Author: vndudane

The Pullen Cup concluded in dramatic fashion, with Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool (Affies) edging out Hoërskool Garsfontein 2-0 in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time at St Andrew’s School for Girls, in Johannesburg, on Saturday.

Affies, the 2024 All Girls’ Festival winners, added another trophy to their list of achievements because they held their nerve when it mattered most.

In a battle between Pretoria rivals, who know each other well, the defences ruled the game, with few clear-cut goal scoring chances being created. However, two conversions in the shootout proved to be enough for Affies to take the title.

Tournament co-founder Rob Pullen, said he was pleased to see the growing competitiveness of the competition, particularly in the B Section.

“Once again, the festival is getting tougher every year,” he said. “The B Section is such a good competition coming through, so I do believe the teams who want to remain in the A Section really need to be at their best in this tournament.”

The growth of the event, both from the standpoint of participation and playing standard, has been a point of pride for the organisers. Pullen said the landscape of the girls’ game in Gauteng was changing.

“It’s great to see other teams competing and doing well,” he said. “Yes, we’ve been disappointed by a few schools that have fallen off a bit, but, overall, we’re very impressed by the standard. It’s been strong, and it’s exciting to have so many schools involved.”

With the tournament delivering good competition between established powers and rising contenders, the 2025 edition was arguably one of the most balanced and competitive in recent memory.

“It’s getting to a point where the tournament might grow even bigger,” Pullen reckoned. “We’re very chuffed with how far it’s come, and we’re especially excited about the schools that have improved and won in the B Section. Their hunger and progress are great signs for the future of the sport.”

Affies paved their way to title game after winning a very tough semifinal clash against St Andrew’s School for Girls. It went down to the wire, but coach Nicolene Terblanche‘s side emerged with a 1-0 win.

There was some consolation for St Andrew’s after they missed out on the title game, however. They picked up the bronze medal by downing Hoërskool Waterkloof 3-0 in a penalty shootout after the teams had finished their playoff match goalless.

Meanwhile, in the u16 Howell Cup competition, Die Hoërskool Menlopark claimed a tight 1-0 victory over Hoërskool Waterkloof to claim the title.

Player of the match, goalkeeper Abigail Small, playing under relentless pressure from Klofies, delivered an exceptional performance to keep Waterkloof scoreless.

With just eight minutes remaining in the title decider, Menlopark seized their moment when Megan Niemand showcased her skill and determination by breaking through Waterkloof’s defensive line before maneuvering into the circle and slotting the decisive goal.

St Andrew’s again placed third, this team beating Hoërskool Garsfontein 2-1 in the bronze playoff.

Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool (Affies) and Hoërskool Garsfontein are set to lock horns in an all-Pretoria final to the 2025 Pullen and Howell Girls’ Hockey Tournament on Saturday.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Affies earned their place in the final after a hard-fought and narrow 1-0 victory over a spirited St Andrew’s School for Girls side in the semifinals.

The decisive moment was delivered by Marise Ras, who found the back of the net with a composed finish to seal the win for the Pretoria school.

St Andrew’s extended Affies, pressing hard to break through their defences, but Affies held their shape, kept their discipline, and emerged with a clean sheet.

In a clash of traditional rivals, Garsfontein edged out Waterkloof in the other semifinal. Garsies produced a resilient showing to bag a tight 2-1 win and punch their ticket to the title game.

Affies’ head coach, Nicolene Terblanche, while sharing her thoughts ahead of the final, praised her team’s performance and acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead.

“We’ve really enjoyed the tournament,” she said, “and I’m so proud of how my team has played throughout. There’s been good energy and strong teamwork.

“We’re feeling positive going into tomorrow. It’s going to be a good game. Garsfontein is a very strong team and plays good hockey. We know we’ll need to be at our best.”

Saturday’s final will be a battle between two Pretoria powerhouses, who have enjoyed impressive seasons. Both schools have a rich hockey tradition and will be laser-focused on capping off their tournament with silverware. For Affies, who won the All Girls’ Festival in May, it will be an opportunity to claim a second title in 2025.

One of the key features of the title decider will be the clash of the defensive solidity of Affies and the attacking enterprise of Garsfontein. Contrasting strengths make for fascinating contests and when it’s for all the marbles that’s an enticing bonus.

A fierce rivalry reignites this Saturday when King Edward VII School (KES) makes the short trip to Jeppe High School for Boys for the next chapter in one of South Africa’s most iconic schoolboy hockey fixtures.

Both teams have enjoyed strong seasons, and a high-quality game is in the offing.

Since their first meeting in 1960, the KES and Jeppe 1st XIs have clashed 66 times. The edge belongs to Jeppe, who have picked up 31 victories to KES’s 16, while 19 matches have ended in draws.

Of greater concern to KES will be the fact that Jeppe has won nine of the last 10 meetings between the schools, going back to 2019. Their most recent win, a 4-2 victory, came when the sides clashed earlier this season. KES will take hope, though, from their shock 3-2 win of 2024.

KES skipper Fynn Campbell considers the weekend’s showdown as more than just a regular fixture. His side has been putting in the work on and off the pitch in preparation to rise to the occasion.

“We’ve trained three times this week, starting with a fitness session. Throughout the week, we’ve also done some team bonding before practices to get our heads into the game for Saturday and to get the vibes up,” Campbell revealed. “We want to play as a brotherhood in order to be victorious.”

As Saturday draws nearer, Campbell admitted his emotions have been rising. “The feeling I feel personally through my body is nervousness but also excitement,” he said.

“In my opinion, KES versus Jeppe has to be one of the greatest schoolboy fixtures ever. It’s always a real battle, not only focused on physical strength, but also mental strength.”

In preparation for the game, KES has put in plenty of homework. “We’ve watched quite a lot of video on them,” Campbell explained. “We’ve played against and with them before, so we know who their key players are and who their weaker players are.

“But I believe if we focus on our game and not too much on our opponents, we’ll be fine and come out on top. At the end of the day, we can only control the controllables – our play and our approach.”

After securing that crucial win over Jeppe last year, and a 2-0 victory over Pretoria Boys High last weekend, the KES camp if full of confidence.

“Winning always boosts your confidence,” Campbell acknowledged, “but we know what challenges lies ahead. We can’t get ahead of ourselves, but we’ll definitely take that confidence into the game on Saturday.”

Ahead of the big game, Campbell also highlighted the fact that Saturday’s derby will carry special meaning for KES’s players who are in matric.

“Of course, there’s always a sense of pressure for any game, not just Jeppe,” he said. “But I’m definitely more excited for this derby than any other game. It’s my and the matrics last KES vs Jeppe fixture, and we are going there to make a statement.”

The 2025 edition of the Pullen and Howell Girls’ Hockey Tournament got off to an action-packed start on Saturday, with schools from across Gauteng in pool-stage action.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools 

In Pool A, St Mary’s Waverley, the defending champion, made good use of their home ground advantage on Nathan Field, and made a clean sweep against their three opponents.

They opened with a narrow 1-0 win over St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls before defeating Beaulieu College 2-0. In their last match, they outclassed Noordheuwel 3-1 to seal top spot.

Nories showed resilience in a thrilling 3-2 win over St Dominic’s and also shared a 1-1 draw with Beaulieu College. St Dom’s bounced back from those two losses with a 2-1 win over Beaulieu

Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool (Affies) lived up to their expectations, scoring 11 goals without conceding in Pool B. They beat both Hoërskool Dr. EG Jansen and Hoërskool Monument 3-0, and thumped Kingsmead College 5-0.

Jansies played to a 1-1 draw with Monnas and both bagged 3-0 wins over Kingsmead.

Hoërskool Waterkloof led the way in Pool C, playing at Hoërskool Linden. Klofies rolled against Roedean, charging to a 6-1 win and then shut out Northcliff, winning 4-0.

Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge held Northcliff to a goalless draw and later edged out Roedean, claiming a 2-1 victory. Northcliff, meanwhile, won 3-1 against Roedean.

Pool D proved to be a closely contested group, with all four teams evenly matched.

St Andrew’s School for Girls and St Stithians College delivered a tense contest, with St Andrew’s shading it 2-1. Hoërskool Garsfontein, meanwhile, pulled off a 1-0 win over Helpmekaar Kollege and then handed St Andrew’s a 1-0 defeat.

Garsies, then, turned on the style to stun St Stithians 4-0. Saints mustered a 3-3 draw with Helpmekaar in one of the most exciting clashes of the day, while Helpies added another draw to their record, finishing 1-1 against St Andrew’s.

The action continues on Tuesday, with the tournament’s last day taking place on Thursday.

RESULTS

Pool A – @ St Mary’s Waverley (Nathan Field)
St Mary’s 1-0 St Dominic’s
Noordheuwel 1-1 Beaulieu
St Mary’s 2-0 Beaulieu
St Dominic’s 2-3 Noordheuwel
St Mary’s 3-1 Noordheuwel
Beaulieu 1-2 St Dominic’s

Pool B – @ Kingsmead College
Monument 3-0 Kingsmead
Affies 3-0 EG Jansen
Monument 1-1 EG Jansen
Kingsmead 0-5 Affies
Monument 0-3 Affies
EG Jansen 3-0 Kingsmead

Pool C – @ Linden
Waterkloof 6-1 Roedean
Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge 0-0 Northcliff
Waterkloof 4-0 Northcliff
Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge 2-1 Roedean
Waterkloof v Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge
Northcliff 3-1 Roedean

Pool D – @ St Andrew’s School for Girls
Stithians 1-2 St Andrew’s
Garsfontein 1-0 Helpmekaar
St Stithians 3-3 Helpmekaar
St Andrew’s 0-1 Garsfontein
Garsfontein 4-0 St Stithians
Helpmekaar 1-1 St Andrew’s

On Saturday, in Pretoria, the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) 1st XI scored a dramatic 3-2 win over Maritzburg College, historically one of South Africa’s leading hockey-playing schools, to best their rivals for the first time on the Astro.

They’ve come close in recent seasons, drawing 1-1 in 2024, 2-2 in 2023, and losing 1-2 in 2021.

Saturday’s win, which came in front of a lively home crowd, left the Pretoria school with seven wins, four draws, and six losses so far this season.

Affies’ Head of Hockey, Colin Mendoza, beaming with pride, credited his team’s preparation and resilience for their victory: “We started with the first team last weekend, with two long training sessions, working off the rust a bit,” he shared. “This week, we focused on rebuilding connections during training, and rather than obsessing over Maritzburg, we worked hard on the weak points we identified.”

A video analysis session on Thursday sparked a shift in the mindset of his players, reckoned Mendoza. “It became very clear to the boys that we felt this could be the year we beat them,” he said.

Matchday began with mixed emotions. A loss for the Affies’ u14A team brought some nerves, but a win by the u16A team lifted the supporters’ energy.

“The atmosphere after that was electric,” Mendoza recalled. “The schoolboys and spectators started to fill the pavilion, and there was a real sense of excitement.”

From the first whistle, Affies hit their stride. Incredibly, they forged a 3-0 advantage through goals from captain Johan Pieterse, Gawie de Kock, and Rudolf Thiart. Maritzburg College, though, is renowned for the school’s never-say-die spirit and they capitalised on a yellow card to claw back two quick goals. Affies, though, held on for a cherished victory.

“We knew that we needed a good start. Keeping a clean sheet in the first quarter was our first goal,” said Mendoza.

“Going 3-0 up was very exciting and the boys started to believe. When Maritzburg came back strong, we didn’t crumble. Affies boys never stop fighting, and that showed in the final minutes.”

The final whistle confirmed a long-awaited and hard-fought victory.

“This is the first time we have beaten their first team,” Mendoza said proudly. “It’s a big step for the Affies’ hockey programme.”

After the mid-year holiday break, some of Gauteng’s leading hockey teams returned to the AstroTurf on Saturday, with a number of tantalising fixtures on the slate.

Among the sides that hosted top opposition were Jeppe High School for Boys, King Edward VII School, and Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies).

At the heart of the action was the much-anticipated showdown between Jeppe High School for Boys and Durban High School (DHS).

The game, played on the Bowden AstroTurf, was a closely contested battle between two proud hockey institutions, with Jeppe ultimately emerging victorious by a 4-2 margin.

From the opening whistle, both sides showed clear intent, pressing high and moving the ball with speed.

It was tightly contested, with DHS creating created several chances and pushing Jeppe to the limit, especially in the second half, when the visitors raised their intensity.

There was next to nothing between the teams in the opening half, with only a Jeppe goal off a penalty corner rebound in the last minute of the second chukka separating them.

The hosts extended their advantage to 2-0 after three chukkas before the game finally opened up in the last quarter, with both teams striking twice.

Speaking after the match, Jeppe coach Siya Sityana acknowledged the challenge posed by the KZN visitors: “DHS is a very good side and a very difficult team to play against. They made it hard for us,” he said.

“They’ve got good individual players, and they fight hard. It was not easy at all. They had a few chances to actually go ahead, just like we did.”

Reflecting on the overall outcome of the game, Sityana added: “I think we left a lot of chances out there, too, but the score is a true reflection of the game. As much as I say any team could have won it, I think 4–2 tells the story of how closely fought it was.”

The match showcased some standout performers, but it was the hosts who finished better to come away with a well-deserved win. DHS, with trademark resilience and discipline, stayed in the game until the final whistle.

On the Weinberg Astro, at KES, the home team, the Red Sticks, produced a strong performance against Pretoria Boys High. They controlled the contest throughout to record a 2-0 statement victory.

In Pretoria, Affies edged out Maritzburg College in another tight clash, claiming a nail-biting 3–2 victory.

In a back-and-forth contest, both teams showed attacking flair and defensive grit, but it was Affies who held their nerve in key moments to snatch a vital victory over the renowned KZN powerhouse.

The prestigious Pullen and Howell Hockey Tournament gets underway on Saturday, bringing together leading teams from around the province, competing in u18 and u16 competition.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

The tournament, which was established in 2006, continues to grow from strength to strength and features 70 teams this year, with 35 in the u18 A and B sections, and another 35 in the u16 A and B sections.

The section A seniors’ matches will be played across four venues.

Tournament co-founder Rob Pullen said he was thrilled at the growth of the tournament and its popularity. “We started with just 12 schools playing across two sections,” he explained. “Now we have 35 schools each in the u18 and u16 divisions. The tournament is growing beautifully. It’s bigger and better than ever.”

Pullen also credited the participating schools for helping ensure smooth planning and logistics.
“Preparations are going well. I’ve got approximately nine venues this year, and the schools have been incredibly supportive, making it very easy for us to manage everything,” he said.

“The tournament runs over four days, and it’s always exciting to see it come together.”

In the highly competitive A Section of the u18 category, the schools are divided into four pools, with each boasting top-performing teams from across the province.

The reigning champions, St Mary’s Waverley, will lead Pool A and begin their title defence on their home ground, Nathan Field. Their opening fixture is set for 09:15 against St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls. Beaulieu College and Hoërskool Noordheuwel complete the group.

Pool B features the 2024 silver medallists, Hoërskool Monument, who will be eager to go one better this year after falling to a narrow defeat against St Mary’s in last year’s final. They’ll begin their campaign against Kingsmead College, who will host the pool matches.

Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria (Affies) takes on Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen Hoërskool in another Pool B clash.

In Pool C, Hoërskool Waterkloof opens the day against Roedean, with Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge and Northcliff High rounding out the group. Their matches will take place at Hoërskool Linden.

Meanwhile, Pool D will see one of the tournament’s most in-form sides, St Stithians College, take on the home team, St Andrew’s School for Girls. That should be an interesting clash. Hoërskool Garsfontein and Helpmekaar Kollege also do battle in the pool’s opening round.

With a deep field of talent and many top provincial stars in action, four days of fascinating hockey is on the cards.

U18 SECTION A POOLS

Pool A: St Mary’s, Noordheuwel, Beaulieu, St Dominic’s
Pool B: Monument, Affies, Kingsmead, EG Jansen
Pool C: Waterkloof, Trinity House Randpark, Northcliff, Roedean
Pool D: St Stithians, Garsfontein, Helpmekaar, St Andrew’s

FIXTURES

Pool A – @ St Mary’s Waverley (Nathan Field)

09:15 – St Mary’s vs St Dominic’s
10:00 – Noordheuwel vs Beaulieu
12:15 – St Mary’s vs Beaulieu
13:00 – St Dominic’s vs Noordheuwel
15:15 – St Mary’s vs Noordheuwel
16:00 – Beaulieu vs St Dominic’s

Pool B – @ Kingsmead College

09:15 – Monument vs Kingsmead
10:00 – Affies vs EG Jansen
12:15 – Monument vs EG Jansen
13:00 – Kingsmead vs Affies
15:15 – Monument vs Affies
16:00 – EG Jansen vs Kingsmead

Pool C – @ Hoërskool Linden

08:45 – Waterkloof vs Roedean
09:30 – Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge vs Northcliff
11:15 – Waterkloof vs Northcliff
12:00 – Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge vs Roedean
13:45 – Waterkloof vs Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge
14:30 – Northcliff vs Roedean

Pool D – @ St Andrew’s School for Girls

09:15 – St Stithians vs St Andrew’s
10:00 – Garsfontein vs Helpmekaar
12:15 – St Stithians vs Helpmekaar
13:00 – St Andrew’s vs Garsfontein
15:15 – St Stithians vs Garsfontein
16:00 – Helpmekaar vs St Andrew’s

Two of South Africa’s most respected schoolboy hockey powerhouses, Durban High School (DHS) and Jeppe High School for Boys, are set to renew their rivalry in a highly anticipated fixture on Saturday.

The clash, which will be hosted by the Kensington school, has delivered some outstanding, tense and exciting matches in recent seasons, and another thriller is on the cards.

Both sides have enjoyed dominant runs in their respective provinces, but only Jeppe remains unbeaten in 2025.

Last season, DHS claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win in Durban. They’d be delighted if they could repeat that result and end Jeppe’s unbeaten run.

DHS captain Joshua Mungherera believes his side is up for the challenge, pointing to the recent experiences of many of his teammates at the Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) as key preparation for Saturday’s test.

“The majority of the players in our team participated in the IPT this holiday, so all of us have already played hockey at a high level,” Mungherera explained. “With that experience, plus the training we’ve had this week, we’re confident that we can rise to the occasion against Jeppe.”

However, he acknowledged, it’s challenging playing in Johannesburg. “We know it’s going to be a tough game, especially adjusting to the altitude and intensity of Joburg, but I feel we are all up to the challenge. These are the kinds of games we live for as competitive athletes.”

For Mungherera, the match carries an emotional edge as well, especially given that he was part of a team that went down at Jeppe in 2023.

“Honestly, beating Jeppe at Jeppe would mean everything to us because we lost to them in 2023, and we’re determined to change the narrative of that story.,” he admitted.

DHS head coach Keegan Hezlett echoed the captain’s optimism and praised his team’s focus ahead of the big game.

“Our preparations have gone well,” he said. “The first week back after holidays is always a challenge, but, fortunately, many of our boys have stayed sharp through provincial duties.

“We’re fortunate to have a squad packed with talent and experience. Jeppe is always a tough opponent, and they’ve had an outstanding season so far. We haven’t faced them yet this year, but last season’s narrow 3-2 win at DHS gives us belief.”

Hezlett pointed out a few standout players to keep an eye on, singling out the school’s three South African Schools representatives – Bhavesh Naicker (SA u18B), Sithsaba Siyoyo (SA u18B), and Tyrique Cloete (SA u18A) – as game-changers.

“Our biggest strength is when we’re playing cohesively and connecting as a team. When we find our rhythm and play with purpose, we’re capable of something special,” Hezlett said. “That’s what we’ll need this weekend if we hope to pull off a result away from home.”

Jeppe heads into the clash fresh off a 6-0 win over Helpmekaar Kollege on Wednesday. Coach Siya Siyana and his charges, though, are expecting a far tougher test on the Bowden AstroTurf on Saturday.

As the build-up to the highly anticipated Noordvaal hockey tournament gains momentum, teams across the region are using friendly matches to sharpen their skills and their strategies.

On Wednesday, in friendlies, Hoërskool Zwartkop and Jeppe High School for Boys both registered dominant victories.

In Pretoria, Zwartkop faced off against Potchefstroom Gimnasium in a spirited clash.

Zwarries were intent on delivering a commanding performance and they achieved that, winning 3-0. From the first whistle, they controlled the match and were able to apply consistent pressure on their opponents.

Their goals, all clinically finished, came courtesy of Douw Nel, Ha’ris van der Merwe, and Roland Scheepers.

“It was a tough one to play first after the winter break, especially with limited preparation and with Potch Gim being the NWU-Sport Championship winners,” Zwartkop Director of Hockey Marthinus Gouws told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“Both sides were rusty, and it could be seen in the first half of the game. Even with the victory and a better second half performance, we need to step up a lot if we are going to perform at Noordvaal.”

Zwartkop will continue their preparations with three matches before the end of the month. Their first outing will be against Merensky Landbou Akademie, on Friday. Then, they face Sandbach School, from the UK, on Monday, 28 July. They’ll complete the month with a challenging showdown against Die Hoërskool Menlopark.

Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, Jeppe High School for Boys delivered another goal-fest for their fans when they took on Helpmekaar Kollege on Wednesday.

Jeppe, unbeaten in 2025, bossed the contest and ran out 6-0 winners, with Jayden da Silva, Juan Martin, captain Ethan Kapanda, Ezray Stadt, Adam Lacy, and Tshimo Mogale all finding the back of the net.

While most would consider SACS to again be the top team in the country, Jeppe is the only other team in that conversation and that speaks volumes about the exceptional season they have put together under coach Siya Sityana.