Nika Coertzen Festival delivers quality hockey in inaugural event
If there is one thing people took away from the inaugural Nika Coertzen Hockey Festival, held at Eunice High School, in Bloemfontein, this past weekend, it is that the future of schoolgirls’ hockey is bright.
The primary school girls’ hockey festival, which was played at Eunice, Grey College, and St Andrew’s School, kicked off with a surprise silent disco on Thursday evening and wrapped up on Sunday afternoon.
“(The disco was) A fun, energy-filled way to unite the athletes and get everyone in festival mode before the whistle blew,” Nika Coertzen, the festival director, told SuperSport Schools Plus.
The showpiece featured 27 teams from across the country who took to the field with fierce determination to compete in 117 games. Eighteen schools wheeled out nine u12 and 18 u13 sides, with each team contesting nine matches, played across three days.
The hosts, Eunice’s u13 team, gave local fans many reasons to cheer by going unbeaten to finish first in their section. Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School ruled the roost in the u12 age group, where they dominated.
“This was the best level of primary school hockey I have seen in 15 years of coaching. The standard was out of this world, with intense, closely contested matches that had spectators on the edge of their seats,” Coertzen said.
Beyond the on-field competition, the festival fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among the players. Though teams went at it hard on the turf, off the field, there was a warm atmosphere of mutual encouragement and comedy, reinforcing the true spirit of sport.
For the coaches, it was a valuable opportunity to observe and refine tactics, with the third term being when primary schools play their hockey. The discussions sparked during and after matches helped sharpen their strategies for the forthcoming season.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who made this weekend’s festival a remarkable success. The players brought energy, dedication, and exceptional skill that lit up the competition and inspired us all,” Coertzen said.
“The coaches, who provided strategic insights and mentorship both on and off the field provided the foundation for a thrilling event. And then, the parents and families, who were a constant presence in the stands.
“I also don’t want to leave out the alumni and local fans, who brought enthusiasm and loud cheers. Everyone came together and helped create an incredible spirit to every match,” Coertzen enthused.
She also extended a special shout-out to SuperSport Schools for broadcasting the matches live on the SuperSport Schools App and on DSTV Channel 216.
“I am grateful to them for giving visibility to this showcase of young talent. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Eunice Girls’ School for their unwavering logistical and moral support throughout the festival,” Coertzen concluded.
Results
U12 Section team placings
1st St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School
2nd Willem Postma
3rd Eunice Primary School
Individual awards
Best Goalkeeper: Haylee Kretzmann (Laerskool Kenmare)
Top Goal-scorers: Marle Janse (Willem Postma) and Ashley van Tonder (St Stithians) with 5 goals each.
Best Player: Leerah Mokoena (Eunice Primary)
U13 Section team placings
1st Eunice Primary
2nd Paarl Girls’ High
3rd Durban Girls’ College
Individual awards
Best Goalkeeper: Isabel Hanekom (Paarl Girls’ High)
Top Goal-scorer: Chélyn Parkin (Eunice Primary) with 10 goals
Best Player: Madison Lamour (Eunice Primary)
