Rich history and bragging rights on the line as Affies host Pretoria Boys’ High
The Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool of Pretoria’s head coach, Blake Goosen says his side will need no further motivation when they host arch-rivals, Pretoria Boys’ High this coming weekend.
Both sides will be playing their final match of the season, and after a lengthy, challenging and taxing season, both teams will be out to finish on a high.
Speaking to SuperSport Schools during the week, Goosen reflected on his side’s season, highlighting some of the standout matches, while keeping an eye on Boys High come Saturday morning.
“When looking back, I feel that it has been a very positive season for our first team,” he said.
“We have let one or two games slip that we shouldn’t have, but we have also produced some great performances when we have played our brand of hockey.”
“I’m very happy with the direction the team is headed, on and off the field.”
Just like other hockey playing schools in the country, Affies had a long season which started sometime in March.
In April however, the side managed to pull off a victory for the ages when they defeated Paarl Gimnasium.
“Our performance away against Paarl Gim in April stands out as the biggest highlight of the season,” added Goosen.
“To grab a 3-2 win against a very tough team like themselves, away from home, and in front of their home support on a Friday evening was very special.”
In their previous two matches ahead of the clash on Saturday, Affies have managed to rank up some good performances, playing out a (2-2) draw with Maritzburg College before defeating Waterkloof.
Goosen believes the matches have set them up perfectly for the final match of the season.
“Our past two weekends have been successful outings for us, and very positive.”
“We would still like to see our boys being more clinical upfront and finishing off the opportunities created.”
“In a big derby like this, we hope to see our boys step up for one last time.”
In what is considered as the oldest Derby that has taken place annually since 1923, Affies will know and understand the threats posed by Boys High.
The likes of Louw du Preez and Uys Prinsloo who have been our rocks in the midfield, according to the coach will need to step up and take authority in that part of the field.
Kyle Cronje has been a versatile all-rounder making a massive impact in the teams press and on counter attacks. Goosen says the anchors in defence have been Liam de Waal and Guihom Mouton who have marshalled the team superbly.
Kick off between the sides is 10:00 at the AHMP Astroturf.
In other matches on during the weekend, Jeppe Boys High will revive its rivalry with Durban High School when the Durban side visit Gauteng.
While King Edward will make the long trip to Pietermaritzburg to face Maritzburg College in what will also be their last fixture of the season.
The teams:
Affies: Owen Kleinhans, Jacques Lamprecht, Janu Venter, Wian van Rooyen, Uys Prinsloo, Hendrik Combrink, Thato Mamogale, Louw du Preez, Guihom Mouton, Wimpie Pohlman, Wian Boshoff, Wouter Cloete, Kyle Cronje, Henri van Tonder, Enzo Swart, Wian van Schalkwyk.
Pretoria Boys High: Stewart Pringle, Hashil Lakha, Robert Hassenkamp, Dewald Griesel, Jayden Boshoff, Micah Sonn, David Baxter, Marco Upton, Daniel Manley, Jeron Hugo, Likho Dube, Cameron Davids, Michael Robertson, Ruard Booysen.
Fixtures:
19:15- Jeppe Boys High vs Durban High School
Saturday, 8 August:
10:00- Affies vs Pretoria Boys High
11:00- Maritzburg College vs King Edward
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