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The Central Gladiators have announced their squad for the Cubs Week, which will be played in Stellenbosch from 5 to 9 January. 

Catch all the action from Cricket South Africa’s Cubs Week live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

After being crowned champions at the Khaya Majola Week in December, the bulk of the Central Gauteng Lions side broke through to earn a place in the Gladiators’ squad. The Gladiators won’t, however, be the favourites to lift the trophy at the Cubs Week because many of their players weren’t available for selection after they were included in the South African u19 side for the ICC u19 Cricket World Cup.

The ICC u19 World Cup will be hosted in South Africa from 19 January until 11 February and the SA squad includes six representatives from the Gladiators – David Teeger (captain), Esosa Aihevba, Kwena Maphaka, Sipho Potsane, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, and Richard Seletswane.

Helpmekaar Kollege’s impressive Tjaart Mentz cracked the Gladiators’ nod after he enjoyed a wonderful Khaya Majola Week, which included a match-winning performance with the ball to help his side thump KwaZulu-Natal in the final. Alongside Mentz, Cole Francis from St John’s College was also included and adds further strength to the Gladiators’ bowling attack.

Jeppe Boys’ all-rounder, Jaydon Brooker, makes his return to cricket after not being available for selection for the Lions because he was representing the SA u21 hockey side at the Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

In the batting department, St David’s Gomolelo Phiri received the thumbs-up from the selectors after a very successful 2023. Henricus Meyer gives Helpmekaar  a second representative in the side, while Thebe Gazibe, from a loaded St Stithians College side, is also in the mix.

With many players unavailable due to international duty, the Gladiators have also invested in young talent for Cubs Week. That includes the young fast bowler from Noordheuwel Corné Botha, who also showed he is a fine attacking batsman when Norries shocked Saints in November.

The team:

Tahseen Hanslo (Central Gauteng Lions, St Stithians College), Corné Botha (Central Gauteng Lions, Noordheuwel), Cole Francis (Central Gauteng Lions, St John’s College), Tjaart Mentz (Central Gauteng Lions, Helpmekaar), Fayaaz Vawda (Central Gauteng Lions, King Edward VII), Luke Francis (Central Gauteng Lions, St John’s College), Gomolelo Phiri (Central Gauteng Lions, St David’s Marist), Thebe Gazibe (Central Gauteng Lions, St Stithians College), Siya Radebe (Central Gauteng Lions, Queens High School), Callum Richie (Central Gauteng Lions, King Edward VII), Henricus Meyer (Central Gauteng Lions, Helpmekaar), Jayden Brooker (Central Gauteng Lions, Jeppe High School for Boys), Boaga Gaoraelwe (Central Gauteng Lions, St David’s Marist).

 

u17 Final

Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) were crowned the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge u17 champions for a fourth time after defeating River Park FC 2-1 at the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto on Saturday. They previously won the competition in 2011, 2013 and 2017.

Coach Lefa Moselane of RESA was a happy man afterwards, commenting: “It’s a special moment for us to have won this competition for the fourth time.”

It was, however, River Park FC who took the lead, thanks to a goal from Manyike Rhulani, who was prolific and influential for his side throughout the competition.

RESA fought back with swift ball movement, which forced River Park into their own half, but they struggled to pry open the stubborn River Park defence.

Coach Moselane said he needed to come up with different techniques in an attempt to find an equaliser. In the second half, those adjustments and RESA’s hard efforts paid off when Thando Singo levelled. That strike turned the contest on its head.

A second goal, from a sensational shot by Thato Mokgathlanye, put RESA in front and eventually proved to be the match winner.

Ladies Final: Mito Stars FC vs Diepkloof Ladies FC 

In the group stage, Mito Stars had beaten Diepkloof Ladies 2-0, and they repeated that scoreline in the final to be crowned the women’s champions of the 20th Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge.

In an evenly contested game, goals from Noxolo Cesane and Gugu Mabitsela sealed the title for Stars.

Men’s tournament: Dube Continental vs Soweto Super United 

Supporters flocked to the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto and filled the stands just moments before the men’s final kicked off.

It was a Gauteng ABC Motsepe League classic between Dube Continental and Soweto Super United (SSU), led by former professional footballer and Orlando Pirates’ captain Benson Mhlongo.

SSU were the reigning champions and intent on retaining their title, while Dube Continental had their sights set on an upset. They made their case in the opening 45 minutes by going 2-0 up on SSU.

Dube Continental then held onto that advantage until the end to take home the winner’s purse of R100 000.

u17 Semi-finals 

Superb sub, Bohloko Neo, struck twice for his team, Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA), to book a place for the side from Vereeniging in the final of the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge, after a 2-1 semifinals’ win over Musa United FC at the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto on Friday.

RESA’s dominance was on full display during their last 16 tie when they stuck seven past Mokgalakwena Sports and Skills Training (MSST) in a one-sided 7-1 victory, with a take-no-prisoners performance that was both determined and ruthless.

Goals from the likes of Sedili Katleho, Kamohelo Marebetse, Thando Singo and Thato Mokgathlanyane saw RESA into the quarterfinals where they then accounted for Crystal All Stars FC.

Their opponents in the title-decider will be River Park FC, who defeated The Citizens FC 2-1. Manyike Rhulani was the star of the show for River Park, matching Bohloko Neo, with a brace of his own to send his side into the final.

Ladies Semi-finals 

In the ladies’ semifinals, Mito Stars played like a well-oiled machine to defeat Joburg United 3-2. Despite Joburg United taking an early lead through Lekoni Bontle, it was Stars who controlled proceedings, with Noxolo Cesane, 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with Banyana Banyana, playing a starring role.

After creating numerous chances, Mito Stars finally equalised through Kutlwano Maphane. They continued their domination and were rewarded with a goal and the lead by Mugware Munashe, who troubled the Joburg United defenders throughout the contest.

Dlamini Mpho then put Mito Stars two goals in the clear before Maswanganyi Amukenlani netted Joburg United’s second. They couldn’t find an equaliser, however.

The final will be a clash between Mito Stars and Diepkloof Ladies FC, two teams who know each other very well. When they met earlier, in the last game of the group stage, it was Mito Stars who emerged victorious by a 2-0 margin.

In their semi-final, Diepkloof Ladies defeated Molapo Ladies 2-0 to book their place in the showdown for the silverware.

Their passage to the title game looked a little unlikely in an opening half which Molapo dominated.

However, a number of astute substitutions paid dividends for Diepkloof Ladies. Qhaqeka Lumka opened their account and Boitumelo Mabojane then scored a cracker to send her side into the final where they will be out to avenge their earlier setback against Mito Stars.

With only 30 days to go until the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup commences in South Africa, attention is set to turn to the future stars of the game once more, and excitement is building before the action begins on 19 January.

The schedule for the event was announced earlier this month, and will see five cities in the Rainbow Nation hosting 41 matches across 24 days of thrilling competition; Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Potchefstroom, East London and Benoni – the venue selected to host the semi-finals and final.

The most exciting young talent on the planet will make their introduction onto the world stage at the event, which has a strong reputation for having forged the careers of many icons of today’s game.

As well as laying the foundations for the participating players to announce themselves on the world stage, the 15^th edition of the event will also celebrate future generations through a vibrant series of engagements with schoolchildren across the host provinces.

Engaging with a broad network of schools, the ICC in partnership with Cricket South Africa will provide thousands of schoolchildren with the opportunity to attend ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup matches, feature as flag bearers and anthem kids, as well as joining in with the next generation of superstars in cricket clinics with the participating teams.

These activities form part of the well-established Cricket 4 Good programme, the ICC’s global community outreach programme, aimed at leveraging the vast power and reach of cricket to transform the lives of children and families worldwide.

The programme, also supported by UNICEF, includes educational workshops as part of the cricket clinics, equipping children with valuable life skills sessions to aid development.

In addition, the coveted U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup will be showcased around schools in the four provinces as part of the Trophy Tour, launched last week at international fixtures in Johannesburg and Gqeberha, and which will enable young fans to get up close to the prize that will be up for grabs at the final on 11 February.

Over the course of the event, the 41 matches will be free to enter, meaning fans and families alike can enjoy the festival atmosphere of matchdays and witness the best young players in the world.

ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley commented: “We are thrilled to have schoolchildren front and centre of the action during the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The event has long celebrated the new generations of cricket players and fans that lie ahead of us, and we’re sure by providing a series of vibrant and unique opportunities to young fans through the Cricket 4 Good programme that we can strengthen the future of the sport in the country.”

Reflecting on the upcoming event, Player of the Tournament from the last edition in 2022, South Africa international Dewald Brevis, added: “It’s a really special tournament. As a player, it’s the first taste you get of international competition and I have a lot of fond memories from competing in 2022.

“It’s quite a stage, and is the perfect springboard for any young player to launch their career and get noticed. As the sport moves into an exciting new phase of fearless cricket, we’ll certainly see a lot of talented individuals on show from all of the participating nations.”

The full schedule of matches at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup can be downloaded from the ICC’s Online Media Zone (click here). All matches will begin at 10:00am local time.

 

 

Ludwich Schuld made a massive statement as he raced to a wonderful 63 runs from just 44 deliveries, as he led the SA Schools side to a thumping victory over the SA Colts side in the annual T20 match between the two sides, which took place at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

The North West batsman started slowly but did eventually hit his straps playing some immaculate strokes sending the ball to the boundary four times, smashing two fours and two sixes before he holed out to a fantastic catch on the boundary by Thabiso Ndlela of the bowling of Fayyaad Davids.

At the same time, Hayden Bishop played a wonderful supporting role, assisting Schuld in their quest to post an intimidating first innings score.

Bishop made his way to an impressive 52 runs from just 39 balls. His innings included four fours and one six before he lost his wicket to Ndlela.

Schuld and Bishop shared an 80-run partnership over the second wicket.

The SA Schools captain, Benni Hansen, weighed in with a valuable contribution of 29 runs towards the back end of the innings, ensuring that his side reached a very defendable score of 180/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Davids did the bulk of the damage for the Colts, claiming impressive figures of 2/24 in the three overs he bowled.

It was, however, a day that Ntando Soni will remember for the rest of his life, as he too used the opportunity to put his name firmly on the South African cricket map. Soni was relentless from the get-go, never erring in length as he tore through the Colts’ line-up. The KwaZulu-Natal fast bowler claimed remarkable figures, bagging five scalps for only 20 runs.

His memorable spell and a two-wicket contribution from the Easterns’ leg-spin bowler, Parth Patel, meant that the highly anticipated match ended on a bit of an anti-climax as the Colts side stumbled to 62 all out, suffering a heavy defeat of 118 runs.

Summarised scorecard:

SA Schools 180/5 (Ludwich Schuld 63, Hayden Bishop 51, Benni Hansen 29; Fayyaad Davids 2/24); SA Colts 62 (Raeeq Daniels 14; Ntando Soni 5/20, Parth Patel 2/10). SA Schools won by 118 runs.

 

 

JOHANNESBURG.- Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today confirmed a 50-over tri-series between South Africa Under-19 (SA u19), Afghanistan u19, and India u19 later this month.  

 

The series, which will serve as the final preparation ahead of the ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, consists of seven matches to be played at Old Edwardians Cricket Club in Johannesburg from 29 December – 10 January. 

 

The hosts, who are drawn in Group B alongside England, Scotland, and West Indies, will get their World Cup campaign underway on 19 January against the West Indies at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.  

 

Head of High-Performance Grant van Velden commented: “CSA would like to extend our gratitude to the cricket boards of India and Afghanistan for their cooperation and commitment to ensuring the tri-series goes ahead.” 

 

“These games are a crucial component of our preparation for the World Cup. They provide our young cricketers with the perfect platform to test their skills against competitive opponents in India and Afghanistan. The series will also serve as a final opportunity for our players to fine-tune their game ahead of the World Cup on home soil.” 

 

Youth Tri-series Fixtures

  

Friday, 29 December  

Afghanistan U19 v India U19 – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg 

  

Sunday, 31 December  

South Africa U19 v Afghanistan U19 – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg 

  

Tuesday, 02 January 

South Africa U19 v India U19 – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg 

 

Thursday, 04 January 

India U19 v Afghanistan U19 – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg 

  

Saturday, 06 January  

South Africa U19 v India U19 – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg 

  

Monday, 08 January 

South Africa U19 v Afghanistan U19 – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg 

 

Wednesday, 10 January 

Final – Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg 

 

SA U19 Men’s Squad – Tri-Series and ICC U19 Men’s 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 (Lions), Richard Seletswane (Lions), Steve Stolk (Titans), Oliver Whitehead (Western Province), and Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland). 

MAKHANDA. – The South African Schools‘ cricket side will be led by a pupil from Wynberg Boys’ High in Benni Hansen.

Hansen was rewarded after an excellent Khaya Majola Week with the bat for Western Province. Last year Juan James became the first-ever player from Wynberg Boys’ High to captain the SA Schools’ side.

The first SA Schools team was chosen back in 1940 and only 80 players have had the honour since then to lead the national schools’ side.

Hansen was also named as the Cricketer of the Week.

St Stithians College from Johannesburg has the most representatives in the team with three -with Richard Seletswane, Kwena Maphaka, and Esosa Aihevba – all getting a nod from the selectors.

Their provincial side, Gauteng, was crowned champions of the Khaya Majola Week earlier in the day.

It was Seletswane’s third SA Schools’ cap. The last player to represent the national schools’ side for three years was Thulani Ngxoweni (Selborne College) of Border back in 1996.

Another rare occurrence is with the selection of Boland’s captain, Riley Norton who joins an elite group of sportsmen. Norton is the 15^th sportsman to achieve the feat of being selected for the SA Schools’ rugby and cricket sides.

The list includes sportsmen like Herschelle Gibbs, Conrad Jantjies, Helgard Muller, Gerbrand Grobler, and Ruan de Swardt.

The selectors also sent a clear message with their selection that players’ performances during the Khaya Majola Week take precedence over reputation.

Nine of the South African U19-side who will represent the country at the ICC u19 World Cup did not make the SA Schools or SA Colts sides.

The national SA u19 captain, David Teeger, Nqobani Mokoena, Oliver Whitehead, Romashan Pillay, Martin Khumalo, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Steve Stolk, and Ntando Zuma were not selected for either of the two schools’ sides.

Maphaka, Norton, Seletswane, Dewan Marais (Easterns), Esosa Aihevba (Gauteng) of the national u19-group did make the SA Schools’ side, while Sipho Potsane (Gauteng) received an SA Colts’ cap.

The SA Colts’ side will be captained by North West‘s opening batsman Muhammed Bulbulia.

The SA Schools and Colts sides will face each other in the SA Schools Challenge on St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Thursday.

The teams:

SA Schools: Benni Hansen (Wynberg Boys’ High, WP – captain), Hayden Bishop (Kearsney College, KZN), Esosa Aihevba (St Stithians College, Gauteng), Tristan Luus (Waterkloof, Titans), Kwena Maphaka (St Stithians College, Gauteng), Dewan Marais (Marais Viljoen, Easterns), Riley Norton (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Boland), Parth Patel (St Benedict’s College, Easterns), Ludwich Shuld (Potchefstroom Volkskool, North West), Richard Seletswane (St Stithians College, Gauteng), Ntando Soni (Glenwood, KZN), Jorich van Schalkwyk (Affies, Titans).

SA Colts: Muhammed Bulbulia (Fields College, North West – captain), Ross Boast (Hilton College, KZN Inland), Raeeq Daniels (Rondebosch Boys’ High, WP), Riyaad Davids (SACS, WP), Luke Francis (St John’s College, Gauteng), Enathi Kitshini (Thembalethu, Garden Route Badgers), Simon Liversage (Diamantveld, Northern Cape), Ivan Lockem (Hilton College, KZN Inland), Sabelo Mabanga (Ephes Mamkela, Easterns), Hernus Marais (Waterkloof, Titans), Thabiso Ndlela (St Charles College, KZN Inland), Sipho Potsane (Jeppe, Gauteng).

Cricketer of the Week: Benni Hansen (Western Province)
Batsman of the Week: Dewan Marais (Easterns)
Bowler of the Week: Esosa Aihevba (Central Gauteng Lions)
Fielder of the Week: Dewan Marais (Easterns)
All-rounder of the Week: Simon Liversage (Northern Cape)

The various teams for Cricket South Africa’s Cubs Week in Stellenbosch have been announced. The annual tournament will take place from 4 until 9 January 2024.

The Northern Champions is the defending champions of the tournament.

More to follow…

The teams: 

Central Gladiators: Tahseen Hanslo (), Corné Botha (), Cole Francis (), Tjaart Mentz (Helpmekaar, Central Gauteng Lions), Fayaaz Vawda (), Luke Francis (), Gomolemo Phiri (), Thebe Gazide (), Siya Radebe (), Callum Ritchie (), Henricus Meyer (), Jaydon Brooker (Jeppe High School for Boys, Central Gauteng Lions), Boago Gaorelwa ().

Coastal Conquerors: Thabiso Ndlela, Ross Boast (Hilton College, KwaZulu-Natal Inland), Blake Simpson (), Murray Baker (Michaelhouse, KwaZulu-Natal Inland), Hayden Bishop (Kearsney College, KwaZulu-Natal), Ross Coetzee (), Mfanafuthi Shange (), Shazaad Perumal (), Bandile Mbatha (), Ntando Soni (), Semal Pillay (), Roxton Payne (), Buyanda Majola ().

Eastern Warriors: Ben van der Merwe (Selborne College, Border), Sibusiso Mxube (), Jean Upman (Eastern Province), Tré Gilbert (Border), Esa Gangat (Pearson, Eastern Province), Amahle Masiko (), Jacques van der Merwe (Selborne College, Border), Hamza Khan (), Lithemba Nomoyi (), Hlumelo Ntlola (), Ryan Denston (Queen’s College, Border), Randy Syce (), Luphelo Mdyesha ().

Northern Champions: Dewan de Villiers (), Mohammad Aslam (Garsfontein, Titans), Marcus Bakker (Waterkloof, Titans), Tristan Luus (Waterkloof, Titans), Lungile Mabuza (), Modise Maloka (), Dumisani Motshwene (Garsfontein, Titans), Parth Patel (St Benedict’s College, Easterns), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (), Juan Steyn (Marais Viljoen, Easterns), William Tshoke (), Jorich van Schalkwyk (Affies, Titans), Lukas van Rensburg (Affies, Titans).

Southern Superstars: Josh Jordaan (), Mbulelo Dube (), Sibunzana Sibulele (), Siyabonga Venge (), Fayyaad Davids (), Charl-Francois Marais (), Kashief Joseph (), Johan Wege (Paarl Boys’ High, Boland), Benni Hansen (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), Callum Appollis (Paul Roos Gimnasium, Boland), Enathi Kitshini (Garden Route Badgers), Paul James (Western Province), Raeeq Daniels (Western Province).

Western Legends: Johnathan Muller (Grey College, Free State), Ludwich Schuld (Potchefstroom Volkskool, North West), Juan Viljoen (Grey College, Free State), Sicelo Matayi (), Darion Rabie (), Simon Liversage (Diamantveld, Northern Cape), Malan Lubbe (Kalahari, Northern Cape), Thuto Matjoi (), Muhammed Bulbulia (Fields College, North West), Dakalo Leketa (St Andrew’s School, Free State), Caiden Seleka (), Dayalan Boyce (), Padi Olefa ().

 

 

MAKHANDA. – The Central Gauteng Lions are the undisputed champions of the annual Khaya Majola Week (u19) that was hosted here.

The team defeated KwaZulu-Natal by 78 runs in the final of the tournament on Graeme College’s Somerset Field. It was the first time in years that an official champion was crowned.

Gauteng was the only side that managed to conclude the week with an unbeaten record intact.

They were made to work hard to reach 176 before being bowled out. Their South African u19-player Richard Seletswane (24) with some help from the middle order batsman Henricus Meyer (26) and tailender Kwena Maphaka (24) managed to give their team total a much-needed boost.

KwaZulu-Natal would’ve felt confident in their run-chase until Romashan Pillay (28) was run out. The team struggled since he left the crease and was bowled out for 98 runs.

The seam bowler Tjaart Mentz (3/22) and left-handed spin bowler Sipho Potsane (2/8) caused most of the damage. Potsane was named Man-of-the-Match well deservedly after the game.

North West’s left-handed batsman Ludwich Schuld (17) was not able to help his province into the Platinum-section of the Khaya Majola Week but he did manage to add his name to an elite group of batsmen.

Schuld has equaled the record of centuries during a Khaya Majola Week career. He has scored two during this edition against Border and Kei to take his tally to three centuries.

The other three batsmen who managed to score three centuries during their careers are AB de Villiers (North Gauteng), Pieter Malan (Northerns/Mpumalanga), and Andrea Agathagelou (North West).

Eastern Province and Free State managed to evade relegation to the Gold-section with respective victories over North West (31 runs) and Mpumalanga (148 runs).

Northern Cape’s Simon Liversage (159) managed to end a superb week for himself on a high note. His century helped his side to a comfortable 111-run victory over the Garden Route Badgers.

His innings are the highest ever by a player from the Northern Cape (also previously Griqualand West) at the week and the fifth highest of any batsman at the Khaya Majola Week.

South African u19 batsman Dewan Marais (142) also joined the party on the last day with a century against Border.

Kei didn’t experience the best of tournaments, but their spin bowler Esam Mpafi (6/36) has produced a brilliant bowling performance to restrict Limpopo to 110 runs. It was the only five-wicket haul on the closing day.

Kei however still lost after Masoli Moremi (4/13) and Nsuku Mathye (3/7) played a major role in bowling them out for a mere 33 runs.

Summarised Scorecards (Limited Overs): 

Central Gauteng Lions 176 (Henricus Meyer 26, Richard Seletswane 24, Kwena Mapakha 24; Buyanda Majola 3/19, Romashan Pillay 2/30, Ntando Soni 2/32); KwaZulu-Natal 98 (Romashan Pillay 28; Tjaart Mentz 3/22, Sipho Potsane 2/8, Cole Francis 2/12). Central Gauteng Lions won by 78 runs.

Titans 184 (Modise Maloka 57*, Tristan Luus 43, Steve Stolk 24; Thabiso Ndlela 3/21, Natanzi Denega 2/30, Cameron Strudwick 2/62); KwaZulu-Natal Inland 169 (Caleb Thomas 50, Ivan Lockem 44, Hernus Marais 4/40, Mohammad Aslam 2/4, Tristan Luus 2/22, William Tshoke 2/51). Titans won by 15 runs.

Boland 133 (Khaya Miselo 39, JJ van der Sandt 20; Raeeq Daniels 3/22); Western Province 136/2 (Joshua Wyngaard 57*, Paul James 43*, Kashief Joseph 20; Cormey van der Watt 1/15). Western Province won by eight wickets.

Eastern Province 232 (Nolan di Poalo 60, Jean Upman 43, Harry van Heerden 37, Sibusiso Mxube 30, Kian Cambier 20; Lung May 2/22, Thuto Matjoi 2/29, Tumelo Makume 2/43); North West 201 (Berno de Klerk 54, Muhammed Bulbalia 45, Marnu Cronjé 21; Hamza Khan 3/34, Matthew Beamish 2/25, Esa Gangat 2/54). Eastern Province won by 31 runs.  

Free State 263/9 (Khanyisile Nondwangu 83, Connor Nel 35, Samokelo Lepheto 35*, Juan Viljoen 23; Jayden Meyer 2/13, Dian Eicker 2/44, Davico Kruger 2/46); Mpumalanga 115(Luke Poisson 33, Davico Kruger 22, Bruce Nel 22; Dakalo Leketa 3/30, Juan Viljoen 2/0, Johnathan Muller 2/18, Samokelo Lepheto 2/25). Free State won by 148 runs.

Easterns 332/9 (Dewan Marais 142, Sheldon van Wyk 68, Tristan van Schalkwyk 37; Hlumelo Ntlola 2/58, Amahle Masiko 2/65, Ryan Denston 2/75); Border 210 (Ben van der Merwe 52, Chad Clark-Evans 42*, Extras 27, Amahle Masiko 20*; Tshegofatso Nthare 4/29, Parth Patel 2/46, Dean Hackner 2/48). Easterns won by 131 runs.   

Northern Cape 257/8 (Simon Liversage 159, Yazeed Kajee 26*; Sibabalwe Msi 2/17, Charl-Francois Marais 2/29); Garden Route Badgers 147/8 (Stefan May 30, Charl-Francois Marais 22*, Corné Kennedy 22*; Monnapule Jansen 4/26, Yazeed Kajee 2/19). Northern Cape won by 111 runs (D/L-method).

Limpopo 110 (Ruben Vosloo 25; Esam Mpafa 6/36, Melusi Mqabashe 2/13); Kei 33(Masoli Moremi 4/13, Nsuku Mathye 3/7). Limpopo won by 77 runs.

The South African Schools selectors will have a difficult task in selecting this year’s SA Schools side after seeing the heaps of talent on show throughout South Africa’s schoolboy level at the annual Khaya Majola Week in Makhanda this year.

Like we’ve done annually, SuperSport Schools Plus decided to pick an SA Schools’ side as per performances as well as statistics from this year’s tournament.

With a new breed of wonderful talent flooding the week this year, three faces from last year’s national squad will make the team once again, according to us.

Richard Seletswane, Kwena Mapakha, and Ludwich Schuld will be in action again this year. Seletswane will make the SA Schools’ side a third year in a row if his name gets read out this evening during the awards function.

He was the first player to do so since Thulani Ngxoweni (Selborne College) won his third cap back in 1996. It will make him only the 37th player to do so since the first SA Schools side was picked back in 1940.

Schuld has scored two centuries thus far during the week and will go into the final day as the highest run-scorer with 293 runs so far. He might add a few runs in his side’s promotion/relegation match against Eastern Province.

The North West batsman has shown his class as he amassed an impressive 322 runs at an average of 97.7 runs per inning.

Taking his place next to Seletswane in the all-rounder category, KwaZulu-Natal Inland’s Ross Boast also gets the nod from our side. Boast has been pivotal in both Hilton College and KZN Inland’s success in 2023 and is described by many as the top schoolboy all-rounder in the country.

Also cracking the nod is the fiery opening bowler from the Central Gauteng Lions, Esosa Aihevba. Possessing some intimidating pace and brilliant skill, the Aihevba has what it takes to instil fear in any opposing team’s batting line-up.

KwaZulu-Natal’s impressive Ntando Soni, currently sitting in second place on the wicket-takers list after four days, also earns a thumbs-up from our side. Soni’s performance of ten wickets for 85 runs in 26 overs at an average of 8.5 per victim has played an important role in leading the Coastal side to the final against the Central Gauteng Lions.

Western Province’s Raeeq Daniels also made our team after a successful tournament in Makhanda. Daniels has bowled 30 overs at this year’s event, taking eight wickets at an average of 16.6 runs per victim, currently sitting in the fourth position on the wicket-takers list.

The leading wicket-taker, Easterns’ Parth Patel, might only make the SA Colts side with the announcement of the official teams. He will, however, be a strong contender for an SA Schools’ cap after producing the best-ever bowling performance at the week with his 7/15 against Northern Cape.

Patel has taken 11 wickets thus far in the tournament at an average of 7.8 runs per wicket.

Riley Norton, captain of Boland, also makes our team, and if he is named in the official SA Schools’ side – he will join an exclusive list of 14 players who have represented both the national schools’ rugby and cricket sides. Norton and Teeger played for the SA Colts side in 2022.

KwaZulu Natal’s Hayden Bishop, who’s moved under the radar, also gets a nod from our side to complete the squad of 12. After continuing his wonderful form, he currently sits on 239 runs at an average of 83 heading into the final day of the week.

SuperSport Schools Plus’ selection:

Benni Hansen (Western Province), Ludwich Schuld (North West), David Teeger (Central Gauteng Lions, captain), Riley Norton (Boland), Hayden Bishop (KwaZulu-Natal), Richard Seletswane (Central Gauteng Lions), Ross Boast (KZN Inland), Kwena Mapakha (Central Gauteng Lions), Esosa Aihevba (Central Gauteng Lions), Sipho Potsane (Central Gauteng Lions), Ntando Soni (KwaZulu Natal), Raeeq Daniels (Western Province).