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KRUGERSDORP. – The South African Schools’ squad of 2024 will face their SA Schools A team on Thursday at the Ras van Rooyen in Krugersdorp.

The match will kick-off at 15:00.

The SA Schools side will be captained by Esethu Mnebelele, hooker from the Golden Lions, while the SA Schools A-side will be captained by JD Hattingh (Affies and Blue Bulls).

James Winstanley (Kingswood College) will coach the national schools’ side with Lwazi Zangqa (Hudson Park) as his assistant. Their team manager will be Dean Moodley (Kearsney College).

The two squads and their respective management will get together for a camp in Krugersdorp from tomorrow, Saturday, 29 June to Friday 5 July.

Dave Wessels, the GM: High Performance Rugby at SA Rugby, said: “The two squads represent the best available talent which was on show at Craven Week.

“The Elite Player Development (EPD) programme managers at SA Rugby, and the SA Selectors have done another great job in identifying a strong pool of players from the incredible amount of talent that was on display in Krugersdorp.

“I want to congratulate all the players and management on their selection and wish them well in their preparations as they build-up towards the big match on Thursday,” said Wessels.

The squads: 

SA Schools: 15 Alzeadon Felix (Grey College, Free State), 14 Kuthadzo Rasivhaga (Jeppe High School for Boys, Golden Lions), 13 Pieter van der Merwe (Grey College, Free State), 12 Janco Purchase (Affies, Blue Bulls), 11 Cheswill Jooste (Noordheuwel, Golden Lions), 10 Yaqeen Ahmed (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), 9 Adeeb Borraine (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Western Province), 8 Aden da Costa (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), 7 Josh Neill (Rondebosch Boys’ High, Western Province), 6 Kebotile Maake (King Edward VII, Golden Lions), 5 Riley Norton (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Western Province), 4 James Schnetler (Garsfontein, Blue Bulls), 3 Aiden Botha (Maritzburg College, Sharks), 2 Esethu Mnebelele (King Edward VII, Golden Lions – captain), 1 Phiwayinkosi Khubeka (Maritzburg College, Sharks). Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole (Durban High School, Sharks), 17 Oliver Reid (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Western Province), 18 Cruz Davey (Paarl Boys’ High, Western Province), 19 AJ Meyer (Grey College, Free State), 20 Vuyo Gwiji (Northwood, Sharks), 21 Ellie Meyer (Outeniqua, South Western Districts), 22 Vusi Moyo (King Edward VII, Golden Lions), 23 Ethan Adams (Grey College, Free State), 24 Cecil Parsons (Voortrekker, Griffons), 25 Torren February (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), 26 Zekhe Siyaya (Westville Boys’ High, Sharks).

SA Schools A: 15 Aka Boqwana (Durban High School, Sharks), 14 Ntsako Ndlovu (Pretoria Boys’ High, Blue Bulls), 13 Markus Muller (Paarl Gimnasium, Western Province), 12 Zingce Simka (Durban High School, Sharks), 11 Junaid Stuart (Garsfontein, Blue Bulls), 10 Luan Giliomee (Charlie Hofmeyr, Boland), 9 Hendré Schoeman (Affies, Blue Bulls), 8 Reuben Kruger (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Western Province), 7 Sipho Nonyalela (Kingswood College, Eastern Province), 6 Briint Davids (Milnerton, Western Province), 5 JD Hattingh (Affies, Blue Bulls – captain), 4 Tom Barnard (Rondebosch Boys’ High, Western Province), 3 Duwan Potgieter (EG Jansen, Valke), 2 Liam Van Wyk (Grey College, Free State), 1 Jordan Jooste (Paarl Boys’ High, Western Province). Replacements: 16 Xabiso Mkiva (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), 17 André Poulton (Jeppe High School for Boys, Golden Lions), 18 Luquobo Makwedini (Rondebosch Boys’ High, Western Province), 19 Ruan Viviers (Boland Landbou, Western Province), 20 Risima Khosa (Jeppe High School for Boys, Golden Lions), 21 Zaide-Leigh Rippenaar (EG Jansen, Valke), 22 Philip McLaren (Grey College, Free State), 23 Viaan Mentoor (Paarl Boys’ High, Western Province), 24 Kurt Coetzee (Oakdale Landbou, South Western Districts), 25 Gcina Puzi (Selborne College, Border), 26 Gregan Jansen (Duineveld, Griqualand West).

They’ve done it again!

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools 

The Golden Lions are the unofficial champions of the 2024 Academy Week after the host union comfortably beat high-flying Eastern Province 46-22 in the final showdown of the week.

For a second year in succession, the Lions’ roar was the loudest at Jeppe High School for Boys. In 2023, they downed the Blue Bulls to claim top honours.

The host’s success came from an excellent team effort, but their flyhalf, Marais Viljoen’s Recce Gerber, deserves special mention. The general of the Lions’ backline enjoyed an outstanding week and, just like his predecessor in the no. 10 jumper, Vusi Moyo, helped his side cruise to the title.

Having already claimed a man of the match award earlier in the week, Gerber again showed his class when it mattered most. His brilliant game management, feel for the game, and quick decision-making saw him deliver his best performance of the tournament against Eastern Province. It earned him another Player of the Match award.

His superb showing, however, wouldn’t have been possible without three immensely impressive performances by the Lions’ pack. One of their unsung heroes, lock Luke Cannon, also rose to the occasion. His high work rate, especially on defence, played an integral role in the home team’s success.

The dominance up front of the Gautengers meant that their backline was gifted plenty of opportunities to attack as Gerber and Noordheuwel scrumhalf, Ignatius Jantjies, spread the ball quicker than the flu virus.

The side from the Eastern Cape showed why they were in the big game. During the first 20 minutes, with adrenaline still coursing through their veins, it seemed as if they might take it down to the wire. Their standout lock, Tyrese Brouers, was in the thick of things once again, contributing some storming runs to continue the good work he had done earlier in the week.

Unfortunately, a hard-fought 38-38 draw with the Sharks and a come-from-behind 25-24 victory over Western Province had taken too much out of the Capetonians, who didn’t have enough left in the tank to overcome the Lions.

The Blue Bulls, also, remained unbeaten by handing Western Province a second defeat of their campaign, but it was extremely tight. The Light Blues scraped home by a single point, winning 29-28 in the north-south derby.

“We played in the right areas, starved them of possession, and played physical rugby up front. The boys stuck to the plan, one we knew would be enough to secure a victory, which I am proud of,” Braam Pretorius, the coach of the Bulls, said after the game.

The Pretoria-based union placed their nemesis from the south under heavy pressure through good old-fashioned Blue Bulls’ rugby. Young Waterkloof star, Marko Kok, finally hit his straps and produced a difference-making performance. He ran clever lines on attack and was difficult to bring down, which served to light a fire in the Bulls’ team.

Province’s replacement utility forward, Nicholas Nel, who played almost every minute for the striped jerseys throughout the week, left his mark on Collard Field. His high work rate and willingness to get involved in the physical clashes at close quarters stood out. Towards the end of the game, he was rewarded with a crucial try.

Another wonderful kicking performance by the tournament’s leading point scorer, Border’s Page Fennel, saw his side to a three-point victory over the Pumas.

Fennel converted all three of his side’s tries and slotted an astonishing six penalties for a personal contribution of 24 points. In the end, it was one of his penalties that was the difference between the sides.

The Sharks returned to winning ways, running in six tries in a convincing 42-17 victory over the Griffons.

The KZN side’s backs enjoyed themselves as their forwards provided them with quality ball. Right-wing, Jade-Will Koopman capped off a superb week with another stellar performance and an emphatic dive to claim another five-pointer.

Scorers

Golden Lions 46 (22) – Tries: Mbuso Methula (2), Gustav Grotius, Zaiden Krige, Motlatsi Moloi, Chinedu Amadi, Clinton Agu. Conversions: Recce Gerber (4). Penalty: Gerber. Eastern Province 22 (8) – Tries: Aidan Els (2), Denilo Jordaan. Conversions: Cameron Doyle (2). Penalty: Doyle.

Blue Bulls 29 (22) – Tries: Stephan Pretorius (3), Zirk Meyer. Conversions: Ruben Groenewald (3). Penalty: Groenewald. Western Province 28 (14) – Tries: Ely Williams, Nicolas Nel, Keagan Wood, Henry Rudder. Conversions: Chadwin Sellidon (4).

Border 39 (29) – Tries: Liam Hansen, Sbabablwe Magwebu, D’Angelo Snayer. Conversions; Page Fennel (3). Penalty: Fennel (6). Pumas 37 (6) – Tries: Roux Grobler (2), Janco Aucamp, CW Hanekom, Beast Nkgadima. Conversions: Alonzo Blackenberg (3). Penalty: Blackenberg (2).

Sharks 42 (20) – Tries: Josh Grant, Inathi Mkhencele, Jadewill Koopman, William Ridl, Indi Mlotshwa, Lizwe Mtetwa. Conversions: Jordan van Wyk (2). Penalty: Van Wyk (2). Griffons 17 (5) – Tries: Bokang Lesenyeho, Xander Wiltshire, Arnold Ras. Conversion: Adriaan Bothuis.

[ninja_tables id=”17110″]

Scorers:

Boland 38 (24) – Tries: De Villiers Kotze, Pieter du Toit, Stefan van der Merwe, Lungi Mothibe, Irlo Liebenberg, Morne Wessels. Conversions: Van der Merwe (2), Liebenberg (2). Leopards 12 (8) – Tries: Ulrigh du Preez, Jondre Jefthas. Conversion: Eduard Dreyer.

South Western Districts 106 (43) – Tries: Christian Vorster (5), Ashton Abels (3), Ruan van Rensburg (2), Ruan van Zyl, Liam Lightley, Jadrian Goosen, Rayline Alberts, Jade Peterson, Sirr Lourens. Conversions: Charles Vosloo (7), Sidey Lourence (6). Border Country Districts 10 (3) – Try: Tebogo Mhlana. Conversion: Avuyily Funani. Penalties: Funani.

Limpopo Blue Bulls 106 (52) – Tries: Hardus Otto (3), Heinrich Poolman (2), Siya Manglangu (2), Lourens Pieterse, Elardus Erasmus, Blessing Risbaba, Rico Pieterse, Joshua van der Mescht, Ian van der Merwe, Firtune Sehlabane, Mahlatse Moshela, Mphiri Gadebe. Conversions: Vincent Luckhoff (8), JD Boshoff (5). LSEN XV 7 (7) – Trui: Edwill Jantjies. Conversion: Jantjies.

Valke 53 (29) – Tries: Storm Labuschagne (3), Breyton Kruger, Hendrik Eybers, Ryan Smith, Themba Mbele,b Yani Mokiri, Damian Slabbert. Conversions: Ryan Smith (2), Jean-dre Claasen (2). Griquas 21 (9) – Tries: Syiaan van Loggerenberg, Themba Kella. Conversion: Abdul Fischer. Penalties: Fischer (2), Kihan Maarman.

Sharks 42 (20) – Tries: Josh Grant, Inathi Mkhencele, Jadewill Koopman, William Ridl, Indi Mlotshwa, Lizwe Mtetwa. Conversions: Jordan van Wyk (2). Penalty: Van Wyk (2). Griffons 17 (5) – Tries: Bokang Lesenyeho, Xander Wiltshire, Arnold Ras. Conversion: Adriaan Bothuis.

Border 39 (29) – Tries: Liam Hansen, Sbabablwe Magwebu, D’Angelo Snayer. Conversions; Page Fennel (3). Penalty: Fennel (6). Pumas 37 (6) – Tries: Roux Grobler (2), Janco Aucamp, CW Hanekom, Beast Nkgadima. Conversions: Alonzo Blackenberg (3). Penalty: Blackenberg (2).

Golden Lions XV 31 (0) – Tries: Sam Bruwer (3), Joshua Shannon. Conversions: Indi Gusha (4). Penalty: Gusha. Free State Cheetahs 30 (17) – Tries: Marinus Oosthuizen, Renier Grobler, Tristan Maree. Conversions: Jan-Hendrik van der Linden (3). Penalties: Van der Linden (3).

Blue Bulls 29 (22) – Tries: Stephan Pretorius (3), Zirk Meyer. Conversions: Ruben Groenewald (3). Penalty: Groenewald. Western Province 28 (14) – Tries: Ely Williams, Nicolas Nel, Keagan Wood, Henry Rudder. Conversions: Chadwin Sellidon (4).

Golden Lions 46 (22) – Tries: Mbuso Methula (2), Gustav Grotius, Zaiden Krige, Motlatsi Moloi, Chinedu Amadi, Clinton Agu. Conversions: Recce Gerber (4). Penalty: Gerber. Eastern Province 22 (8) – Tries: Aidan Els (2), Denilo Jordaan. Conversions: Cameron Doyle (2). Penalty: Doyle.

The Golden Lions will be on the hunt for the title of unofficial champions of the Academy Week for a second year in succession on Friday, the final day of the event.

Catch all the action on SuperSport Schools 

The Johannesburg-based union has made it very clear that they are the team to beat at this year’s week, which is, once again, being hosted at Jeppe High School for Boys.

The hosts will face the unpredictable Eastern Province at 12:15 to decide which team will be regarded as 2024’s best.

The Golden Lions convincingly won their first two matches. They made themselves at home in their opener, cruising to 65-25 victory over the Free State Cheetahs in a battle of the big cats. Then, on Wednesday, they caged the Sharks, breaking open a game that they led 8-3 at the break with a second half spurt, which carried them to a comprehensive 35-3 victory.

Eastern Province had it tougher, but they showed great character in both of their outings, which secured them the nod for Friday’s big game.

In their opening match, they almost slipped up against the Sharks, drawing 38-38 in a thriller. Then, against a very good Western Province side, they showed their class and attacking prowess in a nail-biting 25-24 win, which they secured with a late try.

The battle of the backs will certainly be interesting. Both sides possess the ability to score from anywhere. The home side’s midfield will, without a doubt, challenge the EP side. Inside centre Jarred Coetzee and outside centre Ty Ax have been relentless in attack. Coetzee, especially, has impressed with his clever attacking lines and physical presence.

For the Eastern Cape side, Tyreses Brouers, a member of the LSEN XV side in 2023, has been instrumental. He possesses an intimidating frame and a massive work rate and will be eager to stamp his authority among the forwards.

The other unbeaten side, the Blue Bulls, might feel somewhat hard done by after missing out on the main match. They will, however, face Western Province in a traditional north-south derby, which has often been a showdown between South Africa’s best provincial teams.

The Bulls battled to outlast a spirited Lions XV side in their first match, sneaking home by a 30-28 margin. On day two, they hit their straps, showing some great character to outclass Boland 55-31.

FRIDAY FIXTURES

Collard Field: 08:30 – Namibia vs Zimbabwe; 09:45 – Sharks vs Griffons; 11:00 – Blue Bulls vs Western Province; 12:15 – Golden Lions vs Eastern Province.

Jake White Field: 08:30 – Boland vs Leopards; 09:45 – Griquas vs Valke; 11:00 – Free State vs Golden Lions XV.

Top Right Field: 08:30 – South Western Districts vs Border Country Districts; 09:45 – Limpopo Blue Bulls vs LSEN XV; 11:00 – Border vs Pumas.

KRUGERSDORP. – The Free State will play in the main match of the annual Stadio Craven Week for the first time since 2011.

The Free Staters booked their place in the main match thanks to a 34-27 victory over the Blue Bulls on the tournament’s fourth day at Hoërskool Monument.

The Free State will face Western Province, who will be making their fifth successive appearance in the main match, for the title of unofficial champions. Province will also attempt to better the record for the most consecutive victories at the tournament.

Free State started the match against the Blue Bulls by giving them their own medicine with captain and hooker, Liam van Wyk, crashing over for a brace of tries from rolling mauls.

Besides Van Wyk, the eighthman, Liam Santos, as well as lock AJ Meyer, was busy throughout the match.

Flyhalf Alzeadon Felix once again produced a couple of magic moments. He was deservedly named the Man of the Match for a second time during the week. He has probably cemented his place in the SA Schools’ side or at least SA Schools A-side, which will be announced on Friday.

Fullback Heinz Stockenström also scored a brace of tries while also converting two tries to take his tally for the tournament to 36 points, the most thus far by any player in Krugersdorp.

His four tries also make him the joint top try scorer with Western Province’s flanker Josh Neill.

For the Bulls, their SA Schools inside centre and captain, Janco Purchase, produced one of his best performances of the season. It is as if his battles with Pieter van der Merwe bring the best out of him.

Another player who was good on the day for the losing side was JD Hattingh (lock).

Scorers

Free State 34 (17) – Try: Liam van Wyk (2), Heinz Stockenström (2), Liam Santos, Toriq Schambreel. Conversion: Stockenström (2). Blue Bulls 27 (8) – Try: Dewron Aford, JD Hattingh, Hendré Schoeman, Junaide Stuart. Conversions: Ruben Pienaar (2). Penalty: Ruben Pienaar.

Golden Lions 37 (20) – Tries: Michael Benzien (2), Cheswill Jooste (2), Kebotile Maake, Jamaal Feldman. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (2). Penalty: Moyo. Western Province XV 33 (12) – Tries: Sango Zangqa, Jayden Joubert, Steph van der Merwe, Derick du Preez, Tom Barnard. Conversions: Retagan van Rooi (2), David Simon (2).

Scorers:

Free State 34 (17) – Try: Liam van Wyk (2), Heinz Stockenström (2), Liam Santos, Toriq Schambreel. Conversion: Stockenström (2). Blue Bulls 27 (8) – Try: Dewron Aford, JD Hattingh, Hendré Schoeman, Junaide Stuart. Conversions: Ruben Pienaar (2). Penalty: Ruben Pienaar.

Golden Lions 37 (20) – Tries: Michael Benzien (2), Cheswill Jooste (2), Kebotile Maake, Jamaal Feldman. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (2). Penalty: Moyo. Western Province XV 33 (12) – Tries: Sango Zangqa, Jayden Joubert, Steph van der Merwe, Derick du Preez, Tom Barnard. Conversions: Retagan van Rooi (2), David Simon (2).

Pumas 57 (38) – Tries: Frank Rossouw (2), Vaughn van Zyl, Sfundo Mayisa, Wandisa Mthobeni, Matthew Abbey, Tinyiko Silubane, Johhny dos Santos, Ryan Erasmus. Conversions: Abbey (6). Griffons 26 (7) – Tries: Rewaldo Farmer, Rorisang Marumo, Leano Williams, Cecil Parson. Conversions: Marumo (3).

Griqualand West 53 (19) – Tries: Jacquin Jansen (2), Gregan Jansen (2), Zuan Rautenbach (2), Marno Greeff, Jade Coetzee, Sylvester Hoffman. Conversions: Sylvester Hoffman (3), Ethan van Zyl. Limpopo Blue Bulls 37 (18) – Tries: Mignon Stevens (2), Freddie Pinto, Pontsho Selowa, Aza Mabe, Keanu Visser. Conversions: Byron Hendricks (2). Penalty: Stevens.

Domination, from precision, accuracy, and top-drawer finishing were features of the Western Province u13A boys’ recent SASHOC National Week campaign in Bloemfontein.

For a second year running, the Capetonians captured gold after finishing the week atop Pool A on the University of Free State’s Astroturf.

They went into the competition eager to emulate their u18A Boys team, which had retained the national title by beating Boland 3-2.

The team was coached by Clinton Winn, assisted by Josh Dolley, and Nigel Rank managed the side.

Under their leadership, WP was in top shape and in imperious form during the pool stages where they faced Eden, Eastern Province, Boland, Southern Gauteng, Border, Northern Gauteng, and KZN Coastal for the title.

Each encounter was crucial for the defending champions because the outcome of the tournament would be based solely on where they finished in the pool. There was no knockout stage to follow. It was all about winning, points, and goals scored and conceded.

Province got their challenge off to a flyer, thumping Eden 6-0, with captain Nathan Phillips scoring a sensational five times, while Ayabonga Maqgaza completed the drubbing. Then, they edged out a tough KZN Coastal outfit 1-0 later on the opening day.

On day two, they beat Eastern Province 2-1 before running rampant against Northern Gauteng and winning 4-0.

By then, Province had already secured the maximum 12 points and only three matches remained.

After going down 0-1 in the first half against Border in their fifth game, it was that man, Phillips, who slotted a brace to see his side to a 2-1 win.

The captain wasn’t yet done. Against Boland, he scored an impressive hattrick to lead his side to a 3-1 win. That left only one more match remaining, against Southern Gauteng, always one of the title contenders.

All Province needed in that game was a draw, but Luke Presence‘s strike sealed a 1-0 victory as the Western Cape boys finished their campaign with a perfect seven wins from seven matches.

“To win an u13 Hockey IPT back-to-back is very tricky because you have a brand-new team every year,” coach Winn told SuperSport Schools Plus after their final match. “You get seven weeks to create a united team from 14 individuals.

“Luckily, we had the support of the Western Province Primary Schools’ Chairperson, who was at the tournament. The parents were amazing and gave us anything we asked for, like extra water, fruit, and medical supplies.

Winn also attributed the title success to his side’s mental toughness.

“The boys delivered consistent performances. They executed our game plan and focused on the technical fundamentals.

“The coaching staff (Nigel Rank and Josh Dolley) prepared the players well with video analysis and sports psychology.

“I am extremely proud of our boys as it was a physically and mentally tough tournament, but their mental toughness was the key factor to our success,” he concluded.

Western Province also ended the tournament as the top goal scorers, with 19 goals. Playmaker and skipper Nathan Phillips contributed a whopping 13 of those goals and finished as the event’s top goal scorer.

Province’s u13 girls were also on the money during the week, winning gold in the girls’ section.

They also topped their pool, although they did lose 0-1 to KZN Coastal. However, they did just enough to claim the title and make a big jump from last year’s fifth-place finish.

Some of their standout players were Casey Laver, Tiffany Geldenhuys and captain Lila Pienaar.

The hosts, Southern Free State, were the runners-up, while third went to KZN Coastal.

Final Standings: Boys’ u13

Western Province
Eden
Eastern Province
Southern Gauteng
Boland
Border
KZN Coastal
Northern Gauteng

Final Standings: Girls’ u13

Western Province
Southern Free State
KZN Coastal
Southern Gauteng
KZN Inland
Border
Boland
Eastern Province

KZN Coastal u18A head coach Cameron Mackay said his team should take a handful of positive lessons from the SASHOC National Week after they finished in third place at the recently concluded tournament in Bloemfontein.

Mackay’s side pulled off a hard-fought 1-0 win on the final day against Southern Gauteng A to match the bronze medal they won in 2023 at the same venue.

Their 2024 campaign was, however, a lot tougher than last year’s, despite the KZN boys finishing in the same position.

In 2023, Coastal ran rampant against their opponents in Pool B, winning all five of their round-robin matches to cruise into the semi-finals.

In the last four, they went down 3-4 on penalties against the eventual runners-up Southern Gauteng A after the teams had played to a 1-1 draw.

After that strong showing, KZN Coastal was regarded as one of the favourites to reach the semi-finals from a tough Pool B this time around, but it was far from a smooth run for the team. Their week was characterised by missed opportunities, late comebacks, 50/50 calls not going their way, and lapses of concentration when it mattered the most.

In their five pool matches, they recorded only one win, against Eastern Province A. They didn’t lose, though, drawing their other four games, which saw them into the final four by the skin of their teeth after results on the last day of pool play went their way.

They will rue three matches, in particular, where they were in command but allowed their opponents to claw back a share of the spoils.

In their opening match against the hosts, Southern Free State A, Coastal grabbed the lead through a Josh Beck goal and dominated proceedings but allowed the hosts to seal a 1-1 draw with four minutes remaining, courtesy of a Nkhahle Sematlane goal.

Against their rivals, KZN Inland A, Mackay’s side led 1-0 through a Tyrique Cloete goal, but they then ceded the lead to Inland. Trent Jessop struck four minutes from time, however, to salvage a 2-2 draw.

Then, they drew 4-4 draw against Southern Gauteng A, a result which, no doubt, was frustrating for Mackay and his coaching staff.

At half-time, Coastal, playing some enterprising hockey, led 4-2, but that lead evaporated in the second half as goals by Devin Wax and Matt Eichweber helped the Gauteng side to a draw.

After claiming third, however, Mackay put a positive spin on his charges’ efforts. “It’s always nice to end on a positive,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus. “Sometimes you can make a final and lose that, and that can become a negative, even though we would’ve loved to be in the final.

“I think the boys put in a good performance. I don’t think we started well, but we were dominant for the majority of the match, and the guys stuck to the game plan quite nicely.”

Even though KZN Coastal didn’t win as many games as they would have expected, Mackay felt the players showed character and improvement. “The team grew from game to game,” he said. “I don’t think things went our way during the week, but it was nice to, at least, have the matric guys, who some won gold in the u16s, finish off with a medal.”

One of Coastal’s big issues during the week was getting the ball into the back of the net. In 2023, they scored 14 goals. This year, that total decreased by two, with their 12 goals coming from eight field goals and four penalty corners.

Looking back on the competition, Mackay felt his side wasn’t too far behind the finalists, Western Province, and Boland. However, he suggested that schools within the Durban region, working in conjunction with the province’s high-performances structures, would need to carve out a plan to improve their forward play.

“The biggest thing for us in KZN is we’re lacking goal-scoring forwards,” he admitted. “We’ve got good forwards; they all do their jobs well. I don’t know what the answers are. I think our competition in Durban at the moment is so tight that we don’t have teams winning by 6-0, 7-0, 8-0 margins.

“It looks like our guys aren’t getting enough chances to score, but we’ve got to find how we bridge the gap with our forwards compared to the Cape schools.

“That’s been our biggest learning in the last couple of years – just looking at how we can bridge that gap and finding ways to do our HP (High Performance) a bit better.

“We’ve got a big pool of hockey players also doubling up with cricket, so maybe that’s something we have to look into,” he concluded.