Category: Uncategorized

A strong group of 26 players will gather in Stellenbosch on Saturday as the first South African U18 Girls squad was named for two matches against a touring side from the Netherlands later this month.

The squad was chosen at the end of the U18 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp for girls, which was held in Riebeek Kasteel this week. The two matches will take place on 12 and 16 December.

Former Springbok wing Jongi Nokwe from Western Province has been appointed as the team’s head coach, with Aneesah Adams (Maties / WP) and Lesego Malebadi (UJ / Lions) named as his assistants.

“This is a big development in our women’s programme and to see the excitement amongst the girls, and the enormous amounts of hard work they put in this week, bodes well for the future,” said Nokwe.

“We can’t wait to get stuck in with this squad and start working towards the two matches. It’s going to be tough, but everyone involved is ready for this challenge, which is also a wonderful opportunity for the players and management alike.”

The squad will be based at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) and the matches will be played at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Markötter Stadium.

SA U18 Girls squad:

 Forwards: Isipho Dungelo (WP), Masizana Orie (EP), Likhona Masiza (WP), Mivuyo Pawuli (WP), Nokulinda Makhubela (Pumas), Asive Gaqa (WP), Chuma Isaac (EP), Hlekane Baloyi (Bulls), Keesha Cloete (Boland), Ambesiwe Pontshi (Border), Vuyiswa Ngwenya (Pumas), Sinelizwei Rasmeni (WP), Palesa Matee (WP), Lindokuhle Nxawe (Border).

Backs: Danica Pypers (WP), Likhona Dyani (EP), Lukhanye Lolo (EP), Nailha Jansen (SWD), Julene Hass (EP), Nodumiso Molusi (Lions), Chanice Scholtz (EP), Nadelean Leeuskieter (EP), Nuha Levy (WP), Coby Mentoor (WP), Jessie Schoeman (WP), Anitha Fazi (WP).

Issued by SA Rugby Communication

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the South Africa u19 Men‘s squad that will represent the nation at the 16th edition of the ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

The tournament takes place in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February 2026.

KZN Inland‘s Muhammad Bulbulia will lead the squad, having already impressed the team in recent Youth competitions.

South Africa has been drawn in Group D alongside the West Indies, Afghanistan, and Tanzania.

The Junior Proteas will be officially capped at a special ceremony on 6 January at the CSA Head Office.

Ahead of the global showpiece, the team will face India in three Youth ODIs at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, from 5-7 January 2026, under the guidance of head coach Malibongwe Maketa.

South Africa u19 Squad: ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026

JJ Basson(Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Corne Botha (Lions), Muhammad Bulbulia (KZN Inland), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini Tembalethu (SWD), Michael Kruiskamp (Western Province), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (Titans), Jason Rowles (Lions), Ntandoyenkosi Soni (Eastern Province), Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).

Head coach, Maketa, commented on the readiness of the squad: “What has impressed me most is the growth these players have shown. From meeting them as 16-year-olds to seeing who they are now, it’s clear we’re developing not just cricketers, but good young men for this country.

“Cricket-wise, their understanding of the intensity required at international level has been outstanding. They’ve gone back to work with their coaches and returned with a new level of intent at every session. That’s exactly what’s needed to compete at a World Cup.

“I’m very confident in this group. Their progress, combined with the culture we’ve built based on hard work, resilience, and putting the team first, gives me real belief.

“They’ve embraced those values with hunger and quiet confidence, and that makes me excited about what we can achieve,” said Maketa.

SA u19 Convenor of Selectors, Patrick Moroney, commented: “We are pleased with the balance and depth of this squad. Every player selected has earned their place through consistent performances and a strong work ethic.

“This group has shown real maturity in pressure situations, and we believe they have the skill, temperament, and character needed to compete at the highest level of youth cricket.

“We are confident they will represent South Africa with pride and purpose.”

Management

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Team Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Paul Adams (Bowling Coach), Thabang Kumalo (Fielding Coach), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Sheenagh Jordaan (Physiotherapist), Kyle Southgate (High-Performance Analyst), Dr Phumi Skosana (Team Doctor), Eugene Oppelt (Performance Psychologist), Alungile Nyakambi (Media Specialist), Lara van der Dussen (Educator), Rosey Lombard (Performance Dietitian – non-travelling).

SA u19 Men Fixtures:  ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 (15 January – 6 February)

Friday, 16 January, Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek

Monday, 19 January, South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek

Thursday, 22 January, West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek

Tuesday, 3 February, First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Wednesday, 4 February, Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

Friday, 6 February, Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

One of the standout moments from the 2024 Schools’ Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) was the Aussie Crocs’ victory over KwaZulu-Natal on day one.

A thrilling 14-13 win for coach Simon Daley and his troops introduced them to the tournament with style and made everyone sit up and take notice.

The boys from Queensland were playing in South Africa for the first time and, after that win, enjoyed a solid tournament, beating Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City.

The visitors went down against the eventual champions, Central Gauteng and Western Province, but showed fight, spirit, and tenacity in both outings.

After that impressive debut campaign, the Aussie Crocs are back for more and will be in action at the 50th Schools’ Water Polo South Africa IPT, which runs from 6 to 10 December in Johannesburg.

“This will be our second year competing for the Ubuntu Shield, and we are very excited to be back,” head coach Simon Daley, a South African expat, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“This year, we’re looking forward to playing against Northern Gauteng, which we didn’t get to play last year.”

The squad includes seven players who featured in last year’s campaign, with four new faces introduced to the system.

The side will be captained by Joey Gallagher, who returns to the tournament with James Martin, Will Plowman, Jack Plowman, Gia Hernandez, Harry Colley, and Ben Spall.

Tom Elliott, Riley McPharlin, Hudson Dikes and goalkeeper Rory Nielson are the newcomers to the event.

Daley, who is a former South African international, explained how the initiative between SWPSA and the Aussie Crocs came about.

“I started my polo career playing at the same tournament. I came from Eastern Gauteng and then went on to play for the national team.

“I know how big this tournament is, and I know what exposure SA ‘polo doesn’t get, especially at the school level.

“So, I reached out to Richard Irvine, from SWPSA and asked if they would accommodate us, and the ball got rolling from there.

“It was planting a seed and wanting to see if we could take some aspiring Queensland players to SA and let them experience the country as a whole.”

The squad assembled in KZN for a week to conclude their training camp before the tournament. In 2024, they prepped in the Western Cape.

They’ll kick off their campaign with a meeting against KZN on Saturday at 18:10 at the St David’s Marist Inanda Jubilee Pool. Daley expects a stiff challenge from all the teams.

“I’m expecting tough competition. I know how good the teams are. This is the biggest school water polo event in the world, hands down, so it’s never easy.

“We want to take that Ubuntu Shield. I know Gauteng won it last year. We lost to them in our game. They were an incredible team, and we also went down to Western Province.

“It’s highly competitive, and that’s why we have seven players coming back, eager to get their hands on that shield for the first time,” he concluded.

The SASHOC Indoor Hockey Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) concluded on Thursday at Thomas More College in Kloof.

In the u14 section, the KZN Coastal A boys’ and girls’ teams dominated, finishing unbeaten and at the top of their respective pools.

The u16 age group saw Northern Gauteng‘s girls crowned the champions after a stellar campaign while, on the boys’ side, KZN Coastal A won the final 2-1 against Northerns A.

Southern Gauteng‘s girls claimed the gold medal in the u18 section after edging out Coastals A 1-0 in the final.

Meanwhile, the boys’ final was won by Coastals A after a polished performance saw them beat a gritty Northerns outfit, 4-2.

SA Schools teams in the u16 and u18 age groups were announced after the event.

GIRLS

u18

SA u/18A
Surname	Name	Province
Alves	Stella	South Gauteng A
Amod	Lamia	KZN Inland A
Bengston	Caprice	KZN Coastal A
Bestbier	Codie	KZN Coastal A
Chikweshe	Nicole	South Gauteng A
Dladla	Alwande	KZN Coastal B
Farion	Amber	South Gauteng A
Forbes	Nicola	KZN Coastal A
Freese	Jenna-Leigh	KZN Coastal A
Nzama	Enyehle	KZN Coastal A
Seebach	Jana	Northern Blues A
van der Byl	Addison	South Gauteng A
SA u/18B
Surname	Name	Province
Abrahams	Raffael	South Gauteng A
Arndt	Brigit	Northern Blues A
Balmer	Annabelle	KZN Inland A
Bowyer	Ella	KZN Coastal A
da Silva	Jamie	KZN Coastal A
Dimpe	Thato	Northern Blues A
Hall	Angelina	KZN Coastal B
Kunene	Owethu	KZN Coastal A
Kunene	Zezethu	KZN Coastal A
Lopes	Mia	KZN Coastal B
Ndamase	Khanyisa	South Gauteng A
Somhlalo	Iminathi	KZN Coastal B

u16

SA u16/A
Surname	First Name	Province
Abrahams	Giovanna	South Gauteng A
Boyall	Charley-Rose	KZN Coastal A
du Bourg	Mckenzie	KZN Inland A
Hellberg	Rebecca	KZN Inland A
Mchunu	Sbongakonke	KZN Coastal A
Msweli	Buntu	KZN Coastal A
Muller	Milandri	Northern Blues A
Ngcobo	Inati	KZN Inland A
Seppings	Zoey	KZN Coastal A
Simpkins	Emily	KZN Coastal A
Thsikhudo	Ronewa	South Gauteng A
Vogel	Lenique	Northern Blues A
SA u16/B
Surname	First Name	Province
Engelbrecht	Carmen	South Gauteng A
Gobey	Jade	KZN Inland A
Grobbelaar	Daniella	Northern Blues A
Lock	Deborah	KZN Inland A
Masepe	Raerabetsoe	Northern Blues A
Mazibuko	Mbalenhle	Northern Blues A
Morule	Kutlo	South Gauteng A
Ngobese	Lebogang	South Gauteng A
Smuts	Nicole	Northern Blues A
van Zijl	Emmerson	KZN Coastal B
Williams	Paige	KZN Inland A
Williamson	Teagan	KZN Coastal A

BOYS:

u18

SA u/18A
Surname	Name	Province
Abrahams	Christopher	KZN Coastal A
Brisset	Ryde	KZN Coastal A
Carolus	Jay-Dee	South Gauteng A
Cloete	Tyrique	KZN Coastal A
Harrison	Andrew	South Gauteng A
Koen	Conrad	South Gauteng A
Molefe	Oabile	South Gauteng A
Msomi	Mesuli	KZN Coastal A
Naicker	Bhavesh	KZN Coastal A
Stipcevich	Matteo	South Gauteng A
Stipcevich	Milan	South Gauteng A
Wolhuter	Georg	KZN Coastal A
SA u/18B
Surname	Name	Province
Edwards	Jack	KZN Coastal A
Hendricks	Cyrus	KZN Coastal B
Krambeck	Jaiden	KZN Coastal A
Milne	Tye	KZN Coastal A
Msiza	Lesego	Northern Blues A
Naidoo	Tyhil	KZN Coastal A
Ndodana	Luyanda	Northern Blues A
Selebogo	Borateng	South Gauteng A
Steyn	Joel	KZN Coastal A
Swart	Reghardt	Northern Blues A
Van Niekerk	Wium	Northern Blues A
van Schalkwyk	Culaan	Southern Free State

u16

SA u/16A
Surname	First Name	Province
Boyall	Luc	KZN Coastal A
Cornelissen	Kean	Northern Blues A
Forbes	Dylan	KZN Coastal A
Hart	Dean	KZN Coastal A
Jabbar	Hoosen	South Gauteng A
Jung	Matt	South Gauteng A
Kubu	Tsebo	Southern Free State
Lambert	Luke	KZN Coastal A
Ledwaba	Rorisang	Northern Blues A
Matroos	Santiago	KZN Inland A
Mohanlall	Zayd	Northern Blues A
Napier	Tanner	South Gauteng A
SA u16/B
Surname	First Name	Province
du Preez	Caylum	Northern Blues A
du Toit	Ruaan	South Gauteng A
Mbutho	Sisekelo	KZN Coastal A
Meiring	Michael	Northern Blues A
Morake	Hlompho	KZN Coastal A
Payne	Luke	Northern Blues A
Phipson	Caleb	KZN Coastal A
Sampson	Matthew	Northern Blues A
Sauls	Jess	KZN Inland A
Smith	Joshua	KZN Inland A
Tsoka	Kamohelo	South Gauteng A
Willis	Ryan	KZN Coastal A

KZN Coastal A survived a late scare to edge out Northern Gauteng 4-2 in the u18 boys’ final of the SASHOC Indoor Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT), at Thomas More College‘s iKhwezi Sports Centre, in Kloof, on Thursday.

The hosts played some spectacular hockey during the week on their way to the final. During the group stage, they were unbeaten, recording victories over KZN Coastal B, KZN Invitational, Southern Free State, Northerns, and Southern Gauteng.

In the semi-finals, they brushed aside Southerns 3-0. Northerns, meanwhile, scored a confidence-boosting 5-3 win over KZN Coastal B to reach the title game.

That set the table for a clash of teams who had both scored a bucketload of goals while conceding very few.

The first half belonged to the hosts, and they dominated almost every facet of the game. Under the guidance of captain Bhavesh Naicker, Coastals were in total control, enjoying most of the ball possession and playing the game in the right areas.

Naicker had an early opportunity to open the scoring after winning a penalty stroke for his side, but his shot from the spot was rejected by goalkeeper Reghardt Swart.

It turned out that it wasn’t a consequential miss for KZN Coastal A. Minutes after the penalty stroke, they hit the front through Tyrique Cloete.

Early in the second chukka, they doubled their tally after great inter-link play between Mesuli Msomi and Naicker, with Naicker providing a simple finish from close range.

Just three minutes later, Msomi was on the end of a speedy and spectacular counterattack, providing an assured finish to put Coastals on cruise control, up 3-0 after only 15 minutes. That was their lead at the halftime break, too.

Despite trailing by three goals, Northerns still had plenty in the tank. The adapted their approach in the third chukka and began to ask more questions of the hosts.

Douw Nel made an impact with his strong runs and threatened the Coastals’ defenders with his sharp stick skills. He, also, pulled a goal back for his team from a short corner.

Then, with KZN Coastal A one player down, co-captain, Lesego Msiza, made it a one-goal game by exploiting his side’s numerical advantage and flipping a reverse stick shot just beyond the reach of goalkeeper Georg Wolhuter.

Discipline, though, let down Northerns’ quest to stage a comeback, and Msiza was shown a yellow card in the 36th minute.

Coastals pounced on the one-man advantage and closed the game off with a late strike from their top goal scorer, Jaiden Krambeck.

Northerns’ marksman Douw Nel ended the tournament as the top goal scorer with an astounding 15 goals, while Krambeck finished with nine.

The bronze medal went to Southern Gauteng, who beat KZN Coastal B 4-1 to claim a place on the podium.

Milan Stipcevich was the star of the show, bagging a hat-trick, while Borateng Selebogo scored his first of the tournament.

KZN Invitational signed off their campaign with a resounding 7-2 win over Southern Free State to finish in fifth place.

U18 FINAL STANDINGS

KZN Coastal A
Northern Gauteng
Southern Gauteng
KZN Coastal B
KZN Invitational
Southern Free State

RESULTS

u18

Southern Gauteng 4 (Milan Stipcevich 3, Borateng Selebogo) KZN Coastals B 1 (Daniel Holiday)

KZN Invitational 7 (Samkelo Mgwaba 2, Ryan Herselman 2, Blake Herselman, Eben Peters, Adam Venter) Southern Free State 2 (CJ van Schalkwyk, Aobakwe Phengu)

KZN Coastal 4 (Bhavesh Naicker, Tyrique Cloete, Mesuli Msomi, Jaiden Krambeck) Northern Gauteng 2 (Douw Nel, Lesego Msiza)

u16

Southern Free State 1 (Karabo Nthute) Southern Gauteng B 1 (Jacobus van der Merwe)

KZN Coastal B 7 (Hamza Amla 4, Luqmaan Mohomed, Thomas Schulze, Khulekani Zuma) Northern Gauteng B 4 (Zeann Marais 2, Mark du Bruyn, Kgolagano Bontshoza)

Southern Gauteng 5 (Kamohelo Tsoka 2, Katiso Letuka 2, Tanner Napier) KZN Inland A 4 (Santiago Matroos 4)

KZN Coastal A 2 (Sisekelo Mbutho, Dylan Forbes) Northern Gauteng 1 (Kean Cornelissen)

u14

KZN Inland A 5 (Zipho Fakude 2, Murangi Magondo, Corban Emerson, Bunono Zitumane) Northern Gauteng B 1 (Maredi Letsoalo)

Northern Gauteng A 3 (Sven van Eyssen, Tendekai Chikosha, Zander Ladiellis) KZN Coastal B 2 (Slater Haynes, Rowan den Bakker)

Southern Free State 3 Southern Gauteng 2 (Scorers TBC)

Raffael Abrahams produced a moment of brilliance to help Southern Gauteng secure a thrilling 1-0 win over KwaZulu-Natal Coastal A in the final of the SASHOC u18 Girls’ Indoor Hockey IPT at Thomas More College on Thursday morning.

The much-anticipated final, which brought together the only unbeaten teams after three days of action, was tension-packed from the first whistle to the last.

Southerns and Coastals A, also, had the best defences at the showpiece, conceding a combined 15 goals on their way to the final.

Six of those goals came in their 3-3 draw in the group stage. Southerns’ defence was breached just eight times in their lead-up to the final, while Coastals A conceded only seven goals.

For their part, KZN Coastal A erected an almost impenetrable wall at the back. Almost, but not quite…

Southerns responded by being patient in their build-up play. Their breakthrough came courtesy of an inspired moment from Abrahams.

She pressed Coastals A defender, Jamie da Silva, robbed her with a sharp tackle to her left, then pulled the ball inside onto her strong stick before racing towards the top of the circle. There, she quickly snapped off a shot to the right of goalkeeper, Enyenhle Nzama, to give Southerns the lead.

It was Abrahams’ third goal of the tournament, but, by far, her most important one.

She, also, scored a brace in Southerns’ 4-0 win over Northerns. She hadn’t featured on the scoresheet since that opening match, but she picked a good time to change that.

Goalkeeper Charlie Dalling was outstanding for Southerns. She stonewalled KZN Coastal time after time and pulled off a save of a penalty stroke late in the contest to preserve her side’s slender lead. When the final whistle sounded, she was swamped by her teammates.

Southerns registered 28 goals in their campaign, with their captain, Amber Fairon, the leading goalscorer in the tournament, striking eight times. Her Southerns’ teammate, Ciara van der Walt, recorded the second-most goals, with six.

Four players – Brigit Arndt (Northerns), Gabi Howarth (KZN Coastal A), Mackenzy Layden (KZN Coastal B), and Anna Schulze (KZN Inland B) – were next best, with five goals apiece.

Coastals A recorded the second-most goals with 26, while their compatriots, KZN Coastal B, were third on the list, with 17.

Northerns was the only other team that reached double figures, with 11. KZN Inland A and KZN Inland B scored eight and five goals respectively.

In the u16 section, Northerns A’s unbeaten run of five wins and a draw earned them top honours. KZN Inland A finished in second place with four wins, a draw, and a single loss, while KZN Coastal A placed third with three wins, two draws and a loss to their name.

RESULTS

U18

Final – Southern Gauteng 1 (Raffael Abrahams). KZN Coastal A 0.

3/4 place – KZN Coastal B 1 (Mackenzy Layden). KZN Inland A 0.

5/6 place – Northerns 4 (Brigit Arndt 3, Jana Seebach). KZN Inland B 2 (Anna Schulze 2).

U16

KZN Coastal B 3 (Becca Short, Isabella Jansen, Rachel McDonald). KZN Inland B 1 (Tyler Kyle).

Southern Gauteng A 3 (Jamie Howard, Kutlo Morule, Lebogang Ngobese). Northerns B 0.

KZN Coastal A 2 (Olivia Lord 2). KZN Inland A 0.

U14

Northerns A 5 (Sarah Gouws 3, Pheladi Ngoasheng, Basetsana Mangaba). Northerns B 0.

KZN Coastal B 3 (Errin Pretorius 2, Charlotte Patterson). KZN Inland B 1 (Hannah Wessels).

KZN Coastal A KZN Inland A TBC

Powerhouses, KwaZulu-Natal Coastal A and Southern Gauteng, will lock horns in the final of the SASHOC u18 Girls’ Indoor Hockey IPT at Thomas More College, in Kloof, on Thursday.

Coastal A beat KZN Inland A to book their spot in the title game, while Southerns defeated KZN Coastal B to secure their berth.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Coastals A and Southerns are the only unbeaten sides in the tournament and since the first day of the event, Monday, they have been on a collision course.

In the group stage, they had a dress rehearsal for the final and played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. On Thursday, sharing the points will not do. There will have to be a winner and a champion crowned.

KZN Coastal A has impressed on their way to the final, winning five of their six matches and drawing with Southerns, who equalised in the last 10 seconds of their clash.

On Wednesday, the local side completed a double over their provincial rivals, KZN Inland A. They met their neighbours in their last pool match and beat them 3-1. Codie Bestbier, Ella Bowyer, and Jenna-Leigh Freese found the back of the net for Coastals, while Emma Williams pulled one back for Inland A.

Then, they traded blows five hours later, in the semi-finals, and Inland A, having taken lessons from their earlier loss, returned a better outfit. They were more compact and defended well. However, KZN Coastal A found a way past the resolute Inland A defence with only three minutes left in the contest when Bowyer beat Siyamethemba Khumalo, in goal for Inland A, to usher Coastals A into the final.

Southerns heads into the title decider with a record of four wins and two draws from their six matches. They shared points with Coastals A on Tuesday, and also drew 4-4 earlier that day against their semifinal opponents, KZN Coastal B.

They headed into their semifinal clash eager not to make the same mistakes they made in their previous draw against Coastals B and kept a good structure to keep the local lasses at bay and off the scoresheet.

Southerns went in front in the fifth minute through Addison van der Byl, and a 24th minute strike from Chloe Potgieter put the game beyond Coastals B. Van der Byl and Potgieter were also on the scoresheet when Southerns routed KZN Inland B 8-0 earlier in the day.

However, the stars of that match were Ciara van der Walt, who bagged a hat-trick, and Amber Fairon, who contributed a brace. Nicole Chikweshe also netted.

The final, between KZN Coastal A and Southern Gauteng, starts at 10:30.

KZN Coastal B and KZN Inland A meet for the bronze medal at 09:15. On the opening day of the competition, KZN Coastal B scored a convincing 5-1 win over Inland A. They’ll be expecting a tougher workout the second time around.

RESULTS

U18

Southern Gauteng 8 (Ciara van der Walt 3, Amber Fairon 2, Addison van der Byl, Nicole Chikweshe, Chloe Potgieter). KZN Inland B 0.

KZN Coastal B 2 (Jennifer Egolum, Alulutho Sikhosana). Northerns 0.

KZN Coastal A 3 (Codie Bestbier, Ella Bowyer, Jenna-Leigh Freese). KZN Inland A 1 (Emma Williams).

KZN Coastal A 1 (Ella Bowyer). KZN Inland A 0.

Southern Gauteng 2 (Addison van der Byl, Chloe Potgieter). KZN Coastal B 0.

U16

KZN Coastal A 3 (Olivia Lord, Emily Simpkins, Charley-Rose Boyall). Southern Gauteng A 3 (Lucy Wells 2, Jamie Howard).

Northerns A 4 (Daniella Grobbelaar 2, Eliane Haycock 2). KZN Coastal B 1 (Bella Roberts).

KZN Inland A 3 (McKenzie du Bourg 2, Rebbeca Hellberg). KZN Inland B 0.

Northerns A 3 (Lenique Vogel 3). KZN Coastal A 1 (Charley-Rose Boyall).

KZN Inland A 5 (McKenzie du Bourg 3, Paige Williams, Rebecca Hellberg). Southern Gauteng A 1 (Giovanna Abrahams).

KZN Inland B 1 (Lucy Fyvie). Northerns B 0.

U14

KZN Coastal A 5 (Jessica Savage 4, Kimberly Johnson). Northerns A 1 (Liesel de Witt).

KZN Coastal B 2 (Chloe Reeves 2). Southern Gauteng 1 (Taylem Casanoves).

KZN Inland A 1 (Chelsey Cameron). KZN Inland B 1 (Cherlaigne Sucks)

KZN Coastal A 3 (Kimberly Johnson, Shriya Nadrajah, Peighton Short). Southern Gauteng 2 (Ashley Kuhn 2).

Northerns A 2 (Pheladi Ngoasheng, Sarah Gouws). KZN Inland A 1 (Chelsey Cameron).

Northerns B 2 (Janke-Marie Pienaar, Kayla Kotze). KZN Inland B 1 (Emlyn May).

KZN Coastal A and Northern Gauteng will meet for the SASHOC Indoor Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) u18 boys’ title at Thomas More College, in Kloof, on Thursday.

Catch the ACTION live on SuperSport Schools

The finalists caught the eye on the opening day, with Northerns topping the table after impressive wins over Southern Free State and the KZN Invitational team in which they tallied 14 goals, with Hoerskool Zwartkop‘s Douw Nel stealing the show by netting nine times.

KZN Coastal A was pushed hard by the KZN Invitational side, winning by just a single goal, but they enjoyed a more comfortable 5-1 win over a very competitive KZN Coastal B team in their second outing.

On day two, Northerns suffered losses to both KZN Coastal A and Southern Gauteng. Coastal A, meanwhile, also beat Southern Free State 9-4 in a free-scoring contest.

Coastals A went into day three at the Thomas More College Indoor Centre with confidence after compiling a perfect record of four wins from four matches. Their final pool match was against Southern Gauteng, and the traditional rivals produced a humdinger.

It was 2-2 after three chukkas, but Jaiden Krambeck finished a superb move within the first 30 seconds of the fourth chukka to put KZN Coastal on top, and they never let up, going on to record a 5-2 win. Krambeck netted twice, while Tyrique Cloete, Mesuli Msomi, and Ryde Brisset also got themselves onto the scoresheet.

That victory secured the top spot on the log for KZN Coastal A, and it also set up a rematch against Southerns in the semi-finals.

Playing with confidence in their second meeting of the day against the same oppoition, they kept the Gautengers goalless and came away with a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

Joel Steyn opened the scoring in the third minute before Krambeck doubled his team’s tally five minutes later.

It was closely contested after that goal, but Gauteng couldn’t pry open the Coastal defence. Then, with a minute to play, Krambeck scored a field goal to put the game to bed.

While KZN Coastal A dominated, Northerns observed and played to secure themselves a place in the final four after a stuttering showing on day two. A 2-2 draw with KZN Coastal B on day three earned them a second crack at the local side in the semi-finals.

With a place in the final on the line, Northerns impressed. They started the game like a house on fire and Douw Nel, whose goal tally stands at 14, bagged a brace, striking in the first and third chukkas.

Milan Booysen also scored a goal before Jordan Cooks and captain Lesego Msiza added late strikes to secure a morale-boosting 5-3 win.

Daniel Joss netted twice for KZN Coastal B, while Nathan Govender grabbed his first of the tournament.

The bronze medal match between Southern Gauteng and KZN Coastal B takes place at Thomas More College at 08:00 on Thursday. Meanwhile, Southern Free State will lock horns with the KZN Invitational team for fifth place at Kearsney College.

The final starts at 11:45.

RESULTS

u18

KZN Invitational 4 (Adam Venter, Bjorn Bengtson, Eben Peters, Ryan Herselman) Southern Free State 3 (Aobakwe Phengu 2, Tayo Fitz)

Northern Gauteng 2 (Nel Douw 2) KZN Coastal B 2 (Daniel Joss)

KZN Coastal A 5 (Jaiden Krambeck 2, Tyrique Cloete, Mesuli Msomi, Ryde Brisset) Southern Gauteng 2 (Milan Stipcevich, Dikgang Motingoe)

KZN Coastal A 3 (Jaiden Krambeck 2, Joel Steyn) Southern Gauteng 0

Northern Gauteng 5 (Douw Nel 2, Jordan Cooks, Milan Booysen, Lesego Msiza) KZN Coastal B 3 (Daniel Joss 2, Nathan Govender)

u16 

Northern Gauteng B 5 (Hanns Arndt 3, Zeann Marais, Mark du Bruyn) Southern Free State 2 (Kaden Henderson, Ethan Seager)

KZN Coastal B 1 (Aya Njenje) Southern Gauteng B 0

KZN Coastal A 7 (Dylan Forbes 5, Caleb Phipson, Hlompho Morake) KZN Inland A 3 (Sbuyiselwe Mchunu, Ntshabiseng Ntshingila, Santiago Matroos)

Northern Gauteng A 3 (Zayd Mohanlall, Sinokuhle Sithole, Rorisang Ledwaba) Southern Gauteng A 2 (Tanner Napier, Kamohelo Tsoka)

u14

KZN Coastal A 3 (Cameron Rudolph 2, Lord Makgato) Southern Gauteng 1 (JL Venter)

Northern Gauteng A 4 (Dylan Buckley 2, Oreratile Mabena, Aryn Mathee) Southern Free State 1 (Aschavin Louw)

KZN Coastal B 2 (Sphwosenkosi Gumede, Zachary Green) KZN Inland A 1 (Murangi Magondo)

KZN Coastal A 2 (Taine Lawson, Lord Makgato) Northern Gauteng A 2 (Tendekai Chikosha, Sven van Eyssen)

KZN Inland A 1 (Mitchell Layden) Southern Gauteng A 1 (Momelezi Mboyi)

KZN Coastal B 4 (Jordan Summerford 2, Sphwosenkosi Gumede, Joel Pearson) Northern Gauteng B 1 (Heinrich Vogel)

St Andrew’s School has an experienced campaigner in their 1st XI Head Coach, AJ van Wyk.

The school has six representatives in the 13-player Free State Khaya Majola Week squad, including opening batsman Naudé Botha and all-rounder Andrew Sobiech. That’s six familiar faces for him to work with in the provincial outfit, for whom he is also the Head Coach.

Discussing his experiences as a coach, Van Wyk told SuperSport Schools Plus: “I’d say I’ve had more success as a coach than a player. As a player, I captained Kovsies (University of the Free State) for four seasons. I think we did pretty well in that period, but I have more achievements to talk about as a coach.

“We won regionals in my first year as a coach and got to compete at nationals. That was a big highlight.”

“We’ve also been crowned Free State’s Switch Schools SA20 champions for two years in a row now. Those are two big highlights, as well.

“This is also my fourth season as the Free State Khaya Majola team’s Head Coach, which is also something I’m very proud of.”

From where did his passion for cricket come? Van Wyk shared some of his earliest and fondest memories of the sport with SuperSport Schools Plus: “I remember the first time I went to watch a Test match. It was right here at Bloemfontein’s Mangaung Oval, between South Africa and England. It was Kevin Pieterson’s debut for England, and he scored a century. The match ended in a tie.”

His first stadium experience provided AJ van Wyk with an unforgettable introduction to the game. However, he also shared, he was inspired by watching cricket on TV: “I remember watching Standard Bank Cup cricket on TV at home and then trying to replicate what the players did on TV outside in the backyard.”

Like many young players, Van Wyk had a role model whom he tried to emulate: “My childhood hero was Ryan McLaren. He always looked like the fittest player in the team.

“Funnily enough, when I first coached the St Andrew’s 1st XI against Grey College, McLaren was newly appointed as their 1st XI coach. We managed to get the better of them on that day. It’s a fond memory I have of getting to compete against him, and I’d say we have a good relationship to this day.”

Van Wyk also spoke about his own coaching hero: “I’d say my coaching hero is Justin Langer (former Australia men’s Head Coach). He’s big on team culture and spends a lot of time installing good values into his players. He teaches his players to put the team before themselves. That’s something I’ve added to my own coaching philosophy.”

Lastly, he shared his mission as a coach. “What got me into coaching was my desire to serve the game. Coaching is my way of doing that,” he explained.

“At school, I had often been the captain of the teams I played in. I enjoyed being in leadership roles, and coaching was a role that I wanted to try out. It has turned out really well. I enjoy seeing the students grow as both cricketers and Christians.”

“This is my seventh year with St. Andrew’s. I started as the u15A coach back in 2018. Then at the end of 2019, I took over as the 1st XI coach.

“In my time as the Head Coach and Director of Cricket, my hours haven’t just been spent on developing quality cricketers. I want to develop good men. I’m trying to use sport as a vessel to mould the players into men of Christ.”

AJ van Wyk had big shoes to fill when he took over as 1st XI coach and the Director of Cricket at St Andrew’s School from Gregg Hobson.

Hobson had guided Saints to the national T20 title in 2018 with a team that included, among others, future Proteas’ paceman Gerald Coetzee and Knights’ wicketkeeper-batsman Garnett Tarr. During his tenure, he had also coached a future legend of the game, Joe Root.

Hobson’s was a tough act to follow, but AJ van Wyk has done it with distinction. He has helped St Andrew’s to remain one the country’s leading cricket-playing schools, churning out Free State provincial players and a fair number of South African Schools players, too.

He’s taken the school’s strong cricket legacy and kept that fire of excellence burning strongly, and he’s far from done.

With the Khaya Majola Week taking place in Bloemfontein from 16-21 December, he also has an opportunity to further burnish his coaching record with Free State in familiar conditions.