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Rondebosch Boys’ High hosts Diocesan College in a King Price Derby Series match on Saturday.

The big Bish/Bosh clash kicks off at 14:10 on the Tinkie Heyns Field.

When the southern suburbs rivals met at Rondebosch last season, the home team scored a 22-5 victory. They also won 31-16 on the Piley Rees in 2024.

‘Bosch, though, enters the clash hurting after a going down 33-38 to Wynberg Boys’ High in their last outing, a couple of weeks back.

Bishops, meanwhile, has lost four on the trot since a 14-14 draw with SACS. They’ve been on a tough run, facing Stellenberg, Wynberg, Paarl Gimnasium, and Paarl Boys’ High since. In fact, one has to go back to 12 April to find the visitors’ last win, a 24-12 defeat of Brackenfell.

Advantage Rondebosch. But they’re missing some influential players for Saturday’s big showdown. Prop Damian Spence, flank Linakho Mehlomakulu, and scrumhalf Caleb Bell are all out.

The Saturday weather forecast for Cape Town promises a cool 16 degrees Celsius, with little wind and lots of sun.

Bishops will look to their hooker, captain and one of their try scorers against Paarl Boys’ High last week, Daniel van den Heever, to lead from the front.

Playing in Paarl, Bishops showed admirable resilience to score two tries late in the second half during their 12-33 defeat to Boishaai. They’ll hope that was a spark that will burst into a flame this weekend. They lean on the rolling maul in the opposition’s 22, but, in typical Bishops’ style, they like to get the ball out wide to the flanks at speed.

Rondebosch boasts strong versatility in their attack. Captain and flank Josh Neill always leads from the front. He reads the game expertly and is as likely to pop up around the rucks and mauls as he is on the wing, which was where he found himself to score a superb try against Wynberg.

Right wing Matthew Galpin is an elusive runner with quick feet, while the centre combination of Harry Soboil and Randall John Davids run sharp lines to draw in and confuse opposition defenders.

Once inside the 22, it’s tough to stop ‘Bosch’s pick and go game. They’re relentless and patient, so defensive discipline and physicality will be key for Bishops.

Teams

Diocesan College vs Rondebosch Boys’ High, Tinkie Heyns Field, Cape Town, 14:10

Bishops: 15 Lulibo Nyawula, 14 Ben Koenig, 13 Eljaron Geduld, 12 Boytjie Fyfer, 11 Ben Myburgh, 10 Rynard Gordon, 9 Max Marr, 8 Ethan Venter, 7 Jack Venter, 6 Yazeed Salaam, 5 Rieko Kidha, 4 Alex Vintcent, 3 Chris du Toit, 2 Daniel van den Heever (Captain), 1 Andrew Levett.

Rondebosch: 15 Daniel Cooke, 14 Matthew Galpin, 13 Randall John Davids, 12 Harry Soboil, 11 David Kadima, 10 Sebastian Boshoff, 9 James Kirsten, 8 Connor Arbuthnot, 7 Joshua Neill (Captain), 6 Alutha Wesi, 5 Bertus Versfeld, 4 Danil-Nicolas Oosthuizen, 3 Matthew van der Merwe, 2 Ismaeel Conrad, 1 Bulela Mbala.

The annual Pink Derby Day between two of Johannesburg’s most esteemed schools, St Stithians College and St John’s College, will take on a fiery new edge on Saturday with the addition of King Price red to the mix.

Follow all the Pink Day Derby action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) or Channel 216. 

Now in its eighth edition since its inception in 2016, the Pink Derby Day has become part of the inaugural King Price Derby Series.

Saturday’s showdown will also be Saints‘ second consecutive appearance in the series after last weekend’s heartbreaking last-minute 25-26 defeat at Kearsney College.

The rivalry between Saints and the Blues stretches back far beyond the Pink Day Derby, however. They first met in 1954, a year after the founding of St Stithians, with the u13 and u15 teams clashing. Two years later, the 1st XVs faced off for the first time.

It took 15 years before Saints registered their maiden victory, a dramatic 11–8 comeback win in 1971. In 1984, during the inaugural St Stithians Easter Festival, they recorded a crushing 39–0 win over the Blues, at a time when tries were worth only four points – one of the larger margins in the derby’s history.

In recent times, Pink Day fixtures have been tightly contested. In the inaugural Pink Day Derby, in 2016, St John’s edged out St Stithians 29–26, which came after a tight 27-22 victory the year before.

The honours have been shared over the past two years. Saints claimed victory in 2023, winning 31–19 at home. Last year, St John’s struck back, claiming a thrilling 24–20 win, which was sparked by a brilliant late counterattack from flyhalf Gerald van Wyk.

Now in his matric year, Van Wyk returns as a pivotal figure once again. Renowned for his accurate place- and tactical kicking and his attacking flair, he will be instrumental in shaping the outcome of the contest.

His opposite number, Saints’ flyhalf Oliver Wilson, heads into the derby in fine form. He delivered a composed performance against Kearsney College, where he expertly marshalled his side and scored a cracking try in the narrow defeat.

Their showdown will be central to the day’s drama, but, as always, the battle will be most likely be won or lost up front.

Towering lock Luke Thorrold, fresh off a standout performance in KwaZulu-Natal, will anchor the Saints’ pack.

On the other side, Blues’ eighthman, Mako Mandizha, who will run out for the Lions at the Academy Week, will bring serious heft to the attacking structures of the visitors.

He’ll also give the Blues some oomph in the scrums because, interestingly, he will represent the Lions at loosehead prop. St John’s captain Joshua Shannon wears the number one jersey for the Blues.

In the midfield, Allan Patu, usually a blindside flank, steps into the breach due to injuries. Despite playing out of position, he will pose a significant challenge to Sicelo Sakawuli, the Lions’ ‘ Academy Week centre, who will instead serve as the final line of defence in the St Stithians’ fullback’s jersey on Saturday.

TEAMS

St Stithians College vs St John’s College at 12:30 in Johannesburg

St Stithians College: 15 Sicelo Sakawuli, 14 Calvin Wagner, 13 Reece Hubner, 12 Tyler Maclennan, 11 Cade Elsey, 10 Oliver Wilson, 9 Rory Bezuidenhout, 8 Jonathan Caveney, 7 Ross Turner, 6 Siphosamandosi Cele, 5 Kulani Tlakula, 4 Luke Thorrold, 3 Ethan Coetzee, 2 Oliver Groves, 1 Jean-Anthony Eblen.

St John’s College: 15 Tim Hewat, 14 Lwandile Khupe, 13 Menzi Bongwe, 12 Allan Patu, 11 Tumelo Bopape, 10 Gerald van Wyk, 9 Adam Haselau, 8 Mako Mandihza, 7 Andrew Russe, 6 Cameron Shafer, 5 Cameron Coetzer, 4 Simon Mussett, 3 Stephanus Kritzinger, 2 Dimitri Campbell, 1 Joshua Shannon.

Other games:

12:30 – St Benedict’s College vs CBC Boksburg.

Nika Coertzen, a seasoned hockey coach well known for her success coaching the 1st XI at Eunice High School, has taken a bold step forward with the launch of the Nika Coertzen Hockey Festival.

A two-and-a-half-day event, which will take place from 17-20 July, it is aimed at developing the next generation of hockey players.

A very busy schedule will see a total of 117 games played on the Astros at Eunice, Grey College, and Saint Andrew’s School. Eighteen schools, featuring nine u12 and 18 u13 sides, will be in action.

“At the u18 level, players enjoy a full calendar of competitive fixtures, playing between 50 and 60 matches per year. In contrast, primary school players typically only participate in about 20 games annually.

“While the shorter season and hockey being mainly limited to term three is a factor, it is clear that younger players are eager for more opportunities to play, learn, and grow,” Coertzen, the Festival Director, told Supersport Schools Plus.

The Nika Coertzen Hockey Festival is the next step forward from the Pre-Season Hockey Festival that Coertzen and her team launched last year, she explained.

That event was a fun, development-focused initiative designed to give young players more game time ahead of the official season and it brought together participants from all provinces, providing an inclusive and competitive environment.

“Last year’s festival was a trial run, and the feedback from players, coaches, and parents was overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “It was clear that there was a real appetite for more opportunities like this, and we’re proud to say that this year’s festival is even bigger and better.”

The event has three primary objectives: to help with skills’ development, team building, and community and connection.

Increased game time will help the players to test and improve their skills in match scenarios, thereby aiding their skills’ development, and coaches will be afforded ample opportunity to assess their squads and identify areas that need attention before the season starts.

“Perhaps, most importantly, players get to enjoy the spirit of the game, building friendships and creating memories that last a lifetime,” Coertzen added.

She said it is vital that the enthusiasm and energy of primary school players is matched by opportunities to grow and enjoy the sport. A well-organised, inclusive pre-season hockey festival could provide the spark that ignites passion, builds talent, and strengthens the hockey community from a young age, she reckoned.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much joy and growth comes from giving young players  chances to compete, connect, and celebrate the game of hockey.

“I am grateful to Eunice for giving me the opportunity to host the event. I am super excited to see what this year’s festival will bring.”

Adding a bit of mystery to the mix, Coertzen alluded to a surprise opening event that will add to the bubbling excitement around the extravaganza and deliver a strong sense of occasion to the players and fans.

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.”

The 2025 season has been one to savour for Rondebosch Boys’ High under the tutelage of head coach Waseem Domingo, director of hockey Miguel Edwards, and manager Rob Bowley.

That’s because ‘Bosch, who produced an underwhelming season in 2024, has come alive this year and scored some notable victories in the Western Cape.

Coach Domingo’s side has flown under the radar, gone about their business quietly, and allowed their results to do the talking for them.

They began their season at the Founders Festival in Pretoria, and after securing some good results there, returned to the Western Cape high in confidence.

Since April, ‘Bosch has played seven matches and won six of them, with the one loss coming against South African College High School (SACS) last month.

Apart from that one setback, they’ve ripped through their opponents, scoring plenty of goals while proving solid at the back.

On Friday night, they come up against their biggest rival when they host Bishops at the Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC) at 19:20.

SuperSport Schools Plus spoke with coach Domingo ahead of the clash to get his thoughts on his team’s season so far and what he expects from the Bish/Bosch bash.

“I think our season has gone very well so far. We are the strongest we’ve been since 2022,” he stated.

“That’s because our boys are super focused and work well as a team. We have worked very hard on our attacking play, and our succession rate at short corners has been phenomenal.

“We had one hiccup against SACS, but take nothing away from the boys, they’ve played intense, good-style, and effective hockey, and we’re scoring on average about four to five goals a game.”

Rondebosch, undoubtedly, is a much-improved side in 2025 and their leadership group deserves credit for their contribution to the team’s successes.

They’re led by captain Tom Gordon, and vice-captain Joshua Beattie. Both have been selected to represent Western Province u18A at the SASHOC National Week.

Domingo credited the duo for making a telling difference.

“We have a very strong side, particularly in grade 11, and it’s a core of players we will use in the future,” he said.

“The leadership we have this year has been quite immense. Captain Tom Gordon and vice Joshua Beattie have grounded the boys and brought them together to create a team dynamic and chemistry that’s been missing from ‘Bosch hockey for the last couple of seasons.

“I’m happy to say we have that back, and that’s contributed to a whole lot of successes on the field. On top, our strikers have been more clinical. In the middle, we’ve dominated, and we’ve been solid at the back.”

The Bish/Bosch derby will be the final game of the term for Rondebosch before players head off on provincial duty.

It doesn’t get any bigger than Friday night’s encounter. His boys understand the task at hand, Domingo said.

“Bish/Bosch is always massive. Bragging rights are on the line.

“As a coach, I always tell the players every year that they’re not playing the occasion but playing the game.

“You can’t let the occasion get to your head. It’s under lights, it’s packed, and it’s one of the major games of the season.

“The only thing old boys are worried about is whether or not you’ve beaten Bishops. It does all come down to this one game.

“However, our approach this week has been focusing on the detail, focusing on the game plan, and making sure we close off the game early, so we can consolidate.”

Domingo said ‘Bosch supporters can expect a true “Rondebosch performance”, full of fight, spirit, and intensity.

It will also be a last home outing for ‘Bosch’s matrics against Bishops, which adds to the magnitude of the occasion.

Other matches

Meanwhile, SACS hosts Wynberg Boys’ High at the Brewery AstroTurf.

Last time out, SACS shared a 2-2 draw with Paarl Gimnasium, while Wynberg is aiming to get back to winning ways after losing 1-3 to Paul Roos Gimnasium.

Stellenberg will be in action against Reddam House Constantia. On Saturday, Paarl Gim welcomes Fairmont High School, while Paarl Boys’ High is at home against Durbanville.

FIXTURES

Friday, 20 June

19:00 – SACS vs Wynberg Boys’ High
19:00 – Stellenberg vs Reddam House Constantia
19:20 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Bishops

Saturday, 21 June

08:30 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Fairmont High
11:00 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Durbanville

This week, the stage is set for another round of mouth-watering Gauteng Development League (GDL) fixtures, with Joburg City making their way to the Kaizer Chiefs Village on Sunday to take on coach David Mathebula’s unit.

Chiefs have produced, by their own standards, an average first half of the season, with six losses in 16 matches, and two draws.

On the other hand, Joburg City is enjoying a breakthrough season, with coach Thato Mosala reaping the rewards of the foundations he has laid. 

READ: Thato Mosala laid a solid foundation to build Joburg City Under-19 for the 2025 season

Heading into the fixture, Chiefs are, however, the clear favourites. But, Joburg City’s Mosala is well known in the GDL community for his obsession with watching film of the opposition and gathering stats to present to his players in preparation for their matches.

Chiefs are dangerous at home, but they have suffered two defeats at the Village, going down to Panorama FC two weeks ago and to Tuks before that

Mathebula, though, will be cognisant of Joburg City’s struggles of late. They last won over a month ago, when they beat TS Galaxy on 10 May.

Mosala will fancy his team’s chances of handing Chiefs another home defeat, while Mathebula will be confident his charges will extend Joburg City’s winless streak.

The action will be live on SABC Plus with the u14s scheduled to start from 09:00. The u19s are set to get underway from 14:00.

In other fixtures, Seven’s Academy hosts Elspark United, School of Excellence is home to Highlands Park, and Rockefvs welcomes Wits Junior.

Panorama is away at Tuks, Randburg AFC plays at Jomo Cosmos, Kathorus Hyper Academy travels to Vereeniging for a meeting with Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), and East Rand Athletic Club is on the road at TS Galaxy

FIXTURE

Saturday, 21 June

Seven’s Academy vs Elspark United Academy
School of Excellence vs Highlands Park
Rockefvs FC vs Wits Junior FC
TUKS vs Panorama FC
Jomo Cosmos FC vs Randburg AFC
Remember Elite Sport Academy FC vs Kathorus Hyper Academy
TS Galaxy vs East Rand Athletic Club

Sunday, 22 June

Kaizer Chiefs vs Joburg City

Social media sites have been abuzz with posts about the fifth Youth Classic Basketball Tournament, organised by African Grassroot Hoops.

Scheduled for Saturday, 21 June and Sunday, 22 June, the two-day event will showcase the finest talent from Cape Town and beyond.

Basketball powerhouses, including the Montana Vikings and Soweto Basketball Academy, who were both in action at the Soweto Uprising Basketball Tournament earlier this week, will take to the court at the German International School, in Cape Town.

The tournament, for u19 boys’ and girls’ teams, has unearthed some of the country’s most promising young basketball talents, including Lutho Tukayi, who played a crucial role to help the Spartans claim the prestigious title in 2024.

Tukayi, a 17-year-old, is now enrolled at Maritzburg College, one of the leading basketball-playing schools in the country. There he is benefitting from the mentorship of one of the nation’s leading coaches, Suwi Siwila.

Tukayi was previously coached by South African basketball icon Vincent Ntunja, who served on the coaching staff of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the NBA Summer League in 2023. Previously an outstanding player, way back in 1998, Ntunja was honoured as the Most Valuable Player at the Michael Jordan Flight School.

Every year, the African Grassroot Hoops Tournament recognises an individual for their contributions to basketball. This year, Belinda Dyck will be honoured and celebrated for her ongoing involvement in the sport, particularly in the Western Cape.

Ntunja, the tournament director and a brand ambassador for Puma, expressed his gratitude to all the sponsors who have contributed to making the event a reality. For the first time in the tournament’s history, Puma will provide all the teams with playing kits.

Too Much Wifi is helping to promoting basketball within different communities, while DMKS Africa, an international nonprofit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders, is a backer of youth activities and has also thrown its weight behind the tournament.

Digital Express is assisting with printing services. Additionally, the City of Cape Town and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports are involved.

Yuri Arcus Productions will contribute by providing photography services and food for the players. Peninsula Beverages will supply drinks, and Things on Wheels will also assist in feeding the competitors.

Male Division 

Group A

Cape Town Sharks, Hout Bay Hurricanes, Soweto Basketball Academy, Titans Basketball Club

Group B

Montana Vikings, Eagles Basketball Club A, Hout Bay Snipers, Lions Basketball Club

Group C

Bulldogs, Blouberg, Eagles Basketball Club B, Westcliffe Eagles

Female Division 

Group A

Hotshots Basketball Club, Hout Bay United, Shaq Squad

Group B

Montana Vikings, Soweto Basketball Academy, Langa Kings

Fixtures 

Saturday 21 June

Male Competition

Group A

Court A

09:00 – Cape Town Sharks vs Hout Bay Hurricanes
12:40 – Soweto Basketball Club vs Cape Town Sharks
16:15 – Titans Basketball Club vs Hout Bay Hurricanes

Court B 

09:55 – Soweto Basketball Academy vs Titans Basketball Club

Group B

Court A

09:55 – Montana Vikings vs Eagles Basketball Club A
10:50 – Bulldogs vs Blouberg A

Court B

10:50 – Snipers Hout Bay vs Lions Basketball
15:20 – Montana Vikings vs Snipers Hout Bay
17:10 – Eagles Basketball Club A vs Bulldogs

Group C

Court A

15:20 – Blouberg vs Westcliff Eagles
17:10 – Westcliff Eagles vs Bulldogs

Court B

11:45 – Eagles Basketball Club B vs Westcliffe Eagles
14:45 – Bulldogs vs Eagles Basketball Club B

Female Division 

Group A

Court A

09:00 – Hotshots Basketball Club vs Shaq Squad
14:24 – Hout Bay United vs Hotshots Basketball Club

Group B

Court A

11:45 – Montana Vikings vs Langa Kings

Court B

16:15 – Soweto Basketball Academy vs Langa Kings

Sunday 22 June 

Male Division

Group C

Court C

09:00 – Blouberg vs Eagles Basketball Club

Group A

Court A

09:55 – Titans Basketball Club vs Cape Town Sharks

Group B

Court A

10:50 – Lions Basketball Club vs Montana Vikings

Court B

10:50 – Hout Bay Snipers vs Eagles Basketball Club A
11:45 – Hout Bay Hurricanes vs Soweto Basketball Club

Semifinals

12:40 – A1 VS Top 2nd Place
13:35 – B1 vs C1

Male Division Final

15:00

Female Division 

Group B

09:00 – Soweto Basketball Club vs Montana Vikings

Group A

Court B

09:55 – Shaq Squad vs Hout Bay United

Semifinals 

11:45 – A1 vs B2
12:40 – B1 vs A2

Female Division Final

14:30

Isabella Amm has featured frequently on the SuperSport Schools Plus hockey page during the 2025 season.

That’s because Amm, who plies her trade for Springfield Convent School, in Cape Town, is having one of her best seasons on the AstroTurf and has been a frequent goal-scorer.

She’s lanky, fast, and aggressive, always plays her heart out, and has the skill set to thrive in both indoor and field hockey.

She represents Springfield and Western Province in field hockey and makes magic for the Cape Seals in Pro Series Indoor (PSI) hockey.

Amm is also a prolific goal scorer in both formats. Hockey, in general, has always been her first love. She relived her earliest memories and how she got into the game for SuperSport Schools Plus.

“I started playing when I was in grade two at school,” she said. “Back then, we used to play on grass, and when we got an AstroTurf, that’s when we started playing properly.

“With indoor, I joined the Seals team in u11, and we went to Durban. Since that tournament, I’ve fallen in love with indoor hockey, and every year I play PSI.”

While her love for indoor hockey is strong, Amm has also excelled in the outdoor game over the past four years at Springfield.

She’s one of the most experienced players in her team, having made over 100 appearances since her debut in grade nine.

In 2023, she represented the Western Province u16A side, which won gold in Bloemfontein.

“I enjoy playing indoor, and I also think it has helped me improve my skills in the longer format of the game,” Amm said.

“Since joining the school’s team in grade nine, we have improved so much because back then we were even facing relegation.

“In 2024, we finished fourth in the league, and that was a massive improvement. It’s not all due to me, though. We have done well as a team, and our coaches have got us here.”

Speaking of coaches, Amm has had several who have impacted her career and helped her navigate the ups and downs of the sport. One name, however, stands out.

“I’ve had many people supporting my journey, from family to coaches, and even my sponsor, Osaka. But in terms of coaches, I must say, coach Ziyaad Ismail has done a lot for me. Even behind the scenes, he helps out in every way he can and motivates me all the time. He’s been coaching me since I was in grade eight, and I’m grateful for him.

“In indoor, I’ve had several coaches, and all have played a massive part in making me the player I am today.”

The Springfield vice-captain will again don the blue of Western Province at the u18 SASHOC National Week.

The tournament takes place at St Anne’s DSG, in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, from 30 June until 5 July and will be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport Schools and DStv Channel 216.

Amm said she’s excited to be involved. “I’m quite happy because I didn’t get to represent Western Province last year, so this year it’s exciting.

“We have a really strong team. We have good coaches, and everyone is connected. I hope we medal this year.

“I love playing for Province at IPTs, and I love playing with players from different schools because that’s how you make friends.

“Whenever we play for the province, it’s nice to get to know other players because it helps my game as well, and they’re amazing people.”

The Springfield star also credited her parents for their continuous support throughout the years.

Her plan for 2026 is to play indoor hockey in the Bundesliga 1, but her focus, for now, is solely on finishing the season well.

“We play most of our league games in term three, so it will be a busy term,” Amm acknowledged.

“Obviously, as a team, we want to win as many games as we can, but it will be tough because all the schools have levelled up.

“I think getting a medal with Western Province would be a great achievement before I leave high school. We also want to do well in the league and finish as high as we can,” she said.

Amm and her Western Province teammates will open their IPT account against KZN Inland A on Monday, 30 June, at 11:45.

There are two versions of Anné Prinsloo. The first is the soft-spoken, good-natured, and humble young woman with a ready smile. Then there is the one you get after the whistle signals the start of a hockey contest; that one is an immovable force of nature.

She’s a wall in defence and a brilliant leader who directs her teammates with clarity and authority.

Prinsloo doesn’t just lead through issuing instructions. She does so by setting an example for others to follow. She won’t ask her teammates to do something that she and her beloved Grays KN10 stick aren’t prepared to do.

It’s the first stick she owned, and she’s had it since 2021. Once, she set it aside because she wanted to try something new. However, no other stick felt quite right in her hands, and she eventually went back to the KN10 in 2023. She serves her team with the same faithfulness her stick has served her.

“She has a kind heart and is an admirable and humble leader. I think her being the captain is a great thing for us because she is such an excellent role model,” Gys van Schalkwyk, the Oranje coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

Prinsloo ascended to the captaincy this season, taking over from the inimitable Anriette Otto, with whom she formed an outstanding partnership last year. Stepping into the leadership role seamlessly, Prinsloo has carried the team forward with aplomb.

Her game is reminiscent of a young Antonet Louw. Fittingly, the South African international is her role model in the sport, Prinsloo shared.

“She is a hardworking player. She is an all-rounder, who showcased her talent everywhere her coaches wanted to play her. She is also an Oranje old girl and that makes her a player close to my heart,” Prinsloo explained.

The grade 12 learner has hockey in her genes. Her mother, Suné Prinsloo, was a talented player in her youth. However, instead of pursuing hockey as a player after school, she opted for a different path, transitioning into coaching and also becoming a respected umpire.

Growing up in that environment planted the seeds for Anné’s affinity for hockey. However, love for the game took root in 2021, when Prinsloo enrolled at Oranje in her grade 8 year. She was enamoured with it and that led to a lightning-fast rise through the ranks, so much so that she received her maiden first-team cap two years later.

“The hockey here and where I am from is a little bit different. All the tournaments, all the lessons, and all the people I play with have had a big impact on how I feel about hockey.

“The people I played with, and my current teammates, made me feel a love for this sport in an unexplainable way,” Prinsloo said.

Hockey has opened a new world to her, and she has shared priceless moments with her teammates.

“I fell in love with hockey because of the adrenaline going through your body when the whistle blows, the long bus rides with your team, meeting new people at each tournament, and playing a favourite sport with your best friends,” she said.

Coach Gys van Schalkwyk has a long list of matches he can name where Prinsloo played out of her socks and led her team to success. However, only one stands out to the young defender: Oranje’s derby encounter against Affies earlier in the season, which Oranje won 2-0.

“It’s always fun playing the derbies at our school. The match was high-intensity, and we connected really well with each other on the field. The vibes from the school were also really high and it just felt different playing that night in front of the school,” she recalled.

Her mother, Suné, put her umpiring and coaching pursuits on hold in 2025 to provide her daughter with much-needed support in her final year in school hockey. That support has been invaluable for her daughter, who has excelled.

She has been head-and-shoulders above other defenders in her group. It’s, thus, little wonder that she was selected to lead Oranje on the field and will also be attending her second SASHOC u18 National Week as a member of the Southern Free State u18A team. She will have an integral role to play in the provincial side’s campaign.

“Anné is a dynamic player. She is such a strong runner and an even harder defender. She’s got a few super-powers, which include fantastic huge overheads, and she has a bullet of a drag flick,” Van Schalkwyk said, listing some of her strengths.

He believes that his young captain has a future in the sport, should she choose to pursue it after school. That is high praise from a man who has helped shape and nurture many stars who have passed through Oranje’s outstanding programme.

For her part, the 18-year-old is yet to make a call on what she plans to do in future. She is still working that out. However, whatever it may be, she will make a success of it, given the way she attacks challenges and conducts herself on the turf.