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After a frustrating 10-38 loss to Stellenberg High last Friday, the Wynberg Boys’ High 1st XV will have their sights set on a return to winning ways when they face Bishops on the Piley Rees Field at 12:30 on Saturday.

Bishops will also aim to reverse a recent run of three defeats on the trot. In their most recent outing, they made the long trip from Cape Town to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, where they gave a good account of themselves in a 17-26 loss to Hilton College.

The last time Bishop and Wynberg met on the Piley Rees, in August last year, the match ended in a 26-26 draw.

One of Wynberg’s strengths this season has been their rolling maul, with hooker Ridhau Johnson and flank Naeem Mohammed steering the ship, so Bishops will need to combat the visitors’ strength in that department. Mohammed normally starts at hooker, but has been moved onto the blindside flank for this occasion.

Flyhalf Luke Gertze and fullback Laeeq Davids will drive Wynberg’s attack from behind the pack.

Lock Alex Vintcent will have to be on song to earn Bishops some possession and momentum shifts from the lineout.

In the backline, Caleb Clark enjoyed a solid outing against Hilton, pulling the strings from flyhalf, while also kicking well.

With centre Boytjie Fyfer out for the weekend, centres Eljaron Geduld and Christian Toweel will be the arrowheads of the visitors’ attack. They are dangerous runners who can use their speed and agility to break the line.

Wynberg will be favoured to win, but given the history of southern suburb derbies, a tight contest is likely, and derbies are inherently unpredictable.

Milnerton High hosts Hoërskool Bellville, with kickoff on Saturday at 12:20.

Last year, Millies scored a comfortable 37-5 victory, but 2026 has not been as successful a season. They’re yet to win, although they drew 15-15 with Hoërskool Brackenfell in their most recent match, on 18 April, after suffering six losses against an admittedly tough list of opponents.

With one of their star players, Chadlin Sellidon, dictating play at the back, Milnerton will hope to bag a first win of their campaign. The fullback is expected to play his 50th cap for his school in the flyhalf position on the weekend, as there are many players out due to a flu strain going around.

Bellville started their season with five successive losses, but they’ve won their last two, beating Hoërskool Brackenfell 12-6 and Hoërskool Hugenote 22-21 in recent weeks. Based on the teams’ scores against a common opponent, there should be little to separate them, with both hungry for victory.

With outside centre Rian Kuyk out of the mix, flyhalf Marno Botes is the most dangerous threat to the Millies’ defence. He’s also good with the boot, so the hosts will need to guard against giving away too many penalties in their own half.

There’s another 12:30 start for the clash between Hoërskool Swartland and Hoërskool Robertson. When they last met, almost exactly a year ago, on 10 May 2025, Swartland won 19-14 at Robertson.

While Robertson will be eager to avenge that loss at Swartland, they face a team that has now won its last five matches convincingly. Their most recent outing, on 18 April, delivered a 49-26 win over Hermanus, a side that had beaten them 17-0 last year.

Robbies have had their share of tight battles so far this season. Most recently, they won a thriller against Hoërskool Bredasdorp, coming out on top 29-27.

Swartland should provide a tougher challenge for the visitors. Flyhalf De Wet van Aswegen serves as the hosts’ dangerman. He’s a regular on the scoresheet and leads his team with his attacking skill.

Robertson will need to find ways to lessen the flyhalf’s influence if they are to win in Malmesbury.

TEAMS

Wynberg: 15 Laeeq Davids, 14 Zachary de Kock, 13 Ithandile Nkohla, 12 Matthew Anthony, 11 Chad Campbell, 10 Luke Gertze, 9 Rauf Ahmed, 8 Esa Van der Schyff, 7 Naeem Mohammed, 6 Alvin Machinja, 5 Jack de Beer, 4 James Orwin, 3 Solam Gegana, 2 Ridhau Johnson, 1 Boitumelo Mabohlo.

Bishops: 15 Miyolo Ngculu, 14 Danny Newton, 13 Eljaron Geduld, 12 Christian Toweel, 11 Lulibo Nyawula, 10 Caleb Clark, 9 Jack Fleck, 8 Jack Venter, 7 Luke Hofmeyr, 6 Connor Clark, 5 Alex Vincent (Captain), 4 Dan Coetzee, 3 Jarred Kowen, 2 Joe Lanning, 1 Jack Hibling.

Milnerton: 15 Troy Ferreira, 14 Akho Mkaya, 13 Connor Petrie, 12 James Ferreira, 11 Sibabalo Siwisa, 10 Chadlin Sellidon, 9 Charl Michaux, 8 Likhona Filtana, 7 Nico Lourens, 6 Joshua White, 5 William de Allende, 4 Gregory Tshibangu, 3 Kyle Janse van Rensburg, 2 Liam Plaaitjies, 1 Troy Jackson.

Bellville: 15 Alvino Loggenberg, 14 Marlon Claasen, 13 Caylem du Plessis, 12 Xandru Büter, 11 Liam Kuyk, 10 Marno Botes, 9 Juvan Rousseau, 8 Cade Mong, 7 Liam Genis, 6 Zandro Stramrood, 5 Corné Smit, 4 Steven Steyl, 3 Zander van Wyk, 2 Ryno Higgs, 1 Alex Cronje.

Swartland (likely): 15 Juan Hilburg, 14 Vusi Johannes, 13 Christian Mocke, 12 Enrico Louw, 11 Zaidell Paulhus, 10 De Wet van Aswegen, 9 Markus Vorster, 8 Jean Beukes, 7 Christian Cupido, 6 James Joubert, 5 Finn Fowlds, 4 Jared Fredericks, 3 Ernst Coetzee, 2 Winsor Solomons, 1 Jacques van Zyl.

Robertson (likely): 15 Junaid Adendorff, 14 Marvin Buis, 13 Gaywen Philander, 12 Jaydan van Niekerk, 11 Haygen Persent, 10 Juwaydan van Niekerk, 9 Dihégo Braaf, 8 Brendon Smith, 7 De Wet Bruwer, 6 Uyanda Nkumbi, 5 Ernst Roux, 4 Rudolph Götze, 3 Michael Jordaan, 2 Jaydrian van Staden, 1 Kallie Joubert.

After four weeks and four matches, Glenwood remains at the top of the standings in the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal A-League. However, on Tuesday, they dropped their first points of the season, playing to a 2-2 draw against Port Shepstone High.

The Green Machine, who have scored in every match this season, received goals from Babele Tyiso and Ukwazi Dludla, on Tuesday, at Queensburgh High, but a double from Saneliso Msimango secured Sheppie a share of the spoils.

Catch the KZNHSFA Inland League Live on SuperSport Schools

Dludla’s goal meant he continued his streak of scoring in every game of Glenwood’s Coastal A-League campaign.

The second-placed Durban High School (DHS) claimed a 2-0 victory over Pinetown Boys’ High, who currently sit at the bottom of the Coastal A-League table.

Pinetown has yet to secure a win this season, with three losses and a draw on their record. That’s not where the Kloof High Football National Tournament and Kearsney Soccer Tournament champs would have expected to be, but they also struggled in the Coastal A-League last season before turning their season around in spectaculat style.

On Tuesday, goals from Magagula Lizwe and Nhloso Luthuli proved decisive for DHS, who were promoted from the Coastal B-League at the end of the 2025 competition.

Northwood and Westville Boys’ High played to an entertaining 3-3 draw. Aqhama Lushaba scored twice for the Knights, while Owami Maduna added their third in a six-goal thriller.

Hillcrest High, the runner-up of the 2025 Coastal A-League, who lost their first three games, finally bagged a victory, beating Bechet 1-0 on a Jason Carter goal.

With those three points earned, Hillcrest moved out of the relegation zone, rising to sixth place in the standings.

RESULTS 

Coastal A-League: Tuesday, 5 May

Hillcrest 1-0 Bechet
DHS 2-0 Pinetown
Port Shepstone 2-2 Glenwood
Northwood 3-3 Westville

Forthcoming Fixtures

Inland A-League, Wednesday, 6 May

Barns (Maritzburg College)
15:00 – Carter vs ML Sultan
16:00 – Haythorne vs Maritzburg College

Alexandra High
15:00 – Linpark vs Edendale
16:00 – Ixopo vs Alexandra High

Early-season festivals have wrapped up, including many of the country’s foremost tournaments. Now, teams are settling into a familiar rhythm for the next couple of months.

In the Western Cape, there will be a plethora of tasty fixtures to look out for on the coming weekend, including two massive derbies, as well as league matches that could shape the complexion of the season for several sides.

On Friday night, the southern suburbs’ powers – South African College High School (SACS), Rondebosch Boys’ High, Wynberg Boys’ High, and Bishops – will all be in action.

SACS travels to face Rondebosch at the Western Province Cricket Club, while Bishops hosts Wynberg at the Woodlands Astroturf.

The clash against ‘Bosch will be SACS’s first since retaining their Hibbert Shield title a fortnight ago at Grey High School in Gqeberha.

Coach Sam Holmes‘s charges defeated Parel Vallei High 5-2 in the final to equal Paul Roos Gimnasium‘s record of three Hibbert Shield titles.

They’ll be buzzing ahead of the Rondebosch clash, but will also be fully aware of the threat the men in navy and yellow pose. Under coach Waseem Domingo, Rondebosch has handled its business quietly and efficiently this season.

After returning from a tour to The Netherlands, where they participated in the European Hockey Club Organization (EHCO) Tournament, ‘Bosch took on Wynberg and convincingly won that clash 4-1.

A week later, their league fixture against Fairmont High was called off due to bad weather after leading 4-0 at the break. In their most recent outing, they dominated the Langa Hockey Club.

Rondebosch will feel confident that they can push SACS hard this year and overturn a hefty 1-7 loss they suffered last August.

Bishops, meanwhile, enter their clash against Wynberg brimming with confidence.

After a much-improved showing at the Hibbert Shield, coach Ryan Julius’s side picked up a comfortable 5-1 win in midweek against Reddam House Constantia.

In Wynberg, they’re up against a well-coached outfit that’s hurting after going down 2-3 to Fairmont High in their last outing.

Speaking of Fairmont, they’ll be keen to continue their impressive run in the Premier League when they lock horns with Hoërskool Durbanville on Friday night.

Apart from the big scalp of Wynberg, coach Bryce West‘s side has also beaten Langa 2-1, and toppling Durbanville would add a cherry to the top of the cake.

Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) returns to action with a double dose of action, taking on Somerset College on Friday and Durbanville on Saturday morning.

Coach Michael Baker‘s side will fancy themselves in both outings. After a disappointing penalty shootout exit in the semi-finals at the Hibbert Shield, they will want to quickly add two ticks to the winning column before they face Rondebosch and SACS in the coming weeks.

Somerset, meanwhile, will be eager to build on their Winelands Cup triumph and could pose a few questions for the PRG outfit.

In other matches, Stellenberg will test their mettle against DF Akademie in a friendly match. 

Worcester Gimnasium will be aiming to bounce back from a 1-5 loss to Paarl Boys’ High when they host Brackenfell High, and Paarl Boys’ will travel to Bloemfontein for their annual interschools derby with Grey College.

FIXTURES

Friday, 8 May 

16:00 – Bellville vs Milnerton
18:00 – Paul Roos vs Somerset College
18:30 – Grey College vs Paarl Boys’ High
18:30 – Durbanville vs Fairmont High
19:00 – Stellenberg vs DF Akademie
19:00 – Bishops vs Wynberg
19:10 – Rondebosch vs SACS
19:15 – Worcester Gimnasium vs Brackenfell

Saturday, 9 May 

11:15 – Paul Roos vs Durbanville

At first, Dané Janse van Vuuren didn’t enjoy goalkeeping. She was an outfield player who enjoyed being in the thick of the action. That’s what she had been for the six years of her hockey career.

“When I was 11, our Bloembears indoor team needed a keeper. Everyone had to try out, and the coach chose me to be the keeper at my first indoor regionals. I was very mad and upset when I found out I had to play goalkeeper,” Janse van Vuuren recalled.

The feelings of antipathy towards her new role vanished once she was on the court. The shot-stopper performed beyond expectations, which convinced the Bloembears’ coaching staff that they had found their full-time goalkeeper.

Still intent on being an outfield player, Janse van Vuuren resolved to hide her success between the posts for the Bloembears from her school team. However, she was trying to hide a lamp under a bushel.

“They found out and made me practice with the u13A team. After that, it wasn’t a choice if I wanted to play keeper anymore. Now I know it was the best thing that happened to me,” Janse van Vuuren admitted.

She didn’t just grow into the position; her love and passion for it developed at an exponential rate. She so immersed herself in the art of goalkeeping that she often wore her goalkeeper kit while watching international matches at home.

Janse van Vuuren was not short of inspiration on the home front. One of her first points of contact in the hockey world was celebrated coach, Elsie Coetzer. Janse van Vuuren attended her Thursday night coaching clinics and mini-games from the age of five.

Her surroundings provided her with an unlimited dose of inspiration. It was, however, through watching international matches that her worldview expanded, and she realised what she could achieve as a goalkeeper.

“My favourite goalkeeper is PR Sreejesh, the Indian goalkeeper,” she shared. “Mainly because he is still playing hockey at the age of 37, and I admire his determination and confidence. I hope I will also enjoy and play hockey at that level and age.”

Her coach at Oranje, Morné Odendaal, is in no doubt that Janse van Vuuren can reach the levels attained by Sreejesh.

“She is the type of player every team needs. She is dependable, selfless, and fully committed to the collective,” Odendaal said.

“Dané is strong-minded and resilient. She builds her confidence through hard work and dedication. She does not chase recognition or personal accolades; instead, her focus is firmly on team success.”

Odendaal’s comment is delivered with the voice of a coach fawning over a beloved player. Janse van Vuuren has consistently proved her capabilities. At the 2025 St Mary’s Waverley Festival, she pulled off incredible saves to force a 0-0 draw with Paarl Gimnasium. A few months later, she did the same in an indoor match for the Bloembears against the Foxes.

Earlier this year, Janse van Vuuren played out of her socks to deny Rhenish goals, despite the Stellenbosch side’s persistent forays into the Oranje half in a semifinal contest at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival. She then executed brilliant saves in the penalty shootout to help the ladies from Bloemfontein punch their ticket to the final.

The St Mary’s Waverley Festival was the first of two titles they won in two months. The other was the All Girls Festival. Those twin victories made Oranje’s 2026 outfit the first team to hold both titles in a single year since the 2017 season, when the Bloemfontein school also achieved the rare feat.

Janse van Vuuren was awarded the Goalkeeper of the Tournament accolade for her role in Oranje’s title-run at the All Girls Festival. It was her second award in Western Cape events in consecutive years after taking home the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award at last year’s Belgotex Sport Girls Challenge.

“Every game is her best game. Her consistency is relentless, and her presence in goal directly shapes both the team’s confidence and our tactical structure.

“With Dané in goal, we can play a more open, attacking brand of hockey. She gives the team the freedom to take risks, knowing there is absolute reliability behind them,” Odendaal explained.

Identifying some of Janse van Vuuren’s best qualities, Odendaal mentioned her calmness, confidence, and control. He isn’t the first nor will he be the last to praise her good work in goal. Janse van Vuuren doesn’t let the kind words get to her head and keeps her feet firmly on the ground.

“I have learned to be disciplined, humble, work hard when no one is watching, and to see an opponent as a fellow hockey lover and not as my enemy,” Janse van Vuuren said about her approach to the game.

The girl who didn’t enjoy goalkeeping a few years ago is now one of the best shot-stoppers in the country, and it’s not because she now enjoys it. That’s a small part of it. The bigger part is that she now loves it.

After losing in the 2025 final to Zeekoevlei High, Urban Academy ensured they went all the way in 2026 by beating Bishops 3-1 in the final of the Wynberg Freedom Cup on Sunday.

Their standout player, Qhamani Gubevu, played a crucial role for the Gqeberha school throughout the tournament and was a deserving recipient of the Player of the Tournament Award for his exceptional performances.

He dominated the final against Bishops, controlling the game against a team that had won the St Andrew’s College Football Cup in 2025.

In the semi-finals, Urban Academy beat Westerford High 2-0, while Bishops narrowly secured a 1-0 win against George Royal Academy.

The Plate went the way of Pinelands High, who scored a 2-0 victory over last year’s Cup winners, Zeekoevlei.

The Bowl final, originally scheduled for Sunday, was not played as Trinity House Centurion forfeited their match against Trident College.

George Royal Academy crowned u17 champions

Wynberg’s 1st XI exited the u19 competition after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Westerford High, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. But Wynberg’s u17 side made it all the way to the final. They, however, stumbled on the final hurdle, with George Royal Academy claiming the silverware by a slim 1-0 margin.

St Peter’s College edged out Reddam House Constantia in the Plate final. There was next to nothing between the sides. They finished regulation time 1-1 before St Peter’s claimed a tension-filled penalty shootout 6-5.

The Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology (CAMST) secured the bronze medal by defeating Edgemead High 1-0.

Curro Century City captured the Bowl, beating Westerford High in the final.

Paul Roos Gimnasium crowned u15 champions 

The u15 title came down to a penalty shootout between Paul Roos and Grey College after neither scored in regulation time. The Western Cape locals, then, snatched victory 3-1 from the spot.

St Peter’s College lifted the Plate, sneaking past Curro Century City 4-3 in a penalty shootout, following a goalless draw.

Wynberg Boys’ High placed third after a 1-0 win over Bridge House.

The Bowl was also decided from the spot, with Reddam House Constantia beating Hout Bay International 3-1 following a goalless draw.

u19 RESULTS 

Sunday, 3 May

Cup Competition Quarterfinals
Westerford (4) 1-1 (3) Wynberg Boys’ High
Urban Academy 1-0 Bridge House
Bishops (4) 1-1 (3) Plumstead
George Royal 1-0 Rondebosch Boys’ High

Plate Semifinals
Zeekoevlei (3) 0-0 (2) Milnerton
Pinelands 2-0 Paul Roos B

Cup Competition Semifinals
Urban Academy 2-0 Westerford
Bishops 1-0 George Royal

Bowl Final
Trident College vs Trinity House Centurion (forfeited by Trinity House)

Plate Final
Zeekoevlei 0-2 Pinelands

Bronze Playoff 3rd/4th
George Royal (3) 0-0 (2) Westerford

Cup Final
Urban Academy 3-1 Bishops

u17 RESULTS

Cup Competition Semifinals
George Royal Academy 1-0 Edgemead
Wynberg (3) 0-0 (2) CAMST

Bronze Playoff
CAMST 1-0 Edgemead

Cup Final
George Royal 1-0 Wynberg Boys’ High

Plate Semifinals
St Peter’s College 1-0 Bridge House
Reddam House Constantia 4-0 Rondebosch Boys’ High

Plate Final
St Peter’s College (6) 1-1 (5) Reddam House Constantia

Bowl Final
Curro Century City 3-0 Westerford

u15 RESULTS

Semifinals
Grey College (2) 0-0 (0) Bridge House
Paul Roos 2-0 Wynberg

Bronze Playoff
Wynberg 1-0 Bridge House

Cup Final
Paul Roos (3) 0-0 (1) Grey College

Plate Final
St Peter’s College (4) 0-0 (3) Curro Century City

Bowl Final
Reddam House Constantia (3) 0-0 (1) Hout Bay International

After a long weekend of football in the Gauteng Development League (GDL), some shuffling of the league standings has taken place, including Rockefvs replacing Siwelele at the top of the table.

With successive victories on Friday and Sunday – over Panorama and Kathorus Hyper Academy, respectively – Rockefvs now has 19 points, just one clear of Joburg City, in second. Siwelele, who played only once, is now in third, with 17 points.

On Friday, Sihle Nkosi and Hloni Malula secured a 2-1 victory for Randburg over Panorama, their third win of the season after six matches, which has brought them a record of three wins, one draw, and two losses. Rodger Mano, assisted by Alexander Damon, scored a consolation goal for the Roodepoort club.

Future of Africa has made an instant impact in the GDL after earning promotion from the Gauteng Promotional Development League (GPDL). Typically, newcomers struggle to adapt to the greater demands of the GDL, but Future of Africa has, thus far, proved to be a worthy competitor. With four victories from six matches, they’re in the top five of the standings.

On Friday, they claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Prestige Football Development Academy, with Okuhle Chiya, an instrumental performer for Future of Africa this season, netting the decisive goal.

Wits Junior played to a 2-2 draw against the Pitso Mosimane Youth Football (PMFY), which recently took over the East Rand Athletic Club. Siyabonga Mofokeng excelled for Wits, scoring both of their goals.

Last year’s league runner-up, Highlands Park, shared a goalless draw with the University of Pretoria (Tuks). Scoring goals remains a struggle for the  Lions of North this season.

Rockefvs, on the other hand, seized early control of their match against Kathorus Hyper Academy, scoring in the first minute through Remothabetse Dithathe.

They added a second in the 38th minute, with Tatenda Nyandoro slotting after an assist from Kopano Mathabathe.

Seven’s Academy and Jomo Cosmos were in dire need of a win, with Seven’s Academy in 18th and Cosmos in 17th ahead of their clash. It was tight, but Seven’s Academy claimed a crucial 1-0 victory.

It was a lot easier for Kaizer Chiefs, who cruised to a dominant 5-0 win over the Africa School of Excellence. Gift Phoku struck twice to stake the Phefeni Glamour Boys to a two-goal lead, and further goals from Tsheamo Mosana, Karabo Modikwe, and Benjamin Eliyahu sealed an emphatic victory for AmaKhosi.

After Friday’s action, the teams had Saturday off to recover before another round of matches on Sunday.

Rockefvs followed up their 2-0 victory over Kathorus with another 2-0 win, this time over Panorama 2-0. Remothabetse Dithathe was the architect of their victory, laying on goal-scoring opportunities for Orfha Nzhinga and Tatenda Nyandoro, who took them.

PMYF scored a second draw of the long weekend, finishing 1-1 against Highlands Park, thanks to a goal from Pusetso Mokoalaba.

Sunday produced another couple of draws, with Jomo Cosmos and Tuks ending goalless, while Kaizer Chiefs found Siwelele to be a far tougher challenge than the Africa School of Excellence, and their clash ended 1-1.

Africa School of Excellence, to their credit, performed far better against Mamelodi Sundowns at Elandsfontein, where the Brazilians clinched a hard-fought 4-3 victory.

Sbusiso Tolomane opened the scoring for Downs, assisted by Kamohelo Mareletse. Kgaogelo Monanyane, with an assist from Fusi Mokhampane, doubled the score for Bafana Ba Style. Thando Singo then twice assisted Daylin Tieeme to score as the defending champions won by the odd goal in seven.

Kathorus, meanwhile, celebrated a narrow 2-1 victory over Seven’s Academy, with Esethu Witvoet scoring the first goal for Kathorus, assisted by Moeketsi Monese, before Ayabonga Ndlela sealed the win for the East Rand club.

Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) achieved a 3-1 victory over Prestige, with the Vereeniging-based club taking the lead on an own goal in the ninth minute. Nceba Jozela extended RESA’s lead in the 39th minute and added a second seven minutes into the second half.

Randburg completed a bountiful long weekend with a second victory on Sunday. Manelisi Ndlela netted the game-winning goal in a 1-0 win over Jomo Cosmos.

RESULTS 

Friday, 1 May

Randburg 2-1 Panorama
Future of Africa 1-0 Prestige
Wits Juniors 2-2 PMYF
Tuks 0-0 Highlands Park
Rockevfs 2-0 Kathorus
Seven’s Academy 1-0 Jomo Cosmos
Kaizer Chiefs 5-0 Africa School of Excellence

Sunday, 3 May

Rockefvs 2-0 Kathorus
Kazier Chiefs 1-1 Siwelele
Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 Africa School of Excellence
Kathorus 2-1 Seven’s Academy
Jomo Cosmos 0-0 Tuks
Randburg 1-0 Future of Africa
RESA 3-1 Prestige
PMYF 1-1 Highlands Park
Joburg City 1-0 Wits Junior

The Jeppe High School for Boys’ u16A side made history on the weekend when they lifted a record fifth successive Alan Monk Tournament title at Parktown Boys’ High.

Since succeeding St John’s College as the champion in 2022, Jeppe hasn’t relinquished the title.

The boys from Kensington, who have produced some impressive outings this season, defeated a strong St John’s College outfit 5-2 in the final to conclude the four-day tournament, which ran from 30 April to 3 May.

Jeppe went into the annual showpiece well-rested and brimming with confidence after picking up some morale-boosting results late last month.

Before kick-starting their Alan Monk title defence, they defeated Krugersdorp High 13-0, beat their arch-rivals King Edward VII (KES) 3-2, and played to an entertaining 2-2 draw with a strong Westville Boys’ High side.

“The boys worked very hard to prepare for the tournament,” head coach and Director of Hockey, Bryan Hillock, told SuperSport Schools News.

“We used the annual Nomads Festival in March and the Best of the West Easter Festival to fine-tune combinations.

“We played high-quality hockey throughout the season, and we were hoping to continue that in the tournament.”

Jeppe picked up from where they had left off in the lead-up to the event, making their intentions clear from the get-go.

In the group stage, they defeated St Stithians College 5-0 and Linden 6-1, but were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw by Krugersdorp, who clearly had adapted their game plan since their first meeting.

They met Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) in the quarterfinals and brushed the Pretoria school aside, scoring a 5-0 win. Next, they edged out KES 1-0 in the semifinals.

With the title on the line, Jeppe turned it up a notch and played some outstanding hockey to beat St John’s and retain the title.

Hillock declared himself impressed with the event: “I think the Alan Monk Tournament is incredibly well planned and hosted,” he said.

“The level of umpiring was good. It was also great to coach and play against some of the top coaches and schools in the province.

“What impressed me the most was the humility the [Jeppe] team showed throughout, together with the attitude on defence.

“I said to the boys that in tournaments, playing sexy hockey only wins you more Instagram followers. Defence wins tournaments. To get awards for Goalkeeper and Defender of the Tournament, and to only concede five goals in six games speaks volumes.”

Jayson Hill-Vollmer received the Goalkeeper of the Tournament accolade, while Mpilo Chabe was named the Defender of the Tournament.

With a jam-packed schedule lined up for the rest of the term, Jeppe won’t rest on its laurels. They still have to take on Affies, Pretoria Boys High, St John’s, and Northwood School. 

“The boys worked hard and deserve the praise; However, we still have much work to do on the training pitch, mentally and physically,” Hillock said.

Alan Monk Final Standings

Jeppe High School for Boys
St John’s College
King Edward VII
Parktown Boys’ High
Krugersdorp High
Affies
Pretoria Boys High
Trinity House Randpark Ridge
St David’s Marist Inanda
St Benedict’s College
St Stithians College
Hoërskool Noordheuwel
Helpmekaar Kollege
Kempton Park High
Hoërskool Monument
Hoërskool Linden

The Junior Springboks clinched the 2026 Under-20 Rugby Championship in emphatic fashion on Sunday evening, overpowering Australia U20 56–17 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha to seal the title with a game to spare, a performance head coach Kevin Foote credited to the squad’s growth, grit, and collective belief.

“There was a huge improvement,” said Foote. “I think the whole squad showed what it means to play for South Africa. We showed grit, and I’m super proud of everyone.”

He credited captain Riley Norton and the leadership group for setting the tone throughout the week and maintaining focus during a pressure match: “Our preparation was excellent, and the leadership from Riley and the senior guys was really good,” Foote explained.

“From how we felt a year ago on this same night, there was a lot of motivation going into this game.”

While physical dominance remains a hallmark of Junior Bok rugby, Foote believes this group has developed a more complete and connected identity, thanks to the time they have played together since the beginning of the year.

“Our DNA is physicality, but it’s also skill,” he said. “You see the physicality in breakdown and how we want to play. This team plays with pride.”

Meanwhile, the SA U20 coach also praised the impact of his replacements after challenging the bench to raise their standards following the previous match, where they faded against Argentina after a storming 50 minutes.

“By their own admission, they wanted to fix last week, and I thought they did that today. Our discipline has also been excellent – we haven’t had a card in this competition yet, which is massive.”

Once again, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium proved an ideal stage, with an enthusiastic home crowd of 9 576 driving the Junior Boks forward.

The Junior Bok mentor described the stadium atmosphere as amazing. “The noise, the entertainment, the support – it’s brilliant. Every visiting team has said what a pleasure it is to play in Gqeberha,” reckoned Foote.

Meanwhile, Norton echoed those sentiments, placing emphasis on character, connection, and shared responsibility within the group.

“For us, it’s about character and care. The off-field connection has been unbelievable, and that carries onto the field. We’ve got an awesome group of guys who are willing to sacrifice for each other,” said Norton, while adding that home support brings an extra emotional edge.

“It means a lot playing at home. You feel the crowd, and it pushes you to give more for the guy next to you.”

Despite having already secured the championship, Norton was quick to stress that standards will not drop ahead of their final fixture against New Zealand U20 and cautioned his team to prepare well for the final encounter next week.

“If you take your foot off the gas, a team like New Zealand will punish you. We want to finish this tournament properly and keep improving.”

The Junior Bok side takes on New Zealand next Saturday at 16:10 in their third and last U20 Rugby Championship fixture.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The brilliant predatory instincts of centre and captain Erin Nelson sparked Graeme College to a memorable win over St Andrew’s College in their clash on the St Andrew’s Lower Field in Makhanda on Saturday.

Dominating the first half to lead 22-3 at the break, the Graemians held off a fighting comeback from their old rivals to cross for two more tries in the second half and secure a well-deserved victory in their rivalry of almost a century-and-a-half, which has been dominated by St Andrew’s.

Nelson has grown into one of the most exciting players in SA schools rugby and, although he didn’t cross the whitewash himself, he produced another influential display in midfield.

Within 14 minutes, Graeme had built a 12-0 lead, with Nelson slicing through the defence twice to set up tries for fullback Lucritia Magau and scrumhalf Luke Doyle.

Flyhalf Ibenathi Kondile added a third try when the Graeme forwards drove powerfully for the line, picking up the ball to force his way over.

St Andrew’s only got onto the board just before halftime through a penalty by Will Stevens, but they came out after the break with a renewed mindset and a determination to take the fight to their opponents.

First, prop Sivathi Mjalo powered over for a try and then, from the kick-off, lock Josh van Zyl crashed through some would-be Graeme defenders on a memorable 60-metre run downfield. When he was eventually hauled in, St Andrew’s was able to recycle the ball for Stevens to dash over.

At 22-15, the game was back in the balance, but then came a crucial period during which Graeme was reduced to 14 men after Doyle was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle.

But instead of St Andrew’s taking control, Graeme played with great common sense, holding onto possession and forcing their opponents to make all the play.

From one such move, pacy wing Asakhe Ranuga picked up a loose ball near the halfway line, and there was nobody in front of him as he raced for the line.

Then Graeme went on the attack again and, eventually, flank Akho Tonjeni forced his way over after brave defence from St Andrew’s to extend the visitors’ lead to a commanding 34-15.

Although St Andrew’s delivered one more riposte through wing Qawe Madikizela, there were only five minutes left after that, and Graeme was able to manage play until the end to send their supporters slightly delirious.

Other matches

In another result which bucked the trend in the Eastern Cape, Daniel Pienaar held on in a thrilling finish to their Tinara Cup game against Brandwag, winning 23-22.

The match was tightly contested throughout, with the Tigers kicking three penalties and being awarded a penalty try, which left them trailing 16-17 at halftime.

They then took a crucial lead with a converted try early in the second half (23-17), during which both sides battled for supremacy.

Eventually, it was Brandwag who broke the deadlock when the Tigers lost possession, and scrumhalf Zanick Carolus ran 50 metres before unloading to fullback Rezanio Petrus for a try to make it a one-point game.

However, the conversion went past the upright and, although there were still 18 minutes left, Daniel Pienaar threw everything into defence to keep their Kariega rivals at bay.

Hudson Park produced a solid performance on Friday, outplaying Framesby 43-26. In a mid-week encounter, Selborne scored 36 points in each half, proving too strong for Ooskus Gymnasium, as they rumbled to a 72-15 victory.

In Gqeberha, Pearson and King Edward VII (KES), from Johannesburg, had a ding-dong battle, and eventually settled for a 15-15 draw. In Humansdorp, Nico Malan held the edge against Punt, of Mossel Bay, to win 24-13.

Scorers

Graeme College 34 (22) – Tries: Lucritia Magau, Luke Doyle, Ibenathi Kondile, Asakhe Ranga, Akho Tonjeni. Penalty: Nelson. Conversions: Nelson (3). St Andrew’s College 22 (3) – Tries: Sivatho Mjali, Will Stevens, Qawe Madikizela. Penalty: Stevens. Conversions: Stevens (2).

Selborne 72 (36) – Tries: Josh McKay, Lwandle Bacela (3), Othando Magadla, Daniel van Biljon (2), Travis Enslin, Connor Fowles, Rosh Els, Hlumelo Molosi, Daniel Rushmere. Conversions: Riley Hansel (6). Ooskus Gymnasium 15 (3) – Tries: Kwagga Liebenberg, Tiaan Frazer. Penalty: Ethan Jansen. Conversion: Jansen

Brandwag 22 (17) – Tries: Josh Badenhorst, Zanick Carolus, Luan Greeff, Rezanio Petrus. Conversion: Petrus. Daniel Pienaar 23 (16) – not available

Pearson 15 (8) – Tries: Henrico Ferreira, Liyda Maswana. Penalty: Keano Beling. Conversion: Beling. KES 15 (7) – not available

Elaine Haycock scored the all-important goal that helped Hoërskool Waterkloof to secure a 1-0 win over Collegiate Girls’ High on the Western Province Cricket Club’s A Astroon Sunday afternoon.

That victory, in the final of the Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge, meant Klofies became the second winner of the trophy, succeeding Paarl Gimnasium.

The event brings together a potent collection of many of South Africa’s top teams, and Waterkloof’s coach, Omari Geyer-Pienaar, shared her thoughts on winning the prestigious event with SuperSport Schools News after the final: “We are incredibly proud of the girls for winning the Challenge. Our midfield worked super hard,” she said.

Lenique Vogel, one of Waterkloof’s midfield stars, took home the Player of the Tournament Award; Paarl Gimnasium’s star striker, Alanda Rademeyer, accepted the Top Goalscorer accolade for her 12 goals; and DSG Makhanda‘s shot stopper, Abigail Meihuizen, was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Commenting on her charges’ title-winning efforts, Pienaar-Geyer said they demonstrated what it meant to work hard for one another. That was especially important in the final against a tactically solid Collegiate side that denied them the room to play with freedom.

The teams traded volleys of attacks, but neither side could find an opening until regulation time was almost over. Then, in the 57th minute. Elaine Haycock eventually found a chink in the armour of the Collegiate defence. She took her chance, drilling the ball into the back of the net to score the goal that proved to be the tournament-winner.

“It could’ve been anyone’s game, but we’re happy it was ours,” Geyer-Pienaar said. “Across the whole tournament, the same spirit shone through – unity, resilience, and playing for one another. That’s what carried us through each match and ultimately brought us this win.”

Waterkloof’s victory over Collegiate was their sixth successive win in an indomitable run to the title. The ladies from Pretoria collected maximum points in Pool E, edged out St Mary’s DSG Kloof 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals, and then secured a 3-2 win over the defending champion, Paarl Gimnasium, in the semis.

Pienaar-Geyer did not expect an easy outing in the final. Collegiate headed into the tournament buoyed by a successful National All Girls Festival campaign. They reached the semifinals of that event, where they lost to Oranje, the eventual winners. But they carried their positive momentum into the Girls Challenge.

“We made sure that we stuck to our processes and principles. We also made sure that we were always team-oriented and just supporting one another,” Michael Abrahams, the Collegiate coach, said of his team’s path to the final.

Unfortunately for Collegiate, they didn’t go all the way. However, they have proved, beyond a shadow of doubt, that they are one of the elite teams of the 2026 season. Their record includes wins over Rhenish, Oranje, and DSG Makhanda.

Summing up her side’s winning performance, Pienaar-Geyer said: “We defended with real grit when it mattered and scored some unbelievable team goals that came from everyone contributing.

“At times, we had to reset and dig deep defensively, but every player held their role and stood strong,”

Durban Girls’ College and St Andrew’s School for Girls, who finished ninth and seventeenth, claimed the Plate and Bowl titles, respectively.

The four-day event also featured u16 and u14 components, comprising 24 teams, too. Paarl Gim successfully defended the u16 title with a convincing 4-0 win over St John’s DSG, while Bloemhof defeated Rhenish 2-1 in a Stellenbosch rivalry clash to capture the u14 crown.

RESULTS

Cup 
1/2: Waterkloof 1-0 Collegiate
3/4: Paarl Gim 3-2 DSG Makhanda
5/6: St Mary’s DSG Kloof (4) 0-0 (3) Herschel
7/8: Reddam House Constantia 2-1 Affies

Plate
9/10: Durban Girls’ College 2-1 St Anne’s
11/12: Pearson 2-0 Garsfontein
13/14: St John’s DSG 2-0 Parel Vallei
15/16: Stellenberg 4-1 St Cyprian’s

Bowl
17/18: St Andrew’s School for Girls (5) 0-0 (4) St Mary’s Waverley
19/20: York 3-1 Springfield
21/22: Fairmont 4-2 Durbanville
23/24: Rustenburg Girls’ High 2-1 DF Akademie