Paul Roos vs SACS: Powerhouses resume riveting rivalry of top teams
For the past four seasons, much of the talk about schoolboy hockey has centred around the fierce Western Cape rivalry between Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) and South African College High School (SACS).
The hockey powerhouses resume their rich rivalry when they lock horns in a highly anticipated clash at the Maties AstroTurf in Stellenbosch on Wednesday. Pushback is at 18:40.
Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.
Recent meetings between the schools have been richly entertaining, delivering thrills and some jaw-dropping moments.
Last year, they met three times, and it was SACS who came out victorious on all three occasions – twice in league matches and the other time after a penalty shootout in the semi-finals of the Hibbert Shield – on their way to an unbeaten season that comprised 33 wins and two draws – against Amsterdam Hockey Club and Paarl Gimnasium – in 35 outings.
In their first match against PRG, SACS recorded a 3-1 win, thanks to a brace from Reece Theunis. Later in the year, they overcame a two-goal deficit to win the return leg 5-2.
For Paul Roos, it’s been a case of close but no cigar in the past couple of seasons.
The last time that coach Michael Baker’s side scored a victory over SACS was in the 2024 Hibbert Shield final, which they won 6-5 on penalties after the match ended 3-3.
SACS were the victors again this year in the semifinals of the Hibbert Shield, winning yet another penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Those stats show just how tightly contested the rivalry has been in recent years, and this season likely won’t be any different.
Both teams have been in good form and will enter the clash brimming with confidence.
SACS, after winning the prestigious Hibbert Shield for a second year running, drew 3-3 with Rondebosch Boys’ High before thumping Durbanville 6-0 and Stellenberg 5-0 in recent weeks.
They’re not the SACS juggernauts of 2023 and 2025, which were littered with stars in every position. That has led coach Sam Holmes to rely on some of his young guns to get the job done.
The upside is that the southern suburbs’ school still has its talisman, Litha Kraai, who can change the tide of a game in a split second. There is no doubt whatsoever that he will be the key in their quest to defeat PRG.
The skills of Mohlodi Maseko and the experience of Matthew Lassen, Daniel de Wet, Cameron Cordeiro, Chavez Sanger, and goalkeeper Ethan October will be useful in the heat of the battle on the Maties AstroTurf.
For PRG, who’ve recently struck a rich vein of form, Wednesday’s showdown is an opportunity to change the narrative and claim a major scalp in front of their home supporters.
Last week, the boys from Stellenbosch delivered a top-notch performance to beat Rondebosch 4-2 away from home and clinch their first win against ‘Bosch in two seasons.
Their skipper, Seth Paterson, has lit up the turf this season, and he’ll be aiming to bring his absolute best out in front of his home crowd.
Players like Ruben Gouws, Logan Lackay, and Taylor Carter, who have come up just short against SACS in the past, will carry massive motivation into the contest. They’ll be assisted by Luke van der Merwe, who has been on a strong goal-scoring run.
Defence in such a hotly contested affair is always pivotal, and both coaches will stress the importance of keeping calm heads inside the D.
The basics, discipline, and taking opportunities will also be stressed in team talks.
While much will be revealed on Wednesday, one thing is certain: it will be a cracker.
Fixture
18:40 – Paul Roos vs SACS
