Heavyweights DHS and Jeppe set for thrilling showdown
Two of South Africa’s most respected schoolboy hockey powerhouses, Durban High School (DHS) and Jeppe High School for Boys, are set to renew their rivalry in a highly anticipated fixture on Saturday.
The clash, which will be hosted by the Kensington school, has delivered some outstanding, tense and exciting matches in recent seasons, and another thriller is on the cards.
Both sides have enjoyed dominant runs in their respective provinces, but only Jeppe remains unbeaten in 2025.
Last season, DHS claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win in Durban. They’d be delighted if they could repeat that result and end Jeppe’s unbeaten run.
DHS captain Joshua Mungherera believes his side is up for the challenge, pointing to the recent experiences of many of his teammates at the Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) as key preparation for Saturday’s test.
“The majority of the players in our team participated in the IPT this holiday, so all of us have already played hockey at a high level,” Mungherera explained. “With that experience, plus the training we’ve had this week, we’re confident that we can rise to the occasion against Jeppe.”
However, he acknowledged, it’s challenging playing in Johannesburg. “We know it’s going to be a tough game, especially adjusting to the altitude and intensity of Joburg, but I feel we are all up to the challenge. These are the kinds of games we live for as competitive athletes.”
For Mungherera, the match carries an emotional edge as well, especially given that he was part of a team that went down at Jeppe in 2023.
“Honestly, beating Jeppe at Jeppe would mean everything to us because we lost to them in 2023, and we’re determined to change the narrative of that story.,” he admitted.
DHS head coach Keegan Hezlett echoed the captain’s optimism and praised his team’s focus ahead of the big game.
“Our preparations have gone well,” he said. “The first week back after holidays is always a challenge, but, fortunately, many of our boys have stayed sharp through provincial duties.
“We’re fortunate to have a squad packed with talent and experience. Jeppe is always a tough opponent, and they’ve had an outstanding season so far. We haven’t faced them yet this year, but last season’s narrow 3-2 win at DHS gives us belief.”
Hezlett pointed out a few standout players to keep an eye on, singling out the school’s three South African Schools representatives – Bhavesh Naicker (SA u18B), Sithsaba Siyoyo (SA u18B), and Tyrique Cloete (SA u18A) – as game-changers.
“Our biggest strength is when we’re playing cohesively and connecting as a team. When we find our rhythm and play with purpose, we’re capable of something special,” Hezlett said. “That’s what we’ll need this weekend if we hope to pull off a result away from home.”
Jeppe heads into the clash fresh off a 6-0 win over Helpmekaar Kollege on Wednesday. Coach Siya Siyana and his charges, though, are expecting a far tougher test on the Bowden AstroTurf on Saturday.
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