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The Pretoria Boys High first-team hockey side gave spectators a glimpse of what’s to come this season when they showcased their skills at the Nomads Hockey Festival in Johannesburg last month.

The event was hosted by Jeppe High School for Boys and brought together some of the country’s top teams for three days of scintillating, high-quality hockey.

The Pretoria outfit, who had played several matches within their region before the festival, had it rough on the opening day. They lost 0-4 to Grey College and, later in the day, lost 1-3 to Wynberg Boys’ High.

On the second day, though, coach Jacques Klopper‘s men came to life with two outstanding performances that will go down as their best of the season thus far.

Firstly, they held a formidable Hilton College to a 2-2 draw, with the KZN side scoring the equaliser deep into the fourth chukka, to snatch a share of the spoils. Boys High, then, defeated St Benedict’s College 3-0.

Against Bennies, Victor Louw, who represented South Africa at the Dato Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia in late 2024, netted a hat-trick to propel his side to victory.

They completed their Nomads campaign with a 1-0 win over Selborne College.

“We started on the back foot, but we bounced back on day two and came together and spoke about what we needed to do,” Boys High captain Takalani Malautzi told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“We devised a game plan and stuck to it against Hilton. Everyone was up. The energy was up, and then the win against Bennies made it all even sweeter.”

Malautzi’s side might have bagged two wins at the festival, but it was their 2-2 draw with Hilton that will live in their memories. He believes it’s a performance that showed hockey enthusiasts that Boys High means business this year.

“We are here to let people know that Pretoria Boys High is not a team to be taken lightly,” he said.

“We also wanted to show the other teams and the rest of the country that we are here for business. It was a good game to set up the rest of the season. We play Hilton three times this year, so it will be a nice series between the two of us.”

After Nomads, PBHS had a break during the school holidays, but they’ll be in derby action on Saturday against King Edward VII (KES), away from home, at 11:10.

It will be an interesting clash against a KES side that showed character and grit at Nomads. Malautzi is well aware of the Red Sticks’ threat and will be eager to lead his side to a victory a week before they participate in the St Stithians College Easter Hockey Festival.

“KES is never easy, but all the schools we are playing are not easy,” he admitted. “We have the Saints Fest after that, and we need to make sure we push and get all the results we need.”

Die vonke gaan behoorlik Saterdag op die De Eike-veld net buite Riversdal spat wanneer twee van die land se voorste loskopstutte op skoolvlak teen mekaar te staan kom.

Die gasheer, Oakdale Landbou, se Kai Pratt en die besoekers, die Hoër Jongenskool Paarl, se Jordan Jooste sal nou wel nie direk teen mekaar in die skrums sak nie, maar sal met hul vertonings reeds hul aanspraak wil versterk om vanjaar die Suid-Afrikaanse Skole-span se Nr. 1-trui te dra.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools). Die wedstryd sal ook op DStv kanaal 216 asook SABC Plus (18:00) uitgesaai word.

Die kragmeting is deel van die King Price Derby Series.

Jooste het reeds verlede jaar na afloop van die Cravenweek in Krugersdorp die SA Skole A-span verteenwoordig. Pratt het ook verlede jaar reeds die Suidwestelike Distrikte op die Cravenweek verteenwoordig en kan met sterk vertonings sy aanspraak versterk.

Jooste is egter die man in die saal, met Jeppe se André Poulton wat ook reeds verlede jaar vir die SA Skole A-span uitgedraf het.

Die Bulle van Oakdale het vanjaar egter ‘n omgesukkelde span wat moontlik die span van die Paarl se onoorwonne status sover vanjaar kan bedreig.

Malan du Plessis (hoofafrigter) het egter vir Oakdale tot seges oor Boishaai in 2018 (47-29) en 2023 (20-17) gebrei. Du Plessis het op sy dag die Blitzbokke verteenwoordig. Die span se aanvalsafrigter, JB Naudé, sal ook gewis ‘n paar planne beraam om die besoekers met die kous oor die kop huis toe te stuur.

Die Hoër Jongenskool Paarl beskik ook oor gedugte afrigtingskorps met Sean Erasmus, David Sadie en Neil de Bruin. Laasgenoemde is die oudste seun van die Springbok vrouespan se afrigter, Swys de Bruin.

Neil is einde verlede jaar as Direkteur van Rugby by Boishaai aangestel. Hy het voorheen in die Leeus se junior strukture afgerig asook in Japan onder andere by die NTT Red Hurricanes.

Die span van die Paarl het nog nie vanjaar die onderspit gedelf nie. Hy het tydens die onlangse NMI Toyota Noord/Suid-toernooi vir Waterkloof (66-0) en die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool van Pretoria (25-17) geklop. Hy het ook die seisoen met ‘n sege van 55-19 oor HTS Drostdy op Trappespark in Worcester afgeskop.

Oakdale was vanjaar ook sover drie keer in aksie. Hy het in sy eerste kragmeting in Bloemfontein teen Grey-kollege met 10-25 die onderspit gedelf. Grey is laas in 2017 in die Rosestad verslaan. Die span van Riversdal het daarna tydens die Noord/Suid-toernooi vir Hoërskool Nelspruit (45-12) en Helpmekaar (40-21) die loef afgesteek.

Die spanne is: 

Oakdale Landbou: 15 Reinhart Viljoen, 14 Myburgh Eksteen, 13 Anrich Scheffer, 12 Christian Vorster, 11 Lee-Winn Pretorius, 10 CT Vosloo, 9 Tyrese Plaaitjies, 8 Jakobus de Villiers, 7 Liam Lightly, 6 Jannes Snyman, 5 Rico Ferreira, 4 Diaan Augustyn, 3 Francois le Roux, 2 Adrian Smith, 1 Kai Pratt.

Hoër Jongenskool Paarl: 15 Mark Grindlay, 14 Jeneal Davids, 13 Tristan Joubert, 12 Iwan Jordaan, 11 Wian Delport, 10 Francois van der Merwe, 9 Liam de Villiers, 8 Gavie Kok, 7 Steph van der Merwe (kaptein), 6 Wege van Zyl, 5 Jayden Joubert, 4 AD Faul, 3 Juan van der Merwe, 2 Christiaan Grundling, 1 Jordaan Jooste.

Afskop: 14:00

Vorige kragmetings: 

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Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer wil ten alle koste Saterdag weer oorwinning smaak wanneer hy na Gauteng reis vir ’n interessante kragmeting met Hoërskool Randburg.

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

Die span van Thabazimbi lek nog sy wonde ná die nederlaag van 10–17 teen Hoërskool Hans Strijdom in die eindstryd van die onlangse Mauritz Hansen-rugbyweek in Naboomspruit.

Die besoekers is nietemin deeglik bewus daarvan dat Randburg nie summier in sy eie agterplaas geklop word nie. Die Randburgers is bekend daarvoor om na ’n hoër rat oor te skakel wanneer die tuisskare agter hulle staan en, as dié twee spanne se vertonings tot dusver vanjaar ’n maatstaf is, wag daar Saterdag ’n fisieke stryd, verál voorlangs.

Frikkie Meyer beskik oor ’n gedugte voorry, saamgesnoer deur die stoere Boom Venter, wat tussen stutte, Lourens Pieterse en Johnny Barnard, sak. Die ywerige steelkantflank, Keanu Visser, sal oudergewoonte woel voorlangs en ook weer die besoekers aanvoer.

Die tuisspan plaas taamlike vertroue in hul jong slot, Phillip Rykaart, asook die woelwater-agsteman, Curwin Hill, om die besoekers se fisieke aanslag te probeer neutraliseer.

Agterlangs moet Frikkie Meyer op sy hoede wees vir giftige teenaanvalle deur die ervare heelagter, Francois Groenewald, wat verlede jaar reeds homself onderskei het as ’n sleutelspeler vir Randburg. Groenewald sal self skerp op die verdediging moet wees, aangesien die Frikkies se agterste driehoek ook groot gevaar inhou, met regtervleuel, Wian Pretorius, wat moeilik gekeer word wanneer hy op loop sit.

Die spanne:

Höerskool Randburg t. Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer om 12:30 in Randburg:

Randburg: 15 Francois Groenewald, 14 Bradley Burcher, 13 Eduan Bakkes, 12 Zander Drake, 11 Josh Wigget, 10 Jayden Todd, 9 Rico Vosloo, 8 Curwin Hill, 7 Zander van Tonder, 6 Victor van Blerk, 5 Branden Peterson, 4 Phillip Rykaart, 3 Malan van Heerden, 2 Dietlov Fourie, 1 Kian Kritzinger.

Frikkie Meyer: 15 Poppie Mphela, 14 Wian Pretorius, 13 Prince Sekoboane, 12 Mare Pieterse, 11 HW du Plessie, 10 Barnabas Nyamakupe, 9 MC Barnard, 8 Darren Pretorius, 7 Keanu Visser, 6 Stefan Mulder, 5 Herman Prinsloo, 4 Kgosi Leteane, 3 Johnny Barnard, 2 Ruben Venter, 1 Lourens Pieterse.

Two matches are in the spotlight in KwaZulu-Natal this weekend: Northwood versus Westville Boys’ High, on Reece-Edwards Field, and Maritzburg College versus Glenwood, on Goldstone’s.

The match at Northwood brings together two unbeaten teams.

The Knights‘ two matches in KwaZulu-Natal have been hard-fought, tight affairs, with Northwood beating Michaelhouse 15-13 and Maritzburg College 24-21.

On both occasions, the Durban side had to stage late fightbacks to snatch the win. Coach Jacques Deen will want to see a better start from his side on Saturday. Their late-game finishing has been top-notch, however.

More recently, they were in action at the Standard Bank Grey High Rugby Festival where they produced more emphatic performances and blanked Dale College 24-0 before outplaying Kingswood College 33-14.

There aren’t many matches in which teams score freely against Northwood, although Westville has the potential to change that narrative. Still, the Griffin will need to be on point with their defence to have a shot at victory.

The sides met in the last match of 2024 for both, with the Knights snatching a last-gasp 30-27 victory on Bowden’s after an enthralling encounter.

Westville has played three games this season so far and they have impressed. They opened with a 23-15 win at Hilton College, which was no mean feat. Then, they overran Selborne College at the Standard Bank Grey High Rugby Festival, charging to a 45-12 win, before signing off with a 28-13 defeat of Dale College.

Together with Durban High School (DHS), Northwood and Westville have, thus far, been the most impressive of KZN’s 1^st XVs.

Northwood and Westville look a lot like one another: Both boast rugged, physical packs and, behind them, some game-breaking runners.

Jaydon Smith‘s game-winning try for Northwood at Maritzburg College is one of the best solo efforts that will be seen this season (see YouTube highlights below). Westville, meanwhile, has the dangerous SA Schools’ fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya ready to punish any wayward kicking.

It should be a fascinating, evenly contested clash.

On Goldstone’s, Maritzburg College hosts Glenwood in a fixture that has been played since 1921.

Last year, at home, College won 39-20 to complete a first double over the Green Machine since 2005. They had won 18-7 on Dixon’s Field in an early season match.

While 2024 was not a good year for Glenwood’s 1^st XV, the signs are that they’re a far more competitive outfit in 2025. There is a familiar look to many names in their lineup, but they’re now battle-hardened after a year of playing against, mostly, older opposition.

Glenwood’s team also includes a settled halfback combo of Lian Lochner, at scrumhalf, and Juan Viljoen, at flyhalf, and having an experienced pair of decision-makers is a big plus.

College, on the other hand, has different halfbacks from when they took on DHS in Durban on 15 March. Ryland Armoed and Jordan Thackeray were in the nine and 10 jerseys that day. This weekend, it will be Dominic du Toit and Liyema Tsoko doing duty. Du Toit is the brother of Luc du Toit, who enjoyed a superb season at flyhalf for College in 2023.

Glenwood beat St Charles College 38-0 in their opening match of the season and scraped a 7-5 win over a good HTS Middelburg side at the Glenwood Rugby Festival. That’s a small sample size, though, and there is a lot still to be learned about coach Derek Heiberg‘s side. Their status should be far clearer after Saturday’s showdown.

College has also played only two games: the narrow 21-24 loss to Northwood, which they led 21-10 with only 10 minutes to play, and the 13-29 defeat to DHS. There could be no better salve for the hurt sustained in those losses than a win on Goldstone’s over their old rivals, Glenwood.

Saying that and doing that are different things, of course.

TEAMS

Northwood vs Westville Boys’ High, Reece-Edwards Field, 15:00

Northwood: 15 Trevor van Volenstee, 14 Aphiwe Maphisa, 13 Bongani Khumalo, 12 Tristan Parkinson, 11 Jaydon Smith, 10 Savio Stevens, 9 Jed Mun-Gavin, 8 Jamie Wimble, 7 Lian Terblanche, 6 Mpendulo Hleleni, 5 Asanda Zama, 4 Chad Howe, 3 Janco Visagie, 2 Aya Makula, 1 Sphephelo Ntshangase

Westville Boys’ High: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Phumula Xulu, 13 Jadrian Afrikaner, 12 Sean McGough, 11 Avumila Lisa, 10 Luxolo Sonkononkono, 9 Liam Simpkins, 8 Wandile Simelane, 7 Wandile Mlaba, 6 Brandon Eke, 5 Omphiwe Dladla, 4 Mustaphar Gcina, 3 Bandile Mcwango, 2 Ross Calvert, 1 Sibusiso Hlongwa

Maritzburg College vs Glenwood, Goldstone’s, 14:45

Maritzburg College: 15 Lungelo Hadebe, 14 Caleb Scheepers, 13 Amahle Hadebe, 12 Olwethu Kosani, 11 Adam Cahill, 10 Liyema Tsoko, 9 Dominic du Toit, 8 Mumbere Vyambwera, 7 Cyril Cherayi, 6 David Colenbrander, 5 Rory Stanton, 4 Connor Mountford, 3 Alande Ngubane, 2 Theo Boshoff, 1 Indiphile Mlotshwa

Glenwood: TBA

Die groot gewag vir die Beker-afdeling in vanjaar se SDC Noordvaal Cup om aan die gang te kom is Saterdag uiteindelik verby.

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

In 2024 was dit die uiteindelike naaswenners, Hoërskool Waterkloof, en Hoërskool Nelspruit wat dié reeks in Pretoria afgeskop het. Vanjaar loods die verdedigende kampioen, Hoërskool Garsfontein, sy titelverdediging teen Helpmekaar Kollege in Johannesburg.

Die Bere het reeds vanjaar gewys dat hulle weer ’n krag in die Noordvaal-reeks behoort te wees. Hul vertoning teen Paul Roos Gimnasium het ‘n sterk boodskap uitgestuur oor die bedreiging wat Garsies se gedugte pak voorspelers oudergewoonte inhou.

Die Helpies beskik nietemin ook oor hope ervaring in hul voorry-geledere, wat vir ’n smaaklike stryd in die skrums kan sorg. In die loopgrawe van die konflik voorlangs, sê die tuisspan se loskopstut, Liam Devinier, vir die Bere se skrummasjien, Luan van den Berg, die stryd aan, terwyl die mededinging tussen hakers, Gustav Grotius, ook die Helpies se onderkaptein, en Justin Blom, self ‘n tamaaie konfrontasie kan afgee.

Agterlangs het Helpmekaar se breintrust ’n interessante verandering aangebring, deur vir kaptein, Ty Ax, van buitesenter na heelagter te skuif. Dit bied aan Ax meer ruimte om venynige teenaanvalle te loods en verskerp terselftertyd die verdediging, aangesien sy lakwerk in die laaste linie van uitmuntende gehalte is.

Verdediging kan inderdaad bepalend wees wanneer die Bere se twee snellers op vleuel, Junaide Stuart en verlede jaar se Grant Khomo-uitblinker, Yuvrah George, die krane op die punte oopdraai.

Andreas Badenhorst neem Ax se plek in die nr. 13-trui in, met Francois Tonkin wat van heelagter na regtervleuel skuif.

Die spanne:

Helpmekaar Kollege t. Garsfontein om 14:30 in Johanneburg:

Helpmekaar: 15 Ty Ax, 14 Francois Tonkin, 13 Andreas Badenhorst, 12 Ethan Lourens, 11 John-Higgs Venter, 10 Wian Storm, 9 Shaye Lourens, 8 Llewelyn Vermaak, 7 Zaiden Krige, 6 Eben van Buuren, 5 Zian Smith, 4 Eugene de Lange, 3 Dylan Engelbrecht, 2 Gustav Grotius, 1 Liam Devenier.

Garsfontein: 15 Drewyn Baron, 14 Junaide Stuart, 13 Xian Erasmus, 12 Keagan Knighton, 11 Yuvrah George, 10 Junade Pasensie, 9 Derrick Kuhn, 8 Lourenz de Jager, 7 Stefan van der Vyver, 6 JP Pieterse, 5 Wihan Bezuidenhout, 4 JJ Fourie, 3 Luan van den Berg, 2 Justin Blom, 1 Henré Prinsloo.

Graeme College will return to the scene of their earlier triumphs this season when they host a competitive Port Rex outfit on the Somerset Field, in Makhanda, on Saturday.

Both teams have shown promising form this season and it should be an exciting showdown as they seek to build on a solid start to the schools’ programme.

Graeme, though, under the guidance of Jonty van der Meulen, will be hurting after a defeat at the Standard Bank Grey Rugby Festival against Hilton College, where, the coach acknowledged, they made too many errors.

“That put us under pressure and we were not at our best, so we will be looking to get back on track this weekend,” he said.

Van der Meulen also acknowledged that they face a tough challenge. “Port Rex have had a very good start to the season and we will have to be up for the game,” Van der Meulen reckoned.

“They are an extremely dangerous side in broken play, so we will aim to go the other way and keep it as tight as possible.”

Earlier this year, Graeme recorded home wins over HTS Daniel Pienaar, Die Brandwag, and St John’s College. Now, Van der Meulen said, they would be aiming for greater consistency in their overall play.

“We have scored some good individualistic tries, but we have been working on greater cohesion in the team and holding onto the ball, building phases, through which we can hopefully score some team tries,” he explained.

Port Rex coach Waldi van Greunen is pleased with his side’s season to date, which has brought them five wins from eight matches.

“The three we lost were against Dale (3-8), St Charles College (15-19), and St Stithians (17-19), with the games being decided in the last couple of minutes.

“The losses have hurt but we have taken valuable lessons and hope that we can build on the pre-season we have had.”

He knows that they face a daunting task on Somerset Field, despite the happy memories of their last match at the venue when they thrashed Woodridge 73-0.

“Graeme College has looked really good so far, and they are dangerous with the ball in hand, and have some game-breaking players,” Van Greunen said.

“We expect to be tested in the wider channels and also in the transitions.”

Kick-off on Somerset Field is at 13:30.

Paul Roos Gimnasium will look to continue its winning record since 2018 against Grey High School when it faces off on Saturday at the Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch.

The last time the team from Gqeberha managed to defeat Paul Roos on their home turf was back in 2014 when Springbok Curwin Bosch slotted a last-minute penalty to secure a 27-26 victory.

This year’s match is part of the King Price Derby Series.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com) and DStv Channel 216 and SABC Plus.

Paul Roos Gimnasium is still unbeaten this season after victories against HTS Drostdy (25-17), Garsfontein (34-22) and Noordheuwel (26-19) to start the season off. It was especially the trusty boot of flyhalf, Travis Pheiffer, who made a difference in the victories against Garsies and Nories during the NMI Toyota Noord/Suid tournament.

Pheiffer will know his opposition well as he attended Grey High School before moving to Paul Roos. He also represented Eastern Province at the Grant Khomo Week in 2023. Another solid performance for Pheiffer will give his coach Corné Uys will have a good problem once Matthew Seymore returns from his injury.

The home side has a dangerous backline with the back-three of Keenan Stoffels, Tiaan Basson and Jordan Steenkamp, who has the ability to take most defenses apart.

Grey High School is also still unbeaten, with victories over Hudson Park (45-34) and Hilton College (20-7). They also drew 28-all against Michaelhouse during the opening day of the Standard Bank Grey High Festival.

The teams: 

Paul Roos Gimnasium: 15 Keenan Stoffels, 14 Tiaan Basson, 13 Matthew Kleyn, 12 Ian Smith, 11 Jordan Steenkamp, 10 Travis Pheiffer, 9 Jan-Jan Nel, 8 Gert Kemp (kaptein), 7 Luke Gent, 6 Dylan van Wyk, 5 Ruben Winter, 4 Marnus van Leeuwen, 3 Pierre Labuschagne, 2 Lehan Barnard, 1 Zak Hickman.

Grey High School: 15 Meyer Prinsloo, 14 Luc de Villiers, 13 Bradley Myburgh, 12 Ciaran Killian, 11 Akhumzi Masoka, 10 Tristan Kemp, 9 Ray-Dylan Wilkinson, 8 Sibo Stuurman, 7 Mpumulelo Magwaza, 6 Cody Wilmot, 5 Joandré van Jaarsveld, 4 Riley Higgs, 3 Ross Atkinson, 2 Evan Mucka, 1 Daniel Naudé.

Kick-Off: 14:15

Previous Meetings: 

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Only two teams remain unbeaten in the Gauteng Development League (GDL). They are the defending champions, Highlands Park, under coach Sifiso Mnguni, and SuperSport United, under coach Tumelo Ndaba.

At the summit of the standings sits Supersport United, who have made an impressive start to the season.

They drew against Kaizer Chiefs in their season-opening fixture, overcoming a 0-2 deficit, before going on to register four consecutive victories.

Highlands Park has continued to rack up wins and stack points. They’ve also won four and drawn one, and they’re in second place on the log.

This week, the Pretoria-based Supersport United team takes on the fourth-placed School of Excellence at Sagewood Curro, while Highlands Park will welcome Jomo Cosmos to Balfour Park, on Saturday.

While United and Highlands Park have dominated the early weeks of the season, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) has been the dark horse of the league.

The Vereeniging-based side currently occupies third place in the standings, having won four and lost one match. This week, RESA travels to Marks Park to take on the 16th-placed Wits Junior in their backyard.

In other fixtures, Mamelodi Sundowns hosts Kathorus Hyper Academy at Clapham, Randburg AFC takes on East Rand Athletic Club, and Kaizer Chiefs tackle Tuks at the Kaizer Chiefs village.

Newcomers, Elspark United and Rockefvs, will go head-to-head at the Elspark Sports Ground, Sevens Academy faces Joburg City, and Panorama plays TS Galaxy.

FIXTURES

Saturday, 12 April

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kathorus Hyper Academy
Randburg AFC vs East Rand Athletic Club
Kaizer Chiefs vs Tuks
Wits Junior vs Remember Elite Sport Academy
Elspark United vs Rockefvs
Supersport United vs School of Excellence
Sevens Academy vs Joburg City
Highlands Park vs Jomo Cosmos

Sunday, 13 April

Panorama vs TS Galaxy

It’s become a staple, a fixture that has drawn large crowds over the past few years, and Saturday promises to be no different.

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

As always, a mouth-watering clash between Jeppe High School for Boys and the Wit Bulle, from Hoërskool Monument, is set to deliver a tasty treat of schoolboy rugby.

After claiming the bragging rights with an impressive 47–31 victory on the Ras van Rooyen, in Krugersdorp, in 2024, Jeppe will head into the rematch brimming with confidence, especially as the match takes place on their home ground, the revered Collard Field.

However, it’s a new season and a new-look Jeppe side that features some exciting young talent. Already this season, Jeppe has been in the spotlight, especially when they scored a scintillating victory over their arch-rivals, King Edward VII School (KES).

They’ve also shown glimpses of their dangerous potential, holding their own against Rondebosch Boys’ High, a likely top-10 side this year, and putting 31 points past Grey College, at the recent NMI Toyota North/South Tournament, in Stellenbosch.

Considering the quality within their ranks, their success is not surprising. They’re led by the attacking flair of captain and scrumhalf, Talent Sithole. Just behind him, Nehemia Hollenbach has been doing a good job of pulling the strings at flyhalf and has consistently helped set outside centre Lindelani Nkambule on the front foot.

The Wit Bulle haven’t had the best start to their campaign, but it’s a well-established fact that the men from Krugersdorp are never to be written off. Eager to ignite their season, the coaching staff has shuffled the midfield, with 2024’s Grant Khomo star Juandré Ehlers earning a call-up to the starting XV.

His imposing frame offers their 2025 standout, fly-half Jaydon Viljoen, another attacking weapon, while also adding a defensive punch.

Meanwhile, KES welcomes another traditional rival, Pretoria Boys High, to Johannesburg, on Saturday. The Reds have been plagued by injuries, which have led to several enforced changes. Captain Sam Bruwer shifts from the blindside to openside flanker, with Michael Bownes trading his lock jersey for the number 7 shirt.

In the backline, Ntsako Shivuri slots in at inside centre to partner with the dangerous Sky Segal, while Grant Khomo wing Joshua Wilkinson brings attacking flair to the left wing.

Although the Candies fell short against Jeppe in their season opener, they bounced back in style with a 64–16 dismantling of Parktown Boys’ High in a match that showcased not only their offensive versatility but also their defensive steel.

Inside centre Tyler Mason will provide a stern test for Shivuri’s defence while fly-half Reinier Kruger could play a decisive role in the outcome.

TEAMS

Jeppe High School for Boys vs Hoërskool Monument at 14:00 in Johannesburg

Jeppe High School for Boys: 15 Dalitso Milanzi, 14 Ndimphiwe Mjiji, 13 Lindelani Nkambule, 12 Phano Letsie, 11 Lethabo Mashao, 10 Nehemia Hollenbach, 9 Talent Sithole, 8 Mihle Dyakala, 7 Grady Ngui, 6 Kuhle Shitanglu, 5 Glodi Tshimpamba, 4 Lagan Leisher, 3 Aluwani Ndlovu, 2 Ayanda Funeka, 1 Joshua Hamman.

Monument: 15 Ewan van der Walt, 14 Jason Joubert, 13 Viandré van Loggenberg, 12 Juandré Ehlers, 11 Ruan Genis, 10 Jaydon Viljoen, 9 Evan Bernhardi, 8 Vincent Roberts, 7 Ryno van der Westhuizen, 6 Siya Ncube, 5 Dean Hartman, 4 Janco Pretorius, 3 Danie Smith, 2 Reghardt Ernst, 1 Dexter Chiyangwa.

King Edward VII School vs Pretoria Boys High at 13:45 in Johannesburg

King Edward VII School: 15 Indibabale Mboniswa, 14 Christopher White, 13 Sky Segal, 12 Ntsako Shivuri, 11 Joshua Wilkinson, 10 Andrew Jackson, 9 Regan McGurk, 8 Chinedu Amadi, 7 Michael Bownes, 6 Sam Bruwer, 5 Ashton Vreugdenburg, 4 Tyron Smith, 3 Dylan Budler, 2 Tristan Randall, 1 Kenneth Prins.

Pretoria Boys High: 15 Kwanda Mabuza, 14 Blake Mager, 13 Callum Nel, 12 Tyler Mason, 11 Neo Matlaletsa, 10 Reinier Kruger, 9 Michael Fourie, 8 Akin Akingbola, 7 Banele Mashaba, 6 Tristin Heinz, 5 Nils Pabst, 4 Queenton Mncube, 3 Shiloh Beaton, 2 Marnus Wessels, 1 Jeffrey Singo.

11:15 – Northcliff High School vs Midstream College.

The Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) is in full swing, with three weeks of football action already in the books.

As the league enters its third season, the stakes have risen significantly. This year, the GWDL has expanded to include three divisions: u13, u15, and u17. Last season, there were two: u14 and u16.

In an exclusive interview with SuperSport Schools Plus on Thursday, Mondli Dube, the GWDL Administrator, highlighted that the transformation and growth of the league are evident compared to last season.

“Teams are doing well in terms of technical skills development. There is better passing, accuracy, and creativity. Also, tactical awareness, physical development, and mental growth, a presence of team dynamics, and good sportsmanship,” Dube said.

He further expressed his satisfaction with the improvement in the standard of the GWDL. “This year the quality is too much! We have new teams, such as the SAFA Academy, Dinoko Rondebult FC, Sporting CP, Hellenic Falcons, and others,” he enthused.

The competition in the u15 and u17 leagues is intriguing, he added. “Mamelodi Sundowns have dominated the league for the past two seasons. I would be interested to see how this season ends.

“Kempton Park FC, Panorama, Tuks, Highlands Park, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), Refilwe FC, and Edenvale FC have been impressive so far, but it’s still early. The league can be taken by anyone, which makes it exciting.”

The new teams have also adjusted well to the league, Dube continued: “The performance from the SAFA Academy has been the one striking fear in everyone. Hellenic FC, Dinoko, and Sporting CP have gone all out, from their administrators to their technical staff and professionalism.

“They will blend in perfectly and grow as the league continues, in the same way that Edenvale evolved from being a small team to becoming a side not to be played with.”

One of the most exciting teams to watch during the early part of the season has been Refilwe FC, a youthful squad established in January 2024. It was, predictably, a challenging first season, but Dube commended the Refilwe FC players for their impressive efforts.

“Refilwe FC has positioned itself positively. The hard work that is happening behind the scenes is evident. They started as a small team that no one knew. Now they are trendsetters,” he reckoned.

“Refilwe FC has shown us that it’s possible. All you need is the right people: dedicated coaches, players, and, administrators.

“Last year, Refilwe FC had one player in the Cosafa u17 tournament, representing the country. This year, it might be more. Refilwe FC has managed to collaborate with a lot of big brands, such as Curro, and not only are they investing in play but also in the education of these players.

“To create equal opportunities, to build confidence and leadership, to enhance physical and mental health, to develop life skills, to build communities and role models, it’s important to invest in girls’ development programmes,” he concluded.

As the competition intensifies in the GWDL, this Sunday’s spotlight will be on the match between RESA and SAFA Academy, which will be played at President Park in Vereeniging.

SAFA Academy will be aiming to build on their strong start to the season, but they’ll be up against a determined RESA team, renowned for their tenacity, particularly on home turf, where they enjoy robust support.

In the past two seasons, RESA has established itself as one of the most dedicated, competitive, and exciting teams in the GWDL. On Sunday, their goal will be to inflict the first defeat of the season on the visitors.

At present, RESA occupies third place on the log, with seven points, just behind Refilwe FC, in second. Meanwhile, SAFA Academy, despite being new to the league, leads the way. After wins in each of their three matches, they have a maximum haul of nine points.

In other fixtures, Refilwe FC hosts Tornado FC at the Curro Hazeldean High School – School Sports Ground. Panorama FC welcomes Tuks FC to Roodepoort, while Mamelodi Sundowns will take on another newcomer, Dinoko Rondebuilt FC, at their home ground.

Balfour Park will host Highlands Park against JVW FC, while Kempton Park FC tackles Hellenic Falcons at Bonaero Park, in Kempton Park.

Kenneth FC visits the JP Bezuidenhour Stadium, in Edenvale, for a date with Edenvale FC.

u17 GWDL Fixtures

Sunday, 13 April

11:30 – RESA vs SAFA Academy, President Park, Vereeniging
11:30 – Refilwe FC vs Tornado FC, Curro Hazeldean – School Sports Ground
11:30 – Panorama vs Tuks, Panorama FC
11:30 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Dinoko Rondebuilt, University of Pretoria (Hillcrest)
11:30 – Kenneth FC vs Edenvale FC, JP Bezuidenhout Stadium, Edenvale
11:30 – Kempton Park FC vs Hellenic Falcons, Bonaero Park, Kempton Park
11:30 – JVW FC vs Highlands Park, Balfour Park, Highlands North