York High tackles Outeniqua in George derby
The small town of George on the outskirts of the Western Cape is abuzz on the eve of Thursday’s big derby between York High School and Hoërskool Outeniqua.
The highly anticipated clash will take place at York’s main AstroTurf, with the boys’ fixture scheduled to kick off at 17:20.
Both sides have enjoyed a solid season on the turf, with impressive results achieved while playing an exciting and lively brand of hockey.
Outeniqua are known for their unconventional style, which has yielded positive outcomes for them throughout the season. York, meanwhile, have had to adapt, think outside the box and lean on their experienced coach, Jason Slater.
Slater has been around the school block for a number of years, with first-hand experience of meetings with Outeniqua. He is now preparing his guns for another gruelling test.
“We are heading towards the end of the season, so there are some tired bodies out there,” Slater told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“The York-Outeniqua clash always brings out the best in both teams, and we are looking forward to the game on Thursday.”
York has fielded a fairly young squad in 2025 with only one matric player in the team. Slater, however, believes the young players have put their hands up this season.
“What has stood out this season is the team’s willingness to learn from every match that they play, regardless of whether it was a win or a loss.
“We are building towards a future goal, and every match is vital in that process.”
Against Outeniqua, they’ll come up against a side that’s brimming with confidence.
Last week, the Kwaggas, as they’re affectionately known, defeated HTS Drostdy 4-0 in their interschools clash, and they’ll be keen for the scalp of their city rivals too.
“Outeniqua has had the better of the York team during the last three encounters,” Slater acknowledged.
“They are well-coached, physically strong and well-conditioned. It’s a George derby, so both teams will play their hearts out, and I have no doubt it will be a cracker.
“We will need to be focused and disciplined to compete against them. Our basics will have to be on point, and we will need to be clinical on attack.”
Converting their opportunities and doing the “simple things” well will also be high on York’s agenda. No doubt, their 7-0 victory against Oudtshoorn High School a week ago will serve as a huge confidence boost.
The match will be streamed live on the SuperSport Schools App.
