We chat to the first team captain of Northern Cape High School girls hockey team – Nikita Du Plooy. 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. 

Nikita Du Plooy

What has pre-season been like for this team, and what has it revealed about the character, attitude, and commitment of the squad? During this pre-season, our team did not start off well. We were not where we were supposed to be, but pre-season has shown that this team is focused, hardworking and ready to compete for each other in every single game.

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 players who bring energy, confidence and fight. Supporters should expect exciting hockey and a team that never gives up.

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 what it means to be “Proud to be Green”. I think about making Northern Cape High proud and giving everything for my teammates and school. 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? Our team plays with intensity, discipline and teamwork. We trust each other and always play for the badge.

What standard have you and your team set for yourselves this season, beyond simply winning matches? We want to set a standard of discipline, respect, commitment and consistency on and off the field. We want to work towards excellence at all times, and we strive to achieve that.

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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 Diamantveld Classic Clashes fixture stands out the most. We have beaten them three times in a row, and we want to keep that standard this season. The atmosphere for this fixture is always exhilarating and vibrant!

Who in this squad do you think could surprise people this season, and what makes them a player to watch? I think there are a few players who will surprise people this season because of how much work they have put in and how confident they have become. Therefore, it is difficult for me to identify only one player.

What does being part of this sport at your school teach players that goes beyond the game itself? This sport teaches leadership, discipline, teamwork, respect and how to handle pressure in difficult situations.

As captain, what kind of leader do you want to be for your team this season, and what example do you hope to set? I want to be a captain who leads through action, hard work, positivity and always putting the team first. I want to lead by example and be a good mentor to the juniors.

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. I hope people say Northern Cape High played with passion, confidence and unity, and that we earned their respect.