Wynberg vs SACS - AWSUM Special Edition 2025

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Vice principle s Message

It is with great pleasure that we welcome SACS hockey and rugby teams to Wynberg for the final encounter of the season, and the last of the King Price Derby Rugby Series of 2025.

Arguably the oldest South African schools sporting fixture, the rivalry between our two great schools is steeped in history with shared highs and lows, great sportsmanship, and incredible lifelong memories and friendships made on our Astros and rugby fields.

For decades now this derby weekend has been the sporting highlight of our Wynberg Heritage Week when we welcome our Old Boys home to their alma mater for reunions, the Annual Old Boys’ Dinner, sports and cultural competitions across the generations, and our formal Founders’ Day where we honour those whose sacrifices have ensured the growth of our school and the shared future of country. 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of our Memorial Gateway, built to honour those Wynberg Men who perished in World War I. and to celebrate those who returned home safely. This weekend we take pride in sharing this celebration with our brother School, whose heritage so closely resembles ours.

I quote from our WBHS Theme of the Week – Different Roots, One Future: “Whilst we may come from diverse backgrounds, we are united in our shared responsibility to respect and learn from this inheritance.” Words which resonate for all, as we prepare to cheer our teams with school pride and passion. May the matches this weekend be remembered for the best of rivalry and competition, and, among the names from both our schools in this derby programme, be those who will become teammates of ‘one future’ in clubs, at varsities, in provincial, and indeed international sides.

Welcome to Wynberg, let the games commence!

Mr. Alan Herbert

Vice-Principal,

Sport

YEARS OF INTERSCHOOL RESULTS

WYNBERG BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY FIRST XV

What can the school, parents, and Old Boys expect from your team this weekend?

Justin van Winkel

COACH OF THE 1ST TEAM RUGBY: WYNBERG BOYS’ HIGH

A passionate display from a group of committed and proud Wynberg boys, some of whom will be playing their final home fixture of their school careers.

How does your team prepare in the week leading up to a big game such as this weekend against SACS?

Every fixture is important. Before installing the plan, we ensure our preview homework is as accurate as possible. We aim to strike a balance between on-feet preparation and rest to make sure that our boys are mentally and physically ready.

Where would you say your strength lies this year?

We continue to be grateful the healthy balance of boys with high work rates and x-factor abilities.

Who has had the biggest influence on you as a coach in your life? Is there someone you look up to?

Allen Gerber from Wynberg Boys’ Junior School. He encouraged me to start coaching 24 years ago and is still a close mentor

Allen and the junior school rugby staff continue to feed the high school with a steady stream of exceptional rugby talent.

What message do you convey to your team just before they run on the field? They must give their best, work for each other, and enjoy it.

SOUTH AFRICAN COLLEG HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY FIRST XV

Nick Maurer

COACH OF SACS

1ST TEAM RUGBY :

What can the school and parents expect from your team this Interschools?

The school and parents can expect a highly motivated group of players, eager to represent the badge and their families with pride.

How does your team prepare in the week leading up to a big game such as this weekend against Wynberg?

We remain very focused on the process rather than the outcome. The message is that effort is the most important controllable on the day. Mistakes will happen, but it’s the response to those mistakes that truly counts.

Where would you say your strengths lie this year?

We have a very workmanlike pack of forwards who punch well above their weight. In the backline, we have an exciting fullback who is a dangerous runner, blessed with quick feet and explosive speed.

Who has had the greatest influence on you as a coach in your life? Is there someone you look up to?

I’ve always admired Gary Kirsten’s coaching philosophy, which prioritises a strong team culture of respect, trust, and unity while focusing on developing the strengths of the individual within the team context.

What message do you convey to your team just before they run on the field?

Focus on the process, play with your heart, and enjoy yourself.

IN CONVERSATION WITH THE FIRST-TEAM CAPTAINS

Jaythen Orange Sango Zangqu

What specific strengths do you believe this year’s team has that will set you apart from the competition?

We have excellent coaches and strong individual players, which is crucial. When the coaches implement the weekly game plan, everyone buys into it. If we stick to the plan, we usually come out on top; when we don’t, that’s when we struggle a bit. This season, we’ve faced some tough moments — losing games or being a few points down — but those challenges have made us stronger as a team. We’ve learned how to stay calm under pressure, and I believe that resilience is one of our biggest strengths.

How does it feel to run onto the field representing your school as part of the first team?

It’s always an honour. Every young rugby player dreams of representing their school’s first team, and to lead them makes it even more special. Knowing I have 14 teammates who support me and trust my decisions is something I value deeply.

What traditions or values make your school’s rugby culture unique?

For me, what stands out is our toughness and refusal to step back from any challenge. That resilience defines us.

What team goals, if any, have you set for the season?

Our goals are to lift the SS Cup, to be remembered as one of the most successful rugby teams in Wynberg’s history, and to claim the title of SS Kings.

Which fixture excites you the most, and why is it a key match for your team? The second game against Rondebosch was the one I looked forward to the most. I knew it would be the deciding game in determining who the SS Kings would be.

Is there a professional rugby player you look up to? What aspects of their game or leadership inspire you?

There isn’t a specific rugby player I look up to. Instead, I look up to God. He died for my sins, protects me every game, and gives me the strength to play this wonderful sport.

What specific strengths do you believe this year’s team has that will set you apart from the competition?

We’ve been through many different trials this season which has really built up a strong sense of cohesion, which I think will be important in the tight moments of the game. We have quite a strong and mobile forward pack with a good kicking game, which will prove to be of great assistance on Saturday.

How does it feel to run onto the field representing your school as part of the first team?

It’s a feeling one cannot describe in its entirety. There’s so much pride, coupled with an enormous amount of responsibility, when running out in a first team jersey. All in all, it’s an incredible privilege to represent your brothers on the biggest stage.

What traditions or values make your school’s rugby culture unique?

The Legacy of Sacs rugby which is steeped in history really does make it a unique and special environment. It creates a greater sense of pride amongst all the players and motivates us to play with a “never-say-die” type of mentality.

What team goals, if any, have you set for the season?

The main team Goal is to inspire the greater SACS community, with performances of great courage and heart, playing an entertaining brand of rugby and ultimately leaving the jersey in a better place.

Which upcoming fixture excites you the most, and why is it a key match for your team?

We only have our match against Wynberg left which is massive for our team in many respects. For a lot of us, it’ll be the last time we get to run out and represent our school, so there’ll be a lot of emotions packed behind this game.

Is there a professional rugby player you look up to? What aspects of their game or leadership inspire you?

I look up to Bongi Mbonambi quite often. He brings a lot of energy and physicality to the Boks and seeing him take on more leadership roles as a senior member of the squad is truly inspiring.

Wynberg - u.19B

wynberg boys high school vs sacs

wynberg boys high school vs sacs

30 AUGUST 2024 | Fixtures may be subject to change Rugby

WYNBERG BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY FIRST XV

Zachary Gibbon

CAPTAIN OF THE 1ST TEAM HOCKEY: WYNBERG BOYS’ HIGH

What are your team’s biggest strengths, and how do you plan to capitalise on them this season?

Our biggest strengths are our unity, resilience, and the speed at which we play. We never shy away from putting in the effort for each other. We plan to capitalise on this by focusing on structured team play, using our pace on the counter, and trusting one another to perform as a single unit.

What does it mean to you to lead your school’s hockey first team?

It means everything to me. To wear the badge and lead the first team is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s about setting the standard on and off the field, ensuring that the team embodies discipline, commitment, and passion. For me, leadership is not just about hockey — it’s also about being a role model for the younger boys and upholding the values of Wynberg. How would you describe your school’s hockey culture, and what makes it unique?

Our hockey culture is built on brotherhood, pride, and tradition. What makes it unique is the deep sense of belonging — once you are part of Wynberg hockey, you are part of a family that stretches across generations. The support from Old Boys, coaches, and fellow students creates an environment where every player feels they are contributing to something bigger than themselves. What are your main goals as a team for this season?

To beat SACS. It’s always a massive occasion with so much history and rivalry behind it. The energy, the crowd, and the pride on the line make it an experience like no other — it’s a game where every player wants to leave everything on the field.

Which hockey player or sports figure do you look up to, and how has their career influenced your approach to the game?

I look up to Harmanpreet Singh. His skill, leadership, and composure under pressure inspire me to stay calm, focused, and to always lead from the front.

SOUTH AFRICAN COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY FIRST XV

Jo le Roux

CAPTAIN OF THE 1ST TEAM HOCKEY : SACS

What are your team’s biggest strengths, and how do you plan to capitalise on them this season?

Our biggest strengths this year lie in the amount of time we’ve spent together and the hard work we’ve put in as a group. We started with an early pre-season and then kicked off the year with a successful international tour, where we lived together for two weeks. That experience really brought us closer and laid a strong foundation. The professionalism and high level of the SACS hockey programme has been a key factor too. Week after week we’ve had video sessions, technical sessions, tactical sessions, and game-based training — all of which have helped us immensely.

What does it mean to you to lead your school’s hockey first team?

It means a great deal to me. I grew up on the side of the field as a junior, looking up to this prestigious role, so being in this position now is really special. To not only lead what I believe is the best hockey team in the country, but also to represent SACS as one of the top hockey schools, is an honour. For me, it’s about showcasing and continuing to build the SACS hockey brand.

How would you describe your school’s hockey culture, and what makes it unique?

The culture at SACS is incredibly welcoming. A clear example of this is the fact that our U16 group has grown to the point where we could field sides all the way down to an H team. What makes it unique is the professional setup — from coaching structures to training programmes — which gives players the platform to grow and succeed.

What are your main goals as a team for this season?

At the start of the season, we set ourselves clear goals: to go unbeaten on our European tour, to bring home the Hibbert Trophy, and to retain our number one ranking in the country for the third consecutive year.

Which hockey player or sports figure do you look up to, and how has their career influenced your approach to the game?

I wouldn’t say there’s just one person I look up to — rather, I draw inspiration from many athletes. For example, Kobe Bryant’s mentality, Michael Phelps’ persistence, and Tiger Woods’ ability to train with purpose.

Behind the Whistle: A Chat with the First Team Hockey Coaches

With Interschools around the corner, anticipation is running high for the clash between Wynberg Boys’ High and SACS – two schools steeped in tradition and hockey excellence. We sat down with both first team coaches, Ben Wiley (Wynberg 1st XI Hockey) and Samuel Holmes (SACS U19A), to hear their thoughts ahead of this year’s encounter.

What can the school and parents expect from your team this Interschools?

Wiley believes Wynberg will arrive well prepared and ready to play for one another, with teamwork at the core of their performance. Holmes, meanwhile, promises a thrilling spectacle from SACS: a fast-paced, attacking brand of hockey that reflects the fierce but respectful rivalry between the two schools.

How do the teams prepare in the week leading up to the big match?

For Wiley and his Wynberg side, nothing changes. Consistency and trust in their processes are key. “We focus on our process and how we implement it,” he explains. Holmes echoes the value of preparation but adds that for SACS, no game is treated as bigger or smaller than the next. Respect for all opponents drives their approach, with video and field sessions forming the foundation of their match readiness.

Where do the teams’ strengths lie this year?

Wynberg are fortunate to boast a well-balanced team, something Wiley is particularly proud of. SACS, on the other hand, has leaned into its attacking flair. Holmes describes their strike force as “razor sharp” and notes their ability to score goals in quick succession as a defining strength of the season.

Who has influenced their coaching journeys?

For Wiley, inspiration comes from within the Wynberg community – Old Boys Wayne Denne and Devin Stanton, both of whom have made lasting contributions to the school’s hockey culture. Holmes points to SACS Head of Hockey, James Peverley, and former coach Pierre Le Roux, who shaped his love for the tactical and competitive sides of the game.

What messages do they share with their players before the team runs onto the field?

Both coaches emphasise composure and trust. Wiley tells his boys to “trust one another, trust the structure and make sure you have a strong start.” Holmes offers a similar reminder with an added note of encouragement: “Be present, execute what we have trained – and don’t forget to enjoy it.”

Wynberg Heritage Week

Wynberg Boys’ High and Junior Schools, and our Old Boys’ Union, join together in the last week of August 2025 in celebration of our shared roots.

We remember and honour the generations of Wynberg Men who passed through our classrooms, those who gave their lives for South Africa, and those families whose sacrifices over the decades made our diverse schools the institutions of excellence we enjoy today.

We honour the teachers and those founders and influencers whose drive, passion, and commitment saw the Schools develop from a humble single classroom in 1841 into the sprawling Wynberg Campus we hold so dear