By Johnathan Paoli
Bloemfontein’s Meisieskool Oranje hockey team has clinched their first championship with a 3-0 win over Durban’s Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School in the St Anne’s Cup final.
Playing at St Anne’s Diocesan College in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, the Free State team scored its three goals with stellar performances from Xylia Choene, Kayla du Preez and Daniella Grobbelaar.
The win is Oranje’s first appearance at the tournament, but their third trophy of the season under coach Morne Odendaal.
ALSO READ: Shoprite, Trevor Noah foundations launch robotics lab at Soweto school
Earlier this year, Oranje lifted titles at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival and the National All Girls’ Festival, continuing a remarkable run that has established them as one of the leading schoolgirl hockey teams in South Africa.
“When this group started the journey for the 2026 season, the goal was simple: to play a beautiful brand of hockey that people would stop and watch. A team that played with freedom, intensity, courage, and connection. Somewhere along the way, that vision turned into something special,” Odendaal said, speaking after the final.
Oranje entered the title decider as the tournament’s most balanced side, having scored 22 goals while conceding only twice in their run to the final; while Fatima, scored 14 goals and allowed just two on their way to Sunday’s showdown.
However, Oranje wasted little time asserting themselves in the final, scoring their first two goals early in the match.
Despite the setback, Fatima responded positively and began to settle into their passing rhythm.
Despite Fatima’s attempts to equalise the scoreboard, their attempts were successfully defended by Oranje goalkeeper Dane Janse van Vuuren.
ALSO READ: Manamela: Business pledges secured for skills push
Speaking to the media after the match, Odendaal praised his team as outstanding, saying that players constantly moved to create options and make ball flow look seamless.
“Mentally, the group handled pressure well. They stayed composed in key moments and trusted the process and structure. We defended as a unit, pressed well, and forced teams into low-percentage areas,” he said.
Fatima continued to apply pressure at the start of the second chukka, pinning Oranje inside their own half for extended periods.
But Oranje’s defensive discipline ensured they kept the Durban team from scoring.
The team from Bloem won a penalty corner just before halftime to extend their advantage to 3-0.
The second half saw Fatima continue to search for a breakthrough, while Oranje focused on controlling the tempo and protecting their lead.
Fatima created one final opportunity shortly before the end when they earned a penalty corner, but Oranje again made a successful defence.
The tournament also brought individual recognition for several Oranje players.
Marichelle Crous was named Player of the Tournament after a standout campaign, while Janse van Vuuren shared the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award with St Anne’s shot-stopper Lilli-Anna James.
Kirstin Booysen shared the Best Defender accolade with Inati Ngcobo of St Anne’s, while Fatima forward Charly-Rose Boyall claimed the Forward of the Tournament honour.
St Anne’s thanked all the players, coaches, staff and supporters for the tournament and said they looked forward to next year’s cup.
