Video interview: Litha Kraai
The 2024 schoolboy hockey season is turning out to be another memorable one for the South African College High School (SACS).
They produced a near-perfect 2023 season, losing only once, with that lone 2-3 defeat coming against Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) in the final of the Hibbert Shield in Gqeberha.
This year, despite starting like a house on fire, they endured a similar setback, as PRG got one over the Cape Town side on a penalty shootout at the same tournament in May.
Apart from that defeat, though, SACS has swept the floor with many of their opponents around the country. They remain unbeaten in the Western Cape, where they comfortably beat Paul Roos in a league match, and are the favourites to retain their league title and end the year among the top teams in the country. In many people’s eyes, they are number one.
A player who has been an integral cog in their success is the exciting and dangerous Litha Kraai.
Kraai has been a cut above the rest this season, playing with confidence, scoring goals for fun, it seems, and delivering one enticing showing after another, week in and week out.
His ruthless efficiency in front of goal, ability to handle pressure, and his big-match temperament (BMT) have shown up when his team needs him the most.
The SA u17 midfielder’s brilliance not only dazzles spectators but also inspires his teammates, making him an invaluable asset to his team’s overall success.
Ahead of representing the defending champion Western Province u18A team at the SASHOC National Week, he sat down with SuperSport Schools Plus hockey writer Avuyile Sawula for an exclusive interview.
In it, he spoke about the current season, growing up playing for the Langa Hockey Club, his achievements on the turf, SACS’s objectives for the year, and the influential figures that have harnessed his love and commitment for the game.
