Northern Cape High School shines at inaugural Absa Wildeklawer Hockey Tournament

It was a weekend of heart-stopping hockey and historic achievement for Northern Cape High School (NCH) – and for the province. Competing on home turf in the inaugural Absa Wildeklawer Sports Hockey Tournament, NCH’s boys’ and girls’ teams rose to the occasion, proving that local talent can shine on a national stage.

Held in Kimberley from April 30 to May 3, the tournament featured the country’s top Under-19 school hockey teams and delivered four days of grit, determination and high-level competition. For Northern Cape High, it became a moment of pride that will echo far beyond the pitch.

Boys team fight to the final whistle

The NCH Under-19 boys team were among the standout performers of the tournament, winning two of their three group matches to qualify for the final against Sentraal High School.

What followed was a pulsating encounter, full of drama and intensity. The boys twice fought back to level the scores, eventually drawing 2-2 in regulation time. The match was then decided in an 8-second shootout – a test of nerves and skill – where Sentraal narrowly edged them to claim the boys' division title.

Despite the heartbreak, the NCH boys earned widespread admiration for their spirit and composure under pressure. Team captain Mfuneko Binase was recognised as the Boys Player of the Tournament, a testament to his leadership and consistent excellence throughout the competition.

Girls team crowned champions

While the boys fell just short of glory, the NCH Under-19 girls team carved out a fairytale finish of their own. After drawing both of their group-stage matches, the girls advanced to the semi-finals via a dramatic shootout – a theme that would continue through their campaign.

Their semi-final also ended in a draw, and once again, the girls held their nerve to triumph in the shootout and book a place in the final against Durban High School (DHS).

In the title match, NCH took the lead before DHS equalised, setting up yet another nail-biting shootout. This time, there was no denying them. With grit and calm heads, the girls sealed victory and were crowned champions of the first-ever Absa Wildeklawer Sports Hockey Tournament.

The accolades didn’t stop there. Star forward Chloe Nagel was named Girls Player of the Tournament and finished as Top Goal Scorer, her sharp instincts and precise finishing setting her apart.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Micayla Wilis delivered a heroic performance of her own, earning the Goalkeeper of the Tournament title – despite playing through injury in the final. Her bravery and shot-stopping proved vital in the decisive moments.

A moment of pride for school and province

The school community, coaches, and supporters were full of praise for both teams’ performances.

“We are incredibly proud of what our players accomplished this weekend,” said Head of Hockey Aiden Brooker. “Both our boys and girls displayed sportsmanship, heart, and true Northern Cape grit. This tournament has been an unforgettable experience and a milestone for our hockey programme.”

The success of Northern Cape High at this prestigious national event not only places the school in the spotlight, but also signals the growing strength of hockey in the region. With silverware in hand, individual honours collected, and memories made, NCH has set the benchmark for the tournaments to come.

And back in Kimberley, a new generation of hockey hopefuls now has something more to dream about – thanks to a team that made history on home soil.