We chat to the first team captain of Northern Cape High School boys’ hockey team – Jadon Ruiters. Read the special edition for the Classic Clash between Diamantveld vs Noord-Kaap here. It’s packed with team photos, interviews, and all the action. 

Jadon Ruiters

What has pre-season been like for this team, and what has it revealed about the character, attitude, and commitment of the squad? During pre-season, our team started off on a low note. We were not where we were supposed to be, and every player’s confidence was low. However, our commitment was strong, and this is how we grew as a team. With that strong commitment, the rest followed.

What makes this year’s first team different from previous teams, and why should supporters be excited to watch you play this season?Our team is filled with exciting young talent. Even though they possess skill, they manage to play as a team. The senior players provide leadership and help motivate players when their heads drop. The seniors know the pressure this game holds and know how to support the junior players, regardless of the pressure they feel themselves.

What goes through your mind in the moments before you step onto the court or field wearing your school colours, and what does that opportunity mean to you personally?Before every game, I think about keeping the school’s name to a high standard. I think about how I will fight for my brothers on the field, tired or not. I step onto the field with confidence every game, and I ensure my team does the same. Every game is an opportunity to grow, to give it our all, and to show everyone around us our pride.

Every strong team has its own identity — how would you describe your team’s playing style, attitude, and overall spirit? In the Boys’ Hockey First Team, we all have a strong bond. We all connect with one another on a deeper level beyond hockey. This helps keep our attitude positive, our heads held high,and helps us play the way we do:strong, passionate, and all for the love of hockey.

What standard have you and your team set for yourselves this season, beyond simply winning matches? The standard I have set for my team is to strive for excellence not only on the field, but off the field too, and to show pride in their character and academics. We want to represent the Boys’ Hockey First Team in the best way possible and show everyone that we are more than just hockey boys.

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Which fixture stands out most on the calendar for you, and what makes that match especially important to the team? The fixture that stands out the most is our annual Classic Clashes fixture. This fixture stands out because of the weight it carries and the fierce rivalry between Northern Cape High School and Hoërskool Diamantveld. During this fixture, the atmosphere feels different, and this year I have a good feeling that we will take the win.

Who in this squad do you think could surprise people this season, and what makes them a player to watch? The player who could surprise people is Lee-Irvin Apolis. He is innovative on the field, a bright young talent and one of our most reliable players. He has been working hard, which makes him stand out every single game.

What does being part of this sport at your school teach players that goes beyond the game itself? This sport teaches players how to work with others, how to be more patient, and how to respect their peers.

As captain, what kind of leader do you want to be for your team this season, and what example do you hope to set? As captain of such a prestigious team, I set very high standards for myself and for this team. I do not only want to be a captain, but also a friend and a mentor for the younger players. I believe a good captain leads on the field, but a great captain leads off the field as well.

When people watch your team play this year, what do you hope they will say about the group afterwards? I want each and every supporter to be left in shock at the level of hockey we display. The First Team Hockey Boys have not produced the desired results in recent years, which has led people to believe we are not the same First Team Hockey Boys as before. This year, I want to leave everyone in shock with the top brand of hockey we display.