Author: sipongco

Alakhe Mdluli, the captain of Glenwood High School delivered an outstanding performance in the KZN High Schools Football League’s Coastal Championship final at Queensburgh High School, to guide his team to a 1-0 victory over Westville Boy’s High School on Monday.

Mdluli’s remarkable display earned him a well-deserved man of the match award.

Not only did he contribute an assist for the winning goal, but he also posed a constant threat to Westville’s defence throughout the game.

It was also a second league title in succession for Glenwood and Mdluli, who was part of the team that won the league title in 2023.

During a post-game interview with SuperSport Schools, Mdluli deflected from his outstanding display, saying: “I am truly thankful to the Almighty for giving me the talent and ability to play this sport.”

Mdluli, who was in grade nine when he first represented Eswatini at u20 level, said the game was enjoyable but challenging, especially when Glenwood had to safeguard their advantage. Leading by example, he skilfully managed his offensive and defensive responsibilities.

Glenwood coach Khaya Mgwengwe provided his skipper with extra motivation when he pointed out to him that it would be his last time ever playing in the second term Coastal League. “I hard to put in a shift today,” Mdluli said.

Mateo Horstead, the former captain of Maritzburg College, who led the 2023 College team to a historic treble, graced the occasion with his presence. Currently, the midfield ace is showcasing his skills as a player for the u19 AmaZulu FC alongside Mdluli.

Commenting on the Durban club, Mdluli said: “Playing for AmaZulu, it’s challenging. We’re learning a lot. The league is finished, and we finished second on the log.”

Coastal Finals 

Queensburgh High School hosts a showdown between Westville Boys’ High School and Glenwood High School on Monday afternoon for the title of Coastal champions of the KZN High Schools Football League.

Last season, it was Glenwood who prevented Westville from successfully defending the title, eliminating the Griffin in the semi-finals. The Green Machine, then, went on to lift the silverware after a penalty shootout win over Port Shepstone.

In their most recent outings, Glenwood defeated Durban High School (DHS) 3-2, while Westville won 2-1 against Bechet Secondary School.

The group stage concluded with both Westville and Glenwood accumulating 16 points, which included one draw and one loss each. However, it was Westville who claimed the top spot with a better goal difference. Of course, whatever went before counts for nothing in the final.

The Coastal B final, meanwhile, will feature New Forest and Empangeni. They’re scheduled to meet in the title decider on 31 May.

Inland Finals 

In Inland action, Carter High School triumphed 1-0 over Maritzburg College, handing the Red, Black and White a first loss of the local league season.

College, though, will have an opportunity to avenge that loss when they face off with Carter once more in the final of the Inland League on Thursday, 30 May, on Barns Field, at Maritzburg College.

For the record, Carter topped the table at the completion of the round-robin matches. Both Carter and College won five, lost one and drew one, leaving them on 16 points each. But Carter edged ahead on goal difference.

The finalists have developed an entertaining rivalry and their meeting in the final of the 2023 Pietermaritzburg and Midlands FA Cup was a match for the ages. College won it 3-2, but Carter cooked up a number of opportunities to level and then win the contest late in the game.

Afterwards, the Chairman of the KZN High Schools Football Association, Dan Haswell called the final “pulsating and exciting”, enthusing that it “encapsulated everything that is great about school sport, and football in particular.”

A similarly exciting showdown on Thursday would be a treat.

Edendale Technical High School and Northbury to the final 

The final of the Inland B League will be between Edendale and Northbury.

Newcomers, Edendale, head into the title match with an unbeaten record. In their last game, they secured a 4-1 win over Riverwood, with goals from Aphiwe Zitha, Lungani Ntuli, Wandile Mbanjwa and Z. Ndlela.

After seven games, they comfortably secured the top spot with 19 points. Northbury finished six adrift, just one above ML Sultan.

The B League final takes place on 31 May.

Week 7 Coastal Results 

Glenwood 3-2 DHS
Northwood 2-0 Pinetown
Port Shepstone 3-1 Hillcrest
Westville 2-1 Bechet
Redwood 0-0 Sastri
Empangeni 5-0 Amanzimtoti
New Forest 2-0 Queensburgh
Grosvenor 6-0 Ashton

Inland Results 

Carter 1-0 Maritzburg College A
Linpark 1-0 Alexandra A
Ixopo 4-2 Newton
Maritzburg College B 3-1 Haythorne
Northbury 1-0 Alexandra B
Edendale 4-1 Riverwood
Maritzburg College C 5-0 Thornhill

Edendale Technical High, led by coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo, is set to represent the South African girls’ team at the CAF African Schools Football Championship in Tanzania from 21-24 May.

In July 2023, Edendale and the Ubuntu Football Academy won the girls’ and boys’ titles at the 2023 Winter National Schools Sport Championship in Benoni, which secured them a place in the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) final in Harare, Zimbabwe, in December.

The South African sides, which were allowed to also include players from other schools, under the guidance of the South African Football Association (Safa) and through the Confederation of Africa Football (Caf) regulations, were both victorious, thus securing places at the CAF finals, which will be hosted in Tanzania from 21-24 May.

Edendale beat Botswana 3-1 in their final, with a double from Khwezi Khoza and a third goal from Rethabile Molefe confirming their progress to the continental showpiece. Khoza finished the qualifiers as the event’s top goal scorer, netting 11 times.

Last year, in the CAF Finals, Edendale was eliminated in the early rounds after stumbling against Morocco and Senegal at the King Zwelethini Stadium in Umlazi, just outside Durban.

The team to challenge for the title in Tanzania has been bolstered by a number of talented players, including Katlego Malebane, of Mamelodi Sundowns, and the 13-year-old Akhona Simamane, of Lindelani Ladies FC.

Malebane joined Sundowns at just eight years of age and has proudly worn the yellow, blue and green jersey ever since.

She left spectators mesmerised during the Kapstad Cup in 2022 and was one of the top players during the inaugural season of the Gauteng Women’s Development League in 2023, which the Brazilians won under the guidance of coach Rhoda Mulaudzi. Malebane has also represented the South African u17 national team.

At just 13 years of age, Akhona Simamane appeared in the Hollywoodbets Super League, the top flight of women’s football in South Africa. Now she’ll be afforded an opportunity to make her mark beyond the country’s borders.

Her club Lindelani Ladies FC trumpeted Simamane’s selection on their social media channels, and her achievement was widely praised, with Lindelani also being lauded for providing a platform for young girls to showcase their talents.

u15 South African Girls Team 

Technical Team

1. Coach: Ntombifuthi Khumalo
2. Manager: Sihle Basi
3. Female Safeguarding Officer: Nokuthula Gumede
4. Technical Department: Keneilwe Mathibela
5. Physiotherapist: Anita Masolo Baloi

Northwood claimed their second win of the 2024 KZN High Schools Football League‘s Coastal A League competition on Tuesday, defeating Durban High School (DHS) 3-2 at Queensburgh High.

The Knights have had a challenging start to their 2024 campaign and went into Tuesday’s clash at the bottom of the Coastal A league table after recording one win, a draw and three losses in their first five matches. Against DHS, though, they were convincing winners, and the victory has revitalised their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage of the competition.

Rhys Millar grabbed the spotlight with a double, while Sphesihle Gigaba was also on target, as Northwood claimed a much-needed win.

With the victory, the school from the north of Durban is up to fifth in the standings and Port Shepstone, last season’s beaten finalists, falls below Northwood, with six points from six games.

Sheppie suffered a heavy defeat, going down 1-4 to the table-topping Westville Boys’ High. Ntando Ngcobo struck twice for the Griffin, while Bande Gumede, and Bayanda Dlamini also found the back of the net. Saneliso Madlala netted a consolation goal for Port Shepstone.

Monday’s results showed how closely contested the Coastal A League is, with the outcome of one game able to significantly change the standings.

Currently, Glenwood and Westville lead the pack, with 13 points each. Both teams secured victories in week six, with Glenwood triumphing 3-0 over Bechet. The Sydenham school has performed impressively this season, but Tuesday’s setback leaves them three points adrift of the leaders.

Pinetown High, after a goalless draw with Hillcrest High, is just one point behind Bechet, while Hillcrest occupies seventh position, just above DHS.

FIXTURES 

u19 Inland A, 15 May

Maritzburg College

16:45, Field 1 – Maritzburg College A vs Linpark

16 May

Maritzburg College

15:00, Field 1 – Maritzburg College B vs Carter

Alexandra High School

15:00, Field 1 – Haythorne vs Newton
16:00, Field 2 – Alex vs Ixopo

u19 Coastal B, 17 May

Queensburgh High School

15:10, Field 1 – Empangeni vs Grosvenor
15:10, Field 2 – Ashton Ballito vs Queensburgh
16:10, Field 1 – Amanzimtoti vs Redwood
16:10, Field 2 – New Forest vs Sastri College

u19 Inland B, 17 May

Alexandra High School

15: 00, Field 1 – Heritage vs Edendale
15:00, Field 2 – Alex B vs Maritzburg College B
16:00, Field 1 – ML Sultan vs Thornhill
16:00, Field 2 – Riverwood vs Northbury

Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA), located in Vereeniging, presents talented young footballers from the Vaal Triangle with opportunities to make their mark, not only on the field of play, but also in the classroom. And it offers them hope for a bright future.

RESA’s facilities are undergoing upgrades and renovations, while residential accommodation is being added to their facility, club chairman Xolani Mathumbo shared with SuperSport Schools Plus recently.

The academy currently accommodates 70 players, which reflects RESA’s dedication to the game and perseverance in the region over the last 25 years. During that time, the academy has established a record of excellence and has produced a number of players who have represented South Africa.

RESA began with dusty fields and rundown facilities, Today, it sports lush green grounds and a nurturing environment for the youth, presenting its young footballers with a favourable opportunity to chase their dreams.

It’s been a source of hope and inspiration in the Vaal Triangle, especially for those with limited resources but exceptional talent.

RESA regularly does battle with teams from the big cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg and excels. That success stems from a strong work ethic and a family-like environment. The goal is to make the academy a second home for its players.

RESA chairman Xolani Mathumbo shared his outlook with SuperSport Schools Plus: “Never allow anyone to limit your aspirations. Strive to soar higher each day.

“These lessons remind us that the world is interconnected. Regardless of race, we all share the same red blood.

“Always bear in mind that life is a continuous journey of growth and improvement.

“Our emblem symbolizes our roots, the path to self-improvement, and the importance of upholding life’s core values.”

Running RESA is a financial challenge, but Mathumbo highlighted the support of Ceramics Industries and TSX, which has stuck with the academy through thick and thin.

RESA’s teams, including u14 and u16 girls’ sides, and u13, u15, u17, and u19 boys’ teams, feature in the Gauteng Development League (GDL).

Through their exposure in the GDL, young talent has been scouted by leading Premier Soccer League clubs, with players signing with SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns, among others, which showcases the impact of RESA’s work.

Those players include Lucky Muthewi, who was scoring goals for RESA in the u17 GDL in 2023, and who made his DStv Premiership debut earlier this year for SuperSport United, and Thando “Shavula” Singo, who joined the Mamelodi Sundowns Academy from RESA in 2023.

Others RESA graduates who have gone on to make an impact in the professional ranks include Calvin Kadi, who played for Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates‘ midfielder Thabang Monare, Kaizer Chiefs’ midfielder Mduduzi “Mdu” Mdantsane, Lwandile Mabuya, who plays for Richards Bay, TS Galaxy midfielder Siphiwe Mahlangu, and Nhlanhla Shabala, the general secretary of the South African Football Player’s Union (SAPFU).

Into week five of the KZN High Schools Football, the competition has intensified, especially for those teams who are feeling the pressure and dropping important points, while matters are more enjoyable for others, who are displaying their dominance and experience.

Coastal A and B League 

Northwood’s challenging season has continued, after they recorded a single win at the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament’s third edition.

In week five of the KZN High Schools Football League, they suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat against Glenwood High School. After that loss, Northwood School occupies the bottom spot in the standings, with one win, one draw and three losses after five games.

They failed to qualify for the knockout rounds of the competition in 2023, and their title hopes in 2024 are diminishing.

At the top of the Coastal A League standings, there is a fierce competition for the number one spot. Westville Boy’s High School, Glenwood High School, and Bechet Secondary School are all tied on 10 points, with Westville leading the pack because of a superior goal difference.

The Coastal B League is brimming with numerous new additions. There, Empangeni and New Forest top the standings, with 12 points and four victories each.

The competition in the middle of the table is captivating with Sastri College, Queensburgh High and Redwood College all on nine points and sporting identical records of three wins and two losses.

Ashton Ballito, on the other hand, has found the going tough and they’re at the bottom of the table, having yet to secure a single point after suffering five consecutive losses.

Inland A and B League 

In the Inland stream of the KZN High Schools Football League, Maritzburg College started off slowly with a draw against Ixopo, but they quickly to turned things around and they’re leading the way with only a few games remaining

A recent 3-1 victory over Alexandra High School solidified their top position. Currently, College has 13 points, having won four matches and drawn one. Only the Red, Black and White and Ixopo are yet to taste defeat.

Haythorne Secondary School, with a draw and four losses, is rooted to the bottom of the log.

Edendale Technical High School, a new team in the Inland B League, is thriving and has proved itself a force to be reckoned with. Despite their recent introduction to the competition, they have quickly gained recognition for their exceptional football skills.

With four victories and a single draw, Edendale has a clean record and 13 points. Northbury and Heritage are both within striking distance, on 10 points.

Week 5 Results 

Coastal A League 

Glenwood 1-0 Northwood
Pinetown 1-0 Westville
Port Shepstone 4-2 Bechet
Durban High School 2-1 Hillcrest

Coastal B League

Queensburgh 5-2 Grosvenor
Sastri 4-2 Ballito
Redwood 2-0 Empangeni
New Forest 1-0 Amanzimtoti

Inland A League

Haythorne 1-1 Linpark
Newton 1-1 Carter
Maritzburg College A 3-1 Alexandra High School
Ixopo 2-1 Maritzburg College B

Inland B League

Edendale 1-0 ML Sultan
Northbury 2-1 Heritage
Maritzburg College C 3-2 Riverwood
Thornhill 0-0 Alexandra High School B

Into its second season, the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL), which now sports u14 and u16 divisions, is going from strength to strength, with strong backing from dedicated supporters, who come out of in full force on Sundays to cheer on the girls as they show off their skills on the field.

Whether in Roodepoort or Vereeniging or in the heart of Johannesburg, the league is pulling in supporters.

Now, heading into week four of the 2024 season, Mamelodi Sundowns top the u14 league table while JVW tops the u16 table, followed by Sundowns, a point behind but with a game in hand. Sundowns have stolen the show week in and week out and have been in dominant form in the league. However, they are not without competition, with the GWDL having started to reveal its potential for surprising upsets.

In the u14 division, the pacesetting Sundowns are being chased by Refilwe FC, JVW and Origin FC, with those three clubs having all accumulated 13 points so far. That leaves them two points adrift of the log leaders, who also have the advantage of a game in hand.

Meanwhile, in the u16 division, an intense battle for the title is unfolding. Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) has 15 points, the same as Mamelodi Sundowns, with JVW, at the top, one point ahead of them. Highlands Park, the runners-up of the 2023 GWDL, are also in the mix, on 13 points, in fourth position.

More than 100 goals have been scored in both divisions, which reflects kindly on the sharp shooting abilities of the teams. Some clubs, though, are finding it tough sledding. West Youth Academy and Edenvale have yet to secure a win in the u16 division, while Highlands Park and West Youth Academy, in the u14 division, will need to focus on improvements at both ends of the field.

The abundance of goals being scored, highlights the attacking nature of the football being played, which delivers entertainment for spectators. That, however, should also serve as a warning to defenders and coaches that more work is needed on defensive strategies.

Winning, thankfully, is not the sole focus of many coaches, who have emphasised the importance of nurturing young players towards excellence, on and off the field, regardless of whether they wish to pursue a professional career in football or not.

U14 Gauteng Women’s Development League: Log Standings

U16 Gauteng Women’s Development League: Log Standings

Fixtures: u14 GWDL at Panorama FC, 12 May

09:00 – Field 1 – Edenvale FC vs Panorama FC
09:00 – Field 2 – Refilwe FC vs Origin FC
10:30 – Field 1 – RESA vs Mamelodi Sundowns
10:30 – Field 2 – Tornado Ladies vs Kempton Park
11:45 – Field 1 – TUKS vs Kenneth FC
11:45 – Field 2 – West Youth Academy vs JVW FC
12:45 – Field 1 – Origin FC vs Edenvale FC
12:45 – Field 2 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Panorama FC
13:45 – Field 1 – Kempton Park vs Refilwe FC
13:45 – Field 2 – Kenneth FC vs RESA
15:00 – Field 1 – JVW FC vs Tornado FC
15:00 – Field 2 – Highlands Park vs TUKS

For the first time, in its third edition, the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament has a new champion after Clapham High School defeated Grey College 2-1 in the final, at the Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley on Saturday.

On the final day, Clapham demonstrated their champion’s qualities by triumphing 3-2 over Maritzburg College in an exciting clash. It was a second meeting in two days for the teams. On Friday, they had played to a 0-0 draw in the group stage.

In the semi-finals, Clapham delivered the goods when it mattered most, outplaying the two-time defending champions, HTS Louis Botha 3-0.

Louis Botha had to settle for third position in the 20-strong field after a win over Kimberley Boys’ High.

This year’s third edition of the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament produced another significant step forward for the event, which has further bolstered the Absa Wildeklawer sports’ offerings. The soccer competition, together with the huge rugby and netball tournaments, make it the largest schools’ sports event in Africa.

The year’s football tournament featured top teams from various regions across the country, including Cape Town, East London, Pietermaritzburg, Bloemfontein, and Pretoria, among others. With many of the participants being top performers in their local leagues, the competition was keen, but played in a spirit of good sportsmanship.

While 2024’s tournament has now been consigned to the record books, the organisers are already looking ahead to next season, with the sides that advanced to the final six of the knockout stage having already qualified for the 2025 event: Clapham High School, the reigning champions; Grey College, the 2024 runners-up; HTS Louis Botha, the two-time winners; Kimberley Boys’ High; Maritzburg College; and Paul Roos Gymnasium.

RESULTS

Final Six

Grey College 1-0 Paul Roos Gymnasium
Clapham High School 3-2 Maritzburg College
HTS Louis Botha 0 (5) – 0 (4) Kimberly Boys’ High

Semifinals 

Clapham High School 3-0 HTS Louis Botha
Grey College 1-0 Kimberley Boys’ High

Final 

Clapham High School 2-1 Grey College

TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

Goalkeeper 

Lethukuthula Mahlangu (Clapham High School)

Defenders

Tumiso Makena (Clapham High School), Thuto Lephoi (Kimberley Boys’ High), Joshua Bailey (Paul Roos Gymnasium), Tlou Lekgau (Clapham High School),

Midfielders 

Mthokozisi Mathibela (Clapham High School), Leago Ledwaba (Clapham High School), Botlhale Malokase (Grey College), Thato Pone (HTS Louis Botha)

Forwards

Sechaba Gaseitsiwe (Kimberley Boys’ High), and Freddy Mokgwe (Clapham High School)

The winner of the third annual Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament will be determined on Saturday at the Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley.

Day Two Results

Benny Sports Academy 1-1 Grey College
Virginia High 2-0 Brebner High
Kimberley Boys’ High 5-0 Selborne College
Wildeklawer Academy 5-0 St Benedict’s College
Louis Botha 2-0 Navalsig High
Potchefstroom Boys’ High 1-0 Dale College
Clapham 0-0 Maritzburg College
Northwood School 5-1 Blinkklip High
Norkem Park High 0-0 Emang Mmogo
Grey College 0-0 Virginia High
Benny Sports Academy 5-3 Brebner High

Knockout stages 

Louis Botha 1-0 Wildeklawer Academy
Kimberley Boys’ High 1 (5) – 1 (3) Navalsig
Maritzburg College 0 (5) – 0 (3) Emang Mmogo
Clapham High 1-0 Norkem Park High

Final Six

08:00 Kimberley Boys’ High vs HTS Louis Botha: SPU 1
08:00 Clapham High School vs Maritzburg College SPU 2
09:30: Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Grey High School

The third edition of the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament kicked off in Kimberley on Thursday, with the Sol Plaatje University hosting the high-quality action on three fields.

The level of competition continues to escalate and this year leading football-playing schools from around South Africa have their sights set on dethroning HTS Louis Botha, who is aiming to claim the title for a third year in succession in 2024.

However, the defending champions showed on day one that they were well-prepared and ready to take on any challengers. In their, first match, Louis Botha triumphed 4-1 over Dale College, who were the runners-up of the East London High Schools Football League in the 2023 season.

It was a tough first day for Dale, who are making their second appearance at the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament. They also went down 0-2 to Navalsig High.

Louis Botha continued their dominance, meanwhile, adding a 5-1 win over Potchefstroom High School for Boys to their earlier success. With a maximum points’ haul of six points on the opening day, they made a case that they remain the team to beat.

They play their third and last game of the group stages against Navalsig High at 11:00 on Friday morning.

Day two of the competition features the final group games, which will determine the knockout matchups.

One of the most interesting of the last group stage matches on Friday is likely to be the showdown between Maritzburg College and Clapham High. Both have already secured their spots in the knockout stages and will finish either first or second in the pool, depending on the outcome of their showdown.

Known for their unique style of play, Clapham, which is a feeder school to Mamelodi Sundowns, will have to deal with College’s high pressing and composed on-the-ball play, which should deliver an intriguing battle.

In their first game, Maritzburg College triumphed 2-1 over Northwood School, and they replicated that score in their second outing against Blinkklip High.

Northwood’s fortunes took a turn for the worse in their second match when they suffered a 0-5 defeat against Clapham, which effectively took them out of the competition.

RESULTS

Kimberley Boys’ High 5-0 St Benedict’s College
Louis Botha 4-1 Dale College
Clapham High 2-1 Blinkklip High
Emang Mmogo 3-1 Paul Roos Gymnasium
Virginia High 5-0 Benny Sports Academy
Wildeklawer Academy 1-0 Selborne College
Navalsig High 5-0 Potchefstroom High School for Boys
Maritzburg College 2-1 Northwood School
Norkem Park High 2-1 Glenwood High
Grey College 4-0 Brebner High
Louis Botha 5-1 Potchefstroom High School for Boys
Navalsig High 2-0 Dale College
St Benedict’s College 3-3 Selborne College
Kimberley Boys’ High 0-0 Wildeklawer Academy
Clapham 5-0 Northwood
Maritzburg College 2-1 Blinkklip High
Paul Roos Gymnasium 1-1 Norkem Park High
Emang Mmogo 0-0 Glenwood High