Selborne College aiming higher in 2025
The Selborne College first hockey side enjoyed a stellar season in 2024 under the guidance and leadership of head coach Kenneth John (KJ) Friend.
The boys from East London were dominant in the Border region, played some exceptional, free-flowing hockey, and seemingly scored goals for fun at times.
Their dominance was reflected in the Border u18A side selected for the SASHOC National Week with seven representatives in the squad, including captain, Tre’ Gilbert.
During their in-season derbies, Selborne suffered only two defeats, going down 1-3 against Grey High and 2-5 against Grey College.
They went undefeated at the Nomads Hockey Festival and at the KES Easter Hockey Festival.
Mostly, the men in black and white breezed past their opponents, leaving much to be desired about the quality of the teams surrounding them in the Border region.
In those regional games, they scored a whopping 17 goals against Dale College in two outings and beat Queen’s College 6-1 in their return fixture, having drawn 1-1 earlier in the season. They also recorded wins against Hudson Park and Stirling High School.
They were a complete team – solid defensively, penetrative when attacking, and adept at capitalising on circle entries and penalty corners.
Now, in 2025, they’re working to improve on their superb 2024 season.
“We’ve started preparing for the season, and I’m happy to say that it’s been a fantastic start,” Friend told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“The team is looking energised, and we’ve been focusing on getting everyone into top form. The progress so far has been really positive.
“I’m excited to see how things continue to shape up as we get closer to the season. Everyone’s working hard, and the atmosphere is full of motivation.”
Selborne bade farewell to several key players at the end of the season. They included Gilbert and other important contributors, among them Waeden Plaatjes, Daniel Sirgel, and Jaques van der Merwe.
The new year, however, will provide Friend and his coaching staff with a chance to introduce young talent from the ranks into the first team squad.
“I’m really excited about the new players coming in,” Friend said. “Saying goodbye to some of our matric players is always bittersweet, but it also opens up opportunities for the younger talent to step up.
“We’ve got a strong pipeline in place in the younger age groups, and the transition to the first team is designed to be as smooth and positive as possible.
“With the solid foundation we’ve built, I have full confidence that these new caps will hit the ground running and bring fresh energy and perspectives to the squad.
“It’s going to be an exciting season, with some great new talent stepping up.”
In 2025, Selborne is aiming for the top, not just in the Eastern Cape, but nationally.
At the Hibbert Shield last year, the boys who believe in Palma Virtuti (Reward is to the Brave), finished in seventh place. They’ll return to the tournament, which will feature many of the country’s top teams, with a different mindset this time around.
“While doing well in the Eastern Cape for the past two seasons has been an incredible achievement, we’re now setting our sights on competing consistently against the best teams across the country,” Friend explained.
“We’re focused on pushing ourselves to that next level and testing ourselves in new environments.
“It’s about continuing to raise our standards, learning from every challenge, and showing that we can compete with the top teams, no matter where they’re from. This season, we’re ready to take on those challenges and make our mark.”
The East London powerhouse will play its first competitive matches at the Tony Godding Festival from 21-23 March.
Before that, they’ll be in pre-season mode when they compete at the Border School’s Day—a tournament that is designed to prepare them for the season.
Selborne will then kick off their local league season against Pearson High on 11 April at home.
Friend outlined what can be expected from his team this year.
“You can expect a team that’s hungry, focused, and determined to push boundaries. We’ve got a solid mix of experienced players and fresh talent, so you’ll see a dynamic and exciting style of play.
“As for the type of hockey, we want to play an aggressive, high-tempo game, with quick transitions based on the back of strong teamwork.
“We’re going to be looking to control the pace, take calculated risks, and make sure we’re always staying ahead of the opposition, while always being mindful of our opponents.
“I’’s about playing with intensity, creativity, and a never-give-up attitude.
“Fans can expect some exciting hockey this year,” he ended.
