Three weeks into the Gauteng Schools Champions League, the competition in the boys’ division has markedly intensified. Meanwhile, in the girls’ division, ClaphamHigh is in prime position to claim the title.
u17 Girls’ Competition
On Wednesday, only four girls’ matches were played, with Clapham High catching the eye once again. They overwhelmed Khanya-Lesedi Secondary 8-1 to move onto 15 points. That puts them five clear of the two-time defending champion, Jabulile Secondary, with only two more matches to play.
Jabulile had a far tougher game against Anchor Independent Academy but came away with a 2-1 win.
Clapham is a hot favourite to wrap up the title next week. It would require an extraordinary effort for teams like Jabulile or Tembisa High to unseat them.
Firstly, other results would also have to go their way, including Clapham losing both of their matches, and, secondly, both Jabulile and Tembisa would have to win their games to unseat the front-runners, who remain undefeated this season.
Buhle Bemfundo, meanwhile, defeated Randfontein High 2-0, while Tembisa High was held to a 2-2 draw by Zithobeni Secondary School.
u17 Boys’ Competition
In the boys’ competition, the reigning champion, Clapham, moved to the top of the table. They have two crucial matches coming up next week. Will they be able to maintain their winning form?
After securing two victories on Wednesday, the first a 3-1 win over Rutasetjhaba Secondary School, and the second a 2-1 victory against Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sport School, Clapham is in position to claim the title, but the race is far from over.
They face stiff competition from the School of Excellence, who are in hot pursuit, on 12 points, just one off the lead, and from third-placed Ibongo Secondary, who are also in contention, on 10 points.
The championship will be decided next week at the Vaal University of Technology when all three title chasers play twice.
While Clapham picked up six points on Wednesday, Ibongo ground out a narrow 1-0 victory over Je Malepe Secondary. The School of Excellence also picked up a narrow win, edging out Rosina Sedibane 1-0.
The match between Thuto Lefa Secondary School and Mokgome Secondary School ended in a goalless draw. Rutasetjhaba, after going down to Clapham, bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Mokgome.
Results
u17 Boys
Rutasetjhaba 2-1 Mokgome
Clapham 2-1 Rosina Sedibane
Ibongo 1-0 Je Malepe
Thuto Lefa 0-0 Mokgome
School of Excellence 1-0 Rosina Sedibane
Clapham 3-1 Rutasetjhaba
u17 Girls
Tembisa High 2-2 Zithobeni
Buhle BeMfundo 2-0 Randfontein
Clapham High 8-1 Kanya Lesedi
Jabulile 2-1 Anchor Independent
Fixtures: Wednesday, 24 September
Vaal University of Technology
Boys’ Competition
Clapham vs Thuto Lefa
Ibongo vs School of Excellence
Je Malepe vs Rutasetjhaba
Mokgome vvs Rosina Sedibane
School of Excellence vs Clapham
Rutasetjhaba vs Thuto Lefa
Rosina Sedibane vs Ibongo
Mokgome vs Je Malepe
Girls’ Competition
Clapham vs Anchor Independent
Anchor Independent vs Buhle BeMfunod
Buhle BeMfundo vs Jabulile
Clapham vs Zithobeni
Zithobeni vs Khanya-Lesedi
Jabulile vs Tembisa High
Tembisa High vs Randfontein High
Khanya-Lesedi vs Randfontein High
Players: Ethan Adams, Xander Smit, Darius Erwee, Lamla Mgedezi, Adem Nieuwoudt, Benjamin van den Berg, O’Ryan Klein, AJ Meyer, Tian Fourie, Toriq Schambreel, Claude Steyn, Alexi Tyropollis, Eddie Mabena, Siyabonga Kenny, Sherwin Buys, Thristan Maree, Marinus Ooshuizen, JG Badenhorst, David Hayidakis, AJ Hendriks, Bernard Wessels, AJ Booysen, Steven Muller, Prestan Bennett, Jan-Hendrik van der Linden.
Coaches: Jannie Geldenhuys and Tiaan Liebenberg.
20 or more points in a match
21 – Darius Erwee vs Selborne College (1 try, 8 conversions) 21 – Darius Erwee vs Helpmekaar (1 try, 8 conversions) 20 – Darius Erwee vs Garsfontein (1 try, 6 conversions, 1 penalty)
3 or more tries in a match:
3 – Thristan Maree vs Selborne College 3 – O’Ryan Kleyn vs Selborne College 3 – Lamla Mgedezi vs Noordheuwel 3 – Xander Smit vs Jeppe High School for Boys
Point Scorers
115 – Darius Erwee (4 tries, 43 conversions, 3 penalties) 34 – O’Ryan Klein (4 tries, 7 conversions) 30 – Jan-Hendrik van der Linden (1 try, 11 conversions, 1 penalty)
Try Scorers
16 – Lamla Mgedezi 11 – Ethan Adams, Xander Smit 9 – Thristan Maree 6 – AJ Meyer, JG Badenhorst, Benjamin van den Berg, Sherwin Buys 5 – Alexi Tyropollis 4 – Darius Erwee, O’Ryan Klein, Eddie Mabena 3 – Toriq Schambreel, Tiaan Fourie 2 – Adem Nieuwoudt, Steven Muller, Preston Bennett, AJ Hendriks 1 – Siyabonga Kenny, Claude Steyn, Bernard Wessels, AJ Booysen, Jan-Hendrik van der Linden, Penalty Try
They also defeated Grey College on multiple occasions and delivered many of their best performances when it mattered most.
Considering that they’re coming up against the top dogs in the territory on Friday, there’ll certainly be some nerves in the HTS Louis Botha team. They’ll be the heavy underdogs against Saints, but they have nothing to lose.
When St Andrew’s faced St Alban’s in Pretoria recently, FGBotha, with 89, and Reuben vanAarde, with 85, impressed with the bat. The Bloemfontein school looked like they were headed for victory, but they ran out of overs in the two-day, two-innings fixture.
At the Fasken Time Cricket Festival, Andrew Sobiech scored a century against Jeppe, while Naude Botha made 95 not out in the same game. Jonathan Hickley, then, scored 91 against St Stithians, and Botha weighed in with 80. The point is, Saints has some in-form batsmen who have already scored plenty of runs this term.
Heindré Serfontein shone with the ball against St Alban’s, knocking over 4/10 in 10 overs. FG Botha, meanwhile, picked up nine wickets in the match against St Stithians. A leg-spinner, he can rip through a batting order with his sharp spin. Nikhil Sukraj, too, is another spinner who is regularly among the wickets. HTS Louis Botha are going to be up against it.
In Friday’s other Group A fixture, Hoërskool Fichardtpark takes on the Bloemfontein Hub.
Meanwhile, in Group B, Bethlehem’s Hoërskool Witteberg faces Welkom Gimnasium. Action in the group began last Friday, when Hoërskool Goudveld beat St Dominic’s College by eight wickets.
Group C and D fixtures
Grey College owns one of the most impressive sporting histories in the country, including in cricket, but their form during a mid-year tour of the United Kingdom and early in the third term has been somewhat inconsistent. They’ll be aiming to dominate their group stage matches, however.
Henru De Wet is a key player for the Grey boys, a reliable performer with both the bat and ball, and he’s a sure handed catcher, too. After scoring only 22 against Potch Gim, he’ll be intent on scoring another rapid century, like he did against Selborne Collegealmost two weeks ago. The longer he’s at the crease, the more confident his teammates become.
In another Group C match, Hoërskool Jim Fouché takes on Hoërskool Sentraal.
Meanwhile, in Group D, Hoërskool Trio tackles the Kroonstad Hub, while Sasolburg High takes on the Bethlehem locals, Hoërskool Voortrekker.
The hosts, Clifton College, will be an interesting challenger. They’re young – no matrics – but they’ve also enjoyed a full pre-season under the guidance of coach Pierre le Roux for the first time. Photo: Brad Morgan.
Clifton College‘s Director of Water Polo, Pierre le Roux, is one of the most experienced South African internationals in history and he wants to infuse his experience of international competition into the Clifton Water Polo Tournament, which takes place from 24-28 September.
The underlying goal is to ensure the prestigious event is a player-focused tournament that elevates the experience to the next level.
“I have put in player recovery areas,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus. “I’ve cornered off the whole pool area, so that when you arrive, as an athlete, you have a designated athletes’ seat. You have your own private change rooms.
“We’ve got Prime (Human Performance Institute). They’ve got physios on the pool deck. They’ve got ice baths available for the guys.
“There will be a full-on recovery room with chocolate milks and protein shakes, bananas, and crunchies, so, as an athlete, you’re going to be treated as being at the top of your game, the best of the best. This is how we treat our athletes.
“We want to fill up the stands, with the parents and spectators separated from the athletes. If you go to World Champs, and you’re playing in Europe, that’s how you’re treated. You’re not with the general public. You’re ushered into your change room. You have your own warm-up. It’s all about the sport. That’s what I want. I want to give the guys a taste of what sport should be about when you leave school.”
Parents and supporters have not been left out, he added. “I’m trying to create an atmosphere for the parents, where they want to be on site for the duration of the day.
“We’ve got 17 vendors already confirmed. They’re all local people, Durban businesses, people who have relationships with the school, and people who have worked on small school projects that we have around Durban.
“For those who are coming into the province, come watch a water polo game, come down, have a lekker chow, have a drink – we’ll have the bar open – but spend time here, enjoying Durban, enjoying the heat, enjoying the polo.
No matter one’s vantage point, the view options for spectators at the Clifton Water Polo Tournament are top class. Photo: Brad Morgan.
“At the parent function, which we’re doing on Friday night, I’ve asked my parents to reach out to the other parents and invite them to attend. Let’s be hospitable and good hosts.
“The message to people is that we can be competitors on the pool deck, but we must remember these kids are going to be playing in provincial sides together. They’re going to be playing in national sides together. They might be contracted together.
“This builds up friendships after the games and not just between the boys but also between the parents. We can be fierce rivals, but afterwards we can share a meal or have a beer and talk about the game.
“On Friday night, we’re trying to get every single person that has come to Durban to visit. They must come.”
“We went to be good hosts and help those people to enjoy what we have to offer here. Let’s enjoy the polo, but let’s also leave with some new friends.”
The Clifton Water Polo tournament title has in recent year gone the way of teams from outside the province, but Le Roux feels that a local team could win it for KwaZulu-Natal in 2025.
“I think you’re going to have tight competition. We have some really strong competitors here this year. It would be nice to keep the trophy here [in KZN],” he said.
“SACS are coming back as the two-time defending champions. Paul Roos will be up there. Hilton College is very strong.
“Your top KZN contenders will probably be Hilton, Clifton, and Kearsney, but Selborne, with 12 strong matrics – good players, and two SA Schools players, as well – could do very well.
Hilton College beat Affies 8-7 to finish seventh at the 2024 Clifton Water Polo Tournament. After a runner-up finish at the KES Water Polo Tournament in March, Hilton will have designs on going all the way to the title in Durban. Photo: Brad Morgan.
“St John’s came second at the St Andrew’s Shield and then struggled at KES.
“I think it is going to be a very tight year.”
Another team that Le Roux rates highly is Westville Boys’ High, who didn’t have a player selected for the KZN u19side this year. Their form in the KZN winter league, though, suggests they’re a dark horse of which to be wary.
“Westville lost to Kearsney by one in the winter league, and, I think, they won the rest of their games,” he said.
Another team he mentioned that could make some waves is Reddam House Constantia. They showed their potential in the SACS Nite Series earlier in the year when they thumped SACS 15-7.
“I think it’s going to be a good competition, especially on Thursday night, with all the big matches. I’ve gone with all the local derbies first to start the tournament. Then, all the travelling teams play. The next day, you play your first travelling team.”
Next year, the event is going to be even bigger, he explained: “The intention was to include a Prep section this year – eight Prep teams to play between the high school games. The school has agreed that in 2026 we will do that. We are even looking at upping the event to 20 [high school] teams.
“We’ll keep it over five days in the holidays and make it a massive tournament.”
The second last day of the Clifton Water Polo Tournament, Saturday, is the same day that the Springboks and Pumas meet in The Rugby Championship at Hollywoodbets Kings Park. Clifton has catered for rugby fans, too, with the game set to be broadcast on five Jumbo screens from 15:00.
With 17 confirmed vendors already, it’s shaping up to be a festive event – rewarding for the athletes and rewarding for the supporters.
But what about the hopes of the hosts? Le Roux returned from New Zealand in late 2024 to take over the water polo programme at Clifton. That meant he wasn’t able to enjoy a full pre-season with his team. Now, though, he has had time to prepare.
“It has been gold,” he enthused. “We started late at the beginning of the year. I was just moving in. When we went to St Andrew’s, we weren’t as fit as we could have been. By KES, we sort of got to a level where it was acceptable. But the level that we were at KES was probably where we wanted to be at the beginning of the year.
“With a proper pre-season, I’ve got athletes now. The guys are fit. The guys are strong. You can see it in the water. You can see it in their assessments and their conditioning tests.
“The big thing is getting the mental aspect right. That’s probably my biggest challenge with the squad. We don’t have matrics, and that extra year of competition does make a difference.”
“We need to trust the process. I definitely think we’re a different team to what we were in term one. We’re looking forward to the competition.”
Jeppe’s recent victory of 1-0 against St Benedict’s College indicates a consistent and positive run for Jeppe football in 2025. Photo: Jeppe High School for Boys on Facebook.
Schools’ football in the third term is gradually winding down after a highly competitive season.
For some schools, the past weekend’s matches were their last of the year. Meanwhile, others are preparing for forthcoming events, including the Nedbank Grey College Soccer Tournament and the St Peter’s College Sport and Cultural Festival.
Last week, Jeppe High Schools for Boys’ impressive season continued with another win, this time by a slim 1-0 margin over St Benedict’s College
Jeppe, playing with a young squad, has been one of the success stories of 2025, and the school has aspirations of raising the standards of its football programme to match the success of their outstanding hockey first team.
St John’s College, after recently ending a long break from competitive football, picked up a 1-0 win over their neighbours, King Edward VII School (KES). Earlier this month, St John’s College returned to action with a 1-1 draw at St Alban’s College. They also added a 1-0 win over Parktown Boys’ High in a midweek match.
Next on the schedule for St John’s is a mid-week outing against Springs Boys’ High, with the schools meeting across all age groups.
On Saturday, St David’s Marist Inanda was held to a 1-1 draw by Pretoria Boys High. That followed a 0-0 draw with KES earlier in the month month.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Maritzburg College faced off against the champions of the Primo Big 10, Hilton College, on Zungu Field, at Hilton College.
Maritzburg College defeated the Primo Big 10 champions 2-1 on Saturday. Photo: Maritzburg College.
In a closely contested match, the Red, Black, and White controlled possession from the opening whistle and were rewarded for that dominance with the opening goal from Sphelele Sibiya. Hilton, though, equalised just before the break.
Early in the second half, Sibiya, who was in exceptional form, provided an assist for Lwandile Mkhize to score College’s second goal in a 2-1 victory.
Maritzburg College returns to action on Friday against Northwood in the semifinals of the Mancosa KZNHSFA Cowie Cup, while Alexandra High School takes on Carter High School in a Pietermaritzburg derby in the other final four clash.
In Pietermaritzburg, St Charles College and Kearsney College engaged in a fierce match that was decided in the final moments by Alckmin Simone, who came off the bench to net the decisive goal for Saints off a deflected shot. With the win, St Charles remained unbeaten at home, on Harwin, this season.
Westville Boys’ High, who had been through a somewhat patchy run of form, which included exiting the Cowie Cup in the round of 16, got back to winning ways by defeating Durban High School 2-0.
Unfortunately, the meeting of Michaelhouse and Clifton College in Balgowan was rained out, and Northwood versus Glenwood was called off because of lightning.
In the Eastern Cape, St Andrew’s College hosted Alexander Road and scored a 2-1 win.
RESULTS
Wednesday, 10 September
Jeppe 1-0 St Benedict’s College
Saturday, 13 September
KwaZulu-Natal
Westville Boys’ High 2-0 Durban High School
Maritzburg College 2-1 Hilton College
St Charles College 1-0 Kearsney College
Gauteng
Saturday, 10 September
St John’s College 1-0 KES
St David’s 1-1 Pretoria Boys High
With no returning players, the squad comprises 13 debutants travelling to the Free State. However, this selection serves as testament to the Rhinos’ exceptional junior development structures, as all 13 players participated in either the Regional Under-17 Week or the Under-16 National Week last year.
Seven players featured in last year’s Under-17 week, whilst five have graduated directly from the Under-16 week to this higher level.
In addition to the five graduates, Shaun Neethling also makes the step up to join the Khaya Majola side as assistant coach. Neethling will provide crucial support to head coach Raymond Ramahlo, who will be eager for his side to make significant progress during the week in Bloemfontein.
Xavier Visagie, last year’s Under-17 captain, will be the sole Cambridge Academy representative. Visagie is joined by Mfundo Mthimunye, one of two Uplands College players. Mthimunye made his mark at last year’s Under-16 week.
Hoërskool Middelburg and Emba Hub boast the joint-highest representation in the 13-man squad, with three players each.
The Middies are the defending champions and current leaders in the Mpumalanga High School Premier League, as well as the reigning Schools SA20 provincial champions. They also reached the final of the Fain Noordvaal competition at the end of last year.
The dynamic Gavin Genis is joined by fellow all-rounder Herman Potgieter and his 2024 Under-16 week captain, Eduan Strydom. All three are currently in Grade 11, potentially making this the first of two consecutive Khaya Majola appearances, barring injury.
Emba is represented by Bulelani Mgwevu, Nhlakanipo Moshelane and Alfredo Skhosana. All three, like Xavier Visagie, are graduates from the Under-17 level.
Janco Breyl, who also played alongside this quartet last year, is the only Hoërskool Nelspruit representative. Zeeshan Ibrahim of Hoërskool Hoogenhout and Umar Badat, a stalwart of Hoërskool Secunda, are the sole representatives from their respective schools, and join Visagie and the remainder of last year’s Under-17 contingent as graduates of the week. Umair Cheema carries the flag for Bergvlam, as another youngster joining the Middelburg trio and Mthimunye in what could be the first of two years at the week.
Leam van Zyl, Mthimunye’s colleague from Uplands College, is the only player travelling to Bloemfontein without having represented a provincial side in 2024. However, Van Zyl has been an outstanding performer for Uplands, consistently delivering strong performances that finally earned him a call-up at what can only be described as the perfect moment.
The annual Discovery High Schools Knockout Cup finals take place on Thursday at Reddam House Bedfordview in Germiston, where Edenvale High and Ferndale High will face off in the u19 final.
Initiated in 2008, the Discovery Cup was founded by Craig Smee, of Reddam House Bedfordview, to provide a structured and competitive environment for youth football players.
Held annually, the competition has flourished and has become one of South Africa’s leading youth grassroots football events.
Ferndale High booked their place in Thursday’s title game with a narrow 3-2 victory over Hoërskool JanViljoen, while Edenvale High scored a 2-0 win over The King’s School Linbro Park to advance to the final.
Champions will also be decided in other age groups on Thursday, with Norkem Park High and Meridian Cosmo City meeting for the u16 title.
Norkem Park edged out Bracken High by a goal to nil in their semi-final, while Meridian Cosmo impressed in a 3-0 victory over Ferndale High.
In the u15 final, Waterstone College takes on Yeshiva College.
Last week, Yeshiva College advanced to the title decider after a 2-1 victory over Sir John Adamson High, while Waterstone College dealt with Roosevelt High School, claiming a 2-0 win.
An exciting final is anticipated in the u14 division after a couple of entertaining semi-final showdowns. Trinityhouse Glenvista, after a thrilling 5-3 semi-final win over EdenglenHigh, tackles King David Linksfield, who were 3-1 winners over Trinityhouse Little Falls.
Reddam House will also host the third-place playoffs on Thursday.
RESULTS
Semifinals
u14
Trinityhouse Glenvista 5-3 Edenglen High
King David Linksfield 3-1 Trinityhouse Little Falls
u15
Yeshiva College 2-1 Sir John Adamson
Waterstone College 2-0 Roosevelt High School
u16
Norkem Park High 1-0 Bracken High School
Meridian Cosmo City 3-0 Ferndale High School
u19
Ferndale High School 3-2 Hoërskool Jan Viljoen
Edenvale High School 2-0 The King’s School Linbro Park
A superb batting performance from Josh van Biljon and a destructive spell of bowling by Ethan Cooper highlighted the final of the Eston One Insurance T20 Night League at the Beaumont Eston Farmers Club on Tuesday.
With those two leading the way, Durban High School (DHS) powered their way to an emphatic 64-run victory over Maritzburg College to underline their status as the top T20 side in KwaZulu-Natal.
Earlier in the year, the Horseflies, under the guidance of coach Fabian Lazarus, went back-to-back as champions of the Clifton T20 Tournament, which featured all the province’s top teams, along with St John’s College, of Harare, and Hoërskool Waterkloof, of Pretoria. Tuesday evening’s emphatic win was further evidence of their pedigree in the short form of the game.
The DHS duo, Van Biljon and Cooper, were the difference makers in a contest in which batsmen struggled. Van Biljon’s 62 off 45 balls, with 10 fours, was 46 runs more than any other DHS batsman achieved, and 39 more than Kyle de Bruyn‘s 23, which was Maritzburg College’s highest score.
The toss went College’s way, and they chose to field, which, it turned out, was a good call. Their opening bowlers, Sam Hughes and Reece Willson, did what opening bowlers need to do, they took wickets, and having Ismaeel Omar and Ethan Cooper back in the hut in the fifth over, with only 26 runs on the board, was a good early return.
Josh van Biljon departs after an outstanding innings of 62 runs, which proved to be a match-winning contribution. Photo: Justin Waldman Sports Photography.
DHS struggled to create partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals, but Van Biljon held their innings together.
While he was at the crease, Schooladded 90 runs, and he was responsible for more than two-thirds of them. Only Omar, with 12 at the top of the order, and Syad Basha, with 16, batting at eight, reached double figures in support of Van Biljon.
Any hopes that DHS had of boosting their innings with some late hitting were undermined by Dom du Toit, who spun a web around the lower order, snaring 3/17 from his four overs.
Two balls before the end of their 20 overs, DHS was all out for 135. Reece Willson matched Du Toit with a three-wicket haul, returning 3/23 from 3.4 overs, while his new ball partner, Sam Hughes finished with 2/22 from four. Nathan Pembridge played his part with 2/31 from four.
Maritzburg College needed to bat at 6.8 runs per over to win. They didn’t come close.
Left-arm spinner Dhilan Naraidu struck a big blow early for DHS when he bowled College captain Daniel Nadasan with the last ball of the second over. Deolyn Naidoo followed for a duck, caught by wicketkeeper Van Biljon off of captain Bayanda Majola, which reduced the Red, Black, and Whiteto 13/2 in the third over.
The CEO of One Insurance, Peter Mortimer, congratulates Ethan Cooper, who was recognised as the Player of the Tournament after scoring 190 runs and taking eight wickets in the Eston T20 Night League. Photo: Justin Waldman Sports Photography.
De Bruyn followed for 23 from only 17 balls, which included four fours. He was out on 28, but that was merely the start of a disastrous four-wicket collapse, which left College on 34/6 in the seventh over as Cooper destroyed their run chase, removing the dangerous Karl Dedekind for a duck and Reece Willson for four.
Dom du Toit became Bayanda Majola’s second victim, bowled by the pace merchant for a single and Cooper struck again to end a defiant 15 from only seven balls from Sphamandla Dzanibe, which left College on life support on 50/7 in the eighth over.
The Pietermaritzburg school’s innings didn’t last much longer. In only 11.3 overs, they were bowled out for a meagre 71.
Cooper’s star turn brought him 5/15 from 3.3 overs. Fittingly, he ended the contest by bowling Sam Hughes for three to complete his five-for.
Bayanda Majola also shone, knocking over 3/26 in four overs, which helped to speed College’s demise.
Scores
Durban High School 135/10 (Josh van Biljon 62; Dom du Toit 3/17, Reece Willson 3/23. Sam Hughes 2/22, Nathan Pembridge 2/31); Maritzburg College 71/10 (Kyle de Bruyn 23; Ethan Cooper 5/15, Bayanda Majola 3/26).
One of South Africa’s top T20 tournaments at schoolboy level, the erstwhile Westvaal Noord/Suid Tournament will from this year be known as the Wildeklawer T20 tournament, after Wildeklawer was announced as the new main sponsor of the prestigious event.
Along with the lead sponsorship change, no fewer than five new teams will be in action this year.
The tournament takes place from 16 to 19 October, in the batting-friendly conditions of Pretoria, with Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies), Hoërskool Waterkloof and Die Hoërskool Menlopark playing host to 13 teams from across the country.
Affies, the defending champions, who beat Grey College in the final last year, are in Group A, where they will face Jeppe High Schoolfor Boys and Grey High School, from Gqeberha. Each group features at least one newcomer, with the CSA Hub Invitational XI being the new face in the group.
The Hub side, which replaces Hoërskool Centurion, consists of the best up-and-coming talent from all Hubs across South Africa, and it has the makings of being a formidable force. Their excellence was underlined when they went unbeaten at the 2024 Oppenheimer Michaelmas Week in KwaZulu-Natal.
In Group B, Deon Botes, Affies’ former Director of Cricket, and his highly talented Paul Roos Gimnasium side replaces SACS in the lineup. They will be up against Grey College, Die Hoërskool Menlopark, and Northwood. It’s a wide open a group that is hard to call.
Group C includes two newcomers, including a formidable Durban High School (DHS) team that has been in fine form, and recently added the Eston One Insurance T20 Night League title to the Clifton T20 titlethey won earlier in the year. Their addition brings the number of KZN sides up to three, with Paarl Boys’ High, from the Western Cape, not in action this year.
King Edward VII School (KES), meanwhile, takes over from St Stithians College – one Johannesburg school replacing another.
DHS and KES will battle it out against St Andrew’s School, the regional Schools SA20champions of the Free State, Northern Cape and North West, and Wynberg Boys’ High, from the southern suburbs of Cape Town.
Group D, it appears, is 2025’s Group of Death. Four high-quality teams, all with potential match-winners in their ranks, makes for an intriguing lineup, but two very good sides are going to miss out on the quarterfinals.
The two-time champions, Hoërskool Waterkloof, take on the Western Cape powerhouse Rondebosch Boys’ High, the Schools SA20 national runners-up, St David’s Marist Inanda, and Westville Boys’ High School, who claimed the KZN Coastal region’s W100 title for a fifth time in succession earlier this year.
GROUPS
Group A Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool
Grey High School
Jeppe High School for Boys
CSA Hub Invitational XI
Group B
Die Hoërskool Menlopark
Paul Roos Gimnasium
Grey College
Northwood
Group C St Andrew’s School
Wynberg Boys’ High School
King Edward VII School
Durban High School
Group D Waterkloof
Rondebosch Boys’ High School
St David’s Marist Inanda
Wesville Boys’ High School
Water polo is making waves in South Africa, and now, it’s getting the spotlight it deserves. SuperSport Schools is proud to announce the launch of Elevate Water Polo on 216, a brand-new magazine show dedicated to showcasing the growth, passion and incredible talent within the youth and schools water polo community. The show premieres on Wednesday, 24 September at 19:00 on DStv Channel 216 and the SuperSport Schools YouTube channel.
With water polo thriving in schools and clubs across the country, Elevate Water Polo on 216 will give fans and newcomers alike an inside look at this dynamic sport. From school leagues, and national tournaments to development initiatives and international achievements, the show aims to celebrate the entire water polo ecosystem while inspiring even more players and supporters to get involved.
The show is proudly supported by Odin Education, an ed-tech initiative by Jendamark that provides cutting-edge learning tools for rural students, proving that where you are born should not determine where you reach. It is also backed by Momentum Insurance, a brand deeply committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of school sport across South Africa.
Running through the summer season from September to April, the show will follow every step of the action in South African water polo. From the country’s leading school tournaments and leagues to development programmes making a difference in communities, viewers will stay connected to the game they love. Alongside match coverage, fans can look forward to exclusive interviews with players and coaches, inspirational stories about rising stars, in-depth discussions and analysis from the panel. Regular updates on scores, results and standout performances will ensure no moment of the season is missed.
Meet the Expert Panel
The Elevate Water Polo on 216 panel brings together some of the most respected people in the sport. Duncan Woods, a former South African captain and national coach with Olympic and World Championship experience, adds a wealth of technical insight. Delaine Mentoor, the only woman to have ever head-coached a water polo team at the Olympic Games, brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a player and a trailblazing coach. Completing the trio is Lwazi Madi, the South African men’s captain who led the team at the Tokyo Olympics, offering viewers firsthand insight into the game at the highest level. Together, this panel promises expert commentary, dynamic discussion, and insider knowledge that will elevate the way water polo is seen and understood.
“At SuperSport Schools, we’re committed to shining a light on sports where young South Africans are doing extraordinary things, and water polo is no exception. Elevate Water Polo on 216 will not only grow the game but also give the athletes and schools the recognition they deserve. We’re excited to partner with Elevate Water Polo to create a platform that inspires the next generation of players and fans.” – Thando Bakumeni, General Manager, SuperSport Schools
“We are delighted to be joining hands with SuperSport Schools to bring the sport of water polo to TV audiences on 216. There is so much excitement around schools’ water polo, and we are thrilled to be able to showcase it on the show. From September to April, you can look forward to water polo on Wednesdays!” – Duncan Woods, Elevate Water Polo Co-Founder
Don’t miss the first episode of Elevate Water Polo on 216 on Wednesday, 24 September at 19:00, exclusively on DStv Channel 216 and the SuperSport Schools YouTube channel. Follow SuperSport Schools on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes moments and more from the exciting world of South African water polo
Three weeks into the Gauteng Schools Champions League, the competition in the boys’ division has markedly intensified. Meanwhile, in the girls’ division, Clapham High is in prime position to claim the title.
One of South Africa’s top T20 tournaments at schoolboy level, the erstwhile Westvaal Noord/Suid Tournament will from this year be known as the Wildeklawer T20 tournament, after Wildeklawer was announced as the new main sponsor of the prestigious event.