Leruske Rademeyer, wing attack of Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool of Pretoria, in action in her side’s 30-27 victory over Paarl Gimnasium during the first ever Suzuki Netball Power Series match in Pretoria. PHOTO: Hannes Nienaber
The first-ever Suzuki Netball Power Series encounter was everything it promised to be.
Two of South Africa’s best teams, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool of Pretoria (AHMP) and Paarl Gimnasium, faced each other in an exciting encounter in Pretoria in which the result could have gone either way.
Affies kept their unbeaten record for 2026 intact by walking off the court victors at 30-27. Former Protea-players coach both sides in Yolande Ferreira (AHMP) and Juline van der Merwe (Paarl Gimnasium).
The home side came out on top because of their better shooting accuracy during the match, with Anzélle Stofberg (goal shooter) and Milan Oberholzer (goal assist) leading the way.
Stofberg was named Food Lovers Market Player of the Match for her brilliant performance on the day. The only quarter that Affies did not outperform the visitors in the match was during the second quarter.
Paarl Gim scored 10 goals to 7 in the third quarter to take a narrow 16-15 lead at half-time. The hosts took the first quarter by 8-6.
In the third quarter, Affies took control, winning it by 7-4 to take a 22-19 lead. The Gimmies, however, had something to cheer about as Sophia Liebenberg (wing defence) intercepted a pass in this quarter, which was announced as the Suzuki Power Moment.
Liebenberg was also her side’s best player on the day. So, a well-deserved accolade for her after a stellar performance.
Before the match, Gim’s only defeat so far came against Helpmekaar Kollege (15-16) during the annual Menlopark Netball-tournament. They also drew 22-all against Die Hoërskool Menlopark.
Affies is still unbeaten after winning their annual Affie Prestige-tournament last month. They defeated Stellenberg by 28-24 in the final of this tournament.
The second match of the Suzuki Netball Power Series will take place on Wednesday between Oos-Moot and Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria. This match is also part of Tshwane’s Jubilee League.
The teams:
Affies: Anzélle Stofberg, Lyla Robinson, Milan Oberholzer, Leruske Rademeyer, Luné Strydom, Eleanor van Heerden, Milan Engelbrecht, Amelie van der Merwe, Milla Janse van Rensburg (captain), Giselle Matfield.
Paarl Gimnasium: Anja Smit (captain), Daniëlle de Jonge, Miné Smit, Mari Snyman, Kyla Smit, Mieke van Rooyen, Sophia Liebenberg, Nicola van Heerden, Anja Arangies, Eloné Dippenaar.
Parel Vallei kicked off their derby season with a convincing 4-1 win over Paarl Boys’ High. Photo: Carin Havinga
A total of 35 goals were scored across seven matches in the Western Cape this past weekend.
While several sides – including Bishops and Paul Roos Gimnasium – had byes, the 14 teams in action produced entertaining hockey.
The action kicked off on Friday night with Rondebosch Boys’ High travelling to the Astro of Dreams to face their southern suburbs’ rivals, Wynberg Boys’ High.
After a third-place finish, competing against leading clubs, they were confident, and it showed in their game.
They claimed a comfortable 4-1 victory, courtesy of goals by Daniel Fisher, Martin Barnard, Tate de Villiers, and Ben Hartman.
It was a performance that impressed head coach Waseem Domingo.
“I felt the boys did well despite returning from The Netherlands on Wednesday,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus. “They were dominant in possession, and I feel that the main reason for winning was down to simple, free-flowing hockey.
“Our goal is to always put the team first, and I think that in itself prioritises our overall focus as opposed to the need for individual flash.
“It was a good start to the season, and Wynberg are formidable opponents, so a win was fantastic.”
Rondebosch next faces Fairmont High in a league clash on Friday.
Another side that impressed was Parel Vallei (PV), who beat Paarl Boys’ High 4-1.
Coach Michael van Rensburg‘s troops showed glimpses of their potential at the Belgotex Sport Coastal Cuplast month. It didn’t all go their way against Boishaai, though, but they got the job done.
It was the usual suspects – Luka Meets, Stephan Malan, Nicolas Havinga, and Luca Jordaan – who found the back of the net.
“We were happy to come away with the win, but not happy with our performance,” Van Rensburg said. “Paarl Boys’ did well to disrupt our plans, and credit must go to them.
“Our circle entries to outcomes are not where we would like them to be.”
PV will next face DF Akademie before heading to Gqeberha for the Hibbert Shield later this month.
“There are a couple of details at which we want to get better going into the next couple of weeks, especially with the Hibbert Shield looming,” Van Rensburg said.
“We need to improve our counter-defence and deep defensive disciplines and be better in terms of our circle entry outcomes. These specifics will form a core part of our preparation in the coming weeks.”
In other matches, South African College High School(SACS) picked up a 6-0 win against Durbanville.
Captain Litha Kraai scored a brace, as did Troy Loots. Mohlodi Maseko and Jake Hufkie completed the drubbing.
Fairmont High edged out the Langa Hockey Club 2-1, thanks to strikes by Tyler Morilly and Ryan Groenewald.
Meanwhile, DF Akademie and Curro Durbanville played to a 3-3 draw.
On Saturday, SACS returned to the Brewery AstroTurf for a high-profile meeting with Grey High and did just enough to sneak a 3-1 win late in the game.
Grey bounced back in style on Sunday and defeated Reddam House Constantia 6-0 to end their Cape Town sojourn on a high note.
RESULTS
DF Akademie 3-3 Curro Durbanville
Rondebosch 4-1 Wynberg
Fairmont 2-1 Langa
SACS 3-1 Grey High
SACS 6-0 Durbanville
Parel Vallei 4-1 Paarl Boys High
Grey High 6-0 Reddam House Constantia
Hard-hitting collisions were a feature of the clash between Hoërskool Durbanville and SACS. Photo: C. Fortuin Photography.
Wynberg Boys’ High vs Rondebosch Boys’ High
Wynberg Boys’ High was superb, recording a 27-17 victory at home over high-flying Rondebosch Boys’ High on Saturday.
There was almost nothing in it at halftime, with the hosts leading 8-7. However, Wynberg had an ace up their sleeve – a very effective rolling maul.
Twice, within 15 minutes of the break, they mauled their way over for tries from lineouts inside the ‘Bosch22.
Thrice hooker Naeem Mohammed finished off Wynberg’s relentless rolling mauls. Ridah Johnson, who came off the bench to replace Mohammed in the middle of the front row, also scored via the same route.
The visitors were still in the match as it headed into the last quarter, with some brilliant handling bringing them tries from blindside flank Ben Gray and fullback Joshua Kirby.
When the final whistle sounded, though, it was Wynberg who had landed the first blow in the battle for supremacy in the southern suburbs. Bishops and SACS will have been put on notice. If they are to stop Wynberg, they’ll need to find a way to counter the rolling maul.
Hoërskool Durbanville vs SACS
Fullback Wihan Roux was the hero for Hoërskool Durbanville in their tight 20-18 victory over SACS on Saturday.
Much to the delight of the home crowd, Durbies’ burly blindside flank Zay-Winn Januarie crossed for a try. After that, Roux slotted five penalties to give the hosts a slight edge over the visitors from Newlands.
SACS played some entertaining rugby and breached the Durbanville defence three times, led by outside centre James Sale, who glided past defenders on two occasions for a brace.
Durbies showed grit, though, to stay in touch with SACS, and to ultimately score one of the narrowest wins of the weekend.
Hoërskool Melkbosstrand vs DF Akademie
The weekend’s trend of high-scoring fullbacks continued when Craig Solomons tallied 18 points through a try, two conversions, and three penalties in Hoërskool Melkbosstrand‘s 26-10 triumph over DF Akademie.
That result looks even more impressive for Melkiesif one considers the fact that they had only played one game so far this season, while the visitors had played five.
While DF Akademie will feel frustrated that they were unable to avenge a 15-20 loss last year, they’ll have an opportunity to claim their third win of the season when they host Hoërskool Tygerberg next weekend.
Melkbosstrand should feel justifiably proud about their victory, but they next face a massive challenge on the coming weekend when they’ll try to halt the giant-killing Jade Brigade.
Scorers
Wynberg Boys’ High 27 (8) – Tries: Naeem Mohammed (3), Ridah Johnson. Conversions: Luke Gertze (2). Penalty: Gertze. Rondebosch Boys’ High 17 (7) – Tries: Ben Gray, Joshua Kirby. Conversions: Eathon Williams (2). Penalty: Williams.
u19 – Wynberg I 27 Rondebosch I 17, Wynberg II 24 Rondebosch II 19, Wynberg III 15 Rondebosch III 20, Wynberg IV 33 Rondebosch 10, Wynberg V 21 Rondebosch V 19; Durbanville I 20 SACS I 18, Durbanville II 24 SACS II 21, Durbanville III 10 SACS III 3, Durbanville IV 10 SACS IV 24, Durbanville V 12 SACS V 22, Durbanville VI 7 SACS VI 12; Melkbosstrand I 26 DF Akademie 10, Melkbosstrand II 14 DF Akademie 17, Melkbosstrand III 7 DF Akademie III 17.
u16 – Wynberg A 42 Rondebosch A 27, Wynberg B 54 Rondebosch B 0; Durbanville A 17 SACS A 0, Durbanville B 5 SACS B 24, Durbanville C 14 SACS C 15, Durbanville D 24 SACS D 19; Melkbosstrand A 66 DF Akademie 6.
u15 – Wynberg A 53 Rondebosch A 0, Wynberg B 12 Rondebosch B 5, Wynberg C 7 Rondebosch C 8, Wynberg D 30 Rondebosch D 7; Durbanville A 24 SACS A 15, Durbanville B 33 SACS B 0, Durbanville C 14 SACS C 14, Durbanville D 44 SACS D 12; Melkbosstrand A 22 DF Akademie 22, Melkbosstrand B 20 DF Akademie 19.
u14 – Wynberg A 12 Rondebosch A 15, Wynberg B 12 Rondebosch B 0, Wynberg C 31 Rondebosch C 14, Wynberg D 36 Rondebosch D 5; Durbanville A 28 SACS A 15, Durbanville B 8 SACS B 0, Durbanville C 40 SACS C 5, Durbanville D 22 SACS D 14; Melkbosstrand A 0 DF Akademie A 0, Melkbosstrand B 32 DF Akademie B 5.
Mickyle Booise, scrumhalf of Paarl Gimnasium, on his way to score one of his side’s eight tries against Affies in their King Price Derby Series victory of 51-24 in Pretoria. Photo: Anton Wannenburg/King Price
Paarl Gimnasium’s first rugby team is gathering steam in 2026.
The Gimmies secured an emphatic 51–24 victory over the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool(Affies) of Pretoria in their King Price Derby Series clash on Saturday.
The visitors’ fullback, Thomas Saunders, scored a hat-trick of tries in the victory. His first try, in the 17th minute, which opened Gimmies’ account, was also named the Suzuki Game Changer Moment of the match.
The team from Paarl led 22–12 at the break. It was a tightly contested match until the 25th minute, when Affies’ inside centre, Juan Ferreira, received a yellow card after attempting to intercept a pass near the tryline.
Referee Ansius Vermeulen also awarded a penalty try, which put Gimmies into a 14–7 lead. The Wit Bulleresponded immediately from the kick-off, with a try by wing Dandré Brink.
Paarl Gimnasium’s scrumhalf, Mickyle Booise, was on top of his game once again, and his try from a blindside break off a scrum gave his side a 22–12 lead at the break.
Booise represented the SA Schools A-side last year and will be aiming to upgrade that cap to a full SA Schools selection later this year.
In the first 15 minutes of the second half, a blitzkrieg of four tries lifted Gimmies into a commanding 44–12 lead by the 50th minute.
Saunders only needed four minutes in the second half to complete his hat-trick, while Ethan Barker (inside centre) and Dirk Hugo (flank) also crossed the whitewash.
Gim captain Ethan Barker was named King of the Match for his performance. He will, however, agree that the foundation for his side’s victory was laid up front, with an exceptional performance by flank Corné Niemand, who was well supported by Hugo, eighthman Hendré van Zyl, and the locks, Bernhardt Schulze and Jean Dreyer.
Affies fought back late in the game, with outside centre Estian Marx scoring a brace of tries.
Although it was a large victory, it was not Paarl Gimnasium’s biggest win over Affies. Their 35-point margin of victory in a 38-3 win in 1973 was larger, as was a 40-7 win in 2024.
It was only the fifth time in their history that the Wit Bulle had conceded 50 points.
Paarl Gimnasium II 24, Affies 22
Affies III 10, Paarl Gimnasium 10
Affies IV 34, Paarl Gimnasium IV 22
Affies V 32, Paarl Gimnasium V 25
Affies VI 39, Paarl Gimnasium VI 7
Affies VII 32, Paarl Gimnasium VII 15
Affies VII 40, Paarl Gimnasium VII 5
The Kwaggas were all smiles after a strong performance and a 10-point win over Boland Landbou. Photo: Hoërskool Outeniqua on Instagram.
Hoërskool Outeniqua vs Boland Landbou
Hoërskool Outeniqua made their home supporters happy, defeating Boland Landbou 34-24 in a fast-paced battle in George on Saturday.
Both sides brought flair and power to the contest, with cross-kicks, darting runs that broke the defensive lines, and rolling mauls proving to be effective weapons.
In the second half, Outeniqua outside centre Gerrit Janse van Rensburg pulled off a similar feat, but still had to use his speed to get around a couple of covering defenders before pinning the ball to the ground for five points.
The main difference between the sides was the Kwaggas’ finishing when they got themselves to within striking distance of the try line. Captain and loosehead prop Matthew Prins and blindside flank Bradley Steyl both powered through a swarm of defenders from close range to score tries. The Farmers, meanwhile, came up short from close range on a number of occasions.
While the scoreboard reflects a 10-point victory for Outeniqua, those who watched the match closely will know that the difference between the sides was a matter of only centimetres.
Hoërskool Bellville vs Hoërskool Brackenfell
In a try-less 12-6 victory over Hoërskool Brackenfell, Hoërskool Bellville made their last home game for the next six weeks count.
Three penalties from outside centre Rian Kuyk and a drop-goal from flyhalf Marno Botes were enough to ensure that the hosts were able to celebrate after the full-time whistle had blown.
Brakkies will be frustrated that they couldn’t find a way through the home team’s defence. It was their fourth defeat in five games.
u19 – Outeniqua I 34 Boland Landbou I 24, Outeniqua II 21 Boland Landbou II 11, Outeniqua III 33 Boland Landbou III 0, Outeniqua IV 40 Boland Landbou IV 12, Outeniqua V 62 Boland Landbou V 0, Outeniqua VI 50 Boland Landbou VI 0; Bellville I 12 Brackenfell I 6, Bellville II 30 Brackenfell II 10, Bellville III 0 Brackenfell III 24.
u16 – Outeniqua A 7 Boland Landbou A 19, Outeniqua B 19 Boland Landbou B 12, Outeniqua C 26 Boland Landbou C 17; Bellville A 19 Brackenfell A 10, Bellville B 17 Brackenfell B 0.
u15 – Outeniqua A 14 Boland Landbou A 5, Outeniqua B 22 Boland Landbou B 14, Outeniqua C 3 Boland Landbou C 12, Outeniqua D Boland Landbou D 35; Bellville A 12 Brackenfell A 0, Bellville B 32 Brackenfell B 0.
u14 – Outeniqua A 17 Boland Landbou A 10, Outeniqua B 27 Boland Landbou B 26, Outeniqua C 17 Boland Landbou C 0, Outeniqua D 12 Boland Landbou D 5; Bellville A 19 Brackenfell A 17, Bellville B 7 Brackenfell B 5.
Menlopark is riding the wave of brilliant performances this year. They will be looking to maintain that form against Waterkloof. Photo: Supplied.
Die Hoërskool Menlopark and Hoërskool Waterkloof will meet in the final of the NWU Puk Reeks hockey tournament for a third consecutive year.
They booked their spots with resounding semi-final victories.
Playing at HTS Middelburg on Saturday, the defending champions, Menlopark, underscored their dominance with a 9-0 thrashing of Transvalia, while Waterkloof cruised to a 6-0 win over Dr EG Jansen.
Menlopark and Waterkloof were inseparable in the 2024 final and were forced to share the title. They met again in the 2025 final, and Menlopark defeated Waterkloof 2-1 to lift the trophy. Coach Brad Brook’s side will be aiming to make it three in a row, while coach Omari Pienaar-Geyer’s charges will be aiming to wrestle the trophy from Menlo’s grip.
“I thought we moved the ball really nicely. The girls weren’t individualistic; their game was all about passing and moving. They looked to find one another and expose the open spaces,” Brook said of Menlopark’s play against Transvalia.
He also praised his team’s hard work, which prevented Transvalia from building play effectively. However, the most important part of Menlopark’s game was their ruthlessness in attack.
“I’m very happy with the performance. Obviously, one or two things that we can still work on, but we’re all quite happy,” Brook said.
Waterkloof, though, will pose a far stiffer challenge than Transvalia. Pienaar-Geyer’s team has been in good form. They reached the last eight at St Mary’s Waverley and then added four wins and a loss at St Stithians to their record.
“We stuck to our plan, moved the ball with purpose, and finished off with some excellent team goals,” Pienaar-Geyer summed up their play against EG Jansen.
“I love it when we play with intent. Yes, we left a few goals out there, but I’m happy with a solid team performance.”
Waterkloof dominated the midfield and denied EG Jansen room to venture into their half. They also controlled the tempo of the game, spending most of it camped inside Jansies‘ half.
Mila Rodenburg showed a great hunger for goals and was almost unstoppable in the circle, scoring four of Waterkloof’s six goals. Two of those goals were assisted by Lenique Vogel, who also produced an excellent outing.
Nicola Smuts and Kyra van der Walt scored the other goals, with Vogel, who was a constant presence in attack, adding a further assist on Smuts’s goal.
The final takes place on 18 April at Dr EG Jansen.
With Paul Roos Gimnasium up 10-0 at the half-time break on Saturday, one might have thought that the highlights of Stellenberg’s 2026 campaign would end with their 20-19 win over Paarl Gimnasium and a 26-21 victory over Grey College. Stellies had other ideas.
The Jade Brigade marched on in the second half in Bellville, with the MaroonMachine unable to stop their momentum, resulting in their dismantlement, and a historic 20-10 triumph for the hosts, their first-ever victory against the Stellenbosch powerhouse.
The defeat was also the first loss suffered by Paul Roos this season.
Down by double digits, the start of an epic comeback began when right-wing, Ralton Rhode, cut inside to wrongfoot the nearest defender and dot down in the 44th minute.
Then, lock Juvan Burden, who was in the thick of the action throughout, ploughed over for a try in the 64th minute. At 10-10, history beckoned if Stellenberg was able to seize the opportunity.
In the 68th minute, tighthead prop Janu van Deventer squeezed his way through two defenders for the home side’s third five-pointer to give them the lead, and victory was assured when flyhalf Ethan van Biljon slotted a penalty in the last minute of the match. Van Biljon moved to outside centre in the second half with fullback, Liam Jacobs, slotting into the flyhalf berth which gave their side even more of a cutting edge in the back.
It was also another momentous performance by the Jade Brigade’s captain and eighthman, Yanos Molnar. He led the side once again from the front, and his combination with Carlo Brink in the loose kept the Maroon Machine at bay. The Western Province selectors can’t ignore Molnar anymore when the Craven Week trials comes around.
Stellies’ victory over Paul Roos was certainly no fluke. They’ve already taken down three of South Africa’s biggest powers and suffered a heartbreaking last-minute defeat to Hoërskool Garsfontein, and it’s only mid-April. More tough challenges await, but one wonders if their remaining opponents have the firepower to handle the Jade Brigade’s battle-hardened unit.
For Hoërskool Hermanus, Saturday was one of those days on which not much seemed to go their way. However, for the home side, HTS Drostdy, it was an almost perfect start to the new school term.
The Donkies delivered a ruthless performance, powering their way to a one-sided 80-15 victory.
Their inside centre, Jano van Deventer, elicited cheers from the home crowd, bagging himself a hat-trick of tries, and landed 10 conversions, to tally an incredible 35 points for his team.
The Worcester locals could have reached triple digits after going into the halftime break with a 54-10 lead, but their coastal visitors didn’t roll over and play dead.
Rather, they showed strong character and firmed up their defence, allowing the hosts less than half the points they scored in the opening stanza after the break.
A smooth-flowing victory will boost Drostdy’s confidence, but Hermanus will have plenty of work to do before their next outing.
Millies and the Bulldogs prepare to pack down. Photo: Donné Lakay.
As suggested in a preview of the match, Saturday’s showdown proved that this was not the same Parel Vallei outfit which had lost 7-20 to Milnerton last year.
The Bulldogs ran out onto the field determined to shed their underdog status, and they were successful, handing Millies a 32-17 defeat.
PV fullback Shudley Rhoda was on song, crossing for two tries to secure 10 points, which fell just short of his flyhalf Stephen Niemann, who picked up his 12 points from three conversions and two penalties off the kicking tee.
Despite the loss, Millies’ fullback Chadlin Sellidon shone, scoring all 17 points for the home outfit. With two tries, two conversions, and a penalty, he showed why he is his team’s talisman.
Based on their performance on Saturday, Parel Vallei could reverse more of 2025’s defeats this season, while, with Sellidon as their playmaker, Milnerton should enjoy some success.
Scorers:
Stellenberg 20 (0) – Tries: Ralton Rhode, Juvan Burden, Janu van Deventer. Conversion: Ethan van Biljon. Penalty: Van Biljon. PaulRoos Gimnasium 10 (10) – Try: Stef de Villiers. Conversion: Travis Pheiffer. Penalty: Pheiffer.
HTS Drostdy 80 (54) – Tries: Jano van Deventer (3), Tristin Syster (2), JP Lotriet, Werno Ramshauer, Simamkele Lahlekile, Anwill Jacobs, Juan Jansen van Vuuren, Yurick van der Berg, Ruan Nortje. Conversions: Jano van Deventer (10). Hermanus 15 (10).
Parel Vallei 32 – Tries: Shudley Rhoda (2), Rafael von Loeper, Michael Kent. Conversions: Stephan Niemann (3). Penalties: Niemann (2). Milnerton 17 – Tries: Chadlin Sellidon (2). Conversions: Sellidon (2). Penalty: Sellidon.
Other Results:
u19 – Stellenberg I 20, Paul Roos I 10; Stellenberg II 0, Paul Roos II 38; Stellenberg III 10, Paul Roos III 21; Stellenberg IV 21, Paul Roos IV 7; Stellenberg V 0, Paul Roos Gim V 54; Stellenberg VI 7, Paul Roos VI 60; Stellenberg VII 0, Paul Roos VII 67; Milnerton II 10, Parel Vallei II 15; Milnerton III 7, Parel Vallei III 27.
u16 – Stellenberg 5, Paul Roos 52; Milnerton 21, Parel Vallei 15; Stellenberg II 7, Paul Roos II 24; Milnerton II 19, Parel Vallei II 7; Stellenberg III 0, Paul Roos III 38; Stellenberg IV 7, Paul Roos IV 54.
u15 – Stellenberg A 5 Paul Roos Gim A 48, Stellenberg B 0 Paul Roos Gim B 36, Stellenberg C 10 Paul Roos Gim C 59, Stellenberg D 3 Paul Roos Gim D 45; Milnerton A 19 Parel Vallei A 0, Milnerton B 12 Parel Vallei B 22.
u14 – Stellenberg A 0 Paul Roos Gim A 34, Stellenberg B 7 Paul Roos Gim B 15, Stellenberg C 0 Paul Roos Gim C 68, Stellenberg D 3 Paul Roos Gim D 80; Milnerton A 5 Parel Vallei A 27, Milnerton B 5 Parel Vallei B 19.
Kamohelo Tsoka attacks against Jeppe in the Red Stick’s 1-0 win over their rivals on Saturday. Photo: King Edward VII School on Facebook.
A solid defensive effort, coupled with a moment of magic late in the game, sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory for King Edward VII(KES) over their rivals, Jeppe High School for Boys, in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The “Jozi Derby”, as it’s widely known, was touted to entertain and thrill – it’s safe to say it lived up to the hype.
The hosts headed into the clash as the slight favourites, considering their impressive run at home over the past 12 months.
Before the meeting, Jeppe had not lost on the Boden AstroTurf in well over a year. The only blemish on their home record was a 2-2 draw with St Stithians College last month.
KES, however, carried some impressive momentum into the derby showdown after an outstanding showing at the KES Easter Festival a week ago.
However, as the season has already revealed, history in schoolboy hockey counts for little; it’s all about showing up on the day and seizing one’s opportunities, and the visitors had one early in the contest when Connor Kuijers found himself in a one-on-one with the Jeppe goalkeeper JasonPressly, but he pulled his shot wide.
The action was frantic, with the game being played at an extremely high pace.
Both goalkeepers, Pressly and Ruaan du Toit, were called into action before the conclusion of the chukka.
When Jeppe was awarded a penalty corner, Du Toit pulled off a save with his legs to keep out Kade Lottering‘s shot on goal.
At the opposite end of the turf, Andrew Arouca’s drag flick was rejected by a determined Pressly, and the scores remained deadlocked.
The game’s tempo increased in the second chukka, albeit frequent turnovers halted the protagonists’ forward momentum.
Jeppe, however, dominated possession and forced KES to defend deep for most of the quarter.
At the halftime break, it was still a goalless affair, but KES broke through in the third chukka.
After solid build-up play from the back, Rofhatutshedzwa Mathabi found Zachary Klein on the left-hand side, and he laid the ball off to Yusuf Smith, who made a penetrating run into the circle, which resulted in a short corner for KES.
The Red Sticks then pulled off a training ground variation, and Blaine Candy lofted the ball into the back of the net for the opener.
Jeppe pushed hard for an equaliser in the final chukka and came close several times, but KES stood firm to secure a hard-fought win.
It was the side’s fifth victory in a row and their first against Jeppe under coach Siya Sityana, who joined the school this year.
KES will next shift its attention to Hoërskool Noordheuwel on the coming weekend, while Jeppe will aim to bounce back when they host a high-flying Westville Boys’ High side in their annual exchange derby.
In other matches, Affies defeated Paarl Gimnasium 3-1 in Pretoria on Friday, while Pretoria Boys High recorded a 2-0 win against Parktown.
Results
KES 1-0 Jeppe
Affies 3-1 Paarl Gim
Pretoria Boys High 2-0 Parktown Boys High
Pearson delivered a top performance to beat Selborne College 2-1 in their first derby of the season. Photo: Pauline Ritchie
Pearson High School’s hockey side has enjoyed a superb start to its 2026 campaign under coach Dalan Phillips.
The boys from Gqeberha, who occasionally fly under the radar in the Eastern Cape due to Grey High‘s prominence, have carved out an impressive path early in the season.
After an accomplished showing at the Tony Godding Festival in March, Pearson headed to the KES Easter Festival, where they picked up some statement victories.
Besides those results, they also played entertaining go-forward hockey, and looked particularly dangerous every time they made a circle entry.
They dismantled Eldoraigne 7-0, Helpmekaar College 4-0, and St Charles College 3-0. Glenwood High proved to be their sternest challenge, but the boys in green, white, and black sneaked a 1-0 win to finish the festival as one of the three unbeaten teams.
Backing up those performances against Selborne College in their first home derby of the year was always going to be the challenge, however.
On Friday night, they hosted the East London school in their 100th Reunion clash and delivered one of their most mature performances of the season thus far against a strong side.
It was a thrilling affair from start to finish, with the teams swopping control of the tempo of the game early on.
The visitors opened the deadlock in the second chukka, but Pearson responded almost immediately to that setback through Tao Kudyachete.
Then, with 30 seconds remaining in the first half, Zacharee McLean scored a brilliant individual goal to double his side’s tally.
The second half was evenly matched, but the clash ended on a controversial note after Selborne’s Reid Drake appeared to have been fouled inside the circle while attempting a shot. However, the umpires discussed the incident and ruled in favour of Pearson.
Coach Dalan Phillips says he’s impressed with his side’s start to the season. Photo: Pauline Ritchie
“I thought the boys managed to stay patient in our build-up for most of the game,” coach Dalan Phillips told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“That helped us, and it opened up some good passing lanes going forward. As the season progresses, we would like to improve our off-the-ball work.
“With that said, I’m very happy to take the win against my alma mater.”
Pearson travel to George next week to face York High.
Speaking of York, they played to a 2-2 draw with Alexander Road High on Saturday.
They weren’t at their best against Alex, Slater admitted, adding that they will need to lift their game for the showdown with Pearson.
In other matches around the Eastern Cape, Stirling High stunned Queen’s College 2-1 in East London, Victoria Park bagged an unexpected 1-0 win against Dale College in Qonce, and Hudson Park edged out Cambridge High 1-0.
Eastern Cape results
Pearson 2-1 Selborne College
York High 2-2 Alexander Road
Hudson Park 1-0 Cambridge
Stirling High 2-1 Queens College
Victoria Park 1-0 Dale College
Kaizer Chiefs demonstrated their dominance against Refilwe, defeating the GWDL team 5-1 in a friendly match held at Curro Hazeldean. Photo: Mondli Dube.
The newly formed Kaizer Chiefs Ladies Team demonstrated their class on Saturday, outplaying the Gauteng Women’s Development League‘s (GWDL) front-runners, Refilwe, 5-1 at Curro Hazeldean.
The match was a friendly. It was also Chiefs’ first game as a development team in Gauteng.
They’re gearing up to contest the Gauteng SasolLeague, where they will face, among others, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have set the standard across all divisions of women’s football.
Unathi Mabena coaches the side, with Justice Khunou serving as the assistant coach. For several weeks now, they’ve been putting the Kaizer Chiefs Ladies through their paces at the Kaizer Chiefs Village, where they will play their home matches.
Some games have been scheduled for the Kwa Thema Stadium in Springs, which will serve as an alternative home ground.
Sponsored by Brima Logistics, the Kaizer Chiefs Ladies team officially unveiled a 24-player squad on 31 March. It features a blend of experienced and emerging young talented players.
The line-up includes former Banyana Banyana midfielder Mamello Makhabane, as well as junior internationals Zanele Kunyamane and Katleho Mohale.
While Mamelodi Sundowns, one of their great rivals in the Betway Premiership, is well-established in women’s football, Kaizer Chiefs took their time to put a team together. However, it was inevitable that it would happen as the sport has undergone a rapid expansion in South Africa.
Their initiative began in 2023 through a strategic alliance with Springs Home Sweepers. In 2025, that evolved into a formal partnership.
In a recent press release, Kaizer Chiefs stated that the collaboration with Springs Home Sweepers enabled the club to enhance its knowledge and capacity within the women’s football domain. Eventually, it culminated in Chiefs acquiring the Gauteng Sasol League status of Springs Home Sweepers, thereby securing their official entry into the competitive arena of women’s football.
Mondli Dube, the GWDL Administrator, was an interested spectator at the match between Refilwe and Kaizer Chiefs. He described the game as an entertaining and intense contest.
“The friendly was nothing short of spectacular,” he enthused, “filled with intensity, skill, and moments of brilliance. Amakhosi rose above, showcasing their class and finishing power,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
Lebohang Ramodike, the chairman of Refilwe, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to compete against Kaizer Chiefs and characterised the outing as a valuable challenge for his team. He also remarked on the promising start his squad has made in the GWDL, noting that they currently lead the standings in the u17 division.
“Although the season is still in its early stages, the young girls are responding positively to the development efforts, and the coaches are available to offer their guidance,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
Refilwe faces Black Diamond Sports on Sunday at the Kagiso Stadium. They’ll aim for a fifth win on the trot to stay clear of their Pretoria rivals, the University of Pretoria (Tuks) and Mamelodi Sundowns, who are also unbeaten in four and three matches, respectively.
