The energy that was lost due to loadshedding was made up for ten-fold by the electricity created on the field, as South Africa’s most promising young players opened the SASHOC U-18 Nationals with some thrilling performances in stunning conditions on Sunday’s first day of competition in Stellenbosch.

While some of the girls’ A-section games were closely contested, there were also some crushing blows delivered, most notably Western Province’s 6-0 victory over KZN Coastal, as they climbed to the top of Pool B, holding a narrow lead based on goal difference.

Amathole were the only girls A-section side to win two games on day one, securing a 7-3 victory over Eastern Province and a 2-1 win over KZN Inland to settle at the top of Pool A in the early stages of the tournament.

In the boy’s competition, none of the teams were able to stamp their authority in the A-section tournament, suggesting a tight battle can be expected over the week ahead.

Western Province were top of Pool A and hosts Boland were in the early lead in Pool B, but both teams were level with two other sides on points and were just ahead on goal difference.

The tournament had officially started on Saturday night, with the Opening Ceremony taking place at Coetzenburg Centre.

Speakers who addressed the 900 excited young players included SASHOC executive member Mark Jenneker, who was the MC, along with Boland Schools Hockey chairperson Michael van Rensburg, SASHOC president Wendell Domingo, and SA hockey player Clayton Saker who offered a motivational message ahead of the national age group showpiece.
All participants received welcome packs from Spar, giving them an extra boost, while they have also received support from tournament partners Lift, Social Geek, Grays, Signarama, Daisy, Feedem and Farbe, who have helped make the event possible.

The six-day SASHOC U-18 Nationals will come to a close on Friday, 1 July. All the action throughout the week will be streamed live and highlights are available on the SuperSport App.