Armaan Manack of St David’s Marist in action in his side’s semi-final victory over Garsfontein in the Schools SA20 in Pretoria. PHOTO: Frans Lombard
Diocesan College and St David’s Marist Inanda will lock horns in the first-ever boys’ final of the Schools SA20 on Saturday at the Tuks Oval in Pretoria.
They also faced each other in the last pool match on Friday on the same field, with Diocesan College, or Bishops, as they are affectionately known, coming out on top by eight wickets.
The Cape Town side secured their place in the final after a seven-wicket victory over Graeme College, of Makhanda, in the semi-finals. Their captain, James Robb-Quinlan (40*), led the charge.
He and opening batsman Adnaan Lagadien (29) continued their excellent form with the bat from earlier in the morning when they lifted their side to win over St David’s.
They shared a 103-run partnership for the second wicket against the Gauteng champions and will, without a doubt, have to play a major role again if they want to return to Cape Town with the trophy.
St David’s won their semi-final against Hoërskool Garsfontein, from Pretoria, by 26 runs. The team from the City of Gold posted 124/8 in their 20 overs, with Hayden Campbell (34) making the biggest contribution.
Garsfontein’s leg-spinning revelation Zizwe Khumalo (2/14) was once again the pick of his side’s bowling attack. Jared Carr (2/17), Echard Struwig (2/21), and Xander Venter (2/30) all also claimed two wickets each.
Garsies were in trouble early on, with Morteza Manack (2/16), Campbell (2/16), and Christopher Emslie (2/18) all capturing important wickets. Only Ruan Boshoff (31) made a meaningful contribution as the local team was dismissed for only 98 runs
The South Africa u19 spin bowler Enathi Kitshini was also on fire in the morning session, snaring five wickets for a miserly eight runs to help the CSA Hub Invitational side to a bonus point three-wicket victory over PearsonHigh, of Gqeberha.
Summarised Scorecards
St David’s Marist 167/5 (Armaan Manack 74, Jason Rowles 31, Kamogelo Phiri 26; Michael Kruiskamp 2/13); Diocesan College 168/2 (Adnaan Lagadien 89*, James Robb-Quinlan 47, Thaafier Japtha 20*; Morteza Manack 1/23). Diocesan College won by eight wickets.
Pearson 72/10 (Sulaymaan Gangat 19; Enathi Kitshini 5/8, Taywin Adams 2/5); CSA Hub Invitational 76/7 (Olebogeng Scott 19*; Sulaymaan Gangat 2/19). CSA Hub Invitational won by three wickets.
Semi-finals
Graeme College 120/5 (Corbin Tidbury 25, Zuko Pontshi 25, Andrew Muir 25; Luke de Klerk 2/21); Diocesan College 121/3 (James Robb-Quinlan 40*, Adnaan Lagadien 29, Samuel Stavely-Alexander 22, Waco Bassick 20*). Diocesan College won by seven wickets.
St David’s Marist 124/8 (Hayden Campbell 34; Zizwe Khumalo 2/14, Jared Carr 2/17, Echard Struwig 2/21, Xander Venter 2/30); Garsfontein 98/10 (Riaan Boshoff 31; Morteza Manack 2/16, Hayden Campbell 2/16, Christopher Emslie 2/18). St David’s Marist won by 26 runs.
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – NOVEMBER 18: Kevin Foote (Junior Springbok Head Coach) during the SA Rugby U19 academy media opportunity at Markotter Stadium on November 18, 2024 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
The Junior Springboks were handed a tough group assignment for this year’s World Rugby Under-20 Championship, which will take place from 29 June to 19 July in Italy.
The Junior Boks are ranked seventh for the global event and were drawn in a strong Pool A along with last year’s champions, England, as well as Australia and Scotland.
“It is very exciting news and will be a great opportunity for us to play in Italy during the (European) summer months,” said Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote.
Foote described their pool as “very competitive” and added the Junior Boks know they will have to be very good if they want to top the pool and progress to the knockout stages.
“England and Scotland would have had great preparations through the U20 Six Nations, while Australia will no doubt be using the u20 Rugby Championship to gear up for Italy.
“It is a very competitive pool; we are excited for the challenge and will be well-prepared.”
Italy is set to host the prestigious tournament – in four cities across the Lombardia and Veneto regions – featuring the 12 best Under-20 teams in the world, for a third time. It will be the first time in 10 years that the event returns to Italian soil since New Zealand beat England in the 2015 title decider in Cremona. The first time the tournament was staged in Italy was in 2011, when Padova was the host city.
The Junior Boks will return to the same region where they won the 2022 u20 Summer Series, when South Africa – featuring amongst other the likes of Sacha Mngomezulu-Feinberg, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Cameron Hanekom and Ruan Venter – won the competition as an invited side along with the Six Nations teams and Georgia.
The 15th edition of the World Rugby U20 Championship will be staged in Calvisano, Rovigo, Verona and Viadana. They are set to host matches across the three rounds of pool matches on 29 June, 4 and 9 July.
The knockout stages kick off on 14 July with finals day taking place on 19 July to determine the final placings of the 12 teams, with the Stadio Maria Battaglini in Rovigo to host the final. Kick-off times are still to be finalised, and the full match schedule will be confirmed in due course.
England are the defending champions, having beaten three-time winners France 21-13 in the 2024 final in Cape Town, while Scotland will return to the U20 Championship for the first time since 2019 after winning last year’s U20 Trophy on home soil.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The World Rugby U20 Championship represents the pinnacle of age-grade rugby, showcasing the next generation of international stars before they reach the highest level.
“We are delighted to bring back this thrilling competition to Italy, a nation with a deep passion for the sport and a proven track record of hosting world-class events.
“This 15th edition will not only provide an incredible platform for young talent to shine but will also capture the imagination of fans and we look forward to working with our friends at Federazione Italiana Rugby to leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Italy.”
The Junior Boks will resume their training from 20 March in Stellenbosch, the first time they will re-assemble after their recent successful tour of Georgia, where they managed to beat Georgia U20 twice in a series that was played in extremely cold conditions.
World Rugby Under-20 Championship 2025:
Date: 29 June-19 July
Stadiums: Stadio San Michele (Calvisano), Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo), Payanini Center (Verona), Stadio Luigi Zaffanella (Viadana).
Pools:
Pool A: England (1), Australia (6), South Africa (7), Scotland (12)
Pool B: France (2), Argentina (5), Wales (8), Spain (11)
Pool C: New Zealand (3), Ireland (4), Georgia (9), Italy (10)
Pool matches:
Match day 1: Sunday, 29 June (Calvisano and Verona)
Match day 2: Friday, 4 July (Rovigo and Viadana)
Match day 3: Wednesday, 9 July (Calvisano and Verona)
Playoffs:
Match day 4: Monday, 14 July (Verona and Viadana)
Match day 5 (final and ranking matches): Saturday, 19 July (Calvisano and Rovigo)
Stefan Veldsman forces his way over the try line for the third of St Charles’s tries against Clifton in a 36-12 win on 12 May 2024, in Durban. Photo: Brad Morgan.
Saints, in 2024, played a creative and entertaining style of rugby, with Matthew Fick, a two-time Sharks’ Craven Week scrumhalf, pulling the strings. He was far from the only playmaker in their line-up, though.
Some familiar players from that exciting side will be in action for St Charles on Saturday on Old Orchards, including backline players Rashied Isaacs, Athenkosi Oumo, and Matthew Ludick, while Raphael Ajibade, a regular try-scorer as a lock last season, moves to 8th-man, where his size and athleticism will stress opposing team’s defences.
Unfortunately for Saints, even though it is the start of the season, they’ve been hit hard by injuries and will have to make do without a number of their first-choice players.
Glenwood endured a challenging season in 2024, winning only three times. However, although some Glenwood supporters found it hard to stomach, there was a silver lining to their season: Glenwood’s side was very young, with only a smattering of grade 12 boys in their lineup.
Many teams have seen a rapid reversal of poor fortune when the previous year’s inexperienced team becomes the new season’s battle-hardened outfit. That’s what Glenwood will be hoping the 2025 season brings.
They have an established leader in coach Derek Heiberg, who has guided some strong teams in his time in charge since he took over in September 2018.
Crucially, they’ll have Lian Lochner back at scrumhalf to direct play. He’s a strong performer and a dangerous runner from the base of the scrum. He’ll test the Saints’ defence around the rucks and mauls.
Leo Khumalo, too, playing at fullback, will challenge Saints if their tactical kicking is a touch loose.
Up front, Glenwood will look to Tylo Madat for clean ball from the lineouts.
It should be a fascinating clash, with St Charles expected to experience a slight drop-off after a superb 2024 season and Glenwood expected to improve after a tough year.
Hilton College vs Westville Boys’ High
Westville fullback Zekhethelo Siyiya crossed for two superb tries in his side’s 14-point win over Hilton College on 25 May 2024. Photo: Brad Morgan.
Inclement weather notwithstanding, Hilton College‘s clash with Westville Boys’ High on Gilfillan Field on Saturday is one of those fixtures that leaps off the page, especially when one sees the talent returning for both outfits.
The visitors boast SA Schools fullback and wing, Zekhethelo Siyaya. Even though he dealt with injuries for much of the 2024 season, he still made the national side, and he was a regular try-scorer, a highlight machine with his devastating counterattacking.
Hilton is always well-drilled by coach Brad Mcleod-Henderson, and they like to play a typical South African game, which includes astute tactical kicking. Their talented, highly regarded flyhalf Liyema Nela will need to be on his game because he and Hilton will be punished if their kicking is wayward.
With rain set to continue to fall all over KZN on Saturday, tactical kicking is going to play a big role in determining the outcome of matches.
Jadrian Afrikaner, who ran out on the wing for Westville and The Sharks in 2024, moves to outside centre. He’s a good finisher and his excellent understanding with Siyaya is another strength that the Griffin will work at featuring in their game.
Hilton counters with the speedy Khazimla Makali and Requilme Adonis on the wings. Both were regulars in the Hilton 1st XV last season. The home side also features Tristan Uys at inside centre. If he can bring the fire and strong decision-making that earned him South African Schools colours in water polo to the midfield, Hilton will be onto a good thing.
Liam Simpkins captains Westville from scrumhalf, where his duel with Zander Vorster, an experienced campaigner with an eye for the try line, should be one of the more interesting one-on-one battles.
Moustapher Gcina enjoyed a strong season in the second row for Westville in 2024, so he should be a key performer up front.
For Hilton, the flanks, Emmanuel Dankwah and Stewart Falconer return for another season of 1st XV rugby and will be influential.
Ross Calvert captains the visitors from hooker. He faces a nuggetty opponent in Josh Grant, who bagged plenty of tries last year off the back of the driving maul.
Director of Rugby and 1st XV coach, Brad Mcleod-Henderson, has now been at Hilton for a decade and has delivered consistently good results. He’s a proven winner with a proven recipe.
Facing him for the first time at 1st XV level will be Zander Erasmus. He’s been very successful coaching Westville’s u16A teams in the past two years, producing a team that was ranked in the top 10 nationally, and another that ranked in the top 20. He has also been part of the Sharks’ Craven Week coaching crew for the past couple of seasons.
He’ll already be familiar with many of the players who will turn out for Westville on Saturday, and that is a positive that will surely help the side work its way into the season.
Northwood School vs Michaelhouse
Reece-Edwards Field is a fantastic theatre for rugby, but the weather won’t be as inviting as it was when Northwood hosted Jeppe last season. Photo: Brad Morgan.
Northwood produced an outstanding season in 2024. Behind a rugged pack, they lost only once to KZN opposition, going down 11-18 to a powerhouse DHS teamthat contained nine Sharks players in their last outing after holding DHS to a 7-7 draw earlier in the season.
The Knightswere an in-your-face team in all phases of the game, including, very successfully, on the opposition’ lineouts, which, undoubtedly, was where coach Jacques Deen put in plenty of work. He’ll be an assistant coach of the Sharks’ Craven Week team in 2025.
One of their key players will be Lian Terblanche, who packs down in the second row. He’s a powerful physical presence and highly rated, which earned him an invitation to SA Rugby’s Elite Player Development Camp late last year.
Behind the pack, Northwood also boasted an exciting backline in 2024 and some of those players are back, including vice-captain Bongane Khumalo and his fast feet. He’s able to impact games by beating players in one-on-ones or through his deft attacking of the opposition’s backline which creates dangerous passes after he has drawn in defenders.
Michaelhouse has the advantage of going into the game having played one match already. They hosted Helpmekaar Kollege in their season opener in Balgowan last weekend and, after a real arm wrestle, they went down 10-17after leading 10-5 at the break.
‘Houseimpressed with a robust defence, but, as is often the case in early games, their handling was not as sharp as it might have been.
William Ridl captains the side from centre, where his brother Campbell was a standout, and he forms a strong midfield pairing with Rourke O’Sullivan. Their battle with Bongane Khumalo and Tristan Parkinson will be something to keep an eye on.
Flyhalf Stefan Moolman, with his educated boot, should be an asset in the wet weather.
Michaelhouse boasts some serious beef in a strong pack with plenty of 1st XV experience. Dom Sesink-Clee does duty at number eight and is the vice-captain of the side. Unfortunately, coach James Fleming was forced into a late change on Friday, with flank Alex Arde being replaced by Dylan van Tonder. Nonetheless, Sesink-Clee, Van Tonder and Oliver Guy give ‘House a stout loose trio.
TEAMS
St Charles College vs Glenwood High School, Old Orchards at 15:00
15 James Peattie, 14 Khzimla Makali, 13 Guy Fender, 12 Tristan Uys, 11 Requilme Adonis, 10 Liyema Nela, 9 Zander Vorster, 8 Zander Muller, 7 Emmanuel Dankwah, 6 Stewart Falconer, 5 Andrew Schnell, 4 Andre Boshoff, 3 Simon Steyn, 2 Josh Grant, 1 Khanya Jekwa
Northwood School vs Michaelhouse, Reece-Edwards Field at 15:30
Michaelhouse
15 Alex Jankowitz, 14 Lwandle Nzama, 13 Rourke O’Sullivan, 12 William Ridl (c), 11 Laird Hamilton-Brown, 10 Stefan Moolman, 9 Dan Aissing, 8 Dom Sesink-Clee, 7 Dylan van Tonder, 6 Oliver Guy, 5 Dan Carr, 4 Thomas Peach, 3 Nicola Salamousas, 2 Max Oliva, 1 Koketso Bopape
Northwood School
15 Trevor van Vollenstee, 14 Aphiwe Buthelezi, 13 Bongane Khumalo (vc), 12 Tristan Parkinson, 11 Jayden Smith, 10 Ludi van der Walt, 9 Jed Mun-Gavin, 8 Mpendulo Hleleni, 7 Lusanda Mabizela, 6 Chad Howe, 5 Lian Terblanche, 3 Janco Visagie, 2 Ayavuyu Makula, 1 Sphephelo
In 2024, Durban High School‘s (DHS) 1st XV was unbeaten in KwaZulu-Natal. DHS was also one of the best teams in the country, losing only two matches by a combined seven points.
It was a less successful season for Maritzburg College, who were somewhat inconsistent. They played some very good rugby, but also slipped to some defeats they would feel they shouldn’t have. One of those occurred when they hosted DHS on Goldstone’s on 20 April.
The Red, Black, and Whiteproduced a strong first half, building a deserved 18-6 lead at the break. In the second half, College dominated the early going, but School fought back and kept College from scoring any more points while scoring 15 of their own to claim a hard-fought, character-building 21-18 victory.
It was, for the DHS Director of Rugby and 1st XV coach, Peter Engeldow, a second win in as many visits to Goldstone’s, and that’s a rare feat. On Saturday, though, DHS will be defending their Van Heerden’s Field fortress in one of the first King Price Derby Seriesmatches.
With heavy rain forecast for Durban, it could be a battle of attrition, fought mostly between the packs.
Both sets of forwards look vastly different from last year’s lineups but expect two abrasive outfits to go at it. Here’s a bit of trivia to consider when thinking about the packs: Between the two of them, they have produced four South African Schools’ front-rankers in the past two years – props RamboKubheka and Aiden Botha, of Maritzburg College, and prop Simphiwe Ngobese, and hooker Mahle Sithole, of DHS.
College has a new head coach, Nico Breedt, who takes over from Tim Orchard. A former provincial rugby player, with extensive coaching experience at school, club, and provincial level, Breedt also previously coached the KearsneyCollege 1st XV. He’ll have to get his charges ready for a physical battle.
Forwards’ coach Ronnie Uys has churned out one outstanding pack after another at DHS, and given the aforementioned weather conditions, just how the packs perform in the tight and the loose in the wet will take on even greater importance than usual.
It should be fascinating because both units bring a blue-collar approach to the game. They’re not afraid to get down and dirty.
Behind the packs, one name leaps off the team sheets: DHS inside centre Zingce Simka. He made the SA Schools A side in 2024and will be representing the 1st XV for a third year. Simka is a load. He can just as easily run over a player as run around a defender, so his ability to get across the gain line could also come into play in a big way in the rain.
DHS goes into the game with the advantage of having played one match already. They were the winners by a handsome 63-8 margin in Bethlehem last weekend against Voortrekker.
Maritzburg College, meanwhile, has engaged in some pre-season sparring with Westville Boys’ High. They’ll need to adjust to full-on match action quickly.
TEAMS
Durban High School vs Maritzburg College, Van Heerden’s Field at 15:30
Maritzburg College
15 Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein, 14 Ntsika Mkize, 13 Amahle Hadebe, 12 Owethu Kosani, 11 Adam Cahill, 10 Jordan Thackeray, 9 Rylan Armoed, 8 Wasi Vyambwera, 7 Rory Stanton, 6 David Colenbrander, 5 Connor Mountfort, 4 Willick de Klerk, 3 Alande Ngubane, 2 Theo Boshoff, 1 Indiphile Mlotshwa
Durban High School
15 Cilermo Carolus, 14 Amo Mataboge, 13 Zenkosi Mthiyane, 12 Zingce Simka, 11 Nathan Aneka, 10 Jordan van Wyk, 9 Marcwin Nero, 8 Inathinkosi Mkhencele, 7 Jose Lottering, 6 Daniel Ikotela, 5 Zion Smith, 4 Vimbiso Kasvosve, 3 Bobby Udo-Idung, 2 Okuhle Mbanjwa, 1 Elvino Witbooi
A spectacular try by Daniel Eager, Kearsney’s third, was just enough to secure victory for the One-Stripe over Michaelhouse on their Old Boys’ Day in 2024. Photo: Brad Morgan.
Kearsney College put together an extremely interesting season in 2024. They came out of the blocks well, winning their first three matches, including a 16-14 upset of Maritzburg College, but subsequently lost seven in succession. They, then, won three on the trot, including reversing an earlier loss to Michaelhouse, to finish off the season on an upward trajectory.
Add to that, three more wins at the Independent Schools Rugby Festival by the Kearsney Stayers XV, which took it to six in a row, and there is reason for optimism in the ranks of the One-Stripe in 2025.
Kearsney has also made a significant coaching change, bringing Grant Bashford on board as coach of the 1st XV.
“Bash” has a seriously impressive CV from working with The Sharks and in the school environment, including three stints with Northwood. Most recently, he served as the Director of Sport at Clifton College but has opted to return to his first love of coaching the game.
It’s a first for Kearsney to bring in a full-time dedicated 1st XV coach, and that signals their intent and that of the Director of Rugby, Keegan Daniel, to challenge the traditional KZN rugby powers.
Bashford takes over from Neil van Heerden, who has taken up a job in the private sector. However, he will still be coaching at Durban High School.
Kearsney hosts Clifton College on Saturday on Stott Field and the Durban school, too, has new leadership of their rugby programme. Jose dos Santos, who formerly headed up rugby at St Charles College and Glenwood High, replaces Grant Bell (who has returned to his alma mater, Westville Boys’ High) as the Director of Rugby. One senses that Dos Santos is a good fit at Clifton.
The Durban school has been grinding away in recent seasons, making incremental progress in its goal to not only take on but beat the top sides in KZN. There have been one or two noteworthy achievements, including a 24-17 win over Kearsney in 2022, but the One-Stripe charged to a 48-0 victory late last season.
Clifton College’s big lock Lukhanyiso Nala in a 2024 win over Durban Development. Photo: Brad Morgan.
Dos Santos has been joined at Clifton by another former Glenwood member of staff, Heinke van der Merwe. A Springbok front-ranker, Van der Merwe enjoyed successful stints with Leinster and Stade Francaise during his playing career and previously served as an assistant coach to Derek Heiberg with Glenwood’s Green Machine.
There is no tougher sport in which to take a step up to the top tier of competition than rugby. Clifton School celebrated its centenary last year, but the College (high school) is barely over two decades old, and it has been pushing hard to become a regular challenger against the established KZN powers.
Clifton is one of the smaller traditional all-boys’ schools in the province, which results in some of their multi-talented sportsmen taking on big workloads, but, with Dos Santos and Van der Merwe leading the way, they’ll keep improving.
Director of Sport Jaco Coetzer, also has an outstanding track record in sports management, especially in rugby development, so Clifton appears to have the right people in place to help them get to where they want to be.
Perhaps, the mist and rain of Botha’s Hill will work to Clifton’s advantage because a running game is unlikely given the forecast of temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees Celcius and rain throughout the day.
Stott Field was dug up and replanted after the 2024 rugby season. The surface is going to be well and truly tested on Saturday.
One other note of interest: Take a look through the Kearsney 1st XV and you’ll see three members of their outstanding 1st water polo team – Thomas Aylward, Oliver Ludwig, and Thomas Francke. Rugby and water polo have proven to be a good combination in the past, so it will be interesting to see how the water polo trio goes this season.
TEAMS
Kearsney College vs Clifton College, Stott Field at 15:15
The Merrifield girls’ first hockey side. Photo: Supplied
After a promising start to their season at last week’s Ooskus Gimnasium Festival, Merrifield College wants to up the ante at the Border Schools Day, which takes place at Stirling High School, in East London, on Saturday.
The side, coached by the experienced, Antonet Louw, began the 2025 season with two narrow defeats and a victory last week.
They went down 0-1 to both Stirling High and Clarendon High School for Girls but beat Ooskus 2-0. They’ll be aiming to build some momentum on Saturday.
They’ll play three matches, against Ooskus, Clarendon, and Cambridge High School at the event, which has been organised by the Border Schools Hockey Association to help sides prepare for the season.
Coach Louw outlined Merrifield’s plans for the weekend: “Our main focus this week is to strengthen team cohesion and communication, ensuring everyone understands their roles and supports each other on the field,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“Fitness will be key, so we’ll work on maintaining energy and consistency throughout the matches. We’ll also fine-tune our set plays to ensure better execution under pressure.
“We want to build mental toughness, helping the team stay resilient and composed in challenging situations, which will set us up well for the Greg Beling Festival and the rest of the season.”
Many in the Border region consider Merrifield an underdog, but the school’s hockey programme has made significant strides in recent years. The 2025 season presents an opportunity for coach Louw and her team to cause some upsets.
The team is a mixture of experience and youth, with only four players in matric, while six are in Grade 10. Five players will be representing the 1st XI for the first time.
“We’re in a rebuilding phase, but it’s also about developing and harnessing the potential of these younger players,” Louw said.
“The experienced players, especially the matrics, are stepping up to guide and mentor the younger girls, while we work on building chemistry and consistency as a team.
“It’s a balancing act, focusing on growth and development but also building on the solid foundation we have. It’s an exciting time for improvement and laying the groundwork for the future.”
Saturday’s games will be the final competitive matches for Merrifield before they run out in the Greg Beling Festival next weekend.
The side will be co-captained by four experienced players: Alex Viljoen, Leilah du Plessis, Tariro Chinamasa, and Kyra Strauss.
“I’m expecting a tough challenge from the teams we’ll be facing,” Coach Louw said of Saturday’s schedule. “Most likely, they’ll bring a high level of intensity and solid tactics, so we’ll need to be prepared for strong opposition, especially with our younger players still gaining experience.
“I expect teams to test our defensive structure, put pressure on our set plays, and exploit any gaps in our game.
“It will be crucial for us to stay composed, stick to our game plan, and adapt quickly to whatever challenges come our way,” she concluded.
Players in the Merrifield side to keep an eye on include Crystal Kruger, who is adept at cracking defensive lines and creating opportunities.
Co-captain, Chinamasa’s speed on the right side will be an asset, while Ambesa Jacob‘s skills will be key in eliminating players in one-on-one situations.
In the midfield, Lexi Viljoen, Strauss, and Du Plessis will aim to control the flow of the game.
Defensively, Sarah-Jane Mouton is considered rock solid, while Taylor Emslie will protect the cage.
Merrifield’s challenge begins at 09:00 against Ooskus Gimnasium.
FIXTURES
Saturday, 15 February
08:00 – Clarendon vs Stirling High; 08:30 – Hudson vs Cambridge High; 09:00 – Merrifield vs Ooskus Gimnasium; 09:30 – Hudson vs Stirling High; 10:00 – Clarendon vs Merrifield College; 10:30 – Cambridge High vs Ooskus Gimnasium; 11:00 – Clarendon vs Hudson; 11:30 – Stirling High vs Ooskus Gimnasium; 12:00 – Cambridge High vs Merrifield College.
The Gauteng Development League Top Eight competition returns this weekend after a postponement that was brought on by inclement weather in the province last month.
The quarterfinals were played, with Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Highlands Park, and School of Excellence progressing through to the semi-finals.
On Saturday, GDL champions, Highlands Park, take on Mamelodi Sundowns at Tsakane Stadium, in Brakpan, while Chiefs tackle School of Excellence at Marks Park, in Randburg.
Heading into the clash against School of Excellence, Chiefs have been rocked by the news of the unavailability of head coach David Mathebula.
“I won’t be available. I have to travel home,” Mathebula revealed to SuperSport Schools Plus in an exclusive interview.
Mathebula believes that his close relationship with his support staff and the professionalism of his players should carry them through the semi-finals and into the final of the competition.
“I think the advantage with us is we work very, very closely with the other coaches. The players, we teach them how to respect coaches because, in the future, I won’t be the one who is coaching them,” Mathebula explained.
“They must be able to work with different coaches. I just hope they will be able to handle themselves as professionals, but I believe they will do that because we’ve got good boys in our team. So I don’t think there will be any challenges.”
Chiefs are fresh off a 5-0 thrashing of Sundownslast weekend, an eye-opening result from which Mathebula believes his team will take confidence.
The 41-year-old reflected on that fixture: “I think, firstly, it was a very complicated game. It was a difficult game. Sundowns, first half, they played well, created a couple of opportunities, and I think, in the first half, the difference was we managed to take the opportunities that we created.
“We defended the box well because they didn’t get a lot of opportunities, not opportunities inside the box, but outside the box, where they had to take shots from long range.
“And then, second half, we came back stronger because we didn’t give them those opportunities. When we were defending, we stayed stronger, we stayed compact, and when we were in possession of the ball, I think our confidence grew.
“Thus, we were able to impose how we wanted to play. I think we dominated the game in the second half and, also, our pressing was good because we knew they’re a team that wants to dominate possession, and we knew that they build up from the back.
“So, the boys did well in pressing, and then we got opportunities and we managed to take them. The confidence grows when you win matches.”
Ahead of the clash with School of Excellence, Mathebula had good things to say about Chiefs’ opponents.
“We managed to watch School of Excellence. They won their previous match, so they’ve got a really good side. Some of their boys, who have been playing in the u19 division since last season, are still there.
“But I believe we’ll definitely improve in the next game against School of Excellence because that’s the most important thing for us, being able to play the way we want to play.”
FIXTURES
Kaizer Chiefs vs School of Excellence Highlands Park vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Juandré Marais voer ‘n duikslag uit teen Hoërskool Waterkloof in 2024. FOTO: Marius Nortjé.
Hoërskool Monument se eerste uitdaging van die jaar, teen Welkom Gimnasium, behoort ‘n goeie idee vir die afrigtingspan te bied met betrekking tot waar die Krugersdorpers hulself bevind op die vooraand van volgende Vrydag se reuse-stryd teen Grey-kollege.
Die Monumentare se nuwe hoofstuk gaan gepaard met ‘n aantal opwindende spelers van verlede seisoen wat weer beskikbaar is, soos die blitsige skrumskakel, Evan Bernhardi. Hy het in 2024 talle opponente met sy vaart en venynige lopies gefnuik om die nr. 9-trui sy eie te maak en maak vanjaar ‘n welkome terugkeer.
Voorlangs sal hoofafrigter en skrumdokter, Jannie du Plessis, uitsien daarna om vaskopstut, Jeandré Marais, verder te ontwikkel. Marais behoort ‘n sleutelfiguur in die Monumentare se vaste fasette te wees en is boonop ‘n kragtige baldraer.
Gimmies se agsteman, Emile Malherbe wag die Monnas-pak in, en vorm saam met haker, Kananelo Tutbala, die ervare kern van die Welkom-agttal. In die middeveld, beskik buitesenter, Nathan Muller, oor ‘n giftige kombinasie van vaart en visie om die verdediging te toets.
Hoërskool Noordheuwel skop sy seisoen af met ‘n opwindende jong span teen Hoërskool Rustenburg, in Krugersdorp. Die Blues se beginspan bevat ‘n hele paar nuwe name, maar die afrigtingskorps is opgewonde vir dié klomp om hul stempel vanjaar af te druk.
Noordheuwel kan nietemin steeds staatmaak op die ervaring van, Juandré Uithaler, wat sake dirigeer op losskakel en sy tweestryd met die Rusties se Waide Daivey kan vir ‘n opwindende 70 minute sorg. Voorlangs keer haker, Clinton Agu, en die veelsydige Andrew Lambert, wat sowel slot as flank kan speel, ook terug.
Die spanne:
Welkom Gimnasium t. Hoërskool Monument om 12:30 in Welkom:
ETHAN ADAMS, outside centre of Grey College, in action against Welkom Gimnasium. PHOTO: Marnus Prinsloo
Grey College welcomes Oakdale Landbou from Riversdale to the City of Roses for its first home match this season which will also be the team’s first real test of 2025. The game kicks off at 14:00.
This match is part of the King Price Derby Series.
Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com) as well as on DStv Channel 216.
The home side has beaten Hoërskool Trio (38-10) and Welkom Gimnasium (60-17) in their two first outings of the season. This will be Oakdale Landbou’s first encounter of the season.
Grey’s superb outside centre, Ethan Adams’, partnership with Toriq Schambreel in the midfield could cause the visitors problems. Adams has scored four tries in his side’s two matches so far this season.
Flyhalf, Jan-Hendrik van der Linden, will make his first start for the First XI. Schambreel was the general against Trio, while Darius Erwee donned the Nr. 10-jersey against Welkom Gimnasium.
Eighthman, AJ Booysen, will also make his first start of the season, which sees Adem Nieuwoudt move to the side of the scrum. Xander Smit completes the loose trio. Smit is the son of former Springbok flanker, Philip Smit.
The contest of the match to look forward to is without the one between Oakdale’s loosehead prop, Kai Pratt, and Grey’s tighthead, JG Badenhorst. The former was already one of his side’s stalwarts during the 2024 season. He also performed well during the Stadio Craven Week in Krugersdorp.
Badenhorst has shown some potential in his side’s two earlier matches and the battle between these two could be one for the connoisseur.
Oakdale’s eighthman, Jacobus de Villiers, could also be a thorn in Grey’s flesh. He is the younger brother of former Junior Springbok Paul de Villiers.
The visitors’ fullback, Reinhart Viljoen, was one of South Western Districts’ standout performers during last year’s Craven Week. Viljoen easily moved between flyhalf and fullback during the tournament and tested opposition defences with his deceptive running.
The teams:
Grey College: 15 Lamla Mgedezi, 14 Benjamin van den Berg, 13 Ethan Adams, 12 Toriq Schambreel, 11 Thristan Maree, 10 Jan-Hendrik van der Linden, 9 Sherwin Buys, 8 AJ Booysen, 7 Adem Nieuwoudt, 6 Xander Smit, 5 Claude Steyn, 4 Alexi Tyropolis, 3 JG Badenhorst, 2 Tian Fourie, 1 David Hayidakis.
Oakdale Landbou: 15 Reinhart Viljoen, 14 Wayne Ganniwa, 13 Anrich Scheffer, 12 Christian Vorster, 11 Lee-Winn Pretorius, 10 CT Vosloo, 9 Jandrian Goosen, 8 Jacobus de Villiers, 7 Liam Lightley, 6 Jannes Snyman (captain), 5 Diaan Augustyn, 4 Ruan Swart, 3 Francois le Roux, 2 Adrian Smit, 1 Kai Pratt.
The stands will be packed and the Red Army‘s pack will be itching to stamp their authority on the match early on to set the tone for the season.
Lock, Michael Bownes will be called upon to play a prominent role with his strong ball carries and thundering hits on defence. He’ll be backed up by the burly eighth-man, Chinedu Amadi.
At the back, an absorbing battle between the twelves awaits. Sam Smith, the star of the KES midfield, will be licking his lips for an opportunity to get one over his opposite number, Malan du Plessis, who will be one of the St John’s dangermen.
Du Plessis’s efforts will be boosted by the abilities of vice-captain and flyhalf, Gerald van Wyk, on his inside. Van Wyk’s good vision and reading of the game will be a crucial component of the St John’s challenge.
St Stithians College can expect a tough outing against the forwards of Parktown Boys’ High, who will be running out at home. Front rowers, Manuel Motsi and Lethoko Mallane will be key players for the hosts.
Motsi, who packs down at loosehead, with Mallane by his side, at hooker, will want to put the Saints‘ forwards under pressure and also give their general, flyhalf Enrico van Coller clean ball from which he can launch attacks.
Keeping the Saints’ pack quiet will be no easy feat, though, especially if the visitors’ dangerous eighth-man, Jonathan Caveney, and openside flanker, Ross Turner, have their way.
Fullback, Sicelo Sakawuli, will also need to be watched closely by the Parktown defence. Given some space, he’s a problem on the counterattack, with serious pace and nifty footwork.
TEAMS
King Edward VII School vs St John’s College at 14:20 in Johannesburg
King Edward VII School: 15 Indi Mbonsiswa, 14 Jarrel Mbuyi, 13 Skye Segal, 12 Sam Smith, 11 Luyanda Mbandama, 10 Andrew Jackson, 9 Reegan McGurk, 8 Chinedu Amadi, 7 Sam Bruwer, 6 Nkos’enhle Mafu, 5 Michael Bownes, 4 Tryon Smith, 3 Dylan Budler, 2 Tristan Randall, 1 Kenny Prins.
St John’s College: 15 David Ireland, 14 Lwandile Khupe, 13 Alec Psillos, 12 Malan du Plessis, 11 Ethan Ramsbotham, 10 Gerald van Wyk, 9 Nicholas Morell, 8 Mako Mandhizha, 7 Cameron Coetzer, 6 Tumelo Bopape, 5 Johannes Bierman, 4 Andrew Russel, 3 Matthew Kaplan, 2 Dimitri Campbell, 1 Joshua Shannon.
Parktown Boys’ High vs St Stithians College in Johannesburg
The Gauteng Development League Top Eight competition returns this weekend after a postponement that was brought on by inclement weather in the province last month. 
