Collegiate will bank on their experience in 2026
Building on last year’s very successful season will be the primary goal for the Collegiate Girls’ High 1st hockey side when they kick off their 2026 campaign in March.
The side from Gqeberha, led by coach Michael Abrahams, enjoyed a superb season last year and proved they were one of the best teams in the country.
They dominated in the Eastern Cape, suffering only one defeat against a strong DSG Makhanda side, which also ranked among the nation’s best.
Collegiate also added silverware to their cabinet by winning the All Girls’ Festival, which they achieved with a victory over Rhenish Girls’ High, another of 2025’s top teams, in Cape Town.
It was a campaign rich in success, but achieving similar success in 2026 is the challenge that awaits this year’s team.
“It’s important that we have continuity going into the 2026 season and [we need to] find our rhythm again,” coach Abrahams told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“Last year was a good year for us. There were many highlights, but winning the All Girls tournament was definitely a special moment for everyone.”
The side bade farewell to six key players at the end of last season, including captain Gemma Bower.
Coach Abrahams, however, still has the bulk of his team intact, and he will look to players like Ayanda Klaas, Jana Prinsloo, Kate Brennan, and the dangerous Kerrin Gillies to steer the side to more victories.
Jenna Coetzee will cause problems for Collegiate’s opposition with her hard running and high work rate, while Eden Oliver offers versatility to the lineup.
All the players mentioned above were involved in their final match of the season last year when they thumped Clarendon Girls’ High 5-0 in East London.
Collegiate’s 2026 campaign opens at the Greg Beling Festival in East London, which runs from 13 to 15 March.
“We are looking to start the season well and be consistent throughout. Our performances will dictate how we do this season.
“There’s so much talent around the country, which is exciting, and we would like to try and compete with every school we come up against.
“We intend on playing fast-paced, high-tempo hockey with great ball movement,” Abrahams concluded
- Collegiate will bank on their experience in 2026 - 2026-02-24
- Boishaai eager to push forward after strong season - 2026-02-23
- St John’s nips St David’s to win KES Night League title - 2026-02-20
