SASOLBURG – The hockey fields of Kroonstad echoed with celebration as Sasolburg High School etched its name into history, becoming the first team from the Northern Free State to lift the prestigious Free State Cup.
For coach Marcel Basson, the moment the final whistle blew after a 4–2 victory over Grey College was unlike anything he had ever experienced. “It’s really hard to put into words. An abundance of happiness, grace, and pride filled me in that moment,” he recalls. The win has reverberated across South African schoolboy hockey.
Basson revealed that directors and coaches from powerhouse schools in Pietermaritzburg have already reached out to congratulate them. “This victory has truly put Northern Free State on the map for boys’ hockey,” he said.
Facing a formidable Grey College side, Basson knew that traditional tactics would not work. “If we tried to take control of the game against Grey, we would lose. Instead, we trusted our Sasolburg running game and flashy hands,” he explained. That strategy demanded peak fitness, with rolling substitutions carefully managed throughout the match.
Despite falling behind 0–2, Sasolburg rallied. The turning point came when the team equalised through a penalty stroke. From there, the momentum shifted. Goalkeeper Diketso Moripa held firm under pressure, while Sphelele Ntuli delivered a stunning hat trick.
With just five minutes remaining, Kian Gelderblom sealed the win with a goal that, in Basson’s words, “shook the grounds of Kroonstad.” The road to the Cup began months earlier with clear goals and a testing campaign at the Noordvaal Tournament in Pietersburg.
Though they fell short there, Basson believes the disappointment ignited the hunger that ultimately carried them to victory. Preparation extended beyond tactics and fitness. “Mentally, it’s very tough working with young boys, keeping their egos in check while also building their emotional strength,” he said.
The team even sought guidance from the school counsellor to help players overcome self-doubt. “When we step onto the field, nothing else matters, no reputations, no influences. They have two arms and two legs just like us.”
For Basson, the triumph was about more than silverware. “Working with kids is an absolute blessing. Seeing 13-year-old boys grow into 18-year-old young men with discipline, resilience, and character is why I do this,” he reflected. He hopes the win will inspire future players not just at Sasolburg High, but across the province.
“The talent in the Northern Free State is ample. This should be a turning point. Schools must work together to keep this momentum alive.” To his players, staff, and the wider school community, Basson offered heartfelt thanks, singling out colleague Jared Moses for his dedication to building the programme. He also left a special message for his outgoing matric players: “I’ll be seeing you on the club hockey stage, doing what you do best—entertain!”
