Rondebosch eager to fire on all cylinders in Bish/Bosch derby
The 2025 season has been one to savour for Rondebosch Boys’ High under the tutelage of head coach Waseem Domingo, director of hockey Miguel Edwards, and manager Rob Bowley.
That’s because ‘Bosch, who produced an underwhelming season in 2024, has come alive this year and scored some notable victories in the Western Cape.
Coach Domingo’s side has flown under the radar, gone about their business quietly, and allowed their results to do the talking for them.
They began their season at the Founders Festival in Pretoria, and after securing some good results there, returned to the Western Cape high in confidence.
Since April, ‘Bosch has played seven matches and won six of them, with the one loss coming against South African College High School (SACS) last month.
Apart from that one setback, they’ve ripped through their opponents, scoring plenty of goals while proving solid at the back.
On Friday night, they come up against their biggest rival when they host Bishops at the Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC) at 19:20.
SuperSport Schools Plus spoke with coach Domingo ahead of the clash to get his thoughts on his team’s season so far and what he expects from the Bish/Bosch bash.
“I think our season has gone very well so far. We are the strongest we’ve been since 2022,” he stated.
“That’s because our boys are super focused and work well as a team. We have worked very hard on our attacking play, and our succession rate at short corners has been phenomenal.
“We had one hiccup against SACS, but take nothing away from the boys, they’ve played intense, good-style, and effective hockey, and we’re scoring on average about four to five goals a game.”
Rondebosch, undoubtedly, is a much-improved side in 2025 and their leadership group deserves credit for their contribution to the team’s successes.
They’re led by captain Tom Gordon, and vice-captain Joshua Beattie. Both have been selected to represent Western Province u18A at the SASHOC National Week.
Domingo credited the duo for making a telling difference.
“We have a very strong side, particularly in grade 11, and it’s a core of players we will use in the future,” he said.
“The leadership we have this year has been quite immense. Captain Tom Gordon and vice Joshua Beattie have grounded the boys and brought them together to create a team dynamic and chemistry that’s been missing from ‘Bosch hockey for the last couple of seasons.
“I’m happy to say we have that back, and that’s contributed to a whole lot of successes on the field. On top, our strikers have been more clinical. In the middle, we’ve dominated, and we’ve been solid at the back.”
The Bish/Bosch derby will be the final game of the term for Rondebosch before players head off on provincial duty.
It doesn’t get any bigger than Friday night’s encounter. His boys understand the task at hand, Domingo said.
“Bish/Bosch is always massive. Bragging rights are on the line.
“As a coach, I always tell the players every year that they’re not playing the occasion but playing the game.
“You can’t let the occasion get to your head. It’s under lights, it’s packed, and it’s one of the major games of the season.
“The only thing old boys are worried about is whether or not you’ve beaten Bishops. It does all come down to this one game.
“However, our approach this week has been focusing on the detail, focusing on the game plan, and making sure we close off the game early, so we can consolidate.”
Domingo said ‘Bosch supporters can expect a true “Rondebosch performance”, full of fight, spirit, and intensity.
It will also be a last home outing for ‘Bosch’s matrics against Bishops, which adds to the magnitude of the occasion.
Other matches
Meanwhile, SACS hosts Wynberg Boys’ High at the Brewery AstroTurf.
Last time out, SACS shared a 2-2 draw with Paarl Gimnasium, while Wynberg is aiming to get back to winning ways after losing 1-3 to Paul Roos Gimnasium.
Stellenberg will be in action against Reddam House Constantia. On Saturday, Paarl Gim welcomes Fairmont High School, while Paarl Boys’ High is at home against Durbanville.
FIXTURES
Friday, 20 June
19:00 – SACS vs Wynberg Boys’ High
19:00 – Stellenberg vs Reddam House Constantia
19:20 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Bishops
Saturday, 21 June
08:30 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Fairmont High
11:00 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Durbanville
