TuksHockey players were instrumental in getting Northerns to win the 2024 Under-21 Interprovincial tournament in Cape Town.

This past weekend, Northerns beat Western Province 3-2 in the final to win the title. UP-Tuks student-athlete, Calvin Davis captained the team and was also named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performance, including scoring against Western Province. During the tournament, it must have felt to him like any other day on the Astroturf, as 15 of his teammates were also playing. Kagiso Mathaba of Tuks guided the junior team as the head coach.

Davis is, however, quick to say that it was not an all-out Tuks effort that led to them being champions.

"CJ Mashele and Xolani Ncube from TUT stepped up and contributed whenever they played. The reality is that it's never easy coming into a team with 16 Tuks players. To see how CJ and Xolani kept playing better with every game was special. 

"I am proud of how every player did what was expected. In the buildup to the tournament, we talked a lot about not being a passenger in the team environment. Our success came from understanding that you'll not always be your best the whole tournament but peaking at the right time. We grew 10% each game. 

"My standout moment was our group game against Western Province; we went 0-1 down to them to draw 2-2. We dominated the game, although being the 'underdogs'. Knowing we could win the tournament gave the team a lot of belief and confidence.

"If I have to give credit to anyone, it would be Daniel Den Bakker and Taine Tanner-Ellis. They were both crucial in our midfield, whether taking on opponents, keeping possession or creating opportunities for our strikers."

Davis is being modest. He ended up being the player of the tournament. On SA Hockey's website, his heroics in the final are worded as follows: "Calvin Davis, who has stood up as one of the tournament stars, is knocking on the door of international selection for the senior national team. He gave Northern Blues the lead in the 36th minute with a superb reverse stick strike across the goal into the bottom right corner."

Corne Burger scored first for Northerns with a drag flick. Warrick Adams scored the winning goal. 

When Davis asked what he thinks his contribution to the team's success was, he said he felt he brought a sense of urgency yet calm mindset to the team. 

"We spoke about trust throughout the tournament and keeping things simple. My challenge as captain was to keep everyone on the same page with each game. I also brought experience to the side. It was not the first time I played an under-21 final before. I also played for the SA under-21 side."

The NorthensU-21 women's team finished third, beating WP Peninsula 3-2. A total of 15 players from Tuks were in the side.