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Some of the bigger names in South African schoolboy rugby are shaking out their feathers as they prepare to take to the field for the first time in the 2025 season

Follow all the action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Collard Field, home to Jeppe High School for Boys, will host an intriguing clash between the Zebras and Hoërskool Garsfontein‘s Bere. There’s no easing into the season for either side. It’s a clash of two powerful rugby teams.

Jeppe produced a strong season in 2024 and will be eager to build upon it. Not only did the Johannesburg school thump Monument 47-31, but they also sent seismic waves across schoolboy rugby by scoring a scintillating 22-19 victory over Grey College.

Their season did, however, go down in their opener against Garsfontein, losing 31-37 in Pretoria. Four members of the Jeppe team that lost that day will be back for another crack at Garsies.

Scrumhalf, Talent Sithole, is a noteworthy name among those returning. The nippy halfback will also captain Jeppe. Lindelani Nkambule, who served on the right wing last year, will be in action in the no. 15 jumper. Up front, SA Schools A prop, André Poulton, adds further experience and his considerable scrummaging prowess, while Grady Ngui, who will be in action on the blindside flank, also returns to further strengthen the Jeppe pack.

The Bere, the defending champions of the SDC Noordvaal Cup’s Cup division, possess a wealth of experience at the back. The dangerous Junaide Passensie returns to as fly-half. Meanwhile, Poulton’s SA Schools A teammate, Junaide Stuart, slots in at fullback. He and Nkambule, Jeppe’s number 15, are both exciting counterattacking runners.

Tighthead prop, Luan “Propie” van den Berg will be a key figure for the Bere in the scrums. He will be eager to stamp his authority early, with an eye towards a possible SA Schools berth later in the season.

Helpmekaar Kollege will travel down to the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal for their annual season-opening clash with Michaelhouse.

The Helpies have an exciting mix of experience and young talent, which should make them one of the more dangerous sides in the Noordvaal this year. The return of centres, Clinton Cloete and Ty Ax, gives backline coach Shaun Jackson, a solid midfield foundation to work from.

Stefan Moolman, the talented and versatile flyhalf, will hold the key to Michaelhouse’s attack. He was a member of the ‘House 1st XV in 2024 and represented the Sharks at the Academy Week in Johannesburg last year, running out at flyhalf and fullback.

Up front, Grant Khomo openside flanker, Oliver Guy, will look to make life difficult for the Helpies’ pack, but, in the loose, he will have to contend with the experienced Gustav Grotius, who returns as the Johannesburg side’s hooker.

TEAMS

Jeppe High School for Boys vs Hoërskool Garsfontein at 12:20 in Johannesburg:

Jeppe: 15 Lindelani Nkambule, 14 Kamva Mvinjelwa, 13 Pano Letsie, 12 Ndiphiwe Mjiji, 11 Joel Akilo, 10 Nehemia Hollenach, 9 Talent Sithole, 8 Mihle Dykala, 7 Grady Ngui, 6 Mahlatse Memeza, 5 Glodi Tsipamba, 4 Lagan Leisher, 3 André Poulton, 2 Ayanda Funeka, 1 Joshua Hamman.

Garsfontein: 15 Junaide Stuart, 14 Drewyn Baron, 13 Joshua Gouws, 12 Keagan Knighton, 11 Yavrah George, 10 Junaide Passensie, 9 Derrick Khun, 8 Lourenz de Jager, 7 Kwagga van der Vyver, 6 JP Pieterse, 5 Wihan Bezuidenhout, 4 JJ Fourie, 3 Luan van den Berg, 2 Justin Blom, 1 Henré Prinsloo.

Michaelhouse vs Helpmekaar Kollege at 12:30 in Balgowan:

Michaelhouse: 15 Alex Jankowitz, 14 Lwandle Nzama, 13 Rourke O’Sullivan, 12 William Ridl, 11 Laird Hamilton, 10 Stefan Moolman, 9 Dan Aissing, 8 Dom Sesink Clee, 7 Alex Arde, 6 Oliver Guy, 5 Dan Carr, 4 Thomas Peach, 3 Nicola Salamousas, 2 Max Oliver, 1 Koketso Bopape.

Helpmekaar: 15 Ethan Lourens, 14 Francois Tonkin, 13 Ty Ax, 12 Clinton Cloete, 11 Andreas Badenhorst, 10 Wian Strom, 9 Kean Butler, 8 Zian Smit, 7 Zaiden Krige, 6 Lewellyn Vermaak, 5 Jandré Botha, 4 Eugene de Lange, 3 Dylan Engelbrecht, 2 Gustav Grotius, 1 Liam Devenier.

‘n Stryd tussen twee avontuurlustige agterlyne beloof om Saterdag aanskoulike hardlooprugby op Hoërskool Witteberg se tuisveld op te lewer.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Die span van Bethlehem verwelkom die gevaarlike groen golf, naamlik Hoërskool Rustenburg, vir ‘n vriendskaplike ontmoeting ter voorbereiding van die onderskeie ligas wat eersdaags afskop.

Witteberg het reeds beïndruk deur Hoërskool Wesvalia verlede naweek, in gietende reën en op ‘n modderbad in Klerksdorp, met 22-7 te tem. Die kliniese vertoning deur vernaam sy agttal, onder leiding van slot en kaptein, Pieter Nel, sou die Rusties se afrigtingspan laat regop sit het, maar die vertoning deur Witteberg se twee senters het verál die wenkbroue laat lig.

Sedwin Gysman en JC van Rhyn het deurentyd met fisieke barslopies hul span oor die voordeellyn gekry en dit beloof om Saterdag ‘n liplekker-stryd met die Rusties se senterpaar, Hendré Robinson en Jonré Jefthas, af te gee.

Vernaam Jefthas sal fyn dopgehou moet word deur die tuisspan se verdediging, aangesien hy nie alleen ‘n kragtige baldraer is nie, maar ook oor heelwat vaart beskik. Sy venynige voetwerk het dikwels vir Hoërskool Trio, in die Rusties se sege van 17-14 sege in Rustenburg, onverhoeds betrap.

Daar rus ook heelwat verantwoordelikheid op die besoekers se heelagter, Lorenzo Snyers, wat, nes Jefthas, bedrieglik is met bal in hand en ‘n groot gevaar inhou met sy teenaanvalle van agter.

Merensky Landbou Akademie loods sy 2025-veldtog op die plaas in Tzaneen teen Hoërskool Nylstroom, wat ‘n gedugte begin-vyftiental in die veld stoot. Die veelsydige Maritz Meinjies voer die Ligbloues uit die agterlyn aan en, hoewel hy verlede jaar naam gemaak het op heelagter, is hy vanjaar op binnesenter in aksie. Aan Meintjies se buitekant wag die blitsige Jens Bezuidenhout op die besoekers van Nylstroom.

Voorlangs sal haker, Carel Volschenk, Meintjies se onderkaptein en ook hoofseun van die trotse Landbouskool, die aanslag lei, met bystand van die breker-slot, Craig Walker, wat die Nylies deurlopend besig behoort te hou.

Die spanne:

Witteberg t. Hoërskool Rustenburg om 13:30 in Bethlehem:

Witteberg: 15 Qlin Booyse, 14 Donay Williams, 13 JC van Rhyn, 12 Sedwin Gysman, 11 Kenyon Morat, 10 Tshepo Motloang, 9 Christiaan de Boer, 8 Daniel Meintjies, 7 JP Cronje, 6 Divan Marais, 5 Jacques Jordaan, 4 Pieter Nel, 3 Mila Oersen, 2 Rico van Vuuren, 1 Cobus Labuschagne.

Hoërskool Rustenburg: 15 Lorenzo Snyers, 14 Raqiel Jaftha, 13 Jonré Jefthas, 12 Hendré Robinson, 11 Wes van Loggerenberg, 10 Wade Daivey, 9 Adriano George, 8 Donnie Moster, 7 Dirk Huisamen, 6 Pieta Niemandt, 5 Evan van Heerden, 4 Tristan Myburgh, 3 Ockert Grobler, 2 Xavier Steenkamp, 1 Carel Schoonraad

Merensky t. Hoërskool Nylstroom in Tzaneen:

Merensky: 15 George Steenkamp, 14 Armand Eloff, 13 Jens Bezuidenhout, 12 Maritz Meintjies, 11 Christo Venter, 10 JD Boshoff, 9 Muis Tolken, 8 Mukhetwa Musundwa, 7 PG Botes, 6 Jan Pretorius, 5 Craig Walker, 4 Blessing Mathebula, 3 Leander Burger, 2 Carel Volschenk, 1 Otto Muller.

Nylstroom: TBC

In the second round of the u17 Confederation of African (CAF) | FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, South Africa hosts Nigeria at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, in Atteridgeville Pretoria, on Saturday.

The game will be broadcast on the public broadcaster South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) at 15:00. Fans have been urged to rally behind the u17 national team and entry to the stadium is free.

Coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo’s Bantwana will be seeking to maintain their momentum against a determined Nigeria, following their impressive performances in the first round of the qualifiers against Gabon. South Africa won by a massive 21-2 margin, cruising to victories both home and away.

As they prepare to face the Flamingos, South Africa is expected to be strengthened by the recent efforts of coach Khumalo and coach, Rhoda Mulaudzi, who have been scouting players across the country to strengthen the national side.

In late February, several young players, including the SA u17 captain, Katlego Malebana, were called up to the senior national team, Banyana Banyana, for back-to-back international friendlies against Lesotho at the University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus.

Banyana Banyana secured victories in both matches, with the young players significantly contributing to the team’s success. The first match finished in a narrow 1-0 win, courtesy of a penalty converted by the 16-year-old Nobahle Mdelwa, while the second contest finished 2-0 in South Africa’s favour, with goals from Sibongile Ntoane and Unathi Simayile.

Several of the players who were in action against Lesotho are expected to run out against Nigeria on Saturday. It will be interesting to see how their experience with Banyana Banyana translates into their play in the qualifier.

The u17 FIFA Women’s World Cup takes place in Morocco from 17 October to 8 November 2025.

Second Round: Africa u17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 

Fixtures 

8 March 

15:00. South Africa vs Nigeria: Lucas Moripe Stadium (South Africa)
15:00. Algeria vs Botswana: Francistown Stadium (Botswana)
15:00. Uganda vs Kenya: Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds (Uganda)
18:00. Sierra Leone vs Guinea: Southern Arena Stadium (Sierra Leone)
20:00. Cameroon vs Ethiopia: Olémbé Omnisport Stadium (Cameroon)

9 March 

15:00. Tanzania vs Zambia: Azam Complex Stadium (Tanzania)
15:00. Benin vs DR Congo: Stade de Kégué (Togo)
18:00. Cote d’ivoire vs Burundi: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Cote d’ivoire)

Na twee jaar waarin name soos dié van Hennie Eybers en Tyron Hand op almal se lippe was wanneer daar van Hoërskool Hugenote van Springs gepraat is, is dit nou tyd vir die jonger generasie Hugie-sterre om hul merk te maak.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Die span van die Oos-Rand skop Saterdag sy veldtog in die NWU Prestige-reeks af teen ‘n gedugte Hoërskool Klerksdorp, op laasgenoemde se tuisveld – met slegs drie oorblywende spelers van verlede jaar se eerste span.

Die Klerksdorpers beskik op hul beurt oor ‘n paar gevaarmanne, waarvan een Winton Abrahams. Abrahams het in 2024 die veld aan die brand gespeel op buitesenter, maar skuif vanjaar na binnesenter om nader aan die aksie te wees. Marques Jantjies sluit hom by Abrahams in die middeveld aan en is vasberade om die nr. 13-trui sy eie te maak.

Voorlangs is die klipharde en betroubare agsteman, Tiaan Koen, terug op sy pos aan die agterkant van die skrum .

George Lucas moet spel op losskakel dikteer vir die Hugies en het verlede jaar reeds ‘n vername rol gespeel met sy uitstekende visie en neus vir die kleinste van gapings. Voorlangs bied oopkantflank, Arné Marais, en losskopstut, Franko Neuhoff, verdere ondervinding om die Hugie-pak op die voorvoet te kry.

Die naaswenners in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Skild-afdeling, Hoërskool Lichtenburg, kry sy reeks op tuisbodem onderweg teen Hoërskool Montana. Die Monties het verlede week reeds ‘n oefenlopie teen Hoërskool Kempton Park geniet en is geensins nie te versmaai nie. Oopkantflank, Dieter Scheepers, se tweestryd met die venynige Liggie-agsteman, KG Legodi, beloof om vir groot opwinding by die afbreekpunte te sorg.

Hoërskool Pietersburg het twee veranderinge aangebring aan die span wat verlede naweek vir Potchefstroom Volkskool met 13-6 geklop het. Die Pietersburgers verwelkom Bergsig Akademie in Limpopo se hoofstad. Ludke Pienaar skuif van agsteman na die middel van die skrum om op slot diens te doen, terwyl FC Smith sy plek in die nr. 8-trui inneem.

Die Pieties sal hul keer moet ken met die Arende wat verlede naweek baie belowend op die aanval voorgekom het teen Heidelberg Volkskool in Rustenburg.

Die einste Heidelberg Volkskool is weer op reis, dié keer na Potchefstroom waar hy teen Potchefstroom Volkskool te staan sal kom. Die besoekers het nie heeltemal hul beste voet voorgesit verlede naweek nie, wat hoofafrigter, Louwtjie Dalhouzie, genoop het om ‘n paar veranderinge aan te bring.

Tristan Munro skuif van losskakel na binnesenter, met Marco Botha wat van heelagter inkom om die nr. 10-trui aan te trek. Dit bied vir Theuns van der Merwe geleentheid om sy staal op heelagter te wys.

Die spanne:

Hoërskool Klerksdorp t. Hoërskool Hugenote (Springs) in Klerksdorp:

Hoërskool Klerksdorp: 15 Dorian Isaacs, 14 Tyran Masango, 13 Marques Jantjies, 12 Winton Abrahams, 11 D-Jee Treunich, 10 Brendin Mathyse, 9 Jarred van Staden, 8 Tiaan Koen, 7 Marnus van der Merwe, 6 Karabelo Maseka, 5 SG de Klerk, 4 Abrie Esterhuizen, 3 Zander Nienaber, 2 Rionaldao Joubert, 1 De Wet le Roux.

Hugenote: 15 Christaan Basson, 14 Andile Dhlamini, 13 Yovan Prinsloo, 12 Dylan Nel, 11 Kyle de Klerk, 10 George Lucas, 9 Thanyani Mokiri, 8 Euan Venter, 7 Luan Pretorius, 6 Arné Marais, 5 André Coetzee. 4 Tristan de Beer, 3 Wian Rudolph, 2 Luan Smit, 1 Franko Neuhoff.

Hoërskool Lichtenburg t. Montana in Lichtenburg:

Hoërskool Lichtenburg: 15 Xander Blom, 14 Tehan Potgieter 13 Ruan Kroëse, 12 Oratile Sekoto, 11 Kuzi Mupudzi, 10 Luan Snyman, 9 Rea Motsusi, 8 KG Legodi, 7 Tiaan Booysen, 6 MC Shanahan, 5 Elje Kleynhans, 4 George Bingudza, 3 Duan Kruger, 2 Juan van Rhyn, 1 Armandt Pienaar.

Montana: 15 Marq de Villiers, 14 Keagan van der Merwe, 13 Luan Barnard, 12 Hendrew Schoeman, 11 Sam Schoeman, 10 Rubel Bester, 9 Braam Schutte, 8 Ulrich van Biljon, 7 LJ Fourie, 6 Dieter Scheepers, 5 Kyle Bronkhorst, 4 Louan Erasmus, 3 Xandré le Roux, 2 Aiden Vorster, 1 Aiden van der Made.

Hoërskool Pietersburg t. Bergsig Akademie in Polokwane:

Hoërskool Pietersburg: 15 Ryno Mienie, 14 Armandt Venter, 13 Basson Wolmarans, 12 Siya Manhlangu, 11 Keanu Potgieter, 10 Juan Randell, 9 Celliers van der Merwe, 8 FC Smith, 7 Juan Janse van Vuuren, 6 Andru de Beer, 5 Ludke Pienaar, 4 Brent Vorster, 3 Stephan Jansen van Rensburg, 2 Zihan Lombaard, 1 Kyle Swanepoel.

Bergsig Akademie (moontlik): 15 Alzandro Dos Santos, 14 Keabetswe Daile, 13 Bradley Stonehous, 12 Dan Bogopane, 11 Heinrich Krugel, 10 Carlo de Jager, 9 Paulo Dos Santos, 8 Stephan Harmse, 7 Thatano Bagwase, 6 Christiaan de Abreu, 5 Martin Pieterse, 4 Jacques Viviers, 3 Dylan Smith, 2 Marnus Dercksen, 1 Thabang Machubene.

Potchefstroom Volkskool t. Heidelberg Volkskool in Potchefstroom:

Potchefstroom Volkskool (moontlik): 15 Anro Nel, 14 Theunis Nel, 13 Hennie Pretorius, 12 River Samuals, 11 Juan Fourie, 10 Lorenzo Louw, 9 Juhan Geldenhuys, 8 Johannes Lombaard, 7 Marlu du Preez, 6 Wian Victor, 5 Stef Schoeman, 4 Joshua van der Westhuizen, 3 De Waal Coetzer, 2 Louis Fourie, 1 AB Brink

Heidelberg Volkskool: 15 Theuns van der Merwe, 14 Jason Brits, 13 Jeandré Pretorius, 12 Tristan Munro, 11 JV Badella, 10 Marco Botha, 9 Hein Oelofse, 8 Jaco Botha, 7 Eduard Roets, 6 Klaas Venter, 5 Juan de Villiers, 4 Jano Dietrechsen, 3 Werner Grobler, 2 Henru Coetzer, 1 Dean Last.

Dit gee tradisioneel ‘n titaniese stryd af wanneer Hoërskool Wesvalia en Hoërskool Die Anker se paaie kruis, en hierdie naweek behoort geen uitsondering te wees nie.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Dié twee spanne pak mekaar Saterdag op die Wessies se tuisveld in Klerksdorp.

Dit is boonop die span van Klerksdorp se eerste verskyning in vanjaar se NWU Prestige-reeks, terwyl Die Anker reeds verlede naweek ‘n wegholsege van 69-7 oor Hoërskool Wagpos behaal het in dié reeks.

Die Klerksdorpers, wat in hul eerste amptelike wedstryd van die jaar met 7-22 teen Hoërskool Witteberg in ‘n sopnat Klerksdorp vasgeval het, is vasberade om na die wenpad terug te keer. Een van hul doelwitte is om vanjaar as kampioen van die Prestige-reeks gekroon te word en, met dit in gedagte, het hoofafrigter, Willem van der Sandt, besluit op ‘n paar taktiese skuiwe.

Die blitsige Fafa Calitz skuif van binnesenter na heelagter, waar Wilson Letholi vir hom plek maak, terwyl Wian du Preez die nr. 12-trui oor die kop trek vir ‘n interessante tweestryd met Die Anker se gevaarlike Edrick Pienaar. Stephan Pelzer skuif op regtervleuel in, met Kea Bereng wat uitmis.

Die span van Brakpan betree die stryd onveranderd, wat beteken dat twee grootname, die tuispan se Franco Dumond en die besoekers se kaptein, Ruben Herbst, mekaar op agsteman die stryd aansê.

Potchefstroom Gimnasium se held in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Bowl-eindstryd verlede jaar, Elrich Bosch, is weer op sy pos in die middeveld vir Gimmies se eerste wedstryd teen Hoërskool Wagpos, in Potchefstroom. Die Gimmies skop ‘n nuwe era af met hul nuutaangestelde rugbydirekteur en eerstespan-breier, Regardt Kleingeld, aan die stuur van sake.

Die span van Potchefstroom bestaan in totaal uit nege matrieks en ses Graad 11-spelers, wat ‘n opwindende mengsel van ondervinding en jong bloed bied.

Daar wag ook ‘n nuwe begin op Hoërskool Marais Viljoen wat sy reeks teen die onvoorspelbare Hoërskool Jeugland in Kempton Park afskop. Die span van Alberton het reeds ‘n kleedrepetisie teen Hoërskool Transvalia verlede naweek agter die rug, en, hoewel slegs ‘n oefenwedstryd, het Marais Viljoen vier pragdrieë ingeryg.

Agsteman en kaptein, Rio Tshimbalanga, is ‘n sleutelfiguur vir Marais Viljoen, terwyl die woelige oopkantflank, Lloyd Shoko-Shenck, ook die tuisspan kan laat les opsê by die afbreekpunte.

Die spanne:

Wesvalia t. Die Anker om 12:30 in Klerksdorp:

Wesvalia: 15 Fafa Calitz, 14 Stephan Pelser, 13 Jeandré Snyman, 12 Wian du Preez, 11 Martin Bierman, 10 Eduard Dreyer, 9 Barry Nieman, 8 Franco Dumond, 7 Tiaan de Kock, 6 Quewen Fourie, 5 JP Hattingh, 4 Deacon Kath, 3 Charl du Preez, 2 Fanie Linde, 1 Ulrigh du Preez.

Die Anker: 15 Paul Schutte, 14 Dullon le Roux, 13 Arno Krugel, 12 Edrick Pienaar, 11 Jonothan Jordaan, 10 Danie Smit, 9 Jean Blignaut, 8 Ruben Herbst, 7 Jaydon Steenkamp, 6 Markus Herbst, 5 Brenden van Luuterverld, 4 Gerhard Oosthuizen, 3 Xavier Momberg, 2 Rico Goosen, 1 Branden Sauerman

Potchefstroom Gimnasium t. Wagpos om 12:40 in Potchefstroom:

Potchefstroom Gimnasium: 15 Joshua Pretorius, 14 MJ Potgieter, 13 Jandré Oosthuizen, 12 Elrich Bosch, 11 Rebaone Moalosi, 10 Zandré Da Silva, 9 MJ Viljoen, 8 De Wet Grobler, 7 Rynel Rautenbach, 6 Reuel Potgieter, 5 AP Muller, 4 Dirk Stear, 3 Matt Redelinghuys, 2 Kobus Grobbelaar, 1 Juandré Barends.

Wagpos (moontlik): 15 AJ Nieman, 14 Franco Dippenaar, 13 Pieter Steenkamp, 12 Heinrich Wiehanh, 11 Arrie Joubert, 10 JG Olckens, 9 Myburg Henning, 8 Hendrik de Jager, 7 David van Breda, 6 Dian Coetzee, 5 Dilan Strauss, 4 Wian Botha, 3 Markus Schramm, 2 Adriaan Venter, 1 Armant Botha

Jeugland t. Marais Viljoen om 12:30 in Kempton Park:

Jeugland: 15 Kokets Maphopa, 14 Beya Nyathi, 13 Andrew Khoza, 12 Innocent Vilakazi, 11 Thando Ngomane, 10 King Agbanzo, 9 Zaydene Adams, 8 Jaden Kleyn, 8 Jaden Kleyn, 7 Alec Mohlala, 6 Joseph Ngoma-Ngoma, 5 Nivan Duvenhage, 4 Daniel Wawina, 3 Khumo Maimane, 2 Lesego Moitse, 1 Phenyo Nkoana.

Marais Viljoen: 15 Raynhardt Kruger, 14 Marco Kunz, 13 Juan van den Heever, 12 Jonno Morkol, 11 Kabelo Tlhoaele, 10 Claude do Couto, 9 Ethan Weideman, 8 Rio Tshimbalanga, 7 Tiaan van Huysteen, 6 Lloyd Shoko-Schenk, 5 Clayton Gagiano, 4 Steffan Basson, 3 Sifiso Shongwe, 2 Ondisa Njili, 1 Juan Cooper.

The annual Absa Wildeklawer tournament for 2025 is jumbo packed with schoolboy rugby clashes for the connoisseur.

The main event of the u19 rugby festival will take place from Wednesday, 30 April until Saturday, 3 May.

All the action will be brought live to your screens once again by SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

The main match on the opening day will be one of the clashes of 2025 with Paul Roos Gimnasium taking on the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool of Pretoria. The main curtain raiser will be between the hosts, Diamantveld, and Waterkloof of Pretoria.

Nico Malan of Humansdorp will also make their debut on the opening day as they will take on Glenwood of Durban.

The main match on the second day will see Grey College facing Helpmekaar of Johannesburg. The rugby factory of Bloemfontein’s second match will be against Garsfontein on the final day. Both these matches will provide their fair share of fireworks.

Paarl Gimnasium will have an interesting encounter against Northwood. Their headmaster, Paul Viljoen‘s, previous job was as headmaster of Northwood. The Gimmies could be one of the top teams in the country with stars like Markus Muller (centre) and Quinton Potgieter (loose forward) in their midst.

Gimmies’ second clash of the tournament will be the main match on the final day against Durban High School.

The Fixtures: 

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 

A-Field 

19:00 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Affies
17:30 – Opening Ceremony
15:30 – Diamantveld vs Waterkloof
14:00 – Nico Malan vs Glenwood
12:30 – Marlow Landbou vs Welkom Gimnasium
11:00 – Invitation Final | u19

Thursday, 1 May 2025 

A-Field

20:00 – Grey College vs Helpmekaar
18:30 – Maritzburg College vs Jeppe High School for Boys
17:00 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Noordheuwel
15:30 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Northwood
14:00 – Garsfontein vs Oakdale Landbou
12:30 – Monument vs Outeniqua
11:00 – Durban High School vs Stellenberg
09:30 – Boland Landbou vs Framesby
08:00 – EG Jansen vs HTS Drostdy

B-Field

16:10 – Hoërskool Rustenburg vs Voortrekker

Saturday, 3 May 2025 

A-Field

20:00 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Durban High School
18:30 – Grey College vs Garsfontein
17:00 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs EG Jansen
15:30 – Oakdale Landbou vs Jeppe High School for Boys
14:00 – Affies vs Boland Landbou
12:30 – Maritzburg College vs Diamantveld
11:00 – Paarl Boys’ high vs Monument
09:30 – Noordheuwel vs Outeniqua
08:00 – Waterkloof vs Stellenberg

B-Field 

16:20 – Nico Malan vs Northern Barbarians
15:00 – Glenwood vs Marlow Landbou
13:50 – Northwood vs HTS Drostdy
12:40 – Voortrekker vs Southern Barbarians
11:30 – Helpmekaar vs Framesby
10:20 – Hoërskool Rustenburg vs Welkom Gimnasium

Daar heers groot afwagting om te sien wat die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool vanjaar kan vermag, en Saterdagmiddag in Kimberley behoort reeds ‘n vroeë aanduiding te bied.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Die span van Pretoria kom op gebruiklike wyse teen Hoërskool Diamantveld van Kimberley te staan in sy eerste wedstryd van die seisoen.

In die vorige 11 kragmetings tussen dié twee spanne, waarvan die eerste in 1985, kon die Kimberliete nog nooit die oorhand oor die Wit Bulle kry nie.

Affies het in dié eerste kragmeting, 40 jaar gelede, met 29-0 koning gekraai. Sedertdien het die Pretorianers deurentyd die hef in die hand gehad.

Die tuisspan se selfvertroue het nietemin ‘n hupstoot ontvang met die dat hy reeds sy eerste twee wedstryde vanjaar gewen en die pak voorspelers wat belowend vertoon het.

Diamantveld se eerste slagoffer was Hoërskool Fichardtpark wat met 25-7 verslaan is in Bloemfontein tydens die jaarlikse Fichardtpark-sportdag, en die afgelope Woensdag het Hoërskool Upington ook in die stof gebyt met die Diamonds wat met 36-27 die botoon gevoer het op die Uppies se tuisveld.

Benewens die woelwater-flanke, Jayden de Klerk en Louis Fourie, beskik die Diamonds ook oor die dienste van binnesenter, Jonathan Harding, en die giftige heelagter, Clinton Brits, wat ‘n gaping ver oor die vlaktes van die Kalahari kan raaksien.

Op papier het die Wit Bulle ‘n uitstaande begin-vyftiental. Ruben Groenewald, wat verlede jaar op heelagter diens gedoen het, draf in sy gunstelingposisie as losskakel op en voer ook vanjaar die Wit Bulle aan. Dit het ‘n reunie teweeggebring met skrumskakel, Zirk Meyer, met wie hy in die junior ouderdomsgroepe die wêreld aan die brand gespeel het.

Dié skakelpaar neem stelling in agter ‘n gedugte agttal wat deur steenkantflank, Albert Smit, en agsteman, Stefan McDonald, se ondervinding gelei word. Vernaam Smit het verlede jaar reeds kookwaterspel vir die span van Pretoria opgedis en behoort oudergewoonte die vuur onder die Affie-pak aan te steek.

Die spanne: 

Diamantveld t. Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool om 16:15 in Kimberly:

Diamantveld: 15 Clinton Brits, 14 John-Leighton Fortuin, 13 Jaco Beukes, 12 Jonathan Harding, 11 Driaan Jacobs, 10 Duran Makoni, 9 Ruben van der Linde, 8 Enrique Boshoff, 7 Jayden de Klerk, 6 Louis Fourie, 5 Zuan Rautenbach, 4 MG van Greuning, 3 Dian Ellis, 2 Jaydrian Jacobs, 1 Bernard Daniels.

Affies: 15 Lamont Baaidjies, 14 Rikus Strydom, 13 Nicolaas Grobler, 12 Divan Fourie, 11 Hugo Snyman, 10 Ruben Groenewald, 9 Zirk Meyer, 8 Stefan McDonald, 7 Albert Smit, 6 Lohan Potgieter, 5 Christiaan de Wet, 4 Elwin Janse van Vuuren, 3 Deon Botes, 2 Bauke Swart, 1 Roal Kruger.

Die Hoërskool Menlopark betree relatief onbekende terrein Saterdag in Piet Retief wanneer hy Hoërskool Piet Retief op sy bekende Jack Botes-stadion aandurf.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Die Parkies se huidige groep spelers het nog nie baie, indien enigsins, in Piet Retief gespeel nie, wat ‘n uitdaging op sigself bied.

Hulle het nietemin vandeesweek reeds ‘n oortuigende oorwinning van 52-13 oor Hoërskool Eldoraigne agter die blad, wat genoegsame selfvertroue behoort te bied, maar Piet Retief is altyd ‘n gedugte teenstander op tuisbodem.

Piet Retief sal Menlopark se kookwater-senter, Leskin Samuels, fyn moet dophou. Samuels het Dinsdag reeds aangedui dat hy vanjaar ‘n groot gevaarman in die Pretorianers se agterlyn sal wees, met ‘n uitstekende driekuns, asook rotsvaste verdediging in die middeveld.

Sy sentermaat en kanonvoet, Dylan Stumke, in sy debuutjaar van eerstespan-rugby, vertoon ook reeds uiters gemaklik op dié hoër vlak van spel. Samuels en Stumke sal wel hul hande volhê met die tuisspan wat bekend is vir aanvallende rugby, verál wat die agterlyn betref.

Die ervare losskakel, Owethu Shabalala, wat vir ‘n tweede jaar van eerstespan-rugby terugkeer, behoort die toutjies behendig  te trek vir Piet Retief, terwyl die fisieke steelkantflank, Melo Xulu, oorgehaal sal wees om die Parkies se intimiderende agttal aan te vat.

Hoërskool Kempton Park se nuwe hoofstuk onder die nuutaangestelde rugbydirekteur, Henno Coetzee, skop dié naweek amptelik af in Middelburg, waar die Kempies met ‘n omgekrapte Hoërskool Middelburg te doen kry. Die span van Kempton Park het reeds verlede week ‘n oefenlopie teen Hoërskool Montana gehad om sy diepte te toets en dié oefenwedstryd met 33-27 gewen.

Die Middelburgers het gewys wat in hulle steek deur Hoërskool Nelspruit, in Nelspruit, kwaai opdraande te gee. Haker, Roux Grobler, het die Middies se agttal met sy fisieke teenwoordigheid aangespoor, terwyl skrumskakel, Keabetswe Nkgadima, woelig was agter die pak en met ‘n valkoog dopgehou moet word.

Die spanne:

Hoërskool Piet Retief t. Menlopark om 13:30 in Piet Retief:

Hoërskool Piet Retief: 15 Buhle Ngubane, 14 Spephelo Phakathi, 13 Siphosethu Sibisi, 12 Gilles van der Meulen, 11 Vuyani Tshabalala, 10 Owethu Shabalala, 9 Kyle Stock, 8 Fiso Methula, 7 Melo Xulu, 6 Lethu Hlope, 5 Prince Mahlangu, 4 Avongwe Maduna, 3 Aza Phakathi, 2 Wayne Mitchell, 1 Sfundo Mayisa.

Menlopark: 15 Reinhardt Herbst, 14 Bladen Petersen, 13 Leskin Samuels, 12 Dylan Stumke, 11 Lucian Read, 10 Andru Keun, 9 Gustav Shäffner, 8 Jannes Eksteen, 7 Ruan Strydom, 6 Nathen du Plessis, 5 Xander Roets, 4 Keagen Pretorius, 3 Ruvan van Aardt, 2 Declen Pelser, 1 Mattheus Prinsloo.

Hoërskool Middelburg t. Hoërskool Kempton Park om 12:30 in Middelbrug:

Hoërskool Middelburg: 15 Lesego Karale, 14 Mcira Bulelani, 13 Jaco Truter, 12 Lungelo Maseko, 11 Zanempilo Mahlangu, 10 Buhle Mphanhlaza, 9 Keabetswe Nkgadima, 8 Henco Jansen van Rensburg, 7 Khensani Buthelezi, 6 CW Hanekom, 5 André Roberts, 4 Wihan Jordaan, 3 Dewald du Toit, 2 Roux Grobler, 1 Wian Olwagen

Hoërskool Kempton Park (moontlik): 15 Ben Steyn, 14 Guillaume Botha, 13 Wian Riekert, 12 Jethro Williams, 11 Ettiene Stroebel, 10 Stian de Villiers, 9 Ferdi Smit, 8 Ruan Mostert, 7 Marko van der Walt, 6 Matthew Vermaak, 5 Reinhard Pretorius, 4 Louis Mouton, 3 Juan Olivier, 2 Damian Slabbert, 1 Piet van der Heever.

St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, arrived home from last weekend’s Balling Festival in good spirits.

In an ideal world, they would have preferred to have won all of their matches in Bethlehem, but three out of four is not a bad return, particularly since two of those victories were over perennial powerhouses Eunice and Oranje.

However, despite their successful outing, coach Nolwazi Nkabinde‘s side is not resting on its laurels. They have bigger dreams. One of their aspirations is to write their own history and leave footprints on the schools’ hockey landscape.

“The Balling Festival was tough and an eye-opener. We learned a lot as a team and have a lot to reflect on, so we become better as the St Mary’s first team moving forward to the next tournaments to come,” Nkabinde told SuperSport Schools Plus.

Nkabinde, who has coached the national u18 team, has taken over the first team coaching duties from Carla Ann Mackay, who was in charge the past two seasons, while Nkabinde looked after the u16s. They’ve worked hand-in-hand over the past few years and read from the same book when it comes to excellence on the Astro.

“St Mary’s has a proud and rich storied history of excellence in hockey. It means a lot to us that a company like Belgotex notices that and chooses to walk this journey with us,” Caryn Springate, the St Mary’s Head of Hockey, shared.

Nicola Forbes will captain St Mary’s this season. The midfielder had an outstanding year with the school and with the KwaZulu Natal Coastal u18 provincial team last year.

“She is one of the most hardworking and unselfish players in the game. She plays her heart out for the team. She is a true reflection of our culture as a school,” Springate commented.

Forbes isn’t just held in high regard by the coaching staff, her teammates respect and try to emulate her. That’s important given how young the team is. St Mary’s has retained only five players from their very successful 2024 team. Most of the players in the squad are now in Grade 10.

“Our side is eager to grow in the first team space and produce positive results,” Nkabinde said.

She was pleased with how her charges pulled together as a unit at the Balling Festival. It is a template they intend to maintain through the season. They’re a team built on tenacity and sisterhood.

“It is important that we enjoy and learn while on this journey. We will learn through both victories and losses,” Nkabinde said.

The coach and her charges have set themselves a goal: to qualify for the Fairtree Super 12 Tournament. Despite their relative youth, it is not an overly ambitious goal. They have both the talent and drive to succeed. In the meantime, they have the Spar Regional Tournament to focus on this weekend.

Die verdedigende kampioen van die NWU Sportreeks is hierdie naweek in Tzaneen vir die eerste vanjaar in aksie.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Hoërskool Waterkloof, wat verlede jaar se reeks onoorwonne afgesluit het, loods hul seisoen teen Hoërskool Ben Vorster op die Buffels se tuisveld, die Piet Swart-stadion.

Die Klofies, wat nie alleen die Sportreeks op horings geneem het nie, maar ook naaswenners was in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Beker-afdeling, stoot weer vanjaar ‘n gedugte span in die veld.

Staatmakers wat terugkeer vir die 2025-seisoen sluit in die gevaarlike heelagter, Ronan Bastiaanse, en haker, Ruan Jacobs. Albei het sleutelrolle vertolk in die Klofies se suksesverhaal verlede jaar, met Jacobs wat dié span se grootste uitblinker in die Noordvaal-eindstryd teen Hoërskool Garsfontein was.

Die Buffels, wat twee afdelings onder die Klofies in die Skild-afdeling van die Noordvaal-liga meeding, spog self met ‘n goeie begin-vyftiental. Die ervaring van losskakel, Shelton Primo, sal handig te pas kom, vernaam met die giftige senterpaar aan sy buitekant. Gehan Hendriks se tweestryd met Rico van der Walt in die nr. 12-trui behoort vir ‘n skouspelagtige 70 minute te sorg.

Voorlangs kan die tweeling en slotpaar, Lourens en Barend Harmse, die Klofies se pak opdraande gee en opmaak vir die afwesigheid van die Klofies se vuurvreter-agsteman, Marco Kok. Kok het ‘n ernstige kniebesering verlede seisoen opgedoen en sal eers teen die einde van die maand, by die Noord/Suid-toernooi, weer beskikbaar wees.

Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg pak Hoërskool Nelspruit in laasgenoemde se Mbombela-kolosseum. Albei spanne spog reeds met ‘n belowende sege, met die Rhinos wat hul rekening verlede naweek met 18-13 geopen het teen Hoërskool Middelburg en die Rooi Bulle wat vir EG Jansen met 30-12 in Middelburg verslaan het.

Daar is wel ‘n paar veranderinge aan die Middelburgers se span wat na Mbombela reis. Binnesenter en kaptein, Johnny Dos Santos, sukkel met ‘n ligte enkelbesering, met agsteman, Tercius Bezuidenhout, wat oorneem as kaptein en die ervare Anthonie Smuts wat Dos Santos vervang in die nr. 12 trui.

Die Rhinos se losskakel, John Duncan, is reeds mooi op dreef en sy flink diens sal beslis die span van Middelburg se verdediging toets, vernaam met buitesenter, Ruben Greeff, wat na een van die Nellies se gevaarmanne lyk. Greeff het ‘n nuwe sentermaat, met Gideon Gilliland wat die jong Rian Botha in die middeveld vervang.

Agsteman en kaptein, Vaughn van Zyl, en oopkantflank, Prosper Chilohane, sal van meet af probeer om hul stempel af te druk teen Bezuidenhout en sy gedugte agttal.

Die spanne:

Hoërskool Ben Vorster t. Hoërskool Waterkloof om 12:40 in Tzaneen:

Ben Vorster: 15 Freddie Pinto, 14 Miguel Makhubupetsi, 13 Chifu Banda, 12 Gehan Hendriks, 11 Lethabo Sejake, 10 Shelton Primo, 9 Stiaan du Randt, 8 Tumi Ramohlale, 7 Joshua van der Mescht, 6 Kobus de Beer, 5 Lourens Harmse, 4 Barend Harmse, 3 Randy Magabe, 2 Ruben Pohl, 1 Thabang Nkuna.

Waterkloof: 15 Ronan Bastiaanse, 14 Jaiden Badenhorst, 13 Danré Tustin, 12 Rico van der Walt, 11 Dylan Botha, 10 Meyer Pretorius, 9 Zack Jordaan, 8 Dawid Prinsloo, 7 JJ Brits, 6 Divan Botha, 5 Heinrich Naudé, 4 Leander van der Westhuizen, 3 Jedri Swart, 2 Ruan Jacobs, 1 Alexander Elliot.

Hoërskool Nelspruit t HTS Middelburg om 13:20 in Mbombela:

Hoërskool Nelspruit: 15 Jean Erasmus, 14 Jordan Pretorius, 13 Ruben Greeff, 12 Gideon Gilliland, 11 Tinyiko Silubane, 10 John Duncan, 9 Liam Pringle, 8 Vaughn van Zyl, 7 Vian Louw, 6 Prosper Chilohane, 5 André Smit, 4 Ethan Esterhuizen, 3 Gert Coetzee, 2 D’Angelo Roberts, 1 Lindani Ndlela.

HTS Middelburg: 15 WJ Enslin, 14 Kwanele Mkhize, 13 Jacques Greyling, 12 Anthonie Smuts, 11 CJ Muller, 10 Nathan Janse van Vuuren, 9 Reece Botha, 8 Tercius Bezuidenhout, 7 Ethan de Kock, 6 Dewan Coetzee, 5 Griffin Devonish, 4 Janco Aucamp, 3 Marinus Oberholzer, 2 Hanro Terbalnche, 1 Janco Botha.