Western Cape teams wary of Coastal Cup’s “stiff competition”
Parel Vallei High School, Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG), and Paarl Boys’ High will represent the Western Cape at the Belgotex Coastal Cup, in Durban, this weekend.
Matches will be played at the Riverside Sports Club, from Friday to Monday,
The competition will be as stiff as it has ever been, with some of the country’s top teams in action.
It’s another opportunity for the trio to get their systems in place, test combinations, and finalise their squads before the new season gets into full gear.
SuperSport Schools Plus hockey writer, Avuyile Sawula caught up with the coaches of the Western Cape trio to get their insights, expectations, and thoughts ahead of the festival.
Parel Vallei – Michael van Rensburg
Parel Vallei, under the guidance of coach Michael van Rensburg, is an intriguing team.
They played their first matches at the Parel Vallei Hockey Festival earlier this month and scored three dominant victories, netting 13 times.
Before heading to Durban, they faced Diocesan College (Bishops) at the Woodlands AstroTurf and made a massive statement, thumping the southern suburbs team 7-2.
Coach Van Rensburg said he’s pleased with the preparations of his team, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.
“The boys have worked hard in preparation for the season ahead; I am happy with the way preparation has gone,” he said.
“We are looking forward to travelling to Durban for the Coastal Cup, and we are expecting four tough games, with each team bringing its style of play, as well as its unique challenges.
“As always, we are quietly optimistic as we go about our work.”
Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) – Michael Baker
Coach Michael Baker will return to familiar surroundings this weekend with his young and exciting team.
Paul Roos has also made a promising start to the season while trying to find the right balance as young players are integrated into the team.
At the Parel Vallei Festival, they breezed past Somerset College, Outeniqua, and Reddam House Constantia.
The Coastal Cup, however, will provide a different level of competition for Baker and his boys, and that’s a challenge they’re relishing.
“We are super excited to get the season started with some competitive fixtures at the Coastal Cup,” he shared.
“We don’t have one easy game. The four schools we are up against have great programmes and heads of hockey, so they will all be well-prepared for us. So as a neutral, you will be in for a treat.
“Our preparation, for the most part, has been good. We have had numerous injuries and setbacks continuously, which has been disruptive. We are just excited to be tested properly and gain massive experience before the Cape season begins.”
Paarl Boys’ High (Boishaai) – Rowan McLachlan
Paarl Boys’ High will head into the Coastal Cup feeling optimistic and confident after being properly tested in the pre-season.
Coach Rowan McLachlan’s side participated in the Cape Co-Ed Festival this month and picked up three wins from four matches.
Last week, they were tested at an unofficial pre-season festival by PRG, Wynberg Boys’ High, and Paarl Gimnasium.
McLachlan said his side is excited to test itself against top teams in Durban.
“I’m expecting stiff competition, as some of the best coaches in the country will all be facing off against each other, so there’s honestly no poor teams attending,” he said.
“Every game will be fast-paced, with all teams looking to get the top result. I’m also excited to see what our u16 side can produce, given we have five u16s playing in the first team this year, so it’s going to be a good challenge for our youngsters as well.
“All I’m expecting from my side is a process-driven attitude, one that never gives up and does not get caught up in uncontrollable situations. If we can get that right with our young side, then we’re headed in the right direction.”
FIXTURES
Friday, 28 March
15:00 – Parel Vallei vs Michaelhouse
16:30 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Clifton College
18:00 – Paul Roos vs Westville Boys’ High
Saturday, 29 March
09:30 – Paul Roos vs St Alban’s College
14:00 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Glenwood
15:30 – Parel Vallei vs Menlopark
18:30 – Paul Roos vs Durban High School
Sunday, 30 March
14:00 – Parel Vallei vs Garsfontein
17:00 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Durban High School
18:30 – Paul Roos vs Michaelhouse
Monday, 31 March
09:30 – Parel Vallei vs Clifton College
11:00 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Westville Boys’ High
