Hockey enthusiasts in the Western Cape are treated to thrilling derbies throughout the season, which underline the province’s status as a powerhouse of the game.

On the boys’ front, there’s an intense rivalry between South African College High School (SACS) and Paul Roos Gimnasium, which is, arguably, the leading rivalry in the country at present, while Paarl Gimnasium versus Paarl Boys’ High is another mouthwatering fixture.

However, it’s not just boys’ hockey that’s flourishing in the province. Rhenish Girls’ High School and Paarl Gimnasium have produced fascinating clashes in recent seasons. In 2025, the two powerhouses are rated among the best teams in the country.

They will square off on Friday at 19:15 in Stellenbosch with provincial bragging rights on the line.

The last meeting between the sides was in Paarl a year ago, and it was Gim who scored a nervy 3-2 win.

A lot has happened since that match. Firstly, Gim has a new sheriff in town, with Danelle van Zyl taking over the coaching reins this year. Under her leadership, Paarl Gim has put together a splendid season, which has included winning the inaugural Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge.

They’ve also dominated their provincial opponents, beating HMS Bloemhof 2-1, Parel Vallei 3-1, Herschel Girls School 4-2, Springfield Convent School 6-0, and Fairmont High 10-0 in their last outing.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus ahead of their showdown Rhenish, Van Zyl said her girls are looking forward to the challenge.

“We are keen to get back into it again,” she said.

“Most of the players played in different provincial teams, but we are excited to play as a team together again.”

Paarl Gim had Anya Swanepoel and captain Joné de Winnaar in the Boland u18A team that won the SASHOC National Week in Pietermaritzburg.

She’s banking on their experience to help her side against Rhenish. “I look forward to seeing how the provincial players bring back the experience to our school side,” Van Zyl said. “To get one over Rhenish, we have to be clinical, take our chances and keep ball possession.”

Rhenish coach Chris Gerber, who was in charge of the Boland u18A team, echoed the same sentiments and emphasised the importance of execution.

Gerber leads a talented group of players, and he’ll be banking on his experienced heads to lead the way when the whistle blows.

Rhenish has also produced an outstanding season despite falling short of silverware at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival and All Girls’ Festival.

They’ve run riot against their opponents in the Western Cape, scoring goals for fun and reminding people just how dangerous they can be.

Their last four outings resulted in three wins and a draw – beating Parel Vallei 1-0, St Cyprian’s School 6-0, Paarl Girls’ High 8-0 while sharing a 1-1 draw with Herschel.

Rhenish had seven players – Katherine Sickle, Leah du Plessis, Lily Newton, Pippa Viljoen, Puck Bakker, Rose Quinlivan, and Sarah-Ellen Groenewald – in the title-winning Boland u18A team. Gerber said they’ve all returned well-rested and ready to finish the season strongly.

“It’s good to be fresh and ready for the last stretch of the season. I think the break has done the team and everyone well,” he said.

“The message for this term is simple: let’s keep pushing and end the season on a high. We always strive to improve and push boundaries as far as possible.

“The girls have worked hard and are performing week in, week out. The business end of the season will be tough, but it’s a nice challenge for us.”

Hosting Paarl Gimnasium first up will be a tough challenge for Rhenish, but Gerber knows what his side will be up against. “Gim are always really tough to play. They are fast, strong and very determined,” he explained.

“We need to execute and take our opportunities to come away with the win. When you play a team like Gim, you need to be perfect and execute and make very few mistakes.”

Other matches

Many teams around the province will be competing in the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament.

However, Herschel will visit Rustenburg Girls’ High for a league fixture. It starts at 18:35.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

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