HOCKEY
1st XI
Player Critique :
The question would always be “ could we maintain the successes of 2014 and 2015 ?” It was a busy , tough season , but an exhilarating one . Starting the pre-season on the 25th of January seemed rather early , but provided a very short time for preparation . Although we started off rather shakily at the DHS Festival , it turned out to be a rewarding phase . Our early results included two losses against St David ’ s and Jeppe High , but the team got back on track with three wins in a row against Grey College , PBHS and Michaelhouse .
Another difference this year was that Nomads was placed a month later than usual , which meant that teams were better prepared . With Wynberg hosting , we had fixtures against most of the Cape schools , which are traditionally strong and extremely competitive . We won five out of five matches beating SACS , Wynberg , Selborne , Rondebosch and Grey College . I cannot remember when last we won five out of five at Nomads . Because we play teams from different provinces at this festival , we are always challenged with various playing styles , press systems and calibre of players . We pride ourselves on having the ability to recognise what teams are looking to do and the ability to adjust and come out on top against them . This tournament was a major turning point for us . We then beat KES in Johannesburg , Northwood , Kearsney , DHS , Hilton on Reunion Day , and Glenwood . The run of wins was only interrupted by a draw with Westville .
We played ten games in April and one of the challenges was to keep the team fresh and injury free knowing that we would be sending the whole squad off to the IPT the following week . There is always a danger that the players could burn out with the intensity of games , the short turnaround time and the physicality the game is reaching . Having a full-time biokineticist , Jason Greeff , and conditioning specialist , Nick Pereira , who happens to be a physiotherapist too , consulting for us ensured that the boys stayed on the park and they assisted many players through some challenging moments . What is exciting is that our boys and school are involved in a mobility project that Nick is busy completing . We are busy with current research which will affect the way we do things going forward and also a study that has effected change that we will implement with the U16s and U14s . I believe this study will encourage us to reassess how we condition our players and assist us in managing the load , yet driving the players hard enough to achieve the necessary outcomes .
I was very impressed with this team ’ s ability and willingness to commit to three training sessions per week , two gym sessions , recovery , the odd video session and provincial training . When you have everyone ’ s buy-in from the first moment , the process continuously improves and the youngsters in the lower age groups feed off this energy . We had in the past struggled with the dynamics of the senior and junior teams , however , this College 1st XI have really gone out of their way to assist the U14s and U16s by guiding , encouraging and creating a special bond . I really hope that the group of boys returning next year will ensure that this culture continues . It is really what sets us apart from other schools .
Looking at holiday success , eight first team players represented the KZN Inland U18A team and went on to win the IPT . Six players represented the KZN U18B team and acquitted themselves very well .
Returning from the holiday , where many players had achieved their goals and most schools had already moved on to third term sports , the challenge for the team was to continue to raise their game and to play good hockey and push the boundaries . We did exceptionally well in the final three weeks , even though we faltered against PBHS . The loss taught us that sometimes one will play well and not achieve the result – and sometimes one will have a very average performance which will cost one the game .
S Magoso ( Honours , SA U18A , KZN Inland U18A ): His performance over the past 24 months has been a revelation and he has done himself proud . His selection for the provincial and national U18 teams was a fair reflection of his season . He moves on from College at the end of the year and we wish him everything of the best in his future endeavours .
M Godfrey : He was an integral part of the College outfit and fulfilled a role at centre back in a time of need . Having been injured early in the season and missing six weeks really affected the team ’ s ability to play out from the back . He returned for the last month of the season and was exceptional . He leaves College at the end of the year and can be proud of his achievements .
M Horan ( Honours , KZN Inland U18A ): He is a young player who gives of his best every time he takes to the field . His ability to slap over distance , through overheads and to drag flick made him an asset to this team . He has another year left at College and I look forward to seeing him perform next year .
A Ndlovu ( Honours , SA U18A , KZN Inland U18A ): His low centre of gravity and strength makes him extremely difficult to beat as a defender . He made the right back position his own and added incredible value on both the attack and defence . He has a great work rate and is a good team man . I look forward to seeing him play next year .
J Kriel ( Colours and Scarf , KZN Inland U18B ): He was a consistent performer throughout the season . He never showed any frustration or ill-discipline and thoroughly enjoyed his experience with the 1st XI . He thrived on doing the simple skills well and won the respect of his peers . His never-say-die attitude and his willingness to work hard will be missed as he moves on from College . We wish him the best of luck .
S Steenkamp ( Colours and Scarf , KZN Inland U18B ): He was a late addition to the team as he had injury setbacks early in the season . Playing as a defender , he did well to work hard and catch up with the rest of the team . He has a phenomenal fighting spirit and absolute will to succeed . I look forward to what he will bring in 2017 .
J Godfrey ( Colours and Scarf , KZN Inland U18B ): He acquitted himself very well this year . He was in excellent shape , managed to be injury free and had the ability to take in information and execute it immediately . His attitude and willingness to play in any position for the good of team was admirable . He stepped out of his comfort zone and excelled in his role . I wish him well in his future endeavours as he leaves College at the end of the year .
N Pio ( Honours , SA U17 , KZN Inland U18A ): He grew into a very powerful and reliable midfielder . His awareness of defensive organisation in the midfield is something not many players have . This allowed us to play really aggressively . The representative team he made this year is testament to the time he has invested in his game .
B Sherwood ( Honours , SA U17 , KZN Inland U18A ): He has now had his third year for the 1st XI and continues to excel . He has matured as a player and looks like a seasoned campaigner . His ability to perform under pressure is outstanding . He faced some challenges this year but managed to peak at the right moment . We look forward to seeing what he will bring to the group in 2017 .
J Coombes ( Colours and Scarf , KZN Inland U18B ): He developed extremely well and his hard work and perseverance earned him his spot in the team . Physically he grew and worked hard to make sure he was a cut above the rest . His will to win and compete is something that we look forward to enjoying again in 2017 .
Awards :
Most Improved Player : Most Committed Player : Award for Fellowship : Player of the Year :
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M Godfrey S Magoso B Njapha M Forrest
D Marshall ( Colours and Scarf , KZN Inland U18B ): He had an unfortunate season marred by injury . He did , however , contribute positively to the team and its ethos . He is a player that gives 150 % on and off the field and he added great value in dealing with his peers . We bid farewell to him and are sure he will be successful in the future .
B Njapha ( Captain , Honours , SA U18B , KZN Inland U18A ): He led his charges well this year . He often put his team ahead of himself and found his true form later on in the season . He will be a solid leader in the future and has a healthy balance between sport and academics . He leaves us at the end of the year and we wish him every success .