Author: ldikhoba

The 2025 LSEN Craven Week, a tournament for learners with special needs, will be held at Hoërskool Hoogenhout in Bethal, Mpumalanga. Matches are scheduled for Saturday, 28 June, Monday, 30 June, and Tuesday, 1 July, with games kicking off at 08:30 and running until as late as 17:30 each day.

The teams: 

Blue Bulls: 15 Reitumetse Mbele, 14 Lefa Nsibane, 13 Denzil Coetzee, 12 Jacques Fourie, 11 Jayneil Williamson (Magalies), 10 Juandre Marias (Suiderberg), 9 Sphiwe Mokau (Suiderberg), 8 Marthinus Bester, 7 JT Johnston, 6 Hendrik Fourie (Magalies), 5 Ruwan Oosthuizen (Magalies), 4 Marius Ehlers, 3 Goakantswe Malatjie, 2 Blessing Dlamini, 1 Letlotlo Molubi (Suidenberg). Replacements: 16 Theo Woest, 17 Tiaan Van Straaten, 18 Phenyo Mariri, 19 Luntu Plaatyi, 20 Timothy Khanyi, 21 Ballie Nyakiso, 22 Justin Sibeko, 23 Wahldu Du Plessis.

Boland: 15 Lorenzo Harmse (Breedevalley School of Skills), 14 Giwaan Isaacs, 13 Ismael Wiemers, 12 Jody Engelbrecht, 11 Najmee Hajie, 10 Shagan Philander, 9 Andrihano Fourie (Westcoast School of Skills), 8 Sergio Godden, 7 Asamkele Jonas, 6 John-lee Josef (Steinthal School of Skills), 5 Briviviano Julies, 4 Nganga Badila, 3 Gian Maree, 2 Dalorique Valentyn, 1 Hayden Van west. Replacements: 16 Jowaylon Strauss, 17 Matthew Williams, 18 Lamaaz Stout (Westcoast School of Skills), 19 Mohaigan Geswindt, 20 Jaden Daniels, 21 Gabriel Smith, 22 Junior Fransman, 23 Jaquin Jaers (Westcoast School of Skills).

Eastern Province: 15 Loydin Prins (Bergsig), 14 Ryan Carson Hawkins, 13 Uvern Adams (Bergsig), 12 Dominique Fleurs, 11 Valenton Leusuksieter, 10 Zaynoedeen Bennie, 9 Gavin Armoed, 8 Jordan Derrocks (Westview), 7 Te-jean Van der berg, 6 Shaundre Pienaar, 5 Nimai Izak Geel, 4 Kaydon Kerspuy, 3 Lucinaco Byneveldt, 2 Andre Barnard (Bergsig), 1 Ayema Mbotya (Bergsig). Replacements: 16 Liza Ka Sikwele Tetani, 17 Clark Louerns, 18 Felix Rajh, 19 Stanley Lucas, 20 Mynhardt Hattingh, 21 Elario George Forbes (Arcadia Senior Secondary), 22 Eldridge Van dyk (Bergsig).

Free State: 15 Thabiso Motsoeneng, 14 Geraldo Pieterse, 13 Bohlumelo Rochester Junior Sontlaba (NJ Heyns High School), 12 Kay-dinn Junade Frank Langley (Jim Fouché High School), 11 Junior Van Wyk, 10 Nomario Jannetjes, 9 Thapelo Moses Molotsi (Ladybrand High School), 8 Rato Ramanotsi, 7 Ruben Ernest Van Saweegen (Martie du Plessis High School), 6 Fanna Mokoena (Maluti High School), 5 Obinna Sandys, 4 Ethan Swarts, 3 Leiam Haasbroek, 2 Johnathan Bless, 1 JG Van Der Merwe. Replacements: 16 Kamohelo Lekitlane, 17 Andre Steyn, 18 Jonathan Scriven, 19 Christiaan Matthues Van Der Westhuizen (Martie du Plessis High School), 20 Passions Macala, 21 Sipho Lintoe, 22 Jayden Lubbe, 23 Justin Darius De Klerk (NJ Heyns High School)

Golden Lions: 15 Donovan Jansen van Vuuren (Elandspark School), 14 Blessing Moleko (Destinata School), 13 Lwazi Shasha, 12 Henru Strydom (Marais Viljoen), 11 Jayden Wanderi, 10 Timothy Nortman (School of Achievement), 9 Wethso-Otsile Hanyana, 8 Olwethu Vuso (Elandspark), 7 Gilbert Lebeya, 6 Kamogelo Matlala (Elandspark Schools), 5 Johandre van Dyk (Elandspark), 4 Chisom Ugwoegnu, 3 Thomani Malange, 2 Frans Ras, 1 Panda Malange. Replacements: 16 Sizwe Ndweni, 17 Prince Muianga, 18 Sbongakonke Ngcobo (Goudwes School), 19 Stephanus Enslin, 20 Jeremiah Joshua, 21 Zino Francis (Roodepark School), 22 Rethabile Sefika, 23 Lwazi Dlamini.

Griffons: 15 Fortune Tshibuabua, 14 Pule Radebe, 13 Ricardo Chatwind, 12 Nyombe Hlahla, 11 Keenan Felix, 10 Kyle Till (Orion School), 9 Onthatile Gaudi (Fakkel School), 8 Adriano De Canha De Freitas, 7 Moratehi Tshabalala, 6 Jan-Hendrik Oelofse, 5 Roelof Saunders, 4 Sheridon Du Plooy, 3 Sipho Nondeyi, 2 Lesedi Letshabo (Rheederpark Combine), 1 Tseliso Setai. Replacements: 16 Ayanda Mutle, 17 Edward Van Wyk (Fakkel School), 18 Pule Mahlatsi, 19 Troy Scholtz, 20 Pieter Pretorius (Fakkel School of Skills), 21 Kagiso Lepelesane, 22 Hendrico Samson, 23 Vusimuzi Motumi.

Leopards: 15 Omphile Legodu, 14 Siyabonga Mtiyang, 13 Xolane Nzeke (Keurhof), 12 Luyanda Mtshatsheni, 11 Kopano Mosingate, 10 Cameron Mac Donald (De Wilge), 9 Hansie Visser (Oom Paul Skool), 8 Michael Cloete, 7 Liyema Yimpi, 6 Ris Mekgoro (Die Wilge High School), 5 Angelo Van Wyk, 4 Reamogetse Rethabile Gaje (Keurhof Skool), 3 Mothabe Pule, 2 Ogoletse Godlo (Keurhof Skool), 1 Amogelang Shuping. Replacements: 16 Petrus Johannes Jacobus van der Merwe (Oom Paul Skool), 17 Kgotatso Mokasule, 18 Michael Jacobus (Oom Paul Skool), 19 Frikkie Jacobs, 20 Elrick Sheldon (Oom Paul Skool), 21 Ewoudt Stefan, 22 Boeta Johnson, 23 Devandre Freeman.

Pumas: 15 Jacques Muller, 14 Luthando Gotha, 13 Amukelani Zwane, 12 Lifa Marcelino Nkosi (Platorand), 11 Philani Mbatham Mongezi Thuto Qometa (Jim van Tonder School) 9 Fourie Van Rensburg, 8 Lukas Marthinus Pieters (Jim van Tonder School), 7 Ethan Naude, 6 Rickardo Breytenbach, 5 Monet Blignaut, 4 Bandile Innocent Madonsela (Jim van Tonder School), 3 Alexander Jan Adriaan Venter (WH De Klerk), 2 Zander Mameveck (WH De Klerk), 1 Franco Slabbert. Replacements: 16 Terry Makofane, 17 Ashwell Masilela, 18 Ntokozo Mpho Tshabalala (WH De Klerk), 19 Mbuso Jiyane, 20 Snethemba Mathebula, 21 Derick Smit, 22 Ndumiso Mthimunye, 23 Luke Ogilvie.

Sharks: 15 Olwethu Luthuli, 14 Xolani Masuku, 13 Phiwo Phakathi (Tugela Pre-Vocational), 12 Lungelo Pons (Hillcrest High School), 11 Ayabonga Nqopiso (Hoerskool Suid-Natal), 10 Kean Sukkels (Hoerskool Suid-Natal), 9 Uzobuya Mngadi, 8 Kwandakwethu Phiri, 7 Ayabonga Makhubu, 6 Zelvin Van Zyl (Tudela Pre-Vocational), 5 Lwanele Mzobe, 4 Levi Jansen Van Niewenhuizen (Hoerskool Said-Natal), 3 Mthobisi Khumalo (Tugela Pre-Vocational), 2 Johannes Venter, 1 Xolani Ngcamu (Tugela Pre-Vocational). Replacements: 16 Andile Zama (Tudela Pre-Vocational), 17 Liwonga Kongela, 18 Aiden Carr, 19 Smanga Leonard, 20 Lorenzo Thompson, 21 Christian Van Staden (Hoerskool Suid-Natal), 22 Hayden Oroschin, 23 Skhanyile Dlamini.

South-Western District: 15 Duwayn James, 14 Embrace Africa (Van Kervel), 13 Brendan-Junior Kasanya, 12 Byron Kiewit, 11 Wayden Heyns, 10 Quinton Agulhas (Olympia), 9 Rammon Meyer, 8 Ngwanya Saleni (Van Kervel), 7 Quintin Visser (Van Kervel), 6 Evanne Miguel Calone, 5 Elgin Carolus (Oudtshoom Vaardigheid), 4 Elijah Bayman, 3 Darius De Jager, 2 Hadley Benjamin (Van Kervel), 1 Sakhie Dyani (Olympia). Replacements: 16 Gershwin Mattews, 17 Gideon De Bruin, 18 Callan Botha, 19 Jayden Rhode, 20 Chad Stroebel, 21 Keanon Booysen, 22 Micah Lottering, 23 Ruwarden Alistair Paulsen.

Valke: 15 Oratiloe Ramaite, 14 Ufentse Malatjie, 13 Lwazi Mens (Die Anker Skool), 12 Pieter Le Roux (Belvedere), 11 Ompile Dubase (Kempton Panorama School), 10 Thinus Van Willing (Belvedere), 9 Jordan Jacobs, 8 Andile Nobete, 7 Montaigu Dorfling, 6 Mogale Manaka (Belvedere), 5 Rigen Chigosie (Kempton Panorama School), 4 Keagan Maclellan (Belvedere), 3 Timothy Rall, 2 Billy Matthee, 1 Sello Makhubela. Replacements: 16 Johan Huyesser (Belvedere), 17 Diwan Wolmerans, 18 Morne Olivier, 19 Kagiso Matou, 20 Liyema Songinzi, 21 Damian Ndlove, 22 Simlindile Bewana, 23 Thato Zwane.

Western Province: 15 Wesley Kannemeyer, 14 Xavier Lorenzo Jacobs (Florida School of Skills), 13 Marcos Pedro Lubaco (Axios School of Skills), 12 Morne Oor (Axios), 11 Hedley Donrick Philander (Axios School of Skills), 10 Zurich Stevens (Bet-el School), 9 Junade Filander, 8 Siyabulela Mangali (Westcliff School of Skills), 7 Chandley Jacobs (Axios School of Skills), 6 Jayden John September (Axios School of Skills), 5 Rochton Brown (Jan Kriel School), 4 Luken Wyngaard (Florida School of Skills), 3 Gillian Simons (Axios School of Skills), 2 Jean Mc Ewan, 1 Liam Clive Divan Allen (Florida School of Skills). Replacements: 16 Gareth America, 17 Ryan Van Breda, 18 Charles Hendricks, 19 Jossie Van Rooyen (Axios School of Skills), 20 Chriswinn Plaat (Westcliff School of Skills), 21 Mekyle Human (ELSIES RIVER), 22 Yusuf Hannibal, 23 Ralton Rhode.

The much anticipated u13 Craven Week tournament of 2025 is set to kick-off at Selborne College in East London from 30 June to 4 July, with some exciting encounters already on the cards for matchday one. 

The Blue Bulls, reigning champions from the 2024 edition in Pretoria at Loftus Versfeld, will begin their title defence in the A-division. 

A total of eight games will be played in the opening division A fixtures, promising a day of schoolboy rugby as future stars of South African rugby take center stage. 

Defending champions, the Blue Bulls, will take on the Sharks, while last year’s finalist, Western Province, will face Eastern Province. In another key encounter, bronze medalist Golden Lions will play Griqualand West, while Border will look to improve on their last-place finish when they tackle Griffons in the first fixture of the day. 

In the B-division, the fixtures will kick-off with South Western Districts facing Eastern Province and will be followed by a clash between Golden Lions XV and Limpopo Blue Bulls. Western Province, who finished in first place last year, will begin their journey against Free State.  

A southern African showdown is also on the cards, with Namibia facing off against Zimbabwe, and Boland will be tested by Valke  in another key encounter with plenty of pedigree.

The fixtures for Day 2 will be announced following the results from Day 1.

Fixtures | Day 1 

A-field

16:30 – Boland vs Border
14:30 – Blue Bulls vs Sharks
13:25 – Western Province vs Eastern Province
12:20 – Golden Lions vs Griffons
09:05 – Pumas vs Limpopo Blue Bulls
11:15 – Free State vs Leopards
10:10 – South Western Districts vs Valke
08:00 – Griffons vs Border Country Districts 

B-field 

14:30 – Western Province II vs Free State II
10:10 – Blue Bulls II vs Leopards II
12:20 – Boland II vs Nashua Valke II
11:15 – Sharks II vs Pumas II
08:00 – South Western Districts II vs Eastern Province II
09:05 – Golden Lions Academy vs Griffons II
09:05 – Border II vs Griqualand West II
08:00 – Golden Lions XV vs Limpopo Blue Bulls II
13:25 – Namibia vs Zimbabwe

St Alban’s College began their final home game with energy and dominance, but Kearsney College weathered the early storm before unleashing a flurry of tries to seal a comprehensive 59-9 victory at Moshate Field, in Pretoria, on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts struck first after sustained pressure in the opening exchanges, with scrumhalf Everett Gosling slotting a penalty to give St Alban’s a 3-0 lead.

Kearsney, however, responded swiftly in the eighth minute with a well-worked team try. Fullback Lwazi Mbebe showed quick hands to send winger Bukho Hlwatika over the line, although Mbebe failed to convert, leaving the score at 5-3 in favour of the visitors.

After a dangerous off-the-ball tackle by Kearsney’s captain Simanye Mlakalaka, Gosling added another penalty to edge the hosts back in front at 6-5. He slotted a third penalty shortly after to extend the lead to 9-5 in the 22nd minute. But from there, Kearsney turned the tide and never looked back.

Mbebe and Hlwatika continued their deadly combination, linking up again for tries in the 25th and 31st minutes. The fullback’s dazzling run and offload set up Hlwatika for both scores, although Kearsney kept missing the conversion kicks.

A stunning solo effort from wing Lwandle Mkhize, who sprinted from his own half, gave Kearsney a 20-9 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Kearsney was dominant, adding another 39 points to their tally. It began with a powerful try from eighthman Nhlanhla Ndlovu in the 42nd minute. That sparked a relentless sequence of tries, including solo efforts from centre Doan Nel and Mbebe, and a brilliant assist from Mbebe to scrumhalf Fynn Verbaan.

Nel successfully converted two of the second-half tries, pushing the lead to 44-9 by the 53rd minute.

Tensions flared midway through the half when Kearsney’s hooker Micah van Wijk was shown a yellow card for a high tackle, while St Alban’s fullback Thabiso Simelani received a red card for retaliating.

Undeterred, Kearsney continued their scoring spree. Tries from flank Oliver Ludwig, Hlwatika, and another from the wing, following a slick offload by Nel, brought the final score to 59-9, with Hlwatika dotting down five times.

Scorers

St Alban’s College 9 (9) – Penalties: Everett Gosling (3). Kearney College 59 (20) – Tries: Bukho Hlwatika (5), Lwandle Mkhize, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Doan Nel, Lwazi Mbebe, Oliver Ludwig, Fynn Verbaan. Conversions: Doan Nel (2). 

The Golden Lions have unveiled their squad for the FNB u18 Craven Week, which takes place from 7-12 July at Hoërskool Middelburg, in Mpumalanga.

The team mixes talents from top rugby schools, including Helpmekaar, Noordheuwel, and Jeppe. 

The team will enjoy a solid foundation with Jeppe High School for Boys’ loosehead prop André Poulton and Helpmekaar Kollege’s tight-head prop Dylan Engelbrecht, both of whom played in the 2024 edition in Krugersdorp, manning the front row. 

Helpmekaar with seven players in the squad, leads the way. Their contingent includes, among others, flank Eugene de Lange, fullback Ty Ax, Liam Devenier, Zian Smit, and the twins, Shaye and Ethan Lourens.

Noordheuwel and Jeppe each have six players in the lineup, which is reflection on the consistent performances both schools have delivered this season. 

The starting lineup includes several standout combinations. In the backline, Jeandré Uithaler (Noordheuwel) and Shaye Lourens will form the crucial halfback partnership. Ethan Lourens and Jeppe’s Lindelani Nkanbule will provide strength and speed in the midfield, while Joel Akilo (Jeppe) and Aiden Bester (Noordheuwel) provide finishing flair on the wings. 

In the pack, King Edward VII‘s (KES) Chinedu Amadi anchors the loose trio at number eight, supported by De Lange (Helpmekaar) and Sam Bruwer (KES). Monument‘s Vincent Robberts provides a physical presence at lock, with Clinton Agu (Noordheuwel) handling the hooker’s duties. 

The Lions bench features Jeppe’s hooker Ayanda Funeka, loosehead prop Liam Devenier (Helpmekaar), Frank van der Merwe (KES), Helpmekaar’s eighthman Zian Smit, Armand van Eck (Noordheuwel), Talent Sithole (Jeppe), inside centre Phano Letsie (Jeppe), and Tidi Moeketsane (Noordheuwel) – a group selected for their versatility and impact potential.

The Golden Lions also named a competitive squad for the forthcoming u18 Academy Week, which will also be played at Hoërskool Middelburg.

KES has four players in the squad, while Northcliff, Jeppe High School for Boys, Hoërskool Monument, and Hoërskool Noordheuwel provide three players each. Parktown had two players selected, while the lineup includes one each from Helpmekaar, St John’s College, St Stithians College, and Marais Viljoen.

At the back, Northcliff’s Matthew Hunt is flanked by right-wing Ndimphiwe Mjiji (Jeppe) and left-wing Ruan Genis, from Monument. Sicelo Sakawuli (St Stithians) partners Sam Smith (KES) in the midfield, offering a balanced mix of pace and physicality. Monument’s flyhalf, Jayden Viljoen, links up with Noordheuwel’s scrumhalf, Gideon Diedericks, to drive the game plan. 

The forward pack features Rio Tshimbalanga, from Marais Viljoen, who anchors the back row, supported by Jeppe’s Grady Ngui and Noordheuwel’s Andrew Lambert on the flanks.

Michael Bownes (KES) and Michael Nwogwugwu (Northcliff) will form a strong second-row partnership, while Awulani Ndlovu (Jeppe), Juandré van der Merwe (Helpmekaar), and Stefan Bezuidenhout (Noordheuwel) pack down in the front row.

Parktown Boys’ High’s Lethoko Mallane and Manual Motsi feature among the replacements, alongside Regan McGurk and Indibable Mboniswa from KES, St John’s College’s Mako Mandizha, Monument’’s Ryno van der Westuizen, and Jeppe’s Glodi Tshimpaka. McGurk represented the Lions at the Craven Week last year. 

The Golden Lions have also confirmed a promising 23-man squad to represent them at the FNB u16 Grant Khomo Week, to be played at St Alban’s College, in Pretoria, from 29 June to 4 July.  

Leading the school representation are Monument and KES, with six players each, followed closely by Noordheuwel (4), Jeppe (3), and Parktown (2). Northcliff and Helpmekaar each contribute one player to round off a well-balanced squad. 

Monument’s Ray Nathan van Coller will wear the No. 15 jersey, while wings Russel Mgiba (KES) and Prosper Mbandlwa (Jeppe) add speed and agility. The Lions will field a midfield pairing of Asa Mgwatyu, from KES, and Monument’s Blessing Monareng, with Jeppe’s Ndzalama Mbhalati and Pierre Crofton (KES) as halfbacks. 

Up front, Monument players dominate the pack, with Luan Coetzee, Roché Botha, Keegan McCarthy, and Hanco van Geelen in the lineup. Iglesias Bruiners (Noordheuwel) brings accuracy at the line-out and aggression at the breakdown. The loose trio features Aiden Harty (Noordheuwel), Diederick Kleyn (KES), and McCarthy. 

The bench brings features players who can deliver impact and versatility. Andries van der Merwe (KES) and Jordan Venter (Northcliff) bolster the front row, while Rick van den Berg and Chrissandro Flemmer (Noordheuwel) offer second and back row cover.

Dewald du Preez (Helpmekaar) provides added grunt in the loose forwards. The backline reserves include Naledi Phiri (KES), Lethabo Malahlela, and Hlayisani Mbambo (both Parktown), giving the team tactical options in tight matches.

The teams: 

Craven Week: 15 Ty Ax (Helpmekaar), 14 Aiden Bester (Noordheuwel), 13 Lindelani Nkambule (Jeppe), 12a Ethan Lourens (Helpmekaar), 11 Joel Akilo (Jeppe), 10 Jeandré Uithaler (Noordheuwel), 9 Shaye Lourens (Helpmekaar), 8 Chinedu Amadi (KES), 7 Eugene de Lange (Helpmekaar), 6 Sam Bruwer (Kes), 5 Ethan Lourens (Noordheuwel), 4 Vincent Robberts (Monument), 3 Dylan Engelbrecht (Helpmekaar), 2 Clinton Agu (Noordheuwel), 1 André  Poulton (Jeppe). Replacements: 16 Ayanda Funeka (Jeppe), 17 Liam Devenier (Helpmekaar), 18 Frank van der Merwe (KES), 19 Zian Smit (Helpmekaar), 20 Armand van Eck (Noordheuwel), 21 Talent Sithoile (Jeppe), 22 Phano Letsie (Jeppe), 23 Tidi Moekesane (Noordheuwel). 

7 Helpmekaar | 6 Noordheuwel | 6 Jeppe High School for Boys’ | 3 King Edward VII | 1 Monument 

Academy Week: 15 Matthew Hunt (Northcliff), 14 Ndimphiwe Mjiji (Jeppe), 13 Sicelo Sakawuli (St Stithians), 12 Sam Smith (KES), 11 Ruan Genis (Monument), 10 Jayden Viljoen (Monument), 9 Gideon Diedericks (Noordheuwel), 8 Rio Tshimbalanga (Marais Viljoen), 7 Grady Ngui (Jeppe), 6 Andrew Lambert (Noordheuwel), 5 Michael Bownes (Kes), 4 Michael Nwogwugwu (Northcliff), 3 Awulani Ndlovu (Jeppe), 2 Juandre van der Merwe (Helpmekaar), 1 Stefan Bezuidenhout (Noordheuwel). Replacements: 16: Lethoko Mallane (Parktown), 17 Manuel Motsi (Parktown), 18 Mako Mandizha (St Johns), 19 Glodi Tshimpaka (Jeppe), 20 Mardoche (Northcliff), 21 Ryno van der Westhuizen (Monument), 22 Regan McGurk (KES), 23 Indibable Mboniswa (KES).

4 KES | 3 Northcliff | 3 Jeppe High School for Boys’ | 3 Monument | 3 Noordheuwel | 2 Parktown Boys’ High | 1 Helpmekaar | 1 St John’s College | 1 St Stithians College | 1 Marais Viljoen | 

Grant Khomo: 15 Ray Nathan van Coller (Monument), 14 Russel Mgiba (KES), 13 Asa Mgwatyu (KES), 12 Blessing Monareng (Monument), 11 Prosper Mbandlwa (Jeppe), 10 Ndzalama Mbhalati (Jeppe), 9 Pierre Crofton (KES), 8 Aiden Harty (Noordheuwel), 7 Diederick Kleyn (KES), 6 Keegan McCarthy (Monument), 5 Hanco van Geelen (Monument), 4 Roché Botha (Monument), 3 Mervedi Ndomba (Jeppe), 2 Iglesias Bruiners (Noordheuwel), 1 Luan Coetzee (Monument). Replacements: 16 Andries van der Merwe (KES), 17 Jordan Venter (Northcliff), 18 Rick van den Berg (Noordheuwel), 19 Naledi Phiri (KES), 20 Dewald du Preez (Helpmekaar), 21 Lethabo Malahlela (Parktown), 22 Chrissandro Flemmer (Noordheuwel), 23 Hlayisani Mbambo (Parktown). 

6 Monument | 6 King Edward VII | 4 Noordheuwel | 3 Jeppe High School for Boys’ | 2 Parktown Boys’ High | 1 Helpmekaar | 1 Northcliff

Following the Proteas‘ ICC World Test Championship victory against Australia by five wickets at Lord’s Cricket Ground, in London, we take a look at the victorious South African side and the schools the players attended.

From the iconic Pretoria Boys High to the prestigious St Stithians College, the squad shows how different parts of South Africa have shaped the stars of today.

The majority of the Proteas’ squad played in the Khaya Majola Cricket Week, an annual tournament that features the top young cricketers from across the country.

Of the players who were part of the squad, Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj are the oldest at 35 years of age.

The Proteas’ test and ODI captain played for St David’s Marist Inanda and featured in the 2008 Khaya Majola Cricket Week in Port Elizabeth, while Keshav Maharaj came through Northwood and played in the 2006/07 tournaments.

Johannesburg’s St Stithians College produced the most players in the squad, with three representatives. Kagiso Rabada and Ryan Rickelton, who played in the 2013 Khaya Majola Week, and Wiaan Mulder, who featured in the 2016 edition in Bloemfontein.

Wynberg Boys’ High, in Cape Town, is represented by David Bedingham, who was part of the 2011 team, and Kyle Verrynne, who followed three years later.

Potchefstroom Gymnasium‘s Marco Jansen is the only player from the North-West Province. He featured in the 2018/19 tournaments before debuting for the national team in January 2021 in a test series against Pakistan. Lungi Ngidi, who starred for Hilton College, played in the Khaya Majola Week in 2013.

Aiden Markram, however, didn’t follow the traditional route of playing in the tournament. While he never played in the Khaya Majola Week, he captained the South Africa u19 team that won the 2014 ICC u19 Cricket World Cup. That side also includes Kagiso Rabada. Markram’s captaincy continues as the Proteas’ skipper in Twenty20 International cricket.

Tristan Stubbs represented one of South Africa’s traditional school cricket powerhouses, Grey High in the 2017 Khaya Majola Week.

The Protea Squad and their schools 

[ninja_tables id=”75501″]