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After narrowly missing out on a bronze medal at last year’s u18 SASHOC National Week, Boland will approach this year’s event, which again takes place in Bloemfontein, eager to go even further, and maybe even bring home the silverware.

Boland has been drawn in Pool A and will play their matches at the University of Free State Astroturf. The tournament starts on 16 June and runs through to 21 June.

In 2023, Boland entered the tournament as one of the favourites and, under the leadership of head coach Jacques “Stevo” Grobler, they started brightly with a 5-1 win over Eastern Province and a 1-0 win against KZN Inland B.

They, then, went down 0-2 to KZN Coastal A, beat KZN Coastal B 3-1, and drew 1-1 with a tough KZN Inland A outfit.

In the semi-finals, they lost 2-4 to the eventual champions, Western Province A. KZN Coastal A then beat Boland 1-0 in the third/fourth play-off match.

This year, the Bolanders will again be coached by Paarl Gimnasium‘s Jacques Grobler, who will be assisted by Worcester Gimnasium‘s Director of Hockey, Frederick Oliver.

Paul Roos Gimnasium‘s Director of Hockey, Michael Baker, who guided KZN Coastal A to two wins over Boland last year, will serve as the video analyst, while Anwell Botha, from Bridgehouse, will manage the squad.

Paul Roos has the largest representation in the lineup, with six players. Beor van Reenen, Josh Smit, Reuben Sendzul, and Keith Siebrits return from the 2023 side, and they’re joined by Louán van Zyl and Christo Swanepoel this time around.

Sendzul and Smit represented South Africa at the u17 Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia last November, and their experience of playing in a high-pressure environment should serve Boland well.

Paarl Gim has three players – their captain, LD Nel, John Coetzee, and the free-scoring Juan Swanepoel – in the squad.

Beyond Gim and PRG, the selectors cast their net wide, which has led to the inclusions of Heymish Zyster, from Hugenote, Overberg High‘s Duran de Wee, and Ethan Leonard, from Hoërskool Strand.

Worcester Gimnasium will be represented by Thyler Timm and Caleb de Lange, while Parel Vallei Director of Hockey, Michael Van Rensberg, will be proud of Matthew Temmis, who was also named in the strong squad.

Somerset College‘s influential leader, Michael du Toit cracked the nod for a second year in succession. He will lead the side and will enjoy the support of Reuben Sendzul and LD Nel, who captain Paul Roos and Paarl Gimnasium respectively

Boland opens their campaign against an unpredictable Border side in the tournament’s opening match on 16 June.

Their key fixture will likely be a showdown with the defending champions, Western Province A, on the morning of Tuesday, 18 June.

Boland u18A Team

Juan Swanepoel (Paarl Gimnasium), LD Nel (Paarl Gimnasium), John Coetzee (Paarl Gimnasium), Beor van Reenen (GK) (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Joshua Smit (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Louán van Zyl (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Christo Swanepoel (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Keith Siebrits (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Reuben Sendzul (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Thyler Timm (Worcester Gimnasium), Caleb de Lange (Worcester Gimnasium), Michael du Toit (Somerset College), Matthew Temmis (Parel Vallei), Heymish Zyster (Hugenote), Duran de Wee (Overberg High School), Ethan Leonard (HS Strand).

POOL FIXTURES

Sunday, 16 June
08:30 – Boland A vs Border

Monday, 17 June
13:00 – Boland A vs Western Province B

Tuesday, 18 June
09:55 – Boland A vs Western Province A
17:00 – Boland A vs Southern Gauteng B

Wednesday, 19 June
13:00 – Boland A vs KZN Coastal B

He’s young, goal-oriented, process-driven, passionate and hard-working, and he’s the coach of Parktown Boys’ High‘s impressive first hockey team. Meet Kyle Reddy.

Born on 16 March 1994, just before the dawn of democracy in South Africa, Reddy hails from the south of Johannesburg.

He has spent most of his life in his hometown, which has included attending the University of Johannesburg, where he also played hockey. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious shoulder injury early in his first year, which eliminated him from playing competitive sport.

Apart from hockey, Reddy’s favourite sport in his childhood was football, and he grew up supporting Liverpool, along with his father and younger brother.

“I am still an absolute die-hard Liverpool fan, with my favourite player of all time being Daniel Agger,” he said with pride.

However, it seems that artificial turf and hockey sticks stole Reddy’s heart when he was in high school. He had decided to play the game in grade 8 because an older friend said that it was just like football.  Reddy was pretty good at football, so he decided to give hockey a bash. While getting the hang of the game, he made his first school team, the u14C side.

His start in coaching, Reddy told SuperSport Schools Plus, came in 2013. Those early years were spent at Jeppe High School for Boys, working under an excellent trio of coaches in Ryan Ravenscroft, Bryan Hillock and the legendary Mike Bechet.

“Those three men are institutions in schoolboy hockey and I’m really glad they took me under their wings and guided me,” said Reddy.

He continues to be mentored nowadays, although those reins have now been assumed by Ricky West, Miguel De Graca and Sharmin Naidoo, who share ideas with him, giving him pause to think about hockey in different ways.

West and De Graca are old Parktonians. They are always willing to offer advice or are available to have Reddy bounce ideas off of them. They have both offered him guidance, too, in the provincial setup, with Wits, which was where he started to view the game in a different light.

“I’ve been mentored by some of the best hockey minds in the country and I’m very fortunate, but it also drives me to constantly test myself, and, when we come up against each other with our respective club and school sides, it’s always competitive as one tries to outdo the other,” Reddy said.

As a coach, he’s already won multiple medals at various men’s and schools’ IPTs and tournaments.

Currently, he is the South Africa u17 boys’ manager, and toured to Malaysia with the side in November 2023, where they won the silver medal in the Mirnawan Cup after going down 3-4 to India in the final.

More recently, he rates his Parktown Boys’ High team finishing as runners-up in the 2024 Aitken Cup as the highlight of his coaching career. He’s won many medals with a lot of big teams, but that Aitken run was special.

“It holds a special place because it’s been such a long time since Parktown was in an Aitken final (2010) and it’s been a project that they hired me for in 2018,” Reddy explained. “That medal represents a process and a plan coming together and a lot of [hard] work behind the scenes.

“We’ve also, over the last five years, developed a unique style of play of high intensity and very front foot and direct hockey, which is super entertaining to watch. Something like that also is developed by creating a culture in the team where everyone works hard for each other and has high expectations but is also willing to cover your teammate’s weaknesses,” he added.

Parktown’s successes this season also led to two of their players, Ryan Venter and Zeyad Davids, being selected for the Southern Gauteng provincial team.

One of the challenges of being a young coach, Reddy said, is it’s not a position that is financially rewarding. Therefore, finding a balance between studying, working, coaching and family is a challenge and hard. A lot of late nights and milestones with the family are missed.

However, Reddy also teaches at Parktown Boys’ High and does double duty as the Head of Sport, which makes everything manageable.

Something that motivates and excites him is the opportunity to work with talented sportsmen and to help mould them into good human beings through sport.

Schoolboy coaches have a responsibility to their players, too, he explained, to help them achieve university exemptions.

“Ultimately if one leaves my team having not learned something about yourself or not being a good person, I have failed,” he said.

“It’s something I stress to my guys. Do the small things. Greet, treat people with respect, help and mentor the younger guys. Be kind and always treat people with dignity, no matter who they are or what they do.”

Westville vs Northwood

Westville Boys’ High welcomed Northwood to Bowden’s Field on Saturday for a showdown between exciting and in-form teams.

With home ground advantage, the Griffin might have fancied their chances, but the Knights made themselves at home from the first whistle to race into a stunning lead.

The contest began with both teams probing for territory with the boot. Then, Westville tried to attack down the left-hand touchline, but good defence saw Lian Terblanche turn over possession. When the ball was sent to flyhalf Siya Nkosi, he had summed up the situation in the blink of an eye, and sent a low, pinpoint kick out to Northwood’s left-hand touchline, where it was fielded by Ramatuku Sikhakhane.

He hit the gas, drew Jade-Will Koopman, the last defender, and put Carlos Lovell, on his outside, over in the corner, with a spectacular dive. One minute had been played.

Just two minutes later, Westville found themselves under massive pressure, thanks to a good kick and chase from Jed Mun-Gavin. His opposite number, Westville scrumhalf Ryan Pistor, was trapped in possession behind the try line, but the Griffin, either bravely or foolishly, kept the ball alive, shifting it left as a wave of Northwood defenders bore down on them.

Three passes were made behind the whitewash before Koopman moved a couple of metres over the line. He was blown up, though, for holding onto the ball at a ruck.

Mun-Gavin tapped quickly and, after an initial prod at the home team’s pack, the ball was let go down the backline to the left. Lovell, with a sweet show and step, went over for his second five-pointer, and the visitors had opened up a 10-point advantage.

They had momentum on their side, and they were playing the game in the right areas of the field.

Driving hard, deep inside the Westville 22, they were stopped just short of the try line. Mun-Gavin fed Nkosi, at flyhalf. He released the ball to Bongane Khumalo, who stabbed a beautifully judged grubber through the fast-closing defensive line. Fullback Aphiwe Buthelezi chased the ball, it sat up perfectly, and he made a dive for five.

A successful conversion kick had Northwood in charge, up 17-0 in the 17th minute.

The home team, at last, found a response six minutes later, and it was a special reply. Jadrian Afrikaner fielded a high up and under. As he caught the ball, he was tackled, but he managed to lay it off around his left shoulder, where Zekhethelo Siyaya was charging up. He raced down the sideline for about 40 metres before passing inside to centre Michael Satade, just outside the Northwood 22.

Turning on the afterburners, Satade angled back outside, rounding two men before he was cut down from behind. He had momentum on his side, however, and he was over for a try.

A penalty brought the score to Westville 8, Northwood 17 at the break.

Early in the second half, the exciting Jade-Will Koopman stepped his way over the Knights’ try line after a period of sustained pressure from the hosts.

The visitors responded well, driving their way deep into Westville territory. They were stopped from breaching the whitewash, but they had earned a penalty in front of the posts, barely 10 metres out, and the easy kick put them seven points clear.

Westville, though, had upped their game since getting themselves into a 0-17 hole, and they stormed back at Northwood.

Just before the hour-mark, flyhalf Unathi Mlotshwa hit Wandile Simelane with a fantastic flat pass, just inside the Northwood 10m line. He pinned his ears back, showing off his speed, just as he had done in scoring a long-range try against KES, and he was over beneath the uprights again.

The simple conversion kick from Mlotshwa levelled the scores at 20-20.

It didn’t take long for Westville to make their way deep into the Knights’ half once more. Flank, Brandon Eke, joined the backline on the blindside, creating an overlap, which opened up space for left wing Jadrian Afrikaner. The Sharks’ Craven Week selection was brought down just shy of the try line, with two defenders dragging him to the ground.

The Griffin, then, hit it up twice in succession, with a behind the back pass back to the inside picking out Jeshua Ferreira, who crashed over for five more, and another successful conversion put Westville 27-20 up. Since falling 0-17 behind, they had outscored the Knights 27-3, but the visitors were not done, and they demonstrated their character as they found a response.

It came with four minutes to play, from a lineout close to the Westville try line. A clean take and a concerted drive at the line splintered the Westville defence and Northwood was over. Savio Stevens, on as a substitute, coolly split the uprights with his conversion kick.

With a minute remaining, there was a scrum on the centre spot. Westville had enjoyed the better of the set pieces during the match, and they got the shove on Northwood. The referee, however, penalised the home side for scrumming inwards.

Quick as a flash, scrumhalf Mun-Gavin took the tap. He made some ground but was brought down. Westville, though, hadn’t retreated 10 metres and the referee awarded the penalty again. This time, though, it was on the Westville 10m line, within range of Stevens’ boot.

His aim was true, and Northwood had edged in front 30-27. From the kick-off, the visitors claimed possession, made ground through the midfield, and then flyhalf Siya Nkosi knocked the ball into the Northwood supporters, knowing the final whistle would sound with that last move.

It was another superb win for coach Jacques Deen‘s charges, who have done a fantastic job all season of rising to the challenges thrown their way. They won at Hilton, they drew with DHS, widely regarded as the best team in KZN, and on Saturday they claimed a hard-fought victory over the high-flying Griffin.

DHS might be number one, but Northwood has made a very strong case that they’re next in the provincial standings this season.

Glenwood vs St Charles College

The St Charles 1st XV of 2024 wrote their names into the record books on Saturday with a 32-19 victory against Glenwood, the first for the Pietermaritzburg school over the Green Machine since 1942. And it came on Dixon’s, Glenwood’s home ground.

The visitors showed no concern for past records, nor for their opponent’s vaunted reputation, and were full value for their 32-19 win.

They’re a team that thrives on running rugby, playing confidently with the ball in hand, and with some outstanding difference-makers, who truly showed their skills last season in sevens, when Saints made a big impact.

It took them less than three minutes to get onto the board. Their exciting lock, Raphael Ajibade, took a pass from a ruck. Yet, instead of the typical South African approach of bashing it up to suck in the defence, he immediately passed out to his right, just as the defenders had begun to converge on him.

Saints made ground up into the Glenwood 22 down the right, then brought the ball back to the left. Glenwood, though, won a put-in beneath the shadow of their posts. The visitors, however, as would happen throughout the contest, put the Green Machine into reverse. On this occasion, it won them a tighthead.

A long pass out to the right from scrumhalf Matthew Fick put Saints wide of the Glenwood defence and they were on their way.

Five times, St Charles crossed for tries, with Ukhanyo Ntsangani, Okuhle Peti, Stefan Veldsman, Sam Odell and Matthew Ludick all getting through the Glenwood defence which, in a challenging season, has usually been solid.

The Pietermaritzburg boys led 10-0, but Glenwood hit back with two tries of their own to take a 14-10 lead into half-time.

A bullocking run off the back of a scrum, inside the home team’s 22, from no. 8 and captain Stefan Veldsman restored the Saints’ lead in the second stanza. They didn’t concede it again.

They extended their advantage to 32-14 before Glenwood drove over for a late consolation try, but it had been an emphatic performance from the visitors.

Saints’ Director of Rugby, Craig Dwyer, a Glenwood old boy, praised his charges afterwards, saying they had been incredible in the build-up to the clash. He also commended their self-belief.

Clearly, he is enjoying the job he took up at the beginning of the year. Dwyer described the players as very coachable and “a great bunch of lads”, who put in extra work.

“We always talk about leaving the jersey in a better place. They have done that this year!” he reckoned.

On Saturday, 8 June, Saints are at Hilton College. A result prediction that might previously have been written in pen will now have to be written in pencil. St Charles is a serious team and, much like Northwood, they’re shaking up the established pecking order.

Over the years, the Gauteng Development League (GDL) has proven itself to be an adapt, or get left behind, type of league, with teams and players growing and improving at an exponential rate.

The intensity of league fixtures is at an all-time high as fast-paced football continues to thrive in the league, just as it does in Europe and the world at large.

With this in mind, Wits Junior Football Club is behind the eight-ball, and they’ve been finding it hard to keep up with their opposition for a number of years.

Right at the start of the new season, Wits Junior did not look the part as they were handed a 0-1 loss by league newbies East Rand Athletic Club, in a fixture that they were supposed to win.

They finished bottom of the standings last season, with only six victories in 34 league fixtures, but a better start was expected against newly promoted opponents.

However, the Randburg-based team has not displayed improvement, and, after 15 matches, they have only once won.

On Saturday, Wits put up a decent fight, but they were again on the wrong end of the result, going 0-1 down against the log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, at Clapham High School.

A second-half goal by Bennet Mokoena, courtesy of a neat assist from Thato Sibiya, saw ‘Downs record a 14th league victory while handing Wits their 10th loss of the season.

Contrary to the state of proceedings at Wits Junior, Highlands Park has turned things around remarkably at Balfour Park after a slow start to their season.

“The Lions of the North” began their campaign seemingly burdened with the tag of “defending champions” after they set an extremely high bar in 2023.

They started the season with a 0-0 draw against Tuks, had a match stopped by lightning, when they trailed SuperSport United 0-3, and then had a fixture against Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) abandoned due to a waterlogged field.

That stuttering start, which left them short of game time and momentum, had Highlands Park on the back foot as the other top teams racked up points. Some thought the defending champions might have thrown in the towel despite it being early in the season.

Three months later, Highlands Park is flying high, in third place on the log, having recorded 10 victories in 14 matches to propel themselves into the top three, level on points with second-placed Kaizer Chiefs, with 33 to their credit. On Saturday, they claimed a 1-0 win over Khathorus Hyper Academy.

East Rand Athletic Club drew 0-0 against Jomo Cosmos, while Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School lost 0-2 to School of Excellence.

SuperSport United, RESA and TS Galaxy won 2-0 against Randburg AFC, Sevens Academy and Panorama FC respectively.

Tuks beat league newcomers NWU Vaal Academy 2-1, while Chiefs recorded a mammoth 9-0 victory at home against Joburg City.

The teams: 

Blue Bulls: 15 Junaide Pasensie (Garsfontein), 14 NtsakoNdlovu (Pretoria Boys’ High) 13 Riwan van Aswegen (Waterkloof), 12 Janco Purchase (Affies), 11 Junaide Stewart (Garsfontein), 10 Ruben Pienaar (Affies), 9 Hendré Schoeman (Affies), 8 Ruan Lippoldt (Affies), 7 Albert Smit (Affies), 6 Katlego Shebo (Pretoria Boys’ High), 5 JD Hattingh (Affies), 4 James Schnetler (Garsfontein), 3 Luan van den Bergh (Garsfontein), 2 Ethan van Dyk (Affies), 1 Ethan van Wyk (Garsfontein). Replacements: 16 Thapelo Mphela  (Pretoria Boys’ High), 17 Jeffrey Singo (Pretoria Boys’ High), 18 Ofentse Moeng (Pretoria Boys’ High), 19 Daniel Malakiya (HeronBridge College), 20 Luann Olivier (Garsfontein), 21 Leskin Samuels (Menlopark), 22 Dewron Aford (Oos-Moot), 23 Waylon Oncke (Overkruin).

Boland: 15 Howard Ocks (Porterville), 14 Lohenzel Jansen (Worcester Gimnasium), 13 Aljay Skippers (HTS Drostdy), 12 Philip du Plessis (Charlie Hofmeyr), 11 Bennedict George (HTS Drostdy), 10 Luan Giliomee (Charlie Hofmeyr), 9 Llewellyn Fransman (Porterville), 8 MJ van der Westhuizen (HTS Drostdy), 7 Keanu Plaatjies (Porterville), 6 Boeta Schreuder (Hopefield), 5 Chris O’Neil (Worcester Gimnasium), 4 Marcus Lee (HTS Drostdy), 3 Petrus Coetzee (Robertson), 2 Armand Croeser (Worcester Gimnasium), 1 Christiaan Kershoff (Labori). Replacements: 16 Kallie Boutsikaris (Swartland), 17 Amaan Adendorff (Worcester Gimnasium), 18 RW Duggan (HTS Drostdy), 19 Brett Arendse (Hugenote), 20 Callan Ruiters (Hugenote), 21 Shaan-Jay Lukas (Esselenpark), 22 Geraldo Davids (Langeberg Secondary), 23 Leo de Wet (Labori)

Border: 15 Mveli Mqulo (Queen’s College), 14 Anjolaoluwa Sogbanmu (Selborne College), 13 Thina Fenako (Queen’s College), 12 Chad de Beyer (Selborne College), 11 Jameel Fleshman (Queen’s College), 10 Phikolomzi Mtyalela (Dale College), 9 Ryan Denston (Queen’s College), 8 Luke McGregor (Selborne College), 7 Sibabalwe Mtshini (Hudson Park), 6 Mbasa Mda (Queen’s College), 5 Andrew de Smidt (Selborne College), 4 Angalakha Mangongoma (Queen’s College), 3 Luke Stegmann (Selborne College), 2 Sinelizwi Deleki (Queen’s College), 1 Robert John-Osunkwo (Selborne College). Replacements: 16 Siqalo Gwagwa (Hudson Park), 17 Abulele Bolotini (Queen’s College), 18 Kuhle Stuma (Queen’s College), 19 Azasakhe Mdingi (Queen’s College), 20 Gcina Puzi (Selborne College), 21 Landile Gidi (Hudson Park), 22 Itha Mbulana (Queen’s College), 23 Msuthu Mbane (Hudson Park).

Eastern Province: 15 Jared Wilson (Kingswood College), 14 Damien Witbooi (Framesby), 13 Likhona Kepe (Kingswood College), 12 Xanti Pongolo (Grey High School), 11 Vizikhungo Labase (Kingswood College), 10 Caleb Friskin (Pearson), 9 Apiah Ndzengu (Kingswood College), 8 Jan-Theo van Tonder (Graaff-Reinet Volkskool), 7 Sipho Nonyelela (Kingswood College), 6 Tapiwe Zanda (Kingswood College), 5 Damien le Roux (Die Brandwag, Uitenhage), 4 Likhona Sodlaka (Grey High School), 3 Sean Vermaak (Framesby – captain), 2 Jon Hobson (Grey High School), 1 Kian Rademeyer (Pearson). Replacements: 16 Nicholis Wessels (Framesby), 17 Ike Ukukwe (Kingswood College), 18 Zama Nkonki (Gill College), 19 Josh McKenzie (Kingswood College), 20 Johan van Zyl (Framesby), 21 Lucraine Miggels (Die Brandwag, Uitenhage), 22 Praise Matsila (Kingswood College), 23 Munangi Kamwendo (Kingswood College).

Free State: 15 Heinz Stockenström (Grey College), 14 Pretorius Ekeji (Grey College), 13 Ethan Adams (Grey College), 12 Pieter van der Merwe (Grey College), 11 Siyabonga Kenny (Grey College), 10 Alzeadon Felix (Grey College), 9 Philip McLaren (Grey College), 8 Liam Santos (Grey College), 7 Julian Cosmo (Grey College), 6 Kwanda Tokwe (Louis Botha), 5 AJ Meyer (Grey College), 4 Heinrich Theron (Grey College), 3 Danie Kruger (Grey College), 2 Liam van Wyk (Grey College), 1 Dian Venter (Grey College). Plaasvervangers: 16 Xander Smit (Grey College), 17 Tserilitso Shongwe (Louis Botha), 18 Kutlwano Tukulu (Louis Botha), 19 Buko Mlali (Fichardtpark), 20 Theko Montjane (Grey College), 21 Sherwin Buys (Grey College), 22 Toriq Schambreel (Grey College), 23 Donelle Hendriks (Grey College).

19 Grey College | 3 Louis Botha | 1 Fichardtpark

Golden Lions: 15 Jade Muller (Noordheuwel), 14 Khutadszo Rasivhaga (Jeppe High School for Boys), 13 Olunje Mehlomakulu (King Edward VII), 12 MacMillan Mongwana (Jeppe), 11 Lindsey Jansen (Noordheuwel), 10 Vusi Moyo (King Edward VII), 9 Tristan van Niekerk (Helpmekaar), 8 Kebotile Maake (King Edward VII), 7 RJ Barnard (Monument), 6 Jamaal Feldman (Monument), 5 JP Lombaard (Helpmekaar), 4 Jacques Botha (Monument), 3 Ulrich van der Merwe (Helpmekaar), 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (King Edward VII), 1 André Poulton (Jeppe High School for Boys). Replacements: 16 Keenan Myners (Monument), 17 Meyer Opperman (Noordheuwel), 18 Dylan Engelbrecht (Helpmekaar), 19 Luhan Swart (Monument), 20 Risima Khosa (Jeppe High School for Boys), 21 Regan McGurk (King Edward VII), 22 Michael Benzien (Helpmekaar), 23 Cheswill Jooste (Noordheuwel).

Griffons: 15 Ru-Bran de Kock (Goudveld-Hoërskool), 14 Dylan Kemp (Welkom Gimnasium), 13 JC van Rhyn (Witteberg), 12 Joshua Coertzen (Welkom Gimnasium), 11 Kamohelo Moses (Voortrekker), 10 Leano Williams (Welkom Gimnasium), 9 HG Muller (Wilgerivier), 8 Dawie Fourie (Voortrekker), 7 Rylen Kirsten (Welkom Gimnasium), 6 Revaun van Niekerk (Welkom Gimnasium), 5 Jayden Auld (Welkom Gimnasium), 4 Wian Visser (Paul Erasmus), 3 Cecil Parsons (Voortrekker), 2 Jan Coetzee (Goudveld-Hoërskool), 1 Buhle Ngxabayi (Welkom Gimnasium). Replacements: 16 Kganya Molapo (Welkom Gimnasium), 17 Rian Roos (Witteberg), 18 Lungile Samson (Hentie Cilliers), 19 Oyama Frans (Hentie Cilliers), 20 Reabetswe Olifant (Hentie Cilliers), 21 Revaldo Farmer (Welkom Gimnasium), 22 Jayden Weideman (Welkom Gimnasium), 23 Kenyon Moerat (Witteberg).

Griqualand West: 15 Gregan Jansen (Duineveld), 14 Johnathan Harding (Diamantveld), 13 Sylvester Hoffman (Hoërskool Upington), 12 Simon Liversage (Diamantveld), 11 Clinton Britz (Diamantveld), 10 Marno Greeff (Diamantveld), 9 Ethan Manus (Diamantveld), 8 Wihann Liebenberg (Duineveld), 7 Ambijorn Vraagom (Noord-Kaap), 6 Alek Adrianatos (Duineveld), 5 Arno Luttig (Duineveld), 4 Zuan Rautenbach (Diamantveld), 3 Dian Ellis (Diamantveld), 2 De Wet du Plooy (Diamantveld), 1 FJ de Vries (Diamantveld). Replacements: 16 Jade Coetzee (Hoërskool Upington), 17 Manqoba Hinana (Hoërskool Upington), 18 Ethan Prins (Duineveld), 19 Ruan Janse van Rensburg (Hoërskool Upington), 20 Jayden de Klerk (Diamantveld), 21 Luhantle Maseko (Noord-Kaap), 22 Ethan van Zyl (Duineveld), 23 Jacquin Jasson (Duineveld).

KwaZulu-Natal: 15 Aka Boqwana (Durban High School), 14 Adriano Jackson (Durban High School), 13 Cameron Veenstra (Kearsney College), 12 Zingce Simka (Durban High School), 11 Jadrian Afrikaner (Westville Boys’ High), 10 Luke Davidson (Michaelhouse), 9 Matthew Fick (St Charles College), 8 Khanyisa Stamper (Durban High School), 7 Hanu Pieterse (Hilton College), 6 Chris Cloete (Westville Boys’ High), 5 Jake Jansen (Maritzburg College), 4 Sibusiso Mahlangu (Durban High School), 3 Bongani Dlamini (Durban High School), 2 Junior van Wyngaardt (Glenwood), 1 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka (Maritzburg College). Replacements: 16 Aiden Botha (Maritzburg College), 17 Aphiwe Shelembe (Michaelhouse), 18 Bongani Dlamini (Durban High School), 19 Carlyle Hawkins (Michaelhouse), 20 Mahle Sithole (Durban High School), 21 Marcwin Nero (Durban High School), 22 Duncan Basson (Durban High School), 23 Zekhethelo Siyaya (Westville Boys’ High), 24 Vuyo Gwiji (Northwood).

Leopards: 15 Lorenzo Snyers (Hoërskool Rustenburg), 14 Jordan Radebe (Vryburg), 13 David Ndala (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), 12 Janco de Beer (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), 11 Zulu Khumalo (Hoërskool Rustenburg), 10 Christopher Dennis (Wolmaransstad), 9 Adriano George (Hoërskool Rustenburg), 8 GJ Steenberg (Hoërskool Klerksdorp), 7 Francois Dumond (Wesvalia), 6 KG Legodi (Lichtenburg), 5 Erich Potgieter (Hoërskool Rustenburg), 4 Pedrie Human (Hoërskool Rustenburg), 3 JJ Jonker (Lichtenburg), 2 Junior Kuhn (Wesvalia), 1 Donovan Rosato (Lichtenburg). Replacements: 16 Juan van Rhyn (Lichtenburg), 17 Daniel Nortjé (Vryburg), 18 Libhongo Sakie (Bergsig Akademie), 19 Bokamosa Mabeleng (Hoërskool Klersksdorp), 20 Handré Venter (Wesvalia), 21 Chad Hofmeyer (Wesvalia), 22 Tiano Combrinck (Hoërskool Rustenburg), 23 Dundré Dempers (Lichtenburg).

Limpopo Blue Bulls: 15 Mignon Stevens (Ben Viljoen), 14 Aphane Lebogang (HTS Tom Naudé), 13 Hanno van Zyl (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 12 FJ Drotskie (Ellisras), 11 Clemintino Bowers (Ben Viljoen), 10 Byron Hendricks (Merensky), 9 Divan Brown (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 8 Hardus Terblanche (Merensky), 7 Derik Besseling (Ellisras), 6 Kiano Visser (Frikkie Meyer), 5 Juan Jansen van Vuuren (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 4 Chifu Banda (Ben Vorster), 3 Boela van Heerden (Ellisras), 2 Letabo Setjake (Ben Vorster), 1 Boom Mfisa (Ellisras). Replacements: 16 Wisani Baloyi (HTS Tom Naudé), 17 Ethan Maritz (Merensky), 18 Floris Venter (Hoërskool Pietersburg), 19 Brandon Makgosa (HTS Tom Naudé), 20 Aza Mabe (Ben Vorster), 21 Pontsho Selowa (Ben Vorster), 22 Maritz Mentjies (Merensky), 23 Freddie Pinto (Ben Vorster).

Pumas: 15 Anele Ngwenya (Ligbron Akademie), 14 Johnny dos Santos (HTS Middelburg), 13 Ian Wood (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 12 Divan de Kock (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 11 Tinyiko Silubane (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 10 Matthew Abbey (Hoërskool Middelburg), 9 Liam Pringle (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 8 Vaughn van Zyl (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 7 Toy Engelbrecht (HTS Middelburg), 6 Stefan Bezuidenhout (Secunda), 5 Franko Rossouw (Secunda), 4 Zack Loock (Secunda), 3 Whandisa Mthobeni (Hoërskool Middelburg), 2 Reghardt Vermaak (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 1 Siya Gama (Hoërskool Nelspruit). Replacements: 16 D’Angelo Robberts (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 17 Sfundo Mayisa (Piet Retief), 18 Lindani Ndena (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 19 Jabu Mathebula (Hoërskool Middelburg), 20 Banele Ngwenya (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 21 Jarno Haarhoff (Secunda), 22 Bandile Thanjekwayo (Ligbron Akademie), 23 Kelfilwe Kamotshe (Hoërskool Middelburg).

South Western Districts: 15 Reinhardt Viljoen (Oakdale Landbou), 14 Keenan Jantjies (Outeniqua), 13 Kurt Coetsee (Oakdale Landbou), 12 Luca Potgieter (Outeniqua), 11 Lee-Winn Pretorius (Oakdale Landbou), 10 Andrew Stopporth (Outeniqua), 9 Elgernon Meyer (Outeniqua), 8 Erick Steyn (Oakdale Landbou), 7 Gareth Maree (Outeniqua), 6 Henru Kuhn (Hoërskool Punt), 5 Roy Viljoen (Oakdale Landbou), 4 Sinebongo Moyeni (Hoërskool Oudtshoorn), 3 Tiaan Turck (Oakdale Landbou), 2 Gustav van der Merwe (Oakdale Landbou), 1 Kai Pratt (Oakdale Landbou). Replacements: 16 Sine Mdlakomo (Oakdale Landbou), 17 Kamvalethu Ndoda (Hoërskool Oudtshoorn), 18 Ruben Rossouw (Outeniqua), 19 Ruan Swart (Oakdale Landbou), 20 Logan Jantjies (Hoërskool Oudtshoorn), 21 JZ Olivier (Outeniqua), 22 Waylon Kortjie (Oakdale Landbou), 23 Brad Avontuur (Hoërskool Oudtshoorn).

Valke: 15 Tshepo Molakeng (Transvalia), 14 TK Ntokozo (EG Jansen), 13 Siya Khambule (Transvalia), 12 Brandon-Lee Smit (Transvalia), 11 Khaya Radebe (Hoërskool Sasolburg), 10 Kayle Venter (Heidelberg Volkskool), 9 Riekus van der Merwe (EG Jansen), 8 Gerhard van Aswegen (EG Jansen), 7 Tyron Hands (Hugenote), 6 Zaide-Leigh Rippenaar (EG Jansen), 5 Zandré Naudé (EG Jansen), 4 Daniel Kazambo (Transvalia), 3 Duwan Potgieter (EG Jansen), 2 Danré Pike (EG Jansen), 1 Zian Marais (EG Jansen). Replacements: 16 Lesego Moitse (Jeugland), 17 Khumo Maimane (Jeugland), 18 Siya Moshele (Jeugland), 19 Alec Mohlala (Jeugland), 20 Divan Francis (EG Jansen), 21 Matthew Bergman (EG Jansen), 22 Sinenhlanhla Ndlovu (Jeugland), 23 Steven Williams (EG Jansen).

Western Province: 15 Dylan Miller (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 14 Freek de Kock (Paarl Gimnasium), 13 Samuel Badenhorst (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 12 Kobus Blanckenberg (Paarl Gimnasium), 11 Emanuel Prinsloo (Paarl Gimnasium), 10 Yaqheen Ahmed (Wynberg Boys’ High), 9 Ashwin Cox (Hoërskool Bellville), 8 Torren February (Wynberg Boys’ High), 7 Josh Neill (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 6 Alutha Wesi (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 5 Riley Norton (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 4 Truspe Schoeman (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 3 Cruz Davey (Paarl Boys’ High), 2 Xabiso Mkiva (Wynberg Boys’ High), 1 Oliver Reid (Paul Roos Gimnasium). Replacements: 16 Almero Keizer (Stellenberg), 17 Jordan Jooste (Paarl Boys’ High), 18 Henry du Plessis (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 19 Quintin Potgieter (Paarl Gimnasium), 20 Aden da Costa (Wynberg Boys’ High), 21 Adeeb Borraine (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 22 Viaan Mentoor (Paarl Boys’ High), 23 Caleb Engelbrecht (Hoërskool Durbanville).

6 Paul Roos Gimnasium | 4 Paarl Gimnasium | 4 Wynberg Boys’ High | 3 Rondebosch Boys’ High | 3 Paarl Boys’ High | 1 Stellenberg | 1 Hoërskool Bellville | 1 Hoërskool Durbanville

Western Province XV: 15 David Simon (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 14 Aiden Jacobs (Paarl Boys’ High), 13 Randall-John Davids (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 12 Markus Muller (Paarl Gimnasium), 11 Ashwin Swarts (Paarl Boys’ High), 10 Retagan van Rooi (Boland Landbou), 9 Jayden Brits (Boland Landbou), 8 Ruben Kruger (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 7 Gert Kemp (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 6 Rubin Dames (Paarl Boys’ High), 5 Ruan Viviers (Boland Landbou), 4 Tom Barnard (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 3 Ikhona Maxegwana (SACS), 2 Altus Rabie (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 1 Derik du Preez (Boland Landbou). Replacements: 16 Sango Zangqa (SACS), 17 Luqobo Makwedini (Wynberg Boys’ High), 18 Matthew van der Merwe (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 19 Tjeripo Karuhumba (Wynberg Boys’ High), 20 Briint Davids (Milnerton), 21 Tyron Gombe (Wynberg Boys’ High), 22 Danté Christians (Boland Landbou), 23 Morgan Lodewyk (Milnerton).

5 Rondebosch Boys’ High | 5 Boland Landbou | 3 Paarl Boys’ High | 3 Paul Roos Gimnasium | 2 Milnerton | 2 SACS | 2 Wynberg Boys’ High | 1 Paarl Gimnasium

The Blue Bulls will have a traditional team for the u18 Craven Week in Krugersdorp later this month.

The selectors picked a big pack of forwards with the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool of Pretoria and Garsfontein’s pack of forwards providing the bulk of the beef.

The Bulls also boast a beefed-up midfield with Waterkloof’s Riwan van Aswegen joining SA Schools’ inside centre, Janco Purchase, to form a more than formidable combination.

The teams: 

Craven Week: 15 Junaide Pasensie (Garsfontein), 14 Ntsako Ndlovu (Pretoria Boys’ High) 13 Riwan van Aswegen (Waterkloof), 12 Janco Purchase (Affies), 11 Junaide Stewart (Garsfontein), 10 Ruben Pienaar (Affies), 9 Hendré Schoeman (Affies), 8 Ruan Lippoldt (Affies), 7 Albert Smit (Affies), 6 Katlego Shebo (Pretoria Boys’ High), 5 JD Hattingh (Affies), 4 James Schnetler (Garsfontein), 3 Luan van den Bergh (Garsfontein), 2 Ethan van Dyk (Affies), 1 Ethan van Wyk (Garsfontein). Replacements: 16 Thapelo Mphela  (Pretoria Boys’ High), 17 Jeffrey Singo (Pretoria Boys’ High), 18 Ofentse Moeng (Pretoria Boys’ High), 19 Daniel Malakiya (HeronBridge College), 20 Luann Olivier (Garsfontein), 21 Leskin Samuels (Menlopark), 22 Dewron Aford (Oos-Moot), 23 Waylon Oncke (Overkruin).

Academy Week: 15 Justin Julies (Zwartkop), 14 Malcolm George (Waterkloof), 13 Ruan Enslin (Garsfontein), 12 Nicholas Grobler (Affies), 11 Tomelo Mohale (St Alban’s College), 10 Ruben Groenewald (Affies), 9 Zirk Meyer (Affies), 8 Marko Kok (Waterkloof), 7 Thinus Oosthuizen (Garsfontein), 6 Okuhle Hini (Overkruin), 5 Muntingh Hamman (Affies), 4 Tsepiso Shikibana (Pretoria Boys’ High), 3 Deon Botes (Affies), 2 Stefan Pretorius (Garsfontein), 1 Werner Vrey (Affies). Replacements: 16 Jaydon Jacobs (Oos-Moot), 17 Shiloh Beaton (Pretoria Boys’ High), 18 Duncan Carolus (Sutherland), 19 Victory Akinwunmi (Overkruin), 20 Aiden King (Garsfontein), 21 Devough Bantom (Zayo Academy), 22 Tapiwa Rwafa (Oos-Moot), 23 Tsanwani Omfuna (Pretoria Boys’ High).

u17: 15 Lamond Baadjies (Affies), 14 Luyander Khumalo (Pretoria Boys’ High), 13 Luan Williams (Zwartkop), 12 Petrus Rautenbach (Affies), 11 Z Mona (Zwartkop), 10 Ronan Bastiaanse (Waterkloof), 9 Tumisho Motshi (Menlopark), 8 Stephan McDonald (Affies), 7 Lohan Potgieter (Affies), 6 Thabisho Mbembele (St Alban’s College), 5 Christiaan de Wet (Affies), 4 Akin Akinbola (Pretoria Boys’ High), 3 Stefan de Bruyn (Affies), 2 Bauke Swart (Affies), 1 Tana Nhando (Cornwall Hill College). Replacements: 16 Justin Blom (Garsfontein), 17 Roald Kruger (Affies), 18 Mufunwa Masibigiri (Pretoria Boys’ High), 19 Bunela Mashaba (Pretoria Boys’ High), 20 MJ de Jager (Affies), 21 Chad Leukes (Garsfontein), 22 Leequin Fredericks (Overkruin), 23 Khumo Manakana (Affies).

 

Die Vrystaatse keurders het ‘n hele paar antwoorde gekry na die span se kragmeting Saterdag teen die Griffons se Akademie-span in Bloemfontein. Die Vrystaters het die kragmeting met 58-5 gewen.

Daar was egter genoeg rede om die heelagter Heinz Stockenström vanuit die Akademie-span tot die Cravenweek-span op te trek.

Die Akademie-span het sy rieme met 22-36 teen die Griffons se uitsoekspan vasgeloop. Die Blikore en die Perses pak mekaar in hul eerste wedstryd van vanjaar se Cravenweek in Krugersdorp.

Burgersdorp se hoop op ‘n eerste Vrystaatse Cravenweek-speler, Abcobile Pati, is ook daarmee ‘n slag toegedien. Pati sal nou die laaste vesting in die Akademie-span beman.

Die Vrystaters neem die komende naweek aan die Griffons se Bondedag in Kroonstad deel.

Die spanne is: 

Craven Week: 15 Heinz Stockenström (Grey College), 14 Pretorius Ekeji (Grey College), 13 Ethan Adams (Grey College), 12 Pieter van der Merwe (Grey College), 11 Siyabonga Kenny (Grey College), 10 Alzeadon Felix (Grey College), 9 Philip McLaren (Grey College), 8 Liam Santos (Grey College), 7 Julian Cosmo (Grey College), 6 Kwanda Tokwe (Louis Botha), 5 AJ Meyer (Grey College), 4 Heinrich Theron (Grey College), 3 Danie Kruger (Grey College), 2 Liam van Wyk (Grey College), 1 Dian Venter (Grey College). Plaasvervangers: 16 Xander Smit (Grey College), 17 Tserilitso Shongwe (Louis Botha), 18 Kutlwano Tukulu (Louis Botha), 19 Buko Mlali (Fichardtpark), 20 Theko Montjane (Grey College), 21 Sherwin Buys (Grey College), 22 Toriq Schambreel (Grey College), 23 Donelle Hendriks (Grey College).

19 Grey College | 3 Louis Botha | 1 Fichardtpark

Academy Week: 15 Abcobile Pati (Burgersdorp), 14 Phiwe Mkunjane (Louis Botha), 13 Thristan Maree (Grey College), 12 Junior Titoti (Fichardtpark), 11 Ruben Cilliers (Grey College), 10 Okuhle Dyani (Burgersdorp), 9 Bernard Wessels (Grey College), 8 Marcel Coetzee (Grey College), 7 David du Toit (Grey College), 6 Lisakanya Taba (Burgersdorp), 5 Peter Tembo (Fichardtpark), 4 Renier Grobler (Grey College), 3 Marinus Oosthuizen (Grey College), 2 Emile McGeer (Grey College), 1 Zaine van Zyl (Fichardtpark). Plaasvervangers: 16 Itumeleng Mokhati (Jim Fouché), 17 SW van der Merwe (Jim Fouché), 18 Molaoa Oregolele (Louis Botha), 19 Temba Nomganga (Louis Botha), 20 Mokoena Rapeo (Louis Botha), 21 Pule Motsilili (Fichardtpark), 22 Jan-Hendrik van der Linden (Grey College), 23 Rorisang Masoeu (Grey College).

11 Grey College | 4 Fichardtpark | 3 Louis Botha | 3 Burgersdorp | 2 Jim Fouché 

Rhino Week: 15 Bendré Vermaak (Jim Fouché), 14 Jannie de Waal (Landboudal), 13 Clement van Tonder (Grey College), 12 Darius Erwee (Grey College), 11 Benjamin van der Berg (Grey College), 10 Simeon de Klerk (Landboudal), 9 Hanru Hugo (Landboudal), 8 Adem Nieuwoudt (Grey College), 7 Franco Oberholzer (Jim Fouché), 6 Tian Fourie (Grey College), 5 Claude Steyn (Grey College), 4 Qian Moller (Jim Fouché), 3 JG Badenhorst (Grey College), 2 Luan Booysen (Landboudal), 1 David Hayidakis (Grey College). Plaasvervangers: 16 Marno Smit (Fichardtpark), 17 Henco Diederichs (Grey College), 18 Regard Scheepers (Landboudal), 19 JC van Niekerk (Jim Fouché), 20 Chris Strauss (Landboudal), 21 Duard Bester (Jim Fouché), 22 Hanro Marais (Jim Fouché), 23 Adrian de Necker (Jim Fouché).

Vrystaat Arende: 15 Marius Etzebeth (Landboudal), 14 Devan Maartens (Fichardtpark), 13 Sinethemba Nkolamba (Burgersdorp), 12 Riaan Benadé (Grey College), 11 Ayanda Qinisa (Fichardtpark), 10 Henco Truter (Landboudal), 9 Hendrik Jonker (Sentraal), 8 Juhan van der Westhuizen (Landboudal), 7 JW Stone (Jim Fouché), 6 Neo Mothibidi (Louis Botha), 5 Mogomotsi Mokonyane (Louis Botha), 4 Francke Fourie (Landboudal), 3 Nathan Swanepoel (Fichardtpark), 2 Marnus Earle (Sentraal), 1 MJ Hattingh (Fichardtpark). Plaasvervangers: 16 JT Laney (Grey College), 17 Daniel Tjimbundi (Louis Botha), 18 Wianco Ludike (Landboudal), 19 Steven Smith (Sentraal), 20 Jaco Venter (Landboudal), 21 Craven Crause (Landboudal), 22 Divan Vorster (Landboudal), 23 Divan Roux (Grey College).

The Parktown Boys’ High School 1st XI held St David’s Marist Inanda to a 2-2 draw at St David’s on Saturday, showing strong character to rescue a share of the spoils.

St David’s started the stronger and put the visitors into an 0-2 hole for the better part of the match.

The hosts appeared to be on course for victory after Niklaus Jooste netted five minutes from the end of the first chukka, followed by a brilliant field goal from Zuko Dingaan in the second quarter.

The end-to-end battle continued with both sides fashioning opportunities, without turning them into goals. St David’s, however, saw their lead evaporate in the dying minutes of the contest as coach Kyle Reddy‘s charges manufactured two goals of their own.

The first, scored five minutes from the end, came from Robert Bailey, who deposited a penalty stroke into the back of the St David’s goal box after a Parktown penalty corner had struck a post man on the goal line.

That goal fired up the Parktown faithful, who urged their team on to find an equaliser. Buoyed, the players responded.

With two minutes left, from a penalty corner, Ryan Venter beat the first-wave runner, then slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 2-2.

It has been a season in which Parktown has shown outstanding growth, with their strong character serving them especially well in recent weeks. Saturday’s draw was the latest example of it.

“St David’s got two early goals, putting us 0-2 down for almost the whole game. They pressed well, stopping all of our outlets and forcing turnovers high up the field, which they capitalised on twice,” Reddy commented.

“I think we did well to show resilience and fight back.”

Hoërskool Monument, meanwhile, ground out a 2-1 win over Helpmekaar Kollege.

The Krugersdorp side took only five minutes to open the scoring, and they doubled their advantage in the first chukka. From there, it was an arm wrestle.

Helpmekaar found a reply in the third chukka, but there was no further give in Monument’s defence and they claimed the victory.

In Pretoria, Sebastian Prozzi‘s goal propelled St John’s College to a tight 1-0 win over Pretoria Boys High School on the PBHS Hill Astro.

It was a welcome result for the visitors who had played to a 2-2 draw with Jeppe High School for Boys last weekend. In that clash, they showed great tenacity by rallying from two goals down to level against the Aitken Cup champions.

Just under a month before the SASHOC National Week (formally known as the IPT) kicks off in Bloemfontein, the Border Schools Hockey Association has finalised a strong-looking squad to battle against the country’s best for the provincial honours.

The tournament kicks off on 16 June, with the final scheduled for 21 June.

The event will be played at five different venues, including the University of the Free State, St Andrew’s School, St Michael’s School for Girls, Grey College, and Eunice High School.

In last year’s edition, Border featured an experienced team, under the guidance of Queen’s College’s Director of Hockey, Siya Lusiba.

Lusiba, who, as the former Director of Hockey at St Andrew’s School, is familiar with Bloemfontein, will again take charge of the side and will be assisted by the current head coach of Queen’s, Michael Baiden.

In 2023, under the guidance of the duo, the Eastern Cape side placed ninth, finishing above Southern Free State, Eastern Province, and the KZN Inland B team.

They got off to a rather rocky start, losing to formidable opponents, Southern Gauteng, Western Province A and Western Province B, before rescuing their campaign with wins over KZN Inland B (3-0) and Free-State (2-0).

This year, they’ll look to those last two performances as inspiration and building blocks for their challenge.

They have a solid-looking squad, which features four players from the 2023 lineup, including the Selborne College trio of Tre’ Gilbert, who will captain the side, Waeden Plaatjies, and Daniel Sirgel. They’re joined by Queen’s College’s Luke du Preez, who will serve as one of the two vice-captains.

There are seven Selborne boys in total in the Border squad, with Daniel Conroy, Shane Stagg, Gray van Heerden, and Nathan Amos-Brown also cracking the SASHOC National Week nod.

Queen’s, apart from Du Preez, is represented by Asi Tybosch and Brett Hoffman, while Rowan Miles and Aiden van Jaarsveld are non-travelling reserves.

Stirling High will also be represented in Bloemfontein. Impressive performances this season by Josh Williams and Hisharm Pillay have earned the duo their places in the 16-player lineup.

Dale College, after having no representation in last year’s A side, had two players included. Unfortunately, Sibongile Nzima broke a hand and has been forced to withdraw. He’s been replaced by Hudson Park‘s Helio Ruiters, leaving Amangile Songelwa as the sole representative from Dale.

The squad is completed by Aqhama Mdlulwa, who has been having an impressive season for Cambridge High, and Mtha Mboniswa, from Merrifield College, who will also serve as vice-captain of the team, alongside Luke du Preez.

Border has again been drawn in Section A, Pool A, and they will open their challenge on day one with a serious test against a tough Boland side at 08:30.

Border u18A Team

Luke du Preez (Queen’s College, c), Tre’ Gilbert (Selborne College), Waeden Plaatjies (Selborne College), Mtha Mboniswa (Merrifield College), Daniel Conroy (Selborne College), Aqhama Mdlulwa (Cambridge High School), Asi Tybosch (Queen’s College), Daniel Sirgel (Selborne College), Shane Stagg (Selborne College), Sibongile Nzima (Dale College), Hisharm Pillay (Stirling High School), Brett Hoffman (Queen’s College), Amangile Songelwa (Dale College), Gray van Heerden (Selborne College), Nathan Amon-Brown (Selborne College), Josh Williams (Stirling High School).

Pool Fixtures

Sunday, 16 June
08:30 – Border vs Boland A
17:00 – Western Province B vs Border

Monday, 17 June
14:25 – Border vs Western Province A

Tuesday, 18 June
11:20 – Border vs KZN Coastal B

Wednesday, 19 June
14:25- Border vs Southern Gauteng B

In highly anticipated Southern suburbs derbies, South African College High School (SACS) and Bishops Diocesan College picked up victories over Wynberg Boys’ High and Rondebosch Boys’ High respectively on Friday night.

SACS edged Wynberg 1-0, while Bishops were rampant, thumping ‘Bosch 5-1 on home soil.

Rewatch the action on SuperSport Schools

Wynberg hosted SACS in their backyard, intent on getting back to winning ways after suffering a big 1-7 defeat to Paul Roos Gimnasium the week before.

Coach Ben Wiley’s troops were fully aware that the task of beating SACS was a mammoth one. After all, SACS had outplayed Paul Roos 6-2 when they met in a league fixture.

Coach Sam Holmes‘ SACS’ boys headed into the clash full of confidence after they overran DF Malan 8-0 the previous week.

After a slow start from both sides, it was the visitors who opened the scoring with four minutes to play in the first chukka through the deadly Reece Theunis.

The goal was created by skipper Stéphan Meyer, who whipped a dangerous ball into the circle and, after a scuffle with a couple of Wynberg defenders, Theunis created some space to slot the ball into the back of the net.

In the second quarter, SACS missed three good opportunities to double their lead. Firstly, Theunis’s back-stick shot passed wide of the mark, then Regan Wille and Litha Kraai had their goal attempts saved by Zach Raizenberg.

The hosts were given a lifeline early in the third chukka when a goal by Matthew Jones was disallowed for obstruction in the build-up.

Led from the front by Western Province u18A player Ethan Lee, Wynberg grew in confidence, and despite their inability to test the SACS’ goalkeeper Noah Venter, they kept themselves in the game with a strong defensive effort, courtesy of Dayle Gertson, Daniel Rightford, Liam Kleintjies, and Caleb Schilder.

In pursuit of a second goal, SACS kept their cool. Their captain, Meyer, controlled matters in the middle, looking comfortable on the ball while linking up with Zac Redfern, Nick Paxton, and Kevin Oosthuizen.

The third chukka was goalless, and the fourth produced very little gripping action.

Wynberg, however, had an opportunity late in the match to level matters when they received a penalty corner with three minutes to play.

Their first attempt on goal was stopped by Theunis, but the PC was rewarded. This time, distribution let Wynberg down and SACS survived the late scare, winning 1-0 to continue their unbeaten league run.

“It was a bit of a weird game. We couldn’t figure them out. It was back and forth. We dominated the ball, but they kept sneaking in a chance or two, so we couldn’t afford to go to sleep,” SACS’ captain Stéphan Meyer told SuperSport Schools Plus after the match.

“We value the midfield battle a lot. We had control of it, and we did that by setting up our wide outside backs, Nick Paxton and Cole Allen, getting them on the ball and stretching the possession, which opens up the middle.”

Meyer also praised his teammate and the SACS’ goal scorer, Reece Theunis: “He has been fantastic this season,” he said.

“He always seems to come up big in the big moments, and always plays hard, fast, and gives it his all. There’s not much more you can ask from a forward. He runs hard, sets up his teammates, and he has matured so much over the past months.”

In the other big Friday night match, at the Woodlands Astroturf, it was the in-form Bishops side who dominated against Rondebosch Boys’ High.

Bishops were without the services of their head coach, Ryan Julius who is in Poland, representing South Africa at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup. That didn’t seem to affect them at all, however, as they continued their prolific goal-scoring form, netting five times, while conceding only once.

The hosts dominated from the start, quickly taking control, and putting Rondebosch on the back foot. Relentlessly, they applied pressure, settled into a rhythm, and were rewarded with a handful of goals.

Despite their early struggles, Rondebosch fought valiantly to stay in the game and managed to win a late penalty corner, from which they scored.

However, it was Bishops’ night. Their goals were scored by vice-captain Andrew Raubenheimer, Albert Steyn, Christopher Gray, Joshua Mettler, and Adam Diggle.

RESULTS

Fairmont High 3-1 Curro Durbanville
Bishops Diocesan College 5-1 Rondebosch Boys’ High
DF Malan 4-2 Stellenberg High
Brackenfell High 0-2 Fish Hoek
Wynberg Boys’ High 0-1 SACS
Langa Hockey Club 1-0 Westerford High