Author: asawula

As one of the more experienced players in the Border u18A side, Cambridge High School’s Akhile Mdlalane is relishing the opportunity of donning her team’s provincial colours when they run out at the u18A SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein this coming weekend.

The tournament starts on Sunday, 16 June, and concludes on Friday, 21 June.

Matches will be played at five venues, including the University of the Free State, St Andrew’s School, St Michael’s School for Girls, Grey College, and Eunice High School.

You can catch all the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

In last year’s campaign, Border finished eighth, above Northern Free State, Northern Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Southern Gauteng B.

Border, led by head coach, Jerry Snyman, returns to the Free State with a fairly young but talented squad.

Including Mdlalane, who hails from Cambridge High, five players, all from different schools, are back for another crack at the SASHOC National Week.

Jenna Frachet, from Clarendon, is on that list, along with Melinique Langley (Hudson Park), Thabelani Metu (Lilyfontein School), and Holly-Jane Harris (Stirling High).

Reflecting on last year’s campaign, Mdlalane admitted it was tough adjusting to the high intensity of senior hockey but believes she took valuable lessons from the experience.

“Last year’s tournament was just dramatically eye-opening,” Mdlalane told SuperSport Schools Plus ahead of the event.

“It’s a different level of intensity and a different environment. It was a huge adjustment from all the other SASHOC National Weeks I have been to.

“The pressure was there and as [one of] the u17s, who were new, we had to adapt. I remember one of the games. I felt awful because I thought I wasn’t coping with the pressures until another coach advised me to not put pressure on myself.

“This year, I am very keen on going out there and expressing myself to the fullest as an individual. I have put myself in the mental space to not let anything bring me down and cope with all that will be thrown my way.”

Mdlalane, along with her Border teammate Thabelani Metu, represented the South African u17 girls’ side at last year’s Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia.

There, they were exposed to world-class facilities and played against top countries, including Australia, Japan, and India.

As a part of the South African squad, they also got to rub shoulders with some of the best schoolgirl hockey players in the country, which was an invaluable experience.

The side was led by Waterkloof’s head coach, Omari Pienaar-Geyer. After producing some spirited performances in their six matches, they finished in an impressive fourth place.

“It was an experience I feel honoured to have been granted,” Mdlalane said. “Rubbing shoulders with top athletes from each country was very much a learning curve.

“The tournament was a learning experience and there was a lot of character development happening.

“We had the best coaches anyone could ask for and the best players to play with, and just realising how everyone wanted to make something out of it became my daily drive to do better for myself and the team.

“One of my big takes from that tour is confidence. Ever since I started playing hockey at a young age, I kind of struggled with it, even though I knew I was very capable. Yet I never showed it because I feared failing or disappointing my teammates, but the tournament exposed me to that.

“I learned to fail and pick myself up each time. I became comfortable with not getting things right or not executing what I wanted at the best level.

“Ever since then, it developed me as a player, and I learned and worked on myself along the way, and I find myself in a better place than I was before.”

The Cambridge High School star will need to take all of those lessons with her when she travels to Bloemfontein for the SASHOC National Week.

Border is drawn in a tough Pool A, along with Southern Free State A, Western Province A and B, Southerns, and Northern Gauteng.

To improve on last year’s eighth-place finish, they will need to fire on all cylinders from the get-go.

Mdlalane said they’re motivated and are ready to challenge their opposition.

“As a team, we want to play for each other and as a unit,” she said.

“We want to dominate and step out of the shadows and make a statement. We want to make a difference for the upcoming young girls and give them something to work towards when they find themselves in this position. They should feel encouraged to be part of the setup, as we did.

“We want to find ourselves in a higher position, and we are working towards that.

“I want to express myself as a player and play for my province wholeheartedly, and whatever happens from there will take its course.

“I want to grow even more and build my game even more, with the hopes of reaching greater heights in my game.”

Border’s SASHOC National Week campaign begins in the toughest way possible. On the opening day, they face Southern Gauteng A at 10:10, before ending the day with a clash against the hosts and defending champions, Southern Free State A, at 17:00.

Border u18A 

Tario Chinamasa (Merrifield College), Tarelle Jones (Hudson Park), Melnique Langley (Hudson Park), Demi Knott (Clarendon High School), Jenna Frachet (Clarendon High School), Claren Lugo-Fernandez (Clarendon High School), Alison Woodin (Clarendon High School), Georgia McClure (Clarendon High School), Cara Knott (Clarendon High School), Princess Mcinga (Stirling High School), Holly-Jayne-Harris (Stirling High School), Akhile Mdlalane (Cambridge High School), Usiphe Ngxoweni (Cambridge High School), Thabelani Metu (Lilyfontein School), Lacqueisha Leonie (Hangklip High School).

Non-travelling reserves: Mbali Khumalo (Hudson Park), Ahlumile Moni (Stirling High), Jess Schaefer (Clarendon High School).

BORDER’S POOL FIXTURES

Sunday, 16 June
10:10 – Border A vs Southern Gauteng A
17:00- Border A vs Southern Free State A

Monday, 17 June
12:45 – Border A vs Western Province B

Tuesday, 18 June
11:35 – Border A vs Northern Gauteng A

Wednesday, 19 June
12:45- Border A vs Western Province A

Ready, Set, Go!

Less than a week remains before the 2024 edition of the u18 SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein.

The tournament commences on Sunday, 16 June, with the final scheduled for 21 June.

Matches will be played at five venues: the University of the Free State, St Andrew’s School, St Michael’s School for Girls, Grey College, and Eunice High School.

Last year, Western Province A reigned supreme and ended the week unbeaten after they defeated Southern Gauteng A 3-1 in the final.

The year’s edition promises to be highly competitive and, while Western Province might be favoured to repeat as champions, there are plenty of challengers who look like they 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 respective squads for the u18 Boys’ Teams playing in the A-Section.

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

 Border u18A

Luke du Preez (Queen’s College), Tre’ Gilbert (Selborne College), Waeden Plaatjies (Selborne College), Mtha Mboniswa (Merrifield College), Daniel Conroy (Selborne College), Aqhama Mdlulwa (Cambridge High School), Asi Tybosch (Queen’s College), Daniel Sirgel (Selborne College), Shane Stagg (Selborne College), Sibongile Nzima (Dale College), Hisharm Pillay (Stirling High School), Brett Hoffman (Queen’s College), Amangile Songelwa (Dale College), Gray van Heerden (Selborne College), Nathan Amos-Brown (Selborne College), Josh Williams (Stirling High School).

Boland u18A

Juan Swanepoel (Paarl Gimnasium), LD Nel (Paarl Gimnasium), John Coetzee (Paarl Gimnasium), Beor van Reenen (GK) (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Joshua Smit (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Louán van Zyl (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Christo Swanepoel (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Keith Siebrits (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Reuben Sendzul (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Thyler Timm (Worcester Gimnasium), Caleb de Lange (Worcester Gimnasium), Michael du Toit (Somerset College), Matthew Temmis (Parel Vallei), Heymish Zyster (Hugenote), Duran de Wee (Overberg High School), Ethan Leonard (HS Strand).

Western Province u18A

Noah Venter (SACS), Joshua le Roux (SACS), Reece Theunis (SACS), Robert Veldtman (Bishops), Jordan Paulsen (Wynberg), Dayle Gertson (Wynberg), Joshua Mettler (Bishops), James Grieve (Bishops), Cohen Williams (SACS), Ethan Lee (Wynberg), Litha Kraai (SACS), Nick Paxton (SACS), Aiden Hughes (SACS), Stéphan Meyer (SACS), Joe Gitlin (Reddam House Constantia), Zachary Gibbon (Wynberg).

Western Province u18B

Ziya Davids (Pinelands High School), Joshua Beattie (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Luthando Jim (Khayelitsha Hockey Club), O’Ryan Moos (Fairmont High School), Thomas Gordon (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Cole Allam (SACS – vice-captain), Anam Nkhola (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Zachary Redfern (SACS), Aiden Topper (El Shaddai Christian School), Andrew Raubenheimer (Bishops Diocesan College – captain), Noah Arries (Fairmont High School), Charlie Naylor (Reddam House Constantia), Matthew Lassen (SACS), Reuben Smith (Fairmont High School), Ethan Daniels (Wynberg), Milani Bekapi (Langa Hockey Club).

Southern Gauteng u18A

Joshua Renders (Jeppe High School for Boys), Ethan Kapanda (Jeppe High School for Boys), Ryan Venter (Parktown Boys’ High School), Fynn Campbell (King Edward VII School), Matt Eichweber (St Stithians College), Juan Martin (Jeppe High School for Boys), Ryan Harcourt-Baldwin (Jeppe High School for Boys), Zeyad Davids (Parktown Boys’ High School), Boipelo Koloti (Jeppe High School for Boys), Tyler Napier (Home School), Jack Waddell (St David’s Marist Inanda), Devin Wax (Beaulieu College), Avela Sibisi (St David’s Marist Inanda), Nashaan Matroos (Dainfern College), Ben Benjamin (Jeppe High School for Boys), Jared Beilings (St David’s Marist Inanda).

Southern Gauteng u18B

Stephen Carstens (St John’s College), Benjamin Simon (King Edward VII School), Murray Halstead-Cleak (St John’s College), Khanyisa Kraai (Parktown Boys’ High), Kutloano Morudi (Jeppe High School for Boys), Olwethu Sishuba (St John’s College), Dante Peters (King Edward VII School), Robert Bailey (Parktown Boys’ High), Matteo Stipcevich (St David’s Marist Inanda), Thomas Robinson (St Stithians College), Tristan Fredericks (Beaulieu College), Oyena Qwabe (King Edward VII School), Connor Sneddon (St Stithians College), Ezray Stadt (Jeppe High School for Boys), Tumiso Kameel (Jeppe High School for Boys), Aidan Blatch (St Stithians College).

KZN Inland u18A

Nicholas Holmes (Maritzburg College), Dane Jackson (Maritzburg College), Kadin Jenkins (Maritzburg College), Uyanda Dlamini (Maritzburg College), Ipeleng Mosupye (Maritzburg College), Banele Dlamini (Maritzburg College), Julian Konigkramer (Maritzburg College), Murray Loughor-Clark (Hilton College), Grant Bridgeford (Hilton College), Jayden Roux (Hilton College), Joshua Julius (Hilton College), Reagan Madua (Hilton College), Jarred Kitto (Hilton College), Masud Dakile (Hilton College), Tinotendo Hove (Hilton College), Gordon Deutscher (Michaelhouse).

KZN Coastal u18A

Bhavesh Naicker (DHS), Harlee Jagga (Northwood), James Read (Northwood), Josh Beck (Westville), Josh Mungherera (DHS), Lethabo Bogacwi (DHS), Lethabo Matobela (DHS), Lumi Matwele (DHS), Luyanda Mbokazi (Curro Hillcrest), Matthew Mendes de Oliveira (Kearsney), Owen Slack (Westville), Ruben Peters (DHS), Sithsaba Siyoyo (DHS), Thomas McKenzie (Kearsney) Trent Jessop (Northwood), Tyrique Cloete (DHS).

KZN Coastal u18B

Ameron Moses (Westville), Andre Strydom (Northwood), Ben Loxton (Northwood), Caleb van Loenen (Westville), Himesh Nagin (Northwood), Isaac Phiri (Northwood), Kyle White (Northwood), Matlhatse Sebake (DHS), Mbuso Qwabe (Northwood), Nathi Jona (DHS), Nicolas Ackerman (Westville), Sahil Matai (Northwood), Sandiswa Yeni (Kearsney), Seth Simpson (Westville), Sibusiso Cele (Westville).

Northern Gauteng u18A

Ivan Lehlogonolo Ramushu (Die Hoërskool Menlopark), Lungile Mzimba (St Alban’s College), Hein Karl Seebach (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Luken Brunette (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Sukuma Shirata (St Alban’s College), Cameron Paul Davids (Pretoria Boys High), Ruard Chris Booysen (Pretoria Boys High), Josue Vuyolwethu Mukeba (Sutherland High School), Zack Thomas Richardson (St Alban’s College), Tyler Justin Trower (CBC Mount Edmund), Dalixolo Ndlovu (Curro Hazledean), Marco Upton (Pretoria Boys High), David van Niekerk (Die Hoërskool Menlopark), Kade Kalib Poonasamy (Hoërskool Eldoriagne), Zandré Nel (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Kabo Takalani Mulaudzi (Pretoria Boys High).

Southern Free State u18A

Wildré Lloyd (Grey College), Andrew Koupis (Grey College), Tristan Norman (St Andrew’s School), Wian Du Plooy (Grey College), Jayden Leech (Grey College), Mattias Visser (Grey College), Niel van Schalkwyk (Grey College), Luke Mosala (Grey College), Luhan Prinsloo (Grey College), Warena Legalwa (Grey College), Danrich Hoffman (Grey College), Duane Romain (Grey College), Ayanda Ngxaki (Grey College), MJ Bam (Grey College), Nkahle Sematlane (St Andrew’s School), Sibusiso Ndaba (Grey College).

Eastern Province u18A

Kiano Broadhurst (Grey High), Ben Ristow (Grey High), Marco Giaconi (Grey High), Kian Cambier (Grey High), Liam Poole (Grey High), Blake Muller (Grey High), Luke Tait (Grey High), Caden Skinnette (Grey High), Athi Jansen (Grey High), Zac Willimot (Pearson High), Josh Jacobs (Pearson High), Anthwone April (Pearson High), David Semrau (St Andrew’s College), Samuel Scheckter (St Andrew’s College), Seth Groener (Westering High), Josh Hufkie (Kingswood College).

Paul Roos Gimnasium is renowned for its exceptional rugby programme, world-class facilities, and its legacy of producing quality players that have earned them the reputation of being one of the “Springbok factories”.

However, in recent years, the school’s hockey programme has flourished, going from strength to strength.

A player who has contributed to that growth is the current first team captain, Reuben Sendzul.

Sendzul, who has an unwavering passion for the game, and is a “hockey nerd”, has caught the attention of many hockey enthusiasts around the country and has established himself as one of the most exciting young players to watch on the turf.

Ahead of representing the Boland u18A team at the SASHOC National Week, he sat down with SuperSport Schools Plus hockey writer Avuyile Sawula for an exclusive interview.

In it, he spoke about where his love for hockey began, his achievements on the turf, his team’s objectives, and personal goals for the 2024 season and beyond.

From Bridge House to PRG

Many might look at Reuben Sendzul and think he’s a player who’s had everything gifted to him from a young age. That’s not the case.

Hailing from a grounded and humble family, Sendzul was taught to be disciplined, committed, and to work hard for everything he wanted on and off the turf.

His hockey career began at the tender age of six years old, and he was inspired his father, Jonathan, and his older brothers, Samuel and Adam.

The trio’s influence led to Reuben falling in love with the game and he took it up when he arrived at Bridge House School.

“My older brother, middle brother, and dad played hockey, so it’s been running through the family,” Reuben said.

“I think I’ve always just had a special love for the game from a young age. I started at the age of six and played centre back. I used to be a sweeper/keeper.

“I then started playing up front in u11 and u12, and I played up front all the way through, until I represented Boland in the u13A team.

“I have to give credit to Dane Henagan and Allan Wells, who saw something in me at Bridge House, and gave me an opportunity.”

During his time at the Franschhoek school, Sendzul and his parents often talked with Ashlin Freddy, who was the Director of Hockey at Paul Roos about a move to the Stellenbosch school for high school. However, his plans changed in 2020.

“In grade 8, I was supposed to go to Paul Roos, but then Covid-19 hit,” said the skipper.

“My parents decided I should just stay at Bridge House for grades 8 and 9.

“I was in constant chats with coach Freddy at that time, and we said we’d give it a try in grade 10, and that’s when my move happened.”

“PRG changed my game”

When Sendzul arrived at Paul Roos in January 2022, much was expected from him.

However, he had to adjust from life at Bridge House to life at one of South Africa’s most respected sporting schools and show those who might have doubted him that he had what it takes.

He emphatically answered any questions some may have had. He slotted smoothly into the senior side and was part of a team that pulled off a memorable 3-0 win over Grey College in their match of the year.

That year, Sendzul also donned the black and yellow of Boland, playing in the u16A side that finished in fourth place at the inter-provincial tournament in Stellenbosch while also winning two accolades: Top Goal Scorer and the Player of the tournament.

People sat up and took notice and he soon made his debut for the Central Hockey Club.

He believes that without the structures, and professionalism at PRG, all those achievements, which happened within the space of 12 months wouldn’t have been possible.

“Definitely! Going to PRG changed my game,” he said confidently.

“With the world-class overall facilities, the programme, the gym incorporation, and with as many training sessions as we had every week, it just grew my game.

“We (my family) always thought I had something special, but we never thought I could break through the system, and I did because of what Paul Roos offered me.

“It’s such a professional set-up (gym sessions, training sessions, video sessions). There is a no-nonsense policy. If you want to play at the highest level, you’ve got to make that mental switch.”

Growth and seizing opportunities

After a splendid grade 10 year in the PRG, Boland, and Central Hockey Club colours, Sendzul set his sights on adding to his achievements the following year.

He was a regular in the PRG side, but he was also chasing South African colours.

He passed the first hurdle when he was selected for the Boland u18A side, which finished in fourth place at last year’s SASHOC National Week.

His performances at the week in Bloemfontein and his in-season performances resulted in Sendzul earning himself a spot in the SA u18A side, alongside his Paul Roos captain, Zeke Hougaard.

They were the only Boland representatives in the South African u18 team that faced the national u21 side in the SA Youth Challenge.

The senior side secured 2-0 and 5-1 wins, but the youngsters gained important exposure and experience.

“Last year in Bloem, I think it was a tough one for us as Boland. We had a couple of injuries,” Sendzul said.

“I know the captain, Zeke (Hougaard), and I were injured, but we had to try and get the job done, and ending top four wasn’t that bad. But we always aim for a medal position.

“But from that, Zeke and I getting the opportunity to represent the SA u18 side and play against the u21s was special.”

Later in the year, Sendzul was called up to represent and captain South Africa at the u17 Dato Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia.

There, he and his peers were on song, and narrowly missed out on a gold medal, down 3-4 down against India in the final, in which he netted a hattrick. Sendzul scooped the Top Goal Scorer accolade, while SACS’s Litha Kraai was named the Player of the Tournament.

“It was my first time travelling abroad, and my first time representing South Africa on an international stage.

“It was nice to play with guys around me who have a common goal and are driven to achieve big things in the game.

“I won’t lie, it was tough against India, but we put ourselves on the map, and showcased our schools’ programme and how big it is. We almost took gold, and both individual prizes came back to South Africa, so, for us, that meant a great deal.”

Sendzul was far from done in terms of seizing opportunities and this year was included in the Western Province Men’s Indoor team for the Inter-Provincial Tournament, which was hosted in Cape Town.

There, he joined a formidable side which included the Cassiem brothers, Mustapha and Dayaan, Olympian and Bishops’ head coach, Ryan Julius, Zen Kraai, and Iddy Abdullah.

“Being given an opportunity like that from a young age allows you to learn from the best,” Sendzul said.

“They are such world-class players and make it an environment where it’s so safe for you, and you’re able to play like yourself.

“I took a lot from them, asked questions, and realised that it’s one of those environments where everyone plays for each other.

“Litha (Kraai) and I, being so young and playing in the team, has allowed us to take lessons, and not shy away from expressing ourselves.”

Adapting to Baker Ball and becoming mentality monsters

When the current Director of Hockey at Paul Roos, Michael Baker, arrived at the school, there was a buzz of enthusiasm and excitement, and the hope that he would continue to build on the good foundations laid by his predecessor.

Under Freddy, in 2023, PRG won the prestigious Hibbert Shield, and finished the year as one of the top teams in the country.

Baker arrived after having overseen a remarkable transformation of the hockey programme at DHS. His track record with the school and at producing KZN Coastal players spoke volumes about his coaching and leadership abilities.

To get the best out of Paul Roos, he had to employ similar tactics to the ones he did at DHS, and one of the cornerstones of his approach was to work on the culture of the school’s hockey players.

In the six months Baker has been on the job, he’s succeeded at that. Sendzul said he’s become more than just a hockey coach. He has helped him, and many other players, become better human beings on and off the turf.

“What comes with coach Baker is sort of a unique father figure,” Sendzul revealed. “He is very good with his player management, and he keeps the door open for conversations beyond hockey.

“I think a lot of the guys want to play for him and respect him, and they would die for him. He creates a special bond with the players and gets everyone to buy in. That’s why he’s called ‘Mister Culture’.

“He changes players’ lives, adds massive confidence to players, and has certainly had a massive impact on my game.”

Confidence is certainly visible in this year’s Paul Roos side, which has delivered some outstanding performances in high-pressure situations.

Sendzul and his team, in April and May, produced two massive season-defining performances in Gqeberha.

The first was in an inter-schools’ clash with Grey High, where they were 0-2 down for most of the match but rallied to score a come-from-behind 3-2 win.

A week later, at the same Astroturf, in the final of the Hibbert Shield against SACS, they clawed their back from a 0-3 deficit to level at 3-3 in regulation time, before going on to win 6-5 in a penalty shootout.

The PRG captain shared some of Baker’s ingredients, which have helped the mental makeup of the side.

“Before the pre-season, Coach Bakes took us up a mountain as a team and we slept on it. It was raining and guys were sleeping next to each other,” he said, with a laugh. “Stuff like that prepared us for the tough matches that were coming in the season.

“Against Grey, we were 0-2 down, and it was the last chukka, and I never thought of panicking. I thought all we needed was one chance, which would lead to the next, and that happened.

“In the SACS game, as well, they came out firing, and we were down 0-3 in the first 10 minutes.

“But, having come back against Grey, that was a mental positive for us, and we followed the game plan, and it was 3-3, and to win on a shootout was amazing.”

Looking ahead

Sendzul has aspirations of representing South Africa on the international stage but is not looking too far ahead.

He said his first challenge is to compete for top honours at the SASHOC National Week, and to secure SA Schools’ selection for a second year running.

After that, he’ll aim to close his final season at PRG in style before making his way out into the world and chasing his dream of representing South Africa.

He also wants to pursue a BCom degree in Economics, while playing hockey full-time.

“Yes, those are my goals but, obviously, I can’t be naive. I know it’s one step at a time,” he said.

“The upcoming SASHOC National Week is a massive step in my career because they select the u21 squad from it, and there are boxes I must tick before getting to the top.

“I want to take it one week at a time, and one step at a time, and, hopefully, when we speak again, I would’ve achieved some of the goals I’ve set for myself.”

Boland kicks off the SASHOC National Week on 16 June at 08:30. Stay tuned to SuperSport Schools for all the action.

BOLAND’S POOL FIXTURES

Sunday, 16 June
08:30 – Boland A vs Border

Monday, 17 June
13:00 – Boland A vs Western Province B

Tuesday, 18 June
09:55 – Boland A vs Western Province A
17:00 – Boland A vs Southern Gauteng B

Wednesday, 19 June
13:00 – Boland A vs KZN Coastal B

In their final match of term two, on Friday night, Selborne College put on a masterclass to dismantle Stirling High School 6-2, and head into the break unbeaten in the Border region.

Selborne entered the clash after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Makhanda’s St Andrew’s College last weekend at the same venue.

Stirling, on the other hand, had been edged out 3-2 by their rivals, Hudson Park. They approached Friday night’s match with confidence but were also well aware of how dangerous coach KJ Friend‘s side can be when firing on all cylinders.

Since returning from a rather disappointing Hibbert Shield campaign, where they finished in ninth spot, and just before that lost 2-5 to Grey College, Selborne, in their in-season derby matches, have been a cut above the rest of the Border region.

Before the Stirling match, they thumped Dale College 10-1 at their reunion and defeated Cambridge High 6-0, before being held to the aforementioned draw by St Andrew’s.

The side, captained by Tre’ Gilbert, was focussed on ending the term on a positive note and they did exactly that at the expense of coach Brett Stirk‘s side.

Thomas Caswell and Gilbert struck twice each for Selborne, while Jaques van der Merwe and Daniel Sirgel, who have also frequently been among the goal scorers, scored one each.

Stirling responded with goals from Chad Clark-Evans, and Hisharm Pillay. Pillay will showcase his skills with Border at SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein later this month.

In Gqeberha, Pearson High School was made to work hard for a 1-0 win over Woodridge College. The game was initially scheduled for the first weekend of June, but, due to very heavy rain, it was postponed.

Graeme College, after going down 0-2 to Dale College last weekend, bounced back with a win over Port Alfred by the same scoreline.

St Andrew’s College and Kingswood College picked up crucial wins ahead of the highly anticipated K-Day next week.

College travelled to Queen’s College, where goals by Connor McNamara and Andrew Holmes secured a hard-fought 2-1 win for coach Dean Ferreira’s team.

Meanwhile, Kingswood visited Qonce for a showdown with Dale. Chris Painting gave the Makhanda boys the lead before the contest was called off in the final chukka due to what was cited as “bad light”.

Next week’s action in the Eastern Cape will see Kingswood and St Andrew’s College in the spotlight, battling it out for K-Day bragging rights.

You can catch all that action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

RESULTS

St Andrew’s College 2-1 Queen’s College
Selborne College 6-2 Stirling High School
Kingswood College 1-0 Dale College
Pearson High School 1-0 Woodridge College
Graeme College 2-0 Port Alfred High School

With the second term’s hockey wrapping up for many schools this weekend, Cape Town’s Springfield Convent School will aim to close off their schedule with a win when they welcome Reddam House Constantia to St John’s Road on Friday night.

The hosts will approach the clash brimming with confidence after accruing some satisfying results over the past weeks.

The highly anticipated clash kicks off at 17:35 on Springfield’s main Astroturf.

Catch all the hockey action from around the country on SuperSport Schools.

The 2024 season began on a high note for Springfield, when they recorded a 6-1 win over La Rochelle Girls’ High School. They were, however, dealt a blow when they went down 1-4 to Paarl Girls’ High in April.

However, over the past month, the side has resurrected its fortunes and reminded Western Cape hockey enthusiasts of Springfield’s capabilities.

Last weekend, coach Ziyaad Ismail’s team pulled off a hard-fought 1-0 win over a gritty and unpredictable Parel Vallei side away from home.

The week before, they played to a 1-1 draw against Durbanville High. They’ve also claimed the scalp of Rustenburg Girls’ High, winning that match 2-0. Their game against HMS Bloemhof was postponed.

“Playing against the ‘powerhouse teams’ this year has made us more competitive, and we know what is expected to be among the strongest in the province,’ coach Ismail told SuperSport Schools ahead of their clash with Reddam.

“The fact that we have been able to compete and get some results against some of those teams shows we are more competitive than we were previously.

“Besides the Cape Town girls’ league, we set additional fixtures against some of the stronger teams that are not in the Cape Town league, like Parel Vallei, Bloemhof, Rhenish, and Paarl Gimnasium,  the Boland powerhouses.”

This season, Springfield invested in upgrading its programme to assist players in their pursuit of opportunities to perform at the highest level and be competitive against the top schools. Those adjustments and improvements have borne fruit.

The signs of improvement are evident, but Ismail believes they still have a long way to go.

“The goal for pre-season was trying to expose us to the top teams throughout the country, through the various pre-season tournaments and tours,” he explained. “The lessons we learned as a team in that period have made us into a stronger and more competitive team.

“We have also invested a lot into strength and conditioning in our hockey programme, and we are starting to see how our players are better conditioned. The work that has gone into every player is starting to produce the results.”

Reddam will not be pushovers, and Ismail and his players are fully aware of that. “Reddam has caused a few upsets against some very strong teams this year so far.” he said. “We anticipate a very tough match from a very hungry team that plays with no fear.”

Springfield, this season, is captained by Kate Opperman. She’ll set the example and also look to Bella Amm and Khanya Moore to help lead the side to a second win on the trot.

Both Opperman and Moore have been selected to represent the Western Province u18A team at the SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein, which starts on 16 June.

Western Cape fixtures

Friday, 7 June 

17:35 – Springfield Convent School vs Reddam House Constantia
17:45 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Fairmont High School
18:30 – Herschel Girls School vs Wynberg Girls’ High

Saturday, 8 June

10:00- Stellenberg High vs Rustenburg Girls’ High

The Eastern Province u18 A team is aiming to defy the odds at the SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein this month.

They kick off their campaign for the inter-provincial honours on Sunday, 16 June, against last year’s runners-up, Southern Gauteng A, at 14:10 at the University of Free State’s Astroturf.

Catch all the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

The 2024 edition of the SASHOC National Week (formally known as the IPTs) also presents an opportunity for redemption for the Eastern Cape side, which didn’t quite fire on all cylinders last year.

Playing at the same venue in 2023, coach Lyall Meyer‘s troops endured a disappointing campaign, resulting in them finishing in 11th, one spot above the bottom rung in the standings.

In the seven matches they played, they managed only a 4-2 victory over KwaZulu-Natal Inland B, but they also suffered some heavy defeats, going down 1-5 against both Boland and KZN Coastal A.

This year, their squad has a very solid look to it. It features nine players from the in-form Grey High School, three from Pearson High School, a St Andrew’s College duo, and one player each from Kingswood College and Westering High School.

There are four holdovers – the Grey High duo of centre back Ben Ristow and Caden Skinnette, and Pearson’s Zac Willimot and Josh Jacobs – from last year’s 16-player squad, whose experience should prove valuable.

The Grey boys are joined by seven of their teammates in goalkeeper Kiano Broadhurst, Marco Giaconi, Kian Cambier, Liam Poole, Blake Muller, Athi Jansen, and the dangerous forward, Luke Tait.

Apart from Willimot, and Jacobs, Pearson will also be represented by Anthwone April.

The St Andrew’s College pair of David Semrau and Samuel Scheekter are included in the side, while Seth Groener, from Westering, and Josh Hufkie, from Kingswood College, complete the lineup.

“Picking a team will always be difficult in terms of getting the right combinations and balance to suit the philosophy and style of play you would like to implement as a coach,” coach Meyer told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“I am, however, thankful to all my fellow selectors for making this difficult task a lot easier.

“It’s always good to have experience in the locker room, but the trick is how you use and impart that experience on and off the field, and I’m confident our experienced players will accept that responsibility and step up this year.”

EP, for a second year running, is in Section A, where their opposition will include Southern Free State, Southern Gauteng A, and the KZN Inland A and KZN Coastal A teams.

Meyer said he’s had time to study their opponents and the opposition coaches, and Eastern Province is planning to pose a stern challenge to the other title contenders.

“We are fortunate to have SuperSport Schools cover most, if not all the big tournaments and derby days, which allows us to watch and study players, coaches, and teams from all over the country,” he said.

“Most of the players and coaches also know each other well, having played against each other in these tournaments.

“So, we’re well equipped and prepared, and we are backing ourselves to do well, because I believe if you want to be the best you’ve got to beat the best.”

A winning start against Southern Gauteng A would certainly lay down a marker and signal that the 2024 Eastern Province team is going to pose a far stiffer challenge than last year’s outfit.

The Eastern Province selectors are Igsaan Ajam (convenor); Lyall Meyer (Alexander Road, head coach), Dayne Samboer (Westering, assistant coach), Pearson head coach Dalan Phillips, Kingswood College’s Jose Smith, St Andrew’s College’s Dean Ferreira, and the Grey High duo of Andrew Beynon and Corbyn Dolley (team manager).

Eastern Province u18A Team

Kiano Broadhurst (GK) (Grey High), Ben Ristow (Grey High), Marco Giaconi (Grey High), Kian Cambier (Grey High), Liam Poole (Grey High), Blake Muller (Grey High), Luke Tait (Grey High), Caden Skinnette (Grey High), Athi Jansen (Grey High), Zac Willimot (Pearson High), Josh Jacobs (Pearson High), Anthwone April (Pearson High), David Semrau (St Andrew’s College), Samuel Scheekter (St Andrew’s College), Seth Groener (Westering High), Josh Hufkie (Kingswood College).

Pool fixtures

Sunday, 16 June 

14:10 – Eastern Province A vs Southern Gauteng A

Monday, 17 June

08:45 – Eastern Province A vs Northern Gauteng A
15:35 – Eastern Province A vs KZN Coastal A

Tuesday, 18 June
15:35 – Eastern Province A vs KZN Inland A

Wednesday, 19 June 

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

In their final match of the second term, Stirling High School makes a short trip to Selborne College, fully aware that they have nothing to lose when the sides take to the field.

Action in the clash on the Selborne AstroTurf starts at 17:00.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

It has been a season of contrasting fortunes and focusses for the teams. For Stirling, it has been about building, staying competitive, and punching above their weight. For Selborne, it has been a phenomenal season, and they have lost only once at home, going down 2-5 to Grey College in April.

Last weekend, Stirling hosted Hudson Park and went down to a narrow 2-3 defeat. Selborne, meanwhile, visited Makhanda, where they played to a 1-1 draw against a gritty St Andrew’s College side.

The task of taking on one of the top schools in the country will be a big challenge for coach Brett Stirk and his Stirling troops.

They will, however, take confidence from the first half of the season, during which they’ve delivered satisfactory results.

After finishing in 24^th place (out of 40 teams) at the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Festival, Stirling kicked off term two with a clash against Queen’s College at home.

Many expected Queen’s to enjoy a field day, but Stirling, after trailing 0-2, fought back and scored twice through Hisharm Pillay to rescue a 2-2 draw.

The week after that, they went 1-4 down against Gqeberha’s Pearson, but they recovered from that setback to record successive 2-2 draws against Kingswood College and Merrifield College.

They, then, found success against Cambridge High School, beating them 2-0, before going down to Hudson Park last time out.

“So far this season, we have been competitive in all of our games,” coach Stirk told SuperSport Schools Plus, ahead of the Selborne clash.

“Pre-season festivals and tournaments allowed us to work with a squad to be ready for the season.

“I’m quite happy with the progress of the team. They are playing a better style of hockey and improving all the time.”

Queen’s College is the only team in the Border region that’s come close to causing an upset against coach KJ Friend’s Selborne side. In April, the side from Komani produced a spirited performance to secure a 1-1 draw.

Since then, Selborne has emphatically brushed aside the challenges of other Border schools, thumping Dale College 10-1 and Cambridge High 6-0.

Stirling would dearly like to rewrite that script. If they did, it would be one of the upsets of the season.

“We have been in some tough battles this term. We have often gone a goal behind and had to fight our way back into the game,” Stirk said, reflecting on his side’s matches.

“I’m hoping these tough games have prepared my team to bring the fight again on Friday night.

“Selborne often gets the cream of the crop in the East London area. So, it’s an opportunity for my team to cause an upset.”

Stirling is led by Sam Williams, who plays in the centre of our defence. Meanwhile, Josh Williams (not related to Sam) has been identified as a “very influential” player in the midfield.

Hisharm Pillay, up front, has been in sublime form, scoring many of Stirling’s goals this season. Both Williams (Josh) and Pillay will represent the Border u18A team at the SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein.

Other matches

After getting back to winning ways, with a 2-0 victory over Graeme College last weekend, Dale College welcomes Kingswood College to Qonce on Friday.

St Andrew’s College enjoys home ground advantage against Queen’s College.

Meanwhile, the clash between Pearson High and Woodridge College, which was scheduled to be played this past Friday, was called off because of severe rainfall. It will now take place this Friday.

FIXTURES

16:00 – Dale vs Kingswood College
17:00 – Selborne College vs Stirling High School
18:15 – Pearson High vs Woodridge College
TBC -Graeme College vs Port Alfred
TBC -St Andrew’s College vs Queen’s College

After narrowly missing out on a bronze medal at last year’s u18 SASHOC National Week, Boland will approach this year’s event, which again takes place in Bloemfontein, eager to go even further, and maybe even bring home the silverware.

Boland has been drawn in Pool A and will play their matches at the University of Free State Astroturf. The tournament starts on 16 June and runs through to 21 June.

In 2023, Boland entered the tournament as one of the favourites and, under the leadership of head coach Jacques “Stevo” Grobler, they started brightly with a 5-1 win over Eastern Province and a 1-0 win against KZN Inland B.

They, then, went down 0-2 to KZN Coastal A, beat KZN Coastal B 3-1, and drew 1-1 with a tough KZN Inland A outfit.

In the semi-finals, they lost 2-4 to the eventual champions, Western Province A. KZN Coastal A then beat Boland 1-0 in the third/fourth play-off match.

This year, the Bolanders will again be coached by Paarl Gimnasium‘s Jacques Grobler, who will be assisted by Worcester Gimnasium‘s Director of Hockey, Frederick Oliver.

Paul Roos Gimnasium‘s Director of Hockey, Michael Baker, who guided KZN Coastal A to two wins over Boland last year, will serve as the video analyst, while Anwell Botha, from Bridgehouse, will manage the squad.

Paul Roos has the largest representation in the lineup, with six players. Beor van Reenen, Josh Smit, Reuben Sendzul, and Keith Siebrits return from the 2023 side, and they’re joined by Louán van Zyl and Christo Swanepoel this time around.

Sendzul and Smit represented South Africa at the u17 Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia last November, and their experience of playing in a high-pressure environment should serve Boland well.

Paarl Gim has three players – their captain, LD Nel, John Coetzee, and the free-scoring Juan Swanepoel – in the squad.

Beyond Gim and PRG, the selectors cast their net wide, which has led to the inclusions of Heymish Zyster, from Hugenote, Overberg High‘s Duran de Wee, and Ethan Leonard, from Hoërskool Strand.

Worcester Gimnasium will be represented by Thyler Timm and Caleb de Lange, while Parel Vallei Director of Hockey, Michael Van Rensberg, will be proud of Matthew Temmis, who was also named in the strong squad.

Somerset College‘s influential leader, Michael du Toit cracked the nod for a second year in succession. He will lead the side and will enjoy the support of Reuben Sendzul and LD Nel, who captain Paul Roos and Paarl Gimnasium respectively

Boland opens their campaign against an unpredictable Border side in the tournament’s opening match on 16 June.

Their key fixture will likely be a showdown with the defending champions, Western Province A, on the morning of Tuesday, 18 June.

Boland u18A Team

Juan Swanepoel (Paarl Gimnasium), LD Nel (Paarl Gimnasium), John Coetzee (Paarl Gimnasium), Beor van Reenen (GK) (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Joshua Smit (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Louán van Zyl (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Christo Swanepoel (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Keith Siebrits (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Reuben Sendzul (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Thyler Timm (Worcester Gimnasium), Caleb de Lange (Worcester Gimnasium), Michael du Toit (Somerset College), Matthew Temmis (Parel Vallei), Heymish Zyster (Hugenote), Duran de Wee (Overberg High School), Ethan Leonard (HS Strand).

POOL FIXTURES

Sunday, 16 June
08:30 – Boland A vs Border

Monday, 17 June
13:00 – Boland A vs Western Province B

Tuesday, 18 June
09:55 – Boland A vs Western Province A
17:00 – Boland A vs Southern Gauteng B

Wednesday, 19 June
13:00 – Boland A vs KZN Coastal B

Just under a month before the SASHOC National Week (formally known as the IPT) kicks off in Bloemfontein, the Border Schools Hockey Association has finalised a strong-looking squad to battle against the country’s best for the provincial honours.

The tournament kicks off on 16 June, with the final scheduled for 21 June.

The event will be played at five different venues, including the University of the Free State, St Andrew’s School, St Michael’s School for Girls, Grey College, and Eunice High School.

In last year’s edition, Border featured an experienced team, under the guidance of Queen’s College’s Director of Hockey, Siya Lusiba.

Lusiba, who, as the former Director of Hockey at St Andrew’s School, is familiar with Bloemfontein, will again take charge of the side and will be assisted by the current head coach of Queen’s, Michael Baiden.

In 2023, under the guidance of the duo, the Eastern Cape side placed ninth, finishing above Southern Free State, Eastern Province, and the KZN Inland B team.

They got off to a rather rocky start, losing to formidable opponents, Southern Gauteng, Western Province A and Western Province B, before rescuing their campaign with wins over KZN Inland B (3-0) and Free-State (2-0).

This year, they’ll look to those last two performances as inspiration and building blocks for their challenge.

They have a solid-looking squad, which features four players from the 2023 lineup, including the Selborne College trio of Tre’ Gilbert, who will captain the side, Waeden Plaatjies, and Daniel Sirgel. They’re joined by Queen’s College’s Luke du Preez, who will serve as one of the two vice-captains.

There are seven Selborne boys in total in the Border squad, with Daniel Conroy, Shane Stagg, Gray van Heerden, and Nathan Amos-Brown also cracking the SASHOC National Week nod.

Queen’s, apart from Du Preez, is represented by Asi Tybosch and Brett Hoffman, while Rowan Miles and Aiden van Jaarsveld are non-travelling reserves.

Stirling High will also be represented in Bloemfontein. Impressive performances this season by Josh Williams and Hisharm Pillay have earned the duo their places in the 16-player lineup.

Dale College, after having no representation in last year’s A side, had two players included. Unfortunately, Sibongile Nzima broke a hand and has been forced to withdraw. He’s been replaced by Hudson Park‘s Helio Ruiters, leaving Amangile Songelwa as the sole representative from Dale.

The squad is completed by Aqhama Mdlulwa, who has been having an impressive season for Cambridge High, and Mtha Mboniswa, from Merrifield College, who will also serve as vice-captain of the team, alongside Luke du Preez.

Border has again been drawn in Section A, Pool A, and they will open their challenge on day one with a serious test against a tough Boland side at 08:30.

Border u18A Team

Luke du Preez (Queen’s College, c), Tre’ Gilbert (Selborne College), Waeden Plaatjies (Selborne College), Mtha Mboniswa (Merrifield College), Daniel Conroy (Selborne College), Aqhama Mdlulwa (Cambridge High School), Asi Tybosch (Queen’s College), Daniel Sirgel (Selborne College), Shane Stagg (Selborne College), Sibongile Nzima (Dale College), Hisharm Pillay (Stirling High School), Brett Hoffman (Queen’s College), Amangile Songelwa (Dale College), Gray van Heerden (Selborne College), Nathan Amon-Brown (Selborne College), Josh Williams (Stirling High School).

Pool Fixtures

Sunday, 16 June
08:30 – Border vs Boland A
17:00 – Western Province B vs Border

Monday, 17 June
14:25 – Border vs Western Province A

Tuesday, 18 June
11:20 – Border vs KZN Coastal B

Wednesday, 19 June
14:25- Border vs Southern Gauteng B

In highly anticipated Southern suburbs derbies, South African College High School (SACS) and Bishops Diocesan College picked up victories over Wynberg Boys’ High and Rondebosch Boys’ High respectively on Friday night.

SACS edged Wynberg 1-0, while Bishops were rampant, thumping ‘Bosch 5-1 on home soil.

Rewatch the action on SuperSport Schools

Wynberg hosted SACS in their backyard, intent on getting back to winning ways after suffering a big 1-7 defeat to Paul Roos Gimnasium the week before.

Coach Ben Wiley’s troops were fully aware that the task of beating SACS was a mammoth one. After all, SACS had outplayed Paul Roos 6-2 when they met in a league fixture.

Coach Sam Holmes‘ SACS’ boys headed into the clash full of confidence after they overran DF Malan 8-0 the previous week.

After a slow start from both sides, it was the visitors who opened the scoring with four minutes to play in the first chukka through the deadly Reece Theunis.

The goal was created by skipper Stéphan Meyer, who whipped a dangerous ball into the circle and, after a scuffle with a couple of Wynberg defenders, Theunis created some space to slot the ball into the back of the net.

In the second quarter, SACS missed three good opportunities to double their lead. Firstly, Theunis’s back-stick shot passed wide of the mark, then Regan Wille and Litha Kraai had their goal attempts saved by Zach Raizenberg.

The hosts were given a lifeline early in the third chukka when a goal by Matthew Jones was disallowed for obstruction in the build-up.

Led from the front by Western Province u18A player Ethan Lee, Wynberg grew in confidence, and despite their inability to test the SACS’ goalkeeper Noah Venter, they kept themselves in the game with a strong defensive effort, courtesy of Dayle Gertson, Daniel Rightford, Liam Kleintjies, and Caleb Schilder.

In pursuit of a second goal, SACS kept their cool. Their captain, Meyer, controlled matters in the middle, looking comfortable on the ball while linking up with Zac Redfern, Nick Paxton, and Kevin Oosthuizen.

The third chukka was goalless, and the fourth produced very little gripping action.

Wynberg, however, had an opportunity late in the match to level matters when they received a penalty corner with three minutes to play.

Their first attempt on goal was stopped by Theunis, but the PC was rewarded. This time, distribution let Wynberg down and SACS survived the late scare, winning 1-0 to continue their unbeaten league run.

“It was a bit of a weird game. We couldn’t figure them out. It was back and forth. We dominated the ball, but they kept sneaking in a chance or two, so we couldn’t afford to go to sleep,” SACS’ captain Stéphan Meyer told SuperSport Schools Plus after the match.

“We value the midfield battle a lot. We had control of it, and we did that by setting up our wide outside backs, Nick Paxton and Cole Allen, getting them on the ball and stretching the possession, which opens up the middle.”

Meyer also praised his teammate and the SACS’ goal scorer, Reece Theunis: “He has been fantastic this season,” he said.

“He always seems to come up big in the big moments, and always plays hard, fast, and gives it his all. There’s not much more you can ask from a forward. He runs hard, sets up his teammates, and he has matured so much over the past months.”

In the other big Friday night match, at the Woodlands Astroturf, it was the in-form Bishops side who dominated against Rondebosch Boys’ High.

Bishops were without the services of their head coach, Ryan Julius who is in Poland, representing South Africa at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup. That didn’t seem to affect them at all, however, as they continued their prolific goal-scoring form, netting five times, while conceding only once.

The hosts dominated from the start, quickly taking control, and putting Rondebosch on the back foot. Relentlessly, they applied pressure, settled into a rhythm, and were rewarded with a handful of goals.

Despite their early struggles, Rondebosch fought valiantly to stay in the game and managed to win a late penalty corner, from which they scored.

However, it was Bishops’ night. Their goals were scored by vice-captain Andrew Raubenheimer, Albert Steyn, Christopher Gray, Joshua Mettler, and Adam Diggle.

RESULTS

Fairmont High 3-1 Curro Durbanville
Bishops Diocesan College 5-1 Rondebosch Boys’ High
DF Malan 4-2 Stellenberg High
Brackenfell High 0-2 Fish Hoek
Wynberg Boys’ High 0-1 SACS
Langa Hockey Club 1-0 Westerford High