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Menlopark fired off a serious warning shot to their opposition in the Westvaal North-South T20 tournament on Friday morning. The hosts chased down a challenging target of 201 set by Saint Andrew’s School with relative ease.

Marco Strydom (34, 22b) and Marcus de Aguiar (34, 17b*) led the charge with solid contributions.

Alongside the pair, Willem Sevenster chipped in with a blistering cameo to swing the momentum in favour of Menlopark. He sent the ball to all parts of the ground, racing to his 30 from just 13 balls.

Opening bowler JC Young led the Saints’ bowling attack, claiming the impressive figures of 2/30.

Meanwhile, Schalk Liebenberg set the standard for the Saint Andrew’s batsmen, compiling a wonderful 78 from just 42 deliveries. He found substantial support from Andre du Preez, who played equally well for his 53. Together, they helped the side from Bloemfontein post 200 for 8 in their 20 overs.

Waterkloof cruised to a thumping victory of eight wickets against Hoërskool Nelspruit. With Nellies batting first, the Klofie bowlers needed to hit their straps early and so they did. GJ de Swardt shone with a return of 2/12 in his four overs, while Franco Cronje returned similar figures, but from two overs.

With those two setting the tone, Waterkloof exerted a vice-like grip on the Nelspruit batting to restrict the opposition to a meagre 88/8 from their 20 overs.

Divan Behrens‘ 27 from 17 deliveries and a well-played 27 from Marcus Bakker broke the backbone of the run chase. A contribution of 26 from Wian Ruthven was the final nail in the coffin as the Klofies got home with more than 10 overs to spare.

Summarised Scorecard:

St Andrew’s School 200/8 (Schalk Liebenberg 78, André du Preez 53; GN van Zyl 3/29); Menlopark 202/7 (Marco Strydom 34, Marcus de Aguiar 34*, Willem Sevenster 30, Ben Strydom 26, Pierre de Villiers 23, Wian van Deventer 21; JC Young 2/30). Menlopark won by two wickets.

Hoërskool Nelspruit 88/8 (Luke Poisson 18; GJ de Swardt 2/12, Franco Cronjé 2/12); Waterkloof 89/2 (Divan Behrens 27, Marcus Bakker 27, Wian Ruthven 26; Brendan Boucher 1/8). Waterkloof won by eight wickets.

Rondebosch Boys’ High returned to winning ways after their epic encounter with St Stithian’s yesterday to beat Westville Boys’ High by 47 runs on the second day of the Westvaal North-South T20 Tournament.

Wynberg Boys’ High and SACS both left their victories to the final over of their games, as they were made to dig deep for their successes against Selborne College and Grey High respectively.

Meanwhile, Grey College, from Bloemfontein, made light work of Paarl Boys’ High to register their first win at the event.

Catch all of the action live on SuperSport Schools – Register now – Link to the tournament

In a sensational display of batting prowess, Jordan Neill, the formidable opener and captain of Rondebosch Boys’ High, spearheaded his side’s charge with an undefeated century.

His sublime innings of 130 runs marked the first century scored at this year’s tournament and propelled his team to an imposing total of 221/1, setting a daunting target for their opponents.

Partnering with Neill at the top of the order, Noah Heath contributed a brisk 20 runs off just 15 deliveries to set a solid foundation for the innings.

Bongani Mfunelwa then took to the crease and went on a fiery rampage, smashing a blistering 66 from a mere 38 balls. His explosive performance included an impressive tally of six sixes, adding to his captain’s account of four. Together, they provided an electrifying batting exhibition that set the stage for a compelling contest.

Despite a resolute half-century by Westville’s stalwart, Max Robertson, the Rondebosch bowling arsenal produced an impeccable display of precision and accuracy to leave the KZN outfit well shy of their victory target.

Declan Gillespie and Alex Combrinck took three wickets each, effectively thwarting Westville’s attempts to establish any significant momentum.

The boys from Cape Town will look to continue on the same winning track when they face Affies in their second match of the day.

For Westville, it doesn’t get any easier as they face the mighty St Stithian’s next.

While there were no centuries on the first day, Tre Gilbert of Selborne College reached the coveted three-figure milestone shortly after Rondebosch’s Neill had recorded the tournament’s maiden ton.

In a spirited display, Selborne posted a commendable total of 205/4 against Wynberg Boys’ High, with Gilbert being the major contributor.

In the 54 deliveries he faced, he caused substantial damage to the opposition, manufacturing a flurry of boundaries, with 10 fours and an impressive five sixes.

His superb innings left most of Wynberg’s bowlers struggling to find an answer as the overs ran out, with Gilbert’s wicket still intact.

Accurate bowling by Yaseen Moses, who snared two wickets for only 15 in his four overs, helped contain the Selbornians, though, leaving Wynberg with a sniff at victory, even if it appeared to be a slight one.

In pursuit of the challenging target, Paul James played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for Wynberg, anchoring the innings with a resolute 66. His steady presence at the crease set the stage for a dramatic finish.

Jordan Nel‘s contribution, adding 34 runs from 22 balls at the tail end, proved to be the final piece of the puzzle that secured victory for the Cape Town school, with just three wickets in hand and a mere six deliveries to spare.

Wynberg Boys’ High take on Centurion in the afternoon and Selborne College will look to return to winning ways against Potchefstroom Volkskool.

SACS left it even later in their match against Grey High School.

Reza Salie bowled well to take three wickets for 20, especially since one of the wickets was the all-important dismissal of Jean Upman, Grey High’s top scorer, who had settled in and was on 67 from 39 deliveries.

Though the target was not out of reach and the SACS batsmen did well to protect their wickets, their scoring was a little on the slow side of things, and they almost ran out of overs, before getting home with only four balls remaining.

Joshua Wyngaard led the Cape Town team’s batting, with 61 from only 39 balls, while Hamish Anderson and Keiron Bowers kept their cool at the end to see out the game for SACS.

They face Menlopark on Friday afternoon, while the boys from Gqeberha take on St Andrew’s School from Bloemfontein.

The other participating team from the City of Roses, Grey College, posted a victory over their old foes, Paarl Boys’ High.

In a contest decided by the bowlers, Grey’s Johnathan Muller and Juan Viljoen removed six Boishaai batsmen for a combined total of only 23 runs, which left their rivals 55 runs short of a winning total.

Grey’s Adam Niewoudt was dismissed just two runs short of the half-century mark, but it made all the difference as they dismissed the boys from Paarl for only 94.

Nelspruit awaits Grey College at 14:00, while Boishaai will look to turn the tide against a formidable-looking Waterkloof outfit.

Summarised scorecards:

Rondebosch Boys’ High 221/1 (Jordan Neill 130*, Bongani Mfunelwa 66*, Noah Heath 20; Josh Beck 1/42); Westville Boys’ High 174/9 (Max Robertson 53, Aryan Gopalan 36; Declan Gillespie 3/34, Alex Combrinck 3/43, Raeeq Daniels 2/33). Rondebosch Boys’ High won by 47 runs.

Selborne College 205/4 (Tre Gilbert 101*, Hayden McKay 36, Jacques van der Merwe 25; Yaseen Moos 2/15); Wynberg Boys’ High 206/7 (Paul James 66, Jordan Nel 34*, Beni Hansen 29, Extras 22; Adam Rogers 2/36, Tre Gilbert 2/38). Wynberg Boys’ High won by three wickets.

Grey High School 185/7 (Jean Upman 67, Corby van Heerden 33, Kian Cambier 26; Reza Salie 3/20); SACS 186/3 (Joshua Wyngaard 61, Extras 28, Hamish Anderson 27*, Oliver Whitehead 26, Keiron Bowers 25*; Xander Elkington 1/14). SACS won by seven wickets.

Grey College 149/7 (Adam Niewoudt 48, Samu Lephoto 37; Johan Wege 3/27, Marco Cato 2/36); Paarl Boys High 94 (Gideon du Toit 22; Johnathan Muller 3/6, Juan Viljoen 3/17, Henru De Wet 2/13). Grey College won by 55 runs.

Rehan Lues continued his impressively destructive batting to help Hoërskool Centurion overcome last year’s runners-up, Potchefstroom Volkskool, by a comprehensive six wickets on day two of the Westvaal North-South T20.

Lues smashed an eye-opening 60 from only 21 deliveries in the Pretoria side’s successful chase of the 172 runs they required for victory. On Thursday, he blasted an equally impressive 71 from only 24 balls against Selborne College. Batting at a strike rate of 286, the power hitter’s innings included three fours and six sixes.

Dian van Tonder lent solid assistance, with his constructive 40 from 38 laying the platform for Lues to do the damage. Charl Prinsloo also played his part with a belligerent 38 from only 17 balls at the top of the order.

For Potch Volkies, Diaan van der Merwe shone with the bat, top scoring with a vital 46 not out, which came off only 33 deliveries. Berno de Klerk (44, 35b) and Louis van Wyk (42, 18b) helped boost the Potchefstroom visitors to a total of 171/9 from their 20 overs.

Unfortunately for Volkies, they couldn’t withstand the onslaught from Lues as Centurion cruised home with 3.2 overs to spare.

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool came out on top against a very strong St Stithians outfit.

Divan de Villiers continued his astonishing form with yet another superb performance. The all-rounder backed up his unbeaten 80 on Thursday with 31 in Friday morning’s match. He also bagged another three scalps to take his tally to seven in only two outings in the tournament thus far.

It was Jorich van Zyl, however, who stole the limelight, top scoring with a-run-a ball 39, which helped his side across the line.

Emile Odendaal was the mainstay for the side from Johannesburg, blasting his way to a classy 50 from 32 deliveries. Together with Odendaal, Lhuan-dre Pretorius displayed his power once again and contributed a well-played 34 at the top of the order.

Ethan Jacobs did his utmost to stop the Affies’ batsmen with the ball in hand, but the local lads made it over the line with one ball to spare and four wickets left in the bank.

Summarised scorecards:

Potchefstroom Volkskool 171/9 (Diaan van der Merwe 46*, Berno de Klerk 44, Louis van Wyk 42; Zandre Boezardt 2/27, Logan Fourie 2/34); Hoërskool Centurion 172/4 (Rehan Pretorius 60*, Dian van Tonder 40*, Charl Prinsloo 38; Dian Liebenberg 2/18). Centurion won by four wickets.

St Stithians 155/7 (Emile Odendaal 50, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 34, Richard Seletswane 28; Divan de Villiers 3/39); Affies 161/7 (Jorich van Schalkwyk 39, Divan de Villiers 31; Ethan Jacobs 3/26). Affies won by four wickets.

 

After being held to successive draws by the Burundi u20 women’s national team, South Africa’s u20 ladies have missed out on an opportunity to participate on international football’s grand stage, the FIFA u20 Women’s World Cup.

The teams faced off in a two-leg tie, with both games being played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. The first match, on 8 October, ended goalless as neither team managed to convert their chances.

Heading into the second leg, on 11 October, Basetsana had to put everything on the line. Victory was the sole aim. They had home ground advantage and the home fans behind them, and South Africa fought to the last minute of the contest, but it wasn’t quite enough.

Twice the visitors went ahead and twice Basetsana came back through goals from Adriele Mibe and Lindelwa Mabuza, but they couldn’t find a winner and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

It meant Basetsana would miss out on the 2024 FIFA u20 Women’s World Cup, which takes place in Colombia, on the away goals’ rule.

The unfortunate defeat comes at a crucial time as football at a development level appears to be on a good path in South Africa, with a lot of investment and commitment in the game having been put forward by different stakeholders.

For the supporters of South Africa’s national teams, the failure to advance to the u20 World Cup is yet another disappointment. They will have to resort to watching and supporting other countries during the event. They will also, no doubt, continue to ask what needs to be done for our football to advance to more consistent and better levels.

The questions surrounding structure, football identity and consistency in the nation’s teams remain a concern for the football fanatics.

Many fans believe that South Africa’s national sides are not ready to compete on the global stage. The results of Basetsana against Burundi add further credence to their contention.

Only a fortnight remains before the two teams that will be at the mercy of the relegation axe in the Gauteng Development League will be decided. Already, beyond a shadow of doubt, Kagiso Porto Academy is going to find itself on the chopping block.

It has been a gruelling eight months of competitive football, with 18 teams battling it out for the honour of being at the top of the footballing fraternity in the province of Gauteng.

Clubs likes Highlands Park, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs have enjoyed successful 2023 campaigns, and they sit comfortably among the top five teams across the divisions.

By contrast, it has been a difficult season for Kagiso Porto Academy, which wasn’t unexpected, because the franchise is in a rebuilding phase.

They are currently bottom of the log in three of the four divisions, while their U19 side is only slightly better positioned, above only Joburg City in the u19 division.

Relegation would mean that Kagiso Porto Academy’s entire programme, which includes the u13s, u15s, u17s and the u19s, would be in a lower league next season despite the u19s’ commendable efforts in their past two fixtures.

The club from Johannesburg West has exhibited good character and no small amount of grit and determination, and it has produced some good football this season but, most importantly, it has consolidated the desire for the game in the football-loving western parts of Johannesburg.

In their two most recent outings, the Kagiso Porto Academy u19s held Kathorus Hyper Academy and Panorama FC to 2-2 draws. However, that won’t be enough to prevent the inevitable drop.

This weekend, they face a tough challenge from log leaders, Highlands Park, on Saturday.

Weekend Fixtures – U19 Dvision:

Joburg City	Jomo Cosmos FC
Kagiso Porto Academy	Highlands Park
Kaizer Chiefs FC	Wits Junior
Kathorus Hyper Academy	TUKS
Mamelodi Sundowns	TS Galaxy
Prestige Football Development	Siluma 7
Randburg AFC	School of Excellence
Remember Elite Sports Academy	Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports

Dis weer tyd vir die jaarlikse Grey/OMS-atletiekbyeenkoms met 31 skole, 50 spanne en ‘n verstommende 1089 atlete wat by die Mangaung-stadion in Bloemfontein saamtrek.

Sedert die ontstaan van die byeenkoms in 1999 dien dit as ‘n platform waar uitsonderlike atlete oor die jare ‘n nalatenskap gelaat het en het hul Suid-Afrika op die Olimpiese Spele, Statebondspele of senior Wêreldkampioenskap verteenwoordig.

Atlete soos Anneri Ebersohn (Oranje), Wayde van Niekerk, LJ van Zyl, Johan Cronjé, Rynardt van Rensburg, PC Beneke (Grey College), Zeney van der Walt, Yolandi Stander (Affies Meisies), Jacques Freitag, Lehann Fourie, Pieter Conradie (Affies Boys) Dumisane Hlaselo (HTS Louis Botha) en Justine Palframan (Eshowe) het almal rekords opgestel met sommiges wat vandag steeds staan.

Oranje Meisieskool spog egter steeds met vier byeenkomsrekords. Elizna Schultz het in 2000 ‘n rekord opgestel vir die 1 500 m o.14-kategorie, met 04:48.50. Germarie Spershott het in 2019 meegebring en behou steeds die record vir die 300m hekkies o.15-kategorie met ‘n tyd van 44.33.

Charné Wansbury se blitsige naelloop in 2019 in die 200m o.14-kategorie is steeds ‘n rekordtyd van 24.96 en Roline Louw het in 2022 die nuwe rekord in die 100m hekkies o.17-kategorie met 14.15 opgestel.

Grey Kollege stap vanjaar met ‘n jong en dinamiese span op die baan – met slegs drie matrieks.

Ongeag is dit nie ‘n span om te onderskat met top-atlete wat die spogskool gaan verteenwoordig.

Franco le Roux, die skool se Atletiekkaptein, is ‘n blink ster. Sy silwermedalje-oorwinning by vanjaar se SA Skolekampioenskappe in die o19 110m Hekkies is ‘n bewys van sy besonderse vaardigheid en toewyding.

Heinrich van der Wath, wat aan die o19 400m deelneem, het reeds die titel van SA Skolekampioen vir 2023 ingepalm. Hy het ook ‘n silwermedalje vir die 400m Hekkies behaal, wat sy veelsydigheid en vasberadenheid ten toon stel.

Heinrich Theron, die o.17 Vrystaat-kampioen in gewigstoot, het rekords laat spat met ‘n verstommende gooi van 18.75m. Sy rou krag en akkuraatheid maak van hom ‘n krag om mee rekening te hou.

Jurgen Nortje, net 14 jaar oud en in graad 8, maak reeds opslae. As ‘n 800m-atleet hou hy die titels van o15 SA Skolekampioen en o16 ASA-kampioen, wat ‘n blink toekoms in die wêreld van atletiek aandui.

Die byeenkoms sal regstreeks op SuperSport Schools uitgesaai word.

Woodridge College is on the brink of history as they prepare to host their first-ever Water Polo Stayers tournament in the small town of Thornhill between Jeffery’s Bay, and Gqeberha this weekend.

The tournament, in a first of its kind for the school, will see teams assemble and battle it out for top honors starting on Friday, with the final scheduled for Sunday at 14:00.

The format of the tournament is pretty standard, with the teams seeded in four pools, and will play two matches each on the first day before the pool matches conclude before lunch on Saturday.

No easy rides:

Taking a look at how the pools are structured, one thing’s for sure is that no team will have an easy pathway to the final.

The hosts are drawn in Pool A, alongside East London’s Hudson Park, Glenwood House from George, and Saheti school coming all the way from Johannesburg.

Pool B is arguably the group of death. The Pool features powerhouses in Selborne College and Pearson High School.

However, arch-rivals, Stirling High will be planning on having its say in the group, while Somerset College comes into the tournament as the underdogs, with no one giving them a shot—something they could use to their advantage.

Pool C and D, respectively feature teams that can be dubbed as favourites for the inaugural tournament. Grey High, also from Gqeberha will face Makhanda’s Kingswood College, before taking on their second-string team and Alex Road in their final pool match on Saturday morning.

In that pool, Grey will be weary of the threats that can be caused by Kingswood College in the pool, considering their strong Water Polo program and culture within the school.

In the final pool, Wynberg Boys High will be traveling from Cape Town to participate in the tournament.

Another Makhanda school will join them in St Andrews College and Merrifield College from East London, while an Invitational side will be aiming to cause an upset against the big dogs.

The groups are:

Pool A: Woodridge College, Hudson Park, Glenwood House, Saheti.

Pool B: Selborne College, Pearson High School, Stirling High School, Somerset College.

Pool C: Grey High School, Kingswood College, Grey High 2^nd, Alexander Road.

Pool D: St Andrew’s College, Wynberg Boys’ High, Merrifield College, Invitational.

Day 1

Pool 1:

10:00 – Glenwood House vs Saheti; 10:50 – Selborne College vs Pearson; 11:40 – Striling vs Somerset College; 12:30- Woodridge College vs Hudson Park; 14:30 – Grey High School vs Grey 2nds; 15:20 – Alexander Road vs Kingswood College; 16:10- Wynberg Boys’ High vs Invitational; 17:00 – St Andrew’s College vs Merrifield.

Pool 2:

10:00 – Grey High School vs Alexander Road; 10:50 – Grey 2nds vs Kingswood College; 11:40 – Invitational vs Merrifield; 12:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Wynberg Boys’ High; 14:30 – Hudson Park vs Saheti; 15:20 – Woodridge College vs Glenwood House; 16:10 – Pearson vs Stirling; 17:00 – Somerset College vs Selborne College.

Day 2:

Pool 1:

08:00 – Woodridge College vs Saheti; 08:50 – Hudson vs Glenwood House; 09:40 – Selborne College vs Stirling; 10:30 – Pearson vs Somerset College.

Pool 2:

08:00 – Grey High School vs Kingswood College; 08:50 – Grey 2nds vs Alexander Road; 09:40 – St Andrew’s College vs Invitational; 10:30 – Wynberg Boys’ High vs Merrifield.

With the U19 division only two weeks away from its conclusion, Ongama Gcwabe caught up with four of SuperSport Schools’ commentators to get their take on the division’s Future Prospects of South African Football.

English commentator Thando Mjiyako and IsiZulu commentator Sifisokuhle Msimango weighed in on the conversation and, together with the Tswana commentators Orapeleng Mogaki and Lebogang Mahume, chose their Top Five Players of the season.

Interestingly, there were no unanimous selections. Only Kaizer Chiefs’ Khulumane Ndamane and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Thuto Sesipi and Tsiamo Masipi earned two nods from the knowledgeable panel, while the two clubs produced 13 of the 20 selections.

Thando Mjiyako

Nicholas Mnqwiniso – Highlands Park
Khulumane Ndamane – Kaizer Chiefs
Kaylin Katts – School of Excellence
Thuto Sesipi – Mamelodi Sundowns
Dylan Adriaanse – Highlands Park 

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Orapeleng Mogaki

Banele Mkhwanazi – TS Galaxy
Khulumani Ndamane – Kaizer Chiefs
Siyabonga Mbuyane – Panorama FC
Oratile Moloisane – Supersport United
Ofentse Kgosana – Kaizer Chiefs

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Sifisokuhle Msimango

Tsiamo Masisi – Mamelodi Sundowns
Manelisi Mazibuko – Supersport United
Neo Bohloko – Kaizer Chiefs
Lethabo Malete – Mamelodi Sundowns
Lazola Maku – Supersport United

Lebogang Mahume

Sima Bobo – Kaizer Chiefs
Callum Kruger – Kaizer Chiefs
Mpho Khethang – Kaizer Chiefs
Thuto Sesipi – Mamelodi Sundowns
Tsiamo Masisi – Mamelodi Sundowns

The Springbok squad defending the nation’s pride and the title of world champions in France is made up of a diverse group of players hailing from different backgrounds and upbringings.

A list of the schools they attended reveals just three that have produced more than one current Springbok player.

The trio of Damian Willemse, Willie le Roux and Steven Kitshoff are products of Paul Roos Gimnasium in Stellenbosch, while the late inclusion of Handré Pollard saw Paarl Gimnasium join the elite club, with Grant Williams having cracked the selection nod earlier.

The two aforementioned schools are recognised as being among the finest rugby-playing institutions in South Africa, reputations they have deservedly earned over a long period of time.

The third school with two Springboks at the 2023 Rugby World Cup is, however, seldom mentioned among South Africa’s elite rugby schools. Yet, Tygerberg High School in Parow was home to the lock duo of Eben Etzebeth and Marvin Orie.

Etzebeth, only the seventh Springbok to play in 100 Tests – after Percy Montgomery, Jean de Villiers, John Smit, Tendai Mtawarira, Bryan Habana and Victor Matfield – is a well-established figure in the Springbok pack, while Orie is making his first appearance at a World Cup, having earned his place alongside his former school-mate in one of the most respected and feared packs in the game.

The duo have grown into a formidable partnership on the international stage since their time at Tygerberg.

Speaking to SuperSport earlier this year in preparation for the World Cup, Etzebeth and Orie recalled their time at the school in the northern suburbs of Cape Town and credited their first team coach, Gavin Beresford, for his huge influence on them. Both fondly recalled the maxim he would drill into them at training, “If the dream is big enough, the facts don’t count.”

Conversations with a Springbok | Eben Etzebeth & Marvin Orie 

“When those two ran out on the field against Tonga, I can tell you, I was an extremely proud man”, Beresford said, when we spoke to him after the duo both started in South Africa’s 49-18 victory over Tonga in the group stages.

“I know where these boys come from. I know the truth. No one gave them a chance, no one, and that does not matter.

“Who cares what other people think? If the dream is big enough, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, or what others’ opinions about you might be. It makes no difference.

“The only thing that matters is your belief and how hard you are working towards your goal. The rest is nothing but noise. It’s about you and your effort. That’s the beginning and the end of it all” he said, expounding upon his mantra that the behemoth lock duo shared.

“In my mind, there’s no doubt that Eben is the best number four lock in the world at the moment. Perhaps I am a little bit biased, but what’s truly impressive for me is the fact that he is a better human being than he is a rugby player, which says a lot, because he’s an exceptional player”, Beresford said.

He also spoke with admiration about Etzebeth’s drive. The 2009 matriculant had only moderate success on the rugby field before finding his feet at lock towards the end of his school days.

“I’ve mentioned this in previous interviews, but I want the world to know this: Eben never played in the A-team at any age grade. We had no other option than playing him at lock in grade 11 because we had no one else. He just never quite cut it anywhere, but he is an absolute example of how sports should be played.

“It simply doesn’t matter if you play A-team or not at school level. It doesn’t prove anything. He never played A-team, but he never quit. He never gave up, and that’s exactly what I mean when I say the facts don’t matter,” Beresford explained.

After Eben’s growth spurt in grade 11, he was moved out of the backline to lock and into the first team, but he wasn’t contributing to the lineouts much yet. “At more than 120kg in matric, we didn’t have anyone who could lift him in the lineouts. It was only at the Craven Week when he played with the likes of Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe that he became a viable option in the lineout,” laughed Beresford.

“He was always a good athlete, though, excelling in sprinting and the high jump, so he was always athletic. I’d love to see him get the ball in space on the wing sometime. He’d be difficult to catch.”

The same is true of Marvin Orie, who matriculated a year after Etzebeth.

“Marvin was also an excellent sportsman all around. He was great at the lineouts and an equally talented all-rounder on the cricket pitch.

“He brings a different element to the game than Eben, because they have different jobs on the field. As the five lock, I think he has a big part to play in the lineouts and he fulfils that role excellently.”

Orie joined his sister at Tygerberg in grade 10 when his previous school cancelled their rugby programme, and he grew to be a skilled and hardworking lineout technician in the two years he played for their first team.

“They are both genuinely very accessible. I recently attended Eben’s wedding, and he still visits the school whenever it is possible. It’s a bit easier for Marvin, playing at the Stormers. He still often comes to visit and helps with the lineouts and set pieces.”

Beresford, reflecting on the players that have passed through Tygerberg, revealed that it has been far from a two-man show: “We’ve been fortunate to be able to produce a number of talented sportsmen throughout the years, with Marvin and Eben joining the likes of Justin Geduld, Travis Ismael, Andre Warner and Juarno Augustus, who all came through the system at Tygerberg and went on to excel in their professional careers. But the fact that they all turned into respectable young men is what is most important to me.”

Orie did not make the Craven Week squad at school, but he persevered and was selected as part of the SA u20 team the following year, 2012, when the Baby Boks won the u20 World Cup for the only time thus far, beating New Zealand in a thrilling final after losing to Ireland in the group stages.

Orie’s flyhalf in the SA u20 team was a young Handré Pollard. Despite being in matric, he was called up to replace the injured Johan Goosen and scored 14 points in their 22-16 triumph over the Baby Blacks in the final at Newlands in front of 33 000 spectators.

“Grant Williams is another good example I like to use, because I know him from when I coached him at the Craven Week Sevens,” Beresford said. “In grade 11, he was still playing for the D or C team at Paarl Gim. Then he made the decision to pursue his dreams no matter what.

“He started at the Sevens but didn’t quite make the transition into the senior team, but he kept pushing. He went to the Sharks to play club rugby, and just look at him now! As long as you never give up, the facts don’t matter.”

Divan de Villiers proved to be the difference for Affies as they opened their account with a 20-run victory over Westville Boys’ High on the first day of the Westvaal North-South Tournament.

De Villiers, batting at three, set the tone with the bat, blasting his way to a crucial unbeaten 80 from only 45 balls. He was supported well by Ruben Groenewald, who struck 56 from just 27 deliveries, and Janco Purchase, whose 34 came at a strike rate of 200.

Affies’ big hitting brought them 17 sixes and 13 fours as they posted an intimidating 221/4 in their 20 overs.

Left-arm spinner Roxton Payne was the pick of the Westville bowlers, his figures an impressive 1/27 from four, amidst the Affies’ onslaught.

With a difficult task in front of them, the Westville batters weren’t going to die wondering. Opener Max Robertson was exceptional, taking the fight to the well-balanced Affies’ bowling attack. He smashed a scintillating 98 from only 48 deliveries, including six fours and a whopping nine sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 204.

However, it was De Villiers who delivered the magic once again. With Westville poised to chase down the 222 required for victory, he stepped up to the plate to knock over 4/21 in his four overs, which was instrumental in holding Westville to 201/9 in their response.

Paarl Boys’ High secured a thumping victory of 53 runs over Hoërskool Nelspruit at Menlopark. Christiaan Wege set the stage for their victory, making 64 from 58 balls at the top of the order to steer the Capetonians to a respectable 166/8.

Nelspruit’s batsmen struggled in their reply. However, there were promising signs of a return to form for Jayden Meyer. The opener seemed to be batting on a different wicket to his team-mates, making 52 at a shade under a run a ball, while all around him the other Nelspruit batsmen battled to come to terms with the Boishaai attack.

Aden Batt spearheaded the Paarl team’s effort in the field, claiming a superb 4/15 from his four overs. Batt’s spell, along with valuable contributions from the rest of the bowlers, meant that Nellies tallied only a meagre 113/8 in their 20 overs.

Last year’s runners-up, Potchefstroom Volkskool, got off to an indifferent start against Wynberg Boys’ High.

Having won the toss and elected to bat first, Volkies lost their stalwart, Ludwich Schuld, to the first ball of the game. However, Louis van Wyk stepped up to the plate with an important 37. The Liebenberg duo, Attie (27, 18b) and Dian (24, 22b), chipped in with valuable contributions to help the Potchefstroom boys reach 156/7 in their 20 overs.

Wynberg enjoyed a solid start to their run chase, with Paul James (37, 31b) and Kyle Williams (22, 30b) sharing an opening stand of 61. However, after losing the opening pair, the momentum swung back in favour of the Volkies.

Kobus Pienaar, with 2/22, led the way with the ball, and good support from his fellow bowlers helped Volkskool restrict Wynberg to 144/9 in their 20, to pull out an important 12-run victory in their opening Pool A match.

Summarised Scorecards:

Affies 221/4 (Divan de Villiers 80, Ruben Groenewald 56, Janco Purchase 34, Lukas Janse van Rensburg 24; Roxton Payne 1/27); Westville Boys’ High 201/9 (Max Robertson 98, Blake Simpson 24, Shaun McGough 24; De Villiers 4/21, Heinrich Muller 2/38). Affies won by 20 runs.

Paarl Boys’ High 166/8 (Christiaan Wege 68, Johan Wege 31, JJ van der Sandt 30, Christiaan Bourbon Leftley 21; Davico Kruger 1/23); Hoërskool Nelspruit 113/8 (Jayden Meyer 52; Aden Batt 4/15). Paarl Boys’ High won by 53 runs.

Potchefstroom Volkskool 156/7 (Louis van Wyk 37, Attie Liebenberg 27, Dian Liebenberg 24, Themba Sontjane 22; Yaaseen Moos 2/21, Divan Linde 2/28); Wynberg Boys’ High 144/9 (Paul James 37, Kyle Williams 22; Kobus Pienaar 2/22). Potchefstroom Volkskool won by 12 runs.