SACS vs Paul Roos: Two hockey powerhouses reignite rivalry
The Brewery AstroTurf will be packed to the rafters, filled with spectators, learners, and parents, when South African College High School (SACS) hosts Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) in a Hyundai Friday Nite Lights fixture.
The highly anticipated derby, arguably the best in the country, takes place at Newlands at 19:00 and will be broadcast live on the SuperSport Schools App, with a replay available on DStv Channel 216.
Meetings between the sides in the past five seasons have delivered top-quality hockey, and this time around will be no different.
SACS and Paul Roos have faced each other twice already this season. Their first meeting was at the Hibbert Shield Tournament, hosted by Grey High School, in Gqeberha, in May. There, the giants met in the semifinals and played to a 3-3 draw before SACS won the penalty shootout 5-4.
Their second meeting, in Stellenbosch at the end of May, ended in a 3-1 win for SACS, courtesy of a Reece Theunis brace and a strike by Daniel Graser.
Both teams have produced strong seasons, dominating in the Western Cape, regularly rattling the back of the oppositions’ nets while thoroughly entertaining spectators with their attractive and creative play.
Casting an eye over their three outings, SACS overwhelmed Paarl Boys’ High 7-1 and Wynberg Boys’ High 5-1. They were, though, held to a 2-2 draw by Paarl Gimnasium, but that’s the only match they haven’t won in 2025.
As for PRG, they drew 3-3 with Rondebosch Boys’ High last week, but before that, they defeated Wynberg 4-1 and Stellenberg High 5-0.
PRG has suffered only one defeat in regulation time all season long and that was their loss in Stellenbosch to SACS.
Past form won’t count for much, though, and it won’t be difficult for the coaches, Sam Holmes (SACS) and Michael Baker (PRG), to get the best out of their boys. It’s the game by which they measure themselves.
The captains, Jo le Roux and Christo Swanepoel, will both be vital performers in their teams’ quests to win the big one. SuperSport Schools Hockey caught up with both skippers ahead of the clash.
Jo le Roux – SACS
“The group is in a very good space, and we are super excited and eager for the game ahead,” he said.
“I wouldn’t say the concern is getting too carried away because of the calibre of the PRG side. It’s more about sticking to our process and not letting the occasion of the crowd and fixture distance us from the task at hand.
“We just need to play our brand of hockey. If we get stuck in the 1 v 1 battles, then it could be anyone’s game.
“And just the mentality that we need to outrun them physically, because tactically and technically we are sound. So, it’s just that mental approach going into the match.”
Christo Swanepoel – Paul Roos
“I would say the boys are excited. We’ve had a proper week of intense training, probably one of our best yet, and the energy within the team is super high.
“We know we’ve got absolutely nothing to lose. They have beaten us twice, and now they are at home.
“This will probably go down as one of their best teams. They have some special players. So, it’s a massive opportunity for us, a chance to create some history, and make everyone at home proud.
“I don’t think there has ever been a bad PRG vs SACS game, so as a hockey person, it’s one of my favourite games.”
Last five meetings between SACS and Paul Roos
2025: SACS 3-1 Paul Roos
2025: SACS (5) 3-3 (4) Paul Roos
2024: Paul Roos 2-2 SACS
2024: SACS 6-2 Paul Roos
2024: Paul Roos (6) 3-3 (5) SACS
