Author: froberholzer

On Saturday, Middies secured their promotion with a 24‑run victory in a low‑scoring thriller against Hoërskool Marais Viljoen in Alberton.

All‑rounders Nijan Swart and Eduan Strydom were at the forefront of their side’s winning performance.

Swart delivered the contest’s pivotal knock in difficult batting conditions, facing 67 deliveries, four of which he hit to the boundary and two of which he dispatched over it, on his way to a match-winning contribution of 52.

Strydom supported him well with a valuable 27 from 48 balls at the top of the order.

In the end, the visitors battled their way to a modest 145 all out.

Marais Viljoen’s first‑change bowler Hendré Cilliers got stuck into the Middelburg batsmen, capturing 3/20 in just five overs.

His impactful spell followed hard work done with the new ball by Ziam Hashim, who claimed three wickets of his own while conceding 44 runs from his nine overs. Daymian Coetzee chipped in with 2/15 from four overs as the home side’s bowlers rose to the challenge.

Trent Shrives then led Marais Viljoen’s reply, opening the innings with 42 runs. He and Jared Mentz, who made 29, provided the hosts with a solid foundation, but Middies’ quick Hendré Nel hamstrung their efforts when he hit his straps, picking up two crucial wickets, on his way to 2/29 from seven overs.

Strydom followed up his good work with the bat by returning 2/36. The decisive spell, however, came from Herman Potgieter. After missing out with the bat, he redeemed himself with a match‑winning 3/25, which included the vital scalp of Shrives.

The well‑oiled Middelburg attack eventually proved too much for the home side, who were bowled out for 121, with the final wicket falling to the first ball of the 32nd over.

Like many young South Africans, cricket in the backyard was a staple during his early years. His early exposure to the game evolved into a passion that has shaped him into one of the finest school talents in the country.

It led to his SA u19 debut at just 17 years old, in Grade 11, against Bangladesh in Benoni in July 2025. He has also played in two Khaya Majola Weeks and won the Cubs Week with the Northern Champions – all before he began his final year at school.

Pretorius has been an integral part of the Affies‘ setup since 2023, when he was still only in Grade 9.

The experience he offers as an all‑rounder is matched by the importance of donning the captain’s armband at the Switch Schools SA20 Final Showdown. The national leg of the nationwide T20 competition begins on 4 March at the University of Pretoria.

“Since I was four years old, I have walked around with either a bat, a ball, or both. As a youngster, my brother and I played garden cricket, which played a massive role in my development.

“My father has also been a major factor in growing my game. His unwavering support has been the backbone of what I have achieved with my cricket so far,” Pretorius told SuperSport Schools Plus when reflecting on his journey.

Alongside his father and his brother, coaches Jean Symes and Christian Jonker, the latter a former Protea in the shorter format, have played a pivotal role in shaping Vihan Pretorius into one of the brightest prospects of the next generation. But cricket is not his only talent.

In 2024, in Gqeberha, he ran out at fly‑half for the Blue Bulls, and played in the final of the Grant Khomo Week on the Kolisi Field at Grey High against Western Province.

The Affies’ captain is far from an orthodox cricketer. A left‑hander, his stroke‑making is a delight to watch. When given the freedom to express himself, his range of shots spans from reverse sweeps against seamers to the classical, beautifully-timed cover drive.

The only orthodox aspect of his bowling is the fact that he is a right-armer. He is multi-skilled, though, and they’re all of the highest calibre. His cricketing intelligence and ability to swing the new ball, when bowling medium pace, are outstanding. However, it is his seamless ability to switch from seam to off‑spin that truly sets him apart.

Like the late Australian great Andrew Symonds, Pretorius can decide on the day which skill feels better during warm‑ups. He’ll go with that and take wickets, no matter the choice.

Cricket runs deep in the Pretorius family. Vihan dreams of playing for the Proteas one day, but before that, he aims to make his debut for the Titans, ideally alongside Lhuan‑dré. With the mentality he has adopted from his role models, Tiger Woods and Ben Stokes, he has the drive to succeed.

The Saints’ goal for The Final Showdown of the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two competition, starting on 4 March at the University of Pretoria, is simple: win it all.

The national title would add further weight to an already deep list of achievements, which includes winning the Fain Noordvaal title, the North West Schools League title, the Central Region title, and, impressively, the North West Women’s Premier League title.

The North West Premier League is the province’s senior club competition. It features former Proteas Women’s captain Mignon du Preez, along with several others who have played at the franchise or international level.

Saints Christian School’s success has not arrived overnight. It is the product of diligent work and a philosophy embedded from a very young age. It’s the prioritisation of growth from Grade 1 that makes the Saints cricketing programme so successful. That’s when the girls are introduced to the game through the highly successful KFC Mini Cricket foundation.

From this base, the programme features a long‑term focus on the so‑called “one per cent”, which has been a key ingredient in their recent dominance.

Saints will be extremely difficult to beat. The Potchefstroom side travels to the capital loaded with experience. Every player is now in either their third or fourth year of 1st XI cricket.

Among the most experienced players in the squad is the off‑spinning all‑rounder Reabetswe Dithipe, who captains the side. She is supported by talented wicketkeeper‑batter Jessica Joshua, and another off‑spinning option, Siphokasi Duma. Siphokasi’s sister, Siphumele Duma, will pose a major threat with the new ball.

Gogontle Padi, another gifted all‑rounder, adds further depth with her medium pace and capability with the bat.

With a talented and confident squad, Saints Christian School has their eyes on the prize. Their knowledge of most of their opposition and their spotless record against several of those sides means they are well prepared for what lies ahead. It also makes them, to many, the favourites.

Their opener is on Wednesday, 4 March, with a morning outing against Queens High. The next day, they tackle Nomandi in the morning and the Nkowankowa Hub in the afternoon.

The playoffs take place from the afternoon of Friday, 6 March.

FIXTURES

Wednesday, 4 March
Saints vs Queens, Tuks C, 09:30

Friday, 5 March
Saints vs Nomandi, Tuks D, 09:30
Saints vs Nkowankowa, Duks D, 14:00

As the only side to have lifted the Northern Region’s title, the girls from South Africa’s most northern province know what to expect when they take on the cream of the crop in South Africa’s capital city.

Eleven players from Nkowankona’s 2025 squad of 13 will again be in action this year, and all 11 have represented Limpopo at the provincial level. Last year, in December, five showcased their skills at the u19 National Girls Week, while another six featured at the u16 National Girls Week.

Complementing an experienced core are two talented 13‑year‑olds. The highly regarded Nsovo Nkuna and Lunghelo Malungana will experience national competition for the first time.

The side will be led by Respect Mabasa, who, along with Tshepiso Motswi, has already represented the Limpopo Impala Ladies at the senior level.

Nkowankona’s main threat, and the most experienced player in the squad, is Shelfa Mukhari, who earned selection for the SA u19 side that faced Zimbabwe in Durban in January.

Naturally, success attracts greater interest, and Nkowankowa’s outstanding achievements over the past two years reflect that fact.

“We have a lot of girls wanting to play for Nkowankowa after what the girls have achieved. Honestly, it gives me a bit of a headache, in a good way, because the massive pool of talent that came in made choosing the 13 for Phase Three exceptionally hard,” coach Blessing Mabunda told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“Having been there last year, we know what to expect. The girls have experience, and everyone is taking responsibility.

“We are in a better space, compared to last year, and we now know our strengths and weaknesses.

“The girls have played a lot of cricket heading into The Final Showdown.

“What I can say is we are ready to make waves and that we are not to be underestimated.”

The Nkowankowa Hub opens its challenge for the national title with a 14:00 outing against KwaZulu-Natal’s Chatsworth Hub on Wednesday, 4 March.

On Thursday, 5 March, they take on the Western Cape’s HTS Drostdy at 09:30. That’s followed by a 14:00 showdown with Saints Christian School, from the North West, who were also part of the national final in 2025.

The playoffs followed on 6 March, with the final being played on 7 March.

Nkowankowa’s Fixtures: 

Wednesday, 4 March
Nkowankowa Hub vs Chatsworth Hub, Tuks C, 14:00

Thursday, 5 March
Nkowankowa Hub vs HTS Drostdy, Tuks C 09:30
Nkowankowa Hub vs Saints Christian School, Tuks D, 14:00

Nkowankowa’s side: 

Nsovo Nkuna, Shelfa Mukhari, Pontso Mopayi, Faith Nkuna, Karabo Monyela, Motlalepule Sebele, Respect Mabasa, Tshepiso Motswi, Alicia Masela, Blondy Baloyi, Lunghelo Malungana, Ivy Manyiki, Ntsakiso Mukhavela.

Since October 2025, the Pretoria powerhouse has been on a relentless roll, collecting titles and trophies. Their superb run began when they dethroned their fellow Pretoria powerhouse Hoërskool Waterkloof as the champion of the Titans Platinum League. It was the first time in five years that the title didn’t belong to Klofies.

Then, they became the Titans champions in Phase One of the Schools SA20 after defeating Hoërskool Garsfontein in the final at Cornwall Hill College.

In early January, there was more success, this time for head coach Pieter Cronjé, who guided the Northern Champions to the CSA Cubs Week title, with a day to spare.

Then, Affies’ bid for the national crown strengthened further when they edged out Hoërskool Hans Moore by three runs in a thrilling final over – one that featured three consecutive run‑outs from the first three balls to win the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two Northern Region title.

Affies’ recent rise comes not only from hard work but also from a well‑balanced squad, filled with multi‑skilled players. Among them is the ambidextrous Vihan Pretorius, who was also part of that victorious Cubs side, alongside spinner Nico Loggenberg.

Pretorius will captain Affies in at The Final Showdown in Pretoria next week.

Batting left‑handed and bowling either right‑arm seam or off‑spin, depending on what he feels right would work best on the day, Pretorius has been a prominent figure and consistent contributor in the Affies 1st XI since 2023, when he was in Grade 9. His recent strong all‑round form has met the moment at the perfect moment for his team.

However, Pretorius is far from their only threat. Another left‑hander, Zian Labuschagne, has made his mark since breaking onto the scene in 2025. Opening the bowling with fellow danger man Armin Snyman, his pace and accuracy have become vital weapons for the Pretoria school.

The duo’s success with the new ball, combined with their ability to close out innings in familiar home conditions, adds substantial punch to Affies’ campaign. Labuschagne also adds further value with the bat. He’s become a dangerous lower-order threat as part of a potent batting lineup that includes JP Botha and Christian Linde.

Linde, prodigiously talented, is only in grade 10. He has quickly grown into a key figure in the batting unit, while Botha adds important experience and composure. A balance between youthful talent and seasoned veterans explains much of Affies’ sustained success.

Besides the high quality of their line-up, familiar Pretoria conditions will boost Affies’ hopes of winning a national title in their home city. They’re primed to challenge for the crown, with many of their players now peaking at the right time. They will be difficult to beat.

Yet, that is exactly what Nsovo Nkuna, of the Nkowankowa Hub Girls side, has done. She captured nationwide attention with her remarkable spell of six wickets for no runs against Hoërskool Zwartkop in the recent Phase Two regional playoffs for the Northern Region at the end of January in Benoni.

Nkowankowa Hub lifted the title for a second consecutive year, making them the only team to win the Northern Region’s girls’ title since the competition’s inception in 2024.

Now, they head into Phase Three, The Final Showdown, which takes place from 3 March at the University of Pretoria.

“One won’t believe that she is 13 when looking at that performance,” said Blessing Mabunda, Nkuna’s coach, of her remarkable spell against Zwartkop.

Among her peers and coaching staff, she has become known for her maturity on the field, despite her young age.

“Nsovo is a quiet girl who shows barely any emotion. It takes real nerves to bowl a spell like hers without cracking under pressure. She showed class and maturity, and she, as well as the rest of the team, was very proud of that performance,” Mabunda shared.

Nkuna, from Nkambako Village in Tzaneen, began playing cricket at the age of nine. She emerged from the highly successful KFC Mini Cricket programme, which, particularly in Limpopo, plays a crucial role in helping young children fall in love with the game.

Over the past few years, she has exhibited tremendous growth. Despite not yet earning provincial colours, the young seamer has continued to work hard, often operating in the shadow of seamers three or four years her senior.

Nsovo Nkuna won’t be the only member of her family at The Final Showdown. Her older sister, Alicia, is also a key member of Nkowankowa’s seam attack. It will be her second visit to the third phase of the national T20 competition.

While Nsovo Nkuna’s talents with the ball have stolen the spotlight thus far, coach Blessing Mabunda said she has more to offer. Nkuna is a more than capable batter, he said. She will be an important player for Nkowankonwa in that role at The Final Showdown, he added, and in the years to come.

The KwaZulu-Natal continued the dominance they displayed in a scintillating victory over St David’s Marist Inanda at the La Valla Oval in Johannesburg on the penultimate day of the festival.

After three days of limited-overs cricket, the final day’s format was T20 cricket, and Hilton, who will represent KZN at the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two Final Showdown, quickly adjusted and put in a strong performance.

Obakeng Motsepa laid the platform for a victory over the hosts, St Alban’s, taking the new ball and laying waste to the home side’s batting with his excellent 4/19 from four overs.

Cameron Hargroves played an impressive supporting role, knocking back 2/13 in four, as St Alban’s was restricted to only 108/9 from their 20 overs.

Opening batsman Reabetswe Mokoka was the St Alban’s mainstay, top‑scoring with 26. Hilton opener Ben Wilson responded with an unbeaten 39 to oversee his team’s successful run chase, which was completed within 16 overs.

The hosts were not yet done, though. A second fixture against a wounded St John’s College of Harare awaited them. It was the salve they needed, and they shrugged off the morning’s defeat to claim a convincing eight‑wicket victory, with Will Hewitt leading the way.

His return of 4/8 in only two overs was a direct punch to the gut of the Zimbabweans, and it inflicted irreparable damage on their batting effort. With Jesse Eckard (2/16) and Christopher von La Chavallerie (2/20) also on song, the visitors limped to a disappointing 91 all out.

Kyle Block with 27, and Reabetswe Mokoka, with 24, broke the backbone of the chase, which ended in the 15th over.

St David’s Marist Inanda also returned to winning ways in their final fixture against Prestige College on the La Valla Oval. A high‑class innings from Jonah Gruskin illuminated the clash. Batting at three, he completed an outstanding showing throughout the festival with 80 from only 57 balls, which included 11 fours and a solitary six.

That left him second on the overall run scoring chart, trailing only Clifton College‘s Muhammed Malek, who made back-to-back hundreds. But 218 runs at an average of 72.67 was nothing to sniff at.

Gruskin’s innings raised the tempo late in the St David’s innings and propelled the hosts to 171/5 from their 20 overs. A victory target of 172 proved to be too much for the Hammanskraal side, who mustered only 81 all out in reply.

Paceman Kyle Butler was the mainstay of the home side’s attack, snapping up an economical 3/5. Christopher Emslie, with 2/7, and Miles Pegg, with 2/10, also impressed.

Fryer, who made his first‑class debut just three weeks ago, produced six of the best, which enabled Rustenburg to defend a modest total of 133 all out in their promotion/relegation clash against Midstream College on Saturday.

After scoring an important 22 with the bat, the second‑highest contribution for the home side behind the 30 made by Tristan van der Linde, Fryer delivered a match‑defining eight‑over spell.

Making good use of his home wicket, Fryer was fast and ruthless. He knocked over six batsmen, conceded only 28 runs, and delivered 37 dot balls from his 48 deliveries in a match-winning performance.

A valuable contribution of 2/24 from Augustus (Augie) Behrens also helped limit the visitors from Midrand to only 94 all out. Dian de Villiers and Ryan Strauss, with 20 apiece, fought hard, but that wasn’t enough in the face of Fryer’s fierce pace.

Midstream College had been set 134 for victory, thanks to a good bowling performance, led by Beyers Pretorius. who ripped into the Rusties’ batting line-up, knocking over 4/18, while Tehan Maré chipped in with 2/6.

Unfortunately for Midstream, they weren’t prepared for Callie Fryer’s six-wicket masterclass and the devastation that it wrought.

On Saturday, moving away from their home ground, the Gijima Oval, to play at Cornwall Hill College’s Landsend Oval, the Hammanskraal outfit dismissed St George’s College of Harare for a mere 80.

Maredi was at the forefront of the demolition. The right‑arm seamer was ruthless. In 8.4 overs, he buttoned down the Zimbabwean batsmen, delivering 46 dot balls while snapping up 4/9.

Those heroics lifted him to third on the leading wicket‑takers list, with eight for 79 runs in 26.4 overs at an economy rate of only 2.96.

New ball bowler Bongani Sithole enabled Maredi’s onslaught by removing both openers and returning 2/18 from five overs.

Tumelo Ndlovu then led Prestige College’s reply. He opened the innings and made 29 before departing, which left Prestige, on 54/4, needing to do a little more work.

After 22.3 overs, they reached 83/5, securing a five‑wicket victory.

St Alban’s College vs Kingswood College

At the TC Mitchell Oval, the hosts, St Alban’s College, beaten by Bishops the previous day, picked up their second win of the festival, defeating Kingswood College by four wickets.

The toss went the Eastern Cape side’s way, and they elected to bat, posting 179 all out, four balls shy of the 50-over limit.

Daniel Jakin (34) and Rogan Goliath (30) were Kingswood’s leading batsmen, but Goliath was one of four players to lose their wickets to Christopher von La Chavallerie, who closed out the innings superbly and captured 4/31 in 8.4 overs.

In reply, Ethan Detert (37) and Jesse Eckard (36*) shone for the hosts, laying the foundations for a successful chase, which they completed in the 45th over. They enjoyed solid support from Ethan Nel (25*) and Kyle Block (22) as six of the eight St Alban’s batsmen scored no less than 16.

Uplands College vs St John’s College (Harare)

The fixture between the unbeaten Uplands College and St John’s College of Harare was poised for a nail‑biting finish. Unfortunately, it became one of the two matches cut short by the worsening weather.

Fighting knocks from Mfundo Mthimunye (41) and Aiden van Zyl (36) helped the Mpumalanga side post 167 before their final wicket fell.

Despite the washout, the spotlight belonged to St John’s skipper, Luca Spagnuolo. Opening the bowling, he knocked over 5/27 in 8.1 overs. Shivaan Chouhan, his new ball partner, nabbed 3/33 in eight overs, which lifted him to second place on the wicket-takers list, with nine in three days.

Chouhan backed up his bowling performance with an unbeaten 30 before the umpires made the final call with St John’s on 87/4 after 25 overs.