Blog

The Gauteng Lions have named a powerhouse squad for the 2023 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week.

Not only do they have five members of their 2022 team returning for this year’s event, which takes place in Makhanda from the 16th to the 20th of December, but six of their players were included in the provisional South African squad for the 2024 ICC u19 Cricket World Cup.

The St Stithians’ trio of Kwena Maphaka, Richard Seletswane and Thebe Gazibe will provide the Lions with experience and leadership. At the same time, King Edward School‘s stalwart David Teeger, who captained SA u19 in Bangladesh earlier this season, also cracks the nod for the second time in as many years.

What makes the Gauteng side even more intimidating is the presence of the much talked about southpaw from Saints, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who has scored more centuries for the renowned cricketing school than anyone before him, and he still has a year to go in the 1st XI.

Pretorius is one of the players included in the SA u19 provisional squad, which also features his schoolmates Maphaka, Seletswane and Esosa Aihevba, along with King Edward’s Teeger, and Sipho Potsane of Jeppe.

Fayaaz Vawda joins his school captain, Teeger in the Lions’ line-up, giving KES two players in the 14-man squad.

Henricus Meyer‘s impressive performances throughout the season have been rewarded with a first call-up, and his colleague Tjaart Mentz gives Helpmekaar Kollege two representatives, too.

Also providing two reps is St John’s College, with Cole and Luke Francis being accorded the selectors’ trust, while the talented young batsman from St David’s Marist Inanda, Gomolemo Phiri, makes his first appearance at the week.

Jeppe‘s Tsepho Staffa completes the list of the five returning players, and he’s joined by the aforementioned Sipho Potsane, who also turned out for the SA u19 team on their tour of Bangladesh in July.

Jeppe captain and all-rounder Jaydon Brooker, however, won’t be in action at this year’s Khaya Majola Week as he will be representing South Africa u21 at the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup, which runs from the 5th to the 16th of December.

St Stithians, with five representatives, has the most selections in the Lions’ squad.

Gauteng Lions u19: Lhuan-dre Pretorius (St Stithians), Thebe Gazibe (St Stithians), David Teeger (King Edward VII School), Richard Seletswane (St Stithians), Henricus Meyer (Helpmekaar), Gomolemo Phiri (St David’s Marist Inanda), Fayaaz Vawda (King Edward School), Cole Francis (St John’s College), Tshepo Staffa (Jeppe), Tjaart Mentz (Helpmekaar), Esosa Aihevba (St Stithians), Kwena Maphaka (St Stithians), Sipho Potsane (Jeppe), Luke Francis (St John’s College).

Cape Town is braced for another exhilarating instalment of the Peninsula Cricket Festival early in 2024, featuring 10 of the nation’s cricketing powerhouses kick-starting the new season in the southern suburbs.

Watch all the action live on SuperSport Schools – Register now

Diocesan College takes the lead in orchestrating the event, which is sponsored by Old Mutual and Loughborough University, alongside their local rivals’ Rondebosch Boys’ High, Wynberg Boys’ High, and SACS.

Those four schools make up the majority of Western Province’s provincial teams and have established themselves as intimidating challengers, which they underlined at the Cape Schools Cricket Week in late September/early October, where Bishops, Rondebosch and SACS compiled perfect records.

They are joined by a formidable lineup of visiting teams, with KZN’s Hilton College and St Charles College, Johannesburg’s St David’s Marist Inanda, and Pretoria’s Waterkloof, Affies, and Pretoria Boys High all making their way to the Western Cape for five days of pulsating action.

The matches begin on the 9th of January, with Bishops taking on Hilton College in a declaration match. They face St David’s next before tackling Northerns’ powerhouses, Affies and Waterkloof, in their two 50-over matches before taking on Pretoria Boys High for the final T20.

Bishops will be especially eager to avenge a 46-run loss to Klofies, the only blemish on their record, at the 2023 festival.

Rondebosch were the only unbeaten team at this year’s festival. With their rich history of cricketing excellence, and following an outstanding 2023, they’ll go into the event carrying the weight of expectations. Their youthful, talented squad, which remains largely unchanged for the forthcoming season, positions Bosch as one of the teams to beat.

Raeeq Daniels steps into the role of Rondebosch’s 1st XI captain for 2024. His leadership will be put to the test against formidable adversaries in the form of St David’s, Waterkloof, Pretoria Boys High, Hilton, and St Charles, as the local side strives to build on the triumphs of the past season.

The participants all sport established records of cricketing success and the event offers up an early opportunity to assess those schools’ classes of 2024, some of which will, undoubtedly, rank among the best in South Africa.

FIXTURES

u19

Tuesday, 09 January 2024 (Declaration)
Diocesan College vs Hilton College (Frank Reid Oval – Diocesan College)
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs St David’s (Cricket A – Rondebosch Boys’ High)
Wynberg Boys’ High vs Waterkloof (Jacques Kallis Oval – Wynberg Boys’ High)
SACS vs Affies (De Villiers Oval – SACS)
St Charles College vs Pretoria Boys High (Rondebosch Cricket Club)

Wednesday, 10 January 2024 (Declaration)
Diocesan College vs St David’s (Frank Reid Oval – Diocesan College)
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Waterkloof (Cricket A – Rondebosch Boys’ High)
Wynberg Boys’ High vs Pretoria Boys’ High (Jacques Kallis Oval – Wynberg Boys’ High)
SACS vs St Charles College (De Villiers Oval – SACS)
Hilton College vs Affies (Rondebosch Cricket Club)

Thursday, 11 January 2024 (50 Overs)
Diocesan College vs Affies (Frank Reid Oval – Diocesan College)
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Pretoria Boys High (Cricket A – Rondebosch Boys’ High)
Wynberg Boys’ High vs Hilton College (Jacques Kallis Oval – Wynberg Boys’ High)
SACS vs Waterkloof (De Villiers Oval – SACS)
St Charles College vs St David’s (Rondebosch Cricket Club)

Friday, 12 January 2024 (50 Overs)
Diocesan College vs Waterkloof (Frank Reid Oval – Diocesan College)
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Hilton College (Cricket A – Rondebosch Boys’ High)
Wynberg Boys’ High vs St Charles College (Jacques Kallis Oval – Wynberg Boys’ High)
SACS vs Pretoria Boys High (De Villiers Oval – SACS)
St David’s vs Affies (Rondebosch Cricket Club)

Saturday, 13 January 2024 (T20)
Diocesan College vs Pretoria Boys High (Frank Reid Oval – Diocesan College)
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs St Charles College (Cricket A – Rondebosch Boys’ High)
Wynberg Boys’ High vs Affies (Jacques Kallis Oval – Wynberg Boys’ High)
SACS vs St David’s (De Villiers Oval – SACS)
Hilton  College vs Waterkloof (Range – Bishops)

u15

Tuesday, 09 January 2024 (Declaration)
Diocesan College vs Hilton College (Oaks – Diocesan College)
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs St David’s (Meadow A – Rondebosch Boys’ High)
Wynberg Boys’ High vs Waterkloof (Silverhurst A – Wynberg Boys’ High)
SACS vs Affies (Memorial – SACS)
St Charles College vs Pretoria Boys High (TBC)

Wednesday, 10 January 2024 (Declaration)
Diocesan College vs St David’s (Oaks – Diocesan College)
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Waterkloof (Meadow A – Rondebosch Boys’ High)
Wynberg Boys’ High vs Pretoria Boys High (Silverhurst A – Wynberg Boys’ High)
SACS vs St Charles College (Memorial – SACS)
Hilton College vs Affies (TBC)

Thursday, 11 January 2024 (50 Overs)
Diocesan College vs Affies (Oaks – Diocesan College)
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Pretoria Boys High (Meadow A – Rondebosch Boys’ High)
Wynberg Boys’ High vs Hilton College (Silverhurst A – Wynberg Boys’ High)
SACS vs Waterkloof (Memorial – SACS)
St Charles College vs St David’s (TBC)

Friday, 12 January 2024 (50 Overs)
Diocesan College vs Waterkloof (Oaks – Diocesan College)
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Hilton College (Meadow A- Rondebosch Boys’ High)
Wynberg Boys’ High vs St Charles College (Silverhurst A – Wynberg Boys’ High)
SACS vs Pretoria Boys High (Memorial – SACS)
St David’s vs Affies (TBC)

Saturday, 13 January 2024 (T20)
Diocesan College vs Pretoria Boys High (Oaks – Diocesan College)
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs St Charles College (Meadow A – Rondebosch Boys’ High)
Wynberg Boys’ High vs Affies (Silverhurst A – Wynberg Boys’ High)
SACS vs St David’s (Memorial – SACS)
Hilton  College vs Waterkloof (Silverhurst B – Bishops)

 

Ama Unity of White City outlasted their neighbours, Mofolo United, 7-6 after a marathon penalty shootout to be crowned the champions of the 2023 Clinix Stix Morewa Soccer Challenge at Shapa Soweto on Saturday in Pimville.

The teams, which are separated by only a street, were very familiar with one another, so it was not surprising when they finished regulation play level at 1-1. By the narrowest of margins, the bragging rights then went the way of Ama Unity.

Diepkloof Ladies captured the women’s title after defeating the University of Johannesburg 2-0 in scorchingly hot conditions.

“Nothing pleases me more than seeing women playing in this tournament,” said Matshepo Majola: Clinix Health Group Chief Marketing Officer, who was a spectator at the finals and handed out the medals and trophies.

“We have to be intentional about promoting women, not just in the workplace but in all walks of life.

“I am confident we will see more of them in next year’s competition and beyond. And with Banyana Banyana doing so well on the international scene, we have to play our part in being a conveyor belt to ensure that the talent we have in this country is not lost but goes on to bear fruit globally.”

Majola was accompanied by SAFA Johannesburg President Phil Mogodi, who co-founded the event back in 2004.

“When we started, we had said we want to help with development because as we all know our country is lacking somewhat when it comes to that, so we cannot stand on the side and watch. We have to roll up our sleeves for the love of football and the country,” Mogidi said.

“This tournament has been named after a man who was passionate about development, and seeing these players display their talent, along with women’s teams, is a clear indication that we are doing something right, 19 years down the line.

“We will continue to produce the raw talent that is all over, around us, but now plans are afoot to lure teams from faraway regions, so that we test the players we see with, say, a team from Limpopo or Eastern Cape. We should not be seen as a Soweto tournament but a South African competition,” Mogodi said.

Some outstanding players have graced the Clinix Stix Morewa Soccer Tournament over the years, including Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane. who now represents Sassuolo in Italy.

The event has exhibited continuous growth, being put on pause only during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021. Now, after 17 editions, the tournament is all-inclusive, with women also being afforded an opportunity to show off their skills.

“Bra Stix”, as Morewa was known, was widely respected for his belief in football development. He viewed it as an opportunity to assist the youth of South Africa in realising their full potential.

DIVISION FINAL RESULTS

Under-9: KDC F.C (0) 3 vs (0) 2 Rea Vaya F.C. (KDC won 3-2 on penalties).
Under-11: Diepkloof Destroyers F.C (2) vs. (0) Zola Real Glasgow F.C.
Under-13: Diepkloof Rocks F.C (2) vs. (0) City Sports Academy
Under-15: Mapetla Youth United F.C. (1P5) vs. (1P4)
Under-17: White City Spurs F.C (2) vs. (1) Ndofaya Stars F.C.
Women Senior: Diepkloof Ladies F.C (2) vs. (0) University of JHB Ladies
Men’s Senior: Ama Unity F.C.  (1P7) vs. (1P6) Mofolo United Callies F.C.

 

Plans are well underway for an extended 2024 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, with next year’s event showcasing additional high school teams, as well as a primary schools’ festival for the first time.

The Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival is recognised by players and coaches as one of the best organised and most prestigious South African schoolboy rugby festivals, which has been reflected in the participation of many of the country’s best rugby-playing schools over the years.

Next year’s event in Botha’s Hill will see 14 high school teams and 10 primary school sides participating over three days of play – Thursday, 28 March; Saturday, 30 March; and Monday, 1 April.

The festival celebrates its 15th year in 2024, and since 2013 it has enjoyed the backing of Standard Bank, who will, once again, be the headline sponsor.

Four teams from the host province, KwaZulu-Natal, will be in action, and they’re familiar participants in the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival: Glenwood High School, Durban High School (DHS), Westville Boys’ High School and Kearsney College.

The line-up also features three newcomers, much to the delight of the organisers: Rondebosch Boys’ High, from Cape Town; Hoërskool Rustenburg, from the North-West; and Hoërskool Brandwag, from Benoni.

They will be joined two powerful Gauteng veterans of the Kearsney event, Hoërskool Monument (Krugersdorp) and Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen (Boksburg).

After an excellent inaugural outing last year, during which they impressed with their running rugby and good sportsmanship, Worcester Gimnasium, from the Western Cape, will be back to showcase their skills.

Three Eastern Cape regulars – Hoërskool Framesby (Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth), Hoër Landbouskool Marlow (Cradock) and Nico Malan High School (Humansdorp) – will also make the trip to Kearnsey.

Kimberley’s Hoërskool Noord-Kaap, like Worcester Gimnasium, a team that likes to run the ball, will also grace the festival once more.

In keeping with a formula, which they have very successfully implemented in football and hockey tournaments, the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival is expanding to include primary schools, who will be in action alongside the high school teams.

Referencing their decision to invite primary schools, Kearsney said in a press release: “Schoolboy rugby plays an invaluable role in the development of South Africa’s rugby culture, and instils the values of sportsmanship, teamwork and respect in young players. As such, Kearsney is delighted to be launching a primary schools festival in 2024.”

Kearsney Headmaster Patrick Lees said he was delighted that the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival was still growing, particularly now that it includes a primary schools’ section.

“We eagerly anticipate some thrilling schoolboy rugby, camaraderie and family fun. It promises to be an event not to be missed,” he said.

Hoërskool Stellenberg is as die Internasionale Jeugnetbalkampioen by die 12de Internasionale Jeugnetbaluitdaging aangewys wat van 21 tot 27 November in Singapoer gehou is.

Hierdie geskiedkundige oorwinning was die skool se eerste titel ooit in die toernooi.

Nege toegewyde spelers van die skool het op 17 November van Kaapstad na Singapoer vertrek en die oggend van 18 November in Singapoer geland.

Na ‘n seëvierende reeks wedstryde het hulle op 28 November met trots as kampioene na Suid-Afrika teruggekeer.

Om te kon kwalifiseer vir hierdie toernooi, moes die span die Kaapstad-streek verower het, waarna hulle na die Topskole-streek (Kay Motsepe) gevorder het en uiteindelik as oorwinnaars uit die stryd in die Kay Motsepe-streek getree het.

Stellies het uitsonderlike bekwaamheid ten toon gestel en die toernooi begin met ‘n oorwinning van 39-16 teen Boitumelong.

Daaropvolgende was oorwinnings teen Bukit Jalil Sports School, Maleisië (71-17), Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Australië (48-21), Singapore Sports School (56-17), Singapoer o.14 (58-11), Hong Kong Netbal Akademie (63- 7) en Tanglin Trust Skool (57-22).

In die halfeindronde het hulle weer teen Boitumelong te staan ​​gekom en ‘n oorheersende oorwinning van 55-18 behaal en hul plek in die eindstryd verseker.

In die kampioenskapswedstryd het hulle sterk begin en Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Australië met ‘n oorwinning van 60-20 verslaan.

Ten spyte van uitdagings soos lugdruk en onbekende kos, het die span ‘n indrukwekkende 507 doele oor nege wedstryde aangeteken.

Megan Jones is ook tydens die toernooi met die titel van Mid Court-speler bekroon.

Pamela Frylinck, afrigter van die wenspan het die belangrikheid van die oorwinning uitgespreek en beklemtoon die twee jaar lange reis saam met die o.15-span, die oorkom van uitdagings en die vasberadenheid wat nodig is om onoorwonne te bly deur die hele netbalseisoen.

Selmari Goosen, spanbestuurder en Frylinck het die goed georganiseerde toernooi, die stiptelikheid van wedstryde, akkurate statistiekblaaie asook die gasvryheid en sorg die fasiliteite geloof.

Hulle het ook die Kay Motsepe-stigting bedank vir die geleentheid en dank uitgespreek teenoor alle ondersteuners wat by die span gestaan ​​het tydens hul reis.

The fairy-tale season of the Highlands Park u19 team was brought to an end on Sunday, courtesy of the South African football giants Kaizer Chiefs, who edged out the Lions of the North after a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) Youth Cup.

While Chiefs won on Sunday, 2023 has, undoubtedly, belonged to Highlands Park. They were the best team throughout the duration of the most coveted youth league in South Africa, which many respected football experts believe to be the best youth league on the African continent.

The GDL is comprised of four divisions – u13, u15, u17 and u19 – and Highlands Park were crowned champions of the toughest of them all, the u19 division, which features some of the most exciting football talent in the country, including players who occasionally feature for South Africa’s top-flight Premier Soccer League clubs in the DStv Premiership.

Despite their success, coach Sifiso Mnguni‘s Highlands Park u19s always carry the underdogs’ tag into clashes against the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Chiefs and SuperSport United – clubs who have built up respect in African football over the course of many years.

This past year, though, Mnguni and his unit reenacted the David and Goliath story, taking down the giants, week-in and week-out, as they powered their way to the 2023 Gauteng Development League title.

After the league season concluded, the GDL Youth Cup was launched, and following their league title, Mnguni’s team was immediately installed as the favourites to achieve the double.

Highlands Park were in cruise control in the round of 32 and the round of 16, but they hit a roadblock in the form of coach David Mathebula‘s Chiefs u19s this past weekend. Some termed the quarterfinal showdown “the final before the final”.

For Chiefs, it was an opportunity for redemption. They had finished third in the league, trailing runners-up Mamelodi Sundowns by two points, but Highlands Park by 12. For the Lions of the North, it was another chance to further assert their dominance.

In the end, though, it was the Phefeni Glamour Boys who secured redemption.

They very nearly missed out, scoring a last-minute goal in regulation time to force a penalty shootout, which the AmaKhosi then won 5-4 from the spot.

It wasn’t the way in which Highlands Park wanted to end their season, but coach Mnguni, his players and the entire Highlands Park Club have many reasons to be proud of the sustained excellence produced by his charges throughout an eight-month long league campaign, and on into the knockout format of the GDL Youth Cup.

Their league success refutes any suggestions that Highlands Park were one-hit wonders. They not only won the league title, they earned the respect of the entire Gauteng Development League community.

The South African under-15 national boys’ football team reports for a camp on Thursday for a week of training before setting off for Rabat, Morocco, where they will face Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire in a three nations’ tournament.

The event, which runs from the 12^th to the 17^th of December, will be a first experience of international competition for the national under-15 side.

During July, a group of under-15 players was identified during the SAFA/FIFA Talent Development Scheme Tournament (TDS) and National Schools Championships. They’ll be monitored and developed over the course of the next two years with an eye towards COSAFA and CAF AFCON qualifiers for the national under-17 side in 2025.

Head coach Vela Khumalo said although the pool of identified players numbers almost 50, a squad of 29 players has been called up for the three nations’ tournament, but that will be reduced to 21 before the side departs for North Africa.

“Unfortunately, we had to evaluate the players from the last training camp and will trim the squad to accommodate the tournament rules, but we also had to consider the type of players we will need for the two opponents (Cote d’Ivoire and Morocco) we will be facing,” he explained.

“We are looking forward to this great experience and will ensure that all the players in the squad get a taste of playing for their first international caps,” he added.

“This tournament will be a great test, but more importantly, our players will learn from a young age what it means to play for the badge.”

Khumalo said the pool of players is continually being increased and a database of those players is being maintained, so that no player becomes lost in the system.

“We will ensure that we groom these players and work on areas that we, as the technical team, think they need improvement in,” he said.

SQUAD

Ronin Blackwell (Panorama FC), Keabetswe Morake (Kaizer Chiefs), Christiano von Muelen (School of Excellence), Sive Pama (Cape Town City), Ncebo Mtolo (Magic FC), Lucca Lazarus (SuperSport United), Tswelelo Maaki (SuperSport United), Tiago Khan (Panorama FC), Luke Hendriks (Ubuntu FC), Lebogang Mswane (School of Excellence), Anovuyo Mqoqi (Cape Town City), Royce Malatji (Kaizer Chiefs), Kabelo Sibande (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thurston Phillips (Cape Town Spurs), Selwyn Stevens (Cape Town Spurs), Kgaogelo Monanyane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Emile Witbooi (School of Excellence), Ishaam Tilling (Ubuntu FC), Siphiwe Mlondo (School of Excellence), Neo Bohloko (Kaizer Chiefs), Adriano Adams (Cape Town Spurs), Lesego Hlophe (Kaizer Chiefs), Bokomoso Mokokosi (Kaizer Chiefs), Steven Mendez (Kaizer Chiefs), Uyathanda Sbothobotho (Cosmos FC), Boyzy Ngidi (AmaZulu), Luyanda Biyela (AmaZulu), Diego da Silva (University of Pretoria), Liam Mokgosinyane (TS Galaxy)

After a thrilling showdown at Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena on Sunday, David Mathebula‘s Chiefs’ u19 team advanced to the semifinals of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) Youth Cup.

They secured a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Highlands Park after the rivals had played to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The game of the week was undoubtedly the one that everyone was waiting for. Some had even termed it “the final before the final”.

From the first minute of the contest, both teams exhibited a hunger to take it to their challengers, with the high-flying clubs eager to exert their dominance over the opposition.

The Phefeni Glamour Boys, playing on their home ground, quickly found their rhythm. GDL champions, Highlands Park, on the other hand, adopted a physical approach and made their presence known.

The young referee, Tseliso Rapuleng, from Soweto, was called to task, with fans, players and coaches all making their voices heard. Rapuleng, however, showed he was the right man for the big occasion, making some tough decisions and dishing out several yellow cards to the players and coaches alike.

The stalemate was broken early on when Highlands Park took the lead after Keagile Chaane converted a rebound from a penalty shot by Mokoena Napthali, which had been saved.

Despite being on the backfoot, Chiefs kept their shape at the back and their attacking intent, at the other end of the field, was unfaltering.

It was 1-0 to Highlands Park at the break, but there was no let-up when the second half kicked off, as the combatants continued to show why they are the two best teams in the league. Chiefs pressed for an equaliser and the Lions of the North pressed for a second goal to establish a cushion.

Both created opportunities, but for a long time neither found a finish. Kaizer Chiefs were awarded a penalty, but they were unable to level matters. It looked as if it would be Highlands Park’s day. However, with only seconds remaining on the clock, Phakamani Jwara, the Chiefs’ captain, equalised to take the contest to penalties.

After the game, coach David Mathebula, said his players knew that playing Highlands Park would not be an easy task. They had been crowned league champions for a reason.

Mathebula said one of the challenges Chiefs faced in the lead-up to the game was a lack of training time because the players were writing exams, although, he admitted, Highlands Park must have faced the same scenario. He said this meant they were not at their best.

Coach Mathebula also reserved special praise for Manqoba “Pelembe” Ozoemena for demonstrating strong character despite his young age. It was ‘Pelembe’ who missed a crucial penalty in the game, but he stepped up in the penalty shootout to convert from the spot when given a second opportunity.

“That’s the kind of mentality we need to instil in our boys,” Mathebula said. “When you make a mistake, don’t dwell on it. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how you learn and get better as a player, and players for Kaizer Chiefs requires such strength and positivity towards the game.”

Even though the Lions of the North lost, they still had their most loyal supporter, superfan Thato Chai, the father of Lindokuhle and Ntando, who both play for Highlands Park, roaring on encouragement.

Chai is an ever-present, decked out in a red Highlands Park outfit, with team flag in hand, at every single match.

Reflecting on the beautiful game, Chai said he also played football when he was younger, and he understands the importance of being supported. “I told myself I would do the same, not just for my young boys but for other kids as well, when the time comes.

“Moral support is everything in this game. Football is a psychological game. When there is someone acknowledging and cheering for you, it is to excel,” he said.

Chai also commended SuperSport Schools for providing a platform to showcase talented young footballers. “For the first time, football at development age is now more accessible on a larger scale. The kids now have confidence, and the thought of appearing on TV gives them an extra push.”

He also encouraged parents to continue showing their support for their children. It makes an amazing impact on youngsters when they see their parents providing their backing at stadiums, he concluded.

Full results: Quarterfinals

Kaizer Chiefs 1 (5) – 1 (4) Highlands Park
TS Galaxy vs Joburg City (2-0)
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Tuks (2-1)
NWU Vaal vs School of Excellence (1-0)

JOHANNESBURG: The Board of Cricket South Africa (CSA) met in Johannesburg yesterday and considered a complaint from the Palestine Solidarity Alliance with respect to comments reported to have been made by Mr David Teeger, captain of the SA U19 team, on the occasion of the ABSA Jewish Achievers Awards Ceremony on 26 October 2023.

The Board resolved to appoint an independent enquiry to be adjudicated by Adv Wim Trengove SC to determine whether Mr Teeger breached either the CSA or Central Gauteng Lions Codes of Conduct.

The enquiry will be conducted expeditiously and the decision of Adv Trengove as well as his reasons will be made public. CSA will not comment further on the matter until the conclusion of the enquiry.

Discovery and the South African Football Association (SAFA) will host the 20th edition of the Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge from the 1^st to the 23^rd of December, with the grassroots diski tournament set to welcome almost 3 000 players from far and wide.

Addressing the media at the launch at 1 Discovery Place in Sandton recently, SAFA Johannesburg President and tournament co-founder, Phil Mogodi, said the tournament is one that aspiring players dream of winning.

“This tournament is proud to have hosted the likes of Sibusiso Vilakazi, Percy Tau, Portia Modise, Lyle Foster, Ronwen Williams, Andile Dlamini and many more,” he said.

“It’s the festival for those wanting to follow in the footsteps of our country’s greatest footballers, and every single year the competition is more tightly contested than the year before.

“I’ve said it before, and I shall do so again: Participating in a tournament of this nature is unquantifiable and an absolute essential to any serious footballer, in my opinion. The player coming into this tournament is much more refined, skilled, determined and knowledgeable come the final whistle; and that’s our goal here.”

The tournament, which debuted in 2002, will, once again, be hosted by Shapa Soweto. Extremely competitive and highly anticipated, the one-of-a-kind football festival is renowned for the passion and spirit its players share on the pitch.

It’s big, very big! The men’s open category features 64 teams, while the women’s open includes 16 sides. In the under-17 age group, 40 teams will be in action. Only a handful of places remain open in the women’s categories.

The tournament begins with a round robin format, with the top teams progressing to the quarterfinals. From there, it’s a knockout format.

Deon Curtis, Senior Marketing Manager for Sponsorships at Discovery, said at the launch: “There’s something for everyone in this tournament, providing a professional platform for promising players to perform.

“Communities rally in support of the diski talent on display, and as Discovery continues to invest in school sports and the communities in which we serve, this tournament is one of many that speaks to our goal of getting more people active.”