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The Junior Springboks are set to face New Zealand in the final of the World Rugby U20 Championship on Saturday evening in Rovigo, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between the two traditional rugby rivals, with the team leaders reckoning that the competitive South African school environment has prepared them well for the big occasion.

Speaking from their Italian base of Valpolicella before of the much-anticipated clash, Junior Boks head coach Kevin Foote, captain Riley Norton, and vice-captain Haashim Pead shared their thoughts on the big occasion, the team’s preparation, and the significance of the match.

For Norton and Pead, the journey to the final has been shaped by their experiences playing rugby at school level in South Africa – a fiercely competitive environment that has prepared them well for the global stage.

“It prepared us very well for a tournament like this,” said Norton, who captained Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch last year.

“We’re used to big games at school, and we’ve always enjoyed them. Playing in front of huge, passionate crowds back home has definitely helped us handle the pressure.”

Pead, who attended Bishops in Cape Town, echoed the sentiment: “It’s great to be part of a game of this magnitude, but it doesn’t mean we need to change our preparation or approach. We’ll stick to our routine, trust our processes, and enjoy the occasion.”

The Junior Boks have impressed throughout the tournament, with their semi-final victory over Argentina showcasing both attacking flair and defensive grit.

Speaking to international media ahead of the big game, Foote praised the team’s execution and resilience in their semi-final.

“Our strike plays were outstanding, and the defence was gutsy,” said Foote.

“New Zealand back their attack and they’ve grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed. Like us, they’re passionate and composed – it’s going to be a great game.”

Norton emphasised the team’s belief and unity heading into the final: “We’ve spoken a lot about backing ourselves. Pressure is always going to be there – it’s been there throughout the tournament.

“But our confidence comes from our preparation. We haven’t played in a final for 11 years, so this is a special moment. Each player truly cares for the team. It’s less about pressure and more about excitement,” said Norton.

Pead – the tournament’s leading try scorer with six, plus a handful of try-assists – also credited the coaching staff for giving the backs the freedom to express themselves.

“Our tries have been a result of the platform laid by the coaches,” said Pead. “They’ve prepared us so well and given us the freedom to showcase our skills.”

One of the team’s standout performers has been Vusi Moyo, whose long-range kicking and composure has allowed the Junior Boks to gain valuable territory.

According to Foote, Moyo has had an unbelievable tournament. The SA U20 flyhalf has scored 50 points in the four games he has played to date, the most by any player of the 12 participating teams.

“Vusi puts a lot into his training and has learnt a lot during his time playing next to from Haashim, who’s more experienced and played here last year,” said Foote. “We saw what he did against England – kicking from over 50 metres. He’ll take a lot of confidence into the final.”

Pead, Norton and Moyo are part of the unchanged Junior Springbok lineup to face New Zealand in the Final which starts at 20h30 in Rovigo, with the big game to be broadcast live on SuperSport Rugby.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA), in partnership with KFC, is proud to spotlight the unsung heroes of grassroots cricket as part of the upcoming CSA Pathway Awards, focusing on the individuals nominated in the KFC Mini-Cricket Coach and Coordinator of the Year categories.

These awards honour the people who help build the foundation of cricket in South Africa. KFC Mini-Cricket reaches thousands of children across all provinces, providing not only access to the sport but also creating a pathway for future talent to be identified and developed

This year’s nominees for the KFC Mini-Cricket Coach of the Year include Makgokolotso Moremoholo (Free State), Rozanne Steenkamp (Boland), Phillip Mapheto (Limpopo) and Ntombikayise Patience Xongo (Kei).

In the KFC Mini-Cricket Coordinator of the Year category, Aventhea Kearns (Boland), Bongani Gwamanda (KZN Inland), Nation Ntlame (North West) and Ofentse Ranoto (Titans) have been nominated for their notable contributions to the programme’s operations in their respective regions in the 2024/25 season.

From running festivals, clinics, and school matches to mentoring volunteers and working with schools and parents, the coaches and coordinators’  dedication is felt at the heart of their local communities.

Speaking on the importance of recognising the KFC Mini-Cricket coaches and coordinators and their impact on grassroots cricket, CSA Mass Participation Manager, Buhle Vaphi, commented:

“These awards are more than just a title, it’s a reminder that the heart of cricket in South Africa beats in our schools, on dusty fields, and in communities where kids first fall in love with the game. Recognising these volunteers and coordinators means we’re acknowledging where it all begins.

“These coaches and coordinators give their time, often after hours and on weekends, with no expectation of recognition. But their impact? It’s long-lasting. Many of our national players once stood in line behind cones, waiting for their turn to bat, guided by a coach just like the ones we’re honouring now.

“They’re everything: teacher, motivator, sometimes even a second parent. When a six-year-old picks up a plastic bat for the first time, it’s the coach’s energy and kindness that shapes whether they feel confident or shy, excited or overwhelmed.

“Coordinators, behind the scenes, make sure there are enough balls, kits, and games for those kids to play. Without these volunteers, the system doesn’t move. They make sure cricket is accessible, fun, and a safe space for all kids, no matter where they come from.

“To every coach and coordinator across South Africa, you are the heartbeat of this programme. Whether you’ve just started or have been involved for years, know this: you are building more than players, you’re building people. Every time you show up, even when it’s hard, you’re moving the legacy forward. These awards might spotlight a few, but they honour all of you. So let’s keep going, together,” she added.

Andra Nel, Head of Corporate Affairs KFC Africa, said:

“It is through the devotion of coaches and volunteers nationwide that the programme continues to level the playing field and inspire the next generation. The programme is more than a game, it is an opportunity to build confidence, nurture talent, foster equality, confidence, and resilience to create lasting impact, one child at a time.

“We are proud to stand beside you and celebrate every one of you who makes it possible.”

The KFC Bucket Loads of Good Award will also be presented to an individual who has made a lasting difference in their community beyond their role in the game.

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

BENONI: Muhammad Bulbulia struck the highest score of the match but it was not enough as South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) Men suffered a 130-run defeat to Bangladesh in the opening match of their three-game Youth One-Day International (YODI) Series in Benoni on Thursday.

The SA U19 captain recorded an excellent 72 off 79 deliveries (4 fours, 3 sixes) at Willowmoore Park, nearly half of the 155 all out managed by the hosts in pursuit of the 286-run target set by the tourists.

Opener Bulbulia was man alone with the bat, though, lacking support and which ultimately led to his side being dismissed in 32.1 overs.

However, there was one strong bowling performance from a South African earlier with JJ Basson grabbing four for 47 to help restrict the visitors to 285 for six after the home side won the toss and chose to bowl first.

That final total threatened to be far bigger earlier when Zawad Abrar (70 off 61 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes), Rizan Hossan (63 off 55 balls, 5 fours, 3 sixes) and MD Abdullah (63 off 76 balls, 7 fours) put their side into a powerful position by each scoring strong half-centuries.

But from 228 for three in the 41st over, seamer Basson helped drag the Bangladeshis back in the final nine overs to keep the total well below 300.

The South Africans needed a good start to their reply and they got it through Bulbulia.

But he kept losing partners at the other end, starting with Jorich van Schalkwyk (0) and Armaan Manack (3), both of whom fell to Iqbal Hossain (3/26).

Then when Daniel Bosman was caught and bowled by Rizan Hossan (1/14), the home side found themselves in further strife, on 42 for three.

Kamogelo Phiri (8) and Vihan Pretorius (6) were then outfoxed by the excellent Shadhin Islam (3/29) making it 70 for five, before Paul James (24) hung around long enough to help his skipper take the total past 100.

However, he too was on his way soon followed by the rest of the tail and the innings ended when star man Bulbulia was last man out to Islam handing the away side the series lead.

The series continues with match two at the same venue on Saturday.

SA U19 Men’s Squad – Youth ODI series against Bangladesh U19

Muhammad Bulbulia (captain, KZN Inland), Jason Rowles (captain, Lions), JJ Basson (Lions), Corne Botha (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini (Garden Route Badgers), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Kamogelo Phiri (Lions), Vihan Pretorius (Titans), Ntando Soni (Warriors) and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).

 

Management

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Paul Adams (Bowling Coach), Thabang Kumalo (Fielding Coach), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Sheenagh Jordaan (Physiotherapist), Kyle Southgate (Team Analyst), Eugene Oppelt (Performance Psychologist) and Lita Gqirana (Media Manager).

 

Fixtures

1st YODI – Thursday, 17 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 130 runs – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

2nd YODI – Saturday, 19 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 vs Bangladesh U19 – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

3rd YODI – Tuesday, 22 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 vs Bangladesh U19 – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

This year’s annual clash between the South African Schools’ side and their second stringers, if you can call it that, the SA Schools A-side, once again belonged to Zekehethelo Siyaya of Westville Boys’ High.

Siyaya scored a second hat-trick of tries in this clash, as he also achieved this feat during last year’s match. The SA Schools side won the clash on Hoërskool Middelburg’s A-field by an emphatic 49-14.

Watch the match again on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

The Green and Gold made an early statement with a second-minute try.

On the counter attack, scrumhalf Morné Noble, decided to pass the ball down the blindside. The ball was sent out wide, where left wing, Jadrian Afrikaner, dotted down thanks to an overlap. Flyhalf, Liyema Nela, added the extras from the kicking tee.

Having scored a hat-trick in this fixture last year, Westville fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya, reminded us of his capabilities with a 17th minute try. He received a pass out wide on the counter attack. He then cut inside and slipped through a tackle before stepping past the opposition defender, running in an incredible 40 metre individual try. Nela added the extras.

SA Schools extended their lead in the 27th minute, with a driving maul from a lineout only 10 metres away from the opposition goal-line. Paul Roos hooker Altus Rabe, dotted down the try. Nela nailed the corner conversion.

On the brink of half-time, Schools selected a scrum near the Schools A five-metre line. Noble passed the ball out to the backline. Siyaya wrapped around to join the centres. He received the ball and ran through space to score his second of the match. Nela coolly collected the extras.

Siyaya completed a hat-trick for the second year running in the 43rd minute. After receiving a skip pass from Captain and Paarl Gimnasium centre, Markus Muller, Siyaya attempted a grubber, but the ball bounced off the defender and back into his hands. He then decided to cut inside, where he ran in to score his third try of the match. Affies flyhalf Ruben Groenewald added the extras off the kicking tee.

SA Schools A secured their first points in the 50-59th minute. Paarl Boys’ High hooker, Tommy Muller, dotted down for five. Stellenberg flyhalf, Ethan van Biljoen, added the extras.

Schools scored again from a lineout maul just 10 metres away from the Schools A goal-line. Noordheuwel hooker, Clinton Agu, dotted down the try in the 60th minute. Groenewald added the extras.

After a series of phases inside the Schools A 22 metre area, Paul Roos loose forward, Gert Kemp, picked the ball up and dove over the try line from just two metres out. Groenewald was quick to add the 63rd minute extras.

Schools A struck again in the 67th minute. After a series of phases inside the Schools 22, the Schools A forwards began picking up the ball and trying to drive over the goal-line. Eventually, Paarl gim prop, Pieta Cilliers, muscled his way over for five. Biljon added the extras.

Not a single kick was missed off the tee today. This small stat, along with some larger ones from today, showed the quality of players that the South African school system is producing. For example, Siyaya scored a hat-trick in this fixture for the second year in a row. Barring injury or any other unforeseen circumstances, one can only assume that he, and others like him, have bright futures ahead of them.

Scorers: 

SA Schools 49 (28) – Tries: Zekhethelo Siyaya (3), Jadrian Afrikaner, Altus Rabe, Clinton Agu, Gert Kemp. Conversions: Liyema Nela (4), Ruben Groenewald (3). SA Schools A 14 (0) – Tries: Tommy Muller, Pieta Cilliers. Conversions: Ethan van Biljon (2).

Following three days of tightly contested football at King Edward VII School (KES), the inaugural Association of Public Boys’ Schools of South Africa (APBSA) Football Festival wrapped up on Thursday.

The evented was dominated by the Gauteng schools, who excelled in the familiar high-altitude conditions.

Parktown Boys’ High, Pretoria Boys High, Jeppe High School for Boys, St David’s Marist Inanda, and the host, KES, were among the teams that excelled.

Prior to the festival, some of those sides might have been concerned about their match fitness, as most Gauteng schools hadn’t yet started their football season. They faced competition from schools that had been actively playing since the second term began, including Northwood, Grey College, and Dale College, but they arrived well-prepared and eager to compete, and they were up to the tasks awaiting them.

On Thursday, Parktown Boys’ High secured a 2-1 victory over Grey College, while Pretoria Boys High concluded the festival with a 3-0 win over Dale College. Both Gauteng teams went unbeaten.

Jeppe wrapped up the festival with a 1-1 draw against Rondebosch Boys’ High, and St David’s also ended the festival with a scoreless draw against Northwood. The host, KES, finished their fixtures with a 2-1 win over Queen’s College.

Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG), who had struggled to find their best form in the early going, finished with a flourish, beating Springs Boys’ High 2-0.

St Andrew’s School, another side that hadn’t yet engaged top gear, found it on Thursday and overpowered Potchefstroom Boys’ High 4-0 with an outstanding performance.

Results 

Paul Roos 2-0 Springs’ Boys’ High
Rondebosch Boys’ High 1-1 Jeppe
St Andrew’s School 4-0 Potchefstroom Boys’ High
Pretoria Boys High 3-0 Dale College
Parktown Boys’ High 2-1 Grey College
St David’s 0-0 Northwood
KES 2-1 Queen’s College

Thursday, day one of the third Kearsney Soccer Tournament dawned mild and sunny, with the Botha’s Hill campus presenting an inviting canvas for the 36 teams spread across high school, girls’ high school, and primary school divisions.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Much was expected of Pinetown Boys’ High, the defending champion and recent winner of the Kloof High Football Tournament, at which they beat the Absa Wildeklawer winner, Virginia High, in a superb final. In a key clash, Pinetown beat Glenwood High 2-1, but they were held to a goalless draw by Gqeberha’s Urban Academy.

The Eastern Cape side made its mark in Group C, also bagging 3-0 victories over Glenwood and Curro Somerset West in their other outings, which leaves them top of the group standings heading into day two.

Maqhutshana A tops the table in Group A, also with two wins and a draw. They shared a 1-1 result with Clifton College but then overran Maqhutshana B 5-0 and scored a 2-0 win over Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge.

Clifton boosted their chances of progressing to the Cup quarterfinals by dispatching Maqhutshana B 5-2 in their second match, while Maqhutshana B also recorded a 3-0 win over Trinityhouse.

Group B, featuring the hosts, Kearsney College, is wide open heading into the last round of group matches on Friday morning.

Kearsney drew 0-0 with Queensburgh High but then outplayed Grace College 4-0.

Queensburgh, meanwhile, beat Sutherland 2-1, and Sutherland won by the same score against Grace.

Queensburgh will feel confident heading into their last group game against Grace College on Friday, but Kearsney faces what appears to be a stiffer challenge from Sutherland.

Siyajabula High laid down a marker in Group D when they scorched to a 4-1 win over Durban High School (DHS), the winner of the inaugural Kearsney Soccer Tournament in 2023, in their opener.

Curro Hazeldean, though, held Siyajabula to a 1-1 draw in their second outing. The Pretoria school also beat Ashton Ballito 2-0. DHS also comfortably dealt with Ashton, cruising to a 4-1 win.

Girls’ competition

In the girls’ competition, the defending champion, St Mary’s DSG (Kloof), made an emphatic start to their title defence, overrunning Crawford College La Lucia 6-1 and Trinity House Rand Park Ridge 5-1.

At the same time, though, Durban Girls’ High also bagged two one-sided wins in Group A, overpowering Trinity House 6-2 and Crawford La Lucia 8-2. That leaves them one goal better off than St Mary’s on goal difference.

At 10:00, on Friday morning, St Mary’s DSG and Durban Girls’ High, will meet to decide who tops the standings.

Group B is up for grabs, but Curro Hazeldean has the edge after a 3-1 win over Sastri College and a tight 3-2 defeat of Danville Park Girls’ High.

Danville Park, though, beat Ashton College 1-0, so they remain in the mix, and Ashton, after a 4-0 victory over Sastri College could also finish in the top two and claim a place in the cross-pool semi-finals.

BOYS’ STANDINGS

Group A

Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge 0-3 Maqhutshana B
Clifton College 1-1 Maqhutshana A
Maqhutshana B 2-5 Clifton College
Maqhutshana A 5-0 Maqhutshana B
Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge 0-2 Maqhutshana A 2

Group B

Sutherland 1-2 Queensburgh High
Kearsney College 4-0 Grace College
Queensburgh High 0-0 Kearsney College
Sutherland 2-1 Grace College

Group C

Curro Somerset West 0-3 Glenwood High
Pinetown Boys’ High 0-0 Urban Academy
Glenwood High 1-2 Pinetown Boys’ High
Urban Academy 3-0 Glenwood
Curro Somerset West 0-3 Urban Academy

Group D

Curro Hazeldean 2-0 Ashton Ballito
Durban High School 1-4 Siyajabula High
Ashton Ballito 1-4 Durban High School
Curro Hazeldean 1-1 Siyajabula High

GIRLS’ STANDINGS

Group A

St Mary’s DSG 6-1 Crawford La Lucia
Trinity House 1-5 St Mary’s DSG
Durban Girls’ High 6-2 Trinity House
Crawford La Lucia 2-8 Durban Girls’ High

Group B

Ashton College 0-1 Danville Park Girls’ High
Sastri College 0-4 Ashton College
Curro Hazeldean 3-1 Sastri College
Danville Park Girls’ High 2-3 Curro Hazeldean

SA Schools outplayed their SA Schools ‘A’ counterparts by 49-14 at Hoërskool Middelburg in Mpumalanga on Thursday afternoon, scoring seven tries in a victory that proved the selectors got their combinations right following the FNB u18 Craven Week at the same venue last week.

The SA Schools side looked very comfortable, especially in the first half, where they dominated play and had a deserved 28-0 lead at the break, scoring four good tries.

In the second half, the ‘A’-side rallied to get back in the game, scoring two tries of their own, while the winning team dotted down three more times.

The SA Schools started like a house on fire with wing Jadrian Afrikaner scoring the opener two minutes in, following a good attack down the left. Flyhalf Liyema Nela kicked the conversion.

The team in green dominated the opening quarter and had all the play in that time. They crossed the ‘A’-side’s line twice, only to be denied due to earlier infringements.

The wall was clearly cracking early, with the SA Schools having the upper hand at scrum time and their backs running at pace. Three consecutive scrum penalties near their opponents’ line yielded no result though, with over-eagerness and lack of cohesion costing them dearly.

Credit to the SA ‘A’ side, who had to defend for all of 14 minutes before they could work their way into the SA Schools’ half for the first time in the match.

A spectacular try by SA Schools fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya extended the score and had the good crowd on their feet.

The ‘A’-side attacked strongly but lost the ball in their opponents’ red zone. It was worked back with quick hands, and Siyaya set off on a run 60m out. It ended under the sticks for the SA Schools side, finished by the fullback with a swallow dive, leaving in his wake numerous defenders beaten by either a step or a dummy. Nela converted for a 14-0 lead halfway through the half.

Altus Rabe was the next on the scoresheet for the SA Schools side after a lineout drive that finally worked, a clear indication that their combinations were starting to find each other as the game progressed. The hooker dotted down at the back of a strong maul. Nela kicked a beauty from the sideline and the score was 21-0 after 28 minutes.

On the buzzer SA Schools scored again, this time from a smooth backline move from a 5m-scrum. Siyaya ran onto a beautiful drift pass that got him outside of his defender and he dotted down under the posts to give Nela an easy fourth conversion.

The second half saw changes of Bomb Squad dimensions from both teams as coaches gave everyone a run.

One man that was not replaced was Siyaya and he was spot on again four minutes in, although his third try had some element of luck. The backs moved the ball well down the line, the fullback jumped into the line and when his grubber was blocked, it bounced back into his hands with no one in front of him. Replacement flyhalf Ruben Groenewald converted and the lead jumped to 35-0.

SA ‘A’ then rallied strongly and was held up over the line 52 minutes in after a good lineout drive, and referee Excellent Mnkomo, who delivered a polished performance, got the call spot-on as the reply showed.

Two minutes later the ‘A’-side again was held up, but their pressure told as hooker Thomas Muller scored at the back of his pack’s good drive. Replacement scrumhalf Ethan van Biljon converted, and they were finally on the board after 58 minutes.

The SA Schools replied in kind with a maul try of their one, with replacement hooker Clinton Agu scoring. Groenewald converted for a 42-7 lead.

They scored next again, this time following a number of strong pick-and-go’s with Gert Kemp (flanker) crashing over, Groenewald extended the lead to 49-7 before SA ‘A’ replacement flanker Pieter Cilliers barged over from close range, following several good drives by his pack.

Scorers:

SA Schools 49 (28) – Tries: Zekhethelo Siyaya (3), Jadrian Afrikaner, Altus Rabie, Clinton Agu, Gert Kemp. Conversions: Liyema Nela (4), Ruben Groenewald (3). SA Schools “A” 14 (0) – Tries: Tommy Muller, Pieta Cilliers. Conversions: Ethan van Biljon (2)

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The Junior Springboks have named an unchanged match-23 for Saturday evening’s much-anticipated World Rugby U20 Championship Final against New Zealand in Rovigo, Italy.

Lock Riley Norton will once again lead a familiar-looking side that has featured in most of the pool matches, as well as Monday’s semi-final victory over Argentina.

The unchanged line-up means the bench will again feature a split of six forwards and two backs in what promises to be an epic battle between the two southern hemisphere rugby rivals.

Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote said the SA U20s have done well to reach the final and they are excited to face their greatest rivals with a settled side.

“This has been our settled combination for most of the year, and the team play with great synergy,” said Foote, who admitted it was yet again difficult to leave players out of the match-day squad.

“Given how well everyone has played, it was such a difficult task to leave anyone out. We are grateful for the absolute selflessness of the players not selected for Saturday’s final, and for how hard they are training to ensure the team is well prepared for New Zealand.

“We decided to pick six forwards on the bench yet again, as they made a difference in the semi-final against Argentina, and we also learned some valuable lessons when we faced New Zealand in the U20 Rugby Championship in South Africa a few months ago.”

Saturday’s decider marks the Junior Boks’ first appearance in the final since 2014, and it’s a repeat of the 2012 final in which South Africa beat New Zealand at Newlands in Cape Town.

The SA U20s have been in rampant form throughout the Championship in Italy, posting comprehensive wins over Australia, defending champions England, and Scotland in the group stage, followed by a hard-earned victory over a gritty Argentina in the semi-finals on Monday evening.

South Africa’s dynamic pack of forwards has laid an excellent platform for their electric backline to score some eye-catching tries. The Junior Bok halfback pairing of Haashim Pead (scrumhalf) and Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) are amongst the tournament’s leading points scorers.

Pead has scored six tries in four games – the most by any player so far this year – while also providing numerous assists for teammates. Moyo has racked up 50 points across his four appearances, placing him at the top of the overall points’ scoring chart.

New Zealand, like South Africa, are unbeaten in the tournament, having topped Pool B before dispatching a dangerous French side in the semi-finals to set up an exciting final showdown with the Junior Boks.

The World Rugby U20 Championship Final kicks off at 20h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

The Junior Springbok team to face New Zealand in Rovigo:

15 Gilermo Mentoe
14 Cheswill Jooste
13 Demitre Erasmus
12 Albie Bester
11 Jaco Williams
10 Vusi Moyo
9 Haashim Pead
8 Wandile Mlaba
7 Bathobele Hlekani
6 Xola Nyali
5 JJ Theron
4 Riley Norton (captain)
3 Herman Lubbe
2 Siphosethu Mnebelele
1 Simphiwe Ngobese

Replacements:

16 Jaundré Schoeman
17 Oliver Reid
18 Jean Erasmus
19 Jaco Grobbelaar
20 Matt Romao
21 Stephanus Linde
22 Ceano Everson
23 Dominic Malgas

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

BENONI: Player exposure and growth are two areas that South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) Men will be targeting as they prepare for their three-match Youth One-Day International (YODI) Series against Bangladesh starting in Benoni on Thursday.

This is according to head coach, Malibongwe Maketa, who is looking forward to the three games followed by a subsequent tri-series that also involves Zimbabwe as the junior national side begin their final preparations for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 early next year.

The South Africans, semi-finalists in the last tournament they hosted at the start of 2024, are looking towards Bangladesh to offer them a different prospect in terms of testing their skill levels as they prepare for next year’s finals in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“We try as much as possible to expose them to different conditions so that they start their international base with a lot of exposure,” Maketa said ahead of the series.

“For us as coaches, it (these series) allows us to get to know the players better and understand what areas to focus on in terms of their growth going forward.

“We’ve been really lucky to have been able to take them to Namibia where we will be based, and then also taking them to Zimbabwe now is going to be great exposure for them because that is where the semi-finals and final will be.”

Maketa and his coaching team have built a solid core of players, led by co-captains Muhammad Bulbulia and Jason Rowles. However, the door still remains for those impressing for their provinces.

“We’re continuously working towards improvement with the players,” Maketa explained.

“We can also say the door is not yet closed for others to push for a spot. But we’re always looking to upskill the players so that they are able to perform in different conditions like they will be facing in the World Cup.

“It’s very hot at that time of year in Namibia and so upskilling against spin in the middle overs for example, is something we’re working on. Also bowling in the flat conditions is another area to look at. Making sure our fast bowlers have good control, so it’s a lot about overall development of our players.”

Maketa is looking forward to the challenges that will be posed by Bangladesh.

“The Bangladeshi players get early exposure into first-class cricket, so we know we’re going to have less bad balls bowled at us, we know the quality of spin is going to be very high and so from that point of view it’s going to give us a good idea on where we need to sharpen up.

“Some of the guys will be representing our country for the first time and that will also bring different pressure. So we’re looking forward to the start of the final journey to the World Cup which Bangladesh will bring for us,” concluded Maketa. 

SA U19 Men’s Squad – Youth ODI series against Bangladesh U19

Muhammad Bulbulia (captain, KZN Inland), Jason Rowles (captain, Lions), JJ Basson (Lions), Corne Botha (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini (Garden Route Badgers), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Kamogelo Phiri (Lions), Vihan Pretorius (Titans), Ntando Soni (Warriors) and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).

Management

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Paul Adams (Bowling Coach), Thabang Kumalo (Fielding Coach), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Sheenagh Jordaan (Physiotherapist), Kyle Southgate (Team Analyst), Eugene Oppelt (Performance Psychologist) and Lita Gqirana (Media Manager).

Fixtures

1st YODI – Thursday, 17 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 vs Bangladesh U19 – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

2nd YODI – Saturday, 19 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 vs Bangladesh U19 – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

3rd YODI – Tuesday, 22 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 vs Bangladesh U19 – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

The action and excitement continued at the Association of Public Boys’ Schools of South Africa (APBSA) Football Festival, at King Edward VII School (KES) in Johannesburg, on Wednesday with Parktown Boys’ High and Pretoria Boys High among the teams that impressed.

Parktown Boys’ High played with high intensity to maintain a clean record after three matches.

On Wednesday, they beat Potchefstroom Boys’ High 2-1 and Northwood School 1-0, with the goal they conceded against Potch being the only goal they have given up in their three outings.

Another team that remains undefeated is Pretoria Boys High, who have three wins and a draw after the first two days of action. On Wednesday, they took down Paul Roos Gimnasium, winning 1-0 against a team that has not met its usual high standards. Boys High also won their second match by a tight 1-0 margin, seeing off St Andrew’s School.

Jeppe High School for Boys, who made an impressive start on the first day of the festival, thumping St Andrew’s 5-1 before settling for a 1-1 draw against Northwood, added another win and a draw. They beat Queen’s College 3-1 and then drew 1-1 with Grey College.

Similar to Paul Roos, Grey College has been surprisingly subdued. After their draw with Jeppe, the Bloemfontein boys went down 0-1 to Rondebosch Boys’ High.

Two days into the festival, Grey remains winless, having drawn with Dale College and KES on the opening day.

After a disappointing campaign in the Mancosa KZNHSFA Coastal A-League, Northwood appears to have found some rhythm and they’re playing the kind of football one is more used to seeing from the Knights.

After going one and one on Tuesday – a 2-1 win over Paul Roos and a 0-1 loss to Parktown Boys’ High – they beat Queen’s College 2-1 on Wednesday.

KES had mixed results on day two, winning 2-0 against Potchefstroom Boys’ High before falling 0-2 to Rondebosch Boys’ High.

St David’s Marist Inanda has two wins and a draw after three matches, which included a 3-0 defeat of Dale College on Wednesday, which they followed with a 1-1 draw against Paul Roos.

Dale College slipped to a hard-fought 2-3 loss to Springs Boys’ High, while Springs also drew goalless with St Andrew’s.

Results

Parktown Boys’ High 1-0 Northwood
Jeppe 3-1 Queen’s College
KES 2-0 Potchefstroom Boys’ High
Rondebosch Boys’ High 1-0 Grey College
Springs Boys’ High 0-0 St Andrew’s
Pretoria Boys High 1-0 Paul Roos
St David’s 3-0 Dale College
Northwood 2-1 Queen’s College
Parktown Boys 2-1 Potchefstroom Boys’ High
Jeppe Boys 1-1 Grey College
Rondebosch Boys’ High 2-0 KES
Springs Boys’ High 3-2 Dale College
Pretoria Boys High 1-0 St Andrew’s
Paul Roos 1-1 St David’s