Author: froberholzer

Day four of the CSA u19 Girls Week, taking place in Cape Town, saw South Africa’s top young talent battle it out in two rounds of T20 action, to see who would take on whom on the tournament’s final day.

Daneli Boshoff and Gizelle Abrahams played pivotal roles for Boland to help their side maintain its unbeaten record.

Boshoff showed immense character with the bat as she piled on the runs in both matches. She kicked off the fourth day with an exhilarating 91 runs from just 75 deliveries against the Mpumalanga Rhinos.

She then continued her superb form with another half-century – a mature knock landing her the top score in the Boland innings once again, this time with 51. Her opening partner, Gizelle Abrahams, wasn’t far behind.

She got in on the action against the Rhinos with a measured 72 runs from 75 balls as the pair batted the entire 20 overs to hurry Boland to 181 without loss.

Abrahams, then, also contributed a half-century, making 50 against Northern Cape, as the openers combined for another century stand.

Western Province also finished their day with a clean record thanks to a wonderful bowling exhibition from Caitlin van Wyngaard, who captured six wickets for 22 runs in her side’s two victories, picking up 3/11 in both games.

On the batting front, it was the consistently impressive Kayla Reyneke, who set the tone for the hosts, putting together a half-century against Free State to guide Province to a decent 113/4 in their 20 overs.

The biggest upset of the day was Kwazulu-Natal’s victory over the favourites, the Gauteng Lions. Nokulunga Shangase’s two for 18 helped restrict the Gauteng side to a disappointing 103/6. Then it was the turn of Seshnie Naidu to put the Lions’ bowlers to the sword.

Playing a mature knock, she anchored the KZN innings with 30 runs, which helped her team to a narrow but well deserved two-wicket victory.

In their second game of the day, the Coastal side expertly shrugged off the Eastern Storm’s challenge. Luyanda Nzuza starred with a committed innings that left her unbeaten on 55 when KZN secured a comfortable six-wicket victory.

An impressive Kei side appeared to have finally hit their straps as they, also, bagged two victories. Elethu Mataka led the way against the Garden Route Badgers, snaring 3/11 as the Badgers were bundled out for just 35. It was an easy run chase for Kei, who won by a comprehensive margin of nine wickets.

The second time out, Kei held on for a two-wicket win over Limpopo. Sgempana Elethu, with 3/13, and Yonga Rutsha, with 3/10, were pivotal in the victory.

The Titans’ pair of Janicke Janse van Rensburg and Simone Lourens got their side back to winning ways following a loss to Western Province.

Up against Eastern Province, the Titans romped to a convincing 60-run win. Janse van Rensburg batted well for an excellent 80 runs from 86 deliveries, while Lourens contributed 64 runs of her own, from just 57 balls.

Summarised Scoresheets 

Boland 181/0 (Daneli Boshoff 91*, Gizelle Abrahams 72*); Mpumalanga 79/9 (Chris-Marie Bezuidenhout 29, Sveva Moore 24; Mia-Lize van der Vyver 3/3, Siyema Stefana 2/1). Boland won by 108 runs. 

Boland 134/4 (Daneli Boshoff 51, Gizelle Abrahams 50; Boitsoko Molusi 2/10); Northern Cape 55/9 (Mothapelo Ntsayagae 18, Extras 21; Tinita van Zyl 4/12). Boland won by 79 runs.

Western Province 113/4 (Kayla Reyneke 50*, Alexia Kontopirakis 27; Boitumelo Lephaila 1/6); Free State 96/6 (Miane Smit 51; Caitlin Wyngaardt 3/11, Jemma Botha 2/19, Reneke 2/20). Western Province won by 17 runs. 

Western Province 82/10 (Lilitha Bukabuda 23; Monalisa Lefodi 3/12, Mienke de Jager 3/18); Titans 74/9 (Christelle van der Schyff 37; Caitlin van Wyngaardt 3/11). Western Province won by eight runs. 

Gauteng Lions 72/7 (Karabo Meso 36, Mia Kruger 20; Nokulunga Shongase 2/18); KwaZulu-Natal 104/8 (Seshnie Naidu 30, Extras 26; Khanyisile Nkosi 1/7). KwaZulu-Natal won by two wickets.

Eastern Storm 104/7 (Tamzyn Hartman 22, Mpumelelo Mashiloane 20; Sisanda Ngubane 3/13, Luyanda Nzuza 3/12); KwaZulu-Natal 108/4 (Luyanda Nzuza 55*, Olwethu Gaza 27; Thando Zulu 2/11). KwaZulu-Natal won by six wickets.

SWD Badgers 35/10 (Kelsey Stuurman 11; Elethu Mataka 3/11); Kei 36/1 (Siviwe Silo 12). Kei won by nine wickets. 

Limpopo 71/9 (Meghan-Lee Mans 28; Yonga Rutsha 3/10, Sgempana Elethu 3/13); Kei 72/8 (Nontokoza Mchiza 18; Shelfa Mukhari 4/15). Kei won by two wickets.

Other Results 

North West 72/7 (Deidre van Rensburg 32; Tokologo Motsepe 2/11, Khanyisile Nkosi 2/6); Gauteng Lions 73/2 (Karabo Meso 24, Lethabo Bidli 20; Tsegofatso Thomas 1/5). Gauteng Lions won by eight wickets.

Titans 179/2 (Janicke Janse van Rensburg 80, Simone Lourens 64; Lana von Hagen 1/20); Eastern Province 119/8 (Iman Bonnasse 23, Megan Fourie 23, Sesona Jodwana 22*; Lesedi Madisha 4/31, Monalisa Legodi 2/22). Titans won by 60 runs.

Free State 137/5 (Miane Smit 47, Erica Gates 32; Lana von Hagen 2/26); Eastern Province 116/8 (Alison Kroon 25, Extras 24; Miane Smit 4/27, Chane Lang 2/12). Free State won by 21 runs.

SWD Badgers 95/5 (Kelsey Stuurman 33; Mbali Mkhize 1/7); KwaZulu-Natal Inland 73/6 (Jessica Chandler 38*; Sange Somatamba 2/8, Rusha van Wieling 2/21). SWD Badgers won by 22 runs. 

Limpopo 78/8 (Meghan-Lee Mans 17; Jessica Chandler 3/9, Asanda Zondi 3/9); KwaZulu-Natal Inland 59/10 (Nelile Nzimande 16, Extras 27; Manyaga Itumeleng 2/5, Shakira Malatji 2/9, Nicole Labuschangne 2/12, Shelfa Mukhari 2/15). Limpopo won by 19 runs.

North West 120/6 (Karabo Lemphane 36, Deidre van Rensburg 24; Leeyandre Bently 2/9); Eastern Storm 113/5 (Mpumelelo Mashiloane 69; Leratho Kotokoane 2/21). North West won by seven runs.

Northern Cape 96/3 (Elizma Erasmus 23*, Nonnbuso Makatang 22; Akhile Mollalane 1/13); Border 74/8 (Cayleigh Wanckel 33; Elizma Erasmus 2/10). Northern Cape won by 22 runs.

Border 137/4 (Holly Harris 48*, Thabelani Metu 29*, Extras 34; Snothando Letswele 1/17); Mpumalanga Rhinos 81/5 (Donalee Cloete 19*; Cayleigh Wanckel 3/14). Border won by 56 runs.

Day four of the CSA u19 Girls Week, taking place in Cape Town, saw South Africa’s top young talent battle it out in two rounds of T20 action, to see who would take on whom on the tournament’s final day.

Daneli Boshoff and Gizelle Abrahams played pivotal roles for Boland to help their side maintain its unbeaten record.

Boshoff showed immense character with the bat as she piled on the runs in both matches. She kicked off the fourth day with an exhilarating 91 runs from just 75 deliveries against the Mpumalanga Rhinos.

She then continued her superb form with another half-century – a mature knock landing her the top score in the Boland innings once again, this time with 51. Her opening partner, Gizelle Abrahams, wasn’t far behind.

She got in on the action against the Rhinos with a measured 72 runs from 75 balls as the pair batted the entire 20 overs to hurry Boland to 181 without loss.

Abrahams, then, also contributed a half-century, making 50 against Northern Cape, as the openers combined for another century stand.

Western Province also finished their day with a clean record thanks to a wonderful bowling exhibition from Caitlin van Wyngaard, who captured six wickets for 22 runs in her side’s two victories, picking up 3/11 in both games.

On the batting front, it was the consistently impressive Kayla Reyneke, who set the tone for the hosts, putting together a half-century against Free State to guide Province to a decent 113/4 in their 20 overs.

The biggest upset of the day was Kwazulu-Natal’s victory over the favourites, the Gauteng Lions. Nokulunga Shangase’s two for 18 helped restrict the Gauteng side to a disappointing 103/6. Then it was the turn of Seshnie Naidu to put the Lions’ bowlers to the sword.

Playing a mature knock, she anchored the KZN innings with 30 runs, which helped her team to a narrow but well deserved two-wicket victory.

In their second game of the day, the Coastal side expertly shrugged off the Eastern Storm’s challenge. Luyanda Nzuza starred with a committed innings that left her unbeaten on 55 when KZN secured a comfortable six-wicket victory.

An impressive Kei side appeared to have finally hit their straps as they, also, bagged two victories. Elethu Mataka led the way against the Garden Route Badgers, snaring 3/11 as the Badgers were bundled out for just 35. It was an easy run chase for Kei, who won by a comprehensive margin of nine wickets.

The second time out, Kei held on for a two-wicket win over Limpopo. Sgempana Elethu, with 3/13, and Yonga Rutsha, with 3/10, were pivotal in the victory.

The Titans’ pair of Janicke Janse van Rensburg and Simone Lourens got their side back to winning ways following a loss to Western Province.

Up against Eastern Province, the Titans romped to a convincing 60-run win. Janse van Rensburg batted well for an excellent 80 runs from 86 deliveries, while Lourens contributed 64 runs of her own, from just 57 balls.

Summarised Scoresheets 

Boland 181/0 (Daneli Boshoff 91*, Gizelle Abrahams 72*); Mpumalanga 79/9 (Chris-Marie Bezuidenhout 29, Sveva Moore 24; Mia-Lize van der Vyver 3/3, Siyema Stefana 2/1). Boland won by 108 runs. 

Boland 134/4 (Daneli Boshoff 51, Gizelle Abrahams 50; Boitsoko Molusi 2/10); Northern Cape 55/9 (Mothapelo Ntsayagae 18, Extras 21; Tinita van Zyl 4/12). Boland won by 79 runs.

Western Province 113/4 (Kayla Reyneke 50*, Alexia Kontopirakis 27; Boitumelo Lephaila 1/6); Free State 96/6 (Miane Smit 51; Caitlin Wyngaardt 3/11, Jemma Botha 2/19, Reneke 2/20). Western Province won by 17 runs. 

Western Province 82/10 (Lilitha Bukabuda 23; Monalisa Lefodi 3/12, Mienke de Jager 3/18); Titans 74/9 (Christelle van der Schyff 37; Caitlin van Wyngaardt 3/11). Western Province won by eight runs. 

Gauteng Lions 72/7 (Karabo Meso 36, Mia Kruger 20; Nokulunga Shongase 2/18); KwaZulu-Natal 104/8 (Seshnie Naidu 30, Extras 26; Khanyisile Nkosi 1/7). KwaZulu-Natal won by two wickets.

Eastern Storm 104/7 (Tamzyn Hartman 22, Mpumelelo Mashiloane 20; Sisanda Ngubane 3/13, Luyanda Nzuza 3/12); KwaZulu-Natal 108/4 (Luyanda Nzuza 55*, Olwethu Gaza 27; Thando Zulu 2/11). KwaZulu-Natal won by six wickets.

SWD Badgers 35/10 (Kelsey Stuurman 11; Elethu Mataka 3/11); Kei 36/1 (Siviwe Silo 12). Kei won by nine wickets. 

Limpopo 71/9 (Meghan-Lee Mans 28; Yonga Rutsha 3/10, Sgempana Elethu 3/13); Kei 72/8 (Nontokoza Mchiza 18; Shelfa Mukhari 4/15). Kei won by two wickets.

Other Results 

North West 72/7 (Deidre van Rensburg 32; Tokologo Motsepe 2/11, Khanyisile Nkosi 2/6); Gauteng Lions 73/2 (Karabo Meso 24, Lethabo Bidli 20; Tsegofatso Thomas 1/5). Gauteng Lions won by eight wickets.

Titans 179/2 (Janicke Janse van Rensburg 80, Simone Lourens 64; Lana von Hagen 1/20); Eastern Province 119/8 (Iman Bonnasse 23, Megan Fourie 23, Sesona Jodwana 22*; Lesedi Madisha 4/31, Monalisa Legodi 2/22). Titans won by 60 runs.

Free State 137/5 (Miane Smit 47, Erica Gates 32; Lana von Hagen 2/26); Eastern Province 116/8 (Alison Kroon 25, Extras 24; Miane Smit 4/27, Chane Lang 2/12). Free State won by 21 runs.

SWD Badgers 95/5 (Kelsey Stuurman 33; Mbali Mkhize 1/7); KwaZulu-Natal Inland 73/6 (Jessica Chandler 38*; Sange Somatamba 2/8, Rusha van Wieling 2/21). SWD Badgers won by 22 runs. 

Limpopo 78/8 (Meghan-Lee Mans 17; Jessica Chandler 3/9, Asanda Zondi 3/9); KwaZulu-Natal Inland 59/10 (Nelile Nzimande 16, Extras 27; Manyaga Itumeleng 2/5, Shakira Malatji 2/9, Nicole Labuschangne 2/12, Shelfa Mukhari 2/15). Limpopo won by 19 runs.

North West 120/6 (Karabo Lemphane 36, Deidre van Rensburg 24; Leeyandre Bently 2/9); Eastern Storm 113/5 (Mpumelelo Mashiloane 69; Leratho Kotokoane 2/21). North West won by seven runs.

Northern Cape 96/3 (Elizma Erasmus 23*, Nonnbuso Makatang 22; Akhile Mollalane 1/13); Border 74/8 (Cayleigh Wanckel 33; Elizma Erasmus 2/10). Northern Cape won by 22 runs.

Border 137/4 (Holly Harris 48*, Thabelani Metu 29*, Extras 34; Snothando Letswele 1/17); Mpumalanga Rhinos 81/5 (Donalee Cloete 19*; Cayleigh Wanckel 3/14). Border won by 56 runs.

Thelma Makhubela became the first player to notch a ton at the u19 Girls Week in Cape Town on Tuesday. The all-rounder played a fantastic knock of 102 not out, from 146 deliveries, to get her team out of trouble against Northern Cape.

Batting first the Eastern Storm found themselves in a spot of bother at 90/6 against their spirited opposition before Makhubela played her gem of an innings. Leeyandre Bently provided some much-needed support with a mature 20 runs from 49 balls.

Those two contributions helped the Eastern Gautengers claw their way back into the game and eventually post an impressive 182 all out.

Lucian Swartz did the bulk of the damage for the Northern Heat, producing a testing spell, which saw her claim her first five-wicket haul of the week. She ended with figures of 5/34, while Katlego Vala weighed in with a return of 2/28.

In their reply, Northern Cape never really hit their straps as they struggled to form meaningful partnerships. Makhubela, following her batting heroics, shone with the ball, too, and with Marizelle Welman’s and Bently’s support, they were able to hand the Capetonians a loss.

Makhubela bagged the best bowling figures of the day for the Storm, claiming three wickets for only six runs, while Welman also picked up three while conceding only eight runs. Bently chipped in with two wickets of her own as Northern Cape crumbled to 75 all out, leaving the Eastern Storm the comprehensive winners by 107 runs.

Western Province and the Gauteng Lions produced arguably the game of the week thus far. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the Gauteng Lions had the hosts under immense pressure with a cluster of early wickets.

This, however, set the stage for Kayla Reyneke to display her batting prowess. She knuckled down and after a slow start expertly accelerated to make 46 runs from just 57 deliveries. Her valuable contribution helped the home side reach 93 all out.

Kaylee van Rooyen led the way for the Johannesburg side, capturing three wickets for just eight runs. Off-spinner Samantha Swanepoel produced a stellar performance to bag 3/20, while Rialivhuma Khorombi claimed 2/26.

Swanepoel then had her say with the bat, top-scoring with 28 runs. Thristan Cronje lent good support with a well-played 20 runs. Refiloe Bomvana produced an immaculate bowling performance for Province, knocking over 5/19, but the Lions scraped a narrow one-wicket victory.

A fine batting performance, led by Megan Fourie led Eastern Province to an easy win over KZN Inland. She top-scored with a crucial 56 runs, while Lana von Hagen nearly matched her, with 54. Sesona Jodwana weighed in with a nicely constructed 25 runs as EP totalled 211/7 in their 50 overs.

Mbali Mkhize was the most impressive Inland bowler, snapping up 3/29 in her spell, while Megan Webb claimed two scalps for 45 runs.

Jessica Chandler constructed a valiant innings for the Inland team, making a patient 61 from 132 deliveries, but it wasn’t enough to get her side across the line.

A strong combined bowling effort from Jordan Cole (2/5), Megan Fourie (2/38) and Emma Tinley (2/21) stopped the Inland march in its tracks, leaving the KZN side 67 runs short on 144/9 after their 50 overs.

Tabitha la Grange, meanwhile, led the SWD Badgers to a nail-biting three-run victory over the Mpumalanga Rhinos. Le Grange was not a part of the original Badgers’ squad, but she has starred for the side over the first three days of the week. Her all-round excellence – 5/6 with the ball and 28 runs from 20 deliveries – was the difference between victory and defeat.

Rhinos’ stalwart, Snothando Letswele, enjoyed a good outing, removing five Badgers’ batters at the cost of only 22 runs.

Nokulunga Shangase overwhelmed the Free State’s batters. Her 5/1 from five overs was the spell of the tournament thus far and led KZN Coastal to a three-wicket victory.

Summarised scoresheets

Eastern Storm 182/10 (Thelma Makhubela 102*, Leeyandre Bently 20 Extras (32); Lucian Swartz 5/34, Katlego Vala 2/28); Northern Cape 75/10 (Nombuso Makatong 17, Extras (25); Makhubela 3/6, Marizelle Welman 3/8, Leeyandre Bently 2/21). Eastern Storm won by 107 runs. 

Western Province 93/10 (Kayla Reyneke 46; Kaylee van Rooyen 3/8, Samatha Swanepoel 3/20, Rialivhuma Khorombi 2/26); Gauteng Lions 94/9 (Swanepoel 28, Thristan Cronje 20; Refiloe Bomvuma 5/19). Gauteng Lions won by One wicket.

Eastern Province 211/7 (Megan Fourie 56, Lana von Hagen 54, Sesona Jodwana 25; Mbali Mkhize 3/29, Megan Webb 2/45); KZN Inland 144/9 (Jessica Chandler 61, Extras (46); Jordan Cole 2/5, Fourie 2/38, Emma Tinley 2/21). Eastern Province won by 67 runs.

SWD Badgers 73/10 (Tabitha la Grange 28, Extras (24); Snothando Letswele 5/22, Ashley Barnard 3/30, Sbongakonke Hlotsowayo 2/8); Mpumalanga Rhinos 70/10 (Chris-Marie Bezuidenhout 22, Extras (20); La Grange 5/6, Mariana Breedt 3/20). SWD Badgers won by three runs. 

Other Results: 

North-West 122/10 (Nthabiseng Nini 25, Karabo Lemphane 19; Lesedi Madisha 4/20, Amone Muller 2/29, Caroline Twala 2/16); Titans 123/4 (Simone Lourens 52*; Nini 1/14). Titans won by six wickets. 

Free State 64/10 (Extras 24, Katlego Nkoga 12; Nokulunga Shangase 5/1); KZN Coastal 68/7 (Seshnie Naidu 20; Dieketseng Matsoele 3/11). KZN Coastal won by three wickets. 

Boland 153/10 (Anelmarie van Niekerk 55, Mia-Lize van der Vyver 29; Yonga Rutsha 3/24, Nontokoza Mchiwa 3/30, Olihle Ndogeni 2/29); Kei 71/10 (Sgempana Elethu 14, Extras 29; Gemeez Abrahams 3/8). Boland won by 82 runs.

Alexis Kontopirakis and Rifqah Esau’s fantastic bowling effort led Western Province to a second convincing victory in as many days, this time coming against Garden Route Badgers.

Kontopirakis led the way as the main threat with the ball in hand claiming astonishing figures of three wickets for only three runs.

Esua followed her lead claiming equally impressive figures of 3/13 in the seven overs she bowled.

This extraordinary effort from the pair meant that the Badgers team could only manage a disappointing 85.

Tabitha la Grange was once again the stand-out for the South Western Districts side, top-scoring with 15 runs from 31 deliveries.

The Western Province batters, however, seemed as comfortable as they easily set off in search of the 86 runs required for victory. Katleen Seager played a very mature knock, knuckling down for her 38 runs coming off 54 balls.

Jemma Botha seemed to be batting on a different surface, scoring an aggressive run a ball 38 runs to lead the Western Province side to a comfortable nine-wicket victory.

North-West continued their dominance, beating Kei by an impressive 142 runs. Koketso Lesenyego led the way with a remarkable 60 runs from 145 balls. Deidre van Rensburg also found herself amongst the runs for a second day in a row, adding another 47 runs to her tally for the week, while Karabo Lemphane added another 34 runs to her tally coming from 57 deliveries.

Sgempana Elethu put up another stellar performance with the ball claiming figures of 2/33 in her spell, while Oluhle Ndongeni proved to be the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/29.

Unfortunately, the Kei batters were unable to back up an impressive bowling performance stumbling to 63 all out. Bonisha Robert fought valiantly to top score but even she could only manage ten runs before she had to depart.

The Gauteng Lions proved why they are the favourites to be crowned champions of the tournament with another immense performance against the Mpumalanga Rhinos.

Karabo Meso showed her batting prowess, smashing the ball to all parts of the ground for her blistering 39 runs from only 22 deliveries. She found support in Samatha Swanepoel who impressed for the second day in a row accumulating 23 runs from 43 deliveries as the pair’s contributions led the Johannesburg side to a competitive 151 all out.

Ashley Barnard produced a magical spell under pressure for the Rhinos to claim the second five-for of the week, boasting figures of 5/19 in 6.5 overs.

Needing their bowlers to produce, Busisiwe Mathleng took it upon herself, tearing through the Rhinos line-up to claim the best figures of the day on the side of the Lions, bagging three scalps for only 16 runs. Inspired by Mathleng’s efforts, Swanepoel spun a web around the lower order, also claiming impressive figures of 2/11.

The pair’s efforts meant that Mpumalanga could only reach a meagre 80 before losing their last wicket, handing Gauteng a convincing victory of 71 runs.

Summarised Scorecards: 

South Western Districts 85/10 (Tabitha La Grange 15; Alexis Kontopirakis 3/3, Rifqah Esau 3/13); Western Province 86/1 (Kathleen Seager 38, Jemma Botha 38). Western Province won by nine wickets.

North-West 205/7 (Koketso Lesenyega 60, Deidre van Rensburg 47, Karabo Lemphane 34; Sgempana Elethu 2/33, Oluhle Ndongeni 2/29); Kei 63/10 (Nonisha Robert 10; Palesa Lethuri 3/9, Ane Saunderson 2/8, Karabo Lemphane 2/5). North-West Dragons won by 142 runs. 

Gauteng Lions 151/10 (Karabo Meso 39, Samatha Swanepoel 23; Ashley Barnard 5/19, Neliswa Dlamini 2/21); Mpumalanga 80/10 (Snothando Letswele 17; Busisiwe Mathleng 3/16, Samantha Swanepoel 2/11). Gauteng Lions won by 71 runs.

Free State 216/7 (Erica Gates 63, Katlego Nkoga 59, Miane Smit 26; Lunje Adams 2/31); Border 123/10 (Jenna Roberts 38, Akhile Mdlalane 20; Dieketseng Matsoele 3/15, Keletso Mpiti 3/34). Free State won by 93 runs. 

KwaZulu-Natal 101/10 (Olwethu Gasa 14; Shakira Malatji 4/10, Itumeleng Manyanga 3/24); Limpopo 94/10 (Meghan-Lee Mans 41; Luyanda Nzuza 3/3, Sisanda Nghubane 3/19). KwaZulu-Natal won by seven runs.

Titans 109/10 (Grace Ndlovu 31; Dandi Boshoff 3/22); Boland 57/10 (Zama Senti 13, Amone Muller 3/17, Mienke de Jager 2/4, Lesedi Madisha 2/8, Monalisa Legodi 2/25). Titans won by 52 runs.

Eastern Province 161/10 (Luna Gana 36, Megan Fourie 32, Sesona Jodwana 32; Lucian Swarts 4/24, Deandre Jacobs 2/14); Northern Cape 81/7 (Elizma Erasmus 21; Linay September 3/8, Lana von Hagen 2/20). Eastern Province won by 25 runs (D/L-method).

A strong batting performance by the Gauteng Lions led by Mia Kruger (44) and Emily Basel (41) helped their side to seal a convincing 170-run victory over South Western Districts on the opening day of the Cricket South Africa’s u19 Girls week in Cape Town.

This good batting performance was also backed up by an equal effort with the ball from Tekologa Motsepe (4/12) and Rialivhuna Khorombi (3/25).

Kruger and Basel steadied the ship after a shaky start. Basel played a composed knock of 41 from 115 balls while Kruger took the attack to the SWD bowlers with a dominant 44 from just 50 deliveries.

Busiswe Mathleng used the platform laid by the pair as she contributed a further 27 runs.

Samatha Swanepoel (24, 42b) and Karabo Meso (24, 48b) each chipped in with valuable contributions leading Gauteng to a mammoth 234/10.

Tabitha la Grange, however, bagged the first five-for of the week as she stood out with impressive figures of 5/41.

Unfortunately, SWD’s batters could not match the antics of the first innings as they struggled to put together any form of partnership.

It was once again La Grange who raised her hand, top-scoring with 14, however, after her departure things went pear-shaped as Motsepe bagged four wickets while Khorombi contributed with three of her own, bundling SWD out for a disappointing 64 runs.

Eastern Province put up an equally dominating display, powering their way to a 130-run victory over the Eastern Storm. Megan Fourie led the way with a wonderful 46 runs coming from 76 deliveries.

Alison Kroon (33, 122b) and Lana von Hagen (23, 32b) also showed some prowess with the bat, while Asanda Mbodla finished off a positive batting display with a well-played unbeaten 21 runs toward the latter stages of the innings, leading her side to a respectable 217/8 in their allotted 50 overs.

Payton Coppin was the standout for the Storm bagging three scalps for only 26 runs. Coppin found support in Leeyandre Bently who walked away with figures of 2/40.

The Eastern Province bowling, however, proved to be too strong as they tore through the Storm batting lineup. Jordan Cole did the bulk of the damage claiming impressive figures of 4/25.

Mbodla set forth an impressive performance as she claimed three wickets for only 12 runs, while Megan Fourie chipped in with figures of 2/16.

Bently was once again in the thick of things, top-scoring with the bat, contributing 18 from 26 balls. Unfortunately, this was not nearly enough as the Storm stumbled to a meagre 87 all out, handing Eastern Province a convincing victory on the first day.

The Titans got off to a convincing start as they demolished Kei in their first outing of the tournament. Batting first, the Pretoria-based side managed to make their way to 151 all out.

Christelle van der Schyff was the mainstay with the willow in hand, contributing a mature 36 from 90 deliveries. Maine Krynie chipped in with a run-a-ball 25. Alongside Krynie, Pura Andreou also came to the party contributing 22 runs of her own.

For Kei it was the impressive Sgempana Elethu who did most of the damage with the ball in hand as she claimed the side’s best figures of the day, bagging three wickets for 38 runs. Nontokoza Mkhiza also did her part in claiming figures of 2/56.

The Titans bowlers, however, pounced early and didn’t look back. Lesedi Madisha was the pick of their attack claiming three wickets for only nine runs. Mienke de Jager (2/7) and Caroline Twala (2/11) also played a pivotal part in the demise of the Kei side, contributing two wickets each, leading to a disappointing end for the Kei side as they could only manage 38 runs before being bundled out.

Deidré van Rensburg’s wonderful 77-run in partnership with Karabo Lemphane’s equally impressive 70 runs led the North-West Dragons to a mammoth 267/9 against Boland. Mia-Lize van der Vyver was the pick of the Boland bowlers, claiming three wickets for 26 runs, while Melanie Flippies contributed with three of her own for 52 runs.

The dominant batting performance laid the platform for the Dragons bowlers to stamp their authority, and so they did.

Lethuri led the way with an amazing spell to finish the game as she claimed 3/4, Lerato Kotokoane also took three wickets, only conceding 18 runs, while Ané Saunderson chipped in with figures of 2/6 as the side from North-West bundled the Bolander’s out for a meagre 58, claiming a massive 209-run victory.

With the first-day jitters out of the way, Day Two promises to be an electric day of women’s cricket as the teams look to either bounce back or continue their dominance after an interesting Day One

Summarised Scorecards:

Gauteng Lions 234/10 (Mia Kruger 44, Emily Basel 41, Busisiwe Mathleng 27, Samantha Swanepoel 24, Karabo Meso 24; Tabitha la Grange 5/41, Marian Breddt 2/37); South Western Districts 64/10 (Tabitha la Grange 14; Tokologa Motsepe 4/12, Rialivhuna Khorombi 3/25). Gauteng Lions won by 170 runs.

Eastern Province 217/8 (Megan Fourie 46, Alison Kroon 33, Lana von Hagen 23, Asanda Mbodla 21*; Payton Coppin 3/26, Leeyandre Bently 2/40); Eastern Storm 87/10 (Bently 18; Jordan Cole 4/25, Mbodla 3/12, Fourie 2/16). Eastern Province won by 130 runs.

Titans 151/10 (Christelle van der Schyff 36, Miane Krynie 25, Pura Andreou 22; E Sqempana 3/38, Nontokoza Mkhiza 2/56); Kei 38/10 (Lesedi Madisha 3/9, Minke de Jager 2/7, Caroline Twala 2/11). The Titans won by 113 runs.

Nort-West 267/9 (Deidre van Rensburg 77, Karabo Lemphane 70, Nthabiseng Nini 35; Mia-Lize van der Vyver 3/26, Melanie Flippies 3/52); Boland 58/10 (P Lethuri 3/4, Lerato Kotokoane 3/18, Ane Saunderson 2/6). North-West won by 209 runs.

KwaZulu-Natal 80/10 (Luyanda Nzuza 22; Lunje Adams 3/18, Kamvelihle 2/25); Border 58/10 (Cayleigh Wanckel 12; Sisanda Ngubane 3/12, Seshnie Naidu 3/18). KwaZulu-Natal won by 22 runs.

Northern Cape 103/10 (Mathapelo Ntsayagae 18; Megan Webb 3/24, Jessica Candler 2/7, Sihle Mamba 2/18); KwaZulu-Natal Inland 90/10 (Mbali Mkhize 33, Amy Hughes 24; Lucian Swarts 4/18, Rethabile Motlhanke 2/14). Northern Cape won by 13 runs.

Limpopo 90/10 (Carli Botha 29; Tlaleng Masekula 2/18, Anke Koen 2/23); Free State 92/1 (Georgia Erasmus 62; Shakira Malatji 1/18). Free State won by nine wickets.

Mpumalanga 84/10 (Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout 34; Refiloe Bomvana 4/12, Jemma Botha 2/6, Rifqah Esau 2/20); Western Province 85/2 (Kayla Reneke 41; Snothando Letswele 1/12). Western Province won by eight wickets.

The excitement is growing ahead of South Africa’s annual national and regional schools’ cricket weeks. The CSA Girls Week, which starts on the 10th of December, will have supporters and players of the fast-growing women’s game pinned to the edge of their seats.

With the likely addition of a Women’s SA20 league, alongside the already successful men’s edition, the young ladies representing their respective provinces will be looking to stamp their authority over the coming five days in the hope of furthering their cricket careers.

The Week takes place in South Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town. The hosts Western Province kick off their campaign against the Mpumalanga Rhinos, from up north, and will be looking to get off to a dominant start on home soil.

Another powerhouse, the Gauteng Lions, will tackle South Western Districts, now known as the Garden Route Badgers, while their old foes from across the Jukskei, the Titans face Kei on day one.

The two Kwazulu-Natal sides, KZN Coastal and KZN Inland, start their five-day campaigns against formidable opposition when they face Border and Northern Cape respectively.

Looking at the lineup of fixtures, they foreshadow an action-packed week, with the cream of South Africa’s emerging talent eager to prove themselves, with an eye on higher honours in the near future.

Fixtures 

Day 1

Kwazulu-Natal Coastal vs Border
Free-State vs Limpopo
Gauteng Loins vs South Western Districts
Western Province vs Mpumalanga
Titans vs Kei
North-West vs Boland
Kwazulu-Natal vs Northern Cape
Eastern Province vs Easterns

Day 2

Kwazulu Natal Coastal vs Limpopo
Free-State vs Border
Gauteng Lions vs Mpumalanga
Western Province vs South Western Districts
Titans vs Boland
North-West vs Kei
Kwazulu-Natal Inland vs Easterns
Eastern Province vs Northern Cape

Day 3

Kwazulu-Natal Coastal vs Free-State
Limpopo vs Border
Gauteng Lions vs Western province
Mpumalanga vs South Western Districts
Titans vs North-West
Boland vs Kei
Kwazulu-Natal Inland vs Eastern Province
Easterns vs Northern Cape

The teams for the forthcoming CSA U19 Girls Week have been revealed ahead of the 2023 tournament, which will be played in Cape Town from the 10th to the 14th of December.

Follow the action live on SuperSport Schools – Register now

The event will shine a light on the emerging talent within the women’s cricket ranks as a move towards the CSA Professional Domestic Women’s League continues to gain traction. Interest in the women’s game has been heightened since South Africa finished as runners-up on home soil in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February.

A total of 16 teams will be in action in South Africa’s Mother City.

TEAMS

Garden Route Badgers: Mariana Breedt (Outeniqua), Siphokhule Dyantyi (Imizamo Yethu Secondary), De Jonk Faith (Bridgton), Hohanelle Kotze (Outeniqua), Shannon Pieterse (Gerrit du Plessis), Treidine Solomons (Knysna), Neidine Solomons (Knysna), Sange Somathambe (Imizamo Yethu Secondary), Linamandla Tyobeka (Thembalethu High School), Rusha van Wieling (Plettenberg Bay), Jeneva van Wyk (Plettenberg Bay), Shannon-Lee Windvogel (George), Asakhe Xhongo (Thembalethu High School).

2 Imizamo Yethu Secondary | 2 Knysna | 2 Outeniqua | 2 Plettenberg Bay | 2 Thembalethu High School | 1 Bridgton | 1 George | | 1 Gerrit du Plessis |   

Western Province: Kayla Reneke (Belville High School), Jemma Botha (Wynberg Girls), Lilitha Bakubaku (HTS Bellville), Akhona Mahlanza (Langa Hub), Alexia Kontopirakis (Somerset College), Refiloe Bomvana (Gugulethu Hub), Kathleen Seager (Blouberg International School), Rifqah Esau (HTS Bellville), Sinelethu Yaso (HTS Bellville), Caitlin Wyngaard (Strand High School), Aseza Ngwaca (Gugulethu Hub), Jae-Leigh Filander (Fairmont High), Leshay Walker (Cravenby High).

3 Belville Technical High School | 2 Gugulethu Hub | 1 Bellville High School | 1 Langa Hub | 1 Somerset College | 1 Fairmont High School | 1 Cravenby High School | 1 Blouberg International School | 1 Strand High School | 1 Wynberg Girls’ High School |

Dolphins: Esihle Kawu (Mandlekosi High), Seshnie Naidu (JR Educational Centre), Jenna Alexander (Thomas More College), Olwethu Gasa (Ness Secondary), Lusanda Khwela (Nilgiri Secondary), Shanel Madurai (Apollo Secondary), Thandiswa Majola (HTS Sivananda), Nonkululeo Makhubu (HTS Sivananda), Noluyolo Mkhaliphi (Avoca Secondary), Nomfundo Mtobeni (HTS Isivananda), Noshile Sisanda Ngubane (Umlazi), Luyanda Nzuza (New Forrest High), Nokulunga Shangase (Sithabile Secondary).

2 Sivananda Technical High School | 1 JR Educational Centre | 1 Thomas More College | 1 Ness Secondary School | 1 Nilgiri Secondary School | 1 Apollo Secondary School | 1 Avoca Secondary School | 1 Isivananda Technical School | 1 Umlazi Comprehensive and Technical School | 1 New Forrest High School | 1 Sithabile Secondary School |

Kei: Siviwe Silo (Jumba High), Oluhle Ndoongeni (St Jogn High), Sandiswe Makinana (Mida High), Milisa Ntwanembana (Cibeni High), Bonwisa Robert (Cibeni High), Savela Maboza (Old Bouting High), Yonga Rutsha (Cibeni High), Nontokoza Mchiza (Cibeni High), Sgempana Elethu (Cibeni High), Anelisa Ntwanembana (Cibeni High), Lonke Nobangela (Ntabankul High), Elethu Mataka (Cibeni High), Lwandiso Tsoba (Ntabankulu High).

7 Cibeni High | 2 Ntabankulu High | 1 Jumba High | 1 St Jogn High | 1 Old Bouting High |  

Free State: Dieketseng Matsoele (Khauho), Georgia Erasmus (Hentie Cilliers), Karabo Mokone (Khauho), Erica gates (Bothaville), Katlego Nkoga (Khauho), Lydia Maroele (Khauho), Tlaleng Masukela (Khauho), Chane Lang (Hentie Cilliers), Miane Smit (Oranje Meisies), boitumelo Lephaila (Khauho), Anke Koen (Sentraal), Ancche Zwarts (Goedveld), Keletso Mpiti (Khauho).

7 Khauho High | 2 Hentie Cilliers | 1 Oranje Meisies | 1 Sentraal High | 1 Goudveld High |  

Northern Cape Heat: Nombuso Makatong (KP Toto), Deandre Jacobs (Diamantveld), Mathapelo Ntsayagae (Lesedi High), Elizma Erasmus (Kathu High), Omolemo Itumeleng (Phakane High), Boitomelo Seikaneng (KP Toto), Rethabile Mothlanke (KP Toto), Lucian Swartz (Charlton High), Katlego Vala (Phakane High), Tlotlego Metlhe (KP Toto), Leago Leboko (KP Toto), Olorato Lekhwi (Tetlanyo High), Boitsoko Molusi (William Pescod High)

5 KP Toto High | 2 Phakane High | 1 Diamantveld High | 1 Lesedi High | 1 Kathu High | 1 Charlton High | 1 Tetlanyo High | 1 William Pescod High School | 

Eastern Storm: Tamzyn Hartman (Vootrekker), Mpumelelo Masholoane (Tlakula High), Payton Coppin (Curro Serengeti), Thelma Makhubela (Lekamuso Secondary), Melita Lebea (Phomolong Secondary), Danyella Swart (Marais Viljoen), Jordan Holtzhuazen (Alberton, Marizelle Welman (Alberton), Thando Zulu (Zimisele Secondary), Leeyandre Bently (Reddam house), Refilwe Mogabe (Sunwood Park High), Monique Malaza (Eureka High School), Princess Mathebula (Phomolong Secondary).

2 Hoerskool Alberton | 2 Phomolong Secondary School | 1 Tlakula High School | 1 Curro Serengeti | 1 Lekamuso Secondary School | 1 Marais Viljoen | 1 Zimisele Secondary School | 1 Reddam House | 1 Sunwood Park High School | 1 Eureka High School | 1 Sithabile Secondary School |

Border: Jenna Roberts (Stirling High), Holly Harris (Sterling High), Cayleigh Wanckel (Stirling High), Thabelani Metu (Lilyfontein) Akhile Mdlalane (Cambridge College), Makena Shiyani Makena (Mdantsane Hub), Lunje Adam (Middledrift Hub), Likuye Hela (Alice Hub), Sinesipho Dondi (Hudson Park High), Khalima Mfenqe (Middledrift Hub), Lisakhanya Dweba (King Williams Town Hub), Kamvelihle Nkwandla (Healdtown Hub), Aphiwe Trato (Alice Hub).

3 Stirling High | 2 Middledrift Hub | 2 Alice Hub | 1 Lilyfontein | 1 Cambridge | 1 Mdantsane Hub | 1 King Williams Town Hub | 1 Healdtown Hub | 1 Hudson Park High | 

Lions: Thristan Cronje (Steyn City), Karabo Meso (Steyn City), Robyn Kamerman (Jeppe Girls), Mia Kruger (Monument), Samantha Swanepoel (Steyn City), Emily Basel (Steyn City), Kaylee van Rooyen (Jeppe Girls), Lethabo Bidli (Dobsonville High), Tokologo Motsepe (Dobsonville High), Khanyisile Nkosi (Queens High), Busisiwe Matleng (Kagiso High), Railivhuwa Khorombi (Dobsonville High), Sithandile Mttethwa (Ibhongo Secondary).

4 Steyn City | 3 Dobsonville Hub | 2 Jeppe Girls | 1 Hoerskool Monument | 1 Queens High | 1 Kagiso High School | 1 Ibhongo Secondary School |  

Eastern Cape: Jordan Cole (Woodridge College), Sesona Jodwana (Pearson High), Alison Kroon (Pearson High), Asanda Mbodla (Woodridge College), Ava Horner (New Brighton Hub), Megan Fourie (New Brighton Hub), Emma Tinley (DF Malherbe), Lana von Hagen (Pearson High), Olwethu Kwedini (Woodridge College), Anelisa Pienaar (New Brighton High), Anelisa Pienaar (New Brighton Hub), Linay September (Gelvandale High).

4 New Brighton Hub | 4 Woodridge College | 3 Pearson High | 1 DF Malherbe | 1 Gelvandale High | 

Titans: Mbali Maluleka (Soshanguve Hub), Grace Ndlovu (Soshanguve Hub), Caroline Twala (Mamelodi Hub), Simone Lourens (Garsfontein), Janicke Janse van Rensburg (Garsfontein), Lethabo Mthimkulu (Mamelodi Hub), Amone Muller (Menlopark), Miane Krynie (Menlopark), Monalisa Legodi (Soshanguve Hub), Lesedi Madisha (Mamelodi Hub), Pura Andreou (Cornwall Hill College), Mienke de Jager (Centurion), Christelle van der Schyff (Affies Meisies).

3 Shoshanguve Hub | 3 Mamelodi Hub | 2 Garsfontein | 1 Hoerskool Monument | 1 Queens High | 1 Kagiso High School | 1 Ibhongo Secondary School | 

Boland: Gemeez Adams (Stellenboch Hub), Gizelle Abrahams (Kylemore Secondary), Melanie Flippies (Swartberg Secondary), Luze Carollisen (Kylemore Secondary), Haseenah Khan (Worcester Gim), Asiphe Mbinda (Vusisiwe Secondary), Zama Senti (Stellenbosch Hub), Siyema Stefana (Swartberg Secondary), Thimna Ngqwemla (Stellenbosch Hub), Anelmarie van Niekerk (Bredasdorp High), Tinita van Zyl (Stellenbosch Hub), Mia-Lize van der Vyver (Drosdty High), Danelie Boshoff (Drosdty High).

4 Stellenbosch Hub | 2 Kylemore Secondary School | 2 Drosdty High School | 2 Swartberg Secondary School | 1 Bredasdorp High School | 1 Vusisiwe Secondary School | 1 Worcester Gimnasium |

Tuskers: Amy Hughes (Treverton College), Amahle Mwelase (Siyanda High), Jessica Candler (Howick High), Mbali Mkhize (Ikusaselijle High), Asanda Zondi (Msimude High), Nelile Nzimande (Ikusaselihle High), Noluthando Mshengu (Sqomqweni High), Kiandri Bierbaum (Dundee High), Sihle Mamba (Bonginhlanhla High), Nothando Nkosi (Bonginhlanhla High), Vuyokazi Motha (Bonginhlanhla High), Lune holder (Ferrum High).

3 Bonginhlanhla High | 2 Howick High | 2 Ikusaselihle High | 1 Siyanda High | 1 Msimude High | 1 Sqongweni High | 1 Dundee High | 1 Isivananda Technical School | 1 Ferum High | 

Limpopo Impalas: Phologo Ratsoma (Phalaborwa Hub), Shakira Malatji (Phalaborwa Hub), Meghan-Lee mans (Ben Vorster), Phuti Meso (Bochum), Itumeleng Manyaga (Bochum), Cara Louw (Hans Strijdom), Shelfa Mukhari (Nkowankowa), Carli Botha (Frikkie Meyer), Nicole Labuschagne (Piet Potgieter), Warona Mkwanazi (Giyani), Tlangi Rikhotso (Giyani), Kano Tjija (Pepps).

2 Phalaborwa Hub | 2 Bochum Hub | 2 Giyani Hub | 1 Siyanda High | 1 Msimude High | 1 Sqongweni High | 1 Dundee High | 1 Isivananda Technical School | 1 Ferum High | 

Mpumalanga Rhinos: Abigail Esterhuizen (HTS Witbank), Ashley Barnard (Middelburg), Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout (HTS Middelburg), Donalle Cloete (Middelburg), Ennie Maseko (Malekutu), Londa Manzini (Malekutu), Neliswa Dlamini (Cana Combined), Nombulelo ngwenya (Cana Combined), Queen Hlatshwayo (Bushbuckridge), Samantha Schultz (HGH), Sbongakonke Hlatshwayo (Cana Combined), Snothando Letswele (Malehutu), Sveva Moore (Uplands College).

3 Malekutu | 3 Cana Cobined School | 2 Hoerskool Middelburg | 1 HTS Witbank | 1 HTS Middelburg | 1 Bushbuckridge | 1 HGH | 1 Uplands College | 

North West Dragons: TBC 

Discussing where his love for cricket began, Selborne College‘s Ben van der Merwe shared his fond memories of going down to the beach in East London to play cricket with his father, Cassie van der Merwe.

“I first fell in love with the game when my dad used to take us to the beach to play on our holidays,” Van der Merwe recalled.

He also grew up watching his father excel in the game, playing at a provincial level for the Free State and Border, before earning selection for the South African Indoor Cricket side.

Ben has been a standout performer for Selborne for the past four years, and from the outset he made himself known to the Selbornian community when, at just 14 years of age, he smashed a stunning 202 not out against Stirling High School. That remains his favourite memory in the Selborne kit, he said, with a scintillating 122 versus Dale College in his Grade 10 year coming in a close second.

Ben could’ve boasted an unique accolade this year but Border has named him their vice-captain for this year’s Khaya Majola Week hosted in Makhanda. If he was the named the captain it would’ve been his third year in a row captaining the side at the prestigious tournament. He lead the team to the tournament in 2021 (Potchefstroom) and 2022 (Cape Town).

His younger brother Jacques is also part of this year’s Border team who will be in action in Makhanda. Ben also represented Amathole for two year’s during SASHOC’s u19 hockey tournament and made the SA Schools B-side earlier this year.

Since that attention-grabbing double-century, Van der Merwe’s confidence in his game has blossomed. He’s been an integral part of Selborne’s success, making telling contributions as a wicketkeeper-batsman, who every now and then gets the opportunity to send down some off-spin to bamboozle opponents, as well.

His aggressive nature with the willow in hand has seen him pile on the runs for Selborne over the last couple of years, which resulted in him receiving a call-up to the Eastern Cape Iinyati Colts side in February 2022 for the Cubs Week, even though he was just 17 years of age.

When asked about the format he likes most, the young batsman answered, without hesitation, that he prefers a 50-overs-a-side match. He added, however, that competing in a hard-fought multi-day game is at the top of the list of things he would like to achieve in the near future.

Questioned about the primary influences on his cricketing career, Van der Merwe said: “Someone who has played the biggest role in my cricketing career thus far must be my dad. All the times we have worked together behind the scenes, and all the motivation and equipment he has supplied me with, will not go unnoticed.

“Another person would be our Head of Sport at Selborne College, Murray Spence. He has worked with me since my high school career started.

“Selborne’s phenomenal coaching staff and facilities have led me to gain the knowledge and experience I have within the game thus far and to prepare myself for my future in the sport.”

Supremely talented, hard-working and humble, Ben van der Merwe appears on track to realise his aspirations of playing senior provincial cricket one day.

He’s also hoping to realise his biggest dream of all, to pull on the green and gold of the Proteas, to represent South Africa.

The Gauteng Lions have named a powerhouse squad for the 2023 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week.

Not only do they have five members of their 2022 team returning for this year’s event, which takes place in Makhanda from the 16th to the 20th of December, but six of their players were included in the provisional South African squad for the 2024 ICC u19 Cricket World Cup.

The St Stithians’ trio of Kwena Maphaka, Richard Seletswane and Thebe Gazibe will provide the Lions with experience and leadership. At the same time, King Edward School‘s stalwart David Teeger, who captained SA u19 in Bangladesh earlier this season, also cracks the nod for the second time in as many years.

What makes the Gauteng side even more intimidating is the presence of the much talked about southpaw from Saints, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who has scored more centuries for the renowned cricketing school than anyone before him, and he still has a year to go in the 1st XI.

Pretorius is one of the players included in the SA u19 provisional squad, which also features his schoolmates Maphaka, Seletswane and Esosa Aihevba, along with King Edward’s Teeger, and Sipho Potsane of Jeppe.

Fayaaz Vawda joins his school captain, Teeger in the Lions’ line-up, giving KES two players in the 14-man squad.

Henricus Meyer‘s impressive performances throughout the season have been rewarded with a first call-up, and his colleague Tjaart Mentz gives Helpmekaar Kollege two representatives, too.

Also providing two reps is St John’s College, with Cole and Luke Francis being accorded the selectors’ trust, while the talented young batsman from St David’s Marist Inanda, Gomolemo Phiri, makes his first appearance at the week.

Jeppe‘s Tsepho Staffa completes the list of the five returning players, and he’s joined by the aforementioned Sipho Potsane, who also turned out for the SA u19 team on their tour of Bangladesh in July.

Jeppe captain and all-rounder Jaydon Brooker, however, won’t be in action at this year’s Khaya Majola Week as he will be representing South Africa u21 at the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup, which runs from the 5th to the 16th of December.

St Stithians, with five representatives, has the most selections in the Lions’ squad.

Gauteng Lions u19: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (St Stithians), Thebe Gazibe (St Stithians), David Teeger (King Edward VII School), Richard Seletswane (St Stithians), Henricus Meyer (Helpmekaar), Gomolemo Phiri (St David’s Marist Inanda), Fayaaz Vawda (King Edward School), Cole Francis (St John’s College), Tshepo Staffa (Jeppe), Tjaart Mentz (Helpmekaar), Esosa Aihevba (St Stithians), Kwena Maphaka (St Stithians), Sipho Potsane (Jeppe), Luke Francis (St John’s College).

The Mpumalanga Rhinos have revealed an exciting mix of young talent and experience in their squad for the 2023 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week. 

Their boasts four veterans from last year’s event.

Curtleigh Coetzee from Hoërskool  Lydenburg, Mduduzi Skhosana from Emba School, Sphumelele Madonsela from Bergvlam and Dian Eicker from Cambridge carry valuable experience from 2022 into the week, which takes place in Makhanda from the 16th to the 20th December.

Kamogelo Sebopela, like Coetzee, is from Lydenburg, while Wakhile Mnisi joins his schoolmate Eicker in the line-up, to give Cambridge a second representative.

Hoërskool Nelspruit also has three players in the squad. Davico Kruger has been a standout player for Nellies with the bat this season, while Luke Poisson and Jayden Meyer have impressed with his all-round skills.

Bruce Nel, from Uplands College and Rovonne Singh, as well as Mnisi, graduate from last year’s u16 team.

Ruben Bodemer flies the flag for Hoërskool Middelburg, while Rayyan Patel gives Bergvlam a second player in the squad.

The Rhinos appear to have a well-balanced and talented line-up, maybe a dark horse, capable of ruffling some feathers on the Makhanda pitches.

Mpumalanga Rhinos u19: Curtleigh Coetzee (Lydenburg), Mdudzi Skhosana (Emba School), Spumelele Madonsela (Bergvlam), Dian Eicker (Cambridge College), Bruce Nel (Uplands College), Wakhile Mnisi (Cambridge College), Rovonne Singh (Secunda), Davico Kruger (Nelspruit), Ruben Bodemer (Bergvlam), Luke Poisson (Nelspruit), Kamagelo Sebopela (Lydenburg), Jayden Meyer (Nelspruit).