Die Rustenburgers verwelkom ‘n gekweste Hoërskool Menlopark op tuisbodem in Noordwes.
Die Parkies, steeds een van die moeiliker spanne om vanjaar te troef, het die vorige week teen die nuweling, Hoërskool Eldoraigne, met sewe paaltjies vasgeval.
Die span van Pretoria het nietemin positiewe tekens getoon, met sy jong kolftalent, Jan-Willem Pienaar, wat duidelik mooi op dreef is. Aanvangskolwer, Owen Louwies, sal ook op sy belowende beurt van 46 teen die Eldos wil voortbou.
Die klippie in die Pretorianers se skoen was in die boulafdeling, hoewel hul staatmaker en aanvangsbouler, Tiaan Serfontein, steeds aansienlike gevaar vir die tuisspan se toporde inhou.
Die Rusties, wat effens klippe gekou het in die streek-uitspele van die Schools SA20 in Potchefstroom, het ‘n taamlike hupstoot ontvang op die vooraand van hul eerste kragmeting in die reeks. Spoedvraat, Callie Fryer, maak sy terugkeer tot die span nadat hy Engeland o.19 op hul onlangse toer na Suid-Afrika die stryd aangesê het.
Fryer se teenwoordigheid versterk nie alleen die tuisspan se boulaanval nie, maar hy kan ook ‘n welkome bydrae lewer met die wilgerlat.
Die Volkies durf die lang pad Laeveld toe aan, om met Hoërskool Nelspruit swaarde te kruis. Die Nellies het die wenkbroue laat lig met ‘n puik boulvertoning teen die verdedigende kampioen, Hoërskool Waterkloof. Draaier, Safwaan Miller, beloof om weer hoofbrekens vir sy teenstanders te besorg op ‘n blad wat in sy guns behoort te tel.
Die Volkies sal self heelwat op hul draaier, Olefa Padi, steun. Die span van Potchefstroom het reeds ‘n paar strawwe kragmetings agter die rug, insluitende ‘n goeie oorwinning oor Northwood van KwaZulu-Natal in die onlangse Grey-krieketfees, en toon tekens van ‘n Volkie-span van ouds. In die kolfdepartement sal kaptein, Louis van Wyk, die pas met skitterbeurt wil aangee.
Een van Hoërskool Eldoraigne se grootste toetse in die reeks wag op die Klofies se André van der Walt-ovaal. Die feesvieringe by die Eldos na verlede week se sege sou van korte duur gewees het, met die oog op hierdie week se uitdaging. Die span van Centurion se boulers gaan verál in die spervuur wees, met die Klofie-kaptein, Riley Miller, wat reeds vroeg vanjaar sy voete begin vind het.
Die Eldos se aanvangskolwers, Ryno Mulder en Kyle de Bruyn, sal dit verwelkom om op ‘n kolfvriendelike blad sake met die topspan in Pretoria uit te spook. Albei spog reeds met indrukwekkende 50-talle, wat ‘n groot aandeel in hul span se sege oor die Parkies gehad het. Die grootste vangs in die Eldo’s se dam sal egter dié van die gevaarlike Benyael Morkel wees.
Die stryd tussen bogenoemde trio en die Klofies se twee gevaarlike naatboulers, Jaco van der Walt en Jaydon Bloem, beloof om een van die hoogtepunte van die naweek te wees.
Bepalings:
Week Twee: Hoërskool Rustenburg t. Menlopark
Hoërskool Nelspruit t. Potchefstroom Volkskool
Waterkloof t. Eldoraigne
Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu represented the Junior Springboks in 2022.
The Junior Springbok season will kick off in earnest on 26 January, with a big group of players being invited to the first SA Rugby u20 Academy camp of 2025, to be held at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) until 16 February.
The u20 assembly follows two successful u19 camps, which were held at the same venue towards the end of last year.
Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote and his coaching staff worked with a group of 48 players at the SAS in November and December, with the camps laying the foundation for the identification and preparation of the next generation of Junior Boks.
A series of training matches, including two against local university opposition, are in the pipeline to assist the u20 Academy group in their preparations for a busy international programme. The Junior Springboks will be selected from the wider Academy squad.
This year, the Junior Boks will compete in the second instalment of the Sanzaar-organised U20 Rugby Championship for southern hemisphere teams in May. That will be followed by the World Rugby U20 Championship, which will be played in June and July.
A short trip to Georgia, as part of the build-up towards the two international events, is also in the pipeline for next month. It will be confirmed once all arrangements have been finalised.
Turning his attention to the U20 Academy camp, Foote explained that the group will hit the ground running with a full programme of technical, tactical, and fitness training planned for week one.
“Last year’s two camps were very useful and productive, and we focussed a lot on putting the fundamentals in place of what we expect from the players,” Foote said.
“We are excited to get the group together again and are looking forward to the camp. This will also give us an opportunity to work with players who were not present during the two training camps held late last year.”
Foote added that the year is still in its infancy and the passage to the World Rugby Under20 Championship, to be staged in the middle of the year, is not closed to players who have, up until now, not formed part of the training squads.
“It’s an exciting time for players, and they know that a huge amount of preparation work lies ahead for what promises to be a busy season for us,” he said. “We will be targeting the set-piece and our kicking game in the first block, which is the DNA of South African rugby.”
SA Rugby U20 Academy squad for the first camp in Stellenbosch
Props: Ranon Fouché (Vodacom Bulls), Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Simphiwe Ngobese (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Herman Lubbe (DHL WP), Oliver Reid (DHL WP), Tebogo Nkosi (Toyota Cheetahs), Ulrich van der Merwe (Fidelity ADT Lions).
Opening batsman Alex Pitman played a gem of an innings for Hilton College in the final of the Schools SA20 against Northwood. The Knights won, however, and Pitman will be keen to reverse that result on the Robin Smith Oval on Saturday. Photo: Brad Morgan.
Northwood vs Hilton College
High-flying NorthwoodSchool hosts Hilton College on the Robin Smith Oval in Durban on Saturday and they’ll be eager to again lock horns with the team they narrowly beat in a round-robin game and the final of the KZN Schools SA20 in Pietermaritzburg last Friday.
The Knights followed up on their success in the Schools SA20 with an impressive eight-wicket victory over a more than useful Durban High School (DHS) side at the Crusaders Club on Saturday. Their confidence is high and they’re playing good complementary cricket.
Their top order has been in consistent form, with David de Bruyn, Ross McGlashan, Tuswa Phetha, and captain Kyle White all getting among the runs in their win over DHS. Their bowling attack, with seamer Jamie Wimble, off-spinner Ben Cilliers, and left-arm spinner Jordan Matthews to the fore, has been balanced and backed up by good fielding.
Hilton’s batting imploded against Glenwood on Saturday after the disappointment of their loss to Northwood in Friday’s final. They have a talented line-up, though, spearheaded by opening batsmen, Ben Hockly and Alex Pitman, who have the ability to dominate any bowling attack, as Northwood found out in the Schools SA20 final, but they’ll need to play themselves in to be successful on Saturday. That was the key to the Knights’ win over DHS.
Hilton possesses a nice variety in their bowling attack, including three good spinners – Luke Campbell, David Hill, and Simon Steyn – who should enjoy the Robin Smith Oval pitch. It offers a fairer contest between bat and ball than most wickets.
Clifton’s pre-season was limited to two matches at the iHlobo Festival, but they won one and drew the other. Before the festival, they also convincingly defeated St John’s College (Harare). Photo: Brad Morgan.
Clifton College vs Westville Boys’ High
At the nearby Riverside Sports Club, Clifton College hosts Westville Boys’ High.
The visitors performed superbly at the Paarl Boys’ High Cricket Festival, scoring three wins and were within one wicket of a fourth, with plenty of runs in hand, in their other match when it ended. However, they went down at Maritzburg College on Saturday, suffering their first loss of the season.
Clifton has won three and drawn one thus far, including a gritty four-wicket win at St Charles College in their most recent outing. Led by Tim Saulez, they’re an experienced team, having lost only two players from last year’s successful side.
Coach Robbie Frylinck‘s boys are tough because they’re one of those sides that is worth more than the sum of their parts; they bat all the way down the order and their batting innings is only over when it’s over. Contributions could come from anywhere, although Saulez has been Clifton’s batting standout in the early part of the season.
They also boast a useful, disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by attacking leg-spinner Shiraz Perumal. He always challenges batsmen and doesn’t need to rely on them to make an error. He bowls wicket-taking deliveries.
Westville’s batting misfired against College, but their top-order batsmen have all scored good runs for The Griffinin the past. They’re capable of putting together big totals.
Much could depend on the upper to middle order of Sean and Kyle McGough, Seth Simpson, and Tristan Delvin, who made an unbeaten 52 against College. Critically, though, a good opening partnership between Bhaskar Sewlal and Ewan du Toit would make everyone’s job easier.
Goldstone’s has been tough on batsmen in the early part of 2025, though, so Westville should enjoy the Riverside conditions more.
Ewan du Toit was the pick of their bowlers against College, snapping up four wickets while limiting the Red, Black, and Whiteto only 1.6 runs per over. Not that long ago, in November 2024, he snared 5/19 in a win over Northwood to prove that he can be a match-winner.
When it comes to pace, though, SA Colts‘ fast bowler Dayalan Boyce will challenge Clifton’s batsmen.
There’s experience in the Westville lineup. Like Clifton, they need to tap into it.
Kearsney College vs Durban High School (DHS)
Blessed with a silky-smooth bowling action, Litha Gonya is a dangerman for Kearsney College. Photo: Brad Morgan.
In Botha’s Hill, Kearsney College welcomes Durban High School to the AH Smith Oval.
Having lost more than a handful of top performers from their excellent 1st XI of 2024, Kearsney is going through something of a rebuild. Thus far, early in the season, inconsistent batting has been a challenge.
Then again, they have players who made good runs for the 1st XI last year, including Jason De Gryse, Jonty Wiggett, Aaron Blackburn, and Cole Young. What’s different now is they don’t have the luxury of the dependable performers that they had last year to partner with them.
On the bowling front, their opening pair, Litha Gonya and Michael Groom, offer a solid left-right, one-two punch. They’ll need it against DHS.
Schoolplayed their first match of the season last weekend against Northwood. All four of their iHlobo Festival games were rained out and that made a difference against a well-prepared unit.
They’re blessed with top players, though. Joshua van Biljon will be the key wicket for Kearsney. Playing for the Coastal Conquerors at the Cubs Week, included among his four innings, were 50 against the Western Legends, in the first meeting of the sides, and 89 the second time they met for third place.
Opener Ismaeel Omar missed out against Northwood, but he was a consistent run producer last year, while Taine Haverman offers DHS a talent-laden combination of batting and bowling.
A seamer, he’ll be a key bowler for School with the new ball, while left-arm spinner Dhilan Naraidu is another player capable of laying waste to a batting lineup. The big question is whether or not speedster and SA u19 Emerging paceman Bayanda Majola will be able to bowl. He didn’t in the defeat at Northwood.
DHS is a tough outfit. They don’t give much away, and they’re prepared to graft for their runs. What they need now is match practice.
Maritzburg College vs Glenwood High School
Heading further inland, Maritzburg College welcomes Glenwood to Goldstone’s. The teams recently met in the Schools SA20. College, after limiting the Green Machine to only 85/8 in their 20 overs, thought they were in for an easy victory. It wasn’t. The home team found themselves in trouble on 18/4 in the fifth over before going on to a five-wicket win with three overs to spare.
Glenwood’s downfall on that occasion was their batting and that has been their Achilles heel thus far. They showed, though, in a fighting draw with Hoërskool Menlopark at the Grey College Cricket Festival, which ended with Glenwood on 275/9 in their second innings, that they are capable of compiling big innings.
Skittling Hilton College for less than 50 on Dixon’s Field removed any questions about their batting from the equation, last weekend, however. Top-order batsmen – Karabo Ntsieng, Krian Jugoo, Kressan Pillai – all made runs last year, but they’re still trying to find their groove in 2025.
Maritzburg College’s bowlers steered them to a win over Glenwood in the Schools SA20 on Goldstone’s. College will be trying for another win over the Green Machine on Saturday in Pietermaritzburg. Photo: Brad Morgan.
Like Glenwood, College’s strength thus far this season has been their bowling. They have some tall bowlers, too, which has helped them generate good bounce on Goldstone’s and brought them wicket-taking success.
Against Westville, it was Karl Dedekind who did the damage, capturing 6/48, but telling contributions have come from many sources. Samuel Hughes and Reece Willson, with the new ball, have enjoyed success. Sphamandla Dzanibe has, also, had his moments, with Daniel Nadasan, Nathan Pembridge, and Dom du Toit contributing, too.
Coach Robbie Coutts will be eager to see more from his batsmen. Nadasan, opening the batting, is a key player. He’s a run accumulator and the more time he spends out in the middle the more he will hurt College’s opposition.
Karl Dedekind has played some good innings, while Luan van der Merwe looks like he’s ready to make a splash, but College needs to turn potential into performance.
Michaelhouse vs St Charles College
In the weekend’s remaining match, Michaelhouse welcomes St Charles College to the Roy Gathorne Oval.
‘House won at Kearsney College last weekend. They put up a middling performance with the bat, with their top-order being held in check. However, their opening bowlers, Thandanani Zuma and Luke Mitchell, with useful assistance from Jean-Luc Rey, bowled them to victory.
It’s been a theme, really, and Michaelhouse, like some others, will be seeking more from their batsmen. They didn’t do well on Saturday, but Ben Heuer, Ethan Muir, and Graydon Leslie performed solidly last year, while Kian and Michael Blignaut should bolster the top five nicely.
At the end of 2024, Saintsbade farewell to some key performers, including Tuskers‘ Khaya Majola players, Cian Fortmann and Marcell Wellmann, and Zimbabwean international, Brendon Sunguro. Finding a way to replace their production is a massive challenge. All three delivered with both bat and ball.
Last weekend, at least, Rico Honiball (44) and Caleb Sharp (50) were among the runs in a loss to Clifton.
Rowen Rajah leads the Saints’ bowling attack. He’s quick and represented SAu19 Emerging against Zimbabwe last year. If Connor Vogt can overcome his injury issues, he could provide St Charles with a big boost.
Another player to keep an eye on is Kaiyuran Naidoo. In December, he shone for the Tuskers at the CSA u16 National Week, taking 4/16 in a win over the Dolphins, and 3/24 in a loss to Western Province.
Fixtures
Northwood vs Hilton College
Clifton vs Westville
Kearsney College vs DHS
Maritzburg College vs Glenwood
Michaelhouse vs St Charles
Xavier Coetzee playing his favoured off-drive in one of his numerous successful innings during 2024. Photo: DG Sports Fotos
In 2024, Hoërskool Hans Moore‘s talented top-order batsman, Xavier Coetzee was at his best in a memorable year for the boys from Benoni.
Astonishingly, it was, also, the first year that Coetzee earned a call-up to an Easterns’ side, deservedly claiming a spot in the union’s Khaya Majola team.
He was a can’t-leave-out inclusion after a highly successful season during which the grade 11 learner scored over 1 500 runs, which included an outstanding double-century against Hoërskool Rustenburg on Potchefstroom Volkskool’s Oval at the annual Potchefstroom Gimnasium Cricket Festival.
His cricket journey started at the tender age of five. Unlike many others, Coetzee immediately recognised cricket as his first love and he decided to seriously pursue the game.
With the support of his parents, whom he credits as the biggest reasons behind his recent successes, he made encouraging strides.
“My parents have always been very supportive,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus. “They were always willing to make sacrifices to make sure I could fit in loads of practice in their already busy schedule to give me the best chance to succeed.”
Along with his parents, he named his academy coach, Tennant Watson, and his school coach, Paul Amorin, as important influences. They, in turn, offered up high praise for Coetzee.
Amorin, without hesitation, described Coetzee as having a Jack Russell mindset. “His mental strength during the last couple of years has been on another level. His never-say-die and free-spirited attitude allows him to cope under pressure,” he explained.
Warren Minnaar (left) and Xavier Coetzee (right) during their match-winning partnership against Hoërskool Menlopark in the Fain Noordvaal Semi-Final. PHOTO: Frans Lombard
Watson, who’s been working with Coetzee the longest, summarised his charge’s game perfectly. “His work ethic at training is something to behold. That carries through to his on-field performances.
“He’s a 360-degree type of player, which allows him to score all around the ground, and the fact that he hits the ball so sweetly keeps his strike rate right up there.”
Interestingly, his double-century is not Coetzee’s favourite memory. Instead, it comes from the Fain Noodvaal semi-final between Hans Moore and Hoërskool Menlopark in November 2024.
Playing away, in Pretoria, he and Warren Minnaar spearheaded Moories to a historic victory, which propelled them into the final of the competition. A week later, Hans Moore was crowned the Fain Noordvaal champion for the first time in the school’s history..
“That has to be my favourite memory,” he shared, “and knocking a side like Menlo out as the underdogs just left a very sweet taste in my mouth.”
His dream is to go all the way and play professional cricket. “I want to make it as a pro, not for the fame nor the money, but just to see the elation on their [his parent’s] faces, knowing that all their hard work and sacrifices were worth it,” Coetzee concluded. That comment demonstrated his humility and the hunger that drives him to make it to the next level.
An exciting 2025 lies ahead for Coetzee. He has his eyes set on another Khaya Majola Week and, perhaps, topping his 2024 performances. His hot bat will, no doubt, deliver loads of entertainment for Hans Moore and cricket fans alike.
Noordheuwel’s Gomolemo Sibi. Photo: Donald Dinake.
St John’s College, Helpmekaar, and Noordheuwel registered victories on Wednesday as the race for the 2024/25 Johnny Waite Trophy intensified.
The tournament is hurtling towards the knockout stages with most of the sides in the round-robin phase left with only two matches before the quarterfinals.
Anrich Liebenberg’s brilliant half-century lifted Helpmekaar to 147/7 and was pivotal in his side’s two-run win over St Stithians College in a thriller.
Saintsput together a commendable run pursuit, but came up just short, finishing on 145/4.
Liebenberg was at the crease for 8.1 overs for his vital 59 off 32 deliveries, during which he clubbed seven fours and three sixes to set his side up for victory.
The opener shared partnerships worth 28 and 48 respectively with Kyle Swanepoel (2) and Zuan Joubert (20). Especially with Swanepoel, Liebenberg faced the lion’s share of deliveries and contributed the majority of the runs.
After four overs, Liebenberg was on 22 from 15. When Swanepoel was dismissed at the start of the fifth over, it seemed as if a switch had been flicked for Liebenberg. He blasted 28 runs off the next nine deliveries to race to a 21-ball half-century. After he departed, Helpmekaar struggled to maintain the momentum. Kevin Oliver (14), Juandré Verwey (15), and Anthony Stone (17*) reached double figures but none exited the teens.
In reply, Liam Mudenda struck a valiant 70 off 42. However, his half-century was not enough to secure a win for St Stithians. Like his opposite number, Liebenberg, Mudenda scored most of the runs in Saints’ opening partnership. Then, he followed it up with a good second wicket stand with Thomas Collins (34*). St Stithians, though, needed Mudenda to bat through their innings because he was the only one scoring at a brisk rate.
Darshik Lutchman (36) top-scored for St John’s College for a second time in succession to help them secure a 43-run home win over Parktown Boys’ High. He joined hands with James Yuill (34) for a 48-run opening stand that set the hosts up for a score of 152/8. That total proved to be too much for Parktown, who mustered only 109/6 in response.
Lutchman and Yuill were the only St John’s batsmen to go past the 30-run mark. Alec Loveland came close with a 22-ball 28, while Malan du Plessis chipped in with 16 off 14. Merrick Schwartz’s three wickets for 23 runs from four overs for Parktown was not enough to prevent coach Bongani Ntini‘s charges from batting at over 7.5 runs an over.
Ethan Robinson, Malan du Plessis, and Rohan Bray, then, claimed wickets at regular intervals and finished with a brace of wickets each to stop Parktown from finding a foothold in the contest. Their efforts meant that Khanyisa Kraai lacked support in the run chase. The wicketkeeper scored a valiant 53 off 38, in vain.
Playing at home, Steyn City won the toss and opted to put Noordheuwel in to bat first and that decision delivered early dividends as Noordheuwel scored slowly. Openers Marius Penning (14) and Ethan Smith (26) went at moderate strike rates of less than 100.
Matters took an upward trajectory, though, when Corné Botha and Brandon Pieters arrived at the crease. Botha struck a 16-ball 20 and Pieters weighed in with 25 off 21.
Their efforts helped Noordheuwel tally 110/6. That proved to be more than enough for Nories, who restricted Steyn City to only 74/8 to run out the convincing winners by 36 runs.
Steyn City made a positive start to their innings. Their top three batsmen, Murray Leith (28), Matthew Little–Barbour (12), and Sachin Sunker (13) reached double figures. However, after they were removed, no one bettered seven runs, thanks to a disciplined bowling and fielding performance from Noordheuwel.
Sage Pretorius led their attack with two wickets for seven runs in three overs. Gomolemo Sibi and Corné Olivier also picked up two each very cheaply.
Scorecard
Helpmekaar 147/7 (Anrich Liebenberg 59, Zuan Joubert 20, Nicholas Bayly 2/19, Akhil Challa 1/12). St Stithians 145/4 (Liam Mudenda 70, Thomas Collins 34*, Jandre Verwey 2/32, Anrich Liebenberg 1/8). Helpmekaar won by two runs.
St John’s 152/8 (Darshik Lutchman 36, James Yuill 34, Merrick Schwartz 3/23, Abhay Patel 1/29). Parktown 109/6 (Khanyisa Kraai 53, Hlasi Mqingwana 18, Ethan Robinson 2/12, Malan du Plessis 2/17). St John’s won by 43 runs.
Noordheuwel 110/6 (Etan Smith 26, Brandon Pieters 25, Daniel Thomlinson 2/15, Austin van Jaarsveld 2/22) Steyn City 74/8 (Murray Leith 28, Sachin Sunker 13, Sage Pretorius 2/7, Gomolemo Sibi 2/12). Noordheuwel won by 36 runs.
When Clifton College‘s Director of Water Polo, Paul Martin, chose to move to Hilton College after 10 very successful years at the Durban school, Clifton knew there were not many coaches of Martin’s quality who could replace him as the head of their impressive water polo programme. So, they reached beyond South Africa’s borders to find his replacement.
Pierre le Roux, who represented the South African men’s water polo team for two decades as a player, is a highly regarded coach, who had spent the last two years in New Zealand, and when he was presented with an opportunity to take charge of one of South Africa’s leading water polo-playing schools, it was too tempting an opportunity to turn it down. He brings with him vast experience of water polo in South African schools and a very successful record.
As a schoolboy, Le Roux learnt the game from Vladimir Trininic at St John’s College and, immediately after finishing school, began coaching at the school under Trininic, who has built up a remarkable family tree of coaches.
Ahead of the St Andrew’s College (SAC) Shield, which gets underway on Thursday, Le Roux said: “He has a lot of coaches there. Off the top of my head, Jon-Marc [De Carvalho], the head coach of St John’s is there, Etienne le Roux, my brother, who is with Rondebosch, and Michael Stewart [coach of St Stithians] was coached by him at OG Eagles.
“Vlado can be very proud of what he has produced in the calibre of players and coaches over the years.”
Le Roux’s coaching journey included 10 years at St John’s, another of South Africa’s premier water polo-playing schools, a short stint at Reddam House Constantia, which was followed by seven years at St Stithians Girls’ College, where he produced multiple teams that were the best in the country. From there, he moved to Kearsney College, where he coached many of the players that helped the Botha’s Hill school win the Reef Cup, KZN Top 10, and St Stithians Invitational titles last year. After that, he spent two years at Hamilton Boys’ High, in New Zealand, which is home to 2 500 boys.
Pierre le Roux’s last stop in South Africa before heading to New Zealand was at Kearsney College. Ironically, Kearsney will be one of Clifton’s toughest opponents in 2025. Photo: supplied.
He has coached provincial teams from the u13 to the u19 age group. Going over his record, Le Roux recalled: “I’ve won IPT titles with the Gauteng u19 girls. I’ve won with the KZN u16 boys, I’ve won with the Gauteng u15 boys and the u15 girls, as well.
“There are a whole lot of silver medals that I don’t like to talk about,” he said with a laugh. “I think I went for five years in a row losing in the final, so that was a bit heart-breaking. But it builds character, and it is good to be in those situations.”
Much like Trininic tapped into St John’s alumni to coach and boost that school’s programme, Le Roux will follow that successful model at Clifton.
He arrived back in South Africa earlier this month and feels Clifton water polo is in a good place because of the high-quality coaches at the school. “The junior programme seems to be strong,” he said. “It comes down to the coaching we have in the Prep school, where Shaun Ferreira is doing a fantastic job.
“Then, Todd Howard, who is a current Springbok, is coaching the u14s. Again, something that I try to encourage is if you are a Clifton Old Boy, and you are still playing, get involved. Mitch Slade, a former Clifton boy [who made SA Schools in 2023] is also back and coaching.”
Given the long move he had to make from New Zealand, Le Roux hasn’t had the luxury to properly prepare his side for the forthcoming season, and it’s going to take him some time to get to know his players.
Looking ahead to the SAC Shield, and its outstanding field of competitors, he said: “The boys’ programme [at Clifton] has been very competitive over the last few years. There will be an expectation of Clifton to do well, I think.
“But I am also a realist. I landed in South Africa 14 days ago, so my traditional pre-season approach to training has not happened. I know that my guys are maybe not as conditioned as they should be, but we have worked hard the last 10 days or so.
“I said to the boys, we have to be realistic about our expectations. We are going there with a slightly younger side, but a side that is reasonably fit and reasonably strong. We’ll take every game as it comes.
“It will be a good indication of where we are compared to the top 10 national teams, and it gives us six weeks to prepare for the KES tournament, to try and close the gaps, to maybe become a little fitter, a bit stronger, and develop our game-plan a little bit.
Mitchell Slade, the captain of Clifton College in 2023 and an SA Schools’ player, is one of a number of Old Boys who are part of the school’s coaching set-up. Photo: Brad Morgan.
Le Roux will, also, use the SAC Shield as an opportunity to assess his players under tournament pressure, to get a feel for the character of the individuals when the chips are down.
“Usually, you have three or four years with a player, during which you can identify the character and the nature of the boy, so you know how to treat them, how to talk to them, how to motivate them. You have to try to protect them in those situations. That comes with time,” he said.
On Tuesday, in a final warm-up for the SAC Shield, Clifton edged out Westville Boys’ High, who will also be in action in Makhanda, and a team they will face on the opening day, 9-8.
Being asked to take charge at Clifton presents him with a unique opportunity, Le Roux added, especially because when the College was founded, it chose to focus on water polo, which laid the foundation for its success in the sport. Clifton has, of course, grown, and boys are now heavily involved in many other sports, with most of them playing multiple sports, because Clifton usually competes with larger schools, but the tradition of water polo excellence remains.
Knowing that Clifton is prepared to keep investing in the sport was a strong selling point, Le Roux said, when he was approached about the job: “For any coach, that’s what you want from your employer. You want to know that you’ve got the backing of the school, that they’re willing to overcome the hurdles that we will, inevitably, face.”
Despite his record of winning, Clifton’s new man in charge insists he values other things more than that. He explained: You’re dealing with young men that are socially active. They want to go out, they don’t want to miss out on that aspect. You want to encourage them to have a balanced lifestyle, and that is something that I have always preached to my athletes.
“It’s a three-pronged approach. You have to commit to your sport, if that is what you want to do, but you have to find time to socialise, unwind, and build relationships. You have to, firstly, focus on your academics.
“You’re a student-athlete until you sign a professional contract. Not many guys end up being a Cristiano Ronaldo. Your academics are still the most important thing and then finding the balance elsewhere.”
Pierre le Roux’s seven years at St Stithians Girls’ College brought the school plenty of silverware. Photo: supplied.
Le Roux’s ambitions extend beyond leading Clifton to success. He wants to see KwaZulu-Natal’s and South Africa’s water polo succeed. One of the ways to make that happen is to reintroduce a national programme and Clifton, with its superb Clifton Aquatic Centre, has the facilities to support those endeavours.
He said: “I’ve already spoken with our Headmaster and our Head of Sport about bringing our national programmes here, with the boarding house offering athlete packages where they can come here for five days, stay here, eat here, and use the gym, and the pool.
“Our national programme desperately needs involvement from the schools, to offer these things for them, an opportunity for them to train, especially at facilities like this. It’s very present in my head, trying to get that active and get it going.”
Something that is, perhaps, of even greater importance to Le Roux is growing the game at club and university level. “In water polo in South Africa, our biggest problem is not maladministration and Swimming South Africa, it’s the retention of players after school,” he explained.
“If you go to the IPTs, you’ve got well over a thousand athletes playing, but if [at tertiary level] you go to a South African Student Sports Union (SASSU) tournament, you’re lucky if you have two competent teams. We’re losing too many matrics, who are not continuing afterwards. That’s where our club structures and our university leagues are failing us.”
Teaching players to love the game, while helping them to find a balance in life, and not overworking them in their school years can help turn the tide, he said.
He’ll work hard to guide players with international ambitions, but, he added: “There are also boys, the bulk of them, who just want to play for fun. They want to be social. They want to enjoy it. They want to go on tours. It is not about winning at all costs. It’s about being there with your mates and building good memories.
“My best memories are still my tours with my friends at school. Those are lasting friendships that I have made. After a 20-year international career, my best memories are still my school ones.”
He hopes that the boys under his guidance will one day be able to say the same thing.
Kayla Reyneke , the captain of South Africa, celebrates the fall of a wicket with her teammates during the ICC u19 Women’s T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Nigeria at Borneo Cricket Ground on 22 January 2025 in Sarawak, Malaysia. Photo: Isuru Sameera Peiris/Gallo Images.
South Africa u19 Women are through to the Super Six stage of the ICC u19 Women’s T20 World Cup following a resounding victory against Nigeria u19 Women in their final group stage encounter in Sarawak, Malaysia, on Tuesday.
The match was reduced to only eight overs per side after rain interrupted play. Under pressure, South Africa delivered a composed performance, scoring 49 runs in their allotted overs, with Simoné Lourens contributing a crucial 25 off 29 balls.
Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 65, Nigeria struggled to find their footing against a disciplined South African bowling attack.
The Junior Proteas restricted Nigeria to 24/8 to claim a comfortable 41-run victory. The win also maintained their unbeaten record and secured SA the top spot in Group C.
Player of the match, Seshnie Naidu(2/1 in one over), shared her thoughts on the World Cup: “I’ve been enjoying every minute of this tournament, and this experience has been so amazing.
“I know exactly what my goals are for this World Cup, and my eyes are set on winning the trophy with my team and management.”
South Africa will face USA u19 Women and Ireland u19 Women as the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup continues.
South Africa U19 Women Squad: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 (18 January – 02 February)
Kayla Reyneke (Captain, Western Province), Jemma Botha (Western Province), Fay Cowling (Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Titans), Simoné Lourens (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Free State), Diara Ramlakan (Lions), Diedré van Rensburg (North West Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans).
SA u19 Women Fixtures: ICC u19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 (18 January – 02 February)
Saturday, 18 January @ 08h30 SAST – 1st Match: New Zealand vs South Africa u19 (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by 22 runs (DLS Method).
Monday, 20 January @ 08h30 SAST – 2nd Match: South Africa u19 vs Samoa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by 10 wickets.
Wednesday, 22 January @ 08h30 SAST – 3rd Match: South Africa u19 vs Nigeria (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by 41 runs (DLS Method).
Super Six Stage
Saturday, 25 January – 08:30 SAST- South Africa u19 vs Ireland (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
Tuesday, 28 January -04:30 SAST- South Africa u19 vs USA (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
Friday, 31 January – 04:30 SAST – 1st Semi-final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
Friday, 31 January – 08:30 SAST – 2nd Semi-final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
Sunday, 02 February – 08:30 SAST – Final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
Kingswood College 1st Team Water Polo goalie Julia Hough blocks a shot from Woodridge in 2024. Photo: Jackie Clausen.
“Spectators can expect high intensity and action-packed early season rivalries in the pool.”
That was the promise from Kyle Kumm, the organiser of the 2025 edition of the Brian Baker Water Polo Tournament, which will be played at Kingswood College, in Makhanda, from 23 to 26 January.
The tournament is in its 14th year and is named after Brian Baker, a passionate educationalist and a deep lover of sport to whom much of the success of girls’ water polo in South Africa is attributed. Baker was a fierce competitor who also believed that sport offered valuable life lessons to competitors and everyone around them.
“We continue to hold these beliefs close to our hearts and hope that our 2025 tournament will foster lifelong friendships, grit, determination, and a genuine love for water polo,” Leon Grové, the Kingswood College Head, stated in a press release.
Kumm, the tournament organiser, shares those sentiments. “We encourage teams to play hard, play fair, and enjoy the excitement that comes with participating in a tournament,” he said.
Kumm also coaches the Kingswood first team, so, because of his coaching commitments, he will relinquish control of the organising to the highly respected Ian Melliar.
The early season showdown offers an opportunity for teams to assess themselves and to improve on their performances from last year, while the dominant outfits will be keen to carry on from where they left off before the holidays.
Herschel, the defending champion, will be one of the 20 teams battling for supremacy at the showpiece.
In 2024, Alex Hawkins’ side overcame Reddam House Constantia 14-11 in a thrilling final. They will begin their title defence with a Pool C showdown against DSG Makhanda. They’ll also face Collegiate Girls’ High School, Hudson Park, and St Mary’s Waverley in the group phase of the event.
While Herschel went on to add the Old Petrians‘ title to their list of achievements, last year’s runners-up, Reddam House Constantia, enjoyed success later in the year, beating Herschel to win the Mackenzie Cupin home waters, and they also won the St Anne’s Water Polo Tournamentagainst a high-quality field in KZN. They gave Herschel a good run for their money in the 2024 title game, and it was only in the last chukka that their Cape Town rivals pulled clear.
Reddam will be aiming to go a step further at Kingswood this time around. They’re in Pool B, where they will compete against Durban Girls’ College (DGC), Glenwood House, Pearson, and Reddam House Bedfordview. DGC claimed the National Aquatics Festival honours in early 2024, while Reddam House Bedfordview lifted the Roedean Prestige Cupin October.
Perennial favourites, Roedean, finished in third place last year and closed off the tournament with a 14-7 victory over Clarendon. They will, also, be aiming to go all the way in 2025 after winning the St Stithians Invitational at the end of October. They are in Pool D with the hosts, Kingswood, Alexander Road, St Anne’s, and Stirling. The KZN girls, runners-up in their own St Anne’s Water Polo Tournament, will likely prove to be Roedean’s toughest group-stage opponents.
Pool A should be very competitive and it would be no surprise if one, two, or even three teams from the group challenge for the title.
Last year’s fourth-place finishers, Clarendon, take on Rhenish, St Dominic’s, St Stithians, and Woodridge. St Stithians, especially, has a proven record of excellence and will be one of the teams to watch out for. They, together with St Domonic’s and Rhenish, completed last year’s Brian Baker tournament with a victory. Woodridge found the going tougher, but they’ll be keen to improve on last year’s performances despite a very tough Pool D lineup.
The first whistles will sound at 12:00 on Thursday, when Roedean takes on Kingswood at Kingswood, while DSG Makhanda locks horns with Collegiate at DSG Makhanda.
Day one fixtures
12:00: Roedean vs Kingswood, DSG Makhanda vs Collegiate 12:50: Reddam Bedfordview vs DGC, St Dominic’s vs Woodridge 13:40: Pearson vs Glenwood, St Mary’s vs Hudson 14:30: Roedean vs Alexander Road, St Stithians vs Rhenish 15:20: St Anne’s vs Stirling, Clarendon vs Woodridge 16:10: Reddam Bedfordview vs Pearson, St Mary’s vs Collegiate 17:00: Herschel vs DSG, Reddam House Constantia vs DGC 17:50: Kingswood vs Stirling
St Andrew’s captain, Coel Trollip, will be aiming to lead his team to glory in home waters at the SAC Shield.
(Please note Thursday fixtures were amended on Thursday morning, see below)
Residents in Makhanda, in the Eastern Cape, can expect a buzz of activity, churning water, and loud cheers with two major water polo tournaments grabbing the spotlight in the town this weekend.
The action will happen thick and fast at the annual St Andrew’s College (SAC) Shield, while nearby Kingswood College welcomes some of the top girls’ teams from across South Africa for the Brian Baker Tournament.
Last year’s finalists, SACS and Bishops, have been drawn in Pool A along with St Andrew’s College, St Stithians College, and the KwaZulu-Natal duo of Westville Boys’ High and Clifton College.
SACS and Bishops, led by coaches Devon Card and Jabulani Sibiya, will be among the favourites to go all the way.
Bishops have made a bright start to their season and impressed in Tuesday’s opening round of the SACS Nite Series. Sibiya’s charges, meanwhile, handily defeated Wynberg Boys’ High 15-6, but SACS suffered an early blow, slipping to a narrow 7-8 defeat to Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG).
The hosts, St Andrew’s College, are buzzing heading into the SAC Shield. Understandably so. Under the guidance of head coach Grant Mackenzie, the Makhanda boys got their season off to a cracking start last week. They thumped Kingswood College 11-1, Pearson High 9-1, and Woodridge College 8-1 in games Mackenzie said, “provided excellent preparation” for the tournament.
Westville Boys’ High and Clifton College will also be out to stake a claim in Makhanda. Clifton has begun life under new head coach Pierre le Roux, who returned from New Zealand to take over from Paul Martin, who has joined Hilton College.
Le Roux, who has been back in South Africa for only two weeks, watched his team coast to an emphatic 24-2 win over St Charles College on the weekend. Westville, meanwhile, won 15-8 at Maritzburg College.
The other Pool A side is Stithians College, one of the dark horse title contenders. Coach Michael Stewart’s boys finished ninth last year and they’ll have their sights set far higher this time around. They’re unpredictable and could spring a few surprises.
Pool A is stacked with quality fixtures and teams. So, too, is Pool B.
Rondebosch forward Jack Robinson (Cap: 11) will pose a serious threat to ‘Bosch’s opponents in Makhanda. Photo: MBL Sports Photography
St John’s College, who finished third in 2024, will be gunning for the top spot in 2025. Coached by the experienced Vlad Trninic, they defeated Jeppe High School for Boys 12-5 in their season opener last weekend.
St John’s will battle it out in Pool B with Rondebosch Boys’ High, Paul Roos, Grey High, Selborne College, and Hilton College.
Both Rondebosch and PRG had their confidence boost after wins in the SACS Nite Series over Reddam House Constantia and SACS respectively.
As previously mentioned, Hilton College has a new coach, Paul Martin. He’s a top coach and over the previous decade compiled an outstanding record at Clifton.
His first match in charge, on Saturday, resulted in a big 15-1 win over Glenwood High School, so Hilton, with some key performers from last year’s lineup returning, should fancy their chances in Makhanda.
Grey High and Selborne College complete the group, and they will want to make a statement playing in their home province. At last year’s Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament, Buffalo City‘s u19 side, made up solely of players from Selborne, finished an admirable fourth.
The first match of the tournament features St Andrew’s College against Westville Boys’ High at 07:30.
Previous winners
2024 – SACS
2023 – Paul Roos Gimnasium
2022 – Bishops Diocesan College
2021 – St Andrew’s College
2020 – Bishops Diocesan College
2019 – SACS
Groups
Pool A: St Andrew’s College, Westville Boys’ High, SACS, St Stithians College, Bishops, Clifton College. Pool B: Rondebosch Boys’ High, Selborne College, Paul Roos Gimnasium, Grey High School, Hilton College, St John’s College.
Fixtures
Thursday, 23 January
Pool A
07:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Westville Boys’ High; 08:20 – Clifton College vs Bishops Diocesan College; 10:50 – Bishops Diocesan College vs St Stithians College; 11:40 – Westville Boys’ High vs Clifton College; 12:30 – SACS vs St Andrew’s College; 15:00 – St Andrew’s College vs St Stithians College; 17:30 St Stithians College vs SACS
Pool B
09:10 – Hilton College vs Rondebosch Boys’ High; 10:00 – Selborne College vs St John’s College; 13:20 – Grey High School vs Hilton College; 14:10 – Paul Roos vs Selborne College; 15:50 – St John’s College vs Grey High School; 16:40 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Paul Roos
Friday, 24 January
Pool A
09:30 – SACS vs Westville Boys’ High; 10:20 – St Andrew’s College vs Bishops Diocesan College; 11:10 – Clifton College vs Stithians College; 14:30 – Westville Boys’ High vs Stithians College; 15:20 – Clifton College vs St Andrew’s College; 16:10 – Bishops Diocesan College vs SACS.
Pool B
07:00 – Hilton College vs Paul Roos Gimnasium; 07:50 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs St John’s College; 08:40 – Grey High School vs Selborne College; 12:00 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Grey High School; 12:50 – Selborne College vs Rondebosch Boys’ High; 13:40 – St John’s College vs Hilton College; 17:00 – St John’s College vs Paul Roos Gimnasium; 17:50 – Hilton College vs Selborne College.
Saturday, 25 January
Pool A
07:00 – Bishops Diocesan College vs Westville Boys’ High; 07:50 – SACS vs Clifton College.
PRG’s Andrew Reynolds scored a goal in his team’s hard-fought 8-7 win over SACS. Photo: MBL Sports Photography
There were wins for Rondebosch Boys’ High, Bishops Diocesan College, and Paul Roos Gimnasium(PRG) in the opening round of the 2025 SACS Nite Series in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The action at the SACS Aquatics Centre kicked off with ‘Bosch recording a comprehensive 20-10 win over Reddam House Constantia.
Bishops followed suit and defeated Wynberg Boys’ High 15-6 before PRG stunned the hosts, SACS, 8-7, in the final match of the day.
It was a high-scoring opening round and an opportunity for Rondebosch, Bishops, and PRG to flex their muscles ahead of the St Andrew’s College (SAC) Shield, which runs from Thursday to Sunday, in Makhanda.
‘Bosch, was, without a doubt, a doubt a cut above the rest and delivered entertaining water polo that made spectators sit up and take notice.
Coach Jared Wingate-Pearse’s outfit was ruthless in front of goal, defended well, and capitalised on the chances they created.
Forward, Jack Robinson, was in a league of his own and ended the day as his team’s standout player. The Rondebosch number 11 was a match-up nightmare and netted seven times. Close behind him on the score sheet was Noah Reiback, who struck six times. Kieran Bennewith joined the party with a hat-trick of goals.
Despite the defeat, Reddam will draw inspiration from the never-say-attitude of the Brown brothers, Adam and Blake, who stood tall in the face of the Rondebosch onslaught.
That duo was by far the best of the Reddam players and, between them, they scored seven goals. Matthew Cox, Alakay Harwood, and Oliver Finlayson netted once each.
The second Nite Serie match pitted Bishops against Wynberg Boys’ High.
Bishops, the defending champion, was favoured to win the clash and, after a slow start, they found their groove in the second half.
Matt Fenn, a prolific goal scorer, was back making life miserable for defenders and scored a whopping eight goals. Owen Cross netted a hattrick, while Sebastian Kastern delivered the only silver lining for Wynberg with his brace.
Bishops brushed aside Wynberg to claim their first SACS Nite Series win of 2025. Photo: MBL Sports Photography
The most eagerly awaited match was the showdown between SACS and PRG. It was expected to be tight and it delivered on those expectations.
Heading into the clash, both units were somewhat dissatisfied with their recent form at the Bishops Water Polo Tournament and were aiming for bounce-back performances.
Compared to the first two matches, it was a low-scoring affair. But it was keenly contested and entertaining and, after the third chukka, SACS looked set to claim victory.
The momentum shifted, however, when SACS head coach Devon Card was given his marching orders in the final chukka.
Trailing by three goals, PRG’s Karl Jeppe stepped up with two quick strikes, to pull his side back into the game. Then, a late goal from Ben van Zyl sealed the win for the Stellenbosch school.
The first round of matches suggested who the top dogs might be, but with four rounds still to be played, Tuesday’s losing sides – SACS, Reddam, and Wynberg – will not be too concerned.
Scorers
Rondebosch Boys’ High 20: Jack Robinson (7), Noah Reiback (6), Kieran Bennewith (3), Luke Burger (2), James Pinnock, Zack Labuschagne. Reddam House Constantia 10: Adam Brown (4), Blake Brown (3), Matthew Cox, Alakay Harwood, Oliver Finlayson.
Bishops Diocesan College 15: Matt Fenn (8), Owen Cross (3), Harry Ford, Timothy Young, Noah Edmunds, James Malan. Wynberg Boys’ High 6: Sebastian Kastern (2), Samuel Mocke, Riley Clarke, Jack de Beer, Logan Petersen.
Paul Roos Gimnasium 8: Migael Terblanche (2), Karl Jeppe (2), James Swart, Ruben van der Merwe, Andrew Paris Reynolds, Ben van Zyl. SACS 7: Matt Forbes (3), Jandro Rojo-Roos (3), Connor Mortlock.
Fixtures
29 January
17:00 – Bishops Diocesan College vs Rondebosch Boys’ High
17:50 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Reddam House Constantia
18:40 – SACS vs Wynberg Boys’ High
5 February
17:00 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Paul Roos Gimnasium
17:50 – Bishops Diocesan College vs SACS
18:40 – Reddam House Constantia vs Wynberg Boys’ High
12 February
17:00 – SACS vs Rondebosch Boys’ High
17:50 – Wynberg Boys’ High vs Paul Roos Gimnasium
18:40 – Reddam House Constantia vs Bishops Diocesan College
19 February
17:00 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Wynberg Boys’ High
17:50 – SACS vs Reddam House Constantia
18:40 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Bishops Diocesan College
When Clifton College‘s Director of Water Polo, Paul Martin, chose to move to Hilton College after 10 very successful years at the Durban school, Clifton knew there were not many coaches of Martin’s quality who could replace him as the head of their impressive water polo programme. So, they reached beyond South Africa’s borders to find his replacement.
