Interschools 2023: Introducing Our Teams

1st XV

Jayden Odendaal, Hlankanipa Skepe, Camran Swartz, Jared Meyer, Na’eem Mahomed, Lonwabo Hanabe, Jude Langmead, Ryan Jenneke (c ), Chuma Sobantu (vC), Wade Edwards, Elihle Robile, Brent Hesselink, Joshua Basson, Peter Michaels and Andrue (AJ) Victor.   

Ryan Jenneke, 1st XV captain:
“As we stand on the brink of the much-awaited interschools, I want to take a moment to share my thoughts and ignite the fire within each one of you. Rugby is more than just a game; it’s a way of life, a bond that unites us all. It teaches us resilience, teamwork, and the importance of pushing ourselves to the limits.

As the captain of Union’s 1st team rugby, I am immensely proud of each and every one of you. Our strength lies not only in our skills but also in our unity and unwavering support for one another. Remember, when we step onto that field, we do so as a brotherhood, unyielding and determined.

Rugby is a battle that demands our blood, sweat, and tears. But it also rewards us with unforgettable moments, lifelong friendships, and a sense of achievement that cannot be replicated. So, let’s embrace this opportunity, let’s give it our all, and leave no doubts in the minds of our opponents.

As the legendary rugby player, Jonah Lomu once said, “Rugby is great. The players don’t wear helmets or padding; they just beat the living daylights out of each other and then go for a beer. I love that.” Let’s embody this spirit, play with passion, and leave everything on that field.

Believe in yourselves, believe in your teammates, and believe in the power of unity. Let’s make our school proud, let’s make this interschools a memory that will be cherished forever. Together, we can conquer any challenge that comes our way. Go out there, give it your all, and let the roar of victory be heard!”

Message from the Coach
As Union’s 1st team rugby coach, I am thrilled to address you all on this momentous occasion of our Interschools event. It fills my heart with immense pride to see the spirit of unity and enthusiasm that radiates through our school.

To our talented players, I want you to know that you are the embodiment of dedication and passion. Remember, every tackle, every try and every moment on that field is an opportunity to showcase your skills and teamwork. Embrace the challenge, trust in your abilities and leave nothing behind but your unwavering determination.

To our beloved supporters, your unwavering presence and resounding cheers are the fuel that ignites our team’s fire. Your belief in our players and your unwavering support truly make a difference. Let’s come together, rally behind our team, and create an atmosphere that will be remembered for years to come.

To our esteemed visitors, welcome to our vibrant school community! We extend our warmest hospitality and friendship to you. May this event be a celebration of sportsmanship, camaraderie and the love for the game. As we compete on the field, let our shared values of respect and fair play shine through.

Wishing everyone a day filled with thrilling moments, friendly competition and a deep sense of pride. Go Union!

Warm regards,
Sean Koeberg

1st Hockey Team

Sadé May, Kenza Neill, Leah Marais, Mecoli Vorster, Amy Waddelow, Tara Ferreira, Charlize Vorster, Ngomusa Zweni (VC), Brigetté Oelofsen (C), Anna Pringle (VC), Anna Bouwer, Misha Newton, Sarah Jacobs, Leigh-Ann Murray, Caytah-Leigh Koeberg and Aaminah Steele.  

Brigetté Oelofsen, 1st Team Hockey Captain:
“𝘏𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦; 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘶𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮.

Let’s remember that every match and every goal we score this Interschools is a testament to our hard work and dedication. We’ve trained together, we’ve grown together, and now it’s time to show everyone what we’re capable of.

Believe in yourselves, trust in your skills, and support one another on and off the field. Remember that we are stronger together, and our unity will be our greatest strength.

So, let’s give it our all, leave everything on the field, and make Union proud. I have complete faith in each and every one of you.

Go, Union, go!”

Message from the Coach
As the Head of Hockey at Union, I am thrilled to welcome our visitors and fellow competitors to our school for this year’s Interschools. It is a momentous occasion that brings together the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie and a shared passion for the game.

To all our players, coaches and supporters, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity to showcase your skills, determination, and teamwork. Remember, it is not just about winning, but about the joy of playing this beautiful game and the memories we create together.

Let us welcome our visitors with open arms, for they too have travelled far to be here. May this Interschools be a testament to the unity and respect that lies at the heart of competitive sports. Let us compete fiercely, but always with grace and respect for our opponents.

To our players, you have trained tirelessly, honed your skills and overcome challenges to reach this stage. Now is your chance to shine on the field, to leave everything you have on the pitch and to make your school proud.

To our supporters, your unwavering encouragement fuels our players’ determination. Your cheers and applause inspire us to push beyond our limits and strive for greatness. Together, let’s create an electrifying atmosphere that will resonate with our opponents and make this Interschools a truly unforgettable experience.

Union High School, let us unite under the banner of hockey, embodying the values of sportsmanship, resilience, and respect. May this Interschools be marked not only by the battles on the field but also by the friendships formed and the memories that will last a lifetime.

To our visitors, we extend a warm welcome to our school. May your time here be filled with spirited competition, new friendships, and an appreciation for the beauty of the game.

Let the games begin, and may the spirit of hockey guide us all!

Yours in hockey,
Calvin Beck

1st Tennis Team

LEFT TO RIGHT: Tara Ferreira, Brent Hesselink, Tayla Kingwill, Jude Langmead, Gemma Naude, Karl Venter, Leah Marais, Jordan Wilmot, Caytah-Leigh Koeberg, Josh Neill, Anna Pringle and Ndalo Qwalela.

U/13A Rugby Team

BACK: Mdange Nazo, Aiden Ferreira, Brett Kenmuir, Keenan Jaftha,Murray Hope,Khazimla Jantjies, Phillip Kayster, Alchano Japhta, Ethan Raath, Carlien Pietersen
FRONT: Jordan Maritz, Joubert Vorster, Quinn Naude, Tristan Hudson, Owen Paxton(c), Mpilo Njoloza (coach) Benneth Junior Fikeni (vc), Qhama Jacobs, Aidan Japhta, John-Henry King, Sonwabiso Kula

U/13A Hockey Team

BACK: Miley Burger, Carlen Prinsloo, Samantha Gilfillan, Onika Jantjies, coach Ina Botha, Unabantu Maneli, Antonia Adams,
FRONT: Cayla Newton, Nadine Murray (c), Rachel Wenham, Mia Botha (VC), Logan Marais.

Senior Chess Team

BACK: Josh Arends, Neelon Fourie, Wade Edwards, Jasmine Abercrombie and Lisa Vutula.
FRONT: Chuma Sobantu and Cassidy Goliad ©.

Junior Chess

Clea Clark, Jae Fillis, Kwakhanya Ntlonti, Elandri Retief, Cedine Retief, Cate Cochrane, Noel Shakane

Speech Team

Brigetté Oelofsen ©, Caitrin Spence, Ben Lemke and Erin Gedult.

Quiz Team

Tara Ferreira, Siphosethu Malotana ©, Erin Gedult and Anna Pringle.