The 2025 Chronicle

AWARDS Honours: Thandanani Zuma, Gregor von Mayer, Gordon Deutscher, Ben Heuer, Brunton Bigalke, Ross Markham Colours: Luke Camerer, Sithsaba Simukonda, Charlie Purdon, Graydon Leslie, Eliott Springate Half-Colours: Matthew Hunter, William Gilson, Preston Greene, Christohper van Rooyen, Henry Yeadon PROVINCIAL SELECTIONS SA U17A: Thandanani Zuma KZN Inland U18A: Gordon Deutscher, Benjamin Heuer, Gregor von Mayer, Thandanani Zuma KZN Inland U18B: Luke Camerer, Sithsaba Simukonda, Charlie Purdon, Graydon Leslie, Elliot Springate KZN Inland U18C: Matthew Hunter, Uyanda Magudulela, William Gilson, Ruan Ramnath, Asande Nkosi, Henry Yeadon, Preston Greene, Chrisopher Van Rooyen, Brunton Bigalke KZN Inland U16A: Nishay Sudhoowa, William Aylward, Thibedi Mogoba, Matthew Southwood KZN Inland U16B: Connor Wilson, Dan Pieterse, Solethu Ngxola, Thomas Perkins, Hayden Ravenscroft KZN Inland U16C: Cian Hoskings, Ruan Ramanath KZN Inland U14A: James Buys, Thabiso Nthoba KZN Inland U14A: Tylor Kruger, Ben Hingeston, Edward Mvulana KZN Inland U14C: Likho Filtane, Finn Aylward, Oratile Phasha, Lukholo Matanzima Coaches: Nicholas Bérichon, Jason Syce, Lwando Saunders, Dominic Leslie Managers: Lunga Nkosi, Che Charles, Thabani Mchnunu SPECIAL AWARDS Butcher Stick – Most Improved Player in His First Season in the First XI: Matthew Hunter McDonald Trophy – Players’ Player: Gordon Deutscher Coaches’ Trophy – Team Spirit and Sportsmanship: Brunton Bigalke, William Gilson Dowie Family Trophy – Skill, Sportsmanship, Service and Humility: Gregor von Mayer Scott Fraser Trophy – Player of the Season: Gordon Deutscher Coach of the Year: Jeremy Cahill

from the English Department in 2025. Mary was consistent and dedicated to her coaching craft. She inherited the thirds from Mr Pete Dennyson, who famously claimed not to have lost a match for many years. Mary promptly lost her first match and was presented by Pete with the ashes of a bail stolen from one of the cricket sides. For the first time, Michaelhouse attended the Coastal Cup – an event that draws elite school teams from across the country. Testing ourselves against the Western Cape teams is a rarity for Michaelhouse and, despite a strong local league, this is a serious challenge. The first team were outstanding and showed development of individuals as well as learning to dominate and control matches. The U16A squad were put to the test against strong teams and proved they were more than capable. The U14s were put to the sword by a phenomenal Paul Roos “Galac ticos” team but bounced back against St Albans. The respect these young boys earned from their resilience was striking. Another first was indoor hockey being played during the third quarter in addition to Hockey 5s. Four boys were selected for the KZN Inland men’s indoor hockey team that won a silver medal at the SA Hockey Association interprovincial tournament. Noah Holl led the U16A KZN Inland indoor hockey team to fourth place at the SA Schools Hockey Association U16 tournament, where he was joined by Hayden Ravenscroft and Dan Pieterse. The U17s lost a close final at the Kearsney Hockey 5s tournament. SENIOR AGE GROUP (FIRST XI TO FIFTH XI) The senior teams set the tone for all players through a culture of respect and enjoyment, and a relentless work ethic. The first team enjoyed a particularly dominant season, recording 16 wins, three draws and only four losses across 23 fixtures. No table victories included a 6-0 win against Glenwood and a 3-0 triumph over Kearsney. The second team continued to thrive, playing with a freedom that provided significant depth for the firsts, with several players promoted to the First XI during the season. James Hayward-Butt and Matthew Carolan were the leaders of the team, which saw Elliot Springate, Asande Nkosi, Chris van Rooyen, Uyanda Ma gudulela and Ruan Ramnath going on to make provincial teams from this springboard. Once again, a Jeremy Cahill team was hugely successful, winning 12 of their 17 matches. Meanwhile, the third team remained competitive under Mrs McMichael and Mr Saunderson – unearthing some competitive players for the 2026 second team. We say goodbye and thank you to so many A Blockers who have contributed to our sport. William Gilson for his leadership, Chris topher “Stof” Gilson for his embodiment of a never-die-wonder ing attitude, Gordon Deutscher with his aggression and power, Gregor von Mayer who showed enormous growth and fulfilled his potential, Asande Nkosi whose sheer athleticism was im pressive, Ross Markham who was quirky, humorous and so de termined. We thank all of them. U16 AGE GROUP The U16 squads showed continued progress, with the U16A and U16B teams benefiting from the contribution of a strong D Block year. A major highlight for this age group was the U16B team’s attendance at the Independent Schools Hockey Festi val. Although the team initially faced challenges, the mentor

The 2025 hockey season built upon the momentum of a successful 2024, seeing 13 teams take to the field with remarkable

enthusiasm.

The school reached a milestone by playing 172 matches, the highest volume recorded in a decade. The season was also marked by the retirement of Mrs Mary McMichael, who con cluded her long-standing service to Michaelhouse hockey. Mary’s legacy is defined by her dedicated leadership of the Third XI. She concluded her career with the school by retiring

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