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The American polymath Benjamin Franklin coined the term: “jack of all trades, master of one.” To elaborate, the phrase encourages one to be able to do the essentials in every field, but also take the time to become a master of a craft.

In the backline, Paul Roos Gimnasium‘s Tiaan Basson can play anywhere between 11 and 14, but he has his eyes set on the number 12 jersey in 2026. He’s an exciting prospect who loves splitting the gap between opposition defenders.

He shared some of his rugby achievements with SuperSport Schools Plus: “I have been blessed enough to be chosen to represent Western Province at Grant Khomo Week, and the Western Province XV at the Craven Week,” he said.

“I have also been on a rugby exchange that was set up with Cheltenham College in Gloucestershire, England. I spent four months there in the offseason before my rookie year at Paul Roos.

“Olly Morgan, a former Gloucester fullback who also has two caps for England, coached me at Cheltenham, and helped me with small details that I did not get taught here in South Africa. I experienced schoolboy rugby in England and brought all of that experience into my first year at u19 level.”

The utility back has continued to grow his game at home: “It is difficult for me to say what part of my game has improved most since joining Paul Roos. I have had some amazing coaches who have slowly helped me perfect my craft, step by step,” Basson shared.

“I have always been a hard and physical ball carrier, but I’ve also been working on other parts of my game, such as handling and kicking. The most important trait for me, however, is work rate.

“The part of my game I am working on most at the moment would definitely be perfecting the different variations of passes and kicks at 12 and 13, as well as the 11 and 14 positions.

“A big part of my kicking and passing practice involves looking up to see where space is, as well as noticing when defenders bite and when not,” Basson explained.

He also recalled his introduction to the game: “My earliest memory of rugby would definitely be watching my brother play at a very young age. I remember also kicking the ball with my Dad in our yard. Since then, I have not stopped playing,” he said.

The talented youth was not only influenced by his father and brother, but also by legends of the game: “In terms of role models, I have always looked at two players my whole life. They are Sonny Bill Williams and Jean de Villiers.

“SBW was insanely physical and great with offloads, which is a part of my game that I thrive on. The decision-making and leadership of Jean De Villiers is something I have always admired. Watching him taught me to always treat my teammates with the utmost respect, and to gain their loyalty so that the team can gel.”

Basson also shared his hopes for the next five years, should everything go according to plan. “I have always told myself to take my rugby career step by step, but of course, I have some achievements I want to reach in the next five years. This includes making the SA Schools and SA u18 sides. From there, I’d like to work my way into the SA u20 setup. I would also like to get a few Currie Cup games under the belt, and hopefully play in the URC.”

In 2026, those who watch Paul Roos in action will see a lot of Tiaan Basson – except for those opposition players who fall prey to his crafty interceptions.

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – the American poet, Sylvia Plath.

Captain Daneli Boshoff led from the front, powering HTS Drostdy throughout the second phase of the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two competition.

She struck an explosive half-century and took 4/15 in a 37-run win over Bridgton Hub, and claimed a tidy 2/6 in a win over Stellenberg High as HTS Drostdy claimed the title of Western Cape champions.

Her leadership is a factor that numbers can’t represent. It will, however, have an impact when The Final Showdown begins in Pretoria on Wednesday, 4 March.

Boshoff has worked her way into her role as a leader and all-rounder over the course of nearly her entire life. When speaking with SuperSport Schools Plus, she reminisced about her first steps as a cricketer: “My earliest memory of cricket is playing in the backyard with my brother. Those moments made me love the sport. That passion grew even more when I started to play mini-cricket with the boys at the age of six.”

Since 2022, when she was in Grade 8, she has represented the Boland Senior Women‘s team. She’s even picked up a five-for at the senior provincial level, collecting career best figures of 5/10 versus the Eastern Province Senior Women.

HTS Drostdy Head Coach Helena du Toit spoke fondly of her experience of observing Boshoff while she, too, was playing for the Boland Senior Women’s team, and also as her coach: “I first saw Daneli play when she was still in primary school. At the time, I was also still playing, and we often practised together in the nets,” Du Toit recalled.

“Even then, she stood out to me. I was impressed not only by her natural ability but also by her understanding of the game and the confidence she showed at such a young age. It was clear early on that she had something special.”

Boshoff’s qualities have continued to blossom, Du Toit said: “During my time coaching Daneli, I have seen a lot of growth in both her cricketing skills and her leadership. Her confidence has developed the most. She has learned to trust herself and back her decisions as a captain on the field.

“She leads from the front through her performances and sets the standard for her teammates through her commitment and work ethic. Watching her grow into a calm, confident leader who takes responsibility for her team has been incredibly special to witness.”

Boshoff made the SA u19 Girls side in 2024 and has represented the Boland u19 Girls team for the past three years, but she admitted there are aspects of her game that she would like to improve: “As an all-rounder, I feel the aspect of my game that needs the most work is my consistency and confidence. I know I have the ability to contribute with both bat and ball, but I can be inconsistent at times, which affects my overall performance.

“By improving my consistency and believing more in my abilities, I want to become a stronger and more reliable player who can benefit the team in both areas of the game.”

Coach Du Toit said her captain is a leader not only on the field, but also off of it. “Off the pitch, Daneli’s greatest strength is her heart. Her kindness and genuine care for others create a strong sense of unity within the team.

“She leads by example and has become a true role model to her peers, representing the school with integrity and pride. As her coach, I am incredibly proud of the person she is becoming, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”

Over the next five years, Boshoff plans to develop her life in cricket, studies and faith: “I would like to be part of the Cricket South Africa youth and emerging setup,” she said. “I also want to play Division One cricket, so I can pursue cricket full-time.

“Personally, I want to achieve good matric results and study part-time online while playing cricket. I want to grow as a person by growing in faith and living as a Godly child, living life to the fullest whilst representing Him.”

With her ability to lead by example and her vast wealth of experience in cricket despite her young age, Daneli Boshoff is the calibre of captain capable of taking the Donkies all the way to the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two national title.

While most of the teams will start their challenge for the national title on Wednesday, 4 March, the Western Cape winners will have to wait until Thursday before taking to the field. They’ll also play on Friday morning, with the playoffs following in the afternoon.

FIXTURES

Thursday, 5 March
HTS Drostdy vs Nkowankowa, Tuks C, 09:30
Queens High vs HTS Drostdy, Tuks E, 14:00

Friday, 6 March
HTS Drostdy vs Nomandi, Tuks C, 09:30

Hoërskool Fichardtpark se jaarlikse sportdag sal voortaan nie meer die grootste in Suid-Afrika of dalk selfs in die sentrale streek wees nie, maar dit sal wel van hoër gehalte wees.

Die Fichies het besluit om met sy jaarlikse Standard Bank Sportdag kleiner te maak sodat die gehalte van dag op ‘n sekere standaard bly.

Meeste van die wedstryde sal ook op die skool se eie sportvelde plaasvind, terwyl dit in die verlede regoor die Rosestad plaasgevind het.

Vanjaar se sportdag is boonop die 24ste keer wat dié dag sal plaasvind.

Die gasheer se eerstespan, die Fichie Leeus, sal teen Marlow Landbou se Wolramme in die hoofwedstryd te staan kom.

Verlede jaar het die Leeus teen Diamantveld met 7-25 die onderspit in die hoofwedstryd gedelf. Die kragmeting was ook deel van die Wesgrow-reeks. Die Fichies kan dus vanjaar weer die honde losmaak in die hoofwedstryd en feesrugby speel.

Die feit dat die Fichies se o.19-aflosspan koning in die 4x100m tydens die jaarlikse Motheo/Xhariep-byeenkoms gekraai het, sou die Wolramme se aandag getrek het. Die viertal Guiteau Petrus (losskakel), Mathew Valentine (vleuel), Zee Mathese (buitesenter) en Leo Bosch (slot) behoort almal op die sportdag in die beginspan uit te draf.

Hulle het stof in die oë van Jim Fouché (44.41), Sentraal (44.54) en Grey Kollege (44.56) met ‘n wentyd van 44.18 sekondes tydenbs die byeenkoms geskop.

Vroeër in die dag sal Jim Fouché en die Hoërskool Burgersdorp mekaar in ‘n Vrystaatse A-ligawedstryd pak. Daar sal dus vir die twee spanne meer op die spel wees as meeste ander deelnemers van die sportdag.

Die vernaamste voorwedstryd sal tussen Hoërskool Noord-Kaap en Potchefstroom Gimnasium beslis word. Northerns is gewoonlik vinnig uit die blokke tydens die sportdag en Gimmies sal hul keer moet ken.

Sentraal van Bloemfontein behoort ook na die sportdag ‘n goeie idee te hê oor hoeveel werk nog voorlê vir die seisoen. Die Tralies kom teen Wesvalia van Klerksdorp te staan. Die Bruin Bere van Klerksdorp neem vanjaar in die Plaat-afdeling van die Virseker Noordvaal Cup deel.

Die bepalings is: 

FICHARDTPARK A-VELD | o.19

16:10 – Fichardtpark vs Marlow Landbou
15:00 – Potchefstroom Gimnasium vs Noord-Kaap
13:50 – Sentraal vs Wesvalia
12:40 – Jim Fouché vs Burgersdorp
11:30 – Duineveld vs St Andrew’s School
10:20 – Wilgerivier vs Landboudal
09:10 – Kalahari vs Ficksburg
08:00 – Noord-Kaap II vs Marlow Landbou II

FICHARDTPARK B-VELD

16:00 – o.16 – Sentraal vs Wesvalia
15:00 – o.15 – Landboudal vs Wilgerivier
14:00 – o.19 – Duineveld II vs Aliwal-Noord II
13:00 – o.19 – Wilgerivier II vs Landboudal II
12:00 – o.16 – Jim Fouché vs Burgersdorp
11:00 – o.19 – Fichardtpark II vs Kalahari II
10:00 – o.14 – Fichardtpark II vs Marlow Landbou II
09:00 – o.19 – Jim Fouché II vs Burgersdorp II
08:00 – o.16 – Fichardtpark vs Marlow Landbou

FICHARDTPARK C-VELD 

16:00 – o.16 – Grey College IV vs Duineveld II
15:00 – o.15 – Duineveld vs Hentie Cilliers
14:00 – o.16 – Ficksburg vs Kalahari
13:00 – o.15 – Jim Fouché vs Burgersdorp
12:00 – o.15 – Fichardtpark vs Marlow Landbou
11:00 – o.15 – Kalahari vs Aliwal-Noord
10:00 – o.16 – Wilgerivier vs Landboudal
09:00 – o.16 – Duineveld vs Hentie Cilliers
08:00 – o.16 – St Andrew’s School vs Noord-Kaap

FICHARDTPARK D-VELD 

16:00 – o.14 – St Andrew’s School vs Noord-Kaap
15:00 – o.14 – Sentraal vs Wesvalia
14:00 – o.16 – Fichardtpark II vs Marlow Landbou II
13:00 – o.15 – Wilgerivier II vs Grey College IV
12:00 – o.15 – Sentraal vs Wesvalia
11:00 – o.14 – Kalahari vs Aliwal-Noord
10:00 – o.14 – Fichardtpark vs Marlow Landbou
09:00 – o.14 – Jim Fouché vs Burgersdorp
08:00 – o.14 – Duineveld vs Hentie Cilliers

The opening rounds of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) and the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) are approaching rapidly. Before they kick off, though, the finals of the Top 8 competitions in each league will be played this coming weekend at Balfour Park.

Catch the LIVE Action on SuperSport Schools

Gauteng Development League Top Competition

Last Sunday, with a full house at Balfour Park, Highlands Park hosted the semifinals for both the GDL and GWDL.

Now, on Saturday, it’s Kaizer Chiefs against Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) at Balfour Park for the GDL title, and Chiefs beat their great rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, and RESA downed Highlands Park.

RESA advanced to the title game after securing a 4-3 victory over the Lions of the North from the penalty spot after their clash had ended 1-1 in regulation time. Kabelo Mofokeng opened the scoring in the first half to put the Vereeniging-based club in the lead. Lethlonolo Masenya equalised for Highlands Park in the second stanza.

Waiting to find out who they would face in the final, RESA and the other Top 8 clubs watched the day’s most anticipated clash between the Phefeni Glamour Boys and the Brazilians.

The match met expectations, with Inga Simama netting the opening goal for Sundowns in the first half. In the second half, Gift Phoku brought Kaizer Chiefs back on level terms.

Chiefs, then, edged ahead through Malibongwe Mtshali, but Sundowns battled back and levelled the scores through Junior Moseou. At the final whistle, it was 2-2, and the contest would be decided from the penalty spot.

Goalkeeper Keabetswe Morake then stole the spotlight, denying Sundowns on a couple of occasions to help Kaizer Chiefs eliminate their Chorkloop-based opponents by a 3-2 margin

In the u17 GDL semifinals, Siwelele (formerly SuperSport United) defeated the University of Pretoria (Tuks) 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw during regulation time. They’ll face Kaizer Chiefs in the final after the Amakhosi edged out Sundowns 1-0.

While Sundowns’ hopes were ended in the semi-finals of both the u17 and u19 competitions, they will play for the title in the u15 age group. The Brazilians u15s also got one over Chiefs, with Bafana Ba Style winning 2-0 to book their place in the title game.

They’ll take on Siwelele for the title after Siwelele beat the Africa School of Excellence, previously known as the Transnet School of Excellence, 5-4 on penalties after their match concluded in a tense 2-2 draw during regulation time.

The u14 division was every bit as thrilling as the other age groups. The semi-final showdown between Kaizer Chiefs and Kathorus Hyper Academy was a nail-biter. They shared a 1-1 draw in regulation time before an extended penalty shootout finished 6-5 in favour of Chiefs.

Highlands Park advanced to the final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Siwelele.

In the u13 GDL top 8 semi-finals, Sundowns moved on to the title decider on the back of a 2-0 victory over Joburg City, while Siwelele handed Highlands Park a 3-0 defeat.

Gauteng Women’s Development League Top Competition

The GWDL Top 8 made a comeback, with the event first being held in 2024, but not last year. The winners of the only previous edition of the tournament were Mamelodi Sundowns. This year, the GWDL top 8 included u13, u15, and u17 categories.

In the u17 division, where Sundowns has been a dominant force in the league, the Banyana Ba Style powered their way into the final with a one-sided 7-0 victory over Edenvale.

They’ll face Refilwe for the title. Both finalists represented South Africa and the GWDL at the u17 Confederation of African Football (Caf) Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) in Zimbabwe last December, where Sundowns claimed the title. Refilwe’s performance at the tournament was less than stellar, but they’ll have an opportunity to show that they belong at the head of the table when they face the 2025 GWDL league champions.

The u15 GWDL final will feature Panorama going head-to-head with Tuks at Balfour Park. Both moved smoothly into the title match, with Tuks outplaying Edenvale 5-0, while Panorama bagged a 3-0 win against JVW.

In the u13 GWDL top 8, Mamelodi Sundowns cruised past Edenvale, winning 5-0, while the contest between Refilwe and JVW went to a penalty shootout after their tie finished at 1-1. Refilwe, then, triumphed 3-1 from the spot.

RESULTS

Sunday, 22 February

Gauteng Development League Competition

u19 GDL Top 8 Semifinals
Kaizer Chiefs (3) 2-2 (1) Mamelodi Sundowns
RESA (4) 1-1 (3) Highlands Park

u17 GDL Top 8 Semifinals
Siwelele (4) 2-2 (2) Tuks
Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns

u15 GDL Top 8 Semifinals
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Siwelele (5) 2-2 (4) School of Excellence

u14 GDL Top Semifinals
Kaizer Chiefs (6) 1-1 (5) Kathorus Hyper Academy
Highlands Park 2-1 Siwelele

u13 GDL Top 8 Semifinals
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Joburg City
Siwelele 3-0 Highlands Park

Gauteng Women’s Development League Top 8 Competition

u13 GWDL Top Semifinals
Mamelodi Sundowns 5-0 Edenvale
Refilwe (3) 1-1 (1) JVW

u15 GWDL Top 8 Semifinals
Tuks 5-0 Edenvale
Panorama 3-0 JVW

u17 GWDL Top 8 Semifinals
Refilwe 5-2 JVW
Mamelodi Sundowns 7-0 Edenvale

FIXTURES 

Saturday, 28 February 

Gauteng Development League Competition

Venue: Balfour Park 

u13 Final
09:00 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Siwelele

u14 Final
10:00 – Kaizer Chiefs vs Highlands Park

u15 Final
13:15 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Siwelele

u17 Final
09:00 – Kaizer Chiefs vs Siwelele

u19 Final
13:00 – Kaizer Chiefs vs RESA

Gauteng Women’s Development Competition

Venue: Balfour Park

u13 Final
10:30 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Refilwe

u15 Final
11:30 – Tuks vs Panorama

u17 Final
11:00 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Refilwe

GDL Promotional League Top 8 Competition

u13 Final
09:00 – Pretoria Athletic vs Future of Africa

u14 Final
11:30 – Future of Africa vs Rosina Sedibane

u15 Final
13:15 – Rosina Sedibane  vs Future of Africa

u17 Final
Prestige Football Academy vs Hammanskraal Academy

u19 Final
Prestige Football Academy vs Future of Africa

Troy Gordon and Luke Clark recorded half-centuries, then Ryan Erasmus and Steele Grooteman pilfered three powerplay wickets to set King Edward VII (KES) up for a 33-run win over St Stithians College in the final of the  Johnny Waite Trophy, on the Main Oval, at the University of Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon.

Last year, the Red Caps went down to Helpmekaar Kollege in the final. With their win on Wednesday, they won the T20 competition for a second time in the last five years.

“The Johnny Waite is a special tournament. We’re really excited for today, obviously, playing St Stithians in the final, and it was good to see us get over the line,” Matthew Bromley, the victorious captain, said after the contest.

KES, who were put in to bat first after losing the toss, totalled 160/6 in their 20 overs. Their bowlers then banded together to restrict St Stithians to 127/8 in reply.

The Red Caps’ innings started poorly when they lost two of their most dependable batsmen, Urav Mukhija and Matthew Bromley, in the first two overs. Their early dismissals, though, brought Gordon and Clark together, and they set KES on course for a challenging total with an inspired 127-run third-wicket partnership that spanned only 14 overs.

Clark, who scored a brisk 54 from just 39 balls, striking two fours and three sixes, was the first to be dismissed, losing his wicket to Zaakir Hanslo at the close of the 16th over. When he exited, KES was on 138/3. Gordon hung around for 14 more balls, pushing KES to 155/4 before he fell to Tendai Kadyamadare‘s bowling for the innings’ top score of 72 runs from 57 deliveries.

When St Stithians began their reply, Ryan Erasmus and Steele Grooteman struck early, dismissing Ombesa Matsha, Thomas Collins, and Nicholas Bayly to leave Saints on 36/3 after 5.5 overs, which put the Red Caps on the front foot.

Saints rebuilt their innings with a 33-run fourth-wicket partnership between Matthew Katzenstein (17) and Matthew Anderson (25). Connor Kuijers broke that partnership in the 11th over with Katzenstein’s dismissal.

Then KES strengthened their position with two wickets in the next over, with Luke Clark, the Player of the Match, accounting for Akhil Challa and Didier Le Roux in consecutive deliveries.

Tendai Kadyamadare (27) and Zaakir Hanslo (21) gave St Stithians a boost at the backend. It was, however, too little too late.

Clark was the pick of the KES bowlers, capturing 2/13 from three overs, while Ryan Erasmus and Connor Kuijers also claimed a brace of wickets each, and Tyler Cloete and Steele Grooteman chipped in with a wicket apiece.

“The boys showed a hell of a good fight after the disappointment of the SA20, where we lost to Jeppe,” Pieter van Rooyen, the KES coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“To come back to show that discipline and fight to win the Johnny Waite trophy is unbelievable. So yeah, I’m very proud of my boys.”

Summarised Scorecard

King Edward VII 160/6 (Troy Gordon 72, Luke Clark 54; Tendai Kadyamadare 3/22, Zaakir Hanslo 2/20). St Stithians 127/8 (Tendai Kadyamadare 27, Matthew Anderson 25; Luke Clark 2/13, Ryan Erasmus 2/19, Connor Kuijers 2/22). King Edward VII won by 33 runs.

In recent decades, the St Andrew’s School has made its mark on the national stage, taking on many of the best teams from KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng.

They play with grit and, in the Free State, they’ve had the number of the redoubtable Grey College for some time now, including beating their local rivals on the last three occasions they have met across all competitions.

Much like last year, Saints won both the Free State and Central Region titles of the Switch Schools SA20 competition.

In last year’s Final Showdown, while they didn’t achieve the results they were chasing, they received the Spirit of the Week Award for the manner in which they played the game.

This year, they’re determined to improve on their 2025 showing, with the national title being a tasty carrot dangling in front of them.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet noted that one needs three key ingredients to achieve a goal: “Sith I have cause (reason) and will (desire) and means (resources) to do it.”

The Saints’ cause and will are clear. Of course, they want to enhance their prosperous cricketing legacy.

Inside their Lindsay Tuckett High Performance Centre, one of the best indoor cricket facilities in the country, hangs a banner. It celebrates St Andrew’s winning a national T20 title in 2018, in the forerunner of the Switch Schools SA20, the Coca-Cola T20.

That team, captained by Knights‘ wicketkeeper-batsman, Garnett Tarr, and featuring Proteas’ fast bowler, Gerald Coetzee, has set the standard to which Saints’ teams aspire. That banner serves to remind the 2026 side of the stature of the goal that they’re pursuing.

The current squad is talented and features two matric pupils, hard-hitting batsman FG Botha and leg-spinner Nikhil Sukraj, who were members of the Free State u19 Khaya Majola Squad in 2025.

However, St Andrew’s campaign won’t rest on their shoulders alone. The team is laden with all-rounders – including Heindré Serfontein, Jonathan Hickley, and Erhard Bahrends – who are capable of delivering match-winning contributions with both bat and ball.

With it now being the Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese New Year, and Paarl Boys’ High having knocked out last year’s national winners, Bishops, in the second phase, 2026 could be the year of the dark horse, with one of the respected, yet unfavoured contenders going all the way to national title glory. St Andrew’s School dearly wants to fill that position.

St Andrew’s Schools’ side: 

FG Botha, Reuben van Aarde, Heindré Serfontein, Jonathan Hickley, Nikhil Sukraj, Grové du Preez, Ryle Beckmann, Erhard Barends, Berno Coetzee, Bohlokwa Leketa, WJ Lindhout, Schalk van Rensburg, Harbin Smith.

Hilton College cricket captain Robert Burman played a leading role in his side’s qualification for the Switch Schools SA20 Final Showdown, both with the bat and with his lead-by-example, inclusive style of leadership.

When the KZN regional final took place in Pietermaritzburg in January, he top-scored, with 54, in Hilton’s opening game, a 33-run win over the defending champion, Northwood.

Then, he all but guaranteed their place in the final by tearing apart the Dolphins’ Switch Schools SA20 champion, Westville Boys’ High, with a sensational unbeaten 101 from only 63 balls, which included five fours and five sixes.

Hilton won that match by 24 runs.

In the final, against Westville, they achieved what coach David Griffiths considers to be the key to winning T20 matches. They dominated in the power play.

It has been a strong season for Hilton College. Their side has been more consistent than it was last season, and Burman, their leader, has been one of their top run scorers. He’s also been at the forefront of a unit that is enjoying the game.

“He got voted in as the captain by quite a big margin,” coach Griffiths told SuperSport Schools Plus.

Reflecting on the team’s strong and successful leadership, he explained how Rob Burman has taken a mature approach and not become the sole voice of leadership in the team. “As a coach, generally, you say a lot from the side, but I haven’t had to say too much,” Griffiths said.

“We have three captains this year. We have Rob, then two vice-captains. One is Sechaba Gude, who brings lots of non-stop energy, and he’s more of a bowling captain. Then, you’ve got Luke Wilson, who is more of an older head on a young body. Between the three of them, they have been outstanding.

“There are always talks being held on the field, and Rob also leans on them, as well. Sometimes, captains can go their own way, on their own path, but he’s integrated them into his leadership really well.”

He also lauded Robert Burman’s willingness to adapt to the changing state of the game, rather than doggedly sticking to a set plan, no matter the circumstances. “He’s changed things when they’ve needed to be changed,” Griffiths said. “He hasn’t been scared of change early, when we’ve been bowling. He has been really good.”

His captain, he said, “is not the most vocal of people”, but his leadership shows both on and off the field. “He is also Hilton College’s Head of Sport and a good leader in the school.”

Thanks to Robert Burman, the Hilton 1st XI is deriving fun from the game. “It helps when you’re winning. You can have a little bit more fun,” Griffiths admitted, but the captain’s leadership off the field has also translated to success on it.

“There’s a big aspect of togetherness off the field, and that has made us stronger on the field as well,” the former Hampshire and Kent fast bowler said.

With Rob Burman leading by example and performing well, too, the Hilton College 1^st XI is a happy unit. Their players understand their roles, and they work as a team.

It’s their respect for their skipper’s leadership, their teamwork, and the ability of all players to contribute that make the KZN side a dangerous outfit.

After just missing out on the national title in 2018, when they lost in the final of the Coca-Cola T20, they would dearly like to take that last step to national glory in Pretoria in 2026. In Robert Burman, they have a steady and composed captain, who provides them with the direction they need to win it all.

The only team to have been crowned the champion of the Northern Region in the Switch Schools SA20 competition, the Nkowankowa Girls Hub, will head to The Final Showdown, phase three of the national competition, armed with the valuable experience of competing for the national title in 2025.

The national playoffs of the tournament, now in its second year, commence on Wednesday, 3 March, and conclude on Saturday, 7 March, at the University of Pretoria.

Thokozani Malinga didn’t hold his emotions back, but he did wipe the tears from his face. He was crying and smiling at the same time, and he had a good reason to be overwhelmed by emotions. He had just watched his son, Zizi Mkhize, score one of the best centuries he had witnessed from the 16-year-old.

The Jeppe learner had scored a brilliant match-saving 127 from 123 deliveries for Kagiso CC‘s premier league side in their match against North West University Vaal‘s first team.

Mkhize’s skill and awareness in shot selection made it appear as if he was facing a different bowling attack from the rest of his teammates. No other Kagiso batsman made it to 25 runs.

“The odds were against us, but Zizi’s five-wicket haul and century helped us win the game. Even the opponents were not shy to tell us that Zizi is talented,” Malinga recalled.

It was a coming-of-age performance by the teenager. The young boy, who used to wear his brother’s oversized pads to face balls in the backyard and in the living room when it was raining, had proved himself against experienced men.

His innings explained why he has been a fixture in Jeppe‘s top order since his debut in 2024. When a player suffered an injury, he was called up to the 1st XI after scoring three centuries and several half-centuries for the u15A side. He grabbed his opportunity and hasn’t relinquished his position in the top three.

It didn’t take long, too, before the teenager showed the Jeppe coaches that he was more than just a top-order batsman. He was more like a miniature version of Donovan Ferreira, who bats, bowls, and keeps wicket. Like the Proteas’ star, Mkhize is competent in all three disciplines.

“He is one of the most talented players I have ever seen. He can impact the game with batting, bowling, and fielding. The impact he can have in all three spheres is incredible, and that makes him special,” Casey Arnold, the Jeppe coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

Many of Mkhize’s abilities are genetic; his father played before transitioning to coaching, and his older brother, Nkanyiso, is part of the DP World Lions Academy.

However, the 16-year-old doesn’t just lean on his talents. During the holidays, when he is separated from Jeppe’s facilities, Mkhize walks 45 minutes from his home to the nearest nets to practice.

Mkhize, who grew up idolising Quinton de Kock, has always embodied his hero’s dedication to the sport. Dane Vilas, who spent years on the fringes of the Proteas, revealed that De Kock’s commitment to playing international cricket led to him batting through injuries and niggles.

The best example of Mkhize emulating that came in the Sunfoil Hub Tournament in 2022. Mkhize suffered a broken nose and cuts to his face after trying to field a ball off his own bowling. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment. Yet, he returned in time to score an unbeaten 78, which carried his team to victory.

When questioned about his favourite innings, Mkhize pointed to his performance against South African College High School (SACS) in Cape Town early last year. The 16-year-old scored a match-winning 112 runs from 98 balls and also bagged two wickets for 26 runs in six overs.

The opener will draw inspiration from that performance against SACS when he takes to the field at the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two Final Showdown. He will be one of three Jeppe batsmen on whom to keep an eye, alongside his captain, Ryan Young, and Lincoln Casais.

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has named a reinforced match-day squad for the second and final international against Georgia, drafting in key forward experience as the South Africans look to build on their clinical opening performance in Tbilisi on Friday.

Following a dominant 35-0 victory in the first encounter last Sunday, Foote has recalled stalwarts Oliver Reid and Siphosethu Mnebelele to the starting front row.

While both sides agreed to utilize their full squads in the series opener, Friday’s clash – which kicks off at 13h00 (SA time) and will be live streamed by the hosts – sees a return to the standard 23-man match-day teams.

Foote has opted for continuity in the backline, with the only change the inclusion of Zekhethelo Siyaya at fullback in the place of Dylan Miller, who will now play off the bench. Siyaya, who played for the SA U18s last year, was a late withdrawal last week due to illness.

However, there are several changes to the pack. Beyond the inclusion of fit-again front-rankers Reid and Mnebelele – who sat out the first clash as a precaution – there is a shuffle among the loose forwards.

Kebotile Maake will start at No 8 ahead of Reuben Kruger, while Wasi Vyambwera joins the starting trio as Luke Cannon’s flanker partner.

Reid and Mnebelele, both of whom were members of last year’s Junior Bok side that lifted the U20 world crown in Italy, bring a wealth of experience to the set piece. Their inclusion means Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (prop) and Liam van Wyk (hooker) will provide cover from the bench.

Also on the bench are Kai Pratt (prop), JD Hattingh (lock), Risima Khosa (loose forward), Luan Giliomee (flyhalf), Samuel Badenhorst (centre), and Miller (utility back).

Reflecting on the selection and the lessons learned from the first outing, Foote said: “We are very pleased to welcome Ollie and Esethu back into the starting XV. They are vital members of our leadership group who understand the standards we set for the Junior Bok jersey.

“While the guys who stepped in last Sunday did an admirable job keeping a clean sheet, having that experience back in the ‘engine room’ provides us with the extra layer of composure and technical grit essential in a tough environment like Tbilisi.”

Despite the victory in the series opener, the Junior Bok coaching staff have emphasized the need for an 80-minute performance following a scoreless and penalty-strewn second half.

“While the 35-0 scoreline was a great start, the second half was a real arm-wrestle where we lost some of our clinical edge and discipline,” noted Foote.

“We’ve spent the last few days in our reviews and on the training pitch, specifically addressing those issues. The players have been incredibly honest about their shortcomings – especially regarding the penalty count – and we’ve worked hard on ensuring our set-piece dominance translates into sustained pressure.”

Looking ahead to the final clash, the SA U20 mentor said his players are preparing for a Georgian outfit renowned for their brute strength at the set-piece.

“We aren’t under any illusions – we expect Georgia to come out even harder in this final clash,” said Foote.

“They are a well-drilled, proud, and incredibly physical side. Sunday showed us that they never stop fighting, particularly in the mauls.

“We are anticipating a massive physical onslaught, but this is exactly why we are here – to test our resilience and fine-tune our systems under extreme pressure in the same environment where the Junior World Championship will take place in a few months’ time.”

Junior Springboks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Lindsey Jansen, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Jordan Steenkamp, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Mumbere “Wasi” Vyambwera, 6 Luke Canon, 5 Riley Norton (captain), 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Oliver Reid. Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, 18 Kai Pratt, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Risima Khosa, 21 Luan Giliomee, 22 Samuel Badenhorst, 23 Dylan Miller.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications