SACS Hockey Player, Litha Kraai dancing his way through Grey High’s defence in their meeting in Cape Town this year. Photo credits: Ray Chaplin Photography
The 2024 schoolboy hockey season is turning out to be another memorable one for the South African College High School (SACS).
They produced a near-perfect 2023 season, losing only once, with that lone 2-3 defeat coming against Paul Roos Gimnasium(PRG) in the final of the Hibbert Shield in Gqeberha.
This year, despite starting like a house on fire, they endured a similar setback, as PRG got one over the Cape Town side on a penalty shootout at the same tournament in May.
Apart from that defeat, though, SACS has swept the floor with many of their opponents around the country. They remain unbeaten in the Western Cape, where they comfortably beat Paul Roos in a league match, and are the favourites to retain their league title and end the year among the top teams in the country. In many people’s eyes, they are number one.
A player who has been an integral cog in their success is the exciting and dangerous Litha Kraai.
Kraai has been a cut above the rest this season, playing with confidence, scoring goals for fun, it seems, and delivering one enticing showing after another, week in and week out.
His ruthless efficiency in front of goal, ability to handle pressure, and his big-match temperament (BMT) have shown up when his team needs him the most.
The SA u17 midfielder’s brilliance not only dazzles spectators but also inspires his teammates, making him an invaluable asset to his team’s overall success.
In it, he spoke about the current season, growing up playing for the Langa Hockey Club, his achievements on the turf, SACS’s objectives for the year, and the influential figures that have harnessed his love and commitment for the game.
Cambridge High School and Border representative Akhile Mdlalane during the u17 Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia in November 2023. Photo: Mirnawan Cup
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.
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 Plusahead 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.”
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.”
Mdlalane in action for the Cambridge High School first team. Photo: Supplied
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
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 ProvinceA 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).
St Charles’ scrumhalf Matthew Fick created a superb try, which gave St Charles the halftime lead at Hilton College. Photo: Justin Waldman Sports Photography
Hilton College and St Charles delivered an entertaining clash on Saturday on Gilfillan Field, with the contest producing 78 points and a 44-34 Hilton victory.
It could have gone the other way, but two intercept tries in the second half, both scored by Rukudzo Madinga, hurt the visitors.
Add to that a charge-down try, also in the second stanza, scored by Daniel Sweeney, and Saints were burned by a number of unforced errors.
They led 17-10 at the break, having trailed 0-10 after only 10 minutes. A try just before the halftime whistle, though, gave them a seven-point advantage, and it was a cracker.
Scrumhalf Matthew Fick made a scything break from a lineout variation only 10 metres from the St Charles’ try line. He raced up the left-hand touchline, then cut inside, making it to the middle of the field, on the halfway line, before handing off to Salmaan Mohammed, on his outside.
The pacy fullback took it up to the Hilton 22, but when he was caught by the cover defence, he popped a pass into the hands of Rashied Isaacs and the centre handed off a despairing tackle attempt from Ivan Jjuuko to score a spectacular try.
Hilton responded quickly in the second half, firstly through a penalty from flyhalf Xola Makongola and then from a try, scored by no. 8 Emmanuel Danwah, after Hilton had battered their way towards the Saints’ try line with a series of pick-and-goes.
Shortly after that, Dankwah made a searing blindside break off the back of a scrum close to Hilton’s try line. He powered through an attempted tackle as he sprinted up the right flank. Then, he angled back inwards before passing to fullback Ivan Jjuuko, on his outside, on the halfway line.
Jjuuko was stopped in the Hilton 22, but the ball was quickly made available and four phases later Makongola rounded off a wonderful counterattack in the left corner.
An Ntsangani penalty brought St Charles to within five points, but Madinga then struck with the first of his intercept tries. He was over under the uprights and the seven points opened up a 32-20 advantage for the home team.
Soon, Hilton was back in the Saints’ 22. The visitors turned over possession, but a crunching tackle by Trent Chubb put them under pressure at a ruck. When St Charles attempted a touch-finder, the kick was charged down, and Daniel Sweeney was quickly onto the loose ball to tack on another try for Brad Mcleod-Henderson’s charges.
St Charles found a reply from close range after forcing their way into the Hilton 22 when Okhule Peti charged onto a flat ball from scrumhalf Fick and bashed his way over the tryline.
In a tough break for the visitors, Madinga, then, pulled off his second interception try of the contest. Again, he dotted down under the posts, and that meant a 14-point swing in the contest, which was truly game-changing.
To their credit, St Charles kept pressing until the end and they were rewarded with another try when Peti powered through a would-be tackler and went over to the right of the posts. Ntsangani kept up his perfect conversion record and it ended in a 10-point win for Hilton.
The second term’s rugby action in KZN is almost done, except for the rather significant match set for Meadows in Balgowan on Saturday. It’s the second Hilton vs Michaelhouse clash of 2024 and it will stand alone in the spotlight.
SCORES
Hilton College 44 (10) – Tries: Rukudzo Madinga (2), Khazimla Makali, Emmanuel Dankwah, Xola Makongola, Daniel Sweeney; Conversions: Xola Makongola (4); Penalties: Xola Makongola (2). St Charles College 34 (17) – Tries: Okuhle Peti (2), Ukhanyo Ntsangani, Rashied Isaacs; Conversions: Ntsangani (4); Penalties: Ntsangani (2).
Other Results
u19 – Hilton II 45 St Charles II 7; Hilton III 37 Linpark I 10; Hilton IV 35 St Charles III 7; Hilton V 29 St Charles IV 5; Hilton VII 10 St Charles V 27
u16 – Hilton A 38 St Charles A 14; Hilton B 22 St Charles B 12; Hilton C 22 KZN Development 10
u15 – Hilton A 12 St Charles A 6; Hilton B 22 St Charles B 19; Hilton C 17 Linpark A 49
u14 – Hilton A 41 St Charles A 7; Hilton B 22 KZN Development 19; Hilton C 14 St Charles B 19
RILEY NORTON, captain and utility forward of Paul Roos Gimnasium. PHOTO: Charmaine Sander
Paul Roos Gimasium‘s rising star, Riley Norton, cemented his place in South African sporting history when, in 2023, he joined an elite list containing only 14 other sportsmen who have obtained SA Schools colours for both rugby and cricket.
We spoke to him last year ahead of the ICC u19 Cricket World Cup, which was set to take place in Sri Lanka but was subsequently moved to home soil. Norton shone at that tournament, helping to power South Africa to the semi-finals.
Speaking to him again recently, Norton looked back on what has already been an action-packed year, filled with highlights.
“It has been busy, yes, but it’s been great! It keeps everything interesting and exciting. I definitely think the two sports have taught me a lot that I can use between them.
“Technically, things such as your hand-eye coordination definitely improves on the rugby field, but the biggest help that cricket has brought to the rugby field, for me, is mental. It teaches patience and perseverance. For me, both sports have helped me greatly,” he reflected.
He has, unquestionably, carried over those attributes to the rugby field, captaining the PRG first team and helping them go undefeated through the second term. He has subsequently been selected to represent the Western Province at the Craven Week again, where he will be one of the favourites to earn a spot in the SA Schools team for a second year in succession.
“I’m extremely excited about Craven Week. The tournament is great fun and a place where you grow tremendously.
“It’s always proper competition and the teams you play are strong, which brings the best out in you. It’s also special to play with a new team and learn from the people around you.”
Despite having already proven himself at the top level, Norton remains stoic about what needs to be done to keep moving forward.
“There are no expectations going into it. It’s a fresh start and we must just focus on the next task,” he explained.
This year, the Maroon Machine is yet to meet its match and Norton has been at the heart of their efforts, seamlessly switching between the second row and loose trio as needed, and always finding a way to make an impact.
“The season has been incredible so far. Some of the highlights are definitely beating Affies at Noord Suid, beating Paarl Boys at home and then narrowly getting a win against Paarl Gim away.
“These were some great games and memories that will last a lifetime. The goal for us in the third term is to just continue to get better and take it game by game. Schoolboy rugby is very competitive, and we can’t take any of our opponents for granted.”
PRG’s unbeaten run started even earlier when the proud Stellenbosch outfit put together an unbeaten tour of Ireland in December 2023, and Norton credits much of their success this season to the bonds they built there.
“The tours have definitely been a big part of our success. Being with each other the whole time and learning from one another has been special. We love being in each other’s company and doing activities together. The fun times off the field together allow us to trust and be there for each other on the field.
“I think what’s been working for us is just realising the way in which we play and sticking to our strengths. We make sure to not complicate things and do what we are good at.
“The team has been incredible in the way we have pulled together and how we are playing for something bigger than ourselves. We are willing to sacrifice for each other and give 100 percent,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“Paul Roos has been incredible throughout the five years. I couldn’t have asked for a better school to be a part of and represent.
“The rugby coaches, Corne Uys and Erhardt Muth, have supported me no matter what. The cricket coaches, Deon Botes and Brad Haller, have guided me and been there for me through thick and thin.
“The institution has helped me tremendously with academics and always checks up on me. I’m excited to give everything for the final few months and not take anything for granted. It’s been an incredible time and I’ve developed memories to last a lifetime.”
Bernardo Diedericks (Hoërskool Robertson) | Photo: FFF du Toit
Bernardo Diedericks has been setting the Boland alight with his incredible speed and power this season as part of the Hoërskool Robertson first team.
“It’s astonishing to see how much he achieves despite being man-marked every Saturday,” commented coach Heino Warnich about his star centre and captain.
“When I think about Bernardo, the first thing that comes to mind is BMT.
“He’s earned the nickname ‘the Panther’ at school for his deadly but quiet nature on the field. He’s a captain who leads by actions rather than words and a player who always rises to the occasion and excels on the big stage.”
He had the opportunity to do just that when he represented the country at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago as part of the SA u18 Sevens team last year.
“I remember when he was invited to the SA u18 trials, his rehab for his shoulder had just finished the day before and we were worried if he’d be up for the challenge since he had not taken any contact all season. He just said ‘Sir, just make sure I get to the trials and I’ll do the rest. I am ready, sir’”, Warnich recalled.
“It was a fantastic experience getting to see an interesting and beautiful new place playing rugby, but I think getting to work with coach Marius Schoeman was the biggest privilege,” Diedericks reflected. “We learned so much from him and I think I carried a lot of those lessons over to my 15-man game.
“I’ll consider playing sevens after school, but my heart is in the 15-man game”, he added. “I have signed with an agent, Lean Schwartz, who is helping me push towards realising my dreams of playing professionally and travelling the world one day, playing in places like France.”
A natural athlete, Diedericks has also represented South Africa at two baseball World Cups and has excelled at both regional and national levels in javelin and the 100m sprint.
As part of the proud Hoërskool Robertson first team, Bernardo has already led his side to a number of memorable results, and they have their eyes set on their big interschools clash against Charlie Hofmeyr at the end of the season.
Last year, Diedericks slotted a penalty kick in the dying moments to secure a 19-19 draw against their rivals from Ceres. This year, they will be hoping to take it a step further when they host the as-yet unbeaten Charlies outfit in Robertson.
“I think the Oakdale tour made a big difference for the team this season. We lost twice and won once, but it really helped us pull together and showed us all what it means to play for the first team,” Diedericks said.
“Our first team’s motto is ‘we run as one’, and that pretty much sums up how I feel about the team. We have built a very strong bond, like brothers, and we help to build each other up. Even at school, we’ll never walk by one another without greeting.
“We have our sights set on the big interschools against Charlie Hofmeyr at the end of the year. If we work hard, I am confident that we can take them down this year.”
Speaking about his love for rugby, Diedericks proudly remembered his introduction to the sport.
“My dad, Bernard Diedericks, has always inspired me, even though he was a forward. I remember joining to watch him train every Tuesday and Thursday evening. All my love for the game comes from my father and those cold evenings next to the field. Now he’s my biggest supporter and the one who believes in me the most.
“My rugby role model has always been, and still is, Cheslin Kolbe, though. Even though he’s one of the smallest players, he has the biggest heart.”
The future shines bright for Robbies’ dynamic young talent and, with a humble and hard-working attitude, Bernardo Diedericks deserves every opportunity that comes his way. Until then, fans can still catch the future star in action when Robertson starts their third term run of fixtures with a match against Hoërskool Stellenbosch on 13 July.
Sendzul on the charge for his side in the Boland derby vs Paarl Gimnasium. PRG won that clash 1-0. Photo: Hano Geldenhuys
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.
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.
A young Reuben Sendzul in picture next to his u13 coach at Bridge House. Photo: Supplied
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.”
Sendzul attempting a drag flick during his side’s semi-final clash at the Hibbert Shield vs Garsfontein. Photo: Karl Seebach
“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.”
Sendzul on the ball for the SA U18A side during the SA Youth Challenge series in Bloemfontein. Photo: TeamPhoto SA
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 u18Aside, 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.”
PRG’s Director of Hockey, Michael Baker alongside Sendzul, Christo Swanepoel, Joshua Smit, and Louan van Zyl during the shootout in the Hibbert Shield Final in Gqeberha. Photo: Igshaan Manuel (Ighalo Media)
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
Curro Meridian Cosmo City, the host of the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS) Sports Festival, exceeded expectations on Saturday at Cosmo City, on the final day of the festival.
They signed off in style by being crowned the champions of both the girls’ and boys’ u15 divisions.
u15 Girls’ Competition
The hosts confidently showed off their skills and outplayed their rivals, Taal Net Randburg, to score a 4-2 win, which earned them a spot in the gold medal match.
Sweet Valley, meanwhile, faced Kwena Molapo. It was a one-sided contest, which Sweet Valley won by a 3-1 margin.
In the final, it was a different story as the hosts, Curro Meridian Cosmo City overwhelmed Sweet Valley, comfortably defeating them 4-1 to make sure the title stayed at home.
u15 Boys’ Competition
Curro Meridian Cosmo City faced a challenging path to victory in the u15 boys’ competition.
In the first round, they encountered a resilient and determined Taal Net Randburg team, who fought relentlessly until the end of the clash.
After regulation time finished with the sides level at 1-1, it was on to a penalty shootout to decide which team would progress to the title-decider. The hosts edged it 4-3 from the spot to move on to the final.
Their opponents were Kwena Molapo, who had held on for a 1-0 win over Sweet Valley.
It proved to be a contest befitting a final, filled with tension, as both teams pushed the other to the limit. After they finished tied at 2-2, extra time was played and Curro Meridian found a third goal to capture a 3-2 win.
Pitso Mosimane’s address
At the conclusion of the action. coach Pitso Mosimane expressed his gratitude to the Curro Meridian Cosmo City staff, the coaches, the players, and all who had been involved in ensuring the successful and smooth running of the sports festival.
He also thanked media organisations for attending, emphasising the importance of their participation being acknowledged.
“Eighteen months back, our journey at PMSS started here, at Curro Meridian Cosmo City and at Northern Academy in Polokwane. The Executive Head of Curro Meridian Cosmo City, Mrs Langa, gave us an opportunity to be at the schools.
“When we started, we were not sure how it was going to work but, with your participation, it has grown into 12 schools,” he said.
Mosimane said significant progress had been made since the inception of the programme, emphasising improvements in player movements, control, and shooting skills, which were observed during Sunday’s session.
He closed by highlighting an increased level of participation, which, he said, was a clear indication of the coaches’ effectiveness.
U15 RESULTS
1st round
Girls
Taal Net 2 -4 Meridian
Kwena Molapo 1-3 Sweet Valley
Boys
Taal Net 1 (3) – 1 (4) Meridian
Kwena Molapo 1-0 Sweet Valley
The Independent Schools Sports Festival, featuring leading schools from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal wrapped up in style on Saturday at St Stithians College after two jam-packed, action-filled days of competition.
Some teams, like Maris Stella, exceeded expectations, finishing undefeated. After three wins on the opening day, the Durban side kept their record clean, but were forced to dig deep to do so.
They began with a 1-0 win over Roedean but were then held to goalless draws by St Mary’s DSG (Pretoria) and Kingsmead College.
Pietermaritzburg’s Epworth scored a convincing win over St Teresa’s School, with Amy Fletcher and Shannon Featherstone scoring twice each in a 4-0 victory.
It was a second win for coach Sphe Nzula‘s side, who had handed St Mary’s DSG (Pretoria) a hard-fought 1-0 defeat on Friday. That contest was decided in the last 30 seconds when Anna Schulze sneaked the goal that won it for Epworth. They were also held to goalless draws by Roedean School and St Dominic’s.
Durban Girls’ College picked up two wins, netting twice without conceding in 2-0 victories over St Andrew’s and Kingsmead respectively. They were also held to a surprising 1-1 draw by Brescia House.
The Kloof girls, meanwhile, were edged out by St Mary’s Waverley, who won 1-0 in a nail-biter. The Johannesburg side also got by Epworth by the same scoreline.
Another Pietermaritzburg school, The Wykeham Collegiate, facing three extremely tough opponents on the final day, defeated St Stithians 1-0, shared a goalless draw with Durban Girls’ College, and finished 1-1 against St Mary’s DSG (Kloof).
RESULTS
St Mary’s Waverley 1-0 St Mary’s DSG (Kloof)
Durban Girls’ College 2-0 St Andrew’s
Durban Girls’ College 2-0 Kingsmead
Our Lady of Fatima 1-0 Brescia House
Roedean School 0-1 St Anne’s
The Wykeham Collegiate 1-0 St Dominic’s
Maris Stella 1-0 Roedean School
Maris Stella 0-0 St Mary’s DSG (Pretoria)
Maris Stella 0-0 Kingsmead
The Wykeham Collegiate 1-0 St Stithians
St Mary’s DSG (Pretoria) 0-1 St Anne’s
St John’s DSG 1-0 St Dominic’s
St Teresa’s 0-1 The Wykeham Collegiate
St John’s DSG 0-0 St Stithians
Our Lady of Fatima 0-2 Kingsmead
Brescia House 1-1 Durban Girls’ College
Our Lady of Fatima 0-2 St Andrew’s
Epworth 4-0 St Teresa’s
Epworth 0-1 St Mary’s Waverley
Epworth 0-0 Roedean
The Wykeham Collegiate 1-1 St Mary’s DSG (Kloof)
‘n Rotsvaste vertoning op verdediging deur Hoërskool Hans Moore, tesame met ‘n driekuns deur linkervleuel, Warren Minnaar, bied vir die span van Benoni nou die geleentheid om hul titel as Valke-kampioen in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Afdeling 2 te verdedig.
Hans Moore het hul bure van Benoni, Hoërskool Brandwag, naelskraaps met 26-24 verslaan in die afgelope naweek se halfeindstryd.
Minnaar, wat reeds vanjaar op die krieketveld vir die Moories uitgeblink het, het noú behoorlik naam gemaak vir homself op die rugbyveld ook. Die veelsydige agterspeler het Brandwag se verdediging dronk gehardloop om ‘n welverdiende driekuns agter sy naam te voeg.
Dié prestasie was moontlik gemaak deur Hans Moore se uiters fisieke pak. Die voorspelers het mekaar met mening die stryd aangesê, terwyl die skote ook dikwels geklap het op die verdediging. Dit het tot heelwat ongedwonge foute, en gevolglik geleenthede om teenaanvalle te loods, gelei.
Dian Britz, die Moories se generaal op losskakel, was ook uitstaande en sy bereidwilligheid om die voordeellyn aan te val het ook aan hom ‘n waardevolle vyfpunter besorg. Skrumskakel, CJ du Plessis, sal sy uitstappie in die nr. 9-trui ook nie gou vergeet nie, aangesien die naelbytsege met twee punte uiteindelik ook te danke was aan sy akkurate korrelwerk pale toe.
Brandwag se Tyrese Baadjies het weer bewys hoekom hy so hoog aangeslaan word, die Moories se middeveld deurentyd op hul tone gehou en een van sy span se vier drieë gedruk. Brandwag se skakelpaar, Jason Coetzer (losskakel) en Jayden Smith (skrumskakel), was ook uitstaande, met Smith se flinke diens by die afbreekpunte en Coetzer se vermoë om spel te dikteer, en dit het die tuisspan tot op die laaste nippertjie in die wedloop gehou.
In die ander halfeindstryd het Hoërskool Oosterlig net-net met 18-17 oor Hoërskool Sasolburg geseëvier, om hul plek in die eindstryd te bespreek.
Dylan Jordaan, die span van Boksburg se binnesenter, was uitmuntend op die aanval en het die span van Sasolburg deurgaans aan die raai gehou met sy bedrieglike aanvalslyne en sterk lopies.
Die goeie balbesit wat Jordaan en die res van die agterlyn geniet het, is moontlik gemaak deur die woelige haker, Gunther Nel, en die res van die Oosies se pak. Nel, in besonder, het soos ‘n vierde losvoorspeler gewoeker om vele hoofbrekens vir die Sasolburgers te besorg.
Die span van Sasolburg se lakwerk was nietemin uit die boonste rakke.
“Die karakater wat ons op verdediging gewys het was fantasties om te sien. Voorts het ons die breedte van die veld ook effektief aangewend om spasie aan te val, wat uitstekend was,” het Dewald le Roux, Hoërskool Sasolburg, se breier na die stryd gesê.
Puntemakers:
Hans Moore 26 – Drieë: Warren Minnaar (3), Dian Britz. Doelskoppe: CJ du Plessis (3). Brandwag (Benoni) 24 – Drieë: Tyrese Baadjies, Jason Coetzer, Jayden Smith, Jayden van Rooyen. Doelskoppe: Jason Coetzer (2).
Ready, Set, Go!
Curro Meridian Cosmo City, the host of the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS) Sports Festival, exceeded expectations on Saturday at Cosmo City, on the final day of the festival.
Pitso Mosimane’s address
The Independent Schools Sports Festival, featuring leading schools from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal wrapped up in style on Saturday at St Stithians College after two jam-packed, action-filled days of competition.
‘n Rotsvaste vertoning op verdediging deur Hoërskool Hans Moore, tesame met ‘n driekuns deur linkervleuel, Warren Minnaar, bied vir die span van Benoni nou die geleentheid om hul titel as Valke-kampioen in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Afdeling 2 te verdedig.