The Western Province u18A boys’ side will head into the SASHOC Inter-Provincial Tournament eager to retain their title, create more history, and reaffirm themselves as South Africa’s provincial powerhouse.
Province, who have won the tournament five times in a row dating back to 2019, is among the favourites to go all the way and add another title to their long list of successes.
The tournament kicks off on 29 June and runs until 4 July at Hilton College and St Anne’s DSG.
Western Province, led by coaches Jody Erasmus and Bryce West, has been drawn in Pool A after winning last year’s tournament by beating Southern Gauteng A 2-1 in the final at Maritzburg College.
They are set to face Western Province B, better known as the Peninsula, or Pens, as well as KZN Coastal A, Boland B, KZN Inland A, and the newly promoted side, Mpumalanga.
The defending champions’ squad is stacked with talented players who have caught the eye throughout the 2026 season.
South African College High School (SACS) has the largest number of representatives, with Cameron Cordeiro, Daniel de Wet, James Engelbrecht, Chavez Sanger, and Mohlodi Maseko in the team. The player most hockey fans regard as the best in the country, SACS captain, Litha Kraai, does not meet the age limit, so Western Province will have to do without his talents.
Maseko, who was part of the title-winning side last year, captains the side.
Liam Daames, Daniel Fisher, and Arin Spiller of Rondebosch Boys’ High also made the cut after impressing in the first half of the season.
Wynberg Boys’ High will be represented by Daniel Rightford and the experienced Chad Julius, who will make his second appearance for the side at the national event.
Callum Anderson and Luc Dicey, who have starred for Bishops, will be aiming to transfer their school form into the tournament.
Limani Makeleni, from the Langa Hockey Club, and Buhle Kama, from the Khayelitsha Hockey Club, both of whom represented the SA u16B side at the Allistar Fredericks African Challenge last year, also cracked the nod.
Loyiso Mletshe, from The Settlers High School, will also be in the mix, along with Stellenberg’s Jaques van Dyk, who will be out to make his mark on the national stage.
Western Province’s title defence begins at 13:40 on the opening day against Mpumalanga at Hilton College.
They’ll face a strong KZN Inland A side on day two before taking on a double-header on day three against Western Province B and Boland B, respectively.
Their final pool game will be a big clash with KZN Coastal A at the St Anne’s Lower AstroTurf.
Squad:
Liam Daames, Daniel Fisher, Arin Spiller (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Cameron Cordeiro, Daniel de Wet, James Engelbrecht, Chavez Sanger, Mohlodi Maseko (SACS), Daniel Rightford, Chad Julius (Wynberg Boys’ High), Limani Makeleni (Langa Hockey Club), Callum Anderson, Luc Dicey (Bishops), Jaques van Dyk (Stellenberg High School), Loyiso Mletshe (The Settlers High School), Buhle Kama (Khayelitsha Hockey Club).
