Author: sipongco

By Siya Pongco

The Cape Town Basketball Association-endorsed Cape Basketball Cup is set to light up the Handberg Sport Centre, located in a community with a rich history in the sport, on 21 and 22 October.

Roscoe Jacobs, the director of the tournament, says the hosts, the Hout Bay Hurricanes, view the sport as a vehicle to positively impact lives and society.

The club, which focuses on junior basketball, has a motto of “Making a difference, one dribble at a time”, he said.

One of the primary goals of the Cape Basketball Cup is to provide a platform for school-going youth to earn sports scholarships through basketball to institutions of higher learning in South Africa.

Jacobs explained: “The partnership with SuperSport Schools enables university coaches from across the country to tune in to see what Cape Town has to offer. It also allows family and friends to support.

“Furthermore, it will also assist ‘ballers with footage to create their own video portfolios for semi-professional and professional opportunities in South Africa and abroad.

“Through the tournament, we hope to popularise the sport and bring more opportunities for young ‘ballers, but also use it as a way of reducing the school dropout rate in our poorer communities across Cape Town.”

It promises to be a non-stop action event. Spectators can expect to witness an entertaining display of high-level and highly competitive basketball, with coast-to-coast action, three-point sharp-shooting and the spectators’ favourite, slam dunks.

Fixtures

21 October 2023

09:00 Hout Bay Hurricanes vs Delft Emoja (game 1)
10:30 Hout Bay Snipers vs Spartans (game 2)
12:00 Spartans vs Hout Bay Hurricanes (game 3)
13:30 Delt Emoja vs Hout Bay Snipers (game 4)
15:00 Hout Bay Hurricanes vs Hout Bay Snipers (game 5)
16:30 Spartans vs Delft Emoja (game 6)

22 October 2023

13:00 Seed 1 vs Seed 4
14:30 Seed 2 vs Seed 3
16:30 Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 2

With the schools’ basketball season in full swing, Cape Town was the venue for an action-filled second edition of the Wynberg Basketball Festival from 13-15 October, where South African College High School (SACS) and Rondebosch stole the spotlight, with the hosts just behind them.

Joining Wynberg Boys’ High for the event were, among others, Constantia Waldorf, Bishops, Westerford, Harold Cressy, the International School of Cape Town, and Michael Oak Waldorf School.

Commenting, after the completion of a successful three days of competition, organiser Chris Merrington said: “The Wynberg Basketball Festival took great pleasure in presenting its second annual Basketball Festival this year for under-16 and under-19 teams. Matches played out in true festival spirit, with great competition and excellent performances from all sides.”

Merrington applauded the team that helped him organise the event, too, and said Wynberg is committed to growing the game of basketball, with the festival set to evolve and develop a full tournament structure in future.

He also congratulated Rondebosch (below) for winning the under-16 competition, and SACS for being crowned champions in the under-19 division.

SACS were tested in their first game against the hosts, with Wynberg knocking on the door until late in the fourth quarter, before succumbing by four points, 35-31.

The champions were, meanwhile, especially impressive in their clash with the American International School of Cape Town, running away to a 43-18 victory. They also outplayed the eventual runners-up, Rondebosch, 40-18 on Saturday.

As the tournament progressed, it became clear that they were the team to beat. Rondebosch had to settle for second, while Wynberg took third place.

In a reversal of the top two in the under-19 section, Bosch did a fine job of winning a series of tight games to capture the under-16 honours, while SACS were relegated to second place. The hosts, Wynberg, were, once again, third.

Under-15 final

Enthusiasts and supporters alike filled the ground at Mzimhople in Orlando, Soweto, on Sunday for an eagerly awaited under-15 final of the Linda Mntambo Soccer Tournament, with the Hammanskraal Sports Academy facing Khukza for the title.

Hammanskraal had surged into the gold medal game with a convincing 3-0 win over Sir P United in the semi-finals, while Khukza had sent Daveyton All Stars, the defending champions, out of the tournament with a 2-1 victory.

As the match got underway, Hammanskraal settled quickly. Showing good composure when on the ball, they dominated possession. Khukza, who looked to attack through their skilful and pacey wingers, tried to counter Hammanskraal’s possession-based approach by man-marking with high intensity.

Hammanskraal returned the favour by playing a high pressing game, with their backline hovering around the halfway line. Forcing Khukza onto the defensive, the Sports Academy launched a series of attacks which had the opposition’s backline scrambling throughout the first half.

Khukza had their moments, with their flair entertaining the crowd, but the tactically disciplined and well organised approach of Hammanskraal was dictating play and it almost brought them a goal just before half-time. They had the ball in the back of the net, but an offside call denied them the lead.

It was a busy opening stanza for the Khukza goalkeeper. In contrast, Hammanskraal’s net-minder appeared to be on vacation at the opposite end of the field.

After the break, Hammanskraal picked up where they had left off, neutralising any threats posed by Khukza.

Finally, they made the breakthrough, with Junior Numayo giving them the all-important lead. Having hit the front, it didn’t take long for Hammanskraal to double their advantage through Nhlayisi Nthite.

That’s how it stayed as Hammanskraal Sports Academy claimed the title of champions of under-15 section of the fourth edition of the Linda Mntambo Soccer Foundation Tournament by two goals to nil.

Inaugural Ladies Tournament: Linda Mntambo Foundation Soccer Games  

Meanwhile, the Diepkloof Ladies team was crowned the champions of the inaugural girls’ competition following a 1-0 win over Mighty Ladies in the final.

Diepkloof midfielder Gontse Makhothi, nicknamed Xavi after the Barcelona legend, pulled the strings in the engine room for the winners, which allowed them to control the tempo of the contest. She was well supported by Nompumelelo Ntsele, who shone on both ends of the field.

It was an evenly contested clash, with both teams playing attacking football and seeking to close down the other’s offensive forays on the flanks. Both goalkeepers were put to the test.

After the game, an elated Linda Mntambo said he would like to see the tournament reaching even greater heights and becoming a national event during the school holidays.

“More than anything, we do not want this to end. We are creating a legacy so that we can also have something tangible for the next generation.  With sponsors coming in to support us, we are positive that we can create something bigger than us,”, he said.

The Linda Mntambo Foundation, its past and its future

Mntambo founded the tournament during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020 at a time when the South African economy was under severe strain, with many people losing their jobs. Recalling the impact of the pandemic, he said: “I have always been the one to offer my hand. In 2020, I realized that through a foundation I could reach a much bigger scale and I could reach out to other establishments and stakeholders to assist our communities.”

The former Jomo Cosmos and Orlando Pirates midfielder continued: “I was raised by iKasi, and now it’s time to give back and not forget who I am and where I come. I did not want to wait until I retire in order to start giving back to the youth. Hence the Linda Mntambo Foundation Soccer games was established,” he said.

Concluding, Mntambo said the football games served a purpose beyond the field of play: “The beauty of the tournament is that we are giving a platform to the young people to showcase their talent, to [also] raise awareness against alcohol abuse, drug abuse and gender-based violence.

“We are taking an opportunity to take our kids off the streets and try by all means to give them something meaningful.”

Individual Awards

Players of the tournament – Junior Nyumayo
Match of the match – Molebogeng Maluka
Defender of tournament – Tshepiso Rakau
Goalkeeper of the tournament – Tiesetso Motshengwa

After being held to successive draws by the Burundi u20 women’s national team, South Africa’s u20 ladies have missed out on an opportunity to participate on international football’s grand stage, the FIFA u20 Women’s World Cup.

The teams faced off in a two-leg tie, with both games being played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. The first match, on 8 October, ended goalless as neither team managed to convert their chances.

Heading into the second leg, on 11 October, Basetsana had to put everything on the line. Victory was the sole aim. They had home ground advantage and the home fans behind them, and South Africa fought to the last minute of the contest, but it wasn’t quite enough.

Twice the visitors went ahead and twice Basetsana came back through goals from Adriele Mibe and Lindelwa Mabuza, but they couldn’t find a winner and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

It meant Basetsana would miss out on the 2024 FIFA u20 Women’s World Cup, which takes place in Colombia, on the away goals’ rule.

The unfortunate defeat comes at a crucial time as football at a development level appears to be on a good path in South Africa, with a lot of investment and commitment in the game having been put forward by different stakeholders.

For the supporters of South Africa’s national teams, the failure to advance to the u20 World Cup is yet another disappointment. They will have to resort to watching and supporting other countries during the event. They will also, no doubt, continue to ask what needs to be done for our football to advance to more consistent and better levels.

The questions surrounding structure, football identity and consistency in the nation’s teams remain a concern for the football fanatics.

Many fans believe that South Africa’s national sides are not ready to compete on the global stage. The results of Basetsana against Burundi add further credence to their contention.

The Linda Mntambo Foundation will be hosting its fourth edition of its annual soccer tournament starting on the 7th of October.

The tournament has been growing from strength to strength since its inception and a record 46 teams will be participating in this year’s edition of the tournament.

This year’s competition will be much bigger and better, as they will also be introducing the girls competition. 

The focus of the tournament is more on ground roots level, the u13 and u17 are yet to be introduced but that is something planned for the future.

“We are focusing on building the foundation of the tournament and bring it to the people”, The Linda Mntambo Foundation Soccer Tournament.

Speaking to Siyamazi Khathola, professional sports photographer and member of the Linda Mntambo Foundation, he could not contain his excitement about the tournament, citing how far they have come as a collective with the tournament looking to  give back to the youth. 

Orlando Winter Roses, the most successful holders of the Linda Mntambo Soccer tournament to this day, have won the competition two times.

They won the first tournament which was top 8, and they went on to defend their title in the second tournament which was top 16.

However they could not win it for the third time, as Daveyton All Stars walked away as victors of the prestigious Linda Mntambo Soccer Tournament.

Regulations for the Linda Mntambo Foundation Soccer Tournament.

Identification to be used on the tournament (MySAFA Card): Compulsory.

46 teams will be participating in this year’s edition of the Linda Mntambo Soccer Tournament, 6 teams are sealed.

Day 1

Top 40 which will be played in three fields

Day 2

Top 20 teams or the winners from the first day to be played in 2 fields

Day 2

Winners from Day 2 ,which is 10 teams + 6 team sealed to be unsealed to make it top 16 ,again 2 fields and teams will play 2 games Top 16 and 8 .on that day 4 teams of ladies will play also.

Day 4

Semi-Final ,ladies final and under 15 final

List of all participating teams

1.Eyethu
2. Mea mighty Eagles
3.Diepkloof Rocks
4.phefeni United
5.Juniors
6.FC Astana
7.Gudlhuza
8.Martial Eagles
9.D all stars
10.Euphoria
11.pennyville
12.Stars of Milan
13.Kota Academy
14.Real Peace
15.Khukza
16.Dobsonville
17.Friend of Soweto
18.KVK
19.Mk Stars
20.Hammanskraal
21.Fc Barcenal
22.Mighty Movers
23.Moon Stars
24.Orange Farm Juventu
25.Inzinja Ze Game
26.Mostweko
27.Siyanqoba
28.Orlando west
29.KFC
30.Power United
31.Alaska Fc
32.Winter Rose
33.White City Spurs
34.Future Stars
35.Erase
36.Zola Glasgow
37.Mzihlophe sports club
38.Greenvillege Juventus
39.Sir P
40.West Academy
41.Soweto stars Academy
42.LIVERPOOL
43.Vuvuzela
44.Zamblor
45.Exclusive
46.Soweto United .

Sealed teams are:

1.D all stars
2.Hammanskraal
3.Dobsoville
4.Orange farm Juventus
5.exclusive
6. Orlando west Academy

This 6 teams will only join in the last 16 they were in the last 8 last season.

Ladies senior teams top 4.

1. UNITED LADIES
2.DK LADIES
3.ETWATWA LADIES
4.MIGHTY LADIES

“Will only join us on the 14 OCT 2023.”

And final after the two semi-final of under 15 on the 15th Oct 2023

Price soccer kit.
No medal
No trophy

A turn of events in the title race for the Gauteng Development League as Highlands Park FC were stunned by Randburg AFC, while Kaizer Chiefs FC hammered Joburg City FC by 6-0.

Highlands Park were defeated by 3-1 by Randburg AFC. Randburg AFC who are currently sitting on the 5th position behind the School of Excellence moved closer to the top 4 by defeating the log leaders at Panorama Sports Club.

Kaizer Chiefs on the other hand have bounced back to winning ways after two consecutive wins, putting pressure to the log leaders, Highlands Park FC. Kaizer Chiefs on the road, defeated the struggling Joburg City FC in this year’s run of the GDL.

Kaizer Chiefs are now six points behind Highlands Park FC and with three games left to the end of the season, another loss for Highlands Park could mean a deadly threat posed by Amakhosi, the Phefeni boys.

A title race that started with two teams at the top, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, Highlands Park worked its way early in the season and their efforts have been paid. Through its consistency leading to the first half of the season, the Lions of the North became clear favorites widening up the gap at the top. However, in recent events, Kaizer Chiefs who have also dropped points on crucial stages have been catching up with Highlands Park and looking to steal the title and take it to the Naturena Village.

Next encounter for Kaizer Chiefs is Jomo Cosmos at the Rand Stadium. Jomo Cosmos are treading on thin ice sitting at the bottom half of the log just 4 points above Joburg City FC.

Highlands Park FC will face Kathorus Hyper academy at the home ground in Balfour Park. Highlands Park have a good record at home and they will be hoping to use that to their advantage in order to get back to winning ways and extend the gap.

Results:

[ninja_tables id=”1379″]

 

 

 

 

Four games left to the campaign of the 2023 GDL season and the title chase gets more intense as it draws closer to the end.

The log leaders, Highlands Park FC, have enjoyed a great deal of advantage at the top for a long time during this season. Highlands Park’s dominance is a clear reflection of their results, hence they are the current league leaders.

Nine points between them and Kaizer Chiefs FC, the Highlands Park FC know exactly how crucial the last games are to their title chase.

Highlands Park will be on the road this week, to face Panorama in Roodepoort meanwhile Kaizer Chiefs to take on Joburg City at Alexandra Stadium.

Joburg City have been the struggling side this side this season failing to capitalize their opportunities and are sitting on the last position of the log table. Playing at home, Joburg City should expect a tough encounter as they play against Kaizer Chiefs who are on the verge of catching up with the log leaders, Highlands Park FC should they drop points in the remaining fixtures.

Fixtures | 30 September 2023

Kaizer Chiefs vs Joburg City
Highlands Park vs Panorama FC
Kathorus Hyper Academy vs Kagiso Porto Academy
Prestige Football Development Academy vs Wits Junior
Randburg AFC vs Tuks
Remember Elite Sports Academy vs TS Galaxy
Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports Schools vs SuperSport United FC
School of Excellence vs Siluma 7

SuperSport United FC continues to show immerse investment and commitment to the growth of development in the grassroots of South African Football.

On the 4^th of September, the Matsatsantsa Schools Soccer League was successfully launched, with ten high schools: boys and girls competing at a senior league level in the school’s football competition at Mbolekwa Sports Complex in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.

While at its inception stages, the commitment of the participating schools and passionate fans has been wonderful and highly commended by the representatives of the league. Upon the importance of community building, the league has invited the community of Atteridgeville to register and set up stalls at Mbolekwa Sports Complex.

The intention of the league is to expand in the surrounding areas of the Gauteng province, by inviting other schools to compete creating a highly competitive schools league in the province.

All the matches are played on Wednesday and Friday, first kick-off at 14:30 pm and the second match kick-off at 15:45 pm.

DH Peta Secondary School stamped its mark on the opening of the tournament as they became the first team to walk away with three points.

Fixtures: Match week Four

Wednesday, 27 September

Pepps Ladies Team vs Fusion Ladies Team

Saulridge vs E. Phatudi

Friday, 29 September

Bokgoni vs Flavius

DH Peta vs Bogkoni

Highlands Park FC are more likely to seal this year’s Gauteng Development League title thanks to 1-0 win over Randburg AFC as they go 9 points clear at the top of the log.

The Lions of the North, took full advantage of the home ground on Saturday’s afternoon scoring an early and only goal for the match in the 7th minute of the game.

Kaizer Chiefs FC who are on the second position with 64 points, defeated Mamelodi Sundowns FC by 3-1 on Sunday at Naturena Village. Kaizer Chiefs’ inconsistency having dropped crucial points during the season gave an advantage to an ever consistent Highlands Park who have been putting in good performances week in and week.

However the Glamour boys are not to be overlooked and they have been looming in, edging closer to the top of the GDL putting immense pressure to the log leaders.

For Highlands Park, the biggest mountain to climb that awaits them is to keep on winning ways as the closing of the season is nearby. Highlands Park has assembled a complete side that is not easy to crack. A team that is comfortable starting the ball at the back, knock it around on the ground.

The team has also been dominating in the midfield with outstanding players that have the ability to penetrate the opponents with marvelous passes. The teams scoring record and defending record has done a good job having only conceded 16 goals while netting 80 goals after 29 games.

With Highlands Park holding a nine point lead and four games left to be played in the remainder of the season, it is hardly surprising that they are the most likely side to walk away as champions of the 2023 Gauteng Development League.

On the 30th of September, Highlands Park will be playing against Panorama Football Club who are sitting on the 11th position of the log.

Full Results of the Gauteng Development League:

Saturday 23 September 

Supersport United vs Siluma 7 (2-2)

Tuks vs Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports (2-0)

Highlands Park vs Randburg AFC (1-0)

Jomo Cosmos vs Prestige Football Development Academy (1-2)

Kagiso Porto Academy vs Panorama (2-2)

Kathorus Hyper Academy vs Joburg City (0-0)

Sunday 24 September 

Kaizer Chiefs vs Sundowns (3-1)

 

 

The tournament is running from 22 September to 25 September, 48 teams in 3 divisions are expected to be competing at a highly competitive tournament in this year’s tournament at Kearsney College. 

This year’s tournament likewise promises to host some of the top schools in basketball with high expectations of abundant talent on the court. Top schools in and around the country have been invited to compete in this year’s competition including Enjabulweni from Eswatini. 

With the growth of basketball at the school’s headmaster, Patrick Lees is highly excited to welcome and for the school bring a record number of teams to the tournament. 

Amongst the favourites, is St Charles College that won the St John’s Basketball Tournament earlier this year, defeating Saint David’s by 40-36.

During an interview with Benjamin Myburgh earlier this year, he praised his boys for playing basketball at the highest level and for committing in winning ways hence they are amongst the top schools at the helm of South Africa’s basketball schools. 

In the opening of the tournament, St Charles will feature in Division A (Pool A) with the likes of Saint Alban’s College, Michael Mount, Clifton and Enjabulweni. 

Find some of the highly expected encounters of day one of the the Kearsney College Basketball Tournament 

Friday, 22 September

16:00 – Michael Mount vs Clifton College
16:00 – Peace Players International vs Hilton College
17:20 – Michaelhouse vs The King’s School Linbro Park
18:40 – St Charles College vs St Alban’s College
20:00 – St Benedict’s College vs Saheti
20:00 – Meridian Karino Independent School vs Sacred Heart College

A Division 

Pool A: St Charles College, St Alban’s College, Michael Mount. Clifton, Enjabulweni.

Pool B: St Benedict’s College, Michaelhouse, Saheti, The Clan, The King’s School Linbropark. 

Pool C: St David’s Marist, St John’s College, Peace Players International, Hilton College, Usuthu Forest.

Pool D: St Stithians College, Kearsney College, Kingswood College, Meridian Karino High, Sacred Heart College.

B Division               

Pool A: Kearsney College, St John’s College, Thomas More College, The Heritage School. 

Pool B: Michaelhouse,  St Nicholas Diocesan, Saheti, Trichardt School for Christian Education. 

Pool C: St Benedict’s College, Marist Brothers Linmeyer, The Heritage School, UFS International.

Pool D: Curro Hillcrest, St David’s Marist, St Benedict’s School, St Stithians College.