Divan De Villiers of Northern Champions during the match between Northern Champions and Western Legends on day 4 of the 2024 CSA Cubs Week at Tassies Oval on January 08, 2024 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
STELLENBOSCH. – It is not an official final but the clash between the Northern Champions and the Southern Superstars will serve as a de facto final for this year’s Cubs Week.
The two sides have remained the only unbeaten sides since the conclusion of the second day of the tournament, and both have accumulated 18 points thus far.
The winner of the clash will, therefore, be crowned the champions of the Cubs Week. The Northern Champions are the defending the title, but they almost slipped up against the Western Legends today.
The Champions experienced some tense moments as they scraped through by 11 runs against the composite team from the Free State, North West and Northern Cape. The defending champs would’ve preferred to have a few more runs on the scoreboard after closing their innings on 230/4 from their 50 overs.
Lukas van Rensburg (63) and Divan de Villiers (57) helped their side to move their total past 200, thanks to a 111-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
The Legends’ pacemen, Jonathan Muller (3/50) and Christopher Ford (3/42), shared six wickets between them, but it was the spin bowlers that kept the run rate low. Dakalo Leketa (2/31) was the pick of them.
The losing team’s captain, Muhammed Bulbulia (61), combined with Ludwich Schuld (63) for a 104-run partnership for the second wicket. If one of those two players had managed to press on, the Champions would’ve suffered their first defeat.
What made Schuld’s innings especially impressive was the fact that he had to leave the field during the Champions’ innings because he was feeling unwell.
Leketa (26) almost got his side across the line with the bat, after an implosion, as he shared a 36-run partnership for the last wicket with Olefa Padi (15*).
The Champions’ spin bowlers, Jorich van Schalkwyk (4/39) and Parth Patel (3/44), caused most of the damage. Marcus Bakker (1/26), also a spin bowler, dialled up the pressure on the Legends by conceding only 26 runs off his 10 overs.
The Coastal Conquerors‘ Hayden Bishop (121) recorded his second century of the tournament to help his side to their first victory of the Cubs Week. They defeated the Eastern Warriors by five wickets on the Coetzenburg Oval.
Bishop shared a 178-run partnership for the third wicket with his Kearsney College team-mate Ross Coetzee (51). He faced 140 deliveries in his innings and dispatched 15 of them past the boundary rope. Two of them were maximums.
The Southern Superstars’ Kashief Joseph (71) and Johan Wege (55*) laid the foundation for victory with an opening partnership of 118 runs to help their side to a nine-wicket bonus-point win over the Central Gladiators.
The Gladiators mustered only 154 runs before being bundled out. Siya Radebe (50) and Jaydon Brooker (28) were the only batsmen who managed to keep the runs flowing.
The Superstars utilised their spin bowler Enathi Kitshini (2/17) in tandem with Raeeq Daniels (4/28) to open their attack. Kitshini tied down the Gladiators’ batsmen, while Daniels knocked them over.
Summarised Scorecards
Eastern Warriors 215 (Jean Upman 39, Extras 24, Jacques van der Merwe 23, Tré Gilbert 22, Luphelo Mdyesha 21; Shahzaad Perumal 2/38, Ross Coetzee 2/39); Coastal Conquerors 220/5 (Hayden Bishop 121, Ross Coetzee 51; Sibusiso Mxube 2/51). Coastal Conquerors won by five wickets.
Northern Champions 230/8 (Lukas van Rensburg 63, Divan de Villiers 57, Dumisani Motshwene 44, Extras 21; Christopher Ford 3/43, Johnathan Muller 3/50, Dakalo Leketa 2/21); Western Legends 219 (Ludwich Schuld 63, Muhammed Bulbulia 61, Dakalo Leketa 26; Jorich van Schalkwyk 4/39, Parth Patel 3/44). Northern Champions won by 11 runs.
Central Gladiators 154 (Siya Radebe 50, Jaydon Brooker 28; Raeeq Daniels 4/28, Enathi Kitshini 2/17, Callum Appollis 2/19); Southern Superstars 155/1 (Kashief Joseph 71, Johan Wege 55*; Tjaart Mentz 1/19). Southern Superstars won by nine wickets.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 08: David Teeger of South Africa during the Men’s U19 Tri-Series, 6th Youth ODI match between South Africa and Afghanistan at Old Edwardians CC on January 08, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
JOHANNESBURG. – A brilliant five-wicket haul by Kwena Maphaka bowled South Africa Under-19 into the tri-series final after they overcame Afghanistan by five wickets in their latest outing at Old Edwardians Cricket Club in Johannesburg on Monday.
The 17-year-old Lions’ sensation sent down nine overs, two of which were maidens, and claimed five for a miserly 25 to help blow away the visitors for 139 in 45 overs.
He was ably aided by Nqobani Mokoena (3/43) before the junior Proteas knocked off the runs with nearly 25 overs to spare – securing a big win and a big boost to their net run rate as they moved ahead of Afghanistan to qualify for Wednesday’s final.
It was also the first win of the competition for Malibongwe Maketa‘s side after they lost their previous encounter against the same opponents and also fell to consecutive defeats to unbeaten India.
They will now take plenty of heart and confidence going into the decider against the log leaders as the teams wind down their preparations for the ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 that begins in Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom on 19 January.
The South Africans were good from the get-go in their latest outing, winning the toss, bowling first, and striking in the first over when Maphaka had Hassan Eisakhil caught behind for four from the fourth delivery.
Mokoena then removed Jamshid Zadran (6) the same way in the second over, before Usman Khan Shinwari (1) fell to speedster Maphaka in the third over, leaving the score on 13 for three.
After no wickets fell in the fourth over, Sohail Khan Zurmati had his stumps flattened by Maphaka in the fifth to put SA well on top.
Afghanistan captain Numan Shah finally arrested the slide and put on 61 with Rahimullah Zurmati for the fifth wicket, with both batters hitting patient 35s to take the score up to 86 for four.
But Juan James (1/17) finally broke the stand in the 24th over and the rest of the innings then ambled to a close with wickets falling regularly as the away side was dismissed with five overs to spare.
Steve Stolk‘s aggressive 40 off 21 balls at the start of the chase – an innings that included four sixes and two fours – put the hosts in the ascendancy early on.
They progressed nicely to 69 for one after the early loss of Lhuan-dré Pretorius (11).
And despite then losing four more wickets in Stolk, captain David Teeger (13), Richard Seletswane (8), and Dewan Marais (2) to slip to 95 for five, Oliver Whitehead (33*) and Riley Norton (17*) strung together a 45-run stand to take them home in 25.4 overs.
South Africa are drawn in Group B for the World Cup, alongside England, Scotland, and the West Indies, who they begin their campaign against at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on 19 January.
SA U19 Men’s Squad – Tri-series and ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024
David Teeger (captain, Lions), Esosa Aihevba (Lions), Juan James (Western Province), Martin Khumalo (Easterns), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Dewan Marias (Easterns), Nqobani Mokoena (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Riley Norton (Boland), Romashan Pillay (KwaZula-Natal Coastal), Sipho Potsane (Lions), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Titans), Richard Seletswane (Lions), Steve Stolk (Titans), Oliver Whitehead (Western Province), and Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland).
Youth Tri-Series Fixtures
Friday, 29 December
India u19 beat Afghanistan u19 by 6 wickets – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Sunday, 31 December
South Africa u19 lost to Afghanistan u19 by 47 runs – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Tuesday, 02 January
South Africa u19 lost to India u19 by 7 wickets – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Thursday, 04 January
India u19 beat Afghanistan u19 by 9 wickets – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Saturday, 06 January
South Africa u19 lost to India u19 by 6 wickets – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Monday, 08 January
South Africa u19 beat Afghanistan u19 by 5 wickets – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Wednesday, 10 January
Final: South Africa u19 v India u19 – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Michaelhouse and Durban High School enjoyed an excellent battle on the AH Smith Oval, with ‘House edging a young DHS team, missing a number of players and featuring only one grade 12, by just two runs in a 30 over per side match on day one of the iHlobo Festival on Monday.
The boys from Balgowan were out in the middle first and totalled 197 for 5, with Murray Hall-Jones‘ 66 from 50 balls, which included four fours and two sixes, their top score.
Up front, Ethan Muir, sent three deliveries over the boundary and another two for four as he tallied 59 from 51, while Dylan Hewlett made a telling 40 from 54.
Ethan Cooper picked 2 for 33 in five, as all of the six bowlers used by DHS went for between 31 and 35 runs.
Ross Moller removed the DHS openers cheaply, but Ethan Cooper and Josh van Biljon then halted the Michaelhouse attack as they put on 74 runs for the third wicket. Cooper led the way with 42 from 45 balls, while Van Biljon struck a-run-a-ball 39.
Taine Havermann, their lone grade 12, hit two fours and two sixes in his innings of 30 from 28 deliveries, and DHS were also the beneficiaries of 25 extras, which included 18 wides. In the end, though, they came up just two runs shy after a brave run chase, finishing on 195 for 9.
Michaelhouse new ball bowler Ross Moller excelled, returning 3 for 18 from three, while Ethan Muir claimed 3 for 26 from his four.
St John’s College vs Kearsney College
St John’s College (Harare) has made it a habit of playing tight games against South African opposition, and their clash with the hosts of the iHlobo Festival was no different, with Kearsney College scoring a narrow three-wicket victory over their Zimbabwean opposition.
With the overcast weather threatening rain, the schools, apart from Michaelhouse and DHS, instead of playing declaration games, tested their mettle in the T20 format.
Batting first against Kearsney, St John’s posted 147 for 6.
John-Mark Benadie set about the Kearsney bowling, smashing 38 from 25 balls, with three fours and two sixes, to top score for St John’s. Connor Lovatt made 36 at just better than a run a ball, while Luke Wright provided a late boost, blasting an unbeaten 28 from only 14 deliveries, with three sixes.
Murray Weyer, with 3 for 36 in four, was the most successful bowler for the home team.
Kearsney made a fine start in pursuit of the 148 they required to win, with Cameron Veenstra and Weyer putting on 57 for the first wicket in 8.2 overs. Weyer fell for 20, but Veenstra went on to tally 45 from 44, including two fours and a six.
Matthew de Oliveira weighed in with an important 26, which included a couple of fours and a couple of sixes, from just 19 balls.
Kearsney appeared to be cruising to victory, but then lost three wickets for four runs, leaving them on 125 for 6 in the 18th over. Still, they found a way to win, getting home with three balls to spare.
Cameron Rowbotham came close to turning the match on its head, capturing 4 for 16 in three overs, but Kearsney survived. Dhaneel Govender was also among the wickets, picking up 2 for 29 in three.
St Alban’s College vs Clifton College
St Alban’s College, more used to the faster, more batsmen-friendly pitches of Pretoria, were caught out by the slower pitch at Kearsney in their opening game against Clifton College and were well beaten.
Sent in to bat by Clifton, St Alban’s slumped to just 73 all out, with only two batsmen making it into double figures, just.
Gabriel Vermeulen, with 3 for 15 in three, and Preston Govender, with 3 for 16 in three, put the skids under St Alban’s, who simply failed to fire.
Set a low total to win, Clifton took an aggressive approach and powered their way to an eight-wicket victory in only 6.3 overs.
Cohen Naidoo smashed three sixes in his 19 from 11 deliveries, while Tim Saulez struck two sixes and three fours in his undefeated 24 from 10 balls as Clifton cruised to a comfortable win.
Falcon College vs Uplands College
Falcon College opened the Zimbabwean account with a convincing 122-run victory over Uplands College in their T20 match.
Batting first, Falcon roared along at over 11 runs per over to total 221 for 5.
Zach Gover top scored, cracking 10 boundaries, three of them sixes, in a quickfire 64 not out from 38 deliveries. Callum Orford sparkled with 54 from 29, with six fours and three sixes, and Zane Sibande tore into the Uplands bowlers, striking an unbeaten 43 from just 16 deliveries, with five sixes and a lone four.
Amidst the mayhem, Luke Barnard stood out for Uplands, capturing 3 for 23 in four overs.
Unfortunately for the school from White River, they were never able to mount a challenge with the bat. They fell behind the required run rate early and were eventually bowled out for 99 in the 19th over.
Jack Robson was the pick of their batsmen, making 27 from 16 balls, while Lohan van Antwerpen made 24 from 28, but they received little support as the Uplands innings fell apart.
Darren Ncube knocked over three batsmen without a run being added in the latter stages of the Uplands innings and finished with 3 for 12 in four, while Benjamin Williams claimed 2 for 12 and Bradley Wentzel 2 for 25.
Falcon College vs Clifton College
Some hard hitting and tight fielding took Clifton to two wins on the opening day of the iHlobo Festival.
Falcon were well beaten by Clifton, however, with the Durban school romping to a 77-run victory.
Opener Aalok Beharie delivered for Clifton up front, making 38 from 30, but it was Tim Saulez, in at four, who provided the fireworks, clubbing six fours and four sixes in a 42-ball 65 as Clifton totalled 179 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Alistair Carle, the seventh bowler used by Falcon, was also their most successful, snapping up 4 for 23 in three, while Benjamin Williams took 2 for 28.
Falcon, in reply, managed only 102 all out. Carle made 22, thus making him their best performer with both bat and ball, while James Thompson struck two sixes in his 19 from nine balls and Benjamin Williams contributed 16, but no one else made it into double figures.
Clifton utilised six bowlers and all of them claimed wickets. Shiraz Perumal, with 3 for 24 in four, led the way, while Simon Hill picked up 2 for 16 in three.
Michaelhouse vs DHS T10
In an effort to get in another game before the threatening weather put paid to the cricket for the day, Michaelhouse and DHS then went at it in a T10 contest, which Michaelhouse won more comfortably than their win in the T30 clash.
They posted 114 and then restricted DHS to 75 to win by 39 runs.
St Alban’s College vs St John’s College
Success with the ball and, ultimately, success for St Alban’s against St John’s (Harare).
St Alban’s rebounded nicely from their poor outing against Clifton to eke out a four-wicket win over St John’s, with five balls in hand.
St John’s, batting first, posted 170 for 6. Luke Wright top scored with a blazing 31 from only 11 balls, smashing four sixes, while Takudzwa Nduku struck 27 from 29, Khulekani Nduku 22 from 28, and John-Mark Benadie 23 from 15.
Christian Visage led the bowling attack with a return of 2 for 24 from four.
St Alban’s responded with 171 for 6 from 19.1 overs to secure a win.
Patrick Weir, with 52 from only 44 balls, with three fours and three sixes, played the pivotal innings, while Liam Basch, with 25 not out from 16, including two maximums, made a telling contribution.
Cameron Rowbotham picked up 2 for 25, and Kian Blignaut bowled tidily to finish with 1 for 17 from four, but it was not quite enough to keep St Alban’s at bay.
Summarised scorecards
T20: St John’s College 147/6 (John-Mark Benadie 38, Connor Lovatt 36, Luke Wright 28*, Murray Weyer 3/36); Kearsney College 149/7 (Cameron Veenstra 45, Matthew de Oliveira 26, Murray Weyer 20, Cameron Rowbotham 4/16, Dhaneel Govender 2/29) Kearsney won by 3 wickets.
T20: St Alban’s College 73/10 (Gabriel Vermeulen 3/15, Preston Govender 3/16); Clifton College 74/2 in 6.3 overs (Tim Saulez 24*, Cohen Naidoo 19) Clifton won by 8 wickets.
T20: Falcon College 221/5 (Zach Gover 64*, Callum Orford 54, Zane Sibande 43*, Luke Barnard 3/23); Uplands College 99/10 (Jack Robson 27, Lohan van Antwerpen 24, Darren Ncube 3/12, Benjamin Williams 2/12, Bradley Wentzel 2/25) Falcon won by 122 runs.
T20: Clifton College 179/8 (Tim Saulez 65, Aalok Beharie 38, Alistair Carle 4/23); Falcon College 102/10 (Alistair Carle 22, Shiraz Perumal 3/24, Simon Hill 2/16) Clifton won by 77 runs.
T30: Michaelhouse 197/5 (Murray Hall-Jones 66, Ethan Muir 59, Dylan Hewlett 40, Ethan Cooper 2/33); Durban High School 195/9 (Ethan Cooper 32, Josh van Biljon 39, Taine Havermann 30, Ross Moller 3/18, Ethan Muir 3/26) Michaelhouse won by 2 runs.
T10: Michaelhouse 114; DHS 75Michaelhouse won by 39 runs.
T20: St John’s College 170/6 (Luke Wright 31, Takudzwa Nduku 27, John-Mark Benadie 23, Khulekani Nduku 22, Christian Visage 2/24); St Alban’s College 171/6 (Patrick Weir 52, Liam Basch 25*, Cameron Rowbotham 2/25) St Alban’s won by four wickets.
T20: Kearsney College 243/4 Uplands College 96/10 Kearsney College won by 147 runs.
Die gasheer van die Kovsie Smash, die Hoërskool Fichardtpark, het sy aanslag op die titel met ‘n klinkende sege van 94 lopies oor die Hoërskool Overvaal van Vereeniging afgeskop.
Die Twintig/20-toernooi in Bloemfotnein is ter viering van Fichies se 40ste bestaansjaar. Al die aksie kan regstreeks op SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com) gevolg word.
Die Fichies se Marno Smith (41) en MJ Herbst (34) het ‘n vennootskap van 50 lopies om die tweede paaltjie gedeel. Dit het aan hul span die grondslag gegee om een van slegs twee spanne te wees wat meer as 140 lopies in die eerste ronde aangeteken het.
Davyd Oosthuizen (4/9) het egter te veel vrae met sy boulwerk aan Overvaal se kolwers gevra. Die snelbouler is goed deur Devanté Claassen (2/5) en Stian Kruger (2/20) ondersteun.
HTS Middelburg wat ook saam Fichies en Overvaal in Groep A geloot is, se WJ Enslin (50*) her met sy vyftigtal sy span tot ‘n sege van 29 lopies oor Goudveld-Hoërskool van Welkom gehelp. is die enigste ander span wat meer as 140 lopies kon aanteken.
Hoërskool Middelburg was die enigste ander span wat meer as 140 lopies in die eerste ronde kon aanteken. Dit is vermag meestal danksy die vennootskap van 91 lopies om die derde paaltjie tussen Reuben Brandmuller (58) en Christian Jansen (52*).
Jansen het daarna om die vierde paaltjie ook ‘n onoorwonne vennootskap van 48 lopies met Shaun Taljaard (30*) gedeel.
Oos-Moot moes hard werk om die Hoërskool Sasolburg met 18 lopies te verslaan. Dit was die boulwerk van Ewoudt van Niekerk (4/5) wat op die ou einde die deurslag gegee het.
Die span van Pretoria se laaste vyf paaltjies het almal in Van Niekerk se boulskof geval. Eers is Jan-Hendrik Espach (12) se paaltjies herrangskik in die 16de boulbeurt en daarna het hy ook in die 18de boulbeurt Wian Landsberg (2) se paaltjies raakgeboul.
In die 20ste boulbeurt was Ahmad Richards (0) en Tyron Roux (0) slagoffers van sy boulewerk, voordat Stephan Roets (9) met die voorlaaste aflewering uitgeloop is.
Hoërskool Trio van Kroonstad se Miguel Menino (80*) het met sy vyftigtal die hoogste telling van die eerste ronde aangeteken. Dit was egter nie genoeg om sy span van ‘n nederlaag van een paalttjie teen die Hoërskool Kalahari van Kuruman te red nie.
Die beste boulsyfers het boonop ook aan ‘n speler van Trio, Bokang Mohasa (4/14), behoort.
Hoërskool Despatch se Dragons het hul toernooi ook met ‘n sege van vier paaltjies oor Hoërskool Sentraal van die Rosestad afgeskop. Die span van die Oos-Kaap het danksy goeie boulwerk deur Arno van Eck (3/21) en Tyron Smit (2/23) die Tralies tot 110/7 ingeperk.
Die Tralies se Jayden Venter (48*) was die enigste kolwer wat weerstand kon bied. Vir Despatch het Ewald Brown (43) goed gekolf om sy span by die aangepaste Duckworth/Lewis-teiken te kom.
Hoewel die Hoërskool Witteberg ‘n loesing van ses paaltjies teen die Hoërskool Pietersburg op die lyf geloop het, kan Lesego Mosikidi sy kop vir die verloorspan omhoog hou.
Hy het eers die meeste weerstand gebied toe hy 19 lopies tot sy span se skamele totaal van 44 lopies bygedra het. Daarna het hy ook van drie Pietie-kolwers vir net 14 lopies ontslae geraak.
Die Pieties se boulaanval met Stephan Swanepoel (3/3), Nicolas Oerlemans (2/4) en Hanno van Zyl (2/6) aan die spits was vuurwarm.
Beknopte telkaarte:
Fichardtpark 141/8 (Marno Smith 41, MJ Herbst 34; Alexander Jacobs 3/15, EW Botes 2/17, Zander Olivier 2/35); Overvaal 47 (EW Botes 19; Davyd Oosthuizen 4/9, Devanté Claassen 2/5, Stian Kruger 2/20). Fichardtpark wen met 94 lopies.
Hoërskool Middelburg 148/3 (Reuben Brandmuller 58, Christian Jansen 52*, Shaun Taljaard 30*; André Heunis 2/20); Voortrekker 51/2 in 12 bbe (André Heunis 20, Juan Theunissen 12*; Katlego Baloyi 1/8). Hoërskool Middelburg wen met 30 lopies (D/L-metode).
Wesvalia 122/5 (M Dreyer 33, L Vermeulen 25; Franco de Necker 2/14); Jim Fouché 89 (Adrian de Necker 15; R van Deventer 3/17). Wesvalia wen met 33 lopies.
Oos-Moot 115/8 (Ewaldus van Wyk 39, Ekstras 25; Meyer Pretorius 4/24, Ahmad Richards 3/11); Hoërskool Sasolburg 97 (Wiandré Singleton 32, Nathan Swanepoel 23; Ewoudt van Niekerk 4/5, Elrich Visagie 2/26). Oos-Moot wen met 18 lopies.
Sentraal 110/7 (Jayden Venter 48*, Ekstras 20; Arno van Eck 3/21, Tyron Smit 2/23); Despatch 106/6 (Ewald Brown 43, Ekstras 22; Aldo Bezuidenhout 2/21, Reshe Wales 2/25, Daniel Buys 2/29). Despatch wen met vier paaltjies (D/L-metode).
Hoërskool Trio 136/3 (Miguel Menino 80*, Gabriel Mochabela 21*; Franco Bester 2/20); Hoërskool Kalahari 137/9 (Louhan Noeth 47, Ekstras 27, Leander Smit 22*; Bokang Mohasa 4/14, Gabriel Mochabela 4/22). Hoërskool Kalahari wen met een paaltjie.
Witteberg 44 (Lesego Mosikidi 19, Extras 15; Stephan Swanepoel 3/3, Nicolas Oerlemans 2/4, Hanno van Zyl 2/6); Hoërskool Pietersburg 45/4 (Celliers van der Merwe 10*; Lesego Mosikidi 3/14). Hoërskool Pietersburg wen met ses paaltjies.
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – JANAURY 07: Lukas van Rensburg of Northern Champions during the match between Northern Champions and Central Gladiators on day 3 of the 2024 CSA Cubs Week at Tassies Oval on January 07, 2024 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
STELLENBOSCH. – The Northern Champions’Tristan Luus is in sublime form at this year’s Cubs Week here.
Luus picked up his second five-wicket haul on the third day of the prestigious tournament to help his side to a 63-run victory over the Central Gladiators.
He has also impressed with the bat in each of his side’s matches. Against the Gladiators, he smashed 38 runs from only 21 runs after being the ninth man to the crease.
The pace ace is probably the fastest u19 fast bowler in the country and has previously represented the South African u19-side.
Luus wrapped up the Gladiators’ tail to complete his five-wicket haul, removing their last three batsmen Corné Botha (18), Boaga Gaoraelwe (4), and Fayaaz Vawda (0) in the 47th over to complete his milestone.
The Champions and the Southern Superstars are the only unbeaten teams left in the tournament. It seems that the showdown between the two sides on the final day could decide who will be crowned champions.
The Superstars face the Gladiators on Monday in their penultimate match, while the Champions take on the Western Legends.
The Champions totalled 293 runs, thanks to a 145-run partnership between Lukas van Rensburg (76) and Modise Maloka (65) for the fifth wicket.
The Gladiators’ Tahseen Hanslo (67), Tjaart Mentz (63), and Thebe Gazide (45) all recorded substantial contributions for their side, but they still came up well short of their neighbours’ total.
The Superstars’ SA Schools’ captain, Beni Hansen (69), and Paul James (53) led their team’s charge as they defeated the Eastern Warriors by four wickets.
Raeeq Daniels was superb with both bat and ball for the victorious side. He picked up three wickets at a cost of 41 runs before adding a valuable 49 runs with the bat.
The best bowling figures, however, belonged to Sibulele Sibanzana (3/36).
The Warriors put up a valiant fight as Randy Syce (88) and Sibusiso Mxube (49) helped them to 231 runs before they were bowled out.
The Western Legends bagged their first victory of the tournament, thanks to a good overall team effort, which saw them come out on top by four wickets against the Coastal Conquerors.
Ludwich Schuld (78) and Thuto Matjoi (52) led the way with their half-centuries. The in-form Schuld moved his tournament tally to 176 runs at an average of 58.76 runs per innings.
The duo put together a partnership of 71 runs for the fourth wicket. It was, however, after Schuld lost his wicket, the batting efforts of Caiden Seleka (42) and Christopher Ford (41*) that got their team over the line.
The Conquerors batted first and reached 257/8 in their 50 overs. Darion Rabie (4/49) caused most of the damage.
The losing side’s Ross Coetzee (74*), Blake Simpson (58), Hayden Bishop (48), and Semal Pillay (30) were all among the runs to set the Conquerors’ bowlers a defendable target.
The Conquerors, who were regarded as one of the early favourites to be crowned the champions, will enter the penultimate day of the tournament still searching for their first victory in Stellenbosch.
Summarised Scorecards:
Eastern Warriors 231 (Randy Syce 88, Sibusiso Mxube 48, Ryan Denston 26; Sibulele Sibanzana 4/36, Raeeq Daniels 3/41); Southern Superstars 234/6 (Beni Hansen 69, Paul James 53, Raeeq Daniels 49, Extras 21; Hamza Khan 2/64). Southern Superstars won by four wickets.
Northern Champions 293 (Lukas van Rensburg 76, Modise Maloka 65, Tristan Luus 38, Marcus Bakker 31, Juan Steyn 28*, Extras 28; Boaga Gaoraelwe 4/44, Fayaaz Vawda 2/30, Cole Francis 2/64); Central Gladiators 230 (Tahseen Hanslo 67, Tjaart Mentz 63, Thebe Gazide 45; Tristan Luus 5/38). Northern Champions won by 63 runs.
Coastal Conquerors 257/8 (Ross Coetzee 74*, Blake Simpson 58, Hayden Bishop 48, Semal Pillay 30, Extras 21; Darion Rabie 4/49); Western Legends 258/6 (Ludwich Schuld 78, Thuto Matjoi 52, Caiden Seleka 42, Christopher Ford 41*; Dayalan Boyce 2/30, Ross Coetzee 2/48). Western Legends won by four wickets.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 06: Steve Stolk of South Africa during the Men’s U19 Tri-Series, 5th Youth ODI match between South Africa and India at Old Edwardians CC on January 06, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
JOHANNESBURG.- Steve Stolk led an improved batting display by South Africa Under-19 (SA u19) but it was still not enough as they slipped to a third defeat in three after their latest outing against India in the tri-series taking place in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The right-hander finally converted a start into a half-century by striking an impressive 69 off 66 balls (5 fours, 5 sixes) and helping the hosts post 256 after they lost the toss and were asked to bat first at Old Edwardians Cricket Club.
However, India’s response was once again decisive. Driven by captain Uday Saharan’s century (112 off 153 balls, 10 fours) and an unbeaten 76 (84 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) from Priyanshu Moliya they chased down the target comfortably with eight deliveries and six wickets to spare.
It was their fourth win in as many games as they continued their dominance of the series, which is serving as preparation for the two teams, together with Afghanistan, for the ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 that begins on 19 January in the country.
The home side, who next play Afghanistan in a must-win clash on Monday, will be desperate for their first win in that game, but also take plenty of encouragement from what was possibly their best display in the event thus far.
After losing form batter Lhuan-dré Pretorius early for 16, Stolk built on his 25 and 46 in the previous two matches by putting on 81 with skipper David Teeger (17) for the second wicket.
The pair took the score to 103 before both fell in quick succession to pick of the bowlers Musheer Khan (5/38). A cluster of wickets fell at that stage with the home side suddenly finding themselves at 121 for five.
Dewan Marais (32) and Romashan Pillay (24) then led an initial recovery with Riley Norton (32) and Sipho Potsane (31) adding more late runs to lift the South Africans to their biggest total of the tournament thus far.
Lions’ sensation Kwena Maphaka (2/49) put the hosts on top with an early double blow that left the Indians in a huge hole on two for two in the first over.
But Khan (41) and Saharan combined for a stand of 90, which was followed by the captain and Moliya putting on 133 for the fourth wicket to completely take the game away from SA as India crossed the line in the penultimate over to seal a six-wicket win.
South Africa are drawn in Group B for the World Cup, alongside England, Scotland, and West Indies, who they begin their campaign against at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on 19 January.
SA u19 Men’s Squad – Tri-series and ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024
David Teeger (captain, Lions), Esosa Aihevba (Lions), Juan James (Western Province), Martin Khumalo (Easterns), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Dewan Marias (Easterns), Nqobani Mokoena (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Riley Norton (Boland), Romashan Pillay (KwaZula-Natal Coastal), Sipho Potsane (Lions), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Titans), Richard Seletswane (Lions), Steve Stolk (Titans), Oliver Whitehead (Western Province), and Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland).
Youth Tri-series Fixtures
Friday, 29 December
India u19 beat Afghanistan u19 by 6 wickets – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Sunday, 31 December
South Africa u19 lost to Afghanistan u19 by 47 runs – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Tuesday, 02 January
South Africa u19 lost to India u19 by 7 wickets – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Thursday, 04 January
India u19 beat Afghanistan u19 by 9 wickets – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Saturday, 06 January
South Africa u19 lost to India u19 by 6 wickets – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
Monday, 08 January
South Africa u19 v Afghanistan u19 – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – JANAURY 05: Muhammed Bulbulia of Western Legends during the match between Central Gladiators and Western Legends on day 1 of the 2024 CSA Cubs Week at Coetzenburg Oval on January 05, 2024 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
STELLENBOSCH. – The Northern Champions and Southern Superstars are the only undefeated sides left after the second day of Cricket South Africa’s annual Cubs Week here.
The Champions needed a proper team effort to defeat the Conquerors by four wickets on the Coetzenburg Oval. In the end, it was the heroics of Modise Maloka (39*) and Tristan Luus (28*) that got their team over the line.
Luus faced a mere nine deliveries to relieve the pressure on his side. Maloka kept a cool head, facing 20 deliveries, while scoring at almost two runs a ball. Their unbeaten partnership of 39 runs for the seventh wicket took only 12 minutes and 15 deliveries and broke the Conquerors’ hearts.
It was the second match in a row that one of the Conquerors’ batsmen scored a century in a losing cause. This time around it was opening batsman Hayden Bishop (112).
The foundation for the Champions’ victory was laid by a 101-run partnership for the third wicket between Lukas van Rensburg (62) and Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (45). Opening batsman Mohammed Aslam (72) played a crucial innings, setting a solid foundation with a strong knock at the top of the order.
Luus also shone with the ball, dismissing five of the Conquerors’ batsmen for 50 runs.
The Southern Superstars’ Paul James (103) starred with a match-winning century as his team handed the Western Legends an 89-run loss. He and Mbulelo Dube (25*) shared a vital 113-run partnership for the ninth wicket.
The Superstars were wobbling on 129/8 when Dube joined James out in the middle. Their stand, undoubtedly, saved the home side from defeat.
Ludwich Schuld (61), once again, put up a valiant fight with the bat for the Western Legends. He put on a 101-run partnership with Thuto Matjoi (49) that threatened to take the game away from the Superstars.
Sibulele Sibanzana (3/17) and Enathi Kitshini (3/45), however, had other plans as the Legends were bowled out for only 179 runs.
The Eastern Warriors will feel relieved after securing a very comfortable victory of 161 runs against the Central Gladiators.
Their captain, Jean Upman (77), led from the front, with Randy Syce (84) also contributing a half-century. They joined forces for a 150-run fourth wicket partnership to help their side to 277/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
For the Gladiators, only Gomolemo Phiri (44) and Tjaart Mentz (26*) managed to keep the Warriors’ bowling attack at bay for any length of time. Sibusiso Mxube (3/23) was the pick of the bowlers, and he also contributed 45 runs to the Warriors’ winning total.
Spin bowler Esa Gangat tied up the Gladiators’ batsmen, picking up two wickets for a miserly 15 runs in his 7.4 overs. In June 2023, he represented the SA u19 team on their tour of Bangladesh.
Summarised Scorecards
Coastal Conquerors 308/9 (Hayden Bishop 121, Semal Pillay 83, Blake Simpson 33, Murray Baker 23, Extras 23; Tristan Luus 5/50, Juan Steyn 2/47); Northern Champions 309/6 (Mohammad Aslam 72, Lukas van Rensburg 62, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka 45, Modise Maloka 39*, Tristan Luus 28*, Jorich van Schalkwyk 21; Ross Coetzee 2/41, Ross Boast 2/51). Northern Champions won by four wickets.
Eastern Warriors 277/9 (Randy Syce 84, Jean Upman 77, Sibusiso Mxube 45, Extras 24; Fayaaz Vawda 2/44, Corné Botha 2/47, Callum Richie 2/50); Central Gladiators 116 (Gomolemo Phiri 44, Tjaart Mentz 26*; Sibusiso Mxube 3/23, Esa Gangat 2/15). Eastern Warriors won by 161 runs.
Southern Superstars 268 (Paul James 103, Kashief Joseph 38, Siyabonga Venge 33, Mbulelo Dube 25*, Beni Hansen 23; Darion Rabie 2/31, Thuto Matjoi 2/42); Western Legends 179 (Ludwich Schuld 61, Thuto Matjoi 49; Sibulele Sibanzana 3/17, Enathi Kitshini 3/45, Raeeq Daniels 2/32). Southern Superstars won by 89 runs.
A month after lifting the Gauteng Development League Youth Cup at Marks Park, Johannesburg, Kaizer Chiefs’ young sensation, Mfundo Vilakazi, has made a dream start to the new year.
On Saturday afternoon, he played a starring role for the Carling All Stars team, which was chosen by the fans. Facing the reigning champions of the 2023 Carling Black Label Tournament, Stellenbosch FC, the All Stars ran out 2-1 winners at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo.
Only weeks ago, Vilakazi made the step up to the first team on 23 December for a DStv Premiership clash against Richards Bay FC, which Chiefs won by a goal to nil.
His performances over the past season have drawn widespread praise and high hopes for the future success of the teenager.
It was Vilakazi who opened the scoring in Saturday’s showdown, finding the back of the net with a stunning freekick, which left Stellenbosch goalkeeper, Sage Stephens, well beaten.
With Orlando Pirates‘ coach Jose Riveiro pulling the strings, Kaizer Chiefs’ talisman, Ashley Du Preez, converted from the spot to make it 2-0.
A reply from Mervin Boji cut the lead in half, but it was, ultimately, not quite enough to help Stellies defend their crown.
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – JANAURY 05: Kashief Joseph of Southern Superstars during the match between Southern Superstars and Coastal Conquerors on day 1 of the 2024 CSA Cubs Week at Tassies Oval on January 05, 2024 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
STELLENBOSCH. – Neither a century by Blake Simpson (152*) nor a five-wicket haul by Thabiso Ndlela (5/52) was enough to help the Coastal Conquerors to a victory on the opening day of Cricket South Africa’s Cubs Week here.
The Southern Superstars came out on top by a mere nine runs in a closely contested clash on Tassies Oval.
Simpson ran out of partners, being left stranded at the non-strikers’ end, after Raeeq Daniels (3/52) rearranged Bayanda Majola’s (0) stumps with a perfectly placed yorker to bring the Conquerors’ innings to an end.
Simpson faced only 109 deliveries in his outstanding innings. He dispatched 24 of those to the boundary, with five being maximums. His team was on 49/2 when he walked to the crease in the 12th over and 40 deliveries were left when he had to walk back to the changeroom undefeated, but his team defeated.
The Superstars reached 283 before being bowled out, thanks to a century by opening batsman Kashief Joseph (143). He faced 130 deliveries in his superb innings, striking 10 fours and nine sixes.
The SA Schools’ captain, Beni Hansen (32), and Paul James (40) also contributed with the bat. James’ older brother, Juan James, was the SA Schools’ captain of 2022.
The Central Gladiators began their challenge with a bonus-point four-wicket victory over the Western Legends, thanks to a 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Luke Francis (78) and Tasheen Hanslo (72), which pulled their side out of trouble. The Gladiators had their backs to the wall in the early going at 42/3 before the duo joined forces in the middle.
Tjaart Mentz (25*) also played a vital role in getting the Gladiators past the target.
The Legends put up a modest 216/4 in their allotted 50 overs on the Coetzenburg Oval. Their captain and opening batsman, Muhammad Bulbulia (71), led the way with his half-century.
Simon Liversage (37) and Ludwich Schuld (37) also made starts but did not manage to kick on. They were the two top run scorers during last year’s Khaya Majola Week in Makhanda.
The Northern Champions’ off-spinner Marcus Bakker (5/37) played a pivotal role in helping his side secure a bonus point in their 63-run victory over the Eastern Warriors.
The leg-break bowler Parth Patel (2/43) and paceman Tristan Luus (2/36) also caused some damage with the ball.
Warriors’ captain, Jean Upman (56), led the way for his side, with Jacques van der Merwe (40) and Luphelo Mdyesha (33) also weighing in with useful contributions.
The Champions tallied 269/9 in their innings, thanks to half-centuries by Mohammad Aslam (75) and Divan de Villiers (50). Luus also added 45 runs with the bat in an impressive all-round performance.
Summarised Scorecards
Western Legends 216/4 (Muhammad Bulbulia 71, Simon Liversage 37, Ludwich Schuld 37; Cole Francis 2/34); Central Gladiators 219/6 (Luke Francis 78, Tasheen Hanslo 72, Tjaart Mentz 25*; Christopher Ford 3/53, Sicelo Matayi 2/36). Central Gladiators won by four wickets.
Southern Superstars 283 (Kashief Joseph 143, Paul James 40, Beni Hansen 32, Extras 20; Thabiso Ndlela 5/52, Bandile Mbatha 3/45); Coastal Conquerors 274 (Blake Simpson 152*, Ross Boast 29; Raeeq Daniels 3/52, Sibulele Sibanzana 2/42). Southern Superstars won by nine runs.
Northern Champions 269/9 (Mohammed Aslam 75, Divan de Villiers 50, Tristan Luus 45, Jorich van Schalkwyk 26, Marcus Bakker 24; Hlumelo Ntola 2/37, Hamza Khan 2/37, Esa Gangat 2/39, Sibusiso Mxube 2/49); Eastern Warriors 206 (Jean Upman 56, Jacques van der Merwe 40, Luphelo Mdyesha 33; Marcus Bakker 5/37, Tristan Luus 2/36, Parth Patel 2/43). Northern Champions won by 63 runs.
Two memories from Beni Hansen‘s childhood stand out for his father.
The first was when Beni left his own birthday party to hit some balls. The Hansens and a few friends had just finished eating the cake and were about to open the presents.
As everyone scrambled to get in place, Beni appeared in the background, mini-bat in one hand and ball in the other, toddling to the backyard to play.
The second is from a few years later. Shane Hansen walked in to check on his sleeping son and found him cuddling his brand-new Black Widow bat. It was the first real bat the boy owned and there was no better explanation for his love for it. Both moments were preserved for posterity, one in a video and the other in a picture.
Beni tried his hand and excelled in various sports: rugby, swimming, football, tennis, and hockey. But his primary love was cricket, and his childhood is replete with bat and ball memories. His parents, Shane and Lisa, bought him cars, guns, Legos, and all the other stuff boys normally like. He would look at them but never took an interest in them.
“He was always asking me to come outside and throw balls so he could hit and practice catching,” says Shane.
When Earl Woods realised his son had a special talent, he took matters into his own hands and dedicated his life to developing Tiger into a golf champion. He famously jingled coins in his pocket while Tiger stood over putts, hurled projectiles through his line of sight, and even shouted as he went into his backswing.
From an early age, cricket captured Beni Hansen’s heart.
Jenner Maponga, Beni’s coach from the time he was four, had a similar but different approach. He often corralled local kids and asked them to scream and shout at Beni during his net sessions.
He often asked the older boys to sledge him. “He was a natural athlete. The game came easily to him. So, I decided that he needed mental strength training from an early age,” says Maponga.
In 2009, a group of researchers carried out a study of Dutch footballers to identify psychological predictors for future success. They looked at factors that include goal commitment, problem-focused coping, and seeking social support.
Seventy-two percent of players who did well in these areas as youngsters became elite athletes as adults. This trend also holds for cricket, a mentally challenging sport.
The early training paid off for Beni, who spent his early years playing up the age groups. He made his under-10 debut at age seven and scored his maiden hundred two years later to prove that he was not in the team as an extra body in the field.
A year after the ton, he scored his first 150. If there was a chink in his game, it was his susceptibility to being run out. He was one of the fastest kids at his school and took on the best throwers in the field more often than not.
From a young age, Beni worked hard, demonstrating an ability to apply himself for long periods of time, and the runs flowed.
Beni’s development also benefitted from the atmosphere at Sun Valley Primary School. His arrival coincided with the school’s best sporting years. “During Beni’s time there, they had four strong years of cricket. I mean, I can’t even remember the school losing a cricket match. And that was playing against Rondebosch, Bishops, and SACS. They were quite incredible,” says Shane.
In addition to playing for his school, Beni also played club cricket for the All Rounder Cricket Academy. The Academy competed in various tournaments in and around Cape Town. Some of the tournaments earned top performers slots on overseas touring teams.
At 11, Beni outperformed older boys and was part of a team that toured India for a fortnight. A year later, he made a squad that toured Sri Lanka. The two tours were organised by Hennie Claassens from Somerset CC.
Claassens outdid himself on the Sri Lanka tour. Unlike the India tour where the youngsters played at smaller stadiums, mostly club cricket grounds, in Sri Lanka the kids played their matches at Pallekele and Galle cricket grounds. “It was just an unbelievable tour that he managed to organise to get them to play on Test grounds,” says Shane.
As a testament to his mental fortitude, in the first match, which was played barely 24 hours after they arrived in Sri Lanka, Beni came in to bat at number seven and scored an unbeaten 94 to guide the touring side to victory. He averaged 50 on the tour.
In his happy place, with gloves on and bat in hand, 2024 SA Schools’ captain Beni Hansen.
Arsene Wenger is renowned for his talent-spotting abilities. In 2011, he sat down to discuss the art with Four Four Two magazine. In the interview, he shared that it normally took him 20 minutes to make his mind up if a player had potential for the future.
According to the former Arsenal manager, certain youngsters have talent and skills that are so obvious it might take less. “Lionel Messi, at 13 years of age, would have needed about one minute. I have seen tapes of him at 13,” Wenger told the reporter.
It took Andrew Willey a handful of overs to make his mind up about Beni’s potential. The youngster first caught Willey’s eye when he was 12. “When I first saw him, Sun Valley was playing one of the local schools.
He looked organised and technically sound,” says Willey, who did not waste time and immediately approached Beni’s parents and offered the boy a place at Jacques Kallis‘ alma mater, Wynberg Boys’ High.
“It was a difficult two years for us. We had a few offers on the table, but Lisa and I did not want to decide for him. It was Beni’s future and we wanted him to pick the school he liked better. One time he asked me if he could go to Wynberg and still play for Rondebosch. Eventually he picked Wynberg because that’s where his hero, Kallis, went,” says Shane Hansen.
In his early years, Beni was on the path to being an all-rounder in the mould of Jacques Kallis, bowling and batting. That changed when Jenner Maponga taught the youngster the art of wicketkeeping.
Beni Hansen turned his talents to wicketkeeping in an effort to enhance his excellence with the bat.
Maponga’s intention had not been to turn the boy from bowling, it had been to help his batting. “Wicketkeepers read the pitch better than other players. I thought it would help him to play spin better,” says Maponga.
It was a masterstroke that benefitted Wynberg in later years. “We didn’t have good players of spin and Beni was the one who held many innings together with his ability,” says Willey.
Beni did for the school what Kallis did for South Africa. He was their middle-order cog. He stabilised the innings or moved the game forward, depending on what the match required. “He played the situation well and, most importantly, he was happy to move up or down the order, if needed. He was very flexible,” says Willey.
However, the most impressive thing about Beni Hansen, according to Willey, is his temperament. “One time, we were playing an away match on a tricky pitch. We didn’t score many runs and he was given out LBW to a horrendous delivery.
He didn’t argue, he just put his bat under his arm and walked off the pitch,” he says.
Beni is not given to tantrums, his parents actively discouraged toy-throwing and screaming as a method for him to draw attention to himself or his concerns from an early age.
“He is one of those youngsters who takes setbacks in his stride. It’s as if he understood from an early age that failure is part of cricket and sometimes decisions will not go your way,” says Wayne Hendricks.
Hendricks and Beni have known each other since Beni’s days with All Rounder Cricket Academy. Hendricks ran the club and focused on coaching the older kids while Jenner Maponga provided foundational training.
The pair reunited when Beni moved into the hostels at Wynberg. Maponga, who had coached him until that point, was unable to make regular trips to the school to help Beni with his training and Shane and Lisa reached out to Hendricks to see if he could step in. Hendricks was more than happy to take over.
“When Beni was young, he and Jenner would train for hours because he enjoyed training so much. That has not changed, he enjoys training so much we lose track of time,” says Hendricks, who says their sessions do not focus on technique too much. Instead, they focus on processes.
One of Beni’s lifelong dreams had always been to be selected for the SA Under-19 team and missing out on being part of the 15-member squad taking part in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup was the biggest setback of his young career. “He got in touch with me a day or two after the team announcement. He was hurting and we had a 45-minute chat, and after that he was back to his old self again, smiling. He understood that it wasn’t the end of the world for him, and more chances would come,” says Hendricks.
The next weekend after the chat, Beni, who had never opened the batting, was asked to open the innings for Claremont Cricket Club. Claremont’s regular opener, Western Province’s Daniel Smith was unavailable. Beni took up the challenge and smashed a brilliant unbeaten 84 that was capped off by a reverse lap off a fast bowler for six.
A week after that performance against Primrose Cricket Club, Beni scored a masterful 114 against the Titans at the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week and finished the tournament as the third-highest run-scorer, scooped the Player of the Tournament award, and was named the SA Schools‘ captain.
“It’s seldom that people speak of players that bring out the best in the coaches. Most of the time, the conversation revolves around coaches who bring out the best in the players. I have coached for 20 years and not many kids have brought out the best in me like Beni,” says Wayne Hendricks.
Die gasheer van die Kovsie Smash, die Hoërskool Fichardtpark, het sy aanslag op die titel met ‘n klinkende sege van 94 lopies oor die Hoërskool Overvaal van Vereeniging afgeskop. 
A month after lifting the Gauteng Development League Youth Cup at Marks Park, Johannesburg, Kaizer Chiefs’ young sensation, Mfundo Vilakazi, has made a dream start to the new year.
Two memories from Beni Hansen‘s childhood stand out for his father.
