Menlopark triumphs in Waterkloof derby clash
Under Friday night lights and with the buzz of derby energy in the air, Die Hoërskool Menlopark‘s girls’ hockey team delivered a commanding performance to get one over their long-time rivals, Hoërskool Waterkloof, securing a 2–0 victory.
The match, played in front of a lively crowd of supporters, lived up to its billing as one of the most thrilling fixtures on the Pretoria schools’ hockey calendar.
While the opening chukka saw both sides probing cautiously, it was Menlopark who gradually gained the upper hand through their disciplined structure, swift counterattacks, and clinical execution in key moments.
In the second chukka, they broke the deadlock, seizing on a lapse in Waterkloof’s defensive shape to slot home the opening goal. The momentum remained firmly in Menlo’s favour heading into the third chukka, where they doubled their lead with a well-worked team move that showcased their attacking fluidity and composure under pressure.
Waterkloof, for their part, had their chances. They created several promising moments, particularly on the break and from set plays, but a combination of untidy finishing and an inspired performance from Menlopark’s goalkeeper, Annika Kloppers, denied them any chance of a comeback.
Kloppers, who was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament when Menlopark won the St Anne’s Cup, pulled off several vital saves on her way to a clean sheet.
Despite the defeat, Waterkloof head coach Omari Pienaar-Geyer was magnanimous in her post-match comments, offering praise for the opposition while also reflecting honestly on her team’s shortcomings.
“Overall, the game was a tough one. We have to commend Menlo on their efforts. They really capitalised on their opportunities and demonstrated their desire to win,” Pienaar-Geyer said.
“Their key players stepped up when it mattered, and their keeper made some vital saves early on and on some counter attacks.”
Acknowledging her team’s struggles in front of goal, Pienaar-Geyer emphasised the importance of learning from the experience and using it as a stepping stone for the season ahead.
“Unfortunately, for my team, we created some moments but just couldn’t find the back of the net. A key takeaway is that if you’re not scoring goals, you simply can’t win against quality teams.
“We learned that it’s crucial to make the most of our opportunities and to trust the process moving forward. Now, we go back to the drawing board, and we prepare our players for inter-provincial tournaments and the rest of tournament hockey.”
The victory was a significant one for Menlopark in an already impressive season, not just because of the derby rivalry, but also as a statement of intent for the remainder of the season.
Their ability to remain composed, absorb pressure, and strike with precision makes them a team to keep an eye on in forthcoming fixtures and regional tournaments.
As for Waterkloof, they showed glimpses of promise despite the result. With technical refinement and renewed focus in the attacking third, they remain a dangerous outfit capable of bouncing back strongly in the weeks to come.
