Stellenberg hunts DF Malan win on a busy weekend in the Cape
The month of May has brought nothing but joy to the Stellenberg High School hockey community.
That’s because both their boys’ and girls’ first teams have picked up massive victories that have shaken the landscape of school hockey in the Western Cape.
The boys’ side, led by coach Kyle Esau, defeated Bishops 2-1, while the girls, under the guidance of coach Paulene de Bruin, edged out Herschel Girls School 3-2 in a league match last week.
It was the first time since 2016 that Stellenberg had achieved that feat against Herschel, with goals from Juane Meiring, Stella Zwiegers and Stephanie Lloyd doing the trick as Stellies twice came from behind.
“I was delighted to be part of the winning team,” coach De Bruin told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“Herschel has an incredible legacy, so to come out on top against them was truly remarkable. While we won the Western Province Girls League last year, that victory was largely influenced by the results of other teams.
“This time, it was great to finally break through Herschel’s incredibly strong defence and earn the win.”
The win for coach De Bruin and her side came at the right time after a difficult start to the season where they struggled to find their mojo.
They missed out on a podium finish at the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Tournament, ending fifth, before picking up a top 10 finish at the Belgotex Sport Girls Challenge.
Despite the slow start, coach De Bruin said she’s pleased with how her team has progressed.
“Our girls are heavily involved in summer sports, such as athletics and tennis, which has had a significant impact on our preparations and impacted the start of our season. However, I am thrilled with the focus and commitment they have shown throughout the past three months of intense training for the league.
“They are currently maintaining an exceptionally high level of intensity in their training, and I hope they can sustain this until the end of the term.”
The ladies from Bellville will next shift their attention to DF Malan, a side that has struggled to keep up with the rest of the pack this season.
DF suffered a hefty 1-7 loss to St Cyprian’s School last week, before drawing 2-2 with Fairmont High School. Stellies, however, won’t be taking their northern suburbs’ rivals lightly when they lock horns on Saturday at 11:00.
“They are always a formidable challenge, given the intense rivalry of this northern suburbs’ school derby,” the coach said.
“The competition between the two schools has long been fierce, underpinned by a deep mutual respect for DF Malan.
“Known for their strong character and brave hearts, they boast many talented players whom we will need to watch closely.
“Our primary focus is to maintain solid team structures, uphold high intensity attacking strategies, and ensure our defensive disciplines remain strong.”
While their victories have come from good teamwork, there have been some standout players for Stellenberg this season.
In defence, Juane Meiring has been rock-solid alongside Minke Lourens. Ilke van Merwe has coordinated much of their play from midfield, while Zanay Gerber continues to be fearless and ruthless in front of goal.
Bea van den Berg also deserves a mention as a top performer. The side will be led out by skipper Helen de Kock.
WESTERN CAPE GIRLS’ FIXTURES
Friday, 30 May
18:15 – Paarl Girls’ High vs HMS Bloemhof
18:30 – Rustenburg Girls’ High vs Reddam House Constantia
19:10 – Fairmont High vs Herschel Girls School
19:45 – Durbanville vs St Cyprian’s School
Saturday, 31 May
10:30 – Wynberg Girls’ High vs Springfield Convent School
11:00 – Parel Vallei vs Rhenish Girls’ High School
11:00 – Stellenberg High vs DF Malan
