Read the special edition newspaper for Classic Clash between Wynberg Boys’ High vs SACS here. Filled with team photo’s, interviews and all the action.

We caught up with Joshua le Roux, the first-team hockey captain from SACS to hear his thoughts on pre-season preparation, team goals, and what it means to lead with passion and purpose.

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 upcoming fixture excites you most, and why is it significant? Our derby against Wynberg is always one of the highlights. This year it’s especially bittersweet because it will be the matrics’ last game in the jersey. It’s a fixture we all look forward to — loud crowds, a high-paced game, and a real test of character.

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. Each of them brings something unique, and practising these qualities has had a big influence on me mentally. They’ve helped me stay focused and eliminate nerves when it comes to big matches.

Joshua le Roux

This is what their coach Samuel Holmes, had to say about the clash.

What can the school and parents expect from your team this Interschools? They can expect a fast paced, highly attacking and entertaining game against our great rivals.

How does your team prepare in the week leading up to a big game such as this weekend against (opponent)? We have the same processes for all games. No game is bigger or smaller in our preparation. We respect all opposition and do our utmost in video and field sessions so that we are prepared for all sorts of styles and permutations of play.

Where would you say your strengths lies this year? Our attack is razor sharp and we seemed to have developed the ability to score goals in bunches.

Who has had the greatest influence on you as a coach in your life? Is there someone you look up to? James Peverley (SACS head of hockey) and Pierre Le Roux (ex-coach) have presented unique insights into how to set up and manage teams of varying skill and ability. They have played a massive role shaping my love for the tactical and competitive side of the game.

What message do you convey to your team just before they run on the field? The final message is always the same. Be present, execute what we have trained and – oh don’t forget to enjoy it!