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Nika Coertzen Hockey Festival. Primary School Hockey Shines at Nika Coertzen Festival in Bloemfontein. Photo: Back: Mia van Wyk (Mascot), Braam van Wyk (Coach), Mikaylah Ditira, Amy Groenewald, Gabby Garau, Lee-Ann Cronjé, Ines Malek, Raphaella Ioannides, Chélyn Parkin, Catherine Koupis, Abigail Correia, Chani Vorster, Jemma Myburgh, Minke Ferreira, Jenni Rodgers (Manager) and Nika Coertzen (Festival organiser).
Front: Reinhart van Jaarsveldt (Conditioning coach), Madison Lamour (Vice-captain), Noa Louw (Captain) and Anashe Masakure (Vice-captain). Ground: Anika Wiese.
Holiday school sport reached an exciting peak from 17–20 July as South Africa witnessed one of the most electrifying showcases of primary school girls’ hockey at the annual Nika Coertzen Hockey Festival, hosted in Bloemfontein.
The festival kicked off with a surprise silent disco on Thursday—a lively, fun-filled start that brought players together and set a celebratory tone before the first whistle blew.
Twenty-seven teams from 18 schools across the country descended on the field with fierce determination. Over the course of three days, each team competed in nine matches, showcasing extraordinary talent, teamwork, and passion that left coaches and spectators alike in awe.
“This was the highest level of primary school hockey I’ve seen in my 15 years of coaching. The standard was out of this world, with intense, closely contested matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats,” said Mrs. Nika Coertzen, head coach at Eunice Girls’ School.
Beyond competition, the festival fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. While teams battled fiercely on the turf, off the field there was a spirit of encouragement and joy—an inspiring reminder of the values at the heart of sport.
For coaches, the event was more than a tournament—it was an invaluable opportunity to observe talent, exchange insights, and refine tactics ahead of the upcoming season.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who made this weekend remarkable,” added Coertzen. “Players—your energy, dedication, and skill lit up the competition. Coaches—your mentorship and strategies laid the foundation for thrilling matches. Families, alumni, and local fans—your cheers and support brought incredible energy to every game.”
🎓 Gratitude also to Eunice Girls’ School (High and Primary) for their steadfast logistical and moral support throughout the festival.
Mrs. Coertzen, passionate about cultivating young hockey talent, continues to champion love for the sport at primary school level through initiatives like this unforgettable festival.
🏅 Festival Results
U12 Section
| Category | Winner/Recognition |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School |
| 2nd Place | Willem Postma |
| 3rd Place | Eunice Primary School |
| Best Goalkeeper | Haylee Kretzmann (Laerskool Kenmare) |
| Top Goal Scorers | Marle Janse (Willem Postma) & Ashley van Tonder (St Stithians), 5 goals each |
| Best Player | Leerah Mokoena (Eunice Primary School) |
U13 Section
| Category | Winner/Recognition |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | Eunice Primary School (unbeaten) |
| 2nd Place | Paarl Girls’ High School |
| 3rd Place | Durban Girls’ College |
| Best Goalkeeper | Isabel Hanekom (Paarl Girls’ High School) |
| Top Goal Scorer | Chélyn Parkin (Eunice Primary School), 10 goals |
| Best Player | Madison Lamour (Eunice Primary School) |
📣 Participating schools included: Durban Girls’ College, Laerskool Kenmare, Laerskool Garsfontein, Laerskool Nelspruit, Paarl Girls’ High School, Primêre Skool Jordania, Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School, @RivoniaPrimarySchool, St John’s D.S.G., St Mary’s School Waverley, St Stithians College, The Wykeham Collegiate, @Uplands Prep School, Roedean School South Africa, Trio Primêr, Truida Kestell, and Willem Postma Primêre Skool.
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