Five players to watch at the Nomads Hockey Festival
The 2026 schoolboy hockey season gets into full swing this weekend with various annual festivals taking place around the country.
In the Eastern Cape, Queen’s College hosts the Founders Festival, while the Belgotex Sport Coastal Cup takes place at the Riverside Hockey Club in Durban.
Another highly anticipated event is the Nomads Hockey Festival, to be played at Pretoria Boys High (PBHS) from 28 to 30 March.
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A plethora of talented players will grace the PBHS AstroTurf throughout the weekend, and SuperSport Schools Plus has identified five on whom to keep an eye.
Santiago “Santi” Matroos – Hilton College
Hilton College has a habit of producing what Gen Zs call “ballers”, and Santiago Matroos is exactly that, a baller.
He was previously earmarked as one for the future and is now stepping up onto the big stage. He played in Hilton’s u16A side last year and represented KZN Inland A at the SASHOC National Week, where he earned a place in the SA u16 side.
Matroos is known for his hands-on style of play, excellent ball skills, and sharp on-field decision-making. He’s a natural goal-scoring talent and has displayed similar finishing instincts to, and the attacking mindset of, his father, Julian Hykes.
His work ethic is second to none, and he will play a vital role in a Hilton side seeking to make its mark in Pretoria.
Kgotso Lehloenya – Jeppe High School for Boys
One of the main goals for Jeppe High School for Boys at Nomads will be to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, and Lehloenya will be key to helping them achieve that.
The versatile midfielder has taken to first-team hockey like a duck to water, having previously made a few cameo appearances for the side in 2025 at the age of 16.
He is no stranger to a fast-paced game and starred for Southern Gauteng u16A, which won SASHOC National Week, before representing South Africa later in the year.
Lehloenya has an incredible hockey IQ, links up well with his teammates, and is adept at creating goal-scoring opportunities.
He carries the ball well and possesses outstanding 3D skills, which enable him to dribble past players with ease. He isn’t shy about going for the goal either. There is no doubt that he will be an integral cog in a star-studded Jeppe outfit.
Reid Drake – Selborne College
If you want a 95 percent conversion rate from short corners, then Reid Drake is your go-to man.
The lanky and strong Selborne College centre back enjoyed a wonderful season in 2025 and introduced himself to first-team hockey in style at just 16 years of age.
He was the talisman for Selborne during a difficult season, scored cracking goals and helped the side seal some impressive wins as they finished their campaign on an encouraging upward trajectory.
His performances earned him selection for the Border u16A side, and he captained them to a bronze medal in the SASHOC National Week B-section, scoring nine goals.
Defensively, Drake is solid as a rock and has improved his distribution skills from the back.
Selborne has a handful of skilled players this season, but there’s no doubt that coach KJ Friend will bank on Drake when it matters most.
Neilyandro van Schalkwyk – Grey College
Neilyandro van Schalkwyk has been a standout for Grey College for the past three seasons.
Affectionately known as “Neli” by Grey’s parents, Van Schalkwyk is a key player, and his maturity and experience will come in handy this season.
He might not be one of the top goalscorers, but he makes his presence felt in the midfield with strong carries, penetrative runs, and big tackles.
The lanky midfielder does the dirty work on the AstroTurf and occasionally leads the press for his side. He has also played at the highest level, representing Free State at the SASHOC National Week for three consecutive years.
Last year, he was selected for the SA u17 squad, which played at the Dato Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia. There’s no doubt that the tricky Van Schalkwyk will cause trouble for teams at Nomads.
Liam Brooker – Pretoria Boys High
Brooker has entered his final season with the tournament hosts, PBHS, and he’ll be aiming to captain his side to glory in 2026 as the school celebrates its 125th anniversary.
The Northern Gauteng u18A player provides many qualities on the AstroTurf. He’s versatile and able to play multiple positions. As a leader, he is mature; he sets a good example and exhibits a cool and composed demeanour.
Apart from representing his provincial side in 2025, he was also named in the SA u17 team, which travelled to Malaysia at the end of the year.
He impressed in green and gold to further underline why he deserves to be in the conversation about “top players” in the country.
He possesses excellent attributes, including ball skills, pace, and the ability to put his team on the front foot. Primarily, though, PBHS will rely on his leadership and experience to drive their challenge this season. It starts at Nomads.
Click HERE to view the Nomads Hockey Festival fixtures.
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