The stage is poised for the highly anticipated SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge Grand Final, which will showcase the talents of ten of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading girls’ schools as they compete for the prestigious title. The event is scheduled to be held at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on Saturday, 20 and Sunday, 21 July.
The participating teams have been allocated into two pools, each comprising a selection of highly skilled schools. Pool A includes Durban Girls’ College (DGC), St John’s DSG, Our Lady of Fatima, Grantleigh High School, and Amanzimtoti High School. Meanwhile, Pool B will feature St Mary’s DSG, The Wykeham Collegiate (TWC), Ferrum High School, Ladysmith High School, and St Patrick’s College in competition.
St Mary’s DSG, the host of the tournament, has been diligently preparing for the event since the commencement of the year and is fiercely determined to secure the title. The team, under the leadership of their captain, Georgia Pollock, and the coaching of Carla Ann Mackay, has exhibited exceptional form and aims to continue their winning streak.
This year marks the 14th edition of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge, and it is the 11th occasion that St Mary’s DSG will partake in the Grand Final. The team boasts an impressive track record, having attained nine medals in their previous appearances. They are aspiring to claim the gold medal this year, following their runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2023.
Another strong contender for the title is Durban Girls’ College, who are making their 12th appearance in the provincial tournament finals. Having medalled nine times in their history, DGC is also seeking their second title of 2024, having emerged victorious in the St Mary’s Waverley Festival earlier this year.
St John’s DSG, the dominant force in the Pietermaritzburg Central region and the only other team with a medal in their history, is also poised to make an impact at the Grand Final. The team clinched a bronze in 2022 and is eager to replicate or surpass that achievement on this occasion.
In addition to these formidable contenders, the event will see the return of several schools, including Ferrum High School, Amanzimtoti High School, Grantleigh College, Our Lady of Fatima, The Wykeham Collegiate, and Ladysmith High School, each bringing their own competitive edge to the tournament.
The fixtures for the event have been unveiled, with a thrilling schedule of matches set for Saturday. The final pool positions will determine the fixtures for Sunday, as the anticipation mounts for the highly awaited Grand Final.
With the stage set and the teams eager to showcase their skills, the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge Grand Final promises to be an exhilarating weekend of high-caliber hockey action. Enthusiastic fans and supporters are gearing up to witness a display of outstanding skill and sportsmanship as these talented young athletes take to the field in pursuit of glory.