Author: asawula

Mohlodi Maseko, of South African College High School (SACS), will captain the South African u17 boys’ team  at the Dato Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia next month.

The annual international tournament, hosted by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, takes place in Kuala Lumpur from November 1 to 10.

Maseko is one of only two players who participated in the tournament last year and will be assisted by vice-captains, Andile Lembethe, from Maritzburg College, and Paul Roos Gimnasium‘s Logan Lackay, the other returning player.

“When coach Justin [Collins] called me, I was surprised and didn’t know why he was calling,” Maseko told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“When he told me that I would be captaining the side, it just put a huge smile on my face. Litha Kraai was in the room and was very excited for me.

“I’m very excited to face the challenges that arise as the tournament goes on with my co-captains, Logan and Andile. I believe we will overcome these challenges.”

Last year’s campaign didn’t go as planned coach Collins and his troops. After they finished third in 2023 under his guidance, they placed fifth in 2024, despite putting together some good performances.

Maseko, though, believes history won’t repeat itself, particularly after identifying what let the South African team down 12 months ago.

“Last year’s team was great, but it lacked a few things, mainly our finishing,” he said. “I feel with this group, we will be able to focus on the key aspects, such as finishing and marking in the D, which could take us all the way.”

The 18-player squad assembled for a training camp at Kearsney College at the beginning of October to work on team cohesion, combinations, and their overall structure.

They also played a competitive match against the SA u18 team and troubled their seniors, eventually succumbing 3-4 after leading 3-1.

“We had a fantastic camp where we worked on various things we will be focusing on in Malaysia,” the skipper shared.

“I think the team gelled easily and fast, and everyone was on the same page. That will be a key factor in our performance in Malaysia.

“From this group, I think people can expect us to be on the same page and everyone to follow the plan. We will also bring vibes on and off the field.”

South Africa’s campaign starts against the Australian Crocs on Sunday, 2 November, at 12:00 SAST.

Follow SuperSport Schools Hockey for all the updates and results

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

For the first time in a while, players participating in the South African Schools’ Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) will not only be playing for more than just provincial glory but also competing for international spots.

This comes after Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) announced a groundbreaking International Touring Programme, which will see the u16 and u18 boys’ and girls’ teams tour Australia in April 2026.

The teams will go head-to-head with the likes of New Zealand and the United States in the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, a tournament attracting sides from all over the world.

“This marks a major milestone for Schools Water Polo South Africa,” said Richard Irvine, SWPSA Chairperson, on Wednesday.

“The opportunity for our players to compete against top international schools and clubs will accelerate their development and deepen our competitive edge. It’s about preparing future national players and inspiring every young athlete to dream big.

“Final team selections will take place at the 50th South African Schools’ Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT), hosted in Johannesburg this December — an especially symbolic moment as South African school water polo celebrates half a century of excellence and tradition.”

SWPSA further added that the tour falls in line with their commitment to build elite performance pathways for school-aged athletes. The programme will also provide international exposure and learning opportunities while strengthening the future pipeline of South African water polo talent.

“This tour is the first of many,” Cathy Macleod, SWPSA Executive Member, added.

“We want to see our players competing regularly on the global stage, learning from the best, and returning home with the confidence and experience that fuels long-term success.”

The SWPSA invites partners and sponsors to join the journey and support the young athletes as they represent South Africa with pride and passion in Australia.

The 2025 South African Schools Water Polo Inter-Provincial tournament will run from 6 to 10 December.

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

The Hudson Park High School girls’ hockey programme has hit new heights over recent years under the tutelage of first-team coach Jerry Snyman.

The Eagles, as they’re affectionately known, are now serious contenders and have become a force to be reckoned with in the Border region.

Their results from the past season are encouraging after they went toe-to-toe with some of the best schools in the Eastern Cape.

In 2025, the school situated on Devereux Avenue in Berea had six players selected to represent the Border u18A girls’ side at the SASHOC National Week in Pietermaritzburg.

Out of those six, Busiwe Mayekiso shone the brightest and was named in the South African Schools u18A High-Performance Team.

That selection gave Mayekiso, who is in grade 11, an opportunity to play for the SA u17 side at the Dato Mirnawan Cup, which kicks off on 1 November in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

“Being selected to represent South Africa and travel to Malaysia means the world to me,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus before departing South Africa.

“It’s such an incredible honour and a dream come true to wear the national colours and represent my country on an international stage.

“This opportunity is not just about travelling or competing. It’s about showcasing the hard work, dedication, and passion that’s gone into reaching this point. It’s a moment that reminds me why I started, not only for myself but for everyone back home who has supported and believed in me.”

Since making her debut for Hudson Park in grade nine, Mayekiso has been a regular member of the first team.

She’s made valuable contributions and scored important goals in big games.

Apart from representing herself and her family in Malaysia, she also wants to do her school proud.

“Playing for Hudson’s first team over the past three years has been an amazing experience and a huge part of my growth as both a player and a person,” she explained.

“Every season has come with its own challenges and highlights, but what’s made it truly special is the bond within the team and the incredible support from the coaches and staff.

“The school has played such a big role in my journey, from the coaches who’ve guided me to the teammates who’ve become like family, and the staff and students who’ve always supported me.

“Wearing the school’s name overseas is a huge honour because it’s a reflection of everyone who’s helped me get to this point. I feel proud to show what our school stands for: hard work, teamwork, and commitment, and I hope to make everyone at Hudson proud by giving my very best out there.”

The Border star was also part of the South Africa u17 side that won the Allistar Fredericks African Challenge against Zimbabwe in August.

She scored her maiden international goal in one of those fixtures and will be aiming to pick up from where she left off when the team lands in Malaysia.

When asked what spectators can expect from her, she said: “People who know and support me can expect nothing less than my absolute best when I wear the green and gold.

“I’m going to give my all and play with heart, pride, and passion every single time I step onto the field.

“I want to represent my country with humility, dedication, and the same hard work that got me here.

“I’ll stay focused, keep pushing myself, and make sure I give everything I have for the team and for South Africa.

“Most importantly, I’ll enjoy the moment and make everyone who has supported me proud,” she concluded.

South Africa kicks off their campaign on Sunday, 2 November, against the Australian state side, Queensland, at 12:00 SAST.

Follow SuperSport Schools Hockey for all the updates.

TEAM

Annika Kloppers (Die Hoërskool Menlopark, Northern Gauteng), Peyton Marais (Curro Durbanville, Western Province), Timari Jonker (Potchefstroom Gimnasium, North West), Jamie da Silva, Ella Bowyer (both St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, KZN Coastal), Zezethu Kunene (Maris Stella, KZN Coastal), Raffael Abrahams (Steyn City School, Southern Gauteng), Holly Hofmeyr (St Anne’s Diocesan College, KZN Inland), Xylia Choene (Oranje, Southern Free State), Claire Volschenk (Eunice, Southern Free State), Azania Petersen (St Andrew’s School For Girls, Southern Gauteng), Siphiwe Thwala (Middelburg High School, Mpumalanga), Busiwe Mayekiso (Hudson Park High, Border), Katherine Sickle (Rhenish Girls’ High, Boland), Emihle Wulana (Parel Vallei, Boland), Jemma Ferreira (St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, Eastern Gauteng), Anjun Kazie (Milnerton High, Western Province), Amogelang Motlatle (Curro Hazeldean, Northern Gauteng).

FIXTURES

2 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Queensland (Australia)

3 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Australia Crocs

6 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Malaysia Tigers

8 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Japan

Strong defence coupled with accuracy in front of goal saw the Hudson Park High School u15 girls’ team clinch the Clarendon Centennial Water Polo title in East London on Sunday.

Hudson cruised through their Pool B assignments before being extended in the playoffs. In the end, they sneaked by Glenwood House 1-0 on penalties in the final after the match ended deadlocked at 4-4.

“The campaign went really well,” head coach Khanyisa Mpumlwana told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“The goal was to win the tournament. We had an unlucky run at the Collegiate Tournament but played some amazing water polo.

“The win is an immense confidence boost. The players will grow more confident and hopefully continue with their winning ways.”

Apart from being held to four goals in the final, coach Mpumlwana’s troops were on another level on their journey to the title-deciding match. In their five pool matches, they scored a whopping 36 goals and conceded only six times.

In the semi-finals, they were put to the test by DSG Makhanda but held their nerve to score a narrow 2-1 win to qualify for the title game.

Several Hudson Park players shone during the weekend, and the coach paid homage to his stars.

“All the players did really well and have grown in leaps and bounds since u14,” he explained.

“Tyler-Jade Robert is a defence queen and undeniably the best defender in the Eastern Cape. Abby Batting and Leah Smith had our tight press on lockdown, and no one was able to break their defence. They have pure aura and chemistry in that channel.

“Madison Klopstra, scoring crucial goals rolling in from our left, received two Player of the Match awards, and she was unlucky not to make the team of the tournament. Milani Mlanga and Abby also received two players of the match awards.

“Baily Lake had a rocket of a long-range shot, while Mlanga was immense with her finesse lob shots. She also played an exceptional tournament.

“I can’t not mention our goalkeeper, Caylin MacKenzie, who has won countless goalkeeper of the tournament awards. She has been the heart of our team. Lastly, our bomb squad – Cassidy Cloete, Stephany Necsulescu, Gabriella De Sousa and Georgia Maria – all deserve a mention.”

The win will be a welcome boost to the East London school’s water polo programme, which is growing in leaps and bounds.

Earlier this month, the girls’ first team defeated Glenwood House to win the Woodridge Stayers in Thornhill.

Coach Mpumlwana believes the current crop of players has also set the bar higher. “This is going to set the tone for a few years. They are the team to beat,” he said.

“The job’s not done.”

When Siphiwe Thwala arrived at the SASHOC National Week in July with Mpumalanga‘s u18A girls’ squad, being selected for the SA Schools team was the furthest thing from her mind.

Instead, the 17-year-old was laser-focused on giving her all for her team in her first senior inter-provincial tournament.

The Middelburg High School pupil excelled and impressed for her side, even though they were playing in the B-section of the tournament.

At the end of their campaign, Mpumalanga finished in fourth place after going down 3-4 against Boland B on penalties in the bronze medal showdown.

Thwala thought that was it, done and dusted, but she received the shock of her life during the closing ceremony.

“I remember sitting on the Astro during the prize-giving, and I heard my name being called out for the SA team, and I was shocked,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“It was totally unexpected because I thought they [the selectors] didn’t pay much attention to the B-Section, and they only selected from the A-Section.

“It was the last thing on my mind, although I had the dream of playing for South Africa one day, but because we were in the B-section, that dream kind of faded.

“When I was called out, I was surprised and thought: [Are they really talking about me?] I didn’t see it coming, to be honest.”

The selection was a reward for all the hard work she had put in on the turf, working on her game and fine-tuning her skills as a left link.

Thwala wasn’t born into a hockey family but first picked up a stick in grade one and never looked back.

“My family is absolutely not big on hockey,” she laughed.

“I’m the only person who plays hockey at home, and I think I’m the first. I started in primary school at Laerskool Middelburg in grade one.

“I decided to try different sporting codes, like tennis and netball, but I loved hockey more than anything else and fell in love with the sport instantly.”

That love for hockey grew immensely as she went through the primary school ranks and into high school.

In grades eight, nine, and 10, the bubbly, energetic youngster played for the u14 and u16 Middelburg teams before making the jump to first team hockey in 2025.

She explained the challenges and difficulties she faced with adapting to a more structured and high-tempo level. “The journey has been tough, but it’s had its good moments,” she said.

“From playing u14 to u16, it was nice because I was playing with my age mates and still learning high school hockey and adjusting.

“However, the jump from junior hockey to the first team is massive. That’s because you literally go from playing normal, basic hockey to a different and more intense game.

“It was tough to adjust, but with the support I got from my hockey friends, my parents, and coaches Ma’am Charlé Albert and Alti Nel, I managed to pull through.”

Throughout her hockey-playing career, Thwala has represented Mpumalanga at the national level.

Now, she has taken it a step further and will don the green and gold for the first time when South Africa goes in search of their maiden u17 Dato Mirnawan Cup title in Malaysia.

The prestigious tournament runs from 1 to 10 November in Kuala Lumpur, and it’s an opportunity of a lifetime that Thwala cannot wait to experience.

“I’m very excited, but I’m also nervous,” she said.

“The preparations have been a bit tough. We were given a schedule on what to do and what we should eat, and I’ve had to prepare it individually.

““It has been good. There have been ups and downs, but I’ve managed to stay disciplined. I’m looking forward to playing with my new teammates, learning, and growing as a player.

“From me, you can expect good vibes and playing good hockey and, hopefully, I can score a goal in some of the games we’re going to play,” she concluded.

South Africa’s first match of the tournament is on Sunday, 2 November, Australian state side, Queensland, at 12:00 SAST.

Follow SuperSport Schools Hockey for all the updates and results.

SOUTH AFRICA U17 SQUAD

Annika Kloppers (Die Hoërskool Menlopark, Northern Gauteng), Peyton Marais (Curro Durbanville, Western Province), Timari Jonker (Potchefstroom Gimnasium, North West), Jamie da Silva, Ella Bowyer (both St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, KZN Coastal), Zezethu Kunene (Maris Stella, KZN Coastal), Raffael Abrahams (Steyn City School, Southern Gauteng), Holly Hofmeyr (St Anne’s Diocesan College, KZN Inland), Xylia Choene (Oranje, Southern Free State), Claire Volschenk (Eunice, Southern Free State), Azania Petersen (St Andrew’s School For Girls, Southern Gauteng), Siphiwe Thwala (Middelburg High School, Mpumalanga), Busiwe Mayekiso (Hudson Park High, Border), Katherine Sickle (Rhenish Girls’ High, Boland), Emihle Wulana (Parel Vallei, Boland), Jemma Ferreira (St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, Eastern Gauteng), Anjun Kazie (Milnerton High, Western Province), Amogelang Motlatle (Curro Hazeldean, Northern Gauteng).

FIXTURES

2 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Queensland (Australia)

3 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Australia Crocs

6 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Malaysia Tigers

8 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Japan

The South African national u17 boys’ and girls’ hockey teams will go in search of their maiden titles at the Dato Mirnawan u17 Cup in Malaysia early next month.

It’s the fourth edition of the annual tournament, and it runs from 1 to 10 November in Kuala Lumpur. South African teams have been part of the event since 2023. 

Last year, the boys’ side finished in fifth place, while the girls clinched fourth after losing 3-4 against South Korea in the bronze medal showdown.

In 2023, the South African boys finished as the runner-up, while the girls placed fourth.

Twelve months later, the squads are almost completely different. 

For a third year in succession, the boys’ 18-player squad will be coached Justin Collins, of Northwood. He’ll be assisted by Michael Abrahams, from Collegiate Girls’ High, in Gqeberha.

The coaching staff also includes strength and conditioning coach Albertus van Heerden, from King Edward VII (KES).

Westville Boys’ High head coach, Cameron Mackey, will serve as the video analyst, while Pius Nkosi takes on the managerial responsibilities, and Wayne Marsden is the South African Schools Hockey (SASHOC) delegate.

There’s a new coach at the helm of the girls’ team, with Natalie Esteves, from St Cyprian’s School, taking over the reins from Omari Pienaar-Geyer, who was in charge in 2023 and 2024.

Esteves, who led the Western Province u18A girls’ team to a bronze medal at the SASHOC National Week, will be assisted by Nolwazi Nkabinde, from St Mary’s DSG, Kloof.

Former SA u21 player, Danielle Cairns, who plies her trade at Kearsney College, will be the strength and conditioning coach.

TEAMS

Boys

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).

Girls

Annika Kloppers (Die Hoërskool Menlopark, Northern Gauteng), Peyton Marais (Curro Durbanville, Western Province), Timari Jonker (Potchefstroom Gimnasium, North West), Jamie da Silva, Ella Bowyer (both St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, KZN Coastal), Zezethu Kunene (Maris Stella, KZN Coastal), Raffael Abrahams (Steyn City School, Southern Gauteng), Holly Hofmeyr (St Anne’s Diocesan College, KZN Inland), Xylia Choene (Oranje, Southern Free State), Claire Volschenk (Eunice, Southern Free State), Azania Petersen (St Andrew’s School For Girls, Southern Gauteng), Siphiwe Thwala (Middelburg High School, Mpumalanga), Busiwe Mayekiso (Hudson Park High, Border), Katherine Sickle (Rhenish Girls’ High, Boland), Emihle Wulana (Parel Vallei, Boland), Jemma Ferreira (St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, Eastern Gauteng), Anjun Kazie (Milnerton High, Western Province), Amogelang Motlatle (Curro Hazeldean, Northern Gauteng).

BOYS’ 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

GIRLS’ FIXTURES

2 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Queensland (Australia)

3 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Australia Crocs

6 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Malaysia Tigers

8 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Japan

Follow SuperSport Schools Hockey for all the updates and results.

When Bishops Diocesan College fell short in last year’s final of the St Stithians College Water Polo Invitational Tournament in Johannesburg, head coach Jabulani Sibiya vowed they would return stronger.

In that clash, the Cape Town side lost 14-17 to Kearsney College after leading up until the third chukka.

Sibiya and his charges had to stomach that loss, but they returned 12 months later seeking redemption and they attained it, defeating their southern suburb rivals, South African College High School (SACS), 10-7 on Sunday to lift the title.

It wasn’t an entirely smooth run for Bishops, who finished second in Pool A behind their arch-rivals, Rondebosch Boys’ High.

From there, though, Bishops went on an incredible run, cruising to a 10-1 win over Jeppe High School for Boys in a cross-pool playoff before downing a dangerous St David’s Marist Inanda team 7-3 in the quarterfinals. They, then, repeated that result in a win over St Stithians in the semi-finals.

SACS, meanwhile, cruised into the last eight after topping Pool B. They won comfortably enough against Reddam House Constantia in the quarterfinals, triumphing 8-3, but they were pushed to their limits by Rondebosch in the semi-finals. A late goal from Ben Bigara sealed a 9-8 victory and a place in the title game.

The All-Cape showdown delivered bucketloads of action and entertainment.

Ben Bigara opened the scoring for SACS, but goal-scoring machine, Matt Fenn, soon levelled and Timothy Young gave Bishops the lead.

Soon, though, Connor Mortlock replied for SACS, only for Ryan Dales to strike from the right and snatch the lead back for Bishops, who ended the first chukka 3-2 to the good.

A Fenn double in the second chukka gave the sharpshooter his hat-trick, while Dominic Zulch also got in on the scoring action. Bigara responded for SACS, but Bishops held a handy 6-3 lead at the break.

After a halftime team talk from coach Devon Card and his assistant, Liam Dawson, SACS came out firing in the third quarter. Despite conceding early to Harry Ford, the Newlands-based school clawed their way back into the fixture with four goals.

Bigara struck first, netting his third, and he soon joined by Aidan Turrell, who scored twice before Zulch and Mortlock completed their braces.

Heading into the final chukka, Bishops led 9-7, but the contest was far from over.

In the fourth chukka, though, the Bishops’ defenders and goalkeeper Michael Mafunda shut down the SACS’ attack and Bishops added a tenth goal, scored by Ford, to ensure victory.

After Bishops edged out SACS 7-6 in the third-place playoff at the SACS Water Polo Tournament a fortnight ago, the title win will be a welcome boost to coach Sibiya, his assistant, Lwazi Madi, manager, Angus Firth, and their charges.

Playoff matches

In an always fiercely contested clash between arch-rivals, Michaelhouse stunned their provincial counterparts, Hilton College, 5-4 to finish in ninth place.

Kearsney ended fifth after a 6-5 win over St John’s College, while St David’s placed seventh following a 9-5 defeat of Reddam House Constantia.

The hosts, Saints, were on fire in their bronze medal match against Rondebosch and clinched a nail-biting 12-11 win.

Woodridge, in their maiden appearance, ended 19th after beating Pearson High 8-4, while Pretoria Boys High, Grey High, St Andrew’s College and Affies all ended their campaigns with victories.

RESULTS

Sunday, 19 October

Woodridge 8-4 Pearson (19/20)
Pretoria Boys High 10-4 DHS (17/18)
Grey High 13-3 St Benedict’s College (15/16)
St Andrew’s College 14-4 KES (13/14)
Jeppe 5-6 Affies (11/12)
Hilton 4-5 Michaelhouse (9/10)
St David’s 9-5 Reddam House (7/8)
St John’s 5-6 Kearsney (5/6)
St Stithians 12-11 Rondebosch (3/4)
Bishops 10-7 SACS (Final)

Click HERE to see Day 1 results
Click HERE to see Day 2 results
Click HERE to see Day 3 results

The Western Cape’s Bishops Diocesan College and South African College High School (SACS) will reignite their rivalry on Sunday in the final of the St Stithians Invitational Water Polo Tournament.

The Saints Stayers concludes with the title game at 13:40 in the Olympic Pool and it, along with all of the classification games, will be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

The journey to the title-deciding game was far from a walk in the park for the finalists.

Bishops contested the final last year but fell short against Kearsney College, so they were out for redemption.

Yet, they finished only second in Pool A behind Rondebosch Boys’ High and had to win a cross-pool playoff match against Jeppe High School for Boys to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Coach Jabulani Sibiya’s side got the job done efficiently against Jeppe, beating them 10-1, before outplaying a talented St David’s Marist Inanda team 7-3 in the quarters.

SACS, meanwhile, breezed into the quarterfinals after topping Pool B ahead of St John’s College.

They delivered a strong performance when they met Reddam House Constantia, a team they know well, for a place in the semi-finals, with coach Devon Card‘s boys recording an 8-3 win to set up a showdown with Rondebosch. Bishops, meanwhile, faced St Stithians.

Both matches were highly entertaining and kept the spectators on the edge of their seats as the sides traded blows for a place in the title game.

There was almost nothing to separate SACS and ‘Bosch, and it went down to the wire.

At the break, the sides were deadlocked at 4-4 and returned to score four each in the second half. At one stage, Rondebosch led by two goals, but SACS clawed their way back. Then, a moment of magic from Ben Bigara in the final minute sealed a dramatic 9-8 win for SACS.

In the second semi-final, Bishops started fast and opened a 2-0 lead after the first chukka, courtesy of a Matt Fenn brace.

When Tim Young and Harry Ford found the back of the net for Bishops in the second chukka, they appeared on course to cruise into the final, up 4-0 at the break.

Fenn, then, extended his team’s lead to five, but Saints showed plenty of fight and pulled two back through Andrew Ochse and Blake Morton.

It wasn’t to be for the hosts, however, as Bishops netted two more goals in the final chukka to one from St Stithians to score a 7-3 win.

The bronze medal match between Saints and Rondebosch takes place at 10:00 in the main pool.

RESULTS

Saturday, 18 October

Cross-pool playoffs

Bishops 10-1 Jeppe
St John’s 9-5 Michaelhouse
Hilton 5-9 Kearsney
Affies 6-7 Reddam Constantia

Position 13-20 

Pearson 3-5 St Benedict’s
KES 7-6 Durban High School
Pretoria Boys High 7-9 St Andrew’s College
Woodridge 7-5 Grey High

Quarterfinals

Rondebosch 9-6 Kearsney
SACS 8-3 Reddam House
Bishops 7-3 St David’s
St Stithians 4-3 St John’s College

Semifinals

Bishops 7-3 St Stithians
SACS 9-8 Rondebosch

FIXTURES

Sunday, 19 October

07:00 – Woodridge vs Pearson @Olympic South (19/20)
07:00 – Pretoria Boys High vs DHS @Olympic North (17/18)
07:00 – Grey High vs St Benedict’s College @Saints Pool (15/16)
08:30 – St Andrew’s vs KES @Olympic South (13/14)
08:30 – Jeppe vs Affies @Olympic North (11/12)
08:30 – Hilton vs Michaelhouse @Saints Pool (9/10)
10:00 – St David’s vs Reddam House @Olympic South (7/8)
10:00 – St John’s vs Kearsney @Olympic North (5/6)
10:00 – St Stithians vs Rondebosch @Saints Pool (3/4)
13:40 – SACS vs Bishops (Final) @Olympic North

Only four teams were able to book their spots in the quarterfinals of the St Stithians College Water Polo Invitational on Friday, day two of the tournament, in Johannesburg.

After topping their respective pools, Rondebosch Boys’ High, South African College High School (SACS), St David’s Marist Inanda, and St Stithians, marched into the last eight.

They will, however, have to wait until 09:30 on Friday morning to find out who they’ll face for a place in the semifinals.

Bishops Diocesan College, Hilton College, St John’s College, and Kearsney College all finished second in their pools, meaning they’ll have to win a cross-pool playoff match to reach the quarterfinals.

There was plenty at stake on Friday after the event got off to a cracking start on Thursday.

In Pool A, Rondebosch and Bishops continued their dominance, scoring big wins over Michaelhouse and Pearson High, respectively. The Cape Town rivals then met to decide first place in the group.

It was a nail-biting Bish/Bosch clash, with coach Jared Wingate-Pearse’s Rondebosch side making their intentions clear from the get-go. They quickly rushed to a 2-0 lead after the first quarter, thanks to a Kieran Bennewith brace.

Bishops responded in the second chukka through James Malan and Christo Le Roux. That wasn’t enough, though, as Zack Labuschagne, Noah Reiback, and Jason Warneke netted to make it 5-2 to ‘Bosch at the halftime break.

The second half was all about Rondebosch despite an attempted late comeback by coach Jabulani Sibiya’s Bishops’ boys.

Nathan Corlett added his name to the scoresheet before Bennewith made it seven and completed his hat-trick in the process.

Tim Young and Matt Fenn led a late charge for Bishops, but it had come too late, and Dante Moore joined the scoring action before Rondebosch sealed an 11-8 win with strikes by Labuschagne, Warneke, and Reiback.

There was another decider in Pool B between St John’s and SACS. Both were also unbeaten after wins over St Benedict’s College and Jeppe High School for Boys earlier in the day.

In the opening two chukkas, there was very little to separate the sides, with St John’s narrowly ahead by 4-3 at the break.

Their goals came from braces by Luke Shipway and Christopher Chapman, while Ben Bigara netted two, and Luca Orgill scored from five metres out for SACS.

The second half was tightly contested, and the goalkeepers, Seth Hopkins and Oskar Stahljans, were frequently called into action.

After a long period with no goals, Simon Mussett made it five for St John’s before Bigara completed his hat-trick.

The Johannesburg side got their sixth through Fu-Nam Chen in the fourth chukka, but SACS scored twice through Bigara to snatch a thrilling 6-6 draw.

With that share of the spoils, SACS finished on top of Pool B on goal difference.

First place in Pool C was decided when St David’s defeated Hilton 11-7.

The Sandton-based side had overwhelmed Pretoria Boys High 9-4 earlier in the day, while Hilton brushed off Woodridge College 10-1.

It was, however, St David’s who made a bright start, firing into a 2-0 lead in the first chukka before Hilton fought back to trail only 4-5 midway through the contest.

In the second half, coach Dean Whyte‘s St David’s side upped the ante and outscored Hilton by six goals to three in the remaining two chukkas.

For a second day running, there were valiant contributions from Luke Laporte, Matthew Peacock, Cooper Haworth, and Danilo Giuricich.

The day’s proceedings ended with a Pool D fixture between the hosts, Saints, and the defending champions, Kearsney College.

Saints hadn’t lost a single game up to that point, but Kearsney had been stunned by Affies earlier in the day, with the Pretoria school claiming a 10-8 win.

In the opening chukka, Kearsney looked sharp and they edged ahead. St Stithians came out firing in the second chukka, however, which brought them a slender 4-3 halftime lead.

It was end-to-end stuff in the second half, with coach Nic Rodda‘s Kearsney snatching back the lead.

Coach Michael Stewart’s team talk heading into the fourth chukka worked like a charm, though, as Saints grabbed an equaliser to level the game at 5-5. That put St Stithians through to the quarterfinals after bagging six points to Kearsney’s five.

That leaves Kearsney to tackle their KZN rivals, Hilton College, in the pick of the quarterfinals’ clashes.

RESULTS

Friday, 17 October

Pool A

KES 11-8 Pearson High
Rondebosch 9-7 Michaelhouse
Pearson High 1-17 Bishops
Michaelhouse 10-6 KES
Rondebosch 11-8 Bishops

Pool B

DHS 7-10 St Benedict’s College
SACS 9-1 Jeppe
St John’s College 11-5 St Benedict’s College
Jeppe 13-5 DHS
St John’s College 6-6 SACS

Pool C

Reddam Constantia 9-8 Woodridge
St David’s 9-4 Pretoria Boys High
Hilton College 10-1 Woodridge
Pretoria Boys High 5-10 Reddam Constantia
Hilton College 7-11 St David’s

Pool D

St Andrew’s College 7-3 Affies
St Stithians 8-6 Grey High
Affies 10-8 Kearsney
Grey High 5-5 St Andrew’s College
St Stithians 5-5 Kearsney

FIXTURES

Saturday, 18 October

Cross-pool playoffs

07:00 – Bishops vs Jeppe @Main Pool 
07:00 – St John’s vs Michaelhouse @Olympic North 
07:00 – Hilton vs Kearsney @Olympic South 
07:50 – Affies vs Reddam Constantia @Main Pool

Position 13-20 

08:40 – Pearson vs St Benedict’s @Olympic South 
09:30 – KES vs Durban High School @Main Pool
09:30 – Pretoria Boys High vs St Andrew’s College @Olympic North 
09:30 – Woodridge vs Grey High @Olympic South 

Quarterfinals

11:10 – Rondebosch vs W Kearsney vs Hilton @Olympic North
11:10 – SACS vs W Affies vs Reddam House @Main Pool
12:00 – St David’s vs W Bishops vs Jeppe @Olympic North
12:00 – St Stithians vs W St John’s vs Michaelhouse @Main Pool