By Quaid Heyns (4th Form)
24 July 2025
This weekend, Saturday the 26th of July 2025, one of South African schools rugby’s fiercest rivalries resumes as the boys of Maritzburg College travel to Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) for a highly anticipated first-team clash in Pretoria. With Kick-off set for 14:00, the event will add to the Premier Interschools series—broadcasted live on DSTV and SuperSport Schools.
Affies come into this match as fan favourites on their home soil. The Pretoria-based team boast one of the strongest rugby teams in the country, based on current national rugby rankings, known for their strong forward packs, calculated kicking game, and brutal physicality. Despite the pressure this weekend, Affies’ team depth and cohesion are expected to engage every phase of play. But College are no strangers to competition. Known for their tight defence, hard-running backs, and tactical discipline, the Red, Black, and White will be looking to disrupt Affies’ rhythm early in the game. Led by a tenacious forward pack and a backline capable of exploiting open space, one of College’s main focuses will be on structured play and combative breakdowns to counter the Affies machine. Fast passes, effective kicking, and persistent tackling may be vital if they are to pull off another famous away win.
A key conflict to watch is the showdown of the front rows, where set pieces will be crucial in the match. Maritzburg’s capable scrummaging unit will have to take on severe pressure from a powerful Affies pack that thrives on dominance at the set piece. Scrum-half control will be vital with kicking and rapid decision-making at number 7 in directing the tide of the game. Both teams possess competent playmakers who have the ability of turning defence into attack in an instant.
Expect some brilliance from the backline as Affies can target the midfield, while College wings may try to finish off wide movements and breakdown opportunities. While the win-loss track record is in Affies favour, this game is greater than just stats. For both teams, it’s a test of pride, culture, and durability. College will attempt to narrow the gap, while Affies will aim to prove their dominance on home soil.
Expect hard tackles, eventful phases, and a display of high-quality schoolboy rugby. One thing is certain—when College meets Affies, every second counts.
Tension On The Turf
The city of Pretoria is on edge as Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) prepares to host the boys Maritzburg College in their annual 1st XI hockey fixture—an exciting smackdown steeped in tradition and rivalry. The “Interschools” series between Affies and Maritzburg College spans over two decades, with this the latest event of its kind on Affies’ turf. Both teams enter with strong history of top-tier competitions that have often been tightly contested. For example, in mid-2024, their 1st XI last collided, ending in a nail-biting 1 all draw, displaying similar mastery of the turf.
Affies enter the weekend with recent dominance at the Founders Festival in late March this year, with standout performances including an incredible defeat of Kearsney College and back-to-back triumphs against Parktown and St Stithians. Meanwhile, College’s U16 and 1st teams recently held their own against top Gauteng school sides and can boast winning results over Clifton and Hilton College this June. Their consistent presence in league fixtures speaks to their competitive readiness.
Affies is known for assertive attacking play and a durable defensive core. Their recent structure suggests a well-balanced team capable of dominating circle entries and converting penalty corners, while Maritzburg College’s tactical discipline and their strong midfield pressing have historically propelled them in these fixtures. Expect them to disrupt Affies’ rhythm and take advantage via counterattacks, as witnessed in the 2024 draw.
Some key players to watch are the Affies goalkeeper who played a critical role in last year’s draw with College, keeping the score-line tight, and while specific names may vary, College’s ability to control the speed throughout the midfield drew attention during their narrow 2024 win and is likely to be a match-defining factor again. Victory in this fixture isn’t just about bragging rights—it can set the tone for the remainder of the hockey season, influencing national rankings and inter-school pride. The fixture is expected to draw a large crowd, including alumni and local supporters, ensuring a raucous atmosphere supportive of both teams.
We can expect fierce physical contests of high-intensity pressing and strategic fouls in the circle, some tactical chess as coaches from both schools renowned for strategy, likely making this a game of mind‑games and fine margins due to the history of tight score-lines. Expect this to go down to the wire—possibly decided by penalty corners or a standout individual moment. While official quotes are pending, historical context and recent results underline both teams’ readiness. Affies coach is expected to build on their Founders Festival momentum, while College will lean on lessons from last year’s draw and their inward discipline and structure.
As Maritzburg College travels to Pretoria this Saturday, all eyes will be on the turf at Affies. With a legacy of narrowly contested matches and consistent excellence from both schools, this promises not just a game—but a classic chapter in the storied Interschools tradition. Expect a fast pace, physical commitment, and a gripping battle played out under the Gauteng sun.
Whether you’re cheering for the green, red, and yellow of Affies, or the red, black and white of The Collegians, this is one hockey clash you won’t want to miss!