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Only months after FIFA lifted its ban on Zimbabwe and gave the country the green light to once again participate in international competition, the southern African nation is set to host the CAF African Schools Football Championship, COSAFA Qualifiers, from the 14th to the 16th of December.

In a big boost for Zimbabwean football, FIFA lifted its suspension just in time for the World Cup qualifiers, and that move also paved the way for the 2nd edition of the CAF African Schools Championship, COSAFA qualifiers to be hosted in the country.

Zimbabwe had been removed from international competition as a result of alleged government interference in the running of the Zimbabwe Football Association.

FIFA vigorously enforces its rule against governmental interference in the beautiful game and rejects any attempts at the sport being used as a political tool.

Now the stage is set for Zimbabwe to host the most competitive schools’ football competition on the African continent.

In the inaugural season of the CAF African Schools Championship, over 400 000 boys and 20 000 girls from across the continent did battle to secure a place in the competition’s final in Durban in April. There, Fountain Gate of Tanzania and Ben Sekou of Guinea were crowned the boys’ and girls’ champions respectively,

COSAFA has since revealed that the competition is getting bigger and better every year, and the qualifiers for this year’s u15 edition have just been announced. Eleven COSAFA members will be sending boys’ and girls’ teams to compete in the competition with the hope of making it to the continental finals in 2024.

The field will be bolstered by teams from Angola and Botswana, as well as sides from Madagascar and Malawi. They’ll be joined by representatives from Mozambique and Namibia.

This marks a big leap forward from the first edition of the event, which was held in Malawi last October, where South Africa’s Edendale Technical won the girls’ competition, which consisted of just six teams.

The draw for December’s matches will be held in Harare shortly before the event kicks off.

Media Statement from the COSAFA President, President Artur de Almeida e Silva

COSAFA President Artur de Almeida e Silva said the competition will be a major stepping stone for those boys and girls who dream of playing football professionally. “This is much more than a schools’ competition. It is a first introduction to international football for the vast majority of these players,” he said. “The u15 age group category is a crucial one and gives these young players a taste of what it takes to challenge their peers in the region.

“We applaud CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe for his vision in introducing this vital competition and will build on the success of the last competition, where we also were honoured to host the continental finals.

“We wish all the competing teams the best of luck and thank the Zimbabwe Football Association for agreeing to play host this year, and all other stakeholders involved.”

Zimbabwe Football Association Chairperson Lincoln Mutasa said the country is ready to welcome all the teams to Harare.

“We are delighted to be back competing on the international scene again,” he stated. “We couldn’t ask for a better way to start the new chapter than to host the CAF African Schools Football Championship | COSAFA Qualifier, Zimbabwe 2023.

“School-going boys and girls are the bedrock of our vision to create competitive generational teams. We are grateful to CAF and COSAFA for giving us the honour to host the second edition.

“This tournament gives a lot of football stakeholders encouragement that indeed our football is on the right development track. The participants will be better footballers after the competition, because previously they had no opportunity to play competitive national team games.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for us as a country, for our boys and girls who did not participate in the inaugural edition. After this tournament, we are confident that everyone will begin to treasure schools’’ football because it has great possibilities for the young boys and girls who previously did not have opportunities to play competitive matches.”

Emerging as an exciting talent for the future, Riley Norton has already caused a stir this year and left an indelible mark on the South African schools’ sports scene. Now he has an opportunity to make history as he prepares for 2024.

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Born in Stellenbosch and schooled at Rhenish Primary before finding his way to the prestigious Paul Roos Gimnasium, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers, Norton has cricket and rugby in his DNA.

“We’re a big sports family, we love all South African sports. Cricket and rugby are the main two,” Riley explained.

His father, Chris Norton, a former Western Province rugby player, instilled a love of sport in the household and from a young age, Riley’s life revolved around playing.

“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been holding a cricket bat in the backyard and bowling at my brothers and friends or going to the field to play some rugby. Everything’s just always been about sports for me,” he shared with enthusiasm.

Over the years, and with the support of his family and his alma mater, this enthusiasm has blossomed into an exhilarating young talent that has already earned him a lot of positive attention from across the country.

He now stands a realistic chance of achieving something only 13 other South Africans have been able to achieve before him, that of earning South African Schools colours for both rugby and cricket. If he manages the feat, he will also be the third forward on the esteemed list.

Crucial to Riley’s journey has been the exceptional support system provided by his family. “I have awesome parents (Chris and Andi) and two brothers (Kei and Tim) who really look out for me, and they’re always the people I turn to first when things aren’t going right. I’m lucky to have them,” he said. “They’ve pushed me and helped me a lot through the last couple of years”.

The camaraderie extends to Paul Roos, where he describes the sporting culture as feeling like a second family.

“There’s so much support between the families, the coaches, and the guys at school, there’s always someone ready to help you, “said Norton, crediting Erhardt Muth and Corne Uys, his rugby coaches, and Deon Botes at the cricket programme, for their guidance. “Whenever I have something on my mind, they are always available, and they make it easy to come to them.”

The fact that he has attained such a high standard of performance at such a young age underlines the remarkable talent and work ethic Norton possesses.

Astonishingly, he began playing first-team cricket at Paul Roos in grade eight. Since 2022, he has captained the side.

Norton was named the u16 Player of the Year at the National Week in 2021, where he captained the Boland side. He has continued to hone his skills, and last year he made the SA Colts team after the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week. He was subsequently selected as a non-travelling reserve for the SA u19 tour of Bangladesh in July. At the beginning of 2023, he was also the second leading wicket-taker at the Cubs Week.

Acknowledging the CSA Talent Acceleration Programme‘s role in pushing him outside his comfort zone and enhancing his skills under the guidance of the country’s top mentors, he said: “All the TAP camps are great. It’s the best coaches in the country, who come together just to focus on us and help us develop, so you really do learn a lot there.”

While his foot has been firmly in the door of the national cricket side all year, and he has already been named in the 18-man provisional lineup for the 2024 u19 ICC Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka, he has smashed through the wall into the SA Schools Rugby team with his outstanding performances for Western Province at the Craven Week in George this year.

Being far removed from the backyard battles where his love for sport was formed comes with a certain amount of pressure, but Norton said he chooses to be positive and to make the most of his chances.

“It’s such a privilege to be playing sports, so I actually enjoy all the challenges that come with it, because I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”

Reflecting on his cricket idols, he looks up to Kagiso Rabada for his passion and skill. “Ever since I first saw him play, I wanted to bowl like him,” Riley confessed. In rugby, he admires Pieter-Steph du Toit, highlighting the impact and work ethic of the World Cup-winning Springbok.

Off the field, Riley relaxes with activities like golf, where he can unwind with friends and family. “I’m not very good,” he laughed, “but it’s nice to go out with some mates or family and play. I also love being outdoors, so I enjoy anything like fishing or hunting, where I just get to chill in nature.

“I definitely want to play sports after school, but I haven’t decided yet between cricket or rugby. It all depends on the opportunities that arise, but I definitely want to keep playing sports,” Riley affirmed, leaving the door open for a future that holds boundless possibilities.

As he stands on the brink of a potentially historic year, one thing is certain: with numerous chapters left in his story, Riley Norton has already demonstrated tremendous potential, and the sky is truly the limit for this emerging South African sports phenom.

SA Schools cricket and rugby:
1974	Lee Barnard	King Edward VII
1974	Malcolm Thompson	Maritzburg College
1979	Chris Smit	Grey College
1981	Gerbrand Grobler	Grey College
1982	Helgard Muller	Grey College
1985	Frans Cronjé	Grey College
1987	Udo Goedeke	Maritzburg College
1987	Errol Stewart	Westville Boys’ High
1991	Greg Miller	Grey High School
1992	Herschelle Gibbs	Diocesan College
2002	Adrian Penzhorn	Maritzburg College
2023	Riley Norton	Paul Roos Gimnasium

As the quarter-final stage of the Gauteng Development League Youth Cup draws closer, coach David Mathebula‘s Kaizer Chiefs u19s are in with a chance of redemption when they face coach Sifiso Mnguni‘s Highlands Park u19s at the Kaizer Chiefs Village on 25 November.

It would be redemption for Chiefs purely because Highlands Park have been dominant this year, especially in the u19 division of the Gauteng Development League, which they won comfortably after an impressive 34-match campaign in which the Highlands Park boys lost only three times.

Kaizer Chiefs also enjoyed a strong season, suffering only five defeats on their way to a third-place finish, 12 points behind the champions.

With Mathebula at the helm – the veteran of 256 games as a professional, including 79 for Chiefs – the u19s will, no doubt, be motivated to take full advantage of their opportunity to have another crack at Highlands Park in the knockout competition.

They’ll be seeking to reverse a futile streak against their opponents, with Chiefs’ best result in 2023 being a goalless draw in their most recent showdown. It took a rearguard action from the Amakhosi, who struggled to cope with the champions’ high-pace and high-intensity style of play, to achieve that result.

That match took place on the 12th of August. Before that, the two teams did battle on the 15th of April, with Mnguni’s side handing the Soweto giants a humbling 2-1 loss.

The Youth Cup, however, will pose some different questions to the league encounters. It is, of course, a knockout format, and many of the teenagers are busy writing their end of year exams.

How might this impact the fixture?

None of the teams have yet had to make do without any of their star players, but it could be that one or two sides find themselves in a tricky situation if any of those leading players are forced to miss a match.

The possible impact of fatigue as a result of the exams and the demands they place on the boys is something that needs to be considered, too.

The answers will make themselves known when the action takes place on the 25th of November, with the two big guns both determined to advance to the final four, one step from duelling for the GDL Youth Cup silverware.

Quarter-final Fixtures

U19 Division

– Kaizer Chiefs vs Highlands Park
– Joburg City vs TS Galaxy
– School of Excellence vs NWU Vaal
– Mamelodi Sundowns vs TUKS

U17 Division

– Kaizer Chiefs vs Highlands Park
– School of Excellence vs Randburg AFC
– Prestige Football DF vs TUKS
– Joburg City vs TS Galaxy/Capital City

U15 Division

– Rosina Sedibane vs Highlands Park
– Jomo Cosmos vs Randburg AFC
– Mamelodi Sundowns vs RESA
– Panorama vs TS Galaxy

U13 Division

– Kaizer Chiefs vs Siluma 7
– Jomo Cosmos vs Supersport United
– Joburg City vs Kathorus Hyper
– Mamelodi Sundowns vs RESA

Jim Fouché en Fichardtpark sal mekaar weer ontmoet in die Stadsbeker eindstryd nadat hule hierdie naweek vir Sentraal en Landboudal onderskeidelik kon elimineer op die Gonval-store Park in Bainsvlei.

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Die Fichie-leeus kon ‘n onvergeetlike jaar voortsit met ‘n sterk 52-0 sege oor Sentraal.

Hul held, die slot, Jaco Gobbelaar, wie Fichardtpark se eerste SA Skole speler ooit is, kon weer uitblink vir sy span in wat moontlik sy laaste wedstryd in die Fichie-trui was.

Grobbelaar kon ‘n driekuns aanteken om sy indrukwekkende totaal selfs nog meer op te stoot. Hierdie was moontlik sy laaste wedstryd omdat hy van volgende naweek af deelmaak van die SA Skole span wat teen Engeland en Frankryk gaan meeding.

Die Fichies se Cravenweek skrumskakel, Devanté Claassen, was ook weer op sy stukke. Claassen en sy blitsige vleuel, Edward Mpinga, kon elkeen ook twee drieë bydra.

Jim Fouché beleef ook ‘n sterk seisoen, en verdien hul plek in die eindstryd na ‘n oortuigende 39-12 oorwinning teen Landboudal.

JF se kaptein en Cravenweek haker, Stefan Venter, is week na week hul voorste driedrukker en kon Saterdag weer twee keer oor die lyn kom.

Sy wakker klein skrumskakel, Tristan van der Walt, was net so effektief op die dag, en kon 19 punte byvoeg met ‘n drie en vier doelskoppe en twee strafdoelle.

Toe Fichardtpark vroeër in die seisoen teen Jim Fouché gespeel het was daar slegs ses punte tussen die twee spanne met Fichardtpark wat 39-33 gewen het.

Die eindstryd beloof dus om ‘n epiese herontmoeting te wees om te bepaal wie die liga-wenners is, asook om te sien of Jim Fouché hul bure se droomseisoen kan bederf.

Hendrik Potgieter van Reddersburg en Zastron het Dinsdag hul laaste ligabepaling teen mekaar gespeel, voordat hulle Saterdag weer in die B-liga halfeindstryd ontmoet het.

Zastron het daardie eerste wedstryd 23-14 gewen, maar Hendrik Potgieter het hul spel in die halfeindstryd gelig om dit ‘n baie harder stryd te maak.

Ondanks die feit dat die manne van Reddersburg teen halftyd met 14-12 die voorsprong gehad het, kon Zastron hergroepeer en genoeg doen om die oorwinning in die tweede helfde te steel met 27-24.

Hulle sal dan in die eindstryd teen Brandfort te staan kom.

Zastron se onderkaptein en skrumskakel, Reinico Nel, speel ‘n groot rol vir sy span. Nie net behartig hy hul stelskoppe nie, maar hy diregeer ook sy span se aanval baie effektief.

Brandfort verdien hul kans om vir die titel te veg na ‘n baie sterk vertoning in die tweede helfte teen St Andrews om met 43-34 te wen.

St Andrews beleef ‘n moeilike seisoen, maar het by die Onafhanklike Skole Rugbyfees wat hulle gedurende die vakansie aangebied het gewys dat hul rugbyprogram aan die groei is deur om ‘n sterk Kearsney College tot die einde te laat sweet voordat die Bloemfonteiners uiteindelik met 10-5 die knie moes buig.

Brandfort en St Andrews het verlede naweek ook kragte gemeet in hul ligabepalings, daar was baie minder om die twee spanne te skei in daardie wedstryd, met Brandfort wat 14-12 kon wen nadat die spanne gelyk was op 7-elk na die eerste 35 minute.

Die manne van Brandfort het egter hul spel gelig in die halfeindstryd en dit lyk asof dit moeilik gaan wees om hulle te keer hierdie jaar.

Die veelsydige senter, Fanie van Rooyen, het uitgestaan in daardie wedstryd met twee pragdrieë vir sy span.

St Andrews se groot stut, Matthew Simon, het ook ‘n fenomenale wedstryd gehad en kon drie keur oor die doellyn bars om sy span in die wedstryd te hou, en sy heelagter, Connor Nel, het met al sy pogings pale toe geslaag.

 

Die puntemakers:

A-liga:

Fichardtpark 52 (31) – Drieë: Jaco Grobbelaar (3), Devanté Claassen (2), Edward Mpinga (2), Duan Viviers. Doelskoppe: Dailen Geldenhuys (6). Sentraal 0.

Jim Fouché 39 (17) – Drieë: Stefan Venter (2), Heinrich Hattingh, Altus du Plessis, Tristan van der Walt. Doelskoppe: Van der Walt (4). Strafdoelle: Van der Walt (2) Landboudal 12 (7) – Drieë: Marius Etzebeth, Frans Homsek. Doelskop: Etzebeth.

B-liga:

Brandfort 43 (14) – Drieë: Fanie van Rooyen (2), JC Venter, Barend de Klerk, Janco Snyman,  Gustav Maree. Doelskoppe: Henre Smith (5). Strafdoel: Smith. St Andrews 34 (17) – Drieë: Matthew Simon (3), Mlungisi Lepesa. Doelskoppe: Connor Nel (4). Strafdoelle: Nel (2).

Zastron 27 (12) – Drieë: Frans Botha, Lecha Leballo, CJ Bouer, Mawethu Magudela. Doelskoppe: Reinico Nel (2). Strafdoel: Nel. Hendrik Potgieter 24 (14) – Drieë: Tumi Pholoane (2), Cedric Booysen. Doelskoppe: Sterling Batties (2), Jandré van Niekerk. Strafdoel: Batties.

Ander uitslae:

A-liga:

o.19 – Landboudal II 27, Fichardtpark II 5; Jim Fouché II 40, Sentraal II 0; Fichardtpark III 13, Landboudal III 0; Sentraal III 12, Jim Fouché III 5.

o.16 – Jim Fouché 50, Sentraal 0; Fichardtpark 41, Landboudal 13.

o.15 – Jim Fouché 12, Landboudal 10; Fichardtpark 11, Sentraal 3.

o.14 – Jim Fouché 57, Landboudal 0; Sentraal 10, Fichardtpark 7.

B-liga:

o.16 – St Andrews 25, Hendrik Potgieter 13; Brandfort 24, Zastron 10.

o.15 – St Andrews 22, Sand du Plessis 0; Bloemfontein Hoër 10, Brandfort 10.

It’s just under a month before the annual Inter-provincial Water Polo Tournament kicks off in Gqeberha in December.

The tournament will see provincial teams from around the country make the trip down to the windy city for a series of fixtures to determine which team is the best in South Africa.

The hosts, Nelson Mandela Bay, are underdogs, but they will be aiming to cause an upset and win the title in their home waters. They will be banking on home-ground advantage, their familiarity with conditions in the City, and the ever-present local support.

The boys’ and girls’ senior teams for the occasion have been finalised, with players from many of the Eastern Cape’s top schools – including Grey High School, Kingswood College, St Andrew’s College, Diocesan School for Girls, and Pearson High School – well represented.

The boys’ side has eight players from Grey High School, and three from Makhanda’s St Andrew’s College, who were in sublime form during the season.

Pearson High has two representatives: Zack Willimott and Salmaan Abrahams.

The side will aim to tap into the confidence the St Andrew’s players will bring, after they finished their season on a high by claiming a bronze medal at the St Stithians Water Polo Invitational tournament last month.

College’s Nicholas Franklin is also one to look out for. He was one of the most impressive players in action at the Saints Invitational, where he earned himself a place in the team of the tournament.

The team will be coached by Grant Mackenzie, with Debbie Windsor taking on the role of team manager.

The girls’ team, on the other hand, has a healthy mix of DSG (Diocesan School for Girls), and Kingswood College players in the 13-member squad.

Rightfully so, the two sides have dominated in the Eastern Cape, representing the province in various national tournaments outside of the province, and ranking among the best sides in the country.

Two players from Pearson High are also included in the side, with Jorja Ross and Teagan Harty representing the Summerstrand school in the biggest tournament of their lives.

They will be coached by Julia Gaybba, with Kingswood’s Kyle Kumm as the assistant coach. Avril Harty is the team manager.

The first salvos in the tournament will be fired on the 9th of December, with the final matches scheduled for the 13th of December.

The Team

Boys

Oliver Klatte (Grey High School), Daniel de Lange (Grey High School), Guy Fraser (St Andrew’s College), Jon Hobson (Grey High School), Jono Mackenzie (St Andrew’s College), Luke Lightening (Grey High School), Luke Mallet (Grey High School), Mark Brombacher (Grey High School), Nicholas Franklin (St Andrew’s College), Salmaan Abrahams (Pearson High School), Samuel Marston (Grey High School), Tawfiq Akomolafe (Grey High School), Zack Willimott (Pearson High School).

Girls

Amelia Brown (DSG), Olivia Connellan (Kingswood College), Dominique de Jongh (Kingswood College), Avuyisiwe Dyaphu (DSG), Teagan Harty (Pearson High), Julia Hough (Kingswood College), Amie Jenner (DSG), Matipa Karimazondo (Kingswood College), Jamie Lacey (Kingswood), Anna Christensen Pinto (DSG), Jorja Ross (Pearson High), Amy Wilson (Kingswood College), Jasmine Witthuhn (Kingswood College).

Maritzburg College’s 1st soccer team of 2023 will be remembered as one of the school’s finest sides to have graced the football pitch. Week in and week out they delivered memorable performances, leading to three titles and memories to last a lifetime.

Playing a quick passing, possession type of game, in the mould of Barcelona, the team benefitted from strong leadership on and off the pitch.

Captain Mateo Horstead commanded the midfield and regularly sliced open the opposition with his incisive passing, while forward Mazithi Qasha was prolific in front of goal. At the back, the College defence played with assurance and calm confidence.

They didn’t win every tournament they contested, and bowed out early in the Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament, but the College boys retained belief in themselves throughout, bouncing back with their trust in one another undiminished.

Perhaps their biggest cheerleader and a source of strength for the team was Maritzburg College’s Director of Soccer, Nic Haswell, who hails from a well-known football family. Haswell promised dominance from his players, and they delivered on his promise.

College’s Michael Dibben (one of the best football commentators on SuperSport Schools) wrote: “This 1st XI’s players have gone from strength to strength and they’ve cemented their place as one of, if not the best team, in the 160 years of Maritzburg College.”

Considering the quality of players that have passed through the school, that is high praise indeed.

The team, which was coached by Maritzburg College old boy and former pro footballer, Chemon Petersen, the son of legendary Moroka Swallows’ striker Calvin Petersen, captured the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands FA Cup for the first time in the school’s history in September. Goals from Mateo Horstead, Ilunga Kayembe and Thando Hlophe sealed a 3-2 victory for College over Carter High in a scintillating final played at Hilton College.

The red, black and white had won their first trophy of the 2023 season in May when they annexed the KZN High Schools Inland Football League title, defeating Linpark 1-0 in the final. They followed that up with the Primo Big 10 title in August, beating Glenwood 1-0 to claim the honours after two days of intense competition. The FA Cup victory over Carter High completed the treble. 

College’s dominance was on full display during their run to the FA Cup title. They opened their account with an 8-0 thumping of St Nicholas, with striker Grayson Mentory netting four times in the win. He would go on to finish as the tournament’s top goal-scorer with seven goals.

Horstead and company delivered another impressive performance in the semi-finals, overrunning Alexandra High School 5-1.

Demonstrating how well-balanced the team was, there was also recognition of their defensive efforts when College shot-stopper CJ Sukraj was named the goalkeeper of the tournament.

Against St Nicholas, he pulled off a stunning penalty save to keep his side 2-0 in front.

Summing up the season, Maritzburg College Director of Soccer, Nic Haswell, said he was extremely proud of what the 2023 1st team achieved. They put in plenty of hard work and the treble was a deserved reward for their efforts, he reckoned.

Full Maritzburg College Soccer Team

1 CJ Sukraj
2 T Hlophe
3 AP Ngcobo
4 O Mkhwanazi
5 L Matshoge
6 T Myeni
7 P Khuzwayo
8 S Mncwabe
9 J Kayembe
10 M Qasha
11 Z Makangela
12 B Middleton
13 G Mentory
14 M Horstead (C)
15 O Thabethe
16 M Mncwabe
17 A Ngcobo
18 M Momple
19 P Schutte
20 J Marais
21 O Mqadi
22 A Cele
23 S Zulu
24 T Madzimure

In 2023, the East London High School Soccer League experienced encouraging growth as a handful of teams put themselves in position for a run at the title. After a successful year, SuperSport Schools sat down with one of the league administrators, Matthew Geach, to learn more about what’s in store for 2024 and to take a look back on a hard-fought season.

“Looking back on the conclusion of the 2023 East London High School Soccer League’s season, the main thing that helped us to have a successful season was that all the participating teams were driven with ambitions to do well and claim the league crown for themselves,” Geach said.

Stutterheim High School, led by their captain Nanga Jodi, who scored a stunner on the final day against one of the favourites, Dale College, was crowned the champions.

For most of the season, five teams were in the race for the league honours: Stutterheim, Dale College, who were the defending champions, their traditional rivals, Selborne College, who finished third in 2022, and two newcomers, the Centre of Excellence and Cathcart.

Towards the end of the campaign, a couple of Dale College games determined the winners. The school from Qonce had two matches to play, one against Selborne College and the other against Stutterheim, and they needed four points to secure the title.

A draw away to Selborne in their second last match put Dale under heavy pressure to get a win against Stutterheim in their last outing. Stutterheim, meanwhile, needed only a point to claim the title. In the end, they edged out Dale by a goal to nil to win the league for the first time in the school’s history.

“For 2024, we plan to kick off the season in March, to get ahead of the June and September exams, as most schools turn their focus to academics during those their times,” Geach said.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming West Bank High School to the league. They’re coming across from one of the other league streams, where they finished third in the league and third in the Knockout Cup, losing out to Ebenezer Majombozi High School in the semi-finals, who were the eventual winners of the Knockout Cup after beating Dale College in the final.”

The development of girls’ football at the various high schools in the East London High School Soccer League will also receive attention in 2024, with the focus on providing them with a well-structured environment, much like the boys’ competition.

“It is our aim to provide a platform for avid footballers to showcase their talents, provide schools with structured competitions, and give students avenues to pursue careers in the sport,” Geach said.

“Following a very successful year, we are looking to grow and provide more opportunities for the schools involved within our league streams.”

In the world of cricket, dedication begets talent, and one young player exemplifying this equation is Esa Gangat. At only 17 years old, Esa, a student at Pearson High School in Gqeberha, has already made significant strides towards a promising future in cricket.

His cricketing journey has been shaped by a household deeply immersed in the sport.

“My family always loved cricket,” Esa reminisced. “Growing up, cricket would always be playing on the TV, and my Dad would always be throwing to my brothers and me in the garage or the backyard.”

This familial cricket atmosphere became the breeding ground for Esa’s passion. With two older brothers, Aarif and Umar, a younger brother Sulaymaan, and a sister Aaminah, cricket became more than just a game – it became a family tradition.

Esa’s earliest memories revolve around friendly competitions, where sibling rivalry fuelled a desire to produce the best results. He proudly stated, “We all play cricket, and it’s always a competition between one another.”

Light-heartedly, he commented, “I’d like to think I’m the best, but my little brother, Sulaymaan, isn’t far behind.” With pride, he added, “He’ll be representing EP at the CSA National u16 Week next month.”

Though he is evidently still very much connected to his roots, Esa’s cricket journey has extended far beyond backyard games. He has represented Eastern Province at various age group levels and played for the Eastern Warriors Cubs team in 2022 and 2023.

However, the highlight of his career so far was representing the SA u19 team in Bangladesh in July, and he’s hoping for future opportunities to represent the country at the game he loves.

“I also play for Gelvendale Cricket Club, which is where I played most of my cricket before school and gained a lot of knowledge, especially having played with some of the first-class cricketers there.”

Recently, he has been named in the 2023 Eastern Province team for the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week for a second year in succession. He’ll be a key figure in an experienced squad.

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As Esa approaches his matric year, he is looking forward to the coming season, saying, “I just want to go out there, do my best, and enjoy my final bit of school cricket.”

The best might still lie ahead, but having been part of the first team since he was in grade nine, his journey has already been filled with many highlights. His standout memory? “My first-team debut, when I got a five-wicket haul against Grey High School,” he recalled with enthusiasm.

Pearson has become a second home for Esa. “My friends always joke, saying if I’m not at home I’m either in the cricket nets or the gym at school,” he said.

Under the guidance of Mr. Brad Dolley, a coach and teacher at the school, Esa has found a mentor who not only understands the game but also shares his specialisation in left-arm orthodox spin bowling. “Having someone who’s played the game, and knows the game as well as he does, has been very valuable for me as a player,” Esa acknowledged.

As a role model, he admires Keshav Maharaj, a fellow left-arm orthodox spin bowler, for his approach to the game and control when bowling.

Like any journey, Esa’s hasn’t been without its challenges. From playing in higher age groups at a young age, to handling the pressures associated with that, he credits his family for providing unwavering support. “My parents and siblings are always there for me, and that helps me deal with the pressures a lot better,” he said.

Obsessed with the game, he admitted that he doesn’t really have any hobbies outside of cricket and spends all his time on the sport.

“When I’m not playing cricket, I’m watching it on television.”

With such a single-minded focus and an unwavering commitment to making the best of his natural talent, the future holds great promise for Esa Gangat.

Eastern Province has announced a formidable line-up for the 2023 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week, featuring a blend of seasoned returnees and promising new faces.

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Esa Gangat, Corby van Heerden, Matthew Beamish, Simnikile Soyaya, Russel Petersen, Aphiwe Mnyanda, and Olwakhe Goqorza headline the list of returning players, having previously showcased their skills at the 2022 event in Stellenbosch.

Grey High School and St Andrew’s College have contributed six of the players in the 13-man lineup. Matthew Poole, the captain of College’s first team, joins forces with Sibusiso Mxube, who captained the EP u16 team in 2021, and the experienced Matthew Beamish.

Beamish and Poole have set the stage ablaze this year, with both achieving back-to-back centuries at the Makhanda Schools’ T20 Cricket Festival in January.

The younger William Beamish has been selected for the EP u16 team.

Grey’s contingent, featuring Jean Upman, Kian Cambier, and the returning Corby van Heerden, further strengthens the squad.

Pearson’s left-arm spinner, Esa Gangat, who is also a more than useful batsman, will have a central role to play. In July, he represented the SA U19 team in Bangladesh. He also appeared for the SA Emerging team in the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge Division Two competition.

The squad also welcomes back Simnikile Soyaya from Muir College for another campaign.

However, the veterans in this year’s team are Graeme College’s Aphiwe Mnyanda and Olwakhe Goqorza and Russel Peterson of Victoria Park, who are returning for a third Khaya Majola Week.

Mnyanda, Graeme College’s Deputy Head Boy, has earned his stripes, representing the SA U19 team in the CSA T20 knockout in both 2021 and 2022. Goqorza was selected for the SA Colts team in 2021.

The new faces in the squad this year include Westering’s Head Boy for 2024, Hamza Khan, and Daniel Pienaar’s Nolan DiPalo, who has been prolific with the bat this year, averaging 71 runs and scoring more than 1100 in total, including a massive innings of 250 against Nico Malan.

This EP squad has some serious firepower and will be seeking to make some noise in Makhanda in December.

The Team

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

Young South African hockey goalkeepers have an opportunity to train under a man regarded by many as the best keepers’ coach in the world today. Martin Drijver, known as “The Goalie Guru” will be heading up a camp at Hilton College from the 6^th to the 8^th of December.

Coaches, especially, are bring targeted and are being offered a special discounted rate to enable them to learn from the best. Outfielders, too, will also be able to sign up for top class coaching.

Drijver is a full-time goalkeeping coach and runs The Drijver Goalie Academy in The Netherlands. He has also trained net-minders all around the world, including in The Netherlands, Spain, India, and Malaysia, among others.

South African standouts, Rassie Pieterse and Sanani Mangisa, who both enjoyed long international careers as two of the best in the game, benefitted from Drijver’s coaching and knowledge.

Goalies that have received tutelage from the Dutch ace have appeared in seven Olympic Games, including Great Britain legend Maddie Hinch who, in a legendary performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, saved all four Dutch attempts in a penalty shootout to secure the gold medal for her team.

As a goalkeepers’ trainer, Drijver has been involved in an incredible four Olympic Games, 10 EuroHockey Nations Championships, six World Cups, 11 Champions Trophies and one FIH Pro League.

He played for The Netherlands in all of their junior national teams and helped the Dutch win a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup in 1979. His father, Han, played in two Olympic Games.

At the Hilton camp, Drijver will be assisted by Chaka Ngubane, who has 12 years of experience tutoring goalies to his name. His current work includes coaching goalkeepers at Hilton College, St John’s DSG, Michaelhouse, St Anne’s and Maritzburg College.

While at school, Ngubane earned national colours at the under-16 and under-17 levels. He has since coached seven goalkeepers who have made South African Schools.

The latest is Maritzburg College’s Nick Holmes, who will be jetting off to Malaysia with the national under-17 side, for the Mirnawan Cup, which takes place from 18-26 November.

Outfielders

The coaching for outfielders will be led by Hilton College’s 1st team coach, former South African international Damian Kimfley, a South African Hockey Association (SAHA) and International Hockey Federation (FIH) level 3 coach.

Kimfley is also the head coach of the KZN Inland u18A team and assistant coach of the KZN Raiders. Under his guidance, the Hilton 1st XI finished 2023 ranked second in the country. In 2022, his side was ranked number one.

Besides coaches, the camp is open to hockey players of all levels and caters to boys and girls from the ages of 10 to 18, with accommodation available either on or off the beautiful Hilton College campus during the event. Meals are offered with either option.

Coaches, especially, are being encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity, with the exceptional discounted rates.

Coaches’ cost: R1 990 on campus, R1 490 off campus.
Players’ cost: R2 790 on campus, R2 290 off campus.

To secure a place, please click on the link –

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYGpJUWIXMshONN1q2JA7jrOin_f2x5HLID0pJl8S6VTKsxQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0