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Die Hoërskool Rustenburg se eersterugbyspan sal na Saterdag ‘n beter idee hê oor wat op hom in vanjaar se SDC Noordvaal Cup se Beker-afdeling wag.

Die Rusties kom teen Marais Viljoen van Alberton in die kwarteindronde van die NWU Prestige-reeks op Montana in Pretoria se hoofveld te staan.

Marais Viljoen tel ook onder die voorste tien skole van die Noordvaal-streek wat in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Beker-afdeling deelneem.

Die Rusties wat vanjaar die eerste keer in die Beker-afdeling speel, sal ook sy buiging in die reeks op 4 Mei teen die einste Marais Viljoen maak.

Die span van Alberton is nog onoorwonne vanjaar en sal ongetwyfeld as die gunsteling op die veld draf om sy plek in die halfeindronde te bespreek.

Sy kaptein en losskakel, Rekkie Gerber, het tot dusver ‘n sleutelrol in sy span se sukses op die veld gespeel. Gerber se stelskopwerk asook sy lang lynskoppe is sonder twyfel goud werd vir Marais Viljoen.

Marais Viljoen het tydens die skoolvakansie aan die St Stithians College Paastoernooi deelgeneem en twee seges teen onderskeidelik Hartpury College (27-19) en St John’s College (Harare) (6-5) behaal.

Rustenburg kon nie ‘n enkele sege tydens hul skoolvakansie tydens die Kearsney College Paastoernooi in Durban behaal nie. Albei spanne sal egter saamstem dat Rusties se nederlae teen Worcester Gimnasium (25-26), Durban High School (0-45) en Rondebosch Boys’ High (13-22) teen veel sterker teenstand was.

Die stryd tussen die twee buitesenters, Lorenzo Snyers (Rustenburg) en Brandon Els (Marais Viljoen) behoort ook een van die hoogtepunte van die kragmeting te wees.

In die ander halfeindstryd op Montana se velde maak Jeugland van Kempton Park waarskynlik die eerste keer in jare sy verskyning in dié uitspeelrondes. Die span van Kempton Park sal teen Wesvalia van Klerksdorp sake om ‘n plek in die halfeindronde uitspook.

Wesvalia het vroeër in dié liga met 18-elk gelykop teen Hoërskool Rustenburg gespeel. Die span van Klerksdorp sal voel dat hy vanjaar ‘n sterk aanspraakmaker om die titel is.

Sy agtsteman, Hanré Venter, asook haker, Junior Kuhn, is meer as ‘n handvol om in toom te hou. Hulle kry gereeld hul span op die voorvoet met hul kraglopies. Agterlangs sal Jeugland se slag slaan indien hul die losskakel, Eduard Dreyer, op hok kan slaan. Dreyer sit sy senterpaar, Rickhardt van Heerden en Jeandré Snyman, gewoonlik seepglad weg.

Jeugland het vanjaar nog net teen Marais Viljoen die knie gebuig. Sy twee oortuigende seges oor Zwartkop (38-14) en Potchefstroom Volkskool (64-22) in die reeks wys dat die span nie vanjaar sonder handskoene aangepak kan word nie.

Die spanne en bepalings: 

Hoërskool Rustenburg vs Marais Viljoen in Pretoria om 16:40: 

Hoërskool Rustenburg: 15 Tiano Combrinck, 14 Christiaan van der Bergh, 13 Lorenzo Snyers, 12 Hendré Robinson, 11 Zulu Khumalo, 10 Jayden Meyer, 9 Adriano George, 8 Coenraad Coetzer, 7 Wicus Jacobs, 6 MC Smit, 5 Pedrie Human, 4 Erich Potgieter, 3 Hencu Raath, 2 Xavier Steenkamp, 1 Xander Benedetti.

Marais Viljoen: 15 Tyron Bouw, 14 Tiaan Joubert, 13 Brandon Els, 12 Claudo do Couto, 11 Ethan Weideman, 10 Rekkie Gerber (kaptein), 9 Weon van der Vyver, 8 Rio Tshimbalanga, 7 Dian Scheepers, 6 Lloyd Shoko-Schenk, 5 JD Labuschagne, 4 Bjorn Pieterse, 3 Sifiso Shongwe, 2 Tiaan Bruyns, 1 Clayton Gagiano.

Wesvalia vs Jeugland in Pretoria om 15:20: 

Wesvalia: 15 Fafa Calitz, 14 Justin Adams, 13 Jeandré Snyman, 12 Rickhardt van Heerden, 11 Kyle Botes, 10 Eduard Dreyer, 9 Chad Hofmeyr, 8 Hanré Venter, 7 Francois Dumond, 6 Joshua Pieters, 5 Alden Jacobz, 4 Franco Dumond, 3 Bernard Swanepoel, 2 Junior Kuhn, 1 Ulrigh du Preez.

Jeugland: 15 Thando Ngomane, 14 Jetao Joost, 13 Sinenhlanhla Ndlovu, 12 Ruan Steenkamp, 11 Oregopots Shilubane, 10 King Aganzo, 9 Ruan Worst, 8 Jayden Kleyn, 7 Joseph Ngoma-Ngoma, 6 Lebo Letlala, 5 Sharon Nsenda, 4 Shammah Nsenda, 3 Khumo Maimane, 2 Siyanda Mbanwa, 1 Siyabonga Moshele.

Oosterlig vs Zwartkop in Pretoria om 14:00: 

Oosterlig: 15 Jaydon Bouwer, 14 Dean Jordaan, 13 Joël Jordaan, 12 Dylan Jordaan, 11 Joshua Booyens, 10 Tristan Else, 9 Neithan Botha, 8 Kevin Koen, 7 Juandré Bekker, 6 Gert Nel, 5 Jeandré Naudé, 4 Rubin van der Westhuizen, 3 Joshua Niemann, 2 Günther Nel, 1 Tiaan Louw.

Zwartkop: 15 Justin Julies, 14 Denilson Metcalfe, 13 Milton Naudé, 12 Luan Williams, 11 Zulu Mona, 10 Luhardt Booyens, 9 Shi-loh Prince, 8 Brian Smith, 7 Leonard Lotriet, 6 Adriaan Janse van Vuuren, 5 Logan Knott, 4 Bradley Cronjé, 3 Brogan Ackerman, 2 Migael Lindeque, 1 Julian Lubbe.

Montana vs Potchefstroom Volkskool in Pretoria om 12:40: 

Montana: 15 Marq de Villiers, 14 Ryan Nel, 13 Hendrew Schoeman, 12 JF Venter, 11 Keagan van der Merwe, 10 Ruwald Goosen, 9 Daelin Ludick, 8 Richard Botha, 7 Justin Herbst, 6 Kyle Bronkhorst, 5 Reuben van Hammersveld, 4 Martin Venter, 3 Ruan Louw, 2 Luhan Theunissen, 1 Marinus Oberholzer.

Potchefsroom Volkskool: 15 Lourenzo Louw, 14 Wikus van Aswegen, 13 Hennie Pretorius, 12 Ethan Leggat, 11 Berno de Klerk, 10 Johandré Maree, 9 Juhan Geldenhuys, 8 Dewald Groenewald (kaptein), 7 Christoff Nel, 6 Henré Nel, 5 Konrad Pretorius, 4 Altus de Jager, 3 Jaco van der Merwe, 2 Louis Fourie, 1 Daniel Strydom.

Die naweek is dit die NWU Prestige-reeks se kwarteindstronde by Hoërskool Montana, waar agt spanne ‘n kans staan om tot die halfeindronde te haal.

Wesvalia teen Jeugland begin die kwarteindstryd van die eerste spanne om 14:30 op baan een, saam met Oosterlig wat teen Potchefstroom Volkskool speel op baan drie.

Hoërskool Montana speel teen Zwartkop om 15:20 op baan een en die Hoërskool Rustenburg speel teen Marais Viljoen op baan drie.

Ander bepalings:

08:30 – o.14B: Montana vs Zwartkop; Rustenburg vs Marais Viljoen; Wesvalia vs Potch Volkies; Oosterlig vs Jeugland.

09:10 – o.14A: Montana vs Zwartkop; Rustenburg vs Marais Viljoen; Wesvalia vs Potch Volkies; Oosterlig vs Jeugland.

09:50 – o.15B: Rustenburg vs Zwartkop; Wesvalia vs Marais Viljoen; Montana vs Potch Volkies; Oosterlig vs Jeugland.

10:30 – o.15A: Rustenburg vs Zwartkop; Wesvalia vs Potch Volkies; Montana vs Jeugland; Oosterlig vs Marais Viljoen.

11:10 – o.16B: Montana vs Zwartkop; Rustenburg vs Marais Viljoen; Wesvalia vs Potch Volkies; Oosterlig vs Jeugland.

11:50 – o.16A: Montana vs Marais Viljoen; Rustenburg vs Zwartkop; Wesvalia vs Potch Volkies; Oosterlig vs Jeugland.

12:30 – o.17B: Montana vs Zwartkop; Rustenburg vs Marais Viljoen; Oosterlig vs Jeugland; Wesvalia vs Potch Volkies.

13:10 – o.17A: Rustenburg vs Potch Volkies; Wesvalia vs Marais Viljoen; Montana vs Jeugland; Oosterlig vs Zwartkop.

13:50 – o.19B: Montana vs Jeugland; Wesvalia vs Zwartkop; Oosterlig vs Potch Volkies; Rustenburg vs Marais Viljoen.

In 2023, Maritzburg College travelled to Pretoria for the first of their two matches against Pretoria Boys High (PBHS). This year, Boys High visits College for the first of the annual home and away derbies, with both 1^st XVs still seeking to hit fully their strides.

The signs in recent weeks, though, have been encouraging, with the Candies having made something of a turnaround after copping a nasty hiding from Paarl Gimnasium at the NMI Toyota North-South Tournament.

The Boys High fixture list has been as tough as can be, with matches against Garsfontein, Jeppe, Outeniqua, Paarl Gim, Selborne College and Paarl Boys High to start their season.

Catch the Maritzburg College vs Pretoria Boys High action live on DStv Channel 206.

They were competitive in their first three outings without coming close to achieving a victory. Their next game, against Paarl Gim, was a horror show and they were pounded, losing 10-71. Less than a week later, however, Pretoria Boys regrouped and recorded their first win of the season at the KES Easter Festival, downing Selborne College 26-21.

Their most recent match, on 1 April, against Paarl Boys’ High, another one of the early pacesetters, resulted in an 8-24 defeat, but the Candies showed some steel against a high-powered opponent, and this suggests they’ve fixed some of their early defensive issues.

College, who comfortably beat Boys High last year, winning 47-15 in Pretoria, in April, and 43-12 in Pietermaritzburg, at the end of July, started the 2024 season with a shock defeat to Kearsney College. The Red, Black and White, facing an opponent that had already played two games, produced an error-filled game and went down 14-16 when Kearsney landed a last-minute penalty.

Clifton College was made to pay for that loss the following week, when College romped to a one-sided victory in their first game of the year on Goldstone’s. That, however, has been their sole outing on their famous fortress, where they went undefeated last year. They’ll be chomping at the bit to run out there for a second time in 2024.

At the St John’s Easter Festival, Maritzburg College played three matches. In their first outing, they went down 17-32 to Boland Landbou in a contest that featured some uncharacteristically lax defending. College bossed the farmers up front, but their defence was loose.

The next time out, however, they showed great character to fight back from 7-19 down at half-time to beat SACS 26-24. It was a much-needed win.

Phiwayinkosi Kubheka and his team wrapped up the festival with a 24-7 win over the Golden Lions XV.

Last weekend, playing in wet and windy conditions, they outwrestled Glenwood High in Durban, recording an 18-7 victory.

College boasts plenty of experience up front, including SA Schools’ loosehead Kubheka and Sharks’ Craven Week tighthead Aiden Botha in the front row, but the difference between last year’s team, which found its form earlier in the season, arguably lies in the backline.

Although the home side has talented ball players at the back, one can see the impact of the side having lost some of its key decision-makers from a year ago, including the outstanding halfback pairing of scrumhalf Rhett Quinn and flyhalf Luc du Toit. It’s taking them a little longer to find their way.

Both teams are well coached, and both like to play an enterprising brand of 15-man rugby. Spectators and supporters can expect an entertaining clash.

TEAMS

Maritzburg College

15 Luyanda Kunene, 14 Langelihle Makhathini, 13 Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein, 12 Nkululeko Sithole, 11 Reinhardt Jacobsz, 10 James Slevin, 9 Rayke Maartens, 8 Imivuyo Kemka, 7 Naz Isaacs, 6 Struan Oosthuizen, 5 Jake Jansen, 4 Wasi Vyambwera, 3 Aiden Botha, 2 Siyabonga Nyathi, 1 Phiwayinkhosi Kubheka.

Pretoria Boys High School

15 Tebogo Nchabeleng, 14 Ntsako Ndhlovu, 13 Motheo Dimpe, 12 Rickus Wessels, 11 Ompfuna Tsanwani, 10 Tumisho Motswi, 9 Cole Williams, 8 Katlego Shebu, 7 Jeffrey Singo, 6 Panayiotis Ellinas, 5 Tshepiso Shikhibana, 3 Oftense Moeng, 2 Thapelo Mphela, 1 Matthew Parrott

King Edward VII’s SA Schools’ hooker Esethu Mnebelele is out of action with an ankle injury, which he sustained during last weekend’s 59-18 victory over St John’s College.

Dylan Piek replaces him in the front row for the Red Army’s short trip to Parktown Boys’ High on Saturday.

The home side will hope they can take advantage of Mnebelele’s absence in the scrums, but it will take a mammoth effort to slow down the KES forwards, who have produced some dominant performances this season.

Kick-off takes place at 13:15 pm on the A-Field. SuperSport Schools will broadcast the derby matches live.

Last weekend, Parktown narrowly lost 15-16 to Northcliff High School and they will be eager to reverse their fortunes with the benefit of playing at home. A victory, though, would be a big upset.

Keith Ncube has moved to flank for Parktown after previously running out at lock, while winger Christian Cele misses out and is replaced by Benjamin Nettleton.

KES have shone at the breakdowns this season, with their abrasive approach often leading to them turning over possession when it has not seemed likely, so Ncube has an important role to play for the home team.

The visitors’ number 8 Kebotile Maake has been in fine form and continues to go from strength to strength, while his fellow loose-foward, James Kobrowisky, has been on song, too, with both players dotting down twice in their recent win over St John’s.

Westville Boys’ High makes the long trip up from KwaZulu-Natal for a showdown with Jeppe High School for Boys. A good, hard-fought contest is likely.

Coach of the Griffin, Njabulo Zulu, former Springbok Waylon Murray‘s centre partner when they ran out together for the Westville 1st XV, said scrumhalf Ryan Pistor is an exciting player and someone to keep an eye out for.

There’ll be an early start to the derby fixtures, with Westville in for a time-consuming drive back to KZN after the conclusion for the 1st XV match, which kicks off at 13:10 on Collard Field.

Jeppe is fresh off a 47-11 romp against St Stithians College during which the boys in black and white made merry, producing some fantastic passages of play.

Inside centre McMillen Mongwana and his midfield partner Kuthadzo Rasivhaga have gelled well and form a strong attacking combination. Last weekend, they notched up four tries between them.

Should they receive quality ball, Westville will be tested, but they feature two hard-hitting physical centres in Michael Satade and Blake Allbon, who will pose questions of their own on offence.

Last weekend, Westville fell to 9-19 to Durban High School (DHS) in a very wet and somewhat muddy affair, which blunted the dangerous attacking abilities of both sides.

TEAMS

Parktown Boys High School: 15 Kgotso Tumahole, 14 Benjamin Nettleton, 13 Calestin Felkers, 12 Lisasa Mnukiso, 11 Kabelo Jwili, 10 Kelvin Kotey, 9 Thepiso Tladi, 8 Mfunfo Nkosi, 7 Keith Ncube, 6 Reval Meth, 5 Kingsley Okonkwo, 4 Disema Mofokeng, 3 Azola Peter, 2 Lethoko Mallane, 1 Manuel Motsi.

King Edward VII: 15 M Methula, 14 Jarell Mbuyi, 13 Olunje Mehlomakulu, 12 Tristan Maugeri, 11 Haniel Monkoti, 10 Simphiwe Moyo, 9 Regan McGurk, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Sam Bruwer, 6 James Kobrowisky, 5 Chinedu Amadi, 4 Michael Bownes, 3 Nathan Frank VD Merwe, 2 D Piek, 1 Connor White.

Jeppe High School for Boys: 15 Sanele Simelane, 14 Lindelani Nkambule, 13 Kuthadzo Rasivhaga, 12 McMillen Mongwana, 11 Mjij Ndimphiwe, 10 Nehmia Hollenbach, 9 Talent Sithole, 8 Risima Khosa, 7 Nathan Classen, 6 Ndimphiwe Mjiji, 5 Luke Cannon, 4 Lagan Leisher, 3 Luca Trevisan, 2 Bonga Nxumlao, 1 Andre Poulton.

Westville Boys’ High School: 15 Jade-Will Koopman 14 Evan Moolman 13 Michael Satade, 12 Blake Allbon, 11 Jadrian Afrikaner, 10 Unathi Mlotshwa, 9 Ryan Pistor, 8 David Humphreys, 7 Seth Gwyn, 6 Chris Cloete, 5 Rhys Mitchell, 4 Oliver Gcina, 3 Bandile Mncwango, 2 Ross Calvert, 1 Akhona Maseko.

Parktown Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII 

u14A: 8:20 am Parktown Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII  (C Field)

u15A: 9:20 am Parktown Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII (B Field)

u16A: 10:20 am Parktown Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII (B Field)

u19B: 12:00 pm Parktown Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII  (A Field)

u19A: 13:15 pm Parktown Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII (A Field)

Jeppe High School for Boys vs Westville Boys’ High School

u14A: 7:30 am Jeppe High School for Boys vs Westville Boys’ High School (White Field)

u15A: 09:30 am Jeppe High School for Boys vs Westville Boys’ High School (White Field)

u16A: 10:30 am Jeppe High School for Boys vs Westville Boys’ High School (Collard Field)

u19B: 11:40 am Jeppe High School for Boys vs Westville Boys’ High School (Collard Field)

u19A: 13:10 pm Jeppe High School for Boys vs Westville Boys’ High School (Collard Field)

 

A very interesting clash on Reece-Edwards Field awaits on Saturday, with Northwood playing for the first time at home this season and facing a massive challenge from Durban High School (DHS).

The Knights have made an excellent start to 2024, winning 10-7 at Hilton College in their first match of the season, before cruising to comfortable wins over Die Brandwag (50-0) and Hudson Park (40-8) at the KES Easter Festival.

Giving up only 15 points in three games is an outstanding defensive record in anyone’s book, but DHS has been equally elite on defence this season. They’ve recorded three shutouts, giving up just 28 points in their six games, which included only seven in their three outings at the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF).

What makes the Horseflies a scary challenge is the fact that it was only during KERF that they truly started to find their offensive rhythm. They possess a well-drilled pack that functions extremely well as a unit. If they’re able to provide their backs with quality ball, it could be a tough day on defence for the Knights.

But the Northwood pack, too, is a more than useful unit. Head coach Jacques Deen has a proven track record as an excellent forwards’ coach. His charges facing up to DHS forward coach Ronnie Uys‘s pack is going to be a fascinating and potentially decisive aspect of Saturday’s showdown.

Both sides also possess plenty of pace and skilful backline players. Given space, they have the ability to cut most opposition to shreds, but… The aforementioned top defences of the teams might have something to say about that.

Both also have good playmakers at flyhalf, with Aka Boqwana pulling the strings for DHS and Siya Nkosi doing the same for Northwood. If it comes down to a goal kicking contest, however, the edge might lie with the visitors. Boqwana has been deadly in almost every match School has contested this season.

It is a clash of two teams with designs on being KZN’s number one this season. They’ve definitely made early cases for that status. Saturday’s outcome will further enhance the claims of one of them.

When Clifton College hosts Glenwood High at the Riverside Sports Club on Saturday, it will be a battle of two teams trying to find their offensive rhythm.

A young Glenwood High team has established itself as a strong defensive outfit but has found it difficult to consistently break through their opposition’s defences.

For Clifton, still establishing themselves among KZN’s elite, it’s been an up-and-down start to the season, which hasn’t been helped by injuries to some of their senior players. Most recently, though, at the Saints Sports Festival in Johannesburg, they turned in two encouraging performances, beating Northcliff 21-15, before going down 7-12 to St Stithians, who had beaten St Andrew’s College 27-14 in their previous game.

Clifton’s Director of Rugby Grant Bell feels his side made good strides on defence in Johannesburg and giving up only 27 points in two games is a good return. However, Clifton is still working on finding its optimum backline combination.

Glenwood’s 1st XV coach Derek Heiberg will be pleased with his team’s grit and defensive fight, but he’ll want to see more clean ball put to better use.

The Green Machine has shown signs of good running rugby in their backline, but it has come in fits and starts. A more coherent performance would be another step in the right direction.

DHS: 15 Allston Cedras, 14 Jordan van Wyk, 13 Hlumelo Madikane, 12 Duncan Basson, 11 Zenkosi Mthiyane, 10 Aka Boqwana, 9 Marcwin Nero, 8 Khanyisa Stamper, 7 Bradley le Grange, 6 Daniel Ikotela, 5 Thando Luthuli, 4 Sibusiso Mahlangu, 3 Bongani Dlamini, 2 Mahle Sithole (c), 1 Unaye Mndau.

Northwood:15 Aphiwe Buthelezi, 14 Kwenzokuhlu Dlamini, 13 Ramutuku Sikhakane, 12 Bongane Khumalo, 11 Thomas Lindsay, 10 Siyanda Nkosi, 9 Graeham de Swardt, 8 Vuyo Gwiji, 7 Titus Cesonis, 6 Ethan Macey, 5 Lian Terblanche, 4 Kwezi Kunene, 3 Reuben Vos, 2 Werner van Niewenhuizen, 1 Sphepelo Ntshangase.

Clifton College: 15 Adam Selikow, 14 Lwandile Myeni, 13 Handrè de Bruin, 12 Bradley Beeslaar, 11 Wandile Ngubane, 10 Nkanyiso Ntshangase, 9 Kyle Akal 8 Aasbonga Jiyane, 7 Matt Hammond, 6 Jamie Brown 5 Lukhanyiso Nala 4 Lwazi Madikazela 3 Simphiwe Ngcobo 2 Richard Castle 1 Njabulo Dlomo (c).

Glenwood High School 15 Lesedi Khumalo, 14 Sthabiso Dube, 13 Lizwe Mtetwa, 12 Sisipho Dwayi, 11 Mvelo Ndwalane, 10 Kungawo Ncamazane, 9 Ronan Rankin, 8 Jordan Hargreaves, 7 Yannick Mwamba, 6 Mkhululi Mholongo, 5 Tylo Madaat, 4 Tyler Conyngham, 3 Uzukhanye Xaba, 2 Martin van Wyngaardt, 1 Lonwabo Nkalitshana.

Thus far in the 2024 season, both Paarl Boys’ High and Wynberg Boys’ High have kept perfect records, producing some outstanding performances along the way. On Saturday, however, one of those perfect records is likely to come to an end when they meet at the Buco Brug Street Stadium in Paarl.

Watch all the action live on SuperSport Schools – Register now – Link to the match

Last year, when they met, the Paarl outfit sneaked a 33-29 victory away from home, but Boishaai has already shown that previous results are no indicators for this season’s squad.

They avenged a shock defeat to Hoërskool Durbanville in 2023 by crushing them 73-7 in their opening match of this season. Since then, they’ve taken down Jeppe (45-19), Garsfontein (38-36), King Edward VII (22-7) and Pretoria Boys High (24-8).

Most recently, they withstood a stern challenge from a marauding Oakdale squad, beating them 19-10.

The challengers this weekend have also started their season with a bang. They pummelled Windhoek High (84-3) in their opener, then beat St Charles (28-24), St Andrew’s College (43-21) and Kingswood College (35-7). Last weekend, they also beat the Durbies, winning 36-19.

The Boishaai squad remains unchanged from the one that played last weekend, with Viaan Mentoor leading proceedings in the midfield and their big hooker, Christiaan Grundling, setting up the hosts’ destructive set pieces up front.

Wynberg is also unchanged, barring a few positional switches among the forwards.

One of the keys to the visitors’ successes this season has been the play of their flyhalf, Yaqeen Ahmed. If they’re to score an upset, Ahmed will be at the forefront of that effort.

Meanwhile, Boland Landbou takes on Bishops Diocesan College on the Piley Rees Field in Cape Town.

Saturday’s game will be the first for Bishops on their home ground since the Easter break.

In their most recent action, Bishops convincingly beat Dale College 47-24 in their first match at the KES Easter Festival, but they were outmuscled and outplayed by King Edward VII in their last outing, losing 8-45.

They’ll take on the farmers without their talisman scrumhalf, Kashief Joseph, but young Max Marr has already shown up well in his stead. It was his quick thinking that led to Bishops’ only try against KES.

Jack Campbell starts at hooker this weekend. He and the rest of the Bishops’ pack will have to be on top of their game to keep the big Boland boys at bay.

Boland suffered a 13-47 loss to an in-form Paarl Gimnasium last weekend, and Hilton College managed a 17-14 upset of the farmers at the St John’s Easter Rugby Festival, but they remain a side to be reckoned with.

Their results include impressive victories over Outeniqua (15-13) and Maritzburg College (32-17), and they’ll be keen to add another win to their list of achievements.

Flankers Karst Smits and Hans Verster have been the dangermen in the Boland Landbou lineup, and they will seek to continue their destructive form on the Piley Rees this weekend.

Paarl Boys’ High vs Wynberg Boys’ High at 13:30

Paarl Boys’ High: 15 Francois van der Merwe, 14 Aiden Jacobs, 13 Tristan Joubert, 12 Tristan Fransman, 11 Ashwin Swarts, 10 Viaan Mentoor, 9 Keagan Smith, 8 Douw Wessels, 7 Rubin Dames, 6 Anroux du Plessis, 5 Jayden Joubert, 4 Dian Smal, 3 Juan van der Merwe, 2 Christiaan Grundling, 1 Bernard du Toit.

Wynberg Boys’ High: 15 Morne Noble, 14 Kunene Gadu, 13 Albert Lourens, 12 Brandon Ashburner, 11 Levi Brown, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Tyrone Gombe, 8 Aden da Costa, 7 Torren February, 6 Jamie Stride, 5 Tjeripo Karuhumba, 4 Jaythen Orange, 3 Luqobo Makwedini, 2 Xabiso Mkiva, 1 Benjamin Matthews.

Diocesan College vs Boland Landbou at 12:30

Diocesan College: 15 Lucca Mynhardt, 14 Cole Robyntjies, 13 Alex Newton, 12 Alex Laspatzis, 11 Iviwe Dadamasi, 10 Jordan Petersen, 9 Max Marr, 8 Aza Gabada, 7 Daniel van den Heever, 6 James le Feuvre, 5 Rieko Kidha, 4 Alex Smith, 3 Yusuf Ahmed, 2 Jack Campbell, 1 Gareth Mckinon.

Boland Landbou: 15 Lyle Lewis, 14 Wehan Lume, 13 Danté Christians, 12 Juan Swart, 11 Sydney Blaauw, 10 Retagan van Rooi, 9 Jayden Brits, 8 Alco Bindemann, 7 Karst Smits, 6 Hans Verster, 5 Ruan Viviers, 4 Kody Nel, 3 Derico Mesina, 2 Thiaan van Zyl, 1 Derik du Preez.

Other fixtures

u19: 12:20 – Hoërskool Bellville vs Tygerberg

Milnerton will be aiming to build on the confidence they gained in a stunning come-from-behind win over Rondebosch Boys’ High last weekend, when they take on Hugenote in Wellington on Saturday.

With only 15 minutes to play against ‘Bosch, Frank Hitimana and his side clawed their way back from a 3-33 deficit to win by a single point.

The Hugenote team will be protecting their home turf with all their might, however, and Saturday’s showdown will be now no walk in the park for the visitors.

Hugenote will be without their dynamic, goal-kicking inside centre, Xavier Oktober, which has resulted in his namesake, Xavier Fredericks, switching from fullback to the number 12 jersey, with Winley McNeil getting the start at the back.

The Milnerton lineup looks very different from the one that won against Rondebosch, with wholesale changes resulting in starts for Sheldan Puma, Jeremy Armstrong, Dylan Peverett, Joshua Vomberg and Litha Tasana.

The stalwart Sellidon twins are in position, though, ready to launch the Milnerton attack, with Chadwin at flyhalf and Chadlin at fullback.

Meanwhile, back in Cape Town, SACS is in the northern suburbs to take on an exciting Hoërskool Brackenfell side.

The Brakkies have been grabbing attention all season long, most recently by getting the better of Hoërskool Durbanville at the Margaret Pansgrouw Sports Day, where they beat the hosts 25-17.

SACS has delivered some good performances, but they struggled with kicking woes in the early going. Last weekend those appeared to be resolved as they edged out Stellenberg 24-22, thanks to Rayaan Solomons‘ kicking accuracy.

His opposite number, Junior Louw, has been nearly faultless this season, however, so it will be intriguing to see how the two playmakers measure up on Saturday.

Hugenote vs Milnerton at 12:00

Hugenote: 15 Winley McNeil, 14 Keenen Johnson, 13 Xavier Fredericks, 12 Brayden Abrahams, 11 Kieran de Villiers, 10 Luke Daniels, 9 Hugo Steenkamp, 8 Alrich Humphreys, 7 Cullen Ruiters, 6 Basson Truter, 5 Brett Arendse, 4 Andre van der Westhuizen, 3 Eswin Apollis, 2 Kieran Smith, 1 Xavier Gertse.

Milnerton: 15 Chadlin Sellidon, 14 Litha Tasana, 13 Morgan Lodewyk, 12 Frank Hitimana, 11 Keagan Wood, 10 Chadwin Sellidon, 9 Devon Damons, 8 Joshua Vomberg, 7 Dylan Peverett, 6 Jeremy Armstrong, 5 Mathew Gabriel, 4 Keenan Togni, 3 Chadley Davids, 2 Keagan Harding, 1 Sheldan Puma.

Brackenfell vs SACS at 12:30

Brackenfell: 15 Justin Abrahams, 14 Cwenga Ntsapho, 13 Jaydon La Douce, 12 Marquinne Abrahams, 11 Liam Lucas, 10 Junior Louw, 9 Jaydin Basson, 8 Wade Fortuin, 7 Dawson Lombard, 6 Dante Johnson, 5 Ntsikayomzi Njongonkulu, 4 Zander van Zyl, 3 Graigan Matroos, 2 Matthew Wyngaard, 1 Siraaj Cook.

SACS: 15 Jack Benade, 14 Junior Moyo, 13 Imtiaz Abrahams, 12 Nic Reynolds, 11 Endi Sidinile, 10 Rayaan Solomons, 9 Matt Forbes, 8 Connor King, 7 Daniel Grant, 6 Zac Wilson, 5 Pierre van Selm, 4 Callum Hirst, 3 Ikhona Maxegwana, 2 Sango Zangqa, 1 Ethan Combrink.

Afrikaanse Hoër Meiseskool (Affies) and Paarl Gimnasium meet in a derby clash between two in-form teams on Friday evening at the Pretoria High School for Girls Astro.

Recently, both sides were in action at the St Mary’s Hockey Festival, which brought 32 of the top girls’ teams in South Africa together. There, they both performed well, with Affies finishing in 10th place and Paarl Gim ending fourth.

Catch the action live on SuperSport Schools.

In head-to-head competition, the team from the Boland has come out on top in the last three meetings between the sides.

However, heading into Friday’s match, Affies are optimistic, and coach Nicolene Terblanche believes that her team is well prepared, and that the St Mary’s Festival has provided her charges with a big boost.

“The preparations are positive,” she said. “We had a good St Mary’s Festival.”

At St Mary’s, after winning one and losing two on a tough first day, Terblanche’s girls staged a strong run the following day, racking up three wins and a draw.

They claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Clarendon, which was followed by a goalless draw against DF Malan. Then, they again came out on the right side of 1-0 wins in their third and fourth clashes, beating Roedean and their neighbours from the capital city, Pretoria High School for Girls, respectively.

Paarl Gim, meanwhile, roared out of the gates at St Mary’s. Playing in Pool D, they raced to opening day wins over the St Mary’s Festival XI (3-0), St Cyprian’s (2-0) and St Stithians (1-0), who would later pip Paarl Gim for third by reversing that result in their playoff match.

On day two, they again demonstrated their ability to grind out tight wins, recording victories over Our Lady of Fatima (2-1) and Pearson (1-0), before drawing with St Mary’s DSG (Kloof) and Collegiate Girls’ High.

Ultimately, they finished in fourth, but they, like Affies, built up strong momentum against serious opposition, which will have them well prepared for the challenge that lies ahead on Friday evening.

Based on the recent form of both sides, it’s likely to be a tight contest.

Mamelodi Sundowns has been a dominant force in the Gauteng Development League in 2024 and their dominance is vividly displayed in the standings, where they are top of the log and unbeaten through the first five rounds of the competition.

Moreover, their ladies’ team, which competes in the Gauteng Women’s Development League, is in peak form, with their results echoing the same lofty standards that have been set from the under-13 division up to the Premier Soccer League team, which is through to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.

Surprise Moriri, the under-19 side’s coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus the secret behind their success is a culture of excellence that has been established at the club.

Morris said that the club owner and current president, Patrice Motsepe, is the catalyst behind those high standards.

“It’s the culture that has been created at Sundowns,” said Moriri. “When the president took over, he said he wanted to make this team the best team in Africa. And everyone can see that is where the club is headed.

“We don’t celebrate coming second. Even if you come second in the league or you lose a game, you feel it.

“For us, as academy coaches, and everyone who is involved with the ladies’ team, we all know that at Sundowns we expect only the best.  Even the ground curator here knows that only the highest of standards is expected. Whoever is in a leadership position knows that success is non-negotiable,” he added.

Moriri, a former Sundowns’ captain, understands the danger of instilling a “win-at-all-costs” mentality. The 44-year-old said that the club strikes a perfect balance between winning games of football and prioritising the development of players, which is their main objective as academy coaches.

“While we are still trying to instil a winning mentality, there must be a balance in terms of developing the players and winning. It is a very thin line. You might cross that line, focus only on winning, but you will find out that when the players get to the next level they are still way behind in terms of the understanding of the game,” he continued.

“That is my driving force as an academy coach, to ensure that when these boys go up a level, they are ready. We take pride in terms of that as academy coaches, especially if you are working for Sundowns, because players cannot leave Sundowns and be in a situation where they are still learning. That is the standard that Sundowns has set in the country and the continent at large.”

After a hard-earned victory over the defending champions, Highlands Park, this past weekend, Sundowns take on an even steeper challenge as they brace for back-to-back fixtures this weekend. They face Tuks on Saturday, before a visit to Jomo Cosmos on Sunday.

Moriri said that despite the tough opposition that awaits, Sundowns will stick to their guns and focus on themselves as a team instead of dwelling on their opponents.

“I’ve watched Tuks quite a bit. They are a good and well-coached team, but we know what to expect from them,” said Moriri.

“But when we do our analysis, it’s about us and less about the opponents because, if you focus too much on the opponents, you will most likely lose yourself.

“Even when we do our corrections coming from the game against Highlands Park, I know that everyone will think we played well because we won 2-0, but I know that we lost too many balls and played too many long balls. That’s what we are fixing this week, going into the Tuks and Jomo Cosmos games.

“What I did like, though, was the mobility of our players. The circulation of the ball and the interchanging of possession was a lot quicker.

“It’s just that our decision-making was not spot-on in the last third. We created enough opportunities to score more than two goals. So, that’s what we’re working on.”

In other games, East Rand Athletic Club and School of Excellence host Rosina Sedibane and Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) on Saturday respectively.

Sevens Academy welcomes Randburg AFC, while SuperSport United tackles Panorama FC.

NWU Vaal visits TX Galaxy and Wits Junior plays at home against Kathorus Hyper Academy.

In their Saturday match, Jomo Cosmos faces Highlands Park, and Kaizer Chiefs does battle with Joburg City.

Die skote gaan klap in Fochville hierdie naweek.

Die NWU 16 Sportreeks staan einde se kant toe met die spanne wat Saterdag, in Fochville, in dié reeks se kwarteindstryde slaags raak.

Die hoofwedstryd van die dag, om 14:45, tussen Hoërskool Ben Viljoen en Hoërskool Vryburg, beloof om ‘n fees van hardlooprugby op te lewer.

Die span van Groblersdal se selfvertroue sou die hoogte ingeskiet het, nadat hulle verlede naweek, in hul eerste Limpopo-ligawedstryd, met 53-19 koning gekraai het teen Hoërskool Hans Strijdom in Naboomspruit .

Ben Viljoen het nog slegs eenkeer vanjaar, teen Hoërskool Riebeeckrand (31-38), die knie moes buig.

Hul afrigter, Abrie de Jager, het egter ‘n paar interessante veranderinge vir die naweek se wedstryd aangebring. Die puntemasjien, Mignon Stevens, wat gewoontlik op heelagter verskyn, sal hierdie week die Vryburgers op losskakel terroriseer, terwyl skrumskakel, Joe Cloete, na linkervleuel toe skuif met Anverio Adonis wat losskakel vir skrumskakel verruil.

Die span van Vryburg het self ‘n string veranderinge aangebring. Skrumskakel, Janco Venter, is buite aksie weens ‘n besering, met Rikus Nieuwoudt wat hom vervang, terwyl Cobus van der Berg die staatmaker-oopkantflank, Dirk Visser, se plek langs die skrum inneem. Visser is steeds deel van die planne en sal op haker, in die plek van Jordan Haynes, diens verrig. Van der Berg het vroeër die seisoen loskopstut gespeel.

Die Vryburgers se klipharde Petrie Weideman skuif van slot na die voorry om Van der Berg op losskop te vervang, met Juan Smit wat geleentheid kry op slot.

Die voorwestryd, tussen gashere, Hoërskool Fochville en Hoërskool Hans Strijdom, behoort ook heelwat opwinding te verskaf. Die Fochies se losskakel, Petri Schutte, het ‘n kritieke rol om te vervul, indien die tuisspan hoop om die Hansies te tem.

Dit behoort ook verblydend te wees dat die senterpaar, Marchand de Villiers en Junior Naude, weer herenig is. De Villiers het die Fochville breiers die skrik op die lyf gejaag met ‘n besering wat hy tydens die Mauritz Hansen-week opgedoen het.

Hoërskool Schoonspruit is slaggereed om Leeuwenhof Akademie die stryd aan te sê, met die span van Klerksdorp se losskakel, Bevan Morkel, wat met sy visie vir spasie die span van Johannesburg se verdedigers aan die raai sal hou.

Hoërskool Riebeeckrand is oorgehaal om nog ‘n groot vis in te katrol wanneer hulle teen Hoërskool Wolmaransstad te staan kom. Die Johannesburgers sal egter die span van Wolmaransstad se puntemasjien op losskakel, Chritopher Dennis, moet aan bande lê indien hulle hoop om die Wollies te stuit.

Die spanne: 

Hoërskool Ben Viljoen t. Hoërskool Vryburg om 14:45 in Fochville

Ben Viljoen: 15 Dylan Nieuwenhuys, 14 MJ de Beer, 13 Clemintino Bowers, 12 Mihlali Ntlebi, 11 Joe Cloete, 10 Mignon Stevens, 9 Anvernio Adonis, 8 Asheeq Bradford, 7 Tiaan Scheepers, 6 Janik Brits, 5 Jaco Botha, 4 Erich Labuschagne, 3 JP Singleton, 2 Flippie Niemann, 1 Leuco Robinson.

Vryburg: 15 Christopher Issacs, 14 FJ van Zyl, 13 Karabelo Mbolekwa, 12 Jordan Rathebe, 11 Tefo Sejake, 10 Jayden Starke, 9 Rikus Nieuwoudt, 8 Kenan Joseph, 7 Aiden Jonker, 6 Cobus van der Berg, 5 Juan Smit, 4 Olerato Bonokwane, 3 Daniel Nortje, 2 Dirk Visser, 1 Petrie Weideman.

Hoërskool Fochville t. Hoërskool Hans Strijdom om 13:15 in Fochville

Fochville: 15 Athi Nqgele, 14 Braden Pretorius, 13 Junior Naude, 12 Marchand de Villiers, 11 Tonny Sebola, 10 Petri Schutte, 9 Vrede Els, 8 Wynand Breytenbach, 7 Simphiwe Ntuli, 6 Xander Lottering, 5 AJ Scheepers, 4 Martin Kriel, 3 Luthando Bayi, 2 Ruan Foord, 1 Jason Labuschagne.

Hans Strijdom: 15 Keano van der Walt, 14 Rodney van Deventer, 13 Mpiri Gadebe, 12 Hendriko van der Kolf, 11 Tebogo Mapologelo, 10 MW de Jager, 9 Lewarlt Ferreira, 8 Janneman Benson, 7 Marcus van der Walt, 6 Hannes Viviers, 5 Juan van Staden, 4 Ewandre Jonker, 3 Alwyn Geyser, 2 Leander Janse van Rensburg, 1 Marnus Ruytenberg.

Hoërskool Schoonspruit t. Leeuwenhof Akademie om 10:45 in Fochville

Schoonspruit: 15 Hano Stander, 14 Henry Enslin, 13 Ruan Britz, 12 Duan Kruger, 11 Sithle Botha, 10 Bevan Morkel, 9 Vuyo Khumalo, 8 Jan-Hendrik Peacock, 7 Hanich van Antwerp, 6 Elmo Kruger, 5 Francois Prinsloo, 4 Ruan van Pletzen, 3 George Badenhorst, 2 CJ Everet, 1 Gerhard van der Merwe.

Leeuwenhof: TBC

Hoërskool Riebeeckrand t. Hoërskool Wolmaransstad om 10:15 in Fochville

Riebeeckrand: 15 Junaid Fortuin, 14 Cayleb Hadebe, 13 Eshihle Sibisi, 12 Peet de Bruin, 11 Mika Seatle, 10 Zac Smit, 9 Freddy Parrott, 8 Jeandre Fourie, 7 Kobus Malan, 6 Xander Waray, 5 Terry Billa, 4 Dylan Jacobs, 3 Hardus Carew, 2 Zander Viljoen, 1 Reinhard Eloff.

Wolmaransstad: 15 Handro Conradie, 14 Gisto Mabitso, 13 Johan Erasmus, 12 MJ Hattingh, 11 Antonio Pullen, 10 Christopher Dennis, 9 Lucraine Wyngaardt, 8 Thlalefo Thobedi, 7 Abrie Oosthuizen, 6 Tumelo Senkwane, 5 Dian Smit, 4 Attie Becker, 3 Zak Knoetze, 2 Johan Steenkamp, 1 Jevano Hector.