Author: vndudane

The 2025 SASHOC Nationals, set to take place at the historic Maritzburg College from the end of June, are around the corner.

The action-packed tournament will see the best hockey teams from across the country coming to showcase their great talent and skills, and among the teams hungry to make their mark this year is the Southern Gauteng under-18A side, led by passionate coach Kyle Reddy.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Reddy expressed the feeling of excitement within the camp as his squad gears up for this upcoming prestigious tournament.

“We are buzzing, honestly,” Reddy said. “The boys are excited, you can feel it. Nationals is always a big moment in the year, it’s where players go to test themselves against the best in the country. The level is higher than schoolboy hockey; you have to be sharp, you have to be ready. And these boys, they are ready to go. We are preparing to face everything South Africa throws at us, and we are really looking forward to it.”

The Southern Gauteng has bolstered its squad from a diverse and talented group of players representing seven leading schools in the province: Jeppe High School for Boys, King Edward VII School, Hoërskool Monument, Parktown Boys’ High School, St Benedict’s College, St David’s Marist Inanda, and St Stithians College. Together, they form a formidable unit packed with skill, speed, and ambition.

Having kicked off their preparations in early May, the team has already played a couple of warm-up matches, and Redddy said these encounters have helped the coaching staff assess combinations and build match fitness.

“We started our preparations in early May, and I have to say, it’s been very positive. We’ve already played a few warm-up games against the U16A and U18B sides. These matches are important, not just to try combinations, but to see what is working, what is not, and where the gaps are. It gives us real information,” Reddy explained.

He added that his team’s playing style is “heavy metal hockey,” fast-paced, intense, and entertaining.

“We play what I like to call heavy metal hockey. It is intense, fast, entertaining, but it’s also got structure and discipline. We want the boys to express themselves, to play with joy, but also with purpose. We still have a month to go, and there’s plenty to cover, but we are moving in the right direction. The quality is there, and their mindset is good.”

Following their fourth-place finish in last year’s tournament, there’s no doubt that the Southern Gauteng outfit will be aiming to improve from that. But while winning remains the goal, Reddy indicated that their aim is more than that.

“Of course we want to win — that’s why we compete. But for me, and our coaching team, this is about more than just results,” he reflected. “Winning is the destination, sure, but the journey is where the real growth happens. We take it one game at a time, one moment at a time.”

For many of these young players, Nationals is more than just a tournament, but a career-defining week for many players who will be aiming for higher achievements, as there will be national team selection after the tournament. Reddy said that another part of their job is to help the players grow, both on and off the field.

“But also, this tournament is a launchpad,” he said. These boys are on the edge of something really special. Some will go to university teams, some will push into national setups. So our job as a coaching team is not just to win games, it is to help them grow. If they come out of this more confident, more disciplined, and more prepared as good people and exceptional players, then that’s a big win too. And if we can do all that and win the tournament? Then that’s the perfect week.”

As the SASHOC Nationals approach, Gauteng’s u18A boys are heading to Maritzburg College from 29 June to 5 July with their sights set firmly on a podium finish at least. With a blend of experience, chemistry, and high-intensity preparation, the team looks interesting and promising to make a serious statement this year.

Among the standout names to watch from the Southern and Northern Gauteng u18A teams are Owethu Sishuba, Aiden Blatch, Matteo Stipcevich, Luken Brunette, Owen McMennamin, and Clayton Koorbanally — all these young charges bring unique strengths to their respective teams.

St David’s Marist Inanda‘s midfielder Stipcevich said this tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a moment of personal pride.
“As a U14, you really look up to the U18S and I feel proud and honoured to be one now,” he shared.

After playing for the U18B team last year, this marks his debut with the A side, a step up he has embraced with good preparation.
“I’ve prepared myself with daily skills and conditioning training, as well as playing club Premier League for MCC,” he said.

The talented midfielder went on to explain his role in the heart of the Astro: “My job is to both facilitate and build up attacks, as well as come back to help the defence and assist with outletting. I think we are well prepared with a variety of presses and good connections between players. We’ve all played together somewhere or somehow, so we know each other well.”

Despite identifying Western Province A and KZN Inland A as two of the toughest opponents to watch out for, Matteo highlighted that the ultimate team goal is to finish in the top three and bring home a medal. “This year, we’re going to finish what we started. There’s no pressure, we know we’re better and ready.”

Alongside him, we have identified five more players to watch who will be representing the Gauteng Province.

SOUTHERN GAUTENG

Matteo Stipcevich– St David’s Marist Inanda
Matteo brings both technical precision and leadership to Gauteng’s midfield. After playing for the U18B team last year, he’s stepped up to the A squad with noticeable growth, backed by intense skills training and club-level experience at MCC Premier League.
“My role is to facilitate and build attacks, while also helping defensively and with outletting,” he says.
Matteo is known for his vision, work rate, and ability to control the tempo. He will be one of the key players in transitioning the team from defence to attack.

Owethu Sishuba– St John’s College
Another dynamic, creative, and deadly player in the circle who also brings leadership qualities. Sishuba is one of the most exciting and solid defenders in the squad. His ability to close the back line with speed and flair makes him a nightmare for strikers. As a team Captain at St John’s, the young, driven star also brings his leadership skills to the team, and he will be at the heart of Gauteng’s offensive firepower.

Aiden Blatch – St Stithians College
Aiden from the side has been well this season in both leagues and Derby clashes. He brings a cool head and a sharp mind to the field. As a playmaker, he is instrumental in linking the backline and forward unit. Blatch is excellent at spotting space, delivering pinpoint passes, and maintaining structure under pressure.
His ability to dictate play makes him one of Gauteng’s most trusted assets and a player to watch in big moments.

NORTHERN GAUTENG

Owen McMennamin– Pretoria Boys High
In goal, Northern Gauteng have a reliable and fearless shot-stopper in Owen. Calm under pressure. He graces his position with confidence. His ability to pull off clutch saves could be the difference in tight matches, especially against tough opposition like Western Province A.
Keep an eye out for his penalty corner defence and quick distribution that often sparks counter-attacks.

Clayton Koorbanally – St Alban’s College

The fact that he is the only player selected from his school makes the young and talented athlete stand out among the players to watch in this year’s tournament.
Known for being strong in tackles and smart in positioning, Clayton has been a regular in  Alban’s, and he received the 50th cap honours with his school’s first team last week.
He is disciplined, reads the game well. His ability to intercept, block and launch counter-attacks will play a key role, especially against high-pressing teams.
Clayton has been pivotal for St Alban’s College, particularly with his leadership. He has led the front line with courage, being at the forefront of high-quality defensive IQ. His understanding, work ethic and discipline will put him in good stead for this year’s national U18 IPT.

Luken Brunette – Hoërskool Garsfontein

Brunette will be co-captaining the Northerns. The Garsies star brings the energy and versatility that make him an invaluable asset. He covers ground tirelessly. With high hockey intelligence and consistent effort, Luken is often the glue that holds transitions together.
He thrives in high-pressure environments and will no doubt leave his mark in crucial moments.

A strong Southern Gauteng u18A Girls’ squad has been named to defend the title the province claimed in 2024.

They’ll be in action at the SASHOC National Week at St Anne’s DSG, in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, from 29 June to 5 July.

As the team heads into the final stretch of preparations, head coach Natasha le Roux believes the group is steadily building towards peak performance.

“We’re growing week by week, trying to refine the areas that still need attention,” she explained.

“There’s a good feeling in the camp, and we’ll be ready when the first whistle blows. Apart from one player who had a slight niggle, everyone has been able to stay actively involved in our preparations, and that’s all we can really ask for.”

Taking the reins as the head coach of a region known for its deep talent pool, Le Roux acknowledged that it comes with some pressure: “We’re very lucky to have excellent schools in Southern Gauteng that consistently produce great hockey players. With that comes quite a bit of expectation.

“But, if the players weren’t up for it, we wouldn’t have selected them. Yes, there is definitely pressure, but we’re not shying away from it. Pressure is, after all, a privilege.”

The squad has been juggling its preparations with the girls’ responsibilities, as many of them are still writing their exams. Despite those challenges, Le Roux said she is confident that a solid foundation has been laid.

“Like all regions, we have had to prepare while players are writing exams and playing club and school hockey. So, our prep has been limited, but I am quite happy with what we have done in the short time we have had for practice sessions and prep games,” she said.

When asked about her confidence heading into the tournament, Le Roux offered a grounded perspective: “I think anyone going into a tournament with confidence based on previous success might be in for a tough tournament. Tournament hockey can be a rollercoaster at the best of times.

“It’s important that this new team focuses on building for the next step in 2025, rather than obsessing over the final product of 2024.”

Beyond results, Southerns’ coach hopes to instil a sense of unity and purpose in her squad.

“As a team, I want each individual to fight for the player next to them. If every player can make the one beside them look good, we will be successful,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“These u18 players are role models for the youngsters who dream of being in their position one day. If we can teach them to play as a team, to never give up, and to work hard for everything they want, we’ll have given them life lessons, not just hockey lessons.”

Southern Gauteng u18A Girls Team

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 (Heronbrige College), Azania Peterson (St Andrew’s School for Girls), Andani Mphoentle Tshikhudo (St Andrew’s School for Girls), Nomthandazo Kelly Rens (Hoërskool Monument), Bokamoso Swazi (St Mary’s Waverley), Kristen Cikes (Brescia House), Ciara van der Walt (Hoërskool Noordheuwel).

With the much-anticipated SASHOC Nationals around the corner, St Stithians Girls’ College hosted St Mary’s Waverley for a high-tempo Hyundai Friday Nite lights derby fixture that doubled as a show of support for breast cancer awareness.

The Astro was surrounded by a sea of pink, with balloons and spectators sporting the colour in support of the initiative.

From the first whistle, the game took off at pace and Saints came close to taking an early lead thanks to a defence-splitting pass, but they failed to convert.

Both sides impressed with their composure on the ball, but there was no breakthrough for either in the first quarter.

Just two minutes into the second chukka, though, Kyla Grobbelaar, of St Mary’s, scored a brilliant penalty corner to give her side the lead.

St Stithians fought back and won a penalty corner, thanks to beautiful ball played by Nicole Chikweshwe, but St Mary’s denied them the outcome they were looking for.

Both defences stood firm in the third chukka as play flowed from end to end, with St Mary’s stubbornly protecting their lead and Saints, equally determined, chasing an equaliser. The home side was able to create a handful of chances, but some crucial saves from the St Mary’s goalkeeper kept her team in front.

It was more of the same in the final chukka, with Saints relentlessly chasing a goal to level the score, but it never came and the visitors, St Mary’s, claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win.

While the result didn’t go the hosts’ way, the evening celebrated more than hockey. It showcased a spirit of competition, community support, and important awareness about breast cancer.

Speaking after the match, St Mary’s coach Cindy Brown expressed pride in her team’s performance and praised the competitive nature of the derby.

“St Mary’s and St Stithians are old rivals. There is always a great vibe and great energy that comes along with these matches, and Friday night was no different,” said Brown.

“It was so great to see so many St Mary’s girls coming to support despite being busy with exams. That was amazing, and I think it made the spectacle all the more memorable for the girls. These are the matches that people want to play in and also want to win.

“The fact that we managed to come away with the win on Friday is special. I’m chuffed with the team.

“We played good hockey and defended well when we needed to. We probably left a few chances out there, but in a big derby game, where there’s so much pressure, it’s never the prettiest hockey.

“I’m just really proud of how the girls got stuck in and defended incredibly well. I think both teams were guilty of double turnovers. As soon as we got it, we lost it, and we didn’t string enough passes together at times. That’s something both teams will look to improve.

“But, overall, in a big game like this, that mindset is really important. The fact that we managed to pull through with the win is really special. So, I am very happy about it, and I am ready for the next one.”

St Stithians College powered past St John’s College, scoring a convincing 4-1 victory in an action-packed Pink Derby Day clash.

Saints hosted their Johannesburg rivals in a derby that has driven the awareness of breast cancer through sports since 2016.

The initiative has attracted huge support and on Saturday the St Stithians’ campus was packed by a large crowd of people sporting pink in support of the cause.

The hosts pulled out their A-game, controlling the tempo from the start and capitalising on key opportunities to secure a dominant win.

St John’s showed resilience under pressure, but they were reacting to the hosts dictating play, and it ended in a convincing three-goal win for the home side.

Afterwards, St Stithians, on their Facebook page, thanked people for their strong support of the breast cancer awareness initiative: “A massive thank you to the incredible St Stithians and St John’s communities for showing up in full spirit, solidarity, and style this Pink Derby Day. From the astros and fields to the stands, your energy, passion, and generosity created a day filled with purpose,” the message read.

“Together, we proved that sport is more than a game – it’s a powerful platform to unite, uplift, and stand with those affected by cancer. Your commitment to raising awareness and supporting the cause was truly inspiring.

“To our young sportsmen, their coaches and managers, we commend you for the spirit in which the games were played. To our schools, families, and supporters: thank you #OneAndAll for your compassion, courage, and heart. We look forward to many more moments where passion meets purpose.”

In Pretoria, St Alban’s College hosted Kearsney College, who were fresh off a 3-2 win over St Stithians last week.

Buoyed by that win over Saints, the KwaZulu-Natal side played with rhythm and control.

They scored in the first chukka from a penalty corner by Keegan de Jager and kept St Alban’s on the back foot. He struck twice more from the set piece to finish with a hattrick as the visitors secured an impressive 3-0 victory.

In a league outing, St David’s Marist Inanda made light work of Cornwall Hill College picking up a convincing 4-1 win.

It was a milestone game for Matteo Stipcevich, who earned his 100th cap for the St David’s first team.

Hoërskool Garsfontein made history by clinching the prestigious Pretoria G1 League title for the first time, following a nail-biting encounter against Midstream College.

After years of trying, Garsies finally ascended to the top rung of the ladder.

In the final, on Friday, 6 June, coach Charlene Jonsson‘s side brushed aside Midstream, bagging a convincing 3-0 win to lay claim to the title.

After they had won, Jonsson could not contain her excitement: “We are extremely proud of our team, especially because this is the first time that Garsfontein has won the Pretoria G1 league with the 1st team,” she smiled.

“We have come close many years in a row, but we finally crossed the bridge in 2025. This year, we have been fortunate enough to win the league with our 1st and 16A teams,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus.

Winning the title is an exciting and important milestone for Garsfontein. Jonsson credited her team’s consistency and commitment to preparation as key factors behind their success.

“We approached each game and team we had to play with the exact same focus, preparation and intensity when building up to game day.

“We have had many ups and downs this season and could pull from every experience to make this league a successful one. We focused on one match at a time and by doing that we reached our goal that we had set at the beginning of the season.

“We had laid a very strong foundation up until the start of the league and this allowed us to peak at just the right time by following our processes and maintaining our focus where it mattered the most.”

The Pretoria G1 League features many top-tier schools, making it, undeniably, one of the best and most competitive girls’ league competitions on the school calendar. Winning the title ahead of those schools was a big achievement, Jonsson said.

“In my opinion, the Pretoria G1 league is one of the toughest in the country with Garsfontein, Menlopark, Affies, Waterkloof, Midstream, Eldoraigne, Zwartkop, and Montana all participating in the league,” she said.

She applauded her charges for their unity and determination throughout their campaign.

“We have a very strong group of players in the team and everyone, provincial [player] or not, puts in the work, early mornings and late evenings, to help make our programme successful. I can only praise my team for their full commitment and belief in what we are doing.”

Though the league has wrapped up, Garsfontein still has unfinished business. The Pretoria champions are gearing up for a busy post-holiday tournament period.

“After the winter holiday break, we will kick off with the Pullen & Howell tournaments and then fly off to Paarl for the Rising Challengers’ Cup, at La Rochelle,” Jonsson said.

“Unfortunately, we did not qualify for Top 12, but we are very excited to play against top-quality schools from around the country in the Paarl.”

GARSFONTEIN FIRST TEAM SQUAD

Assistant Coaches: Celia Seerane, Kriekie van Wyk
Trainers: Chantelle Potgieter, Chantelle van Tonder
Players: Ashley Retief, Andrea Groenewald, Lenske van Zyl, Megan Folkus, Jana Seebach, Daniella Grobbelaar, Hannah Liebenberg, Mieka Abbott, Moya Reinach, Emma van Rooyen, Anjoné Lourens, Elmien du Preez, Mienke Pieterse, Erné Kotze, Paige Marais, Kristen Baker.

He was selected for the South Africa u16B team at the 2024 SASHOC National Week. Now, in 2025, Ndyebo Pongwana will run out for the Southern Gauteng u18A hockey side at the SASHOC National Week.

The tournament will be hosted on Maritzburg College‘s famous Pape’s Astro at the end of this month.

Pongwana was among the players who attended a Southern Gauteng capping ceremony at St John’s College on 16 June, and he believes he’s ready to make his mark.

A proud Parktown Boys’ High learner and a passionate Christian, Pongwana, bounded onto the stage with pride when his name was called.

He’s in grade 11, but being on the big stage is not foreign to him, Pongwana said. “It was a good feeling having all eyes on me,” he admitted. “I’ve been selected for a provincial side since grade eight until now.”

He is one of three children, and sport has been an essential part of his identity since he was young. He began playing hockey in grade one, following in the footsteps of an older brother, whom he admired deeply. “He was cool, so obviously I thought hockey was cool, as well,” he said.

That enjoyment soon grew into a love for the game, which has helped shape his path, both on and off the field. Over time, hockey has become more than a sport for him, Pongwana said. It is now a passion and a space in which he’s consistently excelled.

“Hockey has made my life a lot more interesting because I’ve excelled in it, and it has become a stress reliever for me,” he explained.

For the past four years, from grade 8 to grade 11, he’s earned provincial selection, which is a testament to his discipline, talent, and unwavering work ethic.

“U18A is a big title to carry around,” he said, “but at the end of the day, all it means is that I am one of the best players in the Southern Gauteng province, and that’s great.”

Reflecting on the contribution he hopes to make, he said it’s not about being in the spotlight or the accolades. Rather, it is about executing the basics well, showing consistency, and being a source of positivity for his teammates. As he gears up for the SASHOC National Week, Pongwana remains grounded and focused.

“Play the game, know your job, and do your job. Be a positive player.” That’s the approach that defines him, not only as an athlete but as a teammate and leader.

“Whether I have a great game or a terrible one, being positive is mandatory. If I can make my teammates happy and play positive hockey, then we’ll always do well as a group,” he said.

A talented midfielder, who also plays as a defender, he is determined to help Southern Gauteng bring a medal back home.

In a message to his teammates, he said: “I’m just very grateful to have all of you on my team. You’ve made me feel accepted and appreciated, so I’ll make sure to play for you all.

“What I do out there is going to be for the benefit of the province and the team. Let’s go show the country why we should be considered the best.”

St Benedict’s College coach Owen Mvimbi believes his charges played a good game despite going down to St Alban’s College, in Pretoria, on Friday evening.

As anticipated and hoped for, it was a thrilling clash, with both sides creating numerous chances.

Eventually, Bennies‘ efforts were rewarded when they struck in the third minute of the third chukka from a penalty corner.

Heading into the final chukka, St Benedict’s still led, but St Alban’s came out guns blazing and levelled from the same set piece with 10 minutes to go.

Exactly five minutes later, the home side executed another penalty corner with precision to take the lead. They held onto it until the end.

“My boys played well, but it was one of those days, one of those games, where we dominate and the other team defends well. They did well to keep us out and they took their chances,” Mvimbi told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“We had the chances to win the game, but we did not take them. They defended and they took their chances perfectly. That’s sport. I think both teams have learned a lot from it.

“I’m proud of my boys, and congratulations to St Alban’s, they played very well.”

In another Friday evening clash, Hoërskool Waterkloof snatched a nail-biting victory over their great rivals, Hoërskool Menlopark.

The momentum swung back and forth, but it was Klofies who scored first, and they ended up shading it 3-2.

Meanwhile, Pretoria Boys High and St John’s College settled for a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

It was a closely contested game, but St John’s got off to a flyer by scoring the opener in the first minute, thanks to Daniel Chemaly. However, their celebration was short-lived as Pretoria Boys High equalised 30 seconds’ later.

They turned at 1-1, but the home side edged ahead in the third chukka before Andrew Turck struck back for St John’s.

After the contest ended 2-2, St John’s coach Gilbert De Villiers reflected on the match: “I thought we had a few more chances than they did, but we weren’t as clinical. But, that said, 2-2 is probably a fair reflection of the game.”

He reserved special praise for goalkeeper Kamogelo Thobejane, who pulled off some fine saves, including one that De Villiers termed “world-class”, towards the end.

Results

St Alban’s College 2-1 St Benedict’s College
Hoërskool Waterkloof 3-2 Hoërskool Garsfontein
Pretoria Boys High 2-2 St John’s College

Under Friday night lights and with the buzz of derby energy in the air, Die Hoërskool Menlopark‘s girls’ hockey team delivered a commanding performance to get one over their long-time rivals, Hoërskool Waterkloof, securing a 2–0 victory.

The match, played in front of a lively crowd of supporters, lived up to its billing as one of the most thrilling fixtures on the Pretoria schools’ hockey calendar.

While the opening chukka saw both sides probing cautiously, it was Menlopark who gradually gained the upper hand through their disciplined structure, swift counterattacks, and clinical execution in key moments.

In the second chukka, they broke the deadlock, seizing on a lapse in Waterkloof’s defensive shape to slot home the opening goal. The momentum remained firmly in Menlo’s favour heading into the third chukka, where they doubled their lead with a well-worked team move that showcased their attacking fluidity and composure under pressure.

Waterkloof, for their part, had their chances. They created several promising moments, particularly on the break and from set plays, but a combination of untidy finishing and an inspired performance from Menlopark’s goalkeeper, Annika Kloppers, denied them any chance of a comeback.

Kloppers, who was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament when Menlopark won the St Anne’s Cup, pulled off several vital saves on her way to a clean sheet.

Despite the defeat, Waterkloof head coach Omari Pienaar-Geyer was magnanimous in her post-match comments, offering praise for the opposition while also reflecting honestly on her team’s shortcomings.

“Overall, the game was a tough one. We have to commend Menlo on their efforts. They really capitalised on their opportunities and demonstrated their desire to win,” Pienaar-Geyer said.

“Their key players stepped up when it mattered, and their keeper made some vital saves early on and on some counter attacks.”

Acknowledging her team’s struggles in front of goal, Pienaar-Geyer emphasised the importance of learning from the experience and using it as a stepping stone for the season ahead.

“Unfortunately, for my team, we created some moments but just couldn’t find the back of the net. A key takeaway is that if you’re not scoring goals, you simply can’t win against quality teams.

“We learned that it’s crucial to make the most of our opportunities and to trust the process moving forward. Now, we go back to the drawing board, and we prepare our players for inter-provincial tournaments and the rest of tournament hockey.”

The victory was a significant one for Menlopark in an already impressive season, not just because of the derby rivalry, but also as a statement of intent for the remainder of the season.

Their ability to remain composed, absorb pressure, and strike with precision makes them a team to keep an eye on in forthcoming fixtures and regional tournaments.

As for Waterkloof, they showed glimpses of promise despite the result. With technical refinement and renewed focus in the attacking third, they remain a dangerous outfit capable of bouncing back strongly in the weeks to come.

While some schools have packed away their hockey sticks and turned their focus to exams, others are still out on the turf, with unfinished business and seeking to end the second term on a high note.

On Saturday, St Benedict’s College visits to Pretoria to take on a St Alban’s College team that has been a very pleasant surprise. They’ve put together a fine season.

Coach Owen Mvimbi’s Bennies‘ side heads into the encounter with a boost of confidence after claiming a hard-fought win over St David’s Marist Inanda last weekend.

It was a closely contested game, filled with intensity until the final whistle, but St Benedict’s held their nerve to come away with a 2-1 victory.

St Alban’s is, meanwhile, coming off a high-scoring thriller against St John’s College. That clash ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, which showcased the Pretoria school’s attacking strength and resilience.

They’ll be eager to claim a win in front of their supporters, though, after being held at home by St John’s.

It’s also the St Alban’s College Old Boys’ Day, which will, no doubt, add to the occasion, with a strong turnout of supporters ensured.