Hockey fans in Paarl will be treated to high-quality hockey action this weekend, with La Rochelle Girls’ High School hosting the Challengers’ Cup.
The much-anticipated event starts on Friday, 7 August, with the final to be contested on Monday, 10 August.
Matches will be played at La Rochelle and Paarl Girls’ High.
Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool won last year’s competition, beating Herschel Girls School 1-0 in the final, and they’ll be back to defend the title.
They’re in Pool A and will face Fairmont, plus four tournament newcomers: St Anne’s DSG, DF Akademie, Rustenburg Girls’ High, and Hoërskool Stellenberg.
St Anne’s is one of two KwaZulu-Natal sides heading to Paarl. They’ve played some good hockey this season and will be keen to impress in their debut appearance.
Stellenberg, meanwhile, will aim for a good follow-up to their impressive 2-0 win over Durbanville in their interschools clash last week.
DF Akademie and Rustenburg Girls’ High have also played some good hockey in 2026, with the latter narrowly losing 1-2 against Parel Vallei last week.
Pool B is stacked with strong teams, and it’s going to be a battle for the top places.
After finishing third last year, Hoërskool Garsfontein is back, hoping for another title challenge. They take on HMS Bloemhof, Parel Vallei, Paarl Girls’ High, and Durban Girls’ College (DGC).
Bloemhof suffered a 2-4 loss at the hands of Rhenish Girls’ High last week, so coach Jenny King’s side will be desperate to bounce back, while Paarl Girls’ High will be eager to get back into action on their home turf after going down to Paarl Gimnasium in their big derby clash.
POOLS
Pool A: St Anne’s DSG, DF Akademie, Rustenburg Girls, Hoërskool Stellenberg, Affies, Fairmont.
Pool B: Hoërskool Garsfontein, HMS Bloemhof, Parel Vallei, Paarl Girls’ High, Durbanville, Durban Girls’ College.
FIXTURES
Friday, 8 August
13:30 – St Anne’s vs DF Akademie
14:30 – Bloemhof vs Durbanville
15:30 – Fairmont vs Rustenburg Girls’ High
16:30 – Parel Vallei vs Paarl Girls’ High
18:00 – Stellenberg vs Affies
19:00 – Durban Girls’ College vs Garsfontein
