The Southern Gauteng under-14 boys’ hockey team achieved a remarkable victory at the u14 SASHOC National Week tournament held in their hometown of Johannesburg. The tournament, which took place at King Edward VII and Jeppe High School for Boys’ AstroTurfs, culminated in the Southern Gauteng team claiming victory with a 2-0 win over Northern Gauteng in the final match.
Under the leadership of Jeppe’s Head of Hockey, Bryan Hillock, and the assistance of David Grace, with Kivesh Padarath as the manager and strength and conditioning coach, the Southern Gauteng team demonstrated an exceptional level of play throughout the tournament. Despite facing strong competitors such as Northerns, KZN Coastal A, and Western Province, they emerged as one of the favoured teams.
Their journey to victory began with dominating performances in their opening matches, scoring a total of 14 goals and securing victories over Limpopo (5-1) and Northern Free State (9-0). Although they faced a 2-2 draw against KZN Coastal, they secured a spot in the quarterfinals and subsequently advanced to the final match after a 3-0 victory over KZN Inland.
The semi-final proved to be a challenging battle against Western Province, resulting in a tense penalty shootout. However, the Southern Gauteng team’s composure and determination led to their eventual triumph, culminating in a championship victory over Northerns in the final match.
The team attributes their success to the unwavering support of the role players, as acknowledged by coach Bryan Hillock. In an interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, Hillock expressed his gratitude to the provincial union, mother body, and schools’ body for their support and resources. He also commended the parents for their exceptional support.
Assistant coach David Grace of Parktown Boys’ High also expressed his joy at the team’s victory and attributed their success to effective communication, teamwork, and support from the coaching staff and parents.
Kivesh Padarath played a crucial role in ensuring the players’ optimal health and fitness, particularly in managing injuries during the tournament. Despite the challenges of playing six games in four days, he expressed pride in the players’ resilience and exceptional performance.
The road to victory was marked by remarkable feats, with the Southern Gauteng team showcasing an impressive display of skill and resilience. Their journey, including notable wins and a memorable penalty shootout, culminated in a well-deserved and hard-earned victory.
With their exemplary sportsmanship, teamwork, and determination, the Southern Gauteng under-14 boys’ hockey team emerged as worthy champions, leaving an indelible mark on the 2024 u14 SASHOC National Week.