Hoërskool Upington and Duineveld set for Groot Interjol clash
When Hoërskool Upington took on Hoërskool Duineveld in the Klein Interjol back in May, the sides played to a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Almost three months later, the teams are set to face off again, but this time around it’s in the Groot Interjol.
The highly anticipated fixture takes place at Hoërskool Upington on Friday at 19:55 and will be streamed LIVE on the SuperSport Schools App.
Both teams have constructed encouraging seasons, but winning the Groot Interjol and claiming bragging rights would’ve been at the top of their list of priorities when the year began.
The hosts will fancy themselves to get the job done in front of a jam-packed crowd.
Since that 2-2 draw in May, the Uppies have posted three wins in their last four matches and also shared a 2-2 draw with Jim Fouché. They overran St Patrick’s CBC, winning 6-0, and, in their most recent outing, they defeated Kimberley Boys’ High 2-0.
They’re brimming with confidence, and skipper John-Dré Rooi said his team is looking forward to the big occasion.
“We are excited for the challenge, and we are well prepared,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“We are not underestimating our opponent, but it’s a different game than the first one. We’re playing in front of our home crowd, and the fact that it’s Groot Interjol makes us want to win even more.”
The Uppies have been challenged in 2025, but they’ve punched above their weight and their hockey programme continues to go from strength to strength.
“This was not one of our best seasons, but we grew as a team,” Rooi said before highlighting a standout experience for them.
“What stood out was when we were invited to play at the Belgotex Easter Hockey Tournament in Cape Town earlier this year,” It was evidence of the progress the school’s hockey programme has made.
Friday’s meeting with Duineveld, to be played under lights, will be the last of the season for Upington against their fierce rivals.
“It’s quite special because it will be the first time we play on Friday. The match normally takes place on Saturday,” Rooi said. “It would be even greater if we get to do it [win] on our home turf,” he ended.
The girls’ Groot Interjol clash is scheduled for 18:30 on Friday.
Catch all the action on the SuperSport Schools App and follow SuperSport Schools Hockey for updates.
