Author: sipongco

KZN Inland Football Action 

The 2024 KZN High Schools Football League season has kicked off, with the opening matches, played during the course of last week, featuring plenty of goals and exciting action. It looks as if an entertaining season is on the cards.

On Barns’ Field at Maritzburg College, the u19 Inland champs, Maritzburg College A, almost came short against Ixopo High School in their opener as the teams played to a 2-2 draw.

College, though, showed strong character after twice falling behind. Despite facing adversity, the College boys equalised through goals from Jordan Marais and Philasande Khuzwayo, with Khuzwayo’s successful conversion of a penalty kick coming just before the final whistle.

As they set about defending their title, College will have been reminded that there will be a target on their back this year after an exceptionally successful 2023 season. Last year, their resilience and team spirit allowed them to forge several comebacks on their way to victories.

Meanwhile, the Maritzburg College B team set the cat among the pigeons by picking up a 2-1 win over Linpark, the runners-up in the 2023 u19 Inland competition.

Carter High, who were involved in the most exciting game of last season, the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands FA Cup final, in which they pushed Maritzburg College to the brink before going down 2-3, opened their account with a 2-0 win over Haythorne.

Northbury, meanwhile, surged to the top of the log by thumping Thornhill 6-0. Alexandra High School, with home ground advantage, defeated Newton 4-0, Edendale, a newcomer to the league, got off to a winning start, defeating the Alexandra B team 2-1.

KZN Coastal Football Action 

A big showdown set the KZN Coastal competition in motion, with the defending champions, Glenwood High School, tackling the team they eliminated in a semi-final penalty shootout last season, Westville Boys’ High, at Queensburgh High School.

In an intense clash, Westville edged out Glenwood, winning 3-2. Like Maritzburg College in the Inland league, they enter the 2024 season intent on living up to the standards of their predecessors, who put together an excellent campaign.

Durban High School (DHS) and Pinetown played to a 2-2 draw, while Betchet emerged victorious over Hillcrest, claiming a 2-1 victory.

Northwood High School, whose 2023 season did not go entirely as planned, began the new season on a positive note by defeating Port Shepstone 2-1. Sheppie saw the 2023 title slip out of their grasp when Glenwood scored a late equaliser in their semi-final, before claiming the title in a penalty shootout.

New Forest provided thrills in their game against Ashton International Ballito, triumphing 5-0 to claim the three points on offer and top spot in the KZN Coastal B League.

Queensburgh made a confident start, defeating Redwood 4-0, while Amanzimtoti saw off Grosvenor 2-1. Empangeni were victorious in their debut match, beating Sastri College 2-1.

Week One Results

Coastal A-League 

Westville 3-2 Glenwood
DHS 2-2 Pinetown
Bechet 2-1 Hillcrest
Northwood 2-1 Port Shepstone

Coastal B-League

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

Inland A-League

Maritzburg College B 2-1 Linpark
Carter 2-0 Haythorne
Maritzburg College 2-2 Ixopo
Alex 4-0 Newton

Inland B-League

Heritage 2-1 Riverwood
Northbury 6-0 Thornhill
Maritzburg College C 2-1 ML Sultan
Edendale 2-1 Alex B

This Week’s Fixtures

Coastal A-League 

15 April, Queensburgh High School

15:10 – Pinetown vs Glenwood (Field 1)
15:10 – Hillcrest vs Westville (Field 2)
16:10 – Port Shepstone vs DHS (Field 1)
16:10 – Northwood vs Bechet (Field 2)

Inland A-League 

18 April, Alexandra High School

15:10 – Carter vs Linpark
15:10 – Alex vs Maritzburg College B
16:10 – Maritzburg College A vs Newton
16:10 – Haythorne vs Ixopo

Coastal B-League 

19 April, Queensburgh High School

15:10 – Redwood vs Ashton Ballito (Field 1)
15:10 – Sastri College vs Amanzimtoti (Field 2)
16:10 – New Forest vs Grovesnor
16:10 – Queensburgh vs eMpangeni

Inland B-League 

19 April, Alexandra High School

15:10 – Maritzburg College C vs Northbury
15:10 – Alexandra B vs Heritage
16:10 – ML Sultan vs Riverwood
16:10 – Thornhill vs Edendale

Amajimbos, South Africa’s national u17 men’s team, is set to face Colombia in two matches this week in preparation for the u17 COSAFA Championship and the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Under the guidance of coach Vela Khumalo, the talented squad assembled on 10 April for a camp, and matches against their South American opponent are scheduled for 17 and 20 April.

The South African squad features the best players from the country’s most renowned football academies, and its quality is testament to the substantial progress that has been made in the development of the game at junior levels.

Among those included in the squad are Emile Witbooi, who recently moved from the School of Excellence to Cape Town City, Steven Mendes, a sharpshooter from the Kaizer Chiefs Academy, Diego Da Silva, who plays for the University of Pretoria, and Madondo Ayanda, from the KZN Academy.

The majority of the players have been fortunate enough to participate in leading development competitions, such as the Multichoice Diski Challenge, with SuperSport United, Cape Town Spurs, Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City being among the clubs known for giving their young stars a run in the reserve league of the DStv Premiership.

Many of them are also to be seen week in and week out in the Gauteng Development League, while some have been recognised in big competitions, such as the Bayhill Premier Cup.

Despite not having much experience in international competitions, the South African squad is loaded with skilful players. Now, they’re being challenged to demonstrate the benefits of the country’s development programmes.

Notably, the team’s formation owes credit to initiatives like the u15 FIFA-SAFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) International.

Kaizer Chiefs won the inaugural TDS Tournament in 2023, triumphing 2-1 over KZN in the final. At the conclusion of the event, 23 players were selected to be part of the first-ever u15 national squad.

Meanwhile, the Bayhill Premier Cup was also used as a showcase from which players were drafted into the national u17 set-up.

Victory in the competition went to Cape Town Spurs, who scored an impressive win over FN Rangers St Agnes in front of 15 000 fans at the Athlone Stadium to lift the title.

The u15 national team had its first taste of international competition last year, when it contested the Three-Nations TDS Tournament in Rabat, Morocco in early December.

During the tournament, they faced Cote d’Ivoire and the hosts, Morocco. In their first match, South Africa suffered a 2-4 loss to Cote d’Ivoire, but they took the lessons learned in that defeat and used them to help secure a 3-2 win over Morocco.

Also, they successfully met the technical team objectives set out by coach Vela Khumalo, who described the two internationals as a good test of character for his players.

Khumalo told SAFA.net that international competition is the goal for South Africa’s junior national teams: “The plan is to increase players’ average international caps to between five and nine caps by December 2024, accelerate game time, and set the technical-tactical foundation in line with the SAFA Vision 2023.”

SA u17 Squad

Adriano Adams (Cape Town Spurs Academy, Daniel Bohloko Neo (Kaizer Chiefs Academy), Lunje Noqobo (SuperSport United Academy), Landiso Radebe (SuperSport United Academy), Tswelelo Maake (SuperSport United Academy), Kamohelo Mareletse (Kaizer Chiefs Academy), Steven Mendes (Kaizer Chiefs Academy), Anovuyo Mgoqi  (Cape Town City Academy), Bokamoso Mokokosi (Kaizer Chiefs Academy), Keabetswe Morake (Kaizer Chiefs Academy), Sabire Losper (Cape Town City Academy), Selywn Stevens (Mamelodi Sundowns Academy), Emile Witbooi (Cape Town City Academy), Mfundo Msimango (Sibanye Young Bucks), Ayanda Madondo (KZN Academy), Thandani Mhlongo (AmaZulu Academy), Athenkosi Pama Sive (Cape Town City Academy), Diego Da Silva (University of Pretoria), Sivuziwe Lonzi (Ubuntu Football Academy), Hayden Booysen (Ubuntu Football Academy), Simphiwe Mlondo (Mamelodi Sundowns Academy)

The weather on Sunday was threatening but cleared up just in time for an exciting day of u16 action in the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL), with Highlands Park serving as the host to the league’s clubs for a day filled with goals.

One of the favourites to claim the league honours, Mamelodi Sundowns, made a thunderous statement in their opening match, running roughshod over the West Youth Academy, firing in 14 goals while conceding only one.

It was a tough day the West Youth Academy side, who shipped another seven goals in a 0-7 defeat to Remembers Elite Sports Academy (RESA), for whom Lesedi Motaung scored a hattrick. Jabulile Tsotetsi grabbed a brace, while Thando Mosia and Itumeleng Setipe also netted.

Pretty Modika, Ncingo Tescla, Thandi Sibiza, Nompilo Maseti, Chuene Thabakane and Princess Shongwe all found the back of the net as Mamelodi Sundowns displayed their dominance in their first game of the league season.

Despite the massive margin of victory, coach Rhoda Mulaudzi may have mixed feelings about the win after expressing her concerns about her team’s defence in the past.

Unfortunately for Sundowns, their second game, against Origin FC, did not take place as Origin had issues with several injuries impacting their squad.  As a result, the Brazilians received a walkover and finished the day on top of the table with six points to their credit.

However, it wasn’t just Mamelodi Sundowns that caught the eye. RESA, Kempton Park, and JVW also produced impressive performances and claimed two victories apiece on Sunday.

RESA’s coach Simeon Lekhooana declared himself pleased with the improvements his team has made since last season.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus, he said he expects the girls to continue to excel and progress throughout the 2023 season. There remains a lot of work to do, he added, especially since it is a young and new team. They are on the right track, he reckoned.

It was a day that saw plenty of goals scored, including Panorama FC triumphing 8-0 over Edendale. Neo Moloto scored a hat trick, while the other goal scorers included Ona Resanyalo, Adrienne Mulligan, and Claudia-Joy Harmsen.

Thando Damba, Reabetswe Matsepe, and Thembisile Sindane were all on target for Kempton Park in a 3-1 win over Refilwe FC.

JVW also showcased their prowess by recording two convincing wins.

They outplayed Origin FC 4-0, thanks to a hattrick from Olivia McNeil and a goal from Bontle “Shorty” Khanye. In their other outing, against Kenneth FC, they kept another clean sheet, winning 3-0 on goals from Asante Cele, Gugu Mntambo, and Judah Heslop.

Tuks, after a 3-1 win over Panorama FC – with goals from Tshiamo Kekana, Daniella Humanand Ofentse Thobakgale – were beaten in their second match, going down 0-1 against Tornado FC. 

Bonginkosi Mncube, a member of Tornado FC’s technical team, reflected on a tough battle. The game was very challenging, he said, especially since most of the players were new to, and still getting to know, one another.

In the second half, Tuks almost managed to turn the game around, but they failed to convert any of the chances they created.

Mncube said Tornado’s performance was sub-standard and his charges’ fitness levels were low. That lack of fitness had led to a drop in the players’ performances in the second half.

RESULTS

Highlands Park FC 4-1 Kenneth FC
Kempton Park FC 9-1 Edenvale
Tuks 3-1 Panorama
JVW 3-0 Kenneth FC
Panorama FC 8-0 Edenvale
RESA 8-0 West Youth Academy
JVW 4-0 Origin FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 14-1 West Youth Academy
RESA 4-1 Tornado FC
Kempton Park FC 3-1 Refilwe FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Origin FC (Walkover)
Tornado FC 1-0 Tuks

U19 Coastal Fixtures

The football season in KwaZulu-Natal kicks off on Monday, 8 April, with Glenwood High School, the reigning champions of the KZN High School Football Association’s second term Coastal competition, set for a showdown with Westville Boys’ High School at Queensburgh High.

In the 2023 competition, Glenwood eliminated Westville in a penalty shootout in the semifinals.

Westville’s very successful football programme is led by Dan Haswell, whose brother, Nick, has enjoyed tremendous success with Maritzburg College.

Last season was a very good one for Westville football, throughout all of their age groups, and the 1st XI finished it ranked number one in the country. With their undoubted quality and depth, they’ll be among the top teams again.

Durban High School (DHS) takes on Pinetown at the same venue at 15:00. Bechet faces Hillcrest, and Northwood School tackles Port Shepstone, who were the runners-up to Glenwood last year, at 16:10.

The opening week includes u19 Coastal B clashes, too, on 12 April. Grosvenor goes head-to-head with Amanzimonti, Ashton Ballito tackles New Forest, Empangeni plays Sastri College, and the final match features Queensburgh against Redwood, also at Queensburgh.

Inland Fixtures

On Thursday, 11 April, the KZN High School Football Association’s u19 Inland competition kicks off, with Maritzburg College beginning their quest to defend their title against Ixopo. The match takes place at College, on Barns, with kick-off at 15:00.

College will be trying to emulate a spectacular 2023, which began with them winning the Inland title, which was then followed by the Primo Big 10 Cup and the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands FA Cup titles.

Meanwhile the College 2nd XI takes on Linpark, the team the 1st side edged out 1-0 in last year’s final. Carter High and Haythorne meet at 16:00.

On 12 April, at Alexandra High, Heritage takes on Riverswood, Northbury does battle with Thornhill, Maritzburg College B meets ML Sultan, and Edendale has a date with the Alexander High School B team.

FIXTURES 

8 April

u19A Coastal
Queensburgh High

15:10, Field 1 – Glenwood vs Westville
15:10, Field 2 – DHS vs Pinetown
16:10, Field 1 – Bechet vs Hillcrest
16;10, Field 2 – Northwood vs Port Shepstone

11 April

u19A Inland
Maritzburg College, Barns

15:00 – Maritzburg College B vs Linpark
16:00 – Maritzburg College A vs Ixopo

Alexandra High

15:10 – Carter vs Haythorne
16:10 – Alex vs Haythorne

12 April

u19 B Coastal
Queensburgh High

12 April

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

u19B Inland
Alexandra High School

15:00, Field 1 – Heritage vs Riverwood
15:10, Field 2 – Northbury vs Thornhill
16:00, Field 1 – Maritzburg College vs ML Sultan
16:00, Field 2 – Edendale vs Alex B

At the beginning of May, HTS Louis Botha will begin their defence of the Absa Wildeklawer Football Tournament title. In fact, they’ll be going for a three-peat.

The school enjoyed a very impressive 2023, ultimately finishing it ranked in third spot in South Africa, just behind Maritzburg College.

College had an exceptional year, led by their captain and current u19 Amazulu FC player Mateo Horstead, who was featured in SuperSport Schools Class of 2023.

Under Horstead, the College boys achieved a treble and were hailed by many as the best team in the school’s 160-year history. However, Westville Boys’ High, after a very consistent year (throughout all the age groups) claimed the top spot.

Last year, in Kimberley, HTS Louis Botha captured the Wildeklawer tournament title with a 4-2 win over Virginia High School in the final.

Up against a tough opponent, Louis Botha was held to a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Then, with a penalty shootout beckoning, the Bloemfontein boys struck twice in quick succession to come away with the victory and the title.

That was one of many outstanding achievements by the school in 2023, during which they confirmed their position as number one in the Free State and one of the country’s elite teams.

Apart from the Wildeklawer title, they were also crowned the Magnificent Wednesday Motheo District champions, the Magnificent Wednesday Provincial champions, the winners of the St Andrew’s Friday Night League, and the Most Entertaining team of the St Andrew’s Friday Night League.

In addition, they won silver at the prestigious Kloof High Soccer Tournament.

HTS Louis Botha defensive midfielder, Xolani Tshaka, who is on the books of the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates, was also selected to represent the South African u17 national team at the Africa Cup of Nations, which was held in Algeria last year.

Coach CT Moahloli declared himself proud of Tshaka’s achievements and that of the school’s football team in 2023.

In their quest for a hattrick of Wildeklawer titles, HTS Louis Botha will face determined opposition in Pool B, taking on Dale College, Navalsig High School, and Potchefstroom Boys High.

Based on their past accomplishments, HTS Louis Botha will be favoured to secure top spot in the group. Nothing is a given, however, and Dale College, for example, have made significant progress under the guidance of Tevin Klaasen, the school’s football director.

Another captivating group to keep an eye on is Pool C, which includes Clapham High School, a feeder to Mamelodi Sundowns FC’s football development programme, who were the runners-up in the inaugural edition of the CAF African Schools Football Championships, Maritzburg College, Northwood School, and Blinkklip High School.

This group appears to be the dreaded “Group of Death”, which promises to deliver thrilling action.

Pool A
Kimberley Boys High, Selborne College, Wildeklawer Academy, St Benedict’s College

Pool B
HTS Louis Botha, Navalsig High School, Potchefstroom Boys High, Dale College

Pool C
Clapham High School, Maritzburg College, Northwood School and Blinkklip High School

Pool D
Paul Roos Gimnasium, Glenwood High School, Norkem Park High School, Emang Mmogo Comprehensive School

Pool E
Benny Sports Academy, Brebner High School, Grey College, Virginia High School

Cape Town Spurs are the champions of the Bayhill Premier Cup after convincingly defeating FN Rangers St Agnes 4-1 in the final at the Athlone Stadium on Monday.

Both teams flexed their attacking prowess throughout the tournament, but Spurs also showcased their exceptional defence by conceding only two goals. Rangers did almost as well, conceding only four before the final.

The silverware showdown was largely dominated by Cape Town Spurs, who took an early first-half lead after their captain Denzel du Plessis expertly deceived the goalkeeper from the penalty spot.

Just six minutes after falling behind, Rangers had an opportunity to equalise, when they, too, were awarded a penalty. Spurs’ goalkeeper Ethan Engel pulled off a remarkable save, however, to keep Rangers off the scoreboard.

The teams turned with Spurs 1-0 to the good after controlling the first half of the contest.

Then, in the latter part of the second half, the addition of Faiz Abrahams heaped pressure on Rangers as he challenged them with his attacking runs. Spurs quickly capitalised on their momentum, netting from a set-piece rebound through Jenairho Brock.

Comfortably in charge, Spurs came close to making it 3-0 with a long-range effort narrowly missing the mark. However, when Jeandre Gaffoor was given space and time on the edge of the box, it did indeed become 3-0.

Sergio Fransch struck a consolation goal for Rangers to make 1-3, but Spurs maintained a disciplined defensive structure, which made it difficult for Rangers to penetrate their defences.

Spurs also had the final say, with Faiz Abrahams making the final score 4-1 in the Cape Town derby.

Results

Plate Final 

Bayhill United 1(4)-1(3) Shayamoya Academy

Mid-Section Final 

Young Bafana 3-1 FC Porto

Bayhill Premier Cup Final 

Cape Town Spurs FC 4-1 FN Rangers St Agnes

The semi-finals of the Bayhill Premier Cup concluded with the Gauteng teams, Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Highlands Park FC (Lions of the North), being eliminated.

Now, the stage is set for the final match, which will determine the champions, with a Cape Town derby between Cape Town Spurs and FN Rangers St Agnes. The highly anticipated clash will take place at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town at 15:00.

Large numbers of football fans are expected to flock to the iconic stadium, with the football community of the Western Cape having filled Erica Park, Belhar, for the pool stage games.

In the semi-finals, Cape Town Spurs FC got by Mamelodi Sundowns after a penalty shootout, winning 4-2 from the spot. Both teams failed to convert their chances during the regulation time.

On the other hand, during the Cape showers in rainy and windy conditions, FN Rangers grabbed their place in the final by defeating the Lions of the North 3-1.

Full Results, 31 March 

Plate Quarterfinals

Bayhill United AFC 1-0 Leeds United AFC
Ubuntu Football Academy 4-0 Celtic United Academy
Shayamoya 2-0 Greenwood Athletic AFC
Junction Rovers FC 1-0 Rebels

Cup Quarterfinals

Highlands Park FC 0(5) – 0(3) University of Pretoria
Cape Town Spurs FC 1-0 Young Bafana Academy
Mamelodi Sundowns 0(6)- 0(5) Cape Town City FC
FN Rangers St Agnes 2-0 FC Porto

Plate Section Semi-finals 

Bayhill United AFC 0(5) – 0(4) Ubunut Football Academy
Shayamoya 3-0 Junction Rovers AFC

Mid-Section Semi-finals 

Young Bafana Academy 2-1 University of Pretoria
FC Porto 1(4) – 1(3) Cape Town Spurs FC

Cup Semi-finals 

Cape Town Spurs 0(4) – 0(2) Mamelodi Sundowns FC
FN Rangers St Agnes 3-1 Highlands Park FC

Monday, 1 April

Plate Final 

11:00: Bayhill United AFC vs Shayamoya Academy

Mid-Section Final 

12:30: Young Bafana Academy vs FC Porto

Bayhill Premier Cup Final 

15:00: Cape Town Spurs FC vs FN Rangers St Agnes

JVW Girls Football Development (Blue Diamonds) and Mamelodi Sundowns FC (Banyana Ba Style), the leading lights in women’s development football in Gauteng, once again took centre stage in the final match of the u21 women’s Pirates Cup at Marks Park, Johannesburg, on Sunday.

The season may be in its infancy, but the Blue Diamonds and Banyana Ba Style have already captured the imagination of the fans with their intense and competitive encounters on the field.

Both teams have also secured trophies, with Sundowns previously triumphing in the inaugural Gauteng Women’s Development Top 8. Coach Ronald Molepo’s JVW showcased their skills in the Gauteng Sasol League pre-season tournament, defeating Mito Stars 3-2, thanks to a goal from Taitana and a brace from Bonoko Mokoma.

The Pirates Cup title-decider went to penalties after the teams had finished regulation time level at 1-1. It was a dramatic shootout and, when it was over, JVW had become the second team to lift the Pirates Cup, following in the footseps of UP Tuks Ladies.

Casey Gordon, the South African national goalkeeper, played a crucial role in the shootout, saving two penalties to help the Blue Diamonds secure a 4-3 victory.

It was back-and-forth in regulation time, with JVW finding a late equaliser, also from the spot, converted by Julia Goncalves. Munashe Mugwara had struck early in the second half for Sundowns.

Following JVW and the runners-up, Sundowns, were TS Galaxy Queens and Wits University, with Galaxy outplaying Wits 6-3 for third place.

Men’s u21 Pirates Cup

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) claimed victory in the u21 Pirates Cup, defeating Teltonika Amahla 2-1 in the final.

It was a come-from-behind win, with Puleng Bapela’s two goals securing the Cup.

Awards/Honours

Men’s MVP: Mpendulo Phewa (Midlands Academy)
Men’s Golden Boot winner: Thokozani Sibanyoni (Emalahleni United)
Men’s Golden Glove winner: Lungelo Sithole (University of Johannesburg)
Women’s MVP: Julia Goncalves (JVW)
Women’s Golden Boot winners: Lithemba and Sibahle Maneli (TS Galaxy Queens)
Women’s Golden Glove winner: Mbali Ntimeni (Mamelodi Sundowns)

 

 

The Bayhill Premier Cup is currently in full swing with the Easter football tournament captivating sports fans across the nation.

The event has attracted some of the country’s top academies and professional football clubs, including Stellenbosch FC, Mamelodi Sundowns, Highlands Park, SAFA Cape Town, and the Ubuntu Football Academy, who won the CAF African Schools Football, Cosafa qualifiers in Harare in December 2023.

A total of 32 teams are in action at Erica Park, Belhar.

Catch all the live action on SuperSport Schools.

Saturday delivered some thrilling action on the final day of the group fixtures, and in the early knockout games. There were some huge upsets, including Stellenbosch FC losing out to Young Bafana Academy.

Stellenbosch, who are the current holders of the Cape Town Engen Knockout Championship, bowed out of the competition, but Cape Town Spurs FC and Cape Town City FC progressed to the next round in spectacular fashion. Spurs thumped FC Real 6-0 while City defeated Rygersdal FC 4-0.

A number of teams from the Gauteng Development League also advanced to the next round of the competition. Mamelodi Sundowns triumphed 3-0 over Everton FC, Highlands Park battled their way to a 2-1 win over the Virginia Sports Academy 2-1, and the University of Pretoria secured a 1-0 victory over Grass Park United.

Today’s action leads to the Athlone Stadium, where the final game will take place on Monday.

Included in Sunday’s lineup is Cape Town City against Mamelodi Sundowns. Both have established records of dominance, so their quarterfinal clash, at 11:30, is likely to produce fireworks.

Full Results: Saturday

Cape Town City FC 1-0 Ubuntu Academy
SAFA Cape Town Academy 5-1 Westridge FC
Virginia Sports Academy 3-0 Clover FC
Young Bafana Academy 1-0 Bayhill United FC
Rygersdal FC 1-0 FC Porto
Greenwood Athletic AFC 4-3 Hanover Park
Stellenbosch FC 3-1 Amalawu FC
Highlands Park FC 2-0 Rebels FC
University of Pretoria 3-0 SSS Academy
Shayamoya Academy 2-0 Cape Town Spurs FC
Elsies River United FC 0-0 Junction Rovers FC
Everton FC 7-1 Velocity Football Academy
Mamelodi Sundowns FC 3-0 FC Real SA
Grassy Park United 1-0 Leeds United AFC
Celtic United Academy 2-0 Hungry Lions FC
FN Rangers St Agnes 5-0 Windhoek Gymnasium

Knockout Stage: Winners Section Last 16

Highlands Park FC 2-1 Virginia Sports Academy
FC Porto 1 (4)- 1 (3) SAFA Cape Town Academy
Cape Town City FC 4-0 Rygersdal FC
Young Bafana Academy 2-1 Stellenbosch
University of Pretoria 1-0 Grass Park United
Cape Town Spurs 6-0 FC Real SA
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Everton FC

FIXTURES

Sunday, 31 March 

Plate Quarterfinals 

10:00 Venue A: Bayhill United AFC vs Leeds United AFC
10:00 Venue B: Ubuntu Football Academy vs Celtic United Academy
10:00 Venue C: Greenwood Athletic AFC vs Shayamoya Academy
10:00 Venue D: Rebels FC vs Junction Rovers FC

Winners Quarterfinals 

11:30 Venue A: University of Pretoria vs Highlands Park FC
11:30 Venue B: Cape Town Spurs vs Young Bafana Academy
11:30 Venue C: Cape Town City FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns
11:30 Venue D: FN Rangers St Agnes vs FC Porto

Following in the footsteps of their u18 counterparts, Gauteng was crowned the champions of both the boys’ and girls’ sections of the first u16 National Basketball Championships, which were held at Umlazi, just outside of Durban, on Thursday.

From 25-28 March, five provinces – Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng – duelled for the interprovincial honours.

The Gauteng u16 boys’ team dominated throughout the event. They faced the Western Cape, which has made a big push at grassroots level to develop basketball, in the semifinals. Although it was a tough outing, Gauteng came away with a 45-31 victory.

Western Cape then went on to defeat Eastern Cape in the third-place playoff, recording a comfortable 63-44 win.

In the final, Gauteng faced KwaZulu-Natal. Those two provinces have clearly established themselves as the best in South Africa, with schools from both ranking at or near the top of the game in the country.

On this occasion, it was Gauteng who came out on top, taking the title with a 63-54 win.

The Gauteng girls were ruthless in their semi-final match against the Eastern Cape. It was one-way traffic as they charged their way to a 72-8 victory, which set them up for a meeting with Western Cape for the title.

They matched their boys’ side, scoring 63 points, but they conceded only 36, to win by 27, and thus went down in history as the first u16 inter-provincial champions of South Africa.

RESULTS

Semi-finals

Girls: Gauteng 72-8 Eastern Cape; Western Cape 38-36 Kwazulu-Natal
Boys: KwaZulu-Natal 90-39 Eastern Cape; Gauteng 45-31 Western Cape

3rd place playoff

Girls: KwaZulu-Natal 55-25 Eastern Cape
Boys: Western Cape 63-44 Eastern Cape

Final 

Girls: Gauteng 63-36 Western Cape
Boys: Gauteng 63-54 KwaZulu-Natal

Women’s Rankings

1. Gauteng; 2. Western Cape, 3. KwaZulu-Natal, 4. Eastern Cape, 5. Limpopo

Men’s Rankings

1. Gauteng, 2. KwaZulu-Natal, 3. Western Cape, 4. Eastern Cape, 5. Limpopo