Blog

Die Valke se voorlopige Cravenweek-span sal Dinsdag behoorlik op die proef in sy opwarmingswedstryd teen sy eweknie van die Blou Bulle op Loftus Versfeld se B-veld in Pretoria gestel word.

Die Valke se keurders kon slegs drie spelers in hul uitsoekgroep insluit wat verlede jaar ook op die Cravenweek-toernooi in Krugersdorp in aksie was. Hulle is Daniel Kazambo (flank), Tshepo Molakeng (buitesenter) en Khumo Maimane (stut).

Kazambo het verlede jaar as slot vir die Rooi Duiwels uitgedraf.

Die Valke se eerste wedstryd op die Cravenweek later vanjaar sal teen die Luiperds wees. Vanjaar se 60ste Cravenweek vir hoërskole vind van 7 tot 12 Julie op die velde van Hoërskool Middelburg plaas.

Dr. EG Jansen van Boksburg het met nege spelers in die uitsoekgroep die grootste verteenwoordiging. Transvalia van Vanderbijlpark het met vyf spelers die tweede grootste verteenwoordiging. Die twee skole is die die Valke se enigste verteenwoordigers in die Beker-afdeling van die SDC Noordvaal Cup.

Die Valke het ‘n goeie toernooi verlede jaar in Krugersdorp beleef met seges oor die Luiperds (36-26) en Griekwaland-Wes (30-24). Hulle enigste nederlaag was tydens hul eerste kragmeting teen Suidwestelike Distrikte (34-34).

Die spanne is: 

Cravenweek: 15 Deshean Pietersen (EG Jansen), 14 Dihan Crause (Transvalia), 13 Tshepo Molakeng (Transvalia), 12 Christopher Combrinck (EG Jansen), 11 Otlotleng Zulu (EG Jansen), 10 Juan van Aswegen (EG Jansen), 9 Thanyani Mokiri (Hugenote), 8 Alex Mohlale (Jeugland), 7 Daniel Kazambo (Transvalia), 6 Slade Mowbray (EG Jansen), 5 Christiaan Liebenberg (Transvalia), 4 Daniel Wawina (Jeugland), 3 Elshaan Duminy (EG Jansen), 2 Marco Ventura (EG Jansen), 1 Khumo Maimane (Jeugland). Plaasvervangers: 16 Lesego Moetsi (Jeugland), 17 Ruan Roussouw (EG Jansen), 18 Deveraux Weideman (EG Jansen), 19 Gerhard Oosthuizen (Die Anker), 20 Kyle Maartens (Transvalia), 21 Tumi Moloi (Transvalia), 22 Wian Riekert (Kempton Park), 23 Joshua van Rensburg (Hoërskool Alberton).

9 EG Jansen | 5 Transvalia | 4 Jeugland | 1 Hugenote (Springs) | 1 Kempton Park | 1 Die Anker | 1 Hoërskool Alberton

Akademie-week: 15 King Agbanzo (Jeugland), 14 Musa Mahlangu (Hugenote), 13 Dylan Jordaan (Oosterlig), 12 Duwayne Zeekoei (EG Jansen), 11 Andile Malinga (Hoërskool Sasolburg), 10 Luka Pretorius (Dr. Malan), 9 Jason Coetzer (Brandwag), 8 Juandré Pretorius (Heidelberg Volkskool), 7 Jacques van Tonder (EG Jansen), 6 L Nlebi (Jeugland), 5 I Botha (EG Jansen), 4 L Mtsweni (Benoni High), 3 Junior Ngwenya (Brandwag), 2 Wihandré Kruger (Transvalia), 1 Branden Sauerman (Die Anker). Plaasvervangers: 16 Lwazi Molotja (Jeugland), 17 Reuben Bothma (Heidelberg Volkskool), 18 Gerhard Rossouw (Transvalia), 19 Craig Lightfoot (EG Jansen), 20 Luca du Plooy (Kempton Park), 21 Themba Mbele (Hoërskool Sasolburg), 22 N Koketso (Jeugland), 23 L Hector (EG Jansen).

SuperSport United, defeated Jomo Cosmos on Saturday in the Gauteng Development League (GDL). By scoring two goals and conceding none, Matsatsantsa aPitori returned to the top of the u19 GDL standings.

Having dropped points a week prior, giving way to coach Skhosiphi Mgobozi‘s Randburg AFC at the top of the log, coach Tumelo Ndaba’s SuperSport United returned to winning ways.

In recent weeks, the “smaller” teams gained ground on the big clubs and were racing them neck-and-neck for the top spots, but SuperSport United’s victory over Jomo Cosmos reestablished order in the division.

Highlands Park, having uncharacteristically dropped points in recent outings, also got back on track with a 2-0 win over East Rand Athletic Club.

Similarly, coach Surprise Moriri’s Mamelodi Sundowns outplayed School of Excellence winning 5-0 away from home, a week after drawing against the league’s newbies, Rockefvs FC.

While the smaller teams who had been on good runs mostly found themselves on the wrong end of results, coach Thokozani Mnguni and his Rockefvs FC team maintained their strong form, beating Joburg City 2-1 in their own backyard.

Leading up to the fixture, though his side had enjoyed a lot of success this season, Joburg City head coach Thato Mosala expressed concerns about the club’s form at home and his players’ complacency when facing the other smaller teams.

Mosala was proven right as Joburg City slipped to yet another home loss, which also saw them slide to sixth place in the standings. With the win, Rockefvs is just one place shy of the top 10.

In other results, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) lost 2-3 to league newcomers Elspark United, Kaizer Chiefs beat TS Galaxy 3-0, Kathorus Hyper Academy downed Wits Junior 3-0, and Panorama FC pulled off the weekend’s biggest upset, handing Randburg AFC a 1-0 loss.

RESULTS

Joburg City 1-2 Rockefvs
Seven’s Academy 4-3 Tuks
SuperSport United 2-0 Jomo Cosmos
Elspark United 2-3 RESA
Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 TS Galaxy
Highlands Park 2-0 East Rand Athletic Club
Wits Junior 0-3 Kathorus Hyper Academy
Panorama FC 1-0 Randburg AFC
School of Excellence 0-5 Mamelodi Sundowns

Hudson Park High School’s first-team hockey captain, Helio Ruiters, believes a desire to win, pristine execution and discipline, will be the keys to his side’s quest for glory against Queen’s College, in East London, on Friday afternoon.

The sides’ meeting will take place at the Clarendon AstroTurf, and proceedings start at 16:50 sharp.

Queen’s will arrive in the coastal city looking to bounce back after a 2-5 defeat against Grey High School last week. Hudson, meanwhile, wants to add another tick to their win column after a 4-0 victory over Merrifield College.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus ahead of the game, Ruiters said his team is geared up and eager to tackle the task ahead of them.

“It’s going to be an exciting fixture,” he said. “We played them in pre-season and won 2-0, so they have a score to settle.

“We are confident because we haven’t lost any of our derby games this season, but we know we are going to have to fight to get the desired result against the boys of Komani. As a team, we believe it will be down to who wants it more.”

Hudson Park, under the tutelage of head coach Sipe Matafeni, has enjoyed a good season in the Eastern Cape.

They started their campaign superbly during the Border Schools Day and went on to pick up an impressive top-10 finish at the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Tournament, in Cape Town, in April.

In their derby games, they’ve picked up wins against Cambridge High School (4-1) and Hoërskool Framesby (2-1) and also shared a pulsating 4-4 draw with Victoria Park.

“Our key factor in winning all those games has to be our discipline.” the Hudson Park captain explained.

“Our coach, Mr Matafeni, has trained us for endless hours and put in a good shift to get us into the season. Therefore, all praise goes to him, as we are no longer underdogs but a force to be reckoned with in the Border Region.”

Hudson’s hockey fortunes have been on the up in the last couple of seasons. They’ve conquered Stirling High and Cambridge, in East London, and they’ll be taking a massive swing at Queen’s and Selborne.

They drew 2-2 with Queen’s last year, and Friday’s match will present them with a chance to make a big statement. That’s something that excites Ruiters.

“It all comes down to who wants it more and which team is willing to give their 100 percent and leave everything on the Astro.

“Last year, we could not convert our chances, but I am confident that this year will be different. Friday is going to be a battle between two teams that want to make their schools proud.

“Regardless of the result, I am glad that I will be part of this game. I am proud of my team, and I back every one of them,” he ended.

Other matches

While Queen’s makes the trip to East London, Selborne College will also be on the road, in Bloemfontein, to face Grey College.

Coach KJ Friend‘s side has enjoyed a good run of form lately, winning two matches on the trot, beating Dale College 5-1 and St Andrew’s College 1-0.

They face a tough challenge from a Grey College side that was last in action two weeks ago and outplayed Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) 4-1 on home soil.

Selborne is undoubtedly the underdog heading into the clash but, as they’ve shown all season long, they have some tricks up their sleeve.

Grey High School will also be in action on Friday night when they host St Andrew’s College, in Gqeberha.

Woodridge faces a high-flying Hoërskool Outeniqua, while Stirling High takes on Cambridge.

On Saturday, there will be a massive interschools clash between Hoërskool Framesby and Pearson High.

FIXTURES

Friday, 30 May

16:00 – Woodridge College vs Outeniqua
16:50 – Hudson Park vs Queen’s College
18:00 – Stirling High vs Cambridge High School
18:35 – Grey High School vs St Andrew’s College
19:00 – Grey College vs Selborne College

Saturday, 31 May

09:45 – Framesby vs Pearson High School

The Blue Bulls’ selectors are still sifting through their talent pool as they prepare for the various national youth weeks around the country.

Their preliminary Craven Week-side will face their counterparts of the Valke on Tuesday on Loftus Verfeld’s B-field. The selectors have picked 24 players in their squad for this match, so they will at least still have to cut down one player before they announce their final squad for the Craven Week in Middleburg, Mpumalanga.

The 60th edition of the Craven Week will take place from 7 to 12 July.

The Bulls have included five players in their squad – Luan van der Berg (tighthead prop), Junaide Stuart (wing), Jeffrey Singo (loosehead prop), Daniel Malakiya (lock) and Leskin Samuels (outside centre) who also showcased their talent at last year’s tournament in Krugersdorp.

Overkruin’s outside centre, Waylon Oncke, who also played in Krugersdorp, will have to change the selectors’ minds from the Academy-side. The Academy-side will face Limpopo Blue Bulls Craven Week-side which will be a good test for Oncke.

The selectors have decided to keep Ruben Groenewald and Zirk Meyer as a halfback combination. Meyer was injured until recently, and Affies’ other scrumhalf, Fourie Roberts, could’ve easily made the squad. Meyer and Groenewald were the Blue Bulls’ halfback-pairing at last year’s Academy Week.

Menlopark’s Leskin Samuels and Dylan Stumke will continue their midfield partnership. Okuhle Hini (hooker) and Deon Botes (prop) are the other players who received promotions to the Craven Week-side.

The Bulls will like last year face their neighbours, the Golden Lions, on the opening day of the Craven Week. This match will be the main match on the opening day in Middleburg.

The teams: 

Craven Week: 15 Junade Pasensie (Garsfontein), 14 Thabiso Simelane (St Alban’s College), 13 Leskin Samuels (Menlopark), 12 Dylan Stumke (Menlopark), 11 Junaide Stuart (Garsfontein), 10 Ruben Groenewald (Affies), 9 Zirk Meyer (Affies), 8 Stefan McDonald (Affies), 7 Elwin Janse van Vuuren (Affies), 6 Thabiso Mbembele (St Alban’s College), 5 Christiaan de Wet (Affies), 4 Daniel Malakiya (HeronBridge College), 3 Luan van den Berg (Garsfontein), 2 Bauke Swart (Affies), 1 Jeffrey Singo (Pretoria Boys’ High). Replacements: 16 Okuhle Hini (Overkruin), 17 Roal Kruger (Affies), 18 Deon Botes (Affies), 19 Akin Akingbola (Pretoria Boys’ High), 20 Luan Potgieter (Affies), 21 Marko Kok (Waterkloof), 22 Yuvraj George (Garsfontein), 23 Drewyn Baron (Garsfontein), 24 Lamond Baadjies (Affies).

10 Affies | 5 Garsfontein | 2 St Alban’s College | 2 Menlopark | 2 Pretoria Boys’ High | 1 Overkruin | 1 HeronBridge College | 1 Waterkloof

Academy Week: 15 Ronan Bastiaanse (Waterkloof), 14 Mendriano Abrahams (Menlopark), 13 Waylon Oncke (Overkruin), 12 Petrus Rautenbach (Affies), 11 Justin Julies (Zwartkop), 10 Tilon Baron (Zwartkop), 9 Derrick Kuhn (Garsfontein), 8 Henlo Jordaan (Affies), 7 JJ Fourie (Garsfontein), 6 Wandile Mbatla (St Alban’s College), 5 Martin van Niekerk (Affies), 4 Queenton Mncube (Pretoria Boys’ High), 3 Hannes Nagel (Affies), 2 Charl Els (Affies), 1 Stefan du Bruyn (Affies). Replacements: 16 Lindokuhle Nwande (HeronBridge College), 17 Eshile Mhlongo (HeronBridge College), 18 Morné Coetzer (Garsfontein), 19 B Ledwaba (Overkruin), 20 B Mashaba (Pretoria Boys’ High), 21 Estiaan Marx (Affies), 22 Khumo Manakana (Affies), 23 Nico Klein (Die Wilgers), 24 Justin Blom (Garsfontein), 25 Tyler Mason (Pretoria Boys’ High), 26 JP Pieterse (Garsfontein).

8 Affies | 5 Garsfontein | 3 Pretoria Boys’ High | 2 Zwartkop | 2 Overkruin | 2 HeronBridge College | 1 Waterkloof | 1 Menlopark | 1 Die Wilgers | 1 St Alban’s College

Grant Khomo: 15 Michael Bhuda (Oos-Moot), 14 Malobolo Ntando (Garsfontein), 13 Dandré Brink (Affies), 12 Rico du Plessis (Affies), 11 Lekgadimane Tsheesto (Pretoria Boys’ High), 10 Ruben Smith (Affies), 9 Nicholas Potgieter (Menlopark), 8 Caleb Pretorius (Affies), 7 Luhan Hattingh (Menlopark), 6 Kwetsima Dlamini (Pretoria Boys’ High), 5 Muller Alexander (Affies), 4 Ndima Mbala (Pretoria Boys’ High), 3 Liam de Jager (Affies), 2 Shawn Moabelo (Montana), 1 Ziaan Slabbert (Affies). Replacements: 16 Hendré Ehlers (Affies), 17 Honono Emmanuel (Pretoria Boys’ High), 18 Bakang Ramoshaba (Pretoria Boys’ High), 19 Keegan Fourie (Affies), 20 Duran Pieterse (Menlopark), 21 Ruan Flusk (Garsfontein), 22 Waylin Paper (Zwartkop), 23 Cassie Mtombele (Garsfontein), 24 Dean Wilbers (Garsfontein).

Blue Bulls u17: 15 Tyler Campher (Gerrit Maritz), 14 Brian Jacobs (Gerrit Maritz), 13 Kealan Cloete (Die Wilgers), 12 Meyer Pretorius (Waterkloof), 11 Neo Ledwaba (Garsfontein), 10 Joshua Gouws (Garsfontein), 9 Fourie Roberts (Affies), 8 T Boshoff (Menlopark), 7 T Mathloane (Zayo Academy), 6 Hugo Derksen (Waterkloof), 5 Jaap Stolp (Menloparj), 4 R Wilkin (Oos-Moot), 3 Morné Bissett (Affies), 2 Kwagga van der Vyfer (Garsfontein), 1 Thando Telelo (Oos-Moot). Replacements: 16 Rametsi Obakeng (St Alban’s College), 17 Robin Stassen (Midstream College), 18 Reando Fourie (Menlopark), 19 Jethro le Roux (Zwartkop), 20 Didintle Onyeari (Zayo Academy), 21 L Pullen (Cornwall Hill College), 22 Renaldo Klein (Rietondale), 23 Caleb Africa (Zayo Academy).

Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) and South African College High School (SACS) will reignite their rivalry when they square off in a Hyundai Friday Nite Lights clash in Stellenbosch this week.

The meeting between the two of the giants of South African schoolboy hockey will be, arguably, the most anticipated match of the season.

It will be broadcast live on SuperSport Schools, DStv Channel 216, and on the SABC Plus App.

It’s an encounter that’s gripped the imagination of hockey enthusiasts in the country. Many regard it as a clash of the top two sides.

With the build-up and excitement intensifying, SuperSport Schools Hockey scribe Avuyile Sawula looks at everything you need to know about the clash.

Venue and Time

Paul Roos and SACS meet twice annually, except when playing each other in tournaments.

This year’s first in-season clash will take place at the Maties AstroTurf, in Stellenbosch, on Friday, 30 May, and pushback is at 19:15.

How has each team fared ahead of the match?

Both sides have had interesting seasons so far and recorded impressive results while playing exciting brands of hockey.

The home side, PRG, has suffered just one loss, and it came against SACS after a shootout in the semi-finals of the Standard Bank Hibbert Shield, in Gqeberha, earlier this month.

Aside from that defeat, coach Michael Baker‘s troops have run rampant against their opponents, and their last outing resulted in a 2-0 win over Paarl Boys’ High.

As for SACS, they had an unorthodox start to the local season because they toured The Netherlands before taking on South African opposition.

After returning to South Africa, they picked up from where they left off in 2024, dominating every team in front of them up until the Hibbert Shield.

They breezed through their group stage opponents in Gqeberha but were tested by PRG in the semis, with that game finishing 3-3 after regulation time. SACS won the Hibbert Shield by outplaying Paarl Gimnasium 6-3 in the final.

Both teams are in red-hot form heading into this one.

Last 5 fixtures

Paul Roos

Paul Roos 2-0 Paarl Boys’ High – Derby
Paul Roos 6-2 Paarl Gimnasium – Derby
Paul Roos 2-1 Hoërskool Garsfontein – Hibbert Shield bronze medal match
Paul Roos (4) 3-3 (5) SACS – Hibbert Shield semifinal
Paul Roos (3) 1–1 (2) St Stithians College – Hibbert Shield quarterfinal

SACS

SACS 10-0 DF Malan – League
SACS 9-1 Rondebosch Boys’ High – League
SACS 4-1 Bishops – League
SACS 9-1 Stellenberg High School – League
SACS 6-3 Paarl Gimnasium – Hibbert Shield final

Last five meetings between Paul Roos and SACS

2025: SACS (5) 3-3 (4) Paul Roos

2024: Paul Roos 2-2 SACS
2024: SACS 6-2 Paul Roos
2024: Paul Roos (6) 3-3 (5) SACS

2023: SACS 8-1 Paul Roos

TEAMS 

Please note: The Paul Roos team is subject to change. The SACS team, however, has been confirmed.

Paul Roos: Jeandre Cilliers, Jeandre Van Zyl, Danesh Titus, Tylor Carter, Seth Paterson, Reuben Gouws, Caleb Cilliers, Callum Van Oudtshoorn, Christo Swanepoel (c), Logan Lackay, Matthew Cardoza, Rico Esterhuyse, Christiaan Fouche, Charlie Boucher, Ruan Strauss, Luc Botha.

SACS: Lorenzo Virisimo, Jo le Roux (c), James Engelbrecht, Cameron Groves, Aiden Hughes, Matthew Lassen, Litha Kraai, Mohlodi Maseko, Zach Redfern, Adam Thompson, Daniel Graser, Cameron Cordeiro, Reece Theunis, Reegan Wille, Chavez Sanger. 

Elusive Queen’s College fullback Mveli Mqulo sparked a thrilling victory for his team as they continued their outstanding season with a 25-24 win over Grey High, in Komani, on Saturday.

In a clash that went down to the wire, Queen’s trailed their Gqeberha rivals for most of the game but eventually managed to take the lead with a Mqulo-inspired attack in the 54^th minute.

An up-and-under into the Queen’s half was collected by the enterprising fullback and he set off on a weaving run, beating a number of defenders as he raced into the Grey 22. As the cover defence closed in on Mqulo, he found Splash Magwebu in space on his right and the centre took the pass to score under the poles.

Mqulo added the conversion and from 13-17 down, Queen’s led for the first time (20-17) in a match in which neither side managed to establish a clear superiority.

An indication of this came seven minutes later when Grey reclaimed the lead after their forwards put Queen’s under immense pressure with a series of mauls in the home team’s 22.

That resulted in flank Cody Wilmot crossing for a try, which was converted by Meyer Prinsloo to make it 24-20 to the visitors.

But Queen’s was not done. They forced their way back deep into Grey’s territory. Then, from a scrum on the 22, scrumhalf Ayola Somhlahlo put in an accurate cross-kick which eluded the defenders and wing Ayathanda Mtyando was on hand to dot down for the match-winning try.

There were still five minutes left and although Grey fought hard to get back in front, Queen’s held on to celebrate their first win over the Gqeberha team since 2014.

In the first half, Grey, who led 14-7 at the break, crossed for two tries by hardworking loose forward David Melariri, while Queen’s wing Ncutu Kepe shot through a gap for their only score of the half.

In Makanda, St Andrew’s College overcame early resistance from Selborne College to seize control of their match in the first half. They led 33-10 at halftime and went on to a comfortable 40-10 victory.

After Selborne opened the scoring with a penalty by fullback Bungqina Nuku, St Andrew’s crossed for an unconverted try before the visitors regained the lead when Zothando Mrara scored from a rolling maul.

Nuku added the conversion to make it 10-5 but that was the end of the scoring for Selborne as the Andreans found their rhythm and were able to slip into their free-flowing style, scoring four more first half tries, which included outstanding individual efforts from Will Stevens and Aphindile Ngcuka.

The second half was a little flat compared to the first, but St Andrew’s crossed for one more try and stood firm in defence to secure a decisive victory.

After a tightly contested first half, which ended at 10-10, Graeme College gradually gained the ascendancy to defeat Hudson Park 27-22 in East London.

As expected on their home turf, Hudson came out firing and it took immense resolve from the Graemians to stay level with them in the first period.

But with Alden Walters slotting two penalties and three conversions, Graeme go their noses in front and built up a handy 27-15 lead before a late try by Hudson narrowed the final margin to five points.

Centre Erin Nelson stood out for Graeme, while No 8 Ayamila Bill and flank Ayola Mali showed their strength up front to lead the Hudson challenge.

In another match that was in the balance at halftime, Ooskus Gymnasium managed to take control of the second period to run out 27-15 winners over Stirling High.

Ooskus opened the scoring when Kwagga Liebenberg put flyhalf Juan Nel into a gap for a try under the posts. Nel, then, slotted a penalty to make it 10-0.

Stirling fought back well before halftime with a try and a penalty to keep themselves in the game.

Ooskus responded well and created a handy cushion when flank Roussouw Nel scored twice, once from a charge-down and the second from a pick-and-go as the forwards drove for the line.

Stirling reacted with their second try, but Ooskus was solid in defence and dominated most of the contest to maintain their lead, with Liebenberg scoring their fourth try.

Kingswood College captured a sensational last-minute win in their clash with Port Rex, narrowly getting home 20-17 after leading 10-3 at the break.

With the East London side leading 17-15, Kingswood was able to feed the ball to their big wing, James Mackenzie, and he crossed for his second try of the match to snatch a hard-fought win.

SCORERS

Queen’s College 25 (7) – Tries: Ncutu Kepe, Splash Magwebu, Ayathando Mtyando. Penalties: Mqulo (2). Conversions: Mqulo (2). Grey High School 24 (14) – Tries: David Melariri (2), Cody Wilmot. Penalty: Meyer Prinsloo. Conversions: Prinsloo (3).

St Andrew’s College 40 (33) – Tries: Amo Habi (2), Luca Nigrini, Will Stevens, Aphindile Ngcuka, Asante Chivere. Conversions: Stevens (5). Selborne College 10 (10) – Try: Zothanda Mrara. Penalty: Bungqina Nuku. Conversion: Nuku.

Graeme College 27 (10) – Tries: Inathi Planga, Lidwala Maliti, Elgin Fanton. Penalties: Alden Walters (2). Conversions: Walters (3). Hudson Park High 22 (10) – Tries: Ukhona Khama (2), Likho Gidi. Penalty: Landile Gidi. Conversions: Landile Gidi (2).

Ooskus Gym 27 (10) – Tries: Juan Nel, Roussouw Nel (2), Kwagga Liebenberg. Penalty: Nel. Conversions: Nel (2). Stirling High 15 (8) – not available.

Kingswood College 20 (10) – Tries: James Mackenzie (2), Matthew Paxton. Penalty: James McMahon. Conversion: James McMahon. Port Rex 17 (3) – Tries: Ethan Schoeman, Mivuyo Kongela. Penalty: Ndimphiwe Songqwaba. Conversion: Songqwaba (2).

Blitz Nico Malan wing Reagan Stone collected a brace of tries to help his team register their second win in a row over their Nxuba rivals Marlow Agricultural, in Humansdorp, on Saturday.

The home team led 14-0 at the break and, although Marlow got on the board through a penalty try, the result was never seriously in doubt as Nico Malan, led by impressive No 8 Pietman Kleinhans, powered over for two more tries to win 26-7.

Both sides were guilty of errors, but this particularly stymied the efforts of Marlow, whose attacking moves were often stunted by those mistakes.

It was a day of celebration for Nico Malan, who added the victory to their 31-27 win of 2024 after previously suffering six defeats in a row against the Wolramme.

Marlow started strongly and was quick to move into Nico Malan’s 22, earning a penalty and a lineout five metres from the line.

But, in a scenario which became all too familiar during the match, they knocked on at the lineout and Nico Malan were able to run their way out of trouble.

With flyhalf Leighton Lawrence dictating matters for Nico Malan with his astute tactical kicking, the Humansdorp side opened the scoring from a five-metre lineout.

Hooker Janu Janse van Rensburg got on the end of a pass to drive his way over the line, with Lawrence adding the conversion.

In the 22^nd minute, Nico Malan flank Neil Lategan broke through for a tremendous run deep into the Marlow 22. After the hosts recycled the ball, an excited Stone called for possession and simply outpaced the cover defence for a brilliant try, also converted by Lawrence.

Marlow narrowed the gap to seven points after the break when Izak Steyn initiated a move from a scrum near the halfway line.

His great run down the blindside saw him offload to scrumhalf Gian Steyl, and he threw an inside pass, but an early tackle by Nico Malan saw the referee having no hesitation in awarding a penalty try.

However, despite coming under pressure at scrum-time, Nico Malan took a grip on the match, and they were not about to relinquish it.

In the 42^nd minute, a handling error gave the home team a scrum on Marlow’s 22 and Kleinhans broke brilliantly to the right for Stone to again outstrip the defence for another memorable score.

That pair was again involved in a move as Stone cut through the defence and Kleinhans took the ball up to near the Marlow line.

From a tap penalty five metres out, burly prop Waldo Krige fought his way over the line to score under the poles, ensuring that the bragging rights remained with Nico Malan.

In other matches, Brandwag faced spirited opposition from Westering, but eventually took control of the contest to cruise to a 53-24 triumph, while Pearson was pushed all the way by Muir College before prevailing 21-14.

SCORERS

Nico Malan 26 (14) – Tries: Janu Janse van Rensburg, Reagan Stone (2), Waldo Krige. Conversions: Leighton Lawrence (3). Marlow 7 (0) – Tries: penalty try.

The regular phase of the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSA) Coastal and Inland A-Leagues is nearing its conclusion, with two matches remaining for each of the sides before the knockout stage.

The teams that finish first and second in the standings will then face off in the title games of the Coastal and Inland A-Leagues.

The teams at the bottom of the table will be relegated to the B-leagues.

Coastal A

There should be fireworks on Tuesday at Queensburgh High School where table-topping Westville Boys’ High takes on relegation-threatened Northwood School. For different reasons, they’re both desperate to win.

Westville has accumulated 13 points, and they need a win to keep hold of their top-of-the-log status, with two teams within a point of the Griffin.

Northwood is in dire need of a win to escape the relegation zone and, with only two matches remaining, time is running out for the Knights to make a move.

They’re in eighth place, with only one point from a draw thus far. In Westville, they go up against a well-organised, in-form team. Nevertheless, Northwood needs to find a way to take something out of the contest.

A victory could elevate them to seventh place if Bechet Secondary School loses to a Glenwood High team that has hit its stride in recent weeks.

Bechet currently has two points after five matches, with three losses and two draws. Glenwood, sitting in third place, will be eager to move up a place, at least, to secure a place in the final.

Hillcrest High, who have been enjoying their football this year, is set to face the sixth-placed Empangeni High School. Newcomers to the Coastal A-League, Empangeni, also find themselves in the elimination zone.

Their fate will depend on the outcomes of their next two matches. Should Bechet and Northwood win their remaining games and Empangeni loses theirs, the Zululand school could find itself back in the Coastal B-League in 2026.

On the other hand, Hillcrest High – despite their coach, Cayle Marillier telling SuperSport Schools Plus in April that his players are solely focused on enjoying their football – is likely keeping a keen eye on the standings. If they keep winning, they, too, could find themselves in the final of the Coastal A-League.

Port Shepstone High has been relatively subdued in recent weeks after suffering consecutive losses against Westville and Glenwood. They started the season with three significant victories, without conceding a goal, but it has been tough sledding in their recent outings against title-contending teams.

Sheppie, though, remains in position to push for a top two finish. They’re three points adrift of Hillcrest and Glenwood, with nine to their name. On Tuesday, Port Shepstone tackles Pinetown Boys’ High, who are fifth in the standings, just below them.

Inland A

In the Inland A-League, there is a strong possibility that the 2025 final may be a repeat of the 2024 final, which featured Carter High and Maritzburg College.

It’s a fierce Pietermaritzburg derby. When those teams meet, it is always a high energy, exciting clash. They’re best positioned to claim the top two places, but there are still two games to be played.

On Tuesday, Maritzburg College hosts Linpark, on Barns Field. The Red, Black, and White won’t be taking the challenge lightly. Linpark is in fourth place on the log, with seven points, and tied with third-placed Edendale Technical High, who also have seven points, but a better goal differential.

College, no doubt, recognises the threat posed by Carter High, which is the defending champion of the Inland A-League. Carter, on 11 points, is just two adrift of the leaders.

They will fancy their chances against Haythorne Secondary, on Tuesday, with Haythorne propping up the table, having secured just two points from their five matches. Under threat of relegation, Haythorne will be eager to pull off the upset.

Edendale, which was promoted from the Inland B-League to the Inland A-League this season, has proved they’re a formidable opponent. They can boost their points’ total to 10 with a win over Alexandra High.

Two teams under pressure to maintain their places in the Inland A-League, Ixopo Secondary and Newton, also meet on Tuesday. Newton holds a one-point advantage over Ixopo. They’re in sixth, with four points, while Ixopo, in seventh, could rise above Newton with a win.

FIXTURES

Coastal A

Westville vs Northwood
Bechet vs Glenwood
Hillcrest vs Empangeni
Pinetown vs Port Shepstone

Inland A

Linpark vs Maritzburg College
Haythorne vs Carter
Alexandra High School A vs Edendale
Ixopo vs Newton

Wednesday, 28 May: Inland C

AB Jackson

15:00 – Umvuzo vs Maritzburg College C
16:05 – Newtown B vs Michaelhouse

Thursday, 29 May: Coastal B

Queensburgh High School

Field 1

15:10 – Amanzimtoti vs Durban High School
16:15 – New Forest vs Sastri

Field 2

15:10 – Queensburgh High School vs Redwood
16:10 – Grosvenor vs Ashton Ballito A

Friday, 30 May: Coastal C

Queensburgh High School

Field 1

15:10 – Canaan College vs Durban Academy
16:15 – Ashton Ballito B vs Birdswood

Field 2

15:10 – Brettonwood vs George Campbell

Thursday, 29 May: Inland B

Alexandra High School 

Field 1

15:00 – Alexandra High School B vs Maritzburg College B
16:05 – ML Sultan vs Thornhill

Field 2

15:00 – Maritzburg Christian School vs Heritage Academy
16:05 – Northbury Park vs Riverwood

Friday, 30 May: Inland C

AB Jackson 

Field 1

15:00 – Newtown B vs Maritzburg College C
16:05 – Michaelhouse vs Umvuzo

Although the focus of many has been directed towards the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal and Inland A-Leagues, teams such as ML Sultan and Queensburgh High School have been consistently providing outstanding results week after week in the Coastal and Inland B-Leagues.

Coastal B

On Thursday, the log leaders, Queensburgh High School, delivered another good performance at home when they faced Ashton Ballito B Team. Last week, they beat Grosvenor 2-1, and this week they were outstanding, winning 3-0 against Ashton Ballito B.

With four wins and one draw thus far, Queensburgh High remains unbeaten.

After their loss to Queensburgh last week, Grosvenor made a strong comeback, scoring a convincing 4-1 victory against the struggling Amanzimtoti High, who lie seventh in the standings, with just two points, just above Ashton Ballito A.

The comfortable win was a nice boost for Grosvenor, who have experienced mixed results, recording two victories, one draw, and two losses in their five matches. They’re fourth on the log, just behind third-placed Durban High School (DHS), who have eight points.

Redwood College, followed up on a 0-4 loss to DHS with a 2-1 win over Sastri College. That result left them in second place in the table, with 10 points, trailing the leaders, Queensburgh, by three.

DHS, after a 0-2 loss to Hillcrest High in the Curro Halala Cup on Wednesday, was held to a 1-1 draw by New Forest High.

Coastal C

In the Coastal C-League, Canaan College defeated Birdswood 2-0 in a highly anticipated match of the week, which began with both teams undefeated. With the victory, Canaan joined Birdswood on 10 points.

Brettonwood claimed a 2-0 win over Ashton Ballito B, while Durban Academy and George Campbell shared a goalless draw.

Inland B

ML Sultan remains unbeaten in the Inland B-League, with five wins from five matches. They’re making a strong push for promotion and are a tidy five points clear of second-placed Northbury Park Secondary School and third-place Riverwood College, who both have 10 points.

On Thursday, ML Sultan was tested by Maritzburg College B at Alexandra High School but came away with a 3-2 win.

While the Maritzburg College A side leads the way in the Inland A-League, Maritzburg College B has had a tougher time of it, picking up two wins, two losses and a draw. That leaves them in fourth place, with seven points, and two matches remaining before the playoffs.

In other fixtures played at Alexandra High, Riverwood recorded a 3-1 win against Thornhill, while Heritage Academy upset Northbury Park, winning 2-1.

The host of the Inland B-League, Alexandra High School B, was held to a goalless draw by Maritzburg Christian College.

RESULTS

Thursday, 22 May

Coastal B

Grosvenor 4-1 Amanzimtoti
DHS 1-1 New Forest
Queensburgh High School 3-0 Ashton Ballito A
Redwood 2-1 Sastri

Friday, 23 May

Coastal C

Durban Academy 0-0 George Academy
Canaan College 2-0 Birdswood
Brettonwood 2-0 Ashton Ballito B

Thursday, 22 May

Inland B

Alexandra High School B Team 0-0 Maritzburg Christian School
ML Sultan 3-2 Maritzburg College B
Heritage Academy 2-1 Northbury Park Secondary
Riverwood 3-1 Thornhill

Die Hoërskool Menlopark produced a composed, skilful, and entertaining performance on their way to lifting the St Anne’s Cup after beating Our Lady of Fatima 2-0 in a scintillating final at St Anne’s, in Hilton, on Sunday.

“I’m extremely proud of our performances this weekend,” Brad Brook, the Menlopark coach, told Supersport Schools Plus.

“We took it one game at a time, relying on our team principles, tons of grit, and sisterhood throughout the weekend.”

After Brook’s charges finished second in Pool A, they had to navigate a path manned by powerhouses from that point onwards. They triumphed 2-1 over last year’s runner-up, Durban Girls’ College, in the quarterfinals and were tested by Free State titans, Eunice, in the semifinals, but advanced after a penalty shootout.

“We are very fortunate to have great depth in our squad with various players putting their hands up and delivering match-winning performances across the five games,” Brook said.

Menlopark’s captain, Zoë Badenhorst, excelled and was named the Striker of the Tournament, while Annika Kloppers took home the Goalkeeper of the Tournament prize. Carlia Potgieter, meanwhile, produced her best performance in the final.

The Pretoria school had the first touch in the title match, and they ensured that they had the ball under their control for the first 35 minutes of the contest.

They won the first of their six penalty corners six minutes into the first chukka, but it came to nought. Shortly after that, they were unable to turn a second set piece into a goal.

Our Lady of Fatima’s goalkeeper Kayla Driver was the main reason why Menlopark was unable to make a breakthrough. She made a handful of outstanding saves to keep the score at 0-0 after the first 15 minutes.

In the second chukka, Menlopark ramped up the intensity. Monique Gerber led the way, tormenting Our Lady of Fatima’s defence as Brooks’ players piled on pressure and won four more penalty corners. Driver, though, stood firm.

However, with only seconds left in the second chukka, Carlia Potgieter struck for Menlopark, getting onto the end of a speculative ball sent from halfway into the Our Lady of Fatima circle. She was in the right place at the right time and helped the ball into the back of the net to give her side a 1-0 lead at halftime.

After the break, Menlopark picked up the tempo and they were soon rewarded with a second goal, just four minutes into the third chukka.

Gerber made a brilliant run down the baseline before cutting the ball back to Potgieter, who smashed it into the back of the net to double Menlopark’s lead.

Our Lady of Fatima was on the back foot after soaking up pressure for most of the contest. They had barely ventured out of their half. They won only three penalty corners in the first half and added another two in the third chukka.

The two in the third quarter were, though, a result of the Durban school’s players coming out of their shell and shifting the pressure back onto Menlopark. They enjoyed more possession in the second half of the third chukka as they chased a goal to cut the opposition’s lead in half.

In the final chukka, Our Lady of Fatima took control of proceedings. Their forays into the Menlopark final third resulted in five penalty corners for coach Matthew Smith‘s charges. They threw everything at the Pretoria girls, including the kitchen sink, and created some goal-scoring opportunities.

Annika Kloppers, the Menlopark goalkeeper, who had produced an outstanding game in the semifinals, was up to the challenge, however, keeping Our Lady of Fatima goalless.

Towards the end of the contest, Menlopark had their hearts in their hands when they lost the ball in their own circle, but they were saved by a scrambling defence and the excellent Kloppers.

Our Lady of Fatima kept pressing, but there was no give in Menlopark’s resistance.

With just over a minute left in the match, Smith withdrew goalkeeper Kayla Driver in a last-ditch attempt to manufacture a goal. But the move came too late, and it went unrewarded.

RESULTS

Final: Menlopark 2-0 Our Lady of Fatima
3rd/4th: Eunice 4-0 St Mary’s DSG, Kloof
5th/6th: St Anne’s (3) 2-2 (2) Durban Girls’ College
7th/8th: Waterkloof (2) 1-1 (1) St John’s DSG