Charly-Rose Boyall scored the all-important goal in Our Lady of Fatima’s 1-0 win over St John’s DSG in the SPAR KZN Hockey Tournament Grand Final at St Mary’s DSG Kloof on Sunday afternoon.
It was Our Lady of Fatima’s maiden SPAR KZN Hockey title.
The ladies from Durban North made their first appearance at the showpiece in 2011, then returned in 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024. In all of their previous visits, they finished in fifth place
“Our success throughout the tournament was built on a foundation of defensive pride,” Matthew Smith, Our Lady of Fatima’s coach, told SuperSport Schools News.
“By staying disciplined at the back, we limited opportunities while creating our own chances.”
Smith’s charges conquered the Durban North Regional tournament to book their ticket to the Grand Final, where they scripted an incredible run to the trophy.
On their march to glory, Our Lady of Fatima scored 19 times and conceded only once in a 3-1 win over St Anne’s in the first of their four Pool B matches.
They followed that with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Durban Girls’ College (DGC), before they ran riot against Wartburg Kirchdorf and Grantleigh College, whom they overwhelmed 7-0 and 6-0, respectively.
“Scoring early in games allowed us to play with confidence and control the tempo, and we made the most of the opportunities that came our way,” Smith explained.
They met seven-time champions and last year’s winner, St Mary’s DSG Kloof, who were missing the SA Schools’ duo of Jamie da Silva and Ella Bowyer, in the semi-finals.
A team, though, can play only those players who are on the field. Again, Our Lady of Fatima played with impressive composure, confidently soaking up the pressure before Boyall grabbed a winner two minutes from the final whistle to usher them into the final.
Their opponents in the title game, St John’s DSG, punched their ticket thanks to an exemplary campaign.
The Pietermaritzburg Central Regional champions didn’t concede a single goal in Pool A as they brushed past St Mary’s DSG, Ferrum High, St Patrick’s College, and Amanzimtoti High.
In a tight semi-final, St John’s prevailed 1-0 against DGC.
The Pietermaritzburg school, making its fourth appearance in the Grand Final, finished as the runner-up in 2025 and was hoping to go all the way this time around. However, Boyall broke their hearts with her goal, which came seven minutes before full-time.
Boyall, a prolific goal-scorer, took her tally to nine in the Grand Final with her title-winning strike.
The experienced trio of Mia Lopes, Gabi Howarth, and Angelina Hall also enjoyed an outstanding weekend as they helped their side to victory.
“It was a true team effort, with every player contributing to a strong all-round performance,” Smith said.
Results
Cup
1/2: Our Lady of Fatima 1-0 St John’s DSG
3/4: St Mary’s DSG 1-0 DGC
Plate
1/2: St Anne’s 6-0 Grantleigh
3/4: St Patrick’s 1-0 Ferrum
Final Standings
1. Our Lady of Fatima
2. St John’s DSG
3. St Mary’s DSG Kloof
4. Durban Girls’ College
5. St Anne’s
6. Grantleigh
7. St Patrick’s
8. Ferrum
9. Wartburg Kirchdorf
10. Amanzimtoti
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