Eunice clinch Free State Cup and finish ranked first in the country
The Eunice High School hockey first team wrapped up a superb season which will see them finish the season ranked first in the country with the triumph of the Free State Cup in Bloemfontein this past weekend.
The Free State side, which is accustomed to winning and breaking records, beat rivals Voortrekker (3-2), and Sasolburg (5-0) in their final match to claim the title.
The trophy adds to the three titles the side won this year, as they also collected the St Mary Waverley Festival, Southern Free State league, and Top 12 school’s tournament before finishing third in the All-girls tournament.
As a result, the side, known for its dominance and enterprising hockey have gone one better this year, improving on the mistakes that might’ve costed them big matches last season.
In an interview with SuperSport Schools, head coach, Nika Coertzen said she was delighted with her team’s overall performance this year, as they managed to reach the targets set out at the beginning of the season.
“The season was long, but every hour that was put in was totally worth it,” she said.
“We are a close knitted family on and off the field.”
“Our goal was set to be the no.1 girls hockey team in South Africa, and we are grateful that we managed to achieve it through hard work and dedication.”
The team, throughout the whole season showed grit and determination to overcome fierce competition.
At the Fairtree Super 12 tournament, the side managed to remain unbeaten in the pool stages, beating the likes of Rhenish, Garsfontein, Durban Girls College, Pearson and Bloemhof.
They then defeated Paarl Gimnasium (3-1) in the final, and that set the side up perfectly for the Free State Cup which in coach, Coertzen’s eyes was challenging.
”The Free State Cup was a challenge due to the seven of our matric players missing out because of exams,” she added.
“But the players that got called did very well.”
“I am exceptionally proud of how the ‘new’ team stepped up.”
“The final match was a display of a good passing game, and I am excited for what this group will do during the next season.”
The school will look back on the season as one of their best – as they managed to etch their names in the history books.
The players who scored in the Free State Cup final against Sasolburg are, Cale Potgieter (2), Trusten Barnard, Zandri Wiid, and Bianca Rees-Gibbs.
