York High aims to continue punching above their weight
York High School’s hockey programme has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and the school’s boys’ first team is reaping the benefits this season.
The George school has gone toe-to-toe with some fierce rivals and, more often than not, has come out on top while playing a unique brand of hockey.
Their form has vacillated somewhat in recent years, but they’ve carved out their own path and have outperformed others’ expectations this season.
Earlier in their campaign, they made a big statement by reaching the final of the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Tournament in Cape Town.
In a tightly contested affair, York went down 0-1 to Fairmont High to finish with the silver medal. The girls’ first team almost matched the boys’ achievement, clinching the bronze medal.
“The most pleasing aspect of the season so far has been the progress we have made from our pre-season,” head coach Jason Slater told SuperSport Schools News.
“York, like most schools, has its unique style of play, which we have trusted throughout the season, but we have added a more technical approach through Sean Slater’s coaching style.
“We have backed our approach and have looked to be consistent on the practice turf, carrying that consistency into match-day fixtures.”
Sean Slater is the son of Jason Slater and represented York High as a schoolboy. He was known for his unorthodox approach on the turf, and in his final season in 2022, he scored a whopping 21 hat-tricks, which resulted in an eye-opening 100 goals in 36 matches.
He’s co-coaching the first side with his father, sharing his hockey knowledge and creating a winning environment.
Some of York High’s standout results this season include a 4-0 win over Hoerskool Punt, a 4-1 defeat of Oakhill, and a 5-1 victory against Woodridge College.
“Winning hockey games is a reward of hard work at training sessions, taking opportunities at vital times, team cohesion, and a little old-fashioned grit,” coach Jason reckoned.
“We are happy with some good results, but are not misguided by the results, as we have not been up against the top-tier teams in SA.”
While an argument could be made that they haven’t faced the best in SA, York is simply playing the cards the team has been dealt.
In term three, they’ll aim to return better than before and finish the season on a high note.
Their good form has resulted in seven players – Abdullah Omar, Soso Mgudlwa, Stefan Schoeman, Layton Dafel, Christiano Veldkornet, Dominic Joshua, and Lebraun Quirk – being selected to represent Eden u18 at the SASHOC National Week. That experience could fuel the side’s push for a strong finish to their campaign.
A big test awaits the team after the mid-year holiday. “We would love a good showing at the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament in July, just to reward the players for their hard work and dedication,” Jason Slater said.
“Geographically, York is not fortunate enough to play high-level matches every weekend, as is the case in all the other provinces,” he said, identifying one of the school’s recurring challenges.
“We are going to continue playing the York style of hockey and hopefully grab a win or two along the way.”
