Pretoria Boys High School will be hosting the annual Nomads Hockey Festival (28-30 March 2026), on its historic campus as part of the school’s 125th anniversary celebrations. It will be three days of competitive schoolboy hockey and community celebration with leading hockey schools from across South Africa.
The Nomads festival is a highlight on the national school hockey calendar, bringing together strong teams, passionate supporters and the values that define school sport. Hosting the event during its milestone anniversary year adds special significance for Pretoria Boys High, a school with long and proud hockey tradition.
Headmaster Greg Hassenkamp says the festival reflects the true purpose of school sport. “Our role as schools is not to produce professional sportsmen, but to instil a love for the game, respect for opponents and officials, and an understanding that while winning is important, it is not what matters most.”
Hockey has been part of the Pretoria Boys High sporting programme since 1950, and the school today fields up to 20 teams, supported by a world-class artificial pitch, The Hill Astro and two well-maintained grass fields that provide an excellent environment for player development.
Director of Hockey, Colin Fielding, says the festival continues to play an important role in strengthening the sport's culture. “The Nomads Hockey Festival brings together quality teams, strong competition and the true spirit of schoolboy hockey. It is an opportunity not only to showcase great hockey, but also to build friendships and sportsmanship between schools.”
This year’s festival will see the following schools competing:
Pretoria Boys High School | Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) | Grey College | Grey High School | Hilton College | Jeppe High School for Boys | Kearsney College | King Edward VII School | Maritzburg College | Selborne College | St John’s College | Wynberg Boys’ High School
Beyond the action on the field, the festival will offer a lively atmosphere with food stalls, sponsor activations and hospitality areas, creating an enjoyable experience for families, Old Boys and supporters of all ages.
Over three days, players and visitors alike can expect high-quality hockey, warm hospitality and a celebration of school sport, as Pretoria Boys High marks 125 years of excellence on and off the field.