South African College High School (SACS) ended the season with an emphatic 6-0 win over their southern suburb rivals, Wynberg Boys’ High, at the Brewery Astroturf in Cape Town on Friday evening.
Head coach Sam Holmes applauded his side for another remarkable season, which saw them dominate in the Western Cape and around the country.
It was a rewarding ending to a demanding and gruelling campaign for coach Holmes and his side.
Friday’s victory included a hat-trick from Mohlodi Maseko, with Troy Loots, Cameron Cordeiro, and captain Litha Kraai also netting.
“What a fantastic ending. We weren’t quite sure what to expect from this team this year, and I think in their own way, they did things their own way,” the coach told SuperSport Schools News.
“There were some very tough and frustrating games and some tough sessions that we had to go through as a group.
“Ultimately, if you look back at the season and what this group was able to achieve, it’s still an unbelievably successful season.”
SACS ended the year with two pieces of silverware after retaining the Hibbert Shield and winning the League title.
Although they couldn’t replicate an unbeaten season, losing to Northwood and Bishops, it was still a remarkable achievement considering the level of competition they faced.
“I think we all knew it would be a little bit more competitive this year because of the strength across the top schools,” Holmes said.
“Irrespective of the rankings, or whatever people have got lost in, it’s just so fantastic to see these boys do it their way, play well, give everything out there on the field and end with a very positive result over a very well-oiled and talented Wynberg team.”
Eight senior SACS players made their last appearance for the school, including their captain, Litha Kraai.
Kraai needs no introduction. He’s been a dominant player since making his 1st XI debut in 2023.
Holmes believes the Langa-born star is in a league of his own. “I have gone back and forth a few times with lots of people.
“Obviously, Percy Montgomery is a Springbok, and we’ll wait to see what Litha does after school. But, given his contribution to cricket and hockey, I don’t think there has been a greater schoolboy sporting talent in terms of his in-school performances and contributions.
“He had an unbelievable school career, and we wish him the best in terms of whatever he pursues going forward.
“To the other matrics, who also had an unbelievable season, they can be really proud of their contributions and the way they showed up this year.”
With the massively influential Kraai moving on, SACS will have a new-look side in 2027. “It will be a new year, new challenges, and we’ll see where we go from there,” Holmes said. “We’ll also see what the coaching staff looks like as well, moving forward.”
