Affies clinches Pullen Cup, Menlopark lifts Howell Cup
The Pullen Cup concluded in dramatic fashion, with Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool (Affies) edging out Hoërskool Garsfontein 2-0 in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time at St Andrew’s School for Girls, in Johannesburg, on Saturday.
Affies, the 2024 All Girls’ Festival winners, added another trophy to their list of achievements because they held their nerve when it mattered most.
In a battle between Pretoria rivals, who know each other well, the defences ruled the game, with few clear-cut goal scoring chances being created. However, two conversions in the shootout proved to be enough for Affies to take the title.
Tournament co-founder Rob Pullen, said he was pleased to see the growing competitiveness of the competition, particularly in the B Section.
“Once again, the festival is getting tougher every year,” he said. “The B Section is such a good competition coming through, so I do believe the teams who want to remain in the A Section really need to be at their best in this tournament.”
The growth of the event, both from the standpoint of participation and playing standard, has been a point of pride for the organisers. Pullen said the landscape of the girls’ game in Gauteng was changing.
“It’s great to see other teams competing and doing well,” he said. “Yes, we’ve been disappointed by a few schools that have fallen off a bit, but, overall, we’re very impressed by the standard. It’s been strong, and it’s exciting to have so many schools involved.”
With the tournament delivering good competition between established powers and rising contenders, the 2025 edition was arguably one of the most balanced and competitive in recent memory.
“It’s getting to a point where the tournament might grow even bigger,” Pullen reckoned. “We’re very chuffed with how far it’s come, and we’re especially excited about the schools that have improved and won in the B Section. Their hunger and progress are great signs for the future of the sport.”
Affies paved their way to title game after winning a very tough semifinal clash against St Andrew’s School for Girls. It went down to the wire, but coach Nicolene Terblanche‘s side emerged with a 1-0 win.
There was some consolation for St Andrew’s after they missed out on the title game, however. They picked up the bronze medal by downing Hoërskool Waterkloof 3-0 in a penalty shootout after the teams had finished their playoff match goalless.
Meanwhile, in the u16 Howell Cup competition, Die Hoërskool Menlopark claimed a tight 1-0 victory over Hoërskool Waterkloof to claim the title.
Player of the match, goalkeeper Abigail Small, playing under relentless pressure from Klofies, delivered an exceptional performance to keep Waterkloof scoreless.
With just eight minutes remaining in the title decider, Menlopark seized their moment when Megan Niemand showcased her skill and determination by breaking through Waterkloof’s defensive line before maneuvering into the circle and slotting the decisive goal.
St Andrew’s again placed third, this team beating Hoërskool Garsfontein 2-1 in the bronze playoff.
