SACS dominance continues in the Western Cape
“This one is the invincible season. We want to go unbeaten throughout the rest of the year.”
Those were the words of South African College High School (SACS) captain, Jo le Roux, when he led his side to glory at the Hibbert Shield, in Gqeberha, in May.
Before winning that prestigious tournament, SACS enjoyed a stellar pre-season tour of The Netherlands where they ran rampant against some of the best hockey clubs in the world.
They returned to South African shores and defeated Parel Vallei High School 4-1 before heading to the Hibbert Shield with a point to prove, having lost in the 2024 final.
They dominated their group and cruised into the semifinals where they edged out Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) 6-5 in a penalty shootout before beating Paarl Gimnasium 6-3 in the final.
Coach Sam Holmes‘ outfit picked up from where they left off after the Hibbert Shield, beating Bishops, Rondebosch Boys’ High, DF Malan, Paul Roos, and Reddam House Constantia. They were then, surprisingly, held to a 2-2 draw by Paarl Gim.
On Friday, they recorded an emphatic 5-1 victory over Wynberg Boys’ High to end the term on a high, thus keeping their hopes of an “invincible season” alive.
Dangerman Litha Kraai struck twice, while goals from Aidan Hughes, Adam Thompson, and Reagan Wille completed the drubbing.
It was an improved showing from SACS, who weren’t at their best in their draw with Paarl Gim. Captain Jo le Roux put it down to better execution in the final third.
“Building up to the game, we mainly just spoke about our conversion of the circle and 23 entries,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“We performed well in the plan/prep for the Paarl Gim game, which was positive, and our build-up play was what we expected. It just came down to the final third of the field and we fixed that against Wynberg.”
While the scoreline reads 5-1, Le Roux is adamant there’s still plenty of work that lies ahead.
“It was a positive game after Paarl Gim, but there are still areas to improve going into the second half of the season,” he said.
“But I think we can be very pleased with the season so far. Having a successful, unbeaten Holland trip, gold at Hibbert, and a win at Maties against Paul Roos is not easy.
“I am super proud of the lads and all the effort we’ve put in. And we look forward to the last few games of the year.”
Le Roux and seven of his teammates will represent Western Province u18A at the forthcoming SASHOC National Week in KwaZulu-Natal.
The province will be chasing a fifth straight title at the national event. It begins on 30 June, with the final scheduled for 5 July.
Catch it LIVE on SuperSport Schools.
WESTERN CAPE BOYS’ RESULTS
SACS 5-1 Wynberg Boys’ High
Paarl Gimnasium 1-1 Fairmont High School
Rondebosch Boys’ High 1-1 Bishops
Paarl Boys’ High 3-1 Durbanville
Reddam House Constantia 3-2 Stellenberg High School
