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As the anticipation continues to build ahead of the annual Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week, taking place in Makhanda this year from the 16th to the 20th of December, the 16 squads competing at the prestigious event have all been announced.

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The competition is an annual highlight on the cricketing calendar, and it serves as a major stepping stone for the young athletes who want to transition to a higher level of the game.

This year, the stakes have been raised to new heights as preparations intensify for the forthcoming 2024 U19 World Cup, now slated to unfold on South African soil.

While a provisional SA U19 squad has already been unveiled, the December tournament looms as the ultimate opportunity for players to leave an impression on selectors. With a handful of coveted spots in the team still hanging in the balance, the anticipation is palpable as the boys prepare for battle.

TEAMS

Platinum Group

Pool A

Boland: Henrico Albertus (Paulus Joubert), Callum Appolis (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Chad Ayford (Somerset College), Stefan Conradie (Boland Landbou), Josh Jordaan (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Sibulele Makeleni (Parel Vallei), Khaya Miselo (Desmond Tutu High School), Riley Norton (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Thando Prusent (Somerset College), JJ van der Sandt (Paarl Boys’ High), Cormey van der Watt (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Juanrico Vorster (Curro Langebaan), Johan Wege (Paarl Boys’ High).

4 Paul Roos Gimnasium | 2 Paarl Boys’ High | 2 Somerset College | 1 Boland Landbou | 1 Curro Langebaan | 1 Desmond Tutu High School | 1 Parel Vallei | 1 Paulus Joubert High School

Central Gauteng Lions: Lhuan-dré Pretorius (St Stithians College), Thebe Gazide (St Stithians College), David Teeger (King Edward VII), Richard Seletswane (St Stithians College), Henricus Meyer (Helpmekaar), Gomolemo Phiri (St David’s Marist), Fayaaz Vawda (King Edward VII), Cole Francis (St John’s College), Tshepo Staffa (Jeppe), Tjaart Mentz (Helpmekaar), Esosa Aihevba (St Stithians College), Kwena Maphaka (St Stithians College), Sipho Potsane (Jeppe), Luke Francis (St John’s College).

5 St Stithians | 2 Helpmekaar | 2 Jeppe | 2 King Edward VII School | 2 St John’s College | 1 St David’s Marist Inanda 

Free State: Dale Williams (Grey College), Jordan van den Berg (St Andrew’s School), Samokelo Lepheto (Grey College), Juan Viljoen (Grey College), Connor Nel (St Andrew’s), Andre du Preez (St Andrew’s), Khanyisile Nondwangu (HTS Louis Botha), Sicelo Matayi (Grey College), Johnathan Muller (Grey College), Dakalo Leketa (St Andrew’s), Ruben Maree (Grey College), Darion Rabie (Grey College), Kamohelo Mokoena (Grey College).

8 Grey College | 4 St Andrew’s School | 1 HTS Louis Botha

KZN Inland: Caleb Thomas (Maritzburg College), Ntandoyenkosi Zuma (St Charles College), Samuel Brown (St Charles College), Murray Baker (Michaelhouse), Ross Boast (Hilton College), Bryn Brokensha (Maritzburg College), Ivan Lockem (Hilton College), Cameron Strudwick (Michaelhouse), Thabiso Ndlela (St Charles College), Matipa Denenga (Hilton College), Natanzi Denenga (Hilton College), Nathan Beaumont (St Charles College), Matthew Urquhart (St Charles College).

5 St Charles College | 4 Hilton College | 2 Maritzburg College | 2 Michaelhouse 

Pool B

Eastern Province: Nolan DiPaolo (Daniel Pienaar THS), Sibusiso Mxube (St Andrew’s College), Matthew Beamish (St Andrew’s College), Jean Upman (Grey High School), Russel Peterson (Victoria Park), Aphiwe Mnyanda (Graeme College), Kian Cambier (Grey High School), Matthew Poole (St Andrews College), Simnikile Soyaya (Muir College), Olwakhe Goqoza (Victoria Park), Esa Gangat (Pearson), Corby van Heerden (Grey High School), Hamza Khan (Westering High School).

3 Grey High School | 3 St Andrew’s College | 2 Victoria Park | 1 Daniel Pienaar THS | 1 Graeme College | 1 Muir College | 1 Pearson | 1 Westering High School

KZN Coastal: Aryan Gopalan (Westville), Hayden Bishop (Kearsney College), Bandile Mbatha (Glenwood), Romashan Pillay (Westville), Blake Simpson (Westville), Nqobani Mokoena (Northwood), Ross Coetzee (Kearsney College), Evan Fouche (Northwood), Mitchell Tillard (Clifton College), Ntando Soni (Glenwood), Bayanda Majola (DHS), Melusi Hadebe (Felixton), Camdeon Riley (Clifton College)

3 Westville Boys’ High | 2 Clifton College | 2 Glenwood | 2 Kearsney College | 2 Northwood | 1 Durban High School | 1 Felixton 

Titans: Jorich van Schalkwyk (Affies), Dumisani Motshewene (Garsfontein), Mohammad Aslam (Garsfontein), Modise Maloka (Prestige College), Lukas Janse van Rensburg (Affies), Marcus Bakker (Waterkloof), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (Cornwall Hill College), Jason Jansen (Cornwall Hill College), Lungile Mabuza (Atteridgeville Hub), Tristan Luus (Waterkloof), Hernus Marais (Waterkloof), William Tshoke (Mamelodi Hub), Steve Stolk (Menlopark).

3 Waterkloof | 2 Affies | 2 Cornwall Hill College | 2 Garsfontein | 1 Atteridgeville Hub | 1 Mamelodi Hub | 1 Menlopark | 1 Prestige College 

Western Province: Alexander Combrinck (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Raeeq Daniels (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Fayyaad Davids (SACS), Mbulelo Dube (Gugulethu Hub), Declan Gillespie (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Benjamin Hansen (Wynberg Boys’ High), Paul James (Wynberg Boys’ High), Kashief Joseph (Diocesan College), Ethan Kotzee (Fairmont High), Sibulele Sibunzana (Khayelitsha Hub), Siyabonga Venge (Khayelitsha Hub), Oliver Whitehead (SACS), Joshua Wyngaard (SACS), Liyaka Xatoto (Khayelitsha Hub).

3 Khayelitsha Hub | 3 Rondebosch Boys’ High | 3 SACS | 2 Wynberg Boys’ High | 1 Diocesan College | 1 Fairmont High | 1 Gugulethu Hub

Gold Group

Pool A

Border: Jacques van der Merwe (Selborne College), Chulumanco Macozoma (Hudson Park), Osiphesona Mbekwa (Hudson Park), Ben van der Merwe (Selborne College), Tré Gilbert (Selborne College), Ryan Denston (Queen’s College), Bevaneo Maytham (Queen’s College), Adam Rogers (Selborne College), Chad Evans (Stirling), Waeden Plaatjes (Selborne College), Lithemba Nomoyi (Hudson Park), Hlumelo Ntola (Dale College), Amahle Masiko (Sakhisizwe High).

5 Selborne College | 3 Hudson Park | 2 Queen’s College | 1 Dale College | 1 Stirling | 1 Sakhisizwe High School

Kei: Siboniswe Sibuko (Umtata International High), Liso Mfisi (St John’s High), Aphiwe Magagamela (Mqanduli Village High), Amila Joko (Attwel Madala High), Enoch Novela (Umtata International High), Phaphamani Libalele (Bountingville High), Mamve Mditswa (Cibeni High), Siphanathi Nomphandana (Vulidlela High), Melusi Mqabashe (Cibeni High), Qiqa Nika (St John’s High), Bunye Mdumba (Vulidlela High), Esam Mpafa (Skenjani High), Faiz Shaikh (Umtata High).

2 Cibeni High | 2 St John’s High | 2 Umtata International High | 2 Vulidlela High | 1 Attwel Madala High | 1 Bountingville High | 1 Mqanduli Village High | 1 Skenjani High | 1 Umtata High

Mpumalanga Rhinos: Curtleigh Coetzee (Lydenburg), Mdudzi Skhosana (Emba School), Spumelele Madonsela (Bergvlam), Dian Eicker (Cambridge College), Bruce Nel (Uplands College), Wakhile Mnisi (Cambridge College), Rovonne Singh (Secunda), Davico Kruger (Nelspruit), Ruben Bodemer (Bergvlam), Luke Poisson (Nelspruit), Kamagelo Sebopela (Lydenburg), Rovonne Singh (Secunda), Mduduzi Skhosana (Embalenhle Hub).

2 Bergvlam | 2 Cambridge College | 2 Lydenburg | 2 Nelspruit | 2 Secunda | 1 Embalenhle Hub | 1 Emba School | 1 Uplands College

North West: Ludwich Schuld (Potchefstroom Volkskool), Muhammed Bulbulia (Fields College), Delvaughn Dyers (Lichtenburg), Thuto Matjoi (Tshedimosetso Secondary), Tumelo Makume (Golden Village), Katlego Moloto (Borakanelo Secondary), Marnu Cronje (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), Berno de Klerk (Potchefstroom Volkskool), Marneau Dreyer (Wesvalia), Kai Trumpelmann (Hoërskool Brits), Caiden Seleka (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), Zavier van Rensburg (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), Lunga May (Potchefstroom Volkskool).

3 Potchefstroom Gimnasium | 3 Potchefstroom Volkskool | 1 Borakanelo Secondary | 1 Fields College | 1 Golden Village | 1 Hoërskool Brits | 1 Lichtenburg | 1 Tshedimosetso Secondary | 1 Wesvalia 

Pool B

Eastern Storm: Sabelo Mabanga (Ephes Mamkedi School), Dewan Marais (Marais Viljoen), Aldre Huyzers (Marais Viljoen), Tristan van Schalkwyk (Marais Viljoen), Simele Maye (St Benedict’s), Juan Steyn (Marais Viljoen), Ahmed Imran (Spring Secondary School), Luphumlo Mhlongo (St Benedict’s), Dean Hackner (St Benedict’s), Martin Khumalo (Ephes Mamkedi School), Part Patel (St Benedict’s), Nhlakanipho Ndaba (MOM Sebone Secondary School).

Marais Viljoen 5 | St Benedict’s College 4 | Ephes Mamkeli 2 | Springs Secondary School 1 | MOM Sebone Secondary School 1 

Garden Route Badgers: Charl Marais (Hoërskool Outeniqua), Enathi Khishini (Thembalethu High School), Zander Nel (Hoërskool Outeniqua), Stefan May (Hoërskool Outeniqua), Elro Spies (Knysna High School), Davino Koert (George High School), Zane Greyling (Hoërskool Punt), Jessie Lewis (Hoërskool Punt), Igcobe Khisini (Imizama Yethu High School), Corné Kennedy (Oakdale), Thurstin Murphy (Bridgton Secondary), Sibabawle Msi (Jonga High School), Josh Karelse (Protea High School).

3 Hoërskool Outeniqua | 2 Hoërskool Punt | 1 Bridgton Secondary | 1 George High School | 1 Imizama Yethu High | 1 Jonga High School | 1 Knysna High School | 1 Oakdale | 1 Protea High School | 1 Thembalethu High School 

Limpopo: Mochau Molema (Mohodi CC), Victor Sehata (Mohodi CC), Enock Marima (Phalaborwa Hub), Maan Mistry (Merensky), Driaan Hartslief (Pietersburg), Ruben Vosloo (Ben Vorster), Jeandre Strydom (Piet Potgieter), Kamogelo Morema (Mohodi CC), Nhalala Malungani (Nkowankowa Hub), Orasio Shillinda (Phalaborwa Hub), Nsuku Mathye (Ben Vorster), Masilo Moremi (Mohodi CC), Michael Nel (Pietersburg).

4 Mohodi CC | 2 Ben Vorster | 2 Phalaborwa Hub | 2 Pietersburg | 1 Merensky | 1 Nkowankowa Hub | 1 Piet Potgieter 

Northern Cape: Monnapule Jansen (Emang Mmogo High School), Gift Seane (Tshireleco High School), Tumiso Seetelo (Northern Cape High), Luhan de la Rey (Diamantveld), Kaiden van Wyk (Diamantveld), Simon Liversage (Diamantveld), Junaid Jacobs (Northern Cape High), Malan Lubbe (Kalahari), Oratile Jubeni (Lesedi High School), Caleb Willemse (Hoërskool Kathu), Deshwin Willemse (Carlton van Heerden), Yazeed Kajee (Northern Cape High), Thabo Obusitse (Floors High School).

3 Diamantveld | 3 Northern Cape High | 1 Carlton van Heerden | 1 Emang Mmogo High School | 1 Floors High School | 1 Hoërskool Kathu | 1 Kalahari | 1 Lesedi High School | 1 Tshireleco High School 

The 2023 Kei u19 team for the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week has been unveiled. The chosen players are set to test their mettle in Makhanda, where the action-packed tournament will unfold from the 16th to 20th of December.

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The squad from the Eastern Cape boasts the experience of four returning players, who all made an impact at last year’s tournament.

Phaphamani Libalele (Bountingville High), Mamve Mditswa (Cibeni High), Esam Mpafa (Skenjani High), and Faiz Shaikh (Umtata High) will have central roles to play as the core leadership group within the team from the Transkei as they seek to make an impact at the prestigious event.

The Teams

Kei u19: Siboniswe Sibuko (Umtata International High), Liso Mfisi (St John’s High), Aphiwe Magagamela (Mqanduli Village High), Amila Joko (Attwel Madala High), Enoch Novela (Umtata International High), Phaphamani Libalele (Bountingville High), Mamve Mditswa (Cibeni High), Siphanathi Nomphandana (Vulidlela High), Melusi Mqabashe (Cibeni High), Qiqa Nika (St John’s High), Bunye Mdumba (Vulidlela High), Esam Mpafa (Skenjani High), Faiz Shaikh (Umtata High).

2 Cibeni High | 2 St John’s High | 2 Umtata International High | 2 Vulidlela High | 1 Attwel Madala High | 1 Bountingville High | 1 Mqanduli Village High | 1 Skenjani High | 1 Umtata High

Kei u16: Sinawo Nongalo (Mqanduli Village High), Nqobile Dyonase (Mqanduli Village High), Iviwe Mntengwane (Mqanduli Village High), Asemahle Madikazi (St John’s High), Asithandile Madikazi (St John’s High), Lithalethu Namba (Pangidlela JSS), Sinakekele Sele (Mqanduli Village High), Lizalise Radebe (Cibeni High), Tito Morema (Mqanduli Village High), Indiphile Jezile (Mqanduli Village High), Shorif Mohamad (Mida High), Sifanelo Phatho (Ntabankulu High), Lukhanyo Nkomonye (Jumba High).

6 Mqanduli Village High | 2 St John’s High | 1 Cibeni High | 1 Jumba High | 1 Mida High | 1 Ntabankulu High | 1 Pagidlela JSS

At just 17 years old, left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka made his debut on Thursday for the DP World Lions in the CSA Division One 4-Day Competition. His pace and ability to generate movement off the pitch has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and selectors alike, with the Lions’ recently signed bowling coach, Proteas’ fast bowling great, Allan Donald, the latest to give the youngster his seal of approval.

The highly anticipated match against the Dafabet Warriors at St George’s Park in Gqeberha marks a significant milestone in Maphaka’s promising cricketing career, which is speeding forward like a bullet train. On day one, he claimed his first stick, dismissing Warriors’ captain Matthew Breetzke and ending with 2/87 from 18.5 overs.

Hailing from St Stithians College, Maphaka has experienced a whirlwind of success over the past year, rapidly climbing the ranks as one of South Africa’s most talented young players. Read more about him in our featured Player Profile article.

Apart from making his four-day debut for the DP World Lions, more high level cricket lies ahead for Maphaka with the Paarl Royals, who signed him to a rookie contract for the forthcoming second season of the Betway SA20 competition, which takes place from the 10th of January to the 10th of February 2024.

Before donning the Royals’ jersey, Maphaka is set to showcase his skills for the Gauteng Lions in the annual Khaya Majola Cricket Week – in a powerhouse team. The prestigious event, which takes place in Makhanda from the 16th to the 20th of December, features the best schoolboy talent in South Africa facing off in provincial competition.

Maphaka’s list of achievements is quickly accruing, and it includes a first-class debut for the SA A side in an unofficial test match against Sri Lanka A back in June, as well as turning out for the SA Emerging team in the CSA Domestic One Day Cup. No doubt, as Cricket South Africa does with its brightest talent, they are overseeing the young star’s workload.

As he continues to hone his skills and gain valuable experience, Maphaka’s journey is one that fans and pundits alike will keenly follow, with the hope that he can take the big step up to representing the Proteas.

Remember to submit your nominations for SuperSport Schools’ “The Class of ’23”. We invite you to be a part of this journey by nominating unforgettable moments, outstanding athletes, and inspiring coaches.

Your participation will help us recognise and showcase the true stars and stories of 2023. Submit your nominations on the following link – https://bit.ly/SSClassof2023.

Kearsney College, in Botha’s Hill, hosts preseason cricket in early January, with four schools from KZN, two from Zimbabwe, and one each from Mpumalanga and Gauteng, participating in the iHlobo Cricket Festival.

Previously, the event had been hosted at various venues around South Africa, but in recent years Cape schools withdrew due to rising travel costs. The result was Kearsney and Michaelhouse taking over as co-hosts.

At the start of 2023, Michaelhouse hosted the event. It has since been agreed that Kearsney College will become the permanent home of the annual festival.

Local schools joining Kearsney include Clifton College, Michaelhouse and DHS. St Alban’s College makes the journey from Pretoria, while Uplands College takes the long road from White River. Two of Zimbabwe’s best, St John’s College (Harare) and Falcon College (Bulawayo), cross the border to test their skills.

Kearsney will host all the matches, with the action starting on Monday, 8 January, and finishing on Thursday, 11 January.

The format for the festival is declaration cricket on day one, followed by 50 overs on day two. All schools will play two T20s on the third day, with the event wrapping up with a single T20 on the last day.

FIXTURES

Monday, 8 January (Declaration)

Kearsney vs St John’s, Matterson
Clifton vs St Alban’s, Osler
DHS vs Michaelhouse, AH Smith
Uplands vs Falcon, Silcock

Tuesday, 9 January (50-over)

Kearsney vs St Alban’s, AH Smith
Clifton vs Uplands, Matterson
St John’s vs Michaelhouse, Silcock
DHS vs Falcon, Osler

Wednesday, 10 January (T20)

Clifton vs Falcon, AH Smith
Kearsney vs Michaelhouse, Matterson
St John’s vs Uplands, Osler
DHS vs St Alban’s, Silcock

Wednesday, 10 January (T20)

St John’s vs St Alban’s, AH Smith
DHS vs Uplands, Matterson
Kearsney vs Falcon, Osler
Clifton vs Michaelhouse, Silcock

Thursday, 11 January (T20)

Kearsney vs Clifton, AH Smith
Falcon vs Michaelhouse, Matterson
St Alban’s vs Uplands, Osler
DHS vs St John’s, Silcock

Who would’ve thought that a team that plays outside of the highly regarded Gauteng Development League (GDL) would make it this far? NWU Vaal u19s have defied the odds to reach the semifinals of the GDL Youth Cup, where they have been drawn to take on Mamelodi Sundowns.

Not so long ago, Sundowns were dominating the football space in almost all divisions, including in South Africa’s highest league, the Premier Soccer League’s DStv Premiership.

The “Kabo Yellow” franchise is known for its high standards, not only in the professional football space, but also at the grassroots level. Rulani Mokoena, the current Mamelodi Sundowns’ senior team coach, was once in charge of the u19 team and it is there that Mokoena learnt and implemented his high standards.

Since then, the Pretoria-based club has returned positive results in the junior ranks, but not quite at the same level as when Mokoena was leading the way.

In the u19 division of the 2023 Gauteng Development League, Sundowns produced a strong season, but still suffered five losses in their 34 matches, including to the champions, Highlands Park, and to TS Galaxy, who finished seventh.

Placing second in the eight-month-long league, with a positive goal difference of 62 was no mean feat, but at Sundowns the expectations are higher than at any other club in the country. The goal, always, is to be champions.

Now they have an opportunity to lay their hands on a trophy, but first they must tackle the underdogs, the NWU Vaal u19s, at Marks Park at 13:00 SAST on Saturday for a place in the final.

Sundowns saw off a strong Tuks u19 team in the quarterfinals this past weekend, while NWU Vaal performed superbly to oust the School of Excellence u19s.

The Brazilians are favoured to advance. However, knockout competitions are anything but predictable.

FIXTURES

U13 Division, 9:00
– Jomo Cosmos vs Mamelodi Sundowns (Field A)
– Kaizer Chiefs vs Joburg City (Field B)

U15 Division, 10:15 
– Jomo Cosmos vs Mamelodi Sundowns (Field A)
– Rosina Modiba vs TS Galaxy (Field B)

U17 Division, 11:30 
– School of Excellence vs TUKS (Field A)
– Kaizer Chiefs vs Joburg City (Field B)

U19 Division, 13:00
– NWU Vaal vs Mamelodi Sundowns (Field A)
– Kaizer Chiefs vs TS Galaxy (Field B)

Blue Crane Soccer Academy were crowned champions of the second edition of Cookhouse’s Gender-Based Violence Soccer Tournament, edging out Mighty Boys 4-3 on penalty kicks after the teams failed to score in the regulation time on Sunday.

The winners enjoyed a spectacular run to the gold match, beginning with a 2-1 victory over the hosts, Bongweni United, in their first match.

On the other hand, Mighty Boys, endured a tough challenge from City Spurs, playing to a 3-3 draw before advancing to the next round with a 4-2 win from the penalty spot.

Mighty Boys won in a penalty shootout in the semis again, but their luck ran out in the title-decider as Blue Crane Soccer Academy secured the title from the spot.

The tournament, which was held at the Bongweni Location on the 25th and 26th of November, featured eight teams, including two women’s teams. Cookhouse Academy convincingly defeated Eleven Stars 4-1 to be crowned the winners of the first edition of the women’s event.

Over the two days of intense competition, a light was shone on the issue of gender-based violence in the Bongweni Location. Through football, the organisers worked to educate the community about the scourge of gender-based violence, and to assist them to combat it.

Full Results 

Youth Cosmos 2-4 Goal Fighters
Blue Crane FC 1-0 Gugulethu Crusaders
Bongweni United 1-2 Blue Crane Soccer Academy
City Spurs 3 (2)-(4) 3 Mighty Boys

Semifinals 

Goal Fighters 1-2 Blue Crane Soccer Academy
Blue Crane FC 1 (4)-(5) 1 Mighty Boys

Final

Blue Crane Soccer Academy 0 (4)-(3) 0 Mighty Boys.

Ladies’ Final

Cookhouse Academy 4-1 Eleven Stars

The teams for the forthcoming CSA U16 Girls Week have been revealed ahead of the 2023 tournament, which will be played in Pietermaritzburg from the 12th to the 16th of December.

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The event will shine a light on the emerging talent within the women’s cricket pipeline as the move towards the CSA Professional Domestic Women’s League continues to gain traction, especially with the interest that has been generated since South Africa finished as runners-up on home soil in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February.

A total of 16 teams will be in action in the KZN capital.

The Teams

Boland: Hope Williams (Breederivier Secondary), Akum Mbira (Parel Vallei), Wanda Mari Ham (Robertson), Taylum Moses (Worcester Hub), Zita Logenstein (Stellenbosch Hub), Nthatile Gqada (Desmond Tutu High), Janel Steenkamp (Paarl RPC), Cornelia Destroo (Paarl RPC), Kezia Jordaan (Home schooling), Beantra Daniels (Swartberg), Tayman Muggels (Worcester Hub), Amyoli Senti (Stellenbosch Hub), Melissa van der Merwe (Stellenbosch Hub).
3 Stellenbosch Hub | 2 Paarl RPC | 2 Worcester Hub | 1 Breederivier Secondary | 1 Desmond Tutu High | 1 Home schooling 1 | Parel Vallei | 1 Robertson | 1 Swartberg |   

Border: Asemahle Nyoka (Siseko High), Njabulo Mandita (Siseko High), Luuli Ali (Kama High), Sanda Fekisi (Kingridge High), Elam Mbetshu (Lindani High), Lathitha Swartbooi (Lindani High), Onelisiwe Nondumo (Luvuyo Lerumo), Azomila Silera (Nompumelelo High), Unakho Gwala (Khulani High), Alitha Fotoyi (Sakhisizwe High), Endinako Njengele (Khulani High), Ziyakhanya Mtshawulana (Imincangathelo High), Libhongo Mthi (Nkwenkwezini High).
2 Khulani High | 2 Lindani High | 2 Siseko High | 1 Imincangathelo High | 1 Kama High | 1 Kingridge High | 1 Luvuyo Lerumo | 1 Nkwenkwezini High | 1 Nompumelelo High | 1 Sakhisizwe High

Eastern Province: Siseko Stamper (Linkside High), Tania van der Rijst (DF Malherbe), Kisa Bornman (Pearson), Tara Nel (Pearson), Bianca Graham (Alexander Road High), Danica Marais (Framesby), Caitlyn Collier (Westering High), Micayla Collier (Westering High), Zara Bonasse (Woordridge College), Kim Davids (Victoria Park), Liyema Gqirana (Kweilomso Hub), Kelly Davids (Victoria Park), Sibahle Kona (Cowan Hub).
2 Pearson | 2 Victoria Park | 2 Westering High | 1 Alexander Road High | 1 Cowan Hub | 1 DF Malherbe | 1 Framesby | 1 Kweilomso Hub | 1 Linkside High | 1 Woodridge High

Easterns: Katlego Lonkokile (Etwatwa High), Amogelang Motlhaolwa (Springs Technical Secondary), Siphokuhle Masisela (Theo-Twala Secondary), Tenique Williams (Dr EG Jansen), Mieke van Voorst (Kempton Park), Ashleigh van Wyk (Marais Viljoen), Micaela Edwards (Benoni High), Oletha Cindi (Asser-Maloka Secondary), Thandeka Mngomezulu (Thandi Sibeko Secondary), Kirstin Kaltwasser (Die Anker), Kananelo Mokoena (Ephes Mamkeli), Tharsinii Sagathevan (St Dunstan’s College), Zainah Davids (Jeugland).
1 Asser-Maloka Secondary | 1 Benoni High | 1 Die Anker | 1 Dr EG Jansen | 1 Ephes Mamkeli | 1 Etwatwa High | 1 Jeugland | 1 Kempton Park | 1 Marais Viljoen | 1 Springs Technical Secondary | 1 St Dunstan’s College | 1 Thandi Sibeko Secondary | 1 Theo-Twala Secondary

Free State: Amy Kotze (Witteberg), Bokamosho Motsabi (Setjhaba Se Maketse), Nonceba Valashiya (Setjhaba Se Maketse), Lebohang Rakoeane (Khauho Secondary), Lebogang Thoabala (Ntemoseng Secondary), Kekeletso Mohapi (Ntemoseng Secondary), Kuhle Mhlongo (HTS Louis Botha), Boitumelo Mahlaba (Khauho Secondary), Carrisa Boje (Think Digital Academy), Zanelle Carelsen (Jim Fouché), Shanique van Rensburg (Jim Fouché), Carlin Pienaar (Paul Erasmus), Leoze Lottering (Witteberg).
2 Jim Fouché | 2 Khauho Secondary | 2 Ntsemoseng Secondary | 2 Setjhaba Se Maketse | 2 Witteberg | 1 HTS Louis Botha | 1 Paul Erasmus | 1 Think Digital Academy

Garden Route Badgers: Kelsey Stuurman (Bridgton Secondary), Lianca Venter (Hoërskool Punt), Emmy-Kay Samson (Oudtshoorn School of Skills), Shante Williams (Aurial College), Gracey Johnson (Hoërskool Punt), Janka Burger (Outeniqua), Taryn Jansen (Oakhill College), Felicia Prins (Imizamo Yethu Secondary), Qhamani Swartbooi (Imizamo Yethu Secondary), Alicia Booysen (Bridgton Secondary), Caroldene Ewerts (Bridgton Secondary), Nadia Wentzel (Hoërskool Punt), Inam Sigede (Imizamo Yethu Secondary).
3 Bridgton | 3 Hoërskool Punt | 3 Imizamo Yethu Secondary | 1 Aurial College | 1 Oudtshoorn School of Skills | 1 Oakhill College | 1 Outeniqua 

Kei: Qhawe Tenjwa (Nomandji JSS), Enkosi Mditswa (Nomandji JSS), Thembakazi Gegesi (Nomandji JSS), Chumani Majambe (Nomandji JSS), Olwethu Njani (Nomandji JSS), Unako Nontswayi (Nomandji JSS), Yamkela Mnqabashe (Nomandji JSS), Anezo Skrenye (Jumba JSS), Papama Zinyosi (Nomandji JSS), Sikho Kheto (Nomandji JSS), Asathi Mahambi (Ntabankulu High), Asavela Nyamayihambi (Old Bounting), Akhona Mtimkhulu (Old Bounting).
9 Nomandji JSS | 2 Old Bounting | 1 Jumba JSS | 1 Ntabankulu High 

KZN Coastal: Hannah Warner (Curro Hillcrest), Aleah Govender (Durban Girls’ High), Enhle Mkhaliphi (Sivananda High), Shreeya Subbiah (Westville Girls’ High), Ziyanda Xulu (Nqabakazulu High), Tamika Govender (Wingen Heights Secondary), Noxolo Biyela (Tisand Technical High), Riankah Rameshwur (CambriLearn), Zukiswa Msiya (Dr J Dube High), Habeebah Shaik (Al Falaah College), Kayla Driver (Our Lady of Fatima), Londeka Ntombela (Riverdene Secondary), Nothando Dladla (Makhumbuza High).
1 Al Falaah College | 1 CambriLearn | 1 Curro Hillcrest | 1 Dr J Dube High | 1 Durban Girls’ High | 1 Nqabakazulu High | 1 Makhumbuza High | 1 Our Lady of Fatima | 1 Riverdene Secondary | 1 Sivananda High | 1 Tisand Technical High | 1 Westville Girls’ High | 1 Wingen Heights Secondary

KZN Inland: Nothando Dlangamandla (Bonginhlanhla High), Ntombenhle Mavuso (Bonginhlanhla High), Nothando Khumalo (Bonginhlanhla High), Mia van der Merwe (Dundee High), Slindile Mamba (Bonginhlanhla High), Minenhle Mkhize (Msimude High), Sbongakone Mjoli (Sukuma High), Sindiswa Xaba (Willowfontein High), Tori Kitching (St Patrick’s College), Tana Sinclair (Treverton College), Ryma Pillay (Karina Secondary), Luthando Ngcobo (Ikusaselihle High), Siphokazi Xaba (Northbury High).
4 Bonginhlanhla High | 1 Dundee High | 1 Ikusaselihle High | 1 Karina Secondary | 1 Msimude High |  1 Northbury High | 1 St Patrick’s College | 1 Sukuma High | 1 Treverton College | 1 Willowfontein High 

Limpopo: Tlhompo Tjia (Pepps College), Dineo Mothapo (Pepps College), Murisi Rikhotso (Giyani Hub), Refilwe Mashego (Phalaborwa Hub), Respect Mabasa (Nkowankowa Hub), Thato Maseka (Mohodi Cricket Club), Elane Erasmus (Ellisras), Blondy Baloyi (Nkowankowa Hub), Karabo Monyela (Nkonwankowa Hub), Mahlako Mamabolo (Frikkie Meyer), Rene’t Schoeman (Louis Trichardt), Joy Thibela (Phalaborwa Hub), Malokwane Shika (Mahwelereng Hub).
3 Nkonwankowa Hub | 2 Pepps College | 2 Phalaborwa Hub | 1 Ellisras | 1 Frikkie Meyer | 1 Giyani Hub | 1 Louis Trichardt | 1 Mahwelereng Hub | 1 Mohodi Cricket Club 

Lions: Neo Molefe (Forte High), Keamogetswe Chuene (Queens High School), Keabetwe Hlake (Kurtis Nkondo), Layla Whyte (Auckland Park Academy), Jenna-Lee Lubbe (Steyn City School), Fay Cowling (Jeppe), Callia Bennette (Northcliff High), Thuto Thibedi (Mafori Mphahlele), Nosiphiwe Mashele (Siyabonga High), Jodi Burne (Jeppe), Tana Burne (Jeppe), Leani Swanepoel (Noordheuwel), Zaheera Ismail (Home School).
3 Jeppe High School for Girls | 1 Auckland Park Academy | 1 Forte High | 1 Home schooling | 1 Kurtis Nkondo | 1 Mafori Mphahlele | 1 Noordheuwel | 1 Northcliff | 1 Queens High School | 1 Siyabonga High | 1 Steyn City School 

Mpumalanga: Caylin Bach (Secunda), Charmaine Shongwe (Malekutu Hub), Danika Burger (Secunda), Hayley Havenga (Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog), Jessica Staubli (Uplands College), Lillie Blignault (Rob Ferreira), Lwandle Ndzukule (Highveld Park), Marli Voster (Ligbron), Ntando Sithole (Ligbron), Omphile Mandi (Patriot), Palesa Mdluli (Malekutu Hub), Patricia Mhlanga (Middelburg High School), Thato Ngwenya (Malekutu Hub).
3 Malekutu Hub | 2 Ligbron | 2 Secunda | 1 Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog | 1 Highveld Park | 1 Middelburg High School | 1 Patriot | 1 Rob Ferreira | 1 Uplands College 

Northern Cape: Mine Auret (Diamantveld), Keziah Adams (Northern Cape High), Jennifer Tshaka (Tetlanyo High), Bokao Ntuane (Kimberley Girls’ High), Hope van Wyk (Kathu High), Jemelia Ferus (Carlton van Heerden), Remoneilwe Gabobonwe (K.P. Toto), Shauneeq Stewart (Kalahari High), Faith van Wyk (Kathu High), Reese Jacobs (St Patrick’s CBC), Chloe Nagel (Northern Cape High), Onolo Masabale (Lesedi High), Roeline Louw (Kathu High).
3 Kathu High | 2 Northern Cape High | 1 Carlton van Heerden | 1 Diamantveld | 1 Kalahari High | 1 Kimberley Girls’ High | 1 K.P. Toto | 1 Lesedi High | 1 St Patrick’s CBC | 1 Tentlanyo High

North West: Thato Kotokoane (Cocekani High), Luane van Wyk (Hoërskool Lichtenburg), Ayanda Mosothoane (Boitshoko Secondary), Kamogelo Kgaswane (Refentse Secondary), Zane Marais (Hoërskool Klerksdorp), Tebogo Moate (Gaetsho Secondary), Hendriet Jacobs (Hoërskool Wolmaranstad), Koketso Molefi (Nkang-Mahlale High), Lesedi Loate (Boroka Secondary), Amogelang Notwane (Hoërskool Grysdorp), Puseletso Sekhute (Botoka Secondary), Refiloe Lesesa (HTS Rustenburg), Tshiamo Mothibedi (Lodirile Secondary).
2 Botoka Secondary | 1 Boitshoko Secondary | 1 Cocekani High | 1 Gaetsho Secondary | 1 Hoërskool Grysdorp | 1 Hoërskool Klerksdorp | 1 Hoërskool Lichtenburg | 1 Hoërskool Wolmaranstad | 1 HTS Rustenburg | 1 Lodirile Secondary | 1 Nkang-Mahlale High | 1 Refentse Secondary

Titans: Carlin Erasmus (Zwartkop), Ymke Handford (Zwartkop), Chanel Venter (Zwartkop), Kayla Sebelebele (Prestige College), Lethabo Rabalao (Hammanskraal Hub), Mohau Phasha (Soshanguve Hub), Gabrielle Sequiera (Cornwall Hill College), Nokubonga Mpanza (Soshanguve Hub), Monique Vinson (Pretoria Oos), Jane Verhage (Menlopark), Boipelo Kubeka (Soshanguve Hub), Palesa Mokheseng (Atteridgeville Hub), Lerato Sibanyoni (Atteridgeville Hub).
3 Soshanguve Hub | 3 Zwartkop | 2 Atteridgeville Hub | 1 Cornwall Hill College | 1 Hammanskraal Hub | 1 Menlopark | 1 Pretoria Oos | 1 Prestige College 

Western Province: Onke Batwa (Langa Hub), Lindokuhle Batyi (Mfuleni Cricket Club/Gugulethu Hub), Nuha Benjamin (Victoria Hub), Cara Bester (Durbanville High), Lisakhanya Blom (Khayelitsha Hub), Zintle Dzizi (Masiphumelele High/St Augustine Hub), Danielleh Hugo (Curro Durbanville), Miya Lalor (Reddam Constantia/St Augustine Hub), Estelle Russouw (Somerset West Cricket Club), Erin Scrooby (Reddam Constantia), Ashline Titus (Victoria Hub), Imaan van Schalkwyk (Bergvliet High/Mitchells Plain Hub), Jade Wyngaard (Hottentots Holland High/Helderberg Hub).
2 Reddam Constantia | 2 St Augustine Hub | 2 Victoria Hub | 1 Curro Durbanville | 1 Bergvliet High | 1 Durbanville High | 1 Hottentots Holland High | 1 Khayelitsha Hub | 1 Langa Hub | 1 Mfuleni Cricket Club | 1 Somerset West Cricket Club

 

 

 

One of South Africa’s premier centres for the development of young talent, the Ubuntu Football Academy, will represent the South African boys’ national team at the forthcoming CAF African Schools Football Championships (COSAFA Qualifiers) to be held in Zimbabwe from the 14th to the 16th of December.

Ubuntu Football Academy will be led by the highly experienced Dave Waters, the team’s technical director and the author of the Dual Dream, an interesting and informative book that takes a deep dive “through statistics, logical reasoning and case studies”.

Waters said his book identifies the key reasons why the vast majority of South African academy players do not have sustained professional careers. “It also investigates many misconceptions about the opportunities that exist, and highlights some really dangerous pitfalls to avoid,” he said.

This week, SuperSport Schools sat down with Waters to learn more about his involvement in youth football, his love for the game, and the Ubuntu Football Academy’s preparations for the CAF African Schools Football Championships, Cosafa qualifiers.

His football journey in South Africa began in 2006, when Waters moved from the United Kingdom.

In 2010, when Waters was working at the ASD Academy in Cape Town, he helped develop dedicated, highly talented and hardworking young players, like Ayanda Patosi (Foolad) and Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol), whose family has made a success of pursuing the beautiful game abroad.

Then, in 2015, after years of being involved in women’s football, he joined the Ubuntu Football Academy.

Working with the youth has been a rewarding journey, Waters said. However, he added, it also comes with its fair share of frustrations, especially witnessing talented players who could have achieved far greater things in life falling short.

Even so, Waters said it is important to reflect on his past work and that of the academy to recognise what they have achieved as a collective. Witnessing former players of Ubuntu thriving in life is of the utmost importance to him, regardless of the level of football they’re currently playing at.

Waters identified his charges becoming good fathers and husbands, being good brothers and making positive contributions to society, as vitally important to him. These are the aspects of his work at the academy from which he derives fulfilment when he reflects on the players who have passed through it.

One of the bigger challenges, he shared, was how to develop and invest in young players who have experienced trauma. “I mean trauma is quite rife in South Africa, sexual abuse, violence, alcohol,” he explained. “In most cases you will find out that these are things that the kids are witnessing, and it becomes a challenge for us.

“We find ourselves asking how we unearth potential that is being held back by a pattern of negative stuff or things that impact the life of young people. This is something that we have really looked into deeply at the Ubuntu Football Academy, and hopefully we can try and grow in that aspect, as we help these young men to become better and positive men in the near future.”

CAF African Schools Football, Cosafa Qualifiers Schools: “We are confident in ourselves”

Looking ahead to the trip to Zimbabwe, Waters said it was inspiring, encouraging, an honour and a privilege for the Ubuntu Football Academy to represent South Africa in the CAF African Schools Football Championships.

“We are very excited and feel very honoured to represent South Africa on the biggest stage of development football on the continent. Of course, we really don’t know what’s in store for us. But we are confident in who we are, and we know we deserve to play at this level.”

Waters said preparing for the CAF African Schools Champs has been challenging, with new rules and a new format asking different questions of his players. However, his charges would not shy away from those challenges.

“Playing nine-a-side on a tiny field with tiny goals has its challenges, and we had to navigate our way through this, competing against schools at the provincial and national level.”

Through the experience, Waters said, the team has learned a lot and grown its relationships on and off the field.

He described the national qualifying experience as both an administrative and football challenge, which required the players to adapt to different scenarios quickly.

“Because of the unknowns going into this competition, we had to strike a balance mentally and physically to ensure our boys are fresh, especially now that they have just come out of exams.”

The Academy’s success

The success of the academy is not necessarily driven by on-field results, Waters said. Ubuntu’s mission is to mentor and educate the next generation of great African leaders, society-changers, and footballers. He explained: “Our goal is to provide holistic mentorship to every child, developing them into leaders, professional footballers, and to help them reach their academic potential.”

Waters said about 22 players from Ubuntu have been awarded academic scholarships in the USA, while over 25 players have secured professional contracts with clubs in South Africa and overseas.

“In total 28 players have been selected for junior national team call-ups, with Jesse Donn (SuperSport United), Luke Fleurs (Kaizer Chiefs) and Antonio van Wyk (Stellenbosch FC) also receiving call-ups for senior South Africa,” he shared.

“Additionally, Munashe Garanga has showcased his skills in the UEFA Europa League this season, representing Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol.

“Moreover, five of our current players have made us proud by participating in the Pan-African Schools Championships, and they have been recently summoned up to the South African u15 national team training camp.”

The Steve Sekano Foundation will be hosting an u13 football tournament on the 9^th of December at the Fiat Sports Centre in Meadowlands Zone 9, with eight teams featuring in a playoff.

The on-field action kicks off at 09:00.

Sekano, who turned out for Orlando Pirates, Moroka Swallows, Jomo Cosmos, Cape Town Spurs and Spartak FC during his professional career, will be on hand to oversee the action and to hand out pre-loved football boots and school shoes to needy children.

Sekano’s Foundation, which was founded six years ago, aims to uplift the local community through football and netball.

In 2022, South African football legends’ Lucas Radebe, Linda Buthelezi, Ronnie Zondi and Tebogo Moloi attended the finals of his eponymous sports tournament.

Unfortunately, the Steve Sekano Foundation u17 Sports Tournament, which had taken place since 2017, over the course of three days, incorporating 16 boys’ teams, eight girls’ teams, and eight netball teams, will not be held this year due to a sponsorship that has fallen through.

Previously, the event drew considerable backing, including kits for all of the teams, plus an additional kit for the finalists.

Catering was provided for the participants and R10 000 went to the winners, with the runners-up receiving R5 000.

In addition, food parcels were distributed to pensioners on the last day of the tournament.

The semi-finals of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) Youth Cup are upon us, with four divisions set to grace Marks Park this coming weekend as teams do battle for places in next week’s finals of the knockout competition.

A gruelling four weeks of intense, closely contested matches has the remaining sides on the verge of playing for silverware. In the u19 division, the Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, strange as it may sound, caused an upset by beating the in-form GDL champions Highlands Park to make it to the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, TS Galaxy, their opponents on Saturday, have had to graft hard to make it to the final four. Last weekend, they eliminated Joburg City.

This weekend, Chiefs, high in confidence following their victory over Highlands Park, are the favourites ahead of the semi-final showdown. However, there’s more to the TS Galaxy side than meets the eye.

In the recently concluded GDL, Galaxy finished inside the top-eight, after a solid league campaign.

During the course of 2023, they’ve also accounted for some big guns, including SuperSport United, Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns. The tag, “slayer of giants”, is one the team from Mpumalanga has earned this year.

Head-to-head, TS Galaxy is Kaizer Chiefs’ worst nightmare. They’re a thorn in the side of coach David Mathebula and his team. In fact, they boast a 100 percent win ratio against the gold and black this season.

They beat Chiefs 2-1 away at Naturena on the 10th of June, just a week after handing Mamelodi Sundowns a 2-1 loss. A little over a month ago, when Chiefs visited TS Galaxy, the home team repeated the 2-1 win they had achieved in their first meeting.

Time and again in the GDL, big teams, favoured to beat smaller, less-recognised sides, have come up short after failing to deal with the pressure of being the favourites. For those smaller sides, playing the big names often brings out the best in them.

Can TS Galaxy make it three-out-of-three this year against Kaizer Chiefs?

The encounter gets underway on Field B at Marks Park from 13:00 SAST.

Other Fixtures

U13 Division, 9:00
– Jomo Cosmos vs Mamelodi Sundowns (Field A)
– Kaizer Chiefs vs Joburg City (Field B)

U15 Division, 10:15
– Jomo Cosmos vs Mamelodi Sundowns (Field A)
– Rosina Modiba vs TS Galaxy (Field B)

U17 Division, 11:30
– School of Excellence vs Tuks (Field A)
– Kaizer Chiefs vs Joburg City (Field B)

U19 Division, 13:00
– NWU Vaal vs Mamelodi Sundowns (Field A)
– Kaizer Chiefs vs TS Galaxy (Field B)