Stipcevich vows to bring his best for SA at Dato Mirnawan Cup

The South African u17 boys’ team, set to take part in the 2025 Dato’ Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia next week, is stacked with quality players all around.

The 18-player squad is coached by Justin Collins, who will have a selection conundrum from the get-go.

The team opens its campaign on Sunday, 2 November, against Australia in Kuala Lumpur at 12:00 SAST.

One of the key decisions coach Collins and his backroom staff have to make centres around combinations and fielding players who complement each other.

A player’s name that will undoubtedly come up in the conversation is that of Matteo Stipcevich.

The St David’s Marist Inanda pupil, who plays outside midfielder but can also operate as a drop centre forward, will be a massive asset for the side.

SuperSport Schools Plus caught up with him ahead of the tournament.

“I’m very excited to be able to represent my country; it means the world to me,” Stipcevich said.

“I feel very fortunate that I was selected. I am the first in my family to play for South Africa, and it is an opportunity many people do not get to experience, so I’m grateful.”

The midfield maestro had a wonderful season with St David’s this year.

His hard work on the turf was rewarded after he was named in the Southern Gauteng u18A side for the SASHOC National Week. Stipcevich was influential and played a major role in helping the side reach the final, only to go down against Western Province.

His performances in front of the selectors earned him a spot in the SA Schools team. He admitted it’s something he’s been working towards since he started playing hockey.

“I would say it’s a dream come true.

“I started playing hockey when I was eight, and seeing players like Jamie Seale and Dalpiarro Langford representing South Africa, it quickly became my long-term goal. I was working towards it as my biggest dream.”

The 17-year-old doesn’t shy away from putting in the hard yards on the turf, doing extra defensive work, and putting his body on the line. He also has the incredible ability to scan the field, make crucial plays and take calculated risks, which pay off more often than not.

Stipcevich will be paired with some of the best from around the country and is excited to bring his skills to the party.

“I am very keen to play at the top level with this team. I’m looking forward to us gelling as a unit because I believe all of us combined can be a force to be reckoned with.

“From me, you can expect a team player who will put in the hard yards and do anything in his power to ensure the success of the team,” he concluded.

TEAM

Marley Musasa, Daniel Fisher (both Rondebosch Boys’ High and Western Province), Viwe Ndlovu, Andile Lembethe (both Maritzburg College and KZN Inland), Ruben Gouws, Logan Lackey (both Paul Roos Gimnasium and Boland), Cameron Cordeiro, Chavez Sanger, Mohlodi Maseko (all SACS and Western Province), Keegan de Jager (Kearsney College, KZN Coastal), Jacques van Dyk (Stellenberg High, Western Province), Liam Brooker (Pretoria Boys High, Northern Gauteng), Thandanani Zuma (Michaelhouse, KZN Inland), Matteo Stipcevich (St David’s Marist Inanda, Southern Gauteng), Neilyandro van Schalkwyk (Grey College, Southern Free State), Ryan Groenewald (Fairmont High, Western Province), Chad Julius (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), Martin de Bruyn (Paarl Boys’ High, Boland).

FIXTURES

Note: Fixtures are in South African Standard Time.

2 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Australia Crocs

3 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Malaysia Tigers

5 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Malaysia Speedy

6 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Queensland (Australia)

8 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Japan