Rhenish delivers another top-class season under Chris Gerber
When the Rhenish Girls’ High School first hockey side enjoyed a superb season in 2024, many wondered whether they would be able to replicate that form or even better it in 2025.
In 2024, Rhenish was, at times, unstoppable. They played some superb hockey on their way to 37 victories in 50 matches.
They lost only twice, drew 11 times, and scored a whopping 160 goals while conceding only 17.
Captained by Leah du Plessis, they were fearless in attack, rock solid in defence, and bullied most of their opponents in midfield.
The Stellenbosch school also won the Fairtree Super 12 Tournament for a first time, which put a shiny bow on a superb season.
When coach Chris Gerber and his side returned to action early in 2025, they had said farewell to only one player from last year’s group. They set their sights high.
Rhenish was expected to dominate once again, and they made their presence felt early on at the Greg Beling Festival, in East London, in March, where they went unbeaten.
They carried that momentum out of the pre-season event into the season proper. “It was an incredible season for the girls,” coach Gerber told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“They had an amazing year. Beating some big powerhouse schools like Oranje Meisies twice during the year has been incredible.
“The girls have had an unbeaten season. We played 45 matches, won 38 and drew seven, scoring 140 goals and only conceding 15.” It was only in tournament play, in some contests that went to penalty shootouts, that Rhenish went down, but their record in regulation time was clean.
Gerber was quick to admit that there was a high level of pressure and expectation heading into the new season.
He credited his team’s work ethic and discipline for their success. Those were the keys to Rhenish becoming a force to be reckoned with.
“There was a lot of pressure and expectation throughout the season,” he reckoned. “However, I am extremely pleased with how the girls handled that. Every game, they pitched up and played exceptional hockey.
“To be the top hockey team for the second year in a row is a reward for the hard work, discipline, and effort the girls put in. They have been incredible throughout. I’m extremely proud.”
While Rhenish dominated in the Western Cape, they fell short of adding silverware to their cabinet, missing out at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival, the All Girls’ Festival, and the Super 12 after shootouts.
At St Mary’s and the Super 12, they bowed out in the semifinals, while they lost to Collegiate Girls’ High in the final of the All Girls’ Festival. Those exits were bitter pills to swallow, and penalty shootouts are a key item on the list of things that Gerber want his team to work on in 2026.
“Obviously, you want the showdowns to go your way, and ultimately, that is where we lacked during the season,” he admitted. “However, the lessons we had from that will go a long way in the future. We will get stronger from that and work hard to get that right in 2026.”
Despite only one player not returning from the 2024 team, Rhenish says goodbye to only five more – Jasmine Aitken, Leah Du Plessis, Puck Bakker, Ruby Cilliers, and Shené Du Plessis – after the 2025 season.
Gerber thanked them for their contribution to the programme, saying: “A special mention must go to our Grade 12 girls, whose leadership, spirit, and presence have left an unforgettable mark on this team.
“They’ve made a special impact, not only through their performance, but in the examples they’ve set, and the heart they’ve brought to every game.
“They will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will genuinely cherish the memories we’ve made together.”
Heading into 2026, Rhenish will not be short of experience. When asked what spectators can look forward to, the coach replied: “You can expect a team that will be excellent and keep setting standards.
“We will keep pushing to be the top team in the country.”
Rhenish stats in 2025
Played: 45
Won: 38
Drew: 7
Goals for: 140
Goals against: 15
Goal difference: 125
