Friday, they recorded an emphatic 5-1 victory over Wynberg Boys’ High to end the term on a high, thus keeping their hopes of an “invincible season” alive.

Dangerman Litha Kraai struck twice, while goals from Aidan Hughes, Adam Thompson, and Reagan Wille completed the drubbing.

It was an improved showing from SACS, who weren’t at their best in their draw with Paarl Gim. Captain Jo le Roux put it down to better execution in the final third.

“Building up to the game, we mainly just spoke about our conversion of the circle and 23 entries,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“We performed well in the plan/prep for the Paarl Gim game, which was positive, and our build-up play was what we expected. It just came down to the final third of the field and we fixed that against Wynberg.”

While the scoreline reads 5-1, Le Roux is adamant there’s still plenty of work that lies ahead.

“It was a positive game after Paarl Gim, but there are still areas to improve going into the second half of the season,” he said.

“But I think we can be very pleased with the season so far. Having a successful, unbeaten Holland trip, gold at Hibbert, and a win at Maties against Paul Roos is not easy.

“I am super proud of the lads and all the effort we’ve put in. And we look forward to the last few games of the year.”

Le Roux and seven of his teammates will represent Western Province u18A at the forthcoming SASHOC National Week in KwaZulu-Natal.

The province will be chasing a fifth straight title at the national event. It begins on 30 June, with the final scheduled for 5 July.

Catch it LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

WESTERN CAPE BOYS’ RESULTS 

SACS 5-1 Wynberg Boys’ High
Paarl Gimnasium 1-1 Fairmont High School
Rondebosch Boys’ High 1-1 Bishops
Paarl Boys’ High 3-1 Durbanville
Reddam House Constantia 3-2 Stellenberg High School

Two of East London’s top hockey-playing schools, Selborne College and Clarendon High School for Girls, will go into the mid-year break satisfied after recording impressive wins against Stirling High School on Friday night.

Selborne was ruthless in front of a jam-packed crowd at Stirling and defeated their opponents 5-1, courtesy of a strong first-half performance.

Clarendon, meanwhile, had to show some mettle and, after trailing 0-2, they came from behind to win 3-2, much to the satisfaction of their supporters.

Both of the visiting sides were confident heading into the clash after getting one over Cambridge High School a week ago in another local derby.

Selborne was far from their best in that encounter but secured a nervy 3-2 win, while the Clarrie Bags operated in full motion and overran Cambridge 9-0.

Stirling, on the other hand, faced Hudson Park High last week and, while the girls won 3-2, the boys suffered a 1-3 loss.

It was certainly going to be a different challenge for the visitors, and Clarendon was in for a tough day at the office.

They started on the back foot and were outplayed in the first half by coach Michael Dettmer’s outfit, who struck twice, through Mathibane Mqeni and Lelona Botha, to open up a nice lead.

However, the visitors pulled one back just before halftime. That goal brought some belief to the Clarendon camp, and the halftime team talk by coach Luaan Sedras and his backroom staff worked like a charm.

They played much better hockey in the second half and put Stirling under immense pressure, which resulted in two more goals to complete the comeback.

Caroline Kretzmann, Hannah Hatting, and Kate Booysens netted for Clarendon, while Chadlyn Johannes, who made her debut this year, created two of their goals. She’s a player to keep an eye on in the coming years.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus after the game, coach Sedras applauded his teams for staying in the fight.

“We were surprised with how Stirling started the game,” he said. “They were aggressive, and we were always back-pedalling and playing on the back foot.

“We struggled in the first half, but we scored a goal before halftime, and I think that goal gave us the momentum and confidence we needed.

“It was a game of two halves,” he added, “and we were more positive and aggressive in the second.

“I’m proud of my girls with the character they showed to come from two goals behind to win the game.”

While Clarendon was forced to grind out a tough win, Selborne cruised to victory in the main match of the day.

Coach KJ Friend‘s outfit started like a house on fire, kept the pressure dialled up, and scored early goals, while standing firm at the back.

They led 4-0 at the break and scored one more goal in the second half to seal an emphatic 5-1 win.

On the scoresheet were skipper Gray van Heerden and Christopher Pringle, who both struck twice. Reid Drake, who has been in top form all season long at penalty corner time, also found the back of the net.

Coach Friend was pleased with his team’s performance, especially after their tight win over Cambridge.

“Last week we let ourselves down, and I think it was because of exam fever,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus. “This week we came out with the purpose to keep the ball and just be better.

“We were much better. It was tough against a good half-court press, but I’m happy. It’s a good way to end the term.”

Selborne had a tough start to the season at the Nomads Hockey Festival and King Edward VII Easter Hockey Festival.

They continued to struggle at the Hibbert Shield, in Gqeberha, but in May they found their mojo and started playing like the Selborne everyone has become accustomed to.

They defeated St Andrew’s College and Dale College and drew 2-2 with Grey College. Those results proved the turnaround was real.

Coach Friend revealed how he got his players on track: “We’ve just told the boys to play to our strengths. We know we are in a building phase.

“I told them to utilise our strengths. One or two standout performances over the last two weeks have proved what they are.

“We are identifying what we’re good at and what we’re not good at and just sticking to what’s working,” he explained.

Both Selborne and Clarendon will be well represented in the Border teams at the forthcoming SASHOC National Week in Pietermaritzburg from 30 June to 5 July.

That tournament will be exclusively LIVE on SuperSport Schools and DStv Channel 216.

After years of heartbreak, middling results, and a failure to meet targets, the Eastern Province (EP) u18A girls’ team heads into the SASHOC National Week aiming to rewrite history.

The girls’ edition of the national event takes place at St Anne’s DSG, in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, from 30 June to 5 July.

At the same time, the u18 boys will be in action on the iconic Pape’s AstroTurf at Maritzburg College.

All the action will be LIVE on the SuperSport Schools App and DStv Channel 216.

With their local schools’ teams having shown up strongly against top sides from other provinces this season, Eastern Province will feel they have a good opportunity to make their mark.

The girls in black and red have struggled in the past, and last year mustered only a disappointing ninth-place finish in Bloemfontein. The year before, they finished sixth, and in 2022, they ended eighth. Their best finish in the past five years came in 2019, when they sneaked into the top four.

Their past history won’t be tested in Hilton, however. 

Eastern Province might be regarded as underdogs by some, and not that much has been said about them, but their opponents in Group A would beg to differ.

The reality is that EP has one of the strongest teams they’ve had in many years at a national event, and they’ll again be led by the experienced Geowynne Gamiet.

Coach Gamiet and his selectors have named a star-studded squad with players who have been capturing headlines all season long.

The lineup includes a whopping seven players from Collegiate Girls’ High, a school that has excelled all around the country this year.

Representing the Gqeberha school will be Eden Oliver, Gemma Bower, Taryn Peltenberg, Ayanda Klass, Kate Brennan, Khazimla Nogalawe and the dangerous Kerrin Gillies.

Out of the seven, only Bower was part of the u18A side last year, while the rest, except for Brennan, played in the u16A side that won SASHOC National Week gold.

Gillies was instrumental for EP in that team and scored five goals to finish among the tournament’s top goal-scorers, which she’ll be eager to replicate.

Joining the Collegiate girls will be the experienced DSG Makhanda trio of Mikè Holder, Jessica Stevens, and Abigail Holderness.

Holder and Holderness need no further introduction. They’re both influential returning players, looking to inspire their side and share their wealth of knowledge.

Westering High School will also be represented in the A-team by Linati Goniwe and Inathi Ndlazi.

Ndlazi made the step up to the A-side after she was selected to play in the u18B team last year. Her schoolmate, Goniwe, was part of the u16A team and has also been rewarded for her hard work.

Woodridge College’s Anna Kirsten is the sole representative from her school. She has played for Woodridge’s first team for three years and recently made her 100th appearance for the school.

Goalkeeper Rebecca Haswell, from Pearson, makes the move up from the u18B team last year to the A side in 2025.

The squad is completed by Kezia Abersalie, also a top karateka, from Alexander Road High School, and Amber-Rose Roth-Uren, from St Dominic’s Priory School, who has represented EP since she was u13.

The Eastern Cape side is drawn in a very tough Pool A. They open their account against Southern Gauteng B, who finished in the top four last year, on Monday, 30 June, at 07:30.

Eastern Province u18A Team

Rebecca Haswell (Pearson High School), Mikè Holder (DSG Makhanda), Kerrin Gillies (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Eden Oliver (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Anna Kirsten (Woodridge College), Jessica Stevens (DSG Makhanda), Abigail Holderness (DSG Makhanda), Gemma Bower (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Taryn Peltenberg (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Kezia Abersalie (Alexander Road High School), Amber-Rose Roth-Uren (St Dominic’s Priory School), Linati Goniwe (Westering High School), Ayanda Klass (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Kate Brennan (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Khazimla Nogalawe (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Inathi Ndlazi (Westering High School).

POOL FIXTURES

Monday, 30 June

07:30 – Eastern Province A vs Southern Gauteng B
16:00 – Eastern Province A vs Boland A

Tuesday, 1 July

13:10 – Eastern Province A vs Southern Gauteng A

Wednesday, 2 July

10:20 – Eastern Province A vs Southern Free State A

Thursday, 3 July

13:10 – Eastern Province A vs Northern Gauteng B

The 2025 season has been one to savour for Rondebosch Boys’ High under the tutelage of head coach Waseem Domingo, director of hockey Miguel Edwards, and manager Rob Bowley.

That’s because ‘Bosch, who produced an underwhelming season in 2024, has come alive this year and scored some notable victories in the Western Cape.

Coach Domingo’s side has flown under the radar, gone about their business quietly, and allowed their results to do the talking for them.

They began their season at the Founders Festival in Pretoria, and after securing some good results there, returned to the Western Cape high in confidence.

Since April, ‘Bosch has played seven matches and won six of them, with the one loss coming against South African College High School (SACS) last month.

Apart from that one setback, they’ve ripped through their opponents, scoring plenty of goals while proving solid at the back.

On Friday night, they come up against their biggest rival when they host Bishops at the Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC) at 19:20.

SuperSport Schools Plus spoke with coach Domingo ahead of the clash to get his thoughts on his team’s season so far and what he expects from the Bish/Bosch bash.

“I think our season has gone very well so far. We are the strongest we’ve been since 2022,” he stated.

“That’s because our boys are super focused and work well as a team. We have worked very hard on our attacking play, and our succession rate at short corners has been phenomenal.

“We had one hiccup against SACS, but take nothing away from the boys, they’ve played intense, good-style, and effective hockey, and we’re scoring on average about four to five goals a game.”

Rondebosch, undoubtedly, is a much-improved side in 2025 and their leadership group deserves credit for their contribution to the team’s successes.

They’re led by captain Tom Gordon, and vice-captain Joshua Beattie. Both have been selected to represent Western Province u18A at the SASHOC National Week.

Domingo credited the duo for making a telling difference.

“We have a very strong side, particularly in grade 11, and it’s a core of players we will use in the future,” he said.

“The leadership we have this year has been quite immense. Captain Tom Gordon and vice Joshua Beattie have grounded the boys and brought them together to create a team dynamic and chemistry that’s been missing from ‘Bosch hockey for the last couple of seasons.

“I’m happy to say we have that back, and that’s contributed to a whole lot of successes on the field. On top, our strikers have been more clinical. In the middle, we’ve dominated, and we’ve been solid at the back.”

The Bish/Bosch derby will be the final game of the term for Rondebosch before players head off on provincial duty.

It doesn’t get any bigger than Friday night’s encounter. His boys understand the task at hand, Domingo said.

“Bish/Bosch is always massive. Bragging rights are on the line.

“As a coach, I always tell the players every year that they’re not playing the occasion but playing the game.

“You can’t let the occasion get to your head. It’s under lights, it’s packed, and it’s one of the major games of the season.

“The only thing old boys are worried about is whether or not you’ve beaten Bishops. It does all come down to this one game.

“However, our approach this week has been focusing on the detail, focusing on the game plan, and making sure we close off the game early, so we can consolidate.”

Domingo said ‘Bosch supporters can expect a true “Rondebosch performance”, full of fight, spirit, and intensity.

It will also be a last home outing for ‘Bosch’s matrics against Bishops, which adds to the magnitude of the occasion.

Other matches

Meanwhile, SACS hosts Wynberg Boys’ High at the Brewery AstroTurf.

Last time out, SACS shared a 2-2 draw with Paarl Gimnasium, while Wynberg is aiming to get back to winning ways after losing 1-3 to Paul Roos Gimnasium.

Stellenberg will be in action against Reddam House Constantia. On Saturday, Paarl Gim welcomes Fairmont High School, while Paarl Boys’ High is at home against Durbanville.

FIXTURES

Friday, 20 June

19:00 – SACS vs Wynberg Boys’ High
19:00 – Stellenberg vs Reddam House Constantia
19:20 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Bishops

Saturday, 21 June

08:30 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Fairmont High
11:00 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Durbanville

Isabella Amm has featured frequently on the SuperSport Schools Plus hockey page during the 2025 season.

That’s because Amm, who plies her trade for Springfield Convent School, in Cape Town, is having one of her best seasons on the AstroTurf and has been a frequent goal-scorer.

She’s lanky, fast, and aggressive, always plays her heart out, and has the skill set to thrive in both indoor and field hockey.

She represents Springfield and Western Province in field hockey and makes magic for the Cape Seals in Pro Series Indoor (PSI) hockey.

Amm is also a prolific goal scorer in both formats. Hockey, in general, has always been her first love. She relived her earliest memories and how she got into the game for SuperSport Schools Plus.

“I started playing when I was in grade two at school,” she said. “Back then, we used to play on grass, and when we got an AstroTurf, that’s when we started playing properly.

“With indoor, I joined the Seals team in u11, and we went to Durban. Since that tournament, I’ve fallen in love with indoor hockey, and every year I play PSI.”

While her love for indoor hockey is strong, Amm has also excelled in the outdoor game over the past four years at Springfield.

She’s one of the most experienced players in her team, having made over 100 appearances since her debut in grade nine.

In 2023, she represented the Western Province u16A side, which won gold in Bloemfontein.

“I enjoy playing indoor, and I also think it has helped me improve my skills in the longer format of the game,” Amm said.

“Since joining the school’s team in grade nine, we have improved so much because back then we were even facing relegation.

“In 2024, we finished fourth in the league, and that was a massive improvement. It’s not all due to me, though. We have done well as a team, and our coaches have got us here.”

Speaking of coaches, Amm has had several who have impacted her career and helped her navigate the ups and downs of the sport. One name, however, stands out.

“I’ve had many people supporting my journey, from family to coaches, and even my sponsor, Osaka. But in terms of coaches, I must say, coach Ziyaad Ismail has done a lot for me. Even behind the scenes, he helps out in every way he can and motivates me all the time. He’s been coaching me since I was in grade eight, and I’m grateful for him.

“In indoor, I’ve had several coaches, and all have played a massive part in making me the player I am today.”

The Springfield vice-captain will again don the blue of Western Province at the u18 SASHOC National Week.

The tournament takes place at St Anne’s DSG, in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, from 30 June until 5 July and will be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport Schools and DStv Channel 216.

Amm said she’s excited to be involved. “I’m quite happy because I didn’t get to represent Western Province last year, so this year it’s exciting.

“We have a really strong team. We have good coaches, and everyone is connected. I hope we medal this year.

“I love playing for Province at IPTs, and I love playing with players from different schools because that’s how you make friends.

“Whenever we play for the province, it’s nice to get to know other players because it helps my game as well, and they’re amazing people.”

The Springfield star also credited her parents for their continuous support throughout the years.

Her plan for 2026 is to play indoor hockey in the Bundesliga 1, but her focus, for now, is solely on finishing the season well.

“We play most of our league games in term three, so it will be a busy term,” Amm acknowledged.

“Obviously, as a team, we want to win as many games as we can, but it will be tough because all the schools have levelled up.

“I think getting a medal with Western Province would be a great achievement before I leave high school. We also want to do well in the league and finish as high as we can,” she said.

Amm and her Western Province teammates will open their IPT account against KZN Inland A on Monday, 30 June, at 11:45.

When the Northern Gauteng u18A girls’ team arrived at last year’s SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein, few expected them to make waves. 

They were not considered to be among the favourites. They were overlooked, and perhaps that “underdogs” tag played to their advantage.

Under the guidance of coaches Sinoxolo “Essex” Mbekeni and Suzanne Strydom, the highveld outfit surprised and edged out KZN Inland A 3-2 on penalties to secure a place in the final.

They faced off against their cross-Jukskei rivals Southern Gauteng A in the title-deciding clash. A fiercely contested match finished 2-2, but Southerns claimed the title 4-3 on penalties. 

Northerns just missed out on gold, but they made their mark during that campaign. Now, in 2025, they’ll be aiming to go one step further.

This year’s tournament will be hosted at St Anne’s DSG, in Hilton, and runs from 30 June to 5 July.

There will be continuity on the leadership front, with coach Essex returning. He’ll be assisted by Kriekie Van Wyk.

The 16-strong squad includes players from Curro Hazeldean, Hoërskool Garsfontein, Waterkloof, Menlopark, Affies Meisieskool, Pretoria High School for Girls, CBC Mount Edmund, and Midstream College.

It is, though, a new-look team, with only Andrea Groenewald and Okuhle Ntshaba remaining from the 2024 lineup. Despite having to work with a much younger side, coach Mbekeni said he’s excited to see what his girls can produce.

“It’s very exciting to be coaching the Northerns u18A girls’ side again,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“It’s always a great challenge to compete at a national level.  It’s a very different side to last year, but it’s always exciting to work with different players and try to get the best out of them.”

Schoolgirls’ hockey in Pretoria has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons, making selection for national tournaments more challenging.

While trying to pick the best possible side, the selectors have looked at combinations, strengths, and the X-factor. Essex feels the Northerns’ squad possesses a good blend of those traits.

“Selection is always difficult for Northerns,” he acknowledged. “We are blessed to have very good players across the region and a wide variety to choose from, and it’s always tough. However, I feel we’re rewarding players that have done well throughout the year.”

Reflecting on narrowly missing out on gold in 2024 in Bloemfontein, coach Essex admitted coming so close only to be tripped up at the final hurdle after a penalty shootout still hurts. This year, though, he recognises the challenge will be different. 

“It’s still a bitter pill for us to swallow,” he said, “but this is a new year and a different tournament.

“We first need to work on qualifying for the semi-finals before looking at the final or winning the tournament.”

Northerns will aim to emulate their free-flowing playing style from 2024. They’ll be captained by Mia Pretorius, who will be assisted by Andrea Groenewald and Lisa-Marie Grey.

They kick off their campaign against Border A on Monday, 30 June, at 13:10.

Northern Gauteng u18A Team

Amogelang Motlatle (Curro Hazeldean), Andrea Groenewald (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Anouk du Plessis (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Beracah Mosaka (CBC Mount Edmund), Bontle Sejane (Hoërskool Waterkloof), Cameron Holworthy (Midstream College), Cara Bouwer (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Hannah Zhou (Home schooled), Jana Seebach (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Lisa Marie Grey (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Mia Pretorius (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Moya Reinach (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Okuhle Ntshaba (Curro Hazeldean), Onthatile Khoza (Curro Hazeldean), Thato-ya-Ona Dimpe (Pretoria High School for Girls), Zoe Badenhorst (Hoërskool Menlopark).

POOL FIXTURES

Monday, 30 June

13:10 – Northern Gauteng A vs Border A

Tuesday, 1 July

08:55 – Northern Gauteng A vs Western Province B
17:25 – Northern Gauteng A vs Western Province A

Wednesday, 2 July

13:10 – Northern Gauteng A vs KZN Coastal A

Thursday, 3 July

07:30 – Northern Gauteng A vs KZN Inland A