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Only four Central Gauteng boys’ team players, who claimed gold at this year’s Junior Water Polo Championships, have been included in the South African side set to participate in the World Aquatics Men’s u18 Water Polo Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The tournament kicks off on 2 July, with the final taking place a week later, on Tuesday, 9 July.

Leading up to the World Aquatics’ event, Swimming South Africa hosted the Junior Water Polo Championships, the Currie Cup, in East London, in March.

The four-day tournament provided the national selectors with an opportunity to see the country’s best juniors in action against one another before they announced the SA team.

There, Gauteng won the competition by beating KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) 8-6 in the final.

Their journey to the title deciding contest was categorised by grit, determination, and playing an attractive brand of water polo, which propelled them to victory against the top sides after some early setbacks.

Led by coach Jon-Marc de Carvalho, Gauteng had to go the long route after suffering two defeats in the round-robin stages, against Western Province (4-5), and KZN (8-12) respectively.

When it mattered most, however, they produced their best performances, with their 10-5 victory over Western Province in the semifinals arguably their best of the lot.

From there, it was on to another rematch, this time against KZN, where the Gauteng side got the better of coach Rob Ambler‘s team, snatching an 8-6 win in which Karabo Mamaregane scored a hattrick.

Mamaregane, from King Edward VII, was named in the 15-player squad along with the St John’s College duo of Gregory Pryce, and Ross Rovelli, and Ross Stuart, of St David’s Marist Inanda.

Despite an unexpectedly poor showing at the tournament, where they finished third, Western Province had seven players selected.

Attention was clearly paid to how they performed during in-season tournaments, with Province having three teams in the top four at every major event.

Western Province is represented by Bishops Diocesan College‘s Jordan De Sousa and Thomas Truter. Paul Roos provides three players, Adam October, Arkin Marais and Salahuddin Khan, and the SACS duo of Nicholas Fall and Zack Cicero was also selected.

During their tour to Argentina, the side will be led by KZN head coach, Rob Ambler, who plies his trade at Glenwood High School. He will be joined by four players who played for him during the Junior Champs in East London.

Two are from Clifton College, Ross Strauss and Oliver Ditz, while Westville Boys’ High‘s Rhees Hall and Northwood’s Matthew Lortan also cracked the nod.

Ambler will be assisted by Siyabonga Guzana, while the manager of the team is Meryke Terblanche.

SA U18 TEAM

Jordan De Sousa (Western Province, Bishops), Adam October (Western Province, Paul Roos), Nicholas Fall (Western Province, SACS), Zack Cicero (Western Province, SACS), Thomas Truter (Western Province, Bishops), Arkin Marais (Western Province, Paul Roos), Salahuddin Khan (Western Province, Paul Roos) Gregory Pryce (Central Gauteng, St John’s College), Ross Rovelli (Central Gauteng, St John’s College), Ross Stuart (Central Gauteng, St David’s Marist Inanda), Karabo Mamaregane (Central Gauteng, King Edward VII), Rhees Hall (KZN, Westville Boys’ High), Ross Strauss (KZN, Clifton College), Matthew Lortan (KZN, Northwood School), Oliver Ditz (KZN, Clifton College)

Non-travelling reserves

Judah Dos Santos (Central Gauteng, King Edward VII), Zico Williams (Central Gauteng, Reddam House Helderfontein), Marc Smith (Central Gauteng, St Stithians College), Max Scully (KZN, Westville Boys’ High), Conor Melling-Willams (Western Province, SACS).

Management

Head Coach: Rob Ambler (KZN)
Assistant Coach: Siyabonga Guzana (KZN)
Manager: Meryke Terblanche (KZN)

Grey High School versus Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) will headline a bumper weekend of hockey action in the Eastern Cape when those sides, two of the best in the country, battle it out for top honours in Gqeberha on Friday night.

The match gets underway at 19:15 and will be live from the Rectory Astroturf on SuperSport Schools.

Last weekend, when they were last in action, they experienced contrasting results.

Grey travelled to Cape Town, where they played to a 2-2 draw with Wynberg Boys High on Friday night, before going down 2-5 against SACS the following morning.

Paul Roos, meanwhile, bounced back from a 0-1 defeat against Rondebosch Boys’ High, scoring a commanding 4-0 win over Paarl Boys’ High on the Maties Astroturf.

Reuben Gouws strike twice for the Stellenbosch side, while Callum van Oudsthoorn, and Barend Geldenhuys also found the back of the net.

Despite the win, the visitors are still hard at work, trying to improve some aspects of their game that haven’t yet clicked this season.

Coach Michael Baker’s main concern is converting short corners, a worry that stood out at Rondebosch when the Stellenbosch side failed to make use of the plentiful opportunities they created.

This week, they will be banking on their skipper Ruben Sendzul to improve on his accuracy and get back to his best, which is being one of the most dangerous PC strikers in the country.

PRG’s main playmaker so far this season has been Christo Swanepoel, who has held the fort well at the back while providing quality ball distribution.

Paul Roos will be relieved that shot stopper, Beor van Reenen, who had picked up a knee injury, will be in the goalbox. He and defenders Louan van Zyl and Hanno Basson are likely to face a stiff challenge from Grey who, before last weekend, had won all of their games.

Grey will bank on Xander Elkington, Blake Muller, Jordyn Julies, and Iviwe Mazomba to challenge PRG’s midfield and defence.

The clash promises to be a terrific tussle between two sides eager to stake their claims as top contenders ahead of the Hibbert Shield early next month.

Teams

Grey High: Kiano Broadhurst, Marco Giaconi, Zac Thornton, Ben Ristow, Robbie Stow, Kian Cambier, Luke Tait, Caden Skinette, Athi Jansen, Blake Muller, Jordyn Julies, Xander Elkington, Iviwe Mazomba, Liam Poole, Caleb Humphreys

 Paul Roos Gimnasium: Beor van Reenen, Hanno Basson, Louan van Zyl, Joshua Smit, Keith Siebrits, Juan Mouton, Barend Geldenhuys, Christo Swanepoel, Lohan Lackay, Reuben Gouws, Ruben Sendzul, Dan Lurie, Seth Paterson, Charles Lombaard, Luke Oliver

 Other matches

In another clash between top teams, Selborne College will be back in action, when they host Grey College in East London on Friday.

In their last outing, a fortnight ago, Selborne was held to a 1-1 draw by Komani’s Queen’s College. They had a bye last weekend, while their opponents, Grey left it late to salvage a 1-1 draw with Paarl Gimnasium in Paarl.

Dale College, who picked up the big scalp of Queen’s at the Queen’s 166th Reunion last weekend, will also return to the turf on Friday afternoon, when they take on Cambridge High School in Qonce.

Stirling High School hosts Kingswood College, while Queen’s travels to Bloemfontein to take on St Andrew’s School and Fichardtpark, on Friday evening and Saturday morning respectively.

Fixtures

Friday, 26 April 

16:00 – Dale College vs Cambridge High School
18:00 – Stirling High School vs Kingswood College
19:00 – Selborne College vs Grey College
19:15 – Grey High vs Paul Roos
19:30 – St Andrew’s School vs Queen’s College

Saturday, 27 April 2024

11:00 – Fichardtpark vs Queen’s College

Die eerste dag van die Absa Wildeklawer o.13-toernooi beloof om reeds vir heelwat opwinding op Laerskool Newton se hoofveld, Boeta Dippenaar-park, in Kimberley te sorg.

Die hoofwedstryd van die eerste dag word om 19:00 tussen Grey-kollege van Bloemfontein en Penzance van Durban beslis.

Die span van die Rosestad het vroeër vanjaar in die eindstryd van die Top Lay Super Series vir Paarl Gimnasium met 17-10 verslaan. Hy het wel onlangs sy rieme met 14-15 teen Bastion van Brackenfell styfgeloop.

Slegs die eerste dag van die toernooi se bepalings is uitgesit met die volgende twee dae se wedstryde wat na elke dag se wedstryde uiteengesit sal word.

Bastion is ook in Kimberley in aksie en sal op die eerste dag sy staal teen Laerskool Vastrap van Rustenburg uitspook. Vastrap is tradisioneel een van die beste skolespanne in die Noordwes.

Nog twee spanne vanuit die Luiperds – Laerskool Saamtrek van Klerksdorp asook Laerskool Rustenburg sal ook in die Diamantstad in aksie wees. Saamtrek kom teen Gene Louw van Durbanville te staan, terwyl Rustenburg teen die gasheer, Newton, in aksie sal wees.

Vanjaar se toernooi het ook heelwat meer spanne wat in aksie is. Die Oostelike Provinsie se sterkste rugbyskool, Sunridge Primary van Gqeberha, kom teen die nuwe kampioen van die Super 12-reeks, Laerskool Helderkruin van Krugersdorp, te staan.

Laerskool Durbanville se kragmeting teen die Laerskool Garsfontein beloof ook om een van die hoogtepunte van die eerste dag te wees.

Al die bepalings asook direkte skakels tot die SuperSport Schools uitsendings: 

[ninja_tables id=”42911″]

With the KZN Schools Football Season underway, SuperSport Schools‘ football writer Siya Pongco felt it was a good time to talk about the game with Amazulu FC‘s Mateo Horstead, who captained Maritzburg College to an exceptional season last year.

An exceptionally talented playmaker, his excellence was recognised when he was named a member of SuperSport Schools’ Class of 2023.

“Mateo is a player I have been eager to speak with ever since I first saw him in 2023, dominating the midfield and displaying exceptional leadership skills for one of the strongest teams in school football,” Pongo said.

“It did not come as a surprise when Mateo and his team at College ended the season with a treble, solidifying their position as one of the best in the 160-year history of Maritzburg College, as stated by Michael Dibben, the master in charge of football at College.”

Mateo, born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, possesses an unimaginable passion for the game, which is evident through his unwavering dedication, love and respect for it.

He has been playing football since the age of five, and his dream is to play professionally abroad.

“I started playing soccer in the backyard with my cousin, and from the moment he introduced me to the sport, I instantly fell in love with it,” Mateo recalled.

If you have closely followed his game, you will know he has acquired numerous nicknames, but the one that stands out the most is “Gusheshe”, which means hurry up. In South African culture, it is customary for exceptional players to be bestowed with unique nicknames, which is part of the country’s rich heritage in the beautiful game.

“I am extremely grateful to have been given this nickname,” Mateo said. “Initially, I was puzzled when I heard the commentator referring to me as Gusheshe, but once I understood its symbolic meaning, I felt honoured and happy.

“The nickname originated in 2022 when a SuperSport Schools commentator, Mr Sibonelo ‘Bhuda’ Zulu used it during one of my games, and it has stuck with me ever since.”

Inspiration

Mateo has found inspiration and continues to be inspired by many people on his football journey, including his teammates, other players and the coaching staff. However, there is one player in particular whom he greatly admires, Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian superstar stands out for Mateo because of his exceptional passing, vision, and ability to read the game.

Mateo closely analyses De Bruyne’s style of play and strives to pick up the lessons he has learned from the midfield maestro and incorporate them into his own game.

Another player who has earned Mateo’s admiration is Villareal midfielder and Spanish international Danny Parejo. Mateo appreciates Parejo’s composure on the ball and his movement both on and off it.

When observing Mateo’s performances as a central midfielder, it becomes evident that he invests significant time and effort into developing his game. His precise passes and his defensive prowess showcase his dedication to all aspects of it.

Simultaneously, he exhibits brilliance by consistently delivering defence-splitting passes to his forwards, which leave his opponents bewildered and struggling to keep up.

His cousin Conal Cone, who is a dead ringer for Mateo, has also played a pivotal role in motivating him to pursue a career in football. From a young age, Conal imparted his knowledge and skills, teaching Mateo how to play the game. Conal’s experience playing in the Premier League for Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows further inspired Mateo, as his cousin always made time to help guide him towards becoming a better player and individual.

Maritzburg College

“Playing for Maritzburg College was an incredible honour for me. Since I was a young child, I always aspired to attend this prestigious school. Being chosen as the team captain was an incredible experience, and I will forever cherish the opportunity it provided me to fulfil a lifelong dream,” Mateo said.

“Throughout my time at Maritzburg College, I had the privilege of learning valuable lessons from the dedicated coaches and soccer directors. They instilled in me the belief that through hard work and unwavering dedication, I could accomplish anything I set my mind to, both on and off the field.”

Another big source of inspiration for Mateo during his time at the school was College old boy Ryan Moon, a former professional player. His achievements have served as a testament to the value of perseverance and commitment.

Moon has represented Bafana Bafana and has also turned out for renowned clubs, including Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs. His example has shown Mateo that unwavering commitment is the key to success.

There’s another former College player whom Mateo greatly admires, Bandile Shandu, of Orlando Pirates. His playing style and impressive accomplishments serve as a constant source of motivation.

“Overall, my experience at Maritzburg College, and the influence of remarkable individuals like Ryan Moon and Bandile Shandu, has reinforced my belief in the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving one’s goal,” Mateo said.

English Premier League

Touching on one of his biggest dreams, he revealed: “Playing in the Premier League has always been a lifelong dream of mine, ever since I first started playing. I firmly believe that it is the ultimate league to showcase my skills and compete against the very best.

“Additionally, making my debut in the PSL this year would be a dream come true. I have been working towards this goal for a long time and I am excited about the opportunity to prove myself.

“As I continue my journey, I am fully aware that there is always room for improvement and growth in every aspect of my game”.

A message to the Maritzburg College Squad of 2024

“First and foremost, I extend my best wishes to the Maritzburg College team of 2024.

“I have the utmost confidence in both the coaches and the team to excel this year.

“We must adhere to the football style we are familiar with, as it has been instilled by coach Calvin Petersen and coach Nic Haswell, which will make us unbeatable.

“Remember to play for the badge and honour the legacy of the players who came before you, rather than focusing on individual glory.”

Durban Girls’ High School tackles Kingsway in a KwaZulu-Natal league match on Wednesday, which they hope will also serve as good preparation for the All Girls Festival, which takes place in Potchefstroom next week.

DGHS coach Avril Jacobs’ primary focus in the preseason was on conditioning and fitness. Skills with poor or average fitness might help her team win a game or two, but that does not guarantee consistency. “I believe they have to be athletes first before being hockey players,” she explained.

That approach helped DGHS through three festivals, which kicked their season into gear. At one of those, the annual Spar Tournament, they did not lose a match and finished third after posting one win and four draws.

They followed that up with a stellar performance at the Crawford La Lucia Hockey Festival over the Easter weekend. Led by Gift Arinze, Jacob’s charges realised the goal they had set out to achieve. They won the title.

While outworking other teams has been the bedrock to their success, DGHS has also built its identity around its defence, well marshalled by Holly McDonald, which has been tough to breach.

Teams that have managed to get past McDonald and company have then found themselves confronted by Divine Arinze. The goalkeeper is having the best season of her career, pulling off great stops to keep DGHS in the game on a number of occasions. Her excellence was recognised at the Crawford Easter Festival and Maris Stella Indoor Tournament, where she was named the top goalkeeper.

Last Friday, she was in top form when DGHS pulled off a 1-0 win over Reddam Umhlanga in their first league match, with Kaylee Heere scoring the all-important goal.

One of DGHS’s goals for this season is to make it all the way at the All Girls Festival, which runs from 1-4 May. While matches against Kingsway have traditionally brought favourable results, they’re not taking the school from Amanzimtoti lightly. They want to head into the All Girls Festibal with a win in the pocket and the momentum that it provides.

Our Lady Fatima plays against a familiar foe, Ashton, also on Wednesday. They meet multiple times each season, in the league and at tournaments. Earlier this year, they went head-to-head in the Spar semi-finals, with Our Lady of Fatima scoring a comfortable 3-0 win. They will be focussed on extending that run of success against the girls from Ballito.

St Mary’s DSG will seek a return to winning ways when they square up against Maris Stella on Thursday. Carla Ann Mackay’s charges were involved in a five-goal thriller against Durban Girls’ College over the weekend and emerged second-best, but it was tight, with DGC claiming a tight 3-2 victory.

St Mary’s DSG is clearly one of the elite teams in South Africa in 2024, but coach Gowan Jones‘s Maris Stella girls won’t be timid when they take to the Astro against the team from Kloof. Jones explained: “One of our goals for the season is for our teams to play with no fear of the opposition and have the freedom to play the game.”

During their preseason, Maris Stella focused on the style of play Jones, the SA national men’s goalkeeper, wants them to play, particularly in the areas of outletting and the press.

Chardinay Penniston‘s Durban Girls College (DGC) visits St Anne’s with the intention of extending their unbeaten run as they continue to chase their season’s goals, which include a top-12 finish this year.

Fixtures

Wednesday: DGHS vs Kingsway, Our Lady Fatima vs Ashton

Thursday: Maris Stella vs St Mary’s DSG (Kloof), St Anne’s vs DGC

The highly anticipated annual Gesond Vilakazi Foundation (GVF) Freedom Day Knockout Tournament was officially launched at the Rio Casino Hotel in Matlosana (formerly Klerksdorp), on Monday.

Among those in attendance at the draw was the South African football legend, Lucky Lekgwathi. The former Orlando Pirates’ captain, who led Amabhakabhaka to the treble in successive years – in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons – pledged to contribute to the GVF Sporting Monyetla programme activities, which seek to open doors and create pathways for football talent in Matlosana.

The South African Football Association (SAFA), Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Matlosana Local Football Associations, club owners, local business owners and members of the media, were also in attendance.

The annual Freedom Day Knockout kicks off on Freedom Day, Saturday, 27 April.

The Chairperson of the GVF, Gesond Vilakazi, said the knockout tournament aims to create opportunities for local players in the u17 and u19 age groups.

“The goal is to pave the way for them to join clubs in the Motsepe Championship (National First Division), DStv Premiership and even overseas clubs,” he stated.

During the launch, Vilakazi confirmed that a squad of 20 u19 players would be selected after the tournament to participate in friendly matches against leading clubs like TS Galaxy, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and SuperSport United. The squad would also be entered into big competitions, such as the Bayhill Premier Cup and the Iber Cup.

The Freedom Day Knockout is a key event on the GVF Sporting Monyetla Programme’s annual schedule, and their hope is that it will having a lasting impact on the Matlosana area.

Sports in South Africa have proven they possess a remarkable ability to bridge gaps between generations, cultures, races and social classes. Recognising this, the Gesond Vilakazi Foundation is utilising sport to engage children in activities during school holidays, and to provide them with life skills and education.

The organisers listed the four primary objectives of the Gesond Vilakazi Foundation:

1. To unite soccer enthusiasts, clubs and the general public from all corners of Matlosana, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition through enjoyable soccer tournaments.
2. To create opportunities for talented soccer players to be recognised, scouted and potentially recruited by professional clubs in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America and various European Clubs.
3. To empower coaches of all participating teams by organising seminars that enhance their coaching skills and knowledge. Esteemed speakers will share their insights on technical advancement and sports science, further enriching their coaching acumen.
4. To provide all participating players with valuable life skills, training and coaching clinics, ensuring their holistic development both on and off the field.

GVF Sporting Chance Programme Tournaments

1. The Freedom Day Tournament, 27 April – 4 May
2. The Future Gen Knock Out, 15-22 June
3. The Maltosana Festive Knock Out 14-21 December

Freedom Day Tournament Fixtures – u17 – 27 April

Group A: Matlosana Stadium

09:00 – Imkava Sporting FC vs Suncity Arsenal FC
11:15 – Kosh FC vs Ikamva Sporting
13:30 – Suncity Arsenal FC vs Kosh FC

Group B: Extension 16 Ground

09:00 – Mighty Rovers FC vs Golden Palace FC
11:30 – Bianca FC vs Mighty Rovers FC
13:00 – Golden Palace FC vs Bianca FC

Group C: Alabama Stadium C

09:00 – Ellaton United FC vs Alabama Athletic FC
10:15 – Klerksdorp Young Stars vs Alabama Young Stars
11:30 – Milano FC vs Winner Match 10
14:00 – Winner Match 11 vs Winner Match 12

Group E: Orkney 6 Ground

10:00 – Striking Mountain Movers vs Orkney Juventus FC
12:00 – Makhoti FC vs Striking Mountain Movers
14:00 – Orkney Juventus FC vs Makhoti FC

Group R: Kanana Stadium

09:00 – Kanana Young Chelsea FC vs Cloud 9 FC
11:30 – Kanana United FC vs Kanana Young Chelsea FC
14:00 – Cloud 9 FC vs Kanana United FC

Group G: Kanana Stadium

10:15 – Orkney Young Zebras FC vs Kanana Academy
12:45 – Kanana Celtics FC vs Orkney Young Zebras FC
15:15 – Kanana Academy vs Kanana Celtics FC

1 May: Group Stage Klerksdorp/ Jouberto/ Alabama/ Tigame Teams

Matlosana Stadium

10:00 – Group A winner vs Group D winner
11:15 – Group B Winner vs Group C winner
14:00 – Winner Match 23 vs Winner Match 24

Kanana Stadium: Group Stage Kanana/ Vaal Reefs/ Orkney Teams

10:00 – Group E winner vs Group F winner
12:30 – Group G winner vs Group E winner
14:00 – Group F winner vs Group G winner

4 May: u17 Final

Venue: Brazil Stadium

12:00 – Winner Klerksdorp Teams vs Winner Orkney Teams

Fixtures u19, April 28

Group A: Matlosana Stadium 

09:00 – Eagles FC vs Golden Palace FC
11:15 – Kosh Academy vs Eagles FC
13:30 – Golden Palace FC vs Kosh Academy

Group B: Brazil Stadium

08:00 – Eastern Togers FC vs Thembu Stars FC
10:00 – Klerksdorp Rising Stars vs Eastern Tigers FC
12:00 – Thembu Stars FC vs Klerksdorp Rising Stars

Group C: Alabama Stadium

09:00 – Ikamva Sporting FC vs Alabama Young Stars
11:15 – Alabama Athletic FC vs Ikamva Sporting FC
13:30 – Alabama Young Stats FC vs Alabama Athletic FC

Group D: Kanana Stadium

0800 – Rybakina FC vs Kanana Celtics FC
09:15 – Makhoti FC vsKanana Young Athletic FC
11:30 – Winner Match 11 vs Winner Match 12

1 May: Semi Finals 

Recreational Centre

12:00 – Group D winner vs Group C winner

Matlosana Stadium

12:30 – Group A winner vs Group B winner

4 May: Final 

Brazil Stadium

14:00 – Winner Match 13 vs Winner Match 14

 

South African College High School (SACS) and Paarl Gimnasium will aim to keep their momentum rolling and continue their superb seasons when they face off in the match of the weekend in Paarl on Friday night.

The clash gets underway at 19:45. Catch all the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

They’ve both been performing like well-oiled machines and have already compiled an impressive list of results in 2024.

Gim won the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Festival late last month and they’ve kept the pedal to the metal ever since then, racking up one good result after another.

In the past three weeks, coach Jacques Grobler‘s side has faced some gruelling challenges, which has tested their squad depth, fitness levels, and ability to dig deep in crucial moments.

They began their Western Cape campaign with a resounding 5-1 win over Outeniqua, with captain LD Nel scoring a hattrick at home.

After that, Grobler’s charges took their talents to Pretoria, where they faced Affies in a massive inter-schools’ clash. There, they scored a comfortable 3-0 win, with Juan Swanepoel netting twice before Nel got his name on the scoreboard for a second week running.

Last weekend, they were a minute away from defeating Grey College, but the visitors scored in the final minute to snatch a 1-1 draw.

SACS, on the other hand, have been a juggernaut this season, and their run of dominance began at the Founders Festival at Kearsney College last month.

Soon after that, they began league action in the Western Cape, powering their way to one-sided wins over Fairmont High School (6-0), and Parel Vallei (7-0).

Last weekend, they further asserted their dominance against Rondebosch Boys’ High and Grey High School on successive days.

On Friday, coach Sam Holmes’s side beat ‘Bosch 3-0, before recording an emphatic 5-2 victory over Grey at the Brewery.

Blessed with quality and depth in all positions, they’re in outstanding form, with players like Litha Kraai, Stephan Meyer, Reece Theunis and Matthew Lassen having caught the eye in recent weeks.

They have reason to be confident ahead of the clash, too, after winning 6-2 against Paarl Gim in 2023. Admittedly, the SACS lineup is very different this year, but the vast majority of the team played together under Sam Holmes in the u16 ranks, where they dominated opposition from all corners of South Africa.

It promises to be an enthralling clash, but Gim goes into the game as the underdog, and it would be a big upset if they win. Given their quality, that’s not out of the question, however.

Western Cape Fixtures

Friday, 26 April 2024

18:00 – Fairmont High vs Pinelands
18:15 – Bishops vs Wynberg
18:15 – Stellenberg vs DF Malan
19:00 – Rondebosch vs Reddam House
19:30 – Paarl Gimnasium vs SACS
19:30 – Parel Vallei vs Outeniqua

Saturday, 27 April 2024

10:15 – Durbanville vs Khayelitsha Hockey Club
10:45 –Worcester Gimnasium vs Brackenfell
10:50 – Somerset College vs Strand
11:15 – Belville High vs Westerford

SA Rugby praised referees, coaches, and players in the FNB Varsity Cup for their positive approach to the new tackle height laws that were introduced to the community game in South Africa this year – and already appear to be making a difference.

New laws to make rugby safer at school and club level were approved at a general council meeting of the South African Rugby Union in 2023, relating to the lowering of the maximum legal height at which a tackle may be made while also outlawing potentially dangerous ball-carrying actions and techniques.

The FNB Varsity Cup was the first prominent competition in South Africa to use these laws and according to detailed averaged match data, the number of penalties for high tackles decreased from 14.5 per round to only 7.5 towards the end of the league phase of the competition.

Furthermore, ball carriers were more aware of dipping their heads lower than their hips with penalties in this area declining from three in the opening round to zero during the past two rounds.

“As our Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus said, ‘tackling lower is coachable’ and we’d like to thank and congratulate all coaches and players who have actively worked hard on correct, safe, and effective tackle technique,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

“In the same breath, I would also like to thank all the match officials for enforcing the changes. Projects such as these don’t come without teething problems and although we are aware of issues in some provinces, these are by far in the minority.

“All involved in the FNB Varsity Cup have shown what can be achieved with a positive approach. Apart from fewer penalties for high tackles, and without having properly interrogated all the data yet, preliminary observations are that there appear to be fewer concussions in this year’s tournament, which is exactly what we were hoping to achieve.”

Oberholzer further reiterated SA Rugby’s commitment to ensuring a safer game at amateur level.

“We didn’t take the decision to implement these law variations lightly and months of very hard work went into the project,” he said.

“The community rugby season is in full swing, and we would yet again like to urge referees to apply these new laws as per the tackle-height framework, while coaches and players must make the effort to familiarise themselves with these new laws and coach and play accordingly.

“This is a work in progress, and we are learning as the season progresses. If all the involved parties come together and do what they can to make it a success, we will see even more positive results in the coming months, as these new laws gain momentum.

“We would like to see referees continuing to penalise tacklers that are in upright body positions. Ball carriers leading into contact with their bodies horizontal and heads lower than hips make it impossible for tacklers to tackle low and is penalisable. Finally, zero tolerance must be applied to tacklers diving at the limbs of ball carriers with leading shoulders and no clear wrapping of the arms. All these must be penalised with the applicable card depending on the level of danger.

“We do not pretend at all that the referees are getting it spot on, but there has been a marked improvement, and we are very happy to see that. All these changes make the game safer, and I urge that players and coaches take these new law changes seriously and do the hard graft to make this work. It is important for the continued safety of our community game that everyone gives this their best efforts.”

For more information on these laws, go to MyBokSmart do the Tackle Height Change Education Module, and download the following explanatory document.

For six coaching drills used by Junior Springbok head coach Bafana Nhleko and his coaching team to get his players low, square, and at the correct tackle height, CLICK HERE.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Die afgelope naweek het weer volop netbalaksie opgelewer met die spanne van die Vrystaat en Noord-Kaap wat meeding vir die titel as die Wesgrow Sentrale Sportreeks-kampioen.

In een van die groot kragmetings van die naweek het die twee Bloemfonteinse buurskole, Sentraal en Fichardpark, mekaar aangedurf.

Tralies het vroeg in die eerste kwart met 7-5 voorgeloop en momentum behou om teen rustyd hul  voorsprong na 14-10 te vergroot.

Namate die kragmeting in die derde kwart gevorder het, het Tralies die gaping na 23-16 gerek om, ten spyte van Fichardtpark se dapper pogings in die laaste kwart, met 26-18 as oorwinnaars uit die stryd te tree.

Jim Fouché het voor ‘n taai uitdaging te staan gekom teen die Hoërskool Diamantveld, maar kon met 10 doele die oorwinning behaal om hul onoorwonne status in die reeks te behou. Dit was ‘n gelykopstryd in die eerste helfte, met die eerste kwart wat 10-10 geëindig het en JF wat teen halftyd met slegs 23-22 voor was.

Jf het in die derde kwart hul voorsprong vergroot na 35-30 en uiteindelik in die laaste kwart die baan oorheers om vir Diamonds met 47-37 te verslaan. Lindsey Neveling en Elri Pieters was JF se groot uitblinkers op die dag.

Voortrekker se eerste netbalspan het ook hul onoorwonne status behou deur vir Goudveld Hoërskool met ‘n telling van 46-22 te oorrompel. Voortrekker het van meet af hul oorheersing op die baan laat geld en beheer regdeur die kragmeting behou om onderskeidelik met 9-5 en 18-9 voor te loop na die eerste twee kwarte.

In die derde kwart het hulle voet in die hoek gesit om ‘n gaping van 34-14 oop te maak, en, hoewel Gouties moedig probeer het om terug te kom in die stryd, het Trekkers steeds gemaklik gewen. Die uitsonderlike verdediging van spelers soos Anja van Zyl en Celri Botha het in daardie opsig ‘n deurslaggewende rol in hul triomf gespeel.

Trekkers se netbalspanne het rede om trots te wees, met 12 uit hul 15 spanne wat gewen het.

Voortrekker teen Goudveld uitslae:

(Voortrekkers punte eerste)

o. 14A wen 23-7

o. 14B wen 9-4

o. 14C wen 18-3

o. 15A wen 24-16

o. 15B wen 27-6

o. 15C wen 28-3

o. 15D wen 27-3

o. 16A wen 27-9

o. 16B wen 39-5

o. 16C wen 25-2

o. 19A wen 46-22

o. 19B wen 18-9

o. 19C verloor 12-15

o. 19D verloor 10-13

o. 17A verloor 21-26

Sentraal teen Fichardtpark uitslae:

(Sentraal punte eerste)

o.14A verloor 14-16

o.14B verloor 15-19

o.14C wen 20-13

o.14D wen 25-6

o.15A wen 29-10

o.15B wen 26-2

o.15C wen 34-5

o.16A wen 24-9

o.16B wen 32-8

o.17A wen 32-10

o.19A wen 26-18

o.19B wen 27-4

o.19C wen 24-11

o.19D verloor 5-8

Jim Fouché teen Diamantveld uitslae:

O.14A 23 -16

o. 14B 20 – 20

o. 14C 3 – 17

O.14D13 – 8

o. 15A 19 -13

o. 15B 27 – 7

o. 15C 9 -15

o. 16B 23 – 37

o. 16C 8 – 30

o. 19B 14 – 28

O.o. 19A 37 – 47

Daar wag ‘n titaniese stryd op Trappespark, Woensdagaand, wanneer HTS Drostdy en Worcester Gimnasium sake uitspook vir die spogregte nadat die buurskole mekaar in 2017 laas gepak het

Beleef die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – Registreer nou – Skakel na die wedstryd

Voor die onderbreking van sewe jaar het die interskole jaarliks groot opwinding in die dorp gebied, met die Drostdy “Donkies” wat vir ‘n geruime tydperk die bepaling kon domineer.

Die “Bosvarke” het laas in 2015 met die louere weggestap, toe Jeshua Paul in die doodsnikke gedruk en Adriaan van der Bank verdoel het om ‘n geskiedkundige sege van 20-18 aan die Gimmies te besorg.

In 2016 en 2017 was Drostdy weer baas en hulle lyk oorgehaal om hul stempel onmiddelik af te druk wanneer die twee spanne vanaand weer hul wedywering hervat.

Vroeër vanjaar het die twee spanne die geleentheid gehad om mekaar onder oë te kry by die Drostdy-sportdag, waar hulle albei spiere gebult het teen Melkbosstrand en Schoonspruit. Die Donkies het egter meer indrukwekkend vertoon in hul wedstryde, met wegholseges van 65-0 en en 35-5 oor onderskeidelik die Melkies en Schoonspruit.

Die Bosvarke se onderskeie seges van 17-12 teen Schoonspruit en 15-5 teen Melkbosstrand het harder werk geverg, maar hulle het sedertdien gewys dat hulle juis ‘n span is wat onder druk floreer.

By die Kearsney Paas-toernooi het die Gimmies sprankelrugby tentoongestel met spogseges oor Hoërskool Rustenburg (26-25) en Marlow Landbou (38-37), voordat hulle net-net teen Framesby vasgeval het met 34-36.

Verlede naweek het Hugenote vasgeklou om met 31-28 te wen, nadat die Gimmies stadig begin het maar teen die einde van die kragmeting sterk teruggekom het.

Drostdy het egter vroeër vandeesmaand vir Hugenote met 46-10 afgeransel, en na nóg ‘n indrukwekkende vertoning teen Framesby (22-5), asook ‘n afnaweek, behoort die Donkies slaggereed te wees vir die stryd wat wag.

Kaptein, MJ van der Westhuizen, en sy makkers sal die Gimmies van die eerste afskop af wil probeer oordonder voorlangs, om te verhoed dat hulle hul spelpatrone agterlangs kan uitvoer. Bernedict George en Ajay Skippers is twee van die gevaarmanne in die agterlyn om dop te hou.

Nege spelers het verlede jaar reeds Drostdy se eerstespan verteenwoordig en hulle sal op die ervare kerngroep staatmaak om ‘n herhaling van 2015 te verhoed.

Met opwindende spelers soos Lorenzo Harmse, Luke Cupido en Amaan Adendorff in hul midde, asook die ekstra motivering wat ‘n plaaslike derby soos hierdie bied, ly dit egter geen twyfel dat die Gimmies ook vasberade is vir die stryd nie.

 

HTS Drostdy t. Worcester Gimnasium om 17:10:

HTS Drostdy: 15 Hareld Mbuqa, 14 Adrian Vergotine, 13 Aljay Skippers, 12 Josh Fourie, 11 Bernedict George, 10 Stefan van der Merwe, 9 Caleb Cornett, 8 MJ van der Westhuizen, 7 Darius Venter, 6 Gerhard le Roux, 5 Marcus Lee, 4 Pietie Erasmus, 3 Tertius Wantenaar, 2 Daniel Mellet, 1 WJ Visagie.

Worcester Gimnasium: 15 Lorenzo Harmse, 14 Vuyolwethu Bavuma, 13 Breyton Cupido, 12 Lukewin van Heerden, 11 Elrenzo Swarts, 10 Aiden Abrahams, 9 Luke Cupido, 8 Jayd-Will de Klerk, 7 Waylan Pienaar, 6 Valentino Nomadluka, 5 Joshua Coetzee, 4 Chris O’Neill, 3 Wilfred Slingers, 2 Armand Croeser, 1 Amaan Adendorff.

Die bepalings:

Trappespark: 14:15 – HTS Drostdy o. 15 A t. Worcester Gimnasium o. 15 A; 15:55 – HTS Drostdy o. 16 A t. Worcester Gimnasium o. 16 A; 17:10 – HTS Drostdy 1ste XV t. Worcester Gimnasium 1ste XV.

Steelkant: 14:45 – HTS Drostdy o. 14 A t. Worcester Gimnasium o. 14 A.