Maseko entrusted to lead SA u17s at Dato Mirnawan Cup
Mohlodi Maseko, of South African College High School (SACS), will captain the South African u17 boys’ team at the Dato Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia next month.
The annual international tournament, hosted by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, takes place in Kuala Lumpur from November 1 to 10.
Maseko is one of only two players who participated in the tournament last year and will be assisted by vice-captains, Andile Lembethe, from Maritzburg College, and Paul Roos Gimnasium‘s Logan Lackay, the other returning player.
“When coach Justin [Collins] called me, I was surprised and didn’t know why he was calling,” Maseko told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“When he told me that I would be captaining the side, it just put a huge smile on my face. Litha Kraai was in the room and was very excited for me.
“I’m very excited to face the challenges that arise as the tournament goes on with my co-captains, Logan and Andile. I believe we will overcome these challenges.”
Last year’s campaign didn’t go as planned coach Collins and his troops. After they finished third in 2023 under his guidance, they placed fifth in 2024, despite putting together some good performances.
Maseko, though, believes history won’t repeat itself, particularly after identifying what let the South African team down 12 months ago.
“Last year’s team was great, but it lacked a few things, mainly our finishing,” he said. “I feel with this group, we will be able to focus on the key aspects, such as finishing and marking in the D, which could take us all the way.”
The 18-player squad assembled for a training camp at Kearsney College at the beginning of October to work on team cohesion, combinations, and their overall structure.
They also played a competitive match against the SA u18 team and troubled their seniors, eventually succumbing 3-4 after leading 3-1.
“We had a fantastic camp where we worked on various things we will be focusing on in Malaysia,” the skipper shared.
“I think the team gelled easily and fast, and everyone was on the same page. That will be a key factor in our performance in Malaysia.
“From this group, I think people can expect us to be on the same page and everyone to follow the plan. We will also bring vibes on and off the field.”
South Africa’s campaign starts against the Australian Crocs on Sunday, 2 November, at 12:00 SAST.
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TEAM
Marley Musasa, Daniel Fisher (both Rondebosch Boys’ High and Western Province), Viwe Ndlovu, Andile Lembethe (both Maritzburg College and KZN Inland), Ruben Gouws, Logan Lackey (both Paul Roos Gimnasium and Boland), Cameron Cordeiro, Chavez Sanger, Mohlodi Maseko (all SACS and Western Province), Keegan de Jager (Kearsney College, KZN Coastal), Jacques van Dyk (Stellenberg High, Western Province), Liam Brooker (Pretoria Boys High, Northern Gauteng), Thandanani Zuma (Michaelhouse, KZN Inland), Matteo Stipcevich (St David’s Marist Inanda, Southern Gauteng), Neilyandro van Schalkwyk (Grey College, Southern Free State), Ryan Groenewald (Fairmont High, Western Province), Chad Julius (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), Martin de Bruyn (Paarl Boys’ High, Boland).
FIXTURES
Note*: Fixtures are in South African Standard Time.
2 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Australia Crocs
3 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Malaysia Tigers
5 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Malaysia Speedy
6 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Queensland (Australia)
8 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Japan
