Helpmekaar fired up and eager to take on Jozi’s best at Aitken Cup
Helpmekaar Kollege‘s first-team hockey side will enter the Aitken Cup with a statement to make and a point to prove following a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Hoërskool Noordheuwel on the past weekend.
In that clash against their rivals, the Helpies dominated ball possession, controlled the tempo of the game, and used their chances to full effect.
That big win was a much-needed confidence booster heading into the Aitken Cup, which takes place from 16 to 18 May at the University of Johannesburg, Wits University, King Edward VII, and St John’s College.
Led by coach Bryan Longbottom, and captained by Juandré Verwey, Helpmekaar will face St John’s College, Noordheuwel, and Northcliff High School in Pool C.
They’ve produced a mixed bag of results this season, but a tournament of the magnitude of the Aitken Cup gives them an opportunity to right their wrongs, said Verwey.
“We’ve had an up-and-down season so far, with a slow start at the Independent Schools Festival and a few disappointing results, especially at KES Fest,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“We would’ve liked to get the momentum going earlier. But the important thing is to stay positive with Aitken and Noordvaal coming up.”
Under coach Longbottom, who is also the school’s Director of Hockey, the Helpies’ programme has gone from strength to strength in recent years.
They’ve pulled off some impressive results and shocks, and their captain had been a part of that journey. An experienced campaigner, he has played over 85 matches for Helpmekaar.
He shared the recipe that’s made them a teams not to be underestimated in Gauteng: “I think the most important thing is that the guys in charge are passionate about hockey and about the school,” he explained.
“In previous years, we didn’t see as much effort put into hockey from directors and coaches.”
Verwey will be assisted with the leadership duties this weekend by Etienne Scott and Henno Steyn.
He said they’ll be taking the tournament one step at a time: “We’re breaking it down into group stages and playoffs. The first objective is to secure our spot in the top eight, then we reassess and go from there.”
Helpmekaar’s campaign begins on Thursday at 16:00 when they face St John’s College at King Edward VII.
TEAM
Ilan Van Wyk, Dian Prinsloo, Alec Brink, Kyle Swanepoel, Alexander Turner, Daniël Roos Henno Steyn (vc), Etienne Scott (vc), Nicholas Hutton, Juandré Verwey (c), Tiaan Van der Merwe, Rogan Van den Berg, Eben van Graan, Kevin Van Zyl, Ewald Haasbroek, Sebastian Kloek, Jean Lubbe, Keanu Nel.
Helpmekaar Fixtures at the Aitken Cup
Thursday, 15 May
16:00 – Helpmekaar vs St John’s College
Friday, 16 May
12:00 – Helpmekaar vs Northcliff
18:00 – Helpmekaar vs Noordheuwel
