Blog

Two of East London’s top hockey-playing schools, Selborne College and Clarendon High School for Girls, will go into the mid-year break satisfied after recording impressive wins against Stirling High School on Friday night.

Selborne was ruthless in front of a jam-packed crowd at Stirling and defeated their opponents 5-1, courtesy of a strong first-half performance.

Clarendon, meanwhile, had to show some mettle and, after trailing 0-2, they came from behind to win 3-2, much to the satisfaction of their supporters.

Both of the visiting sides were confident heading into the clash after getting one over Cambridge High School a week ago in another local derby.

Selborne was far from their best in that encounter but secured a nervy 3-2 win, while the Clarrie Bags operated in full motion and overran Cambridge 9-0.

Stirling, on the other hand, faced Hudson Park High last week and, while the girls won 3-2, the boys suffered a 1-3 loss.

It was certainly going to be a different challenge for the visitors, and Clarendon was in for a tough day at the office.

They started on the back foot and were outplayed in the first half by coach Michael Dettmer’s outfit, who struck twice, through Mathibane Mqeni and Lelona Botha, to open up a nice lead.

However, the visitors pulled one back just before halftime. That goal brought some belief to the Clarendon camp, and the halftime team talk by coach Luaan Sedras and his backroom staff worked like a charm.

They played much better hockey in the second half and put Stirling under immense pressure, which resulted in two more goals to complete the comeback.

Caroline Kretzmann, Hannah Hatting, and Kate Booysens netted for Clarendon, while Chadlyn Johannes, who made her debut this year, created two of their goals. She’s a player to keep an eye on in the coming years.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus after the game, coach Sedras applauded his teams for staying in the fight.

“We were surprised with how Stirling started the game,” he said. “They were aggressive, and we were always back-pedalling and playing on the back foot.

“We struggled in the first half, but we scored a goal before halftime, and I think that goal gave us the momentum and confidence we needed.

“It was a game of two halves,” he added, “and we were more positive and aggressive in the second.

“I’m proud of my girls with the character they showed to come from two goals behind to win the game.”

While Clarendon was forced to grind out a tough win, Selborne cruised to victory in the main match of the day.

Coach KJ Friend‘s outfit started like a house on fire, kept the pressure dialled up, and scored early goals, while standing firm at the back.

They led 4-0 at the break and scored one more goal in the second half to seal an emphatic 5-1 win.

On the scoresheet were skipper Gray van Heerden and Christopher Pringle, who both struck twice. Reid Drake, who has been in top form all season long at penalty corner time, also found the back of the net.

Coach Friend was pleased with his team’s performance, especially after their tight win over Cambridge.

“Last week we let ourselves down, and I think it was because of exam fever,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus. “This week we came out with the purpose to keep the ball and just be better.

“We were much better. It was tough against a good half-court press, but I’m happy. It’s a good way to end the term.”

Selborne had a tough start to the season at the Nomads Hockey Festival and King Edward VII Easter Hockey Festival.

They continued to struggle at the Hibbert Shield, in Gqeberha, but in May they found their mojo and started playing like the Selborne everyone has become accustomed to.

They defeated St Andrew’s College and Dale College and drew 2-2 with Grey College. Those results proved the turnaround was real.

Coach Friend revealed how he got his players on track: “We’ve just told the boys to play to our strengths. We know we are in a building phase.

“I told them to utilise our strengths. One or two standout performances over the last two weeks have proved what they are.

“We are identifying what we’re good at and what we’re not good at and just sticking to what’s working,” he explained.

Both Selborne and Clarendon will be well represented in the Border teams at the forthcoming SASHOC National Week in Pietermaritzburg from 30 June to 5 July.

That tournament will be exclusively LIVE on SuperSport Schools and DStv Channel 216.

After a game of two halves, St Stithians College managed to hold onto their first-half lead to enjoy only their third Pink Derby Day victory over St John’s College since its inception in 2016.

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

A penalty by flyhalf, Oliver Wilson, sealed the deal for Saints as they came away with a 25-21 win in a scintillating King Price Derby Series clash against their old foes.

The St Stithians’ triumph continued the trend of the past three years of the home side claiming bragging rights. The win also meant Saints was victorious in the inaugural King Price Derby Series showdown between the Johannesburg rivals.

Apart from the penalty that ensured victory, Wilson slotted another and added two conversions for a personal contribution of 10 points, which was one of the deciding factors in the match.

Another was a brace of tries from fullback, Sicelo Sakawuli, who has been selected for the Golden Lions Academy Week side at centre.

He shone in the first half. Feeding off the early dominance of the Saints’ pack, who put the visitors to the sword, and profiting from some silky handling, Sakawuli trotted over twice in the first 35 minutes to help Saints to a comfortable 22-0 lead by the break.

Up front, lock Luke Thorrald and the loose trio, especially openside flank Sipho Cele, provided the fire.

Thorrold was named the King Price King of the Match for his tireless performance in the second row. Cele, also a thorn in the side of the Blues, kept the visitors busy with his relentless work rate at ruck time, along with some big carries in broken play.

Flank Ross Turner also showed up, mostly during the first half, with commanding ball carries, which, in turn, gave the backs ample opportunity to launch wave after wave of attacks.

However, one must wonder what was said in the St John’s shed during the break.

Captain Joshua Shannon led by example. Knowing that his side dearly needed a score, the Blues’ hooker dived over within the first moments of the second half, which helped swing the momentum in favour of the visitors. He found valiant support from tighthead prop Stephanus Kritzinger, who threw his body around all over the park.

At flyhalf, Gerald van Wyk delivered another standout performance in his last Pink Day Derby. On more than one occasion, he showcased nifty footwork to beat the first defender, which created space and opportunities for St John’s to go on the offensive.

Van Wyk’s sharp reading of the game led to right wing, Tumelo Bopape, dotting down after he chased a well-placed chip kick from the flyhalf shortly after Shannon’s visit behind the whitewash.

His colleague on the other side of the field, left wing, Lwandle Khupe, also burst through the defences, with an intercept try, which was fair reward for some stellar defence from the visitors.

For 30 minutes of the second stanza, Saints were kept quiet, but Wilson’s second penalty then sealed the victory shortly before the final whistle.

St Benedict’s College was made to battle for a one-point victory over Christian Brothers’ College after the side from Boksburg led 16-10 at halftime in Bedfordview.

Bennies‘ centres, Samuel Sendwe (outside centre) and Wade Ramsay (inside centre), both crashed over in short succession late in the match and Sendwe nailed both conversions to lift the home team to a nail-biting 24-23 win.

His nine-point contribution backed up an exciting attacking performance in broken play as he and Ramsay kept the Boksburg boys busy throughout the 70 minutes.

Up front, lock Leandro Varonou laid a solid platform for the pair. He led the fightback with his intimidating runs, getting over the advantage line every time he touched the ball.

Scorers

St Stithians College 25 (22) – Tries: Sicelo Sakawuli (2), Cade Elsey. Conversions: Oliver Wilson (2). Penalties: Wilson (2). St John’s College 21 (0) – Tries: Joshua Shannon, Tumelo Bopape, Lwandle Khupe. Conversions: Gerald van Wyk (3).

St Benedict’s College 24 (10) – Tries: Samuel Sendwe, Leandro Varonou, Thabiso Maposa, Wade Ramsay. Conversions: Sendwe (2). CBC Boksburg 23 (16). 

Other teams 

u16: St Stithians College 24, St John’s 17; St Benedict’s College 33, CBC Boksburg 19.
u15: St Stithians College 40, St John’s College 12; St Benedict’s College 77, CBC Boksburg 0.
u14: St Stithians 29, St John’s College 24; St Benedict’s College 66, CBC Boksburg 0.

Van die eerste oomblik dat sy haar voetjies op ’n netbalbaan geplant het as ’n glimlaggende graadeentjie, het Gabby Smith geweet dat sy ’n tweede tuiste gevind het.

Vir baie mense is sport ’n stokperdjie; vir Gabby was dit ’n anker – ’n plek waar sy nie net kon speel nie, maar kon lééf. Sy vertel met ’n sagte nostalgie hoe sy nooit weer van die baan af kon wegstap nie, omdat iets in daardie eerste wedstryd haar hart vasgegryp en nooit weer losgelaat het nie.

Deesdae is sy een van Hoërskool Menlopark se spogspelers, bekend vir haar presisie, haar koelkop-doele en haar natuurlike leierskap in die sirkel. Vir Gabby gaan haar posisie as doel egter nie slegs oor doele aanteken nie – dit het te doen met konneksie, met vertroue, met iemand wat jou onvoorwaardelik bystaan wanneer die druk jou asem wil wegslaan.

“Die spesiaalste is die konneksie met my hulpdoel,” sê sy. “Om te weet ek is daar vir haar, en sy vir my. Dit is iets wat min mense in hul lewe het – iemand wat jou waarlik onderskraag, wanneer jy op jou swakste is, en jou dra.”

Gabby het al oomblikke in die spel, wat ander spelers vreesbevange sou gelaat het, met ’n stille vasberadenheid aangegryp.  Soos in die Fast 5-eindstryd, wat sy as een van haar trotste oomblikke beskou.

Die opposisie het voorgeloop en, met skaars 15 sekondes speeltyd oor, moes sy ’n haas onmoontlike driepuntdoel skiet. Met die wêreld se lawaai wat stil geword het in haar ore, het sy die doel geneem – en geseëvier. Dit is Gabby Smith: kalm in onsekerheid, vasberade wanneer ander twyfel.

Selfs die dapperstes onder ons word egter soms deur die lewe gekniehalter. Vroeër vanjaar was Gabby se wêreld op sy kop gekeer toe sy haar pa verloor het.

Haar pa was nie net haar grootste ondersteuner nie, hy was die stem langs die baan wat harder as enige toeskouer bemoedig het, wat elke wedstryd, elke oefensessie, elke droom met haar gedeel het.

“Almal kon sy stem hoor – nie net ek nie,” onthou sy.

Om sonder hom langs die kantlyn te speel was, en is, steeds een van die moeilikste dinge wat sy moes leer doen. Sy het egter nie die rou en die pyn alleen gedra nie.

Haar spanmaats, wat sy as haar beste vriendinne beskryf, het elke tree saam met haar gestap — van die kerkbank met sy begrafnis tot langs die baan wanneer die herinneringe te erg raak.

“Ek weet nie hoe ek dit sonder hulle sou gemaak het nie,” sê sy met ’n kraak in haar stem, maar tóg met ’n glimlag van dankbaarheid.

En, haar pa se stem is nie stil. Voor elke wedstryd buig sy haar kop in ’n stille geselsie met hom. Dan raak sy haar skoen aan – die een waarop sy sy naam geskryf het — en sy weet: “Hy skree nog steeds vir my, net nou van bo af.”

Vir Gabby is netbal ’n erfenis én ’n belofte. Sy dra haar pa se trots met elke gooi, elke doel en elke sweetdruppel op die baan. Haar droom is eenvoudig maar hemelhoog: om eendag vir Suid-Afrika te verteenwoordig, die Protea op haar bors te dra en te wys dat niks haar kan verhoed om te bereik waarvoor sy bestem is nie.

“Ek wil hom trots maak en vir hom wys ek het dit gemaak,” sê sy, vasberade en met ’n vonkel in die oog wat geen traan ooit kan blus nie.

Haar boodskap aan ander jong spelers: “Die lewe kan jou rondruk en in moeilike situasies plaas, maar hoe jy opstaan en daardeur werk, dit is wat regtig saak maak. Moet nooit moed verloor of opgee omdat dit makliker lyk nie – druk deur, want die Here weet presies waartoe jy in staat is.”

Wanneer ’n mens Gabby Smith op die baan sien, sien jy nie net ’n doel nie – jy sien ’n dogter wat nog steeds haar pa se stem hoor, ’n spanmaat wat ander dra soos sy gedra is, en ’n toekomstige Protea wat elke doel skiet met die vlam van herinnering en hoop in haar hart.

Die DStv Schools Netball Challenge se streeksuitdunronde in Mpumalanga vind hierdie naweek plaas, met 20 skole wat sake uitspook om te bepaal wie die topskole is wat deurdring na die nasionale DStv Challenge.

Hoërskool Secunda was verlede jaar gekroon as Mpumalanga se kampioenspan.

Die spanne word onderverdeel in die Ubuntu- en Botho-groepe, elk met sy eie kwarteind-, halfeind- en eindrondes, en die wenner van elke groep wat deurdring na die nasionale DStv Challenge.

Die Ubuntu-groep bevat skole wat nie dikwels die geleentheid kry om teen groot skole mee te ding nie, en vir dié meisies bied dit ‘n wonderlike geleentheid om blootstelling te kry en raakgesien te word.

Die groot vraag op almal se lippe is of Secunda hul titel suksesvol kan verdedig, of gaan ‘n nuwe skool as kampioen van Mpumalanga gekroon word?

Die groepe:

Groep A: Hoërskool Nelspruit, Hoërskool Delmas, Piet Retief, Madzuma, Khula Sakhile.

Groep B: Hoërskool Lydenburg, Middelburg Hoërskool, Ligbron, Lambalati, KleWa.

Groep C: Hoërskool Bervlam, HTS Middelburg, Hoërskool Secunda, Sibongamandla, Sidlamafa Senior.

Groep D: Curro Nelspruit, HTS Witbank, Hoërskool Ermelo, Chief Ampie Mayisa, Hlom.

 

Die Bepalings vir  Vrydag 20 Junie:

13:20:  Hoërskool Nelspruit t. Khula Sakhile; Lydenburg t. KleWa; Bergvlam t. Sidlamafa; Curro Nelspruit t. Hlom.

14:10: Hoërskool Delmas t. Madzuma; Middelburg Hoërskool t. Lambalati; HTS Middelburg t. Sibongamandla; HTS Witbank t. Chief Ampie Mayisa.

15:20: Hoërskool Secunda t. Sidlamafa Senior; Hoërskool Ermelo t. Hlom; Ligbron t. KleWa; Piet Retief t. Khula Sakhile.

16:10: Hoërskool Nelspruit t. Madzuma; Lydenburg t. Lambalati; Bergvlam t. Sibongamandla; Curro Nelspruit t. Chief Ampie Mayisa.

17:20: Delmas t. Khula Sakhile; Middelburg Hoërskool t. KleWa; HTS Middelburg t. Sidlamafa Senior; HTS Witbank t. Hlom.

18:30: Piet Retief t. Madzuma; Ligbron t. Lambalati; Hoërskool Secunda t. Sibongamandla; Hoërskool Ermelo t. Chief Ampie Mayisa.

20:30: Lydenburg t. Ligbron; Bergvlam t. Hoërskool Secunda; Curro Nelspruit t. Hoërskool Ermelo; Hoërskool Nelspruit t. Piet Retief.

 

Die Bepalings vir Saterdag 21 Junie:

08:20: Madzuma t. Khula Sakhile; Lambalati t. KleWa; Sibongamandla t. Sidlamafa Senior; Chief Ampie Mayisa t. Hlom.

09:10: Middelburg Hoërskool t. Ligbron; HTS Middelburg t. Hoërskool Secunda; HTS Witbank t. Hoërskool Ermelo; Delmas t. Piet Retief.

The Hilton College 1st XV has enjoyed a better rugby season than their great rivals, Michaelhouse, and they’ll be favoured to win when the teams go at it on Gilfillian Field, at Hilton, on Saturday afternoon.

Better record, home ground advantage? So, most factors point towards a Hilton win. Except for the fact that this is a rivalry clash, and those are notoriously unpredictable, plus the rather strange fact that the home team last won in 2022.

Hilton kept that streak intact with a 25-20 win at Michaelhouse at the beginning of May. In June 2024, Hilton won 26-25 on Meadows. Earlier in the season, Michaelhouse triumphed 24-23 at Hilton.

When Michaelhouse scored an 18-15 win over Hilton on Gilfillan in June 2023, it ended a long winning streak for Hilton over the Balgowan boys, which had stood since 2016. It also brought Michaelhouse their 100th win in the rivalry. After winning earlier this season, Hilton now has 97 wins, and 10 matches have been drawn.

Given that they’re an experienced side and the undoubted quality in their ranks, Michaelhouse has the ability to again win away from home.

However, they’re coming off a tough 20-50 defeat to Westville Boys’ High, who did a lot of damage in a similar manner to the approach that Hilton will take, and which Brad Macleod-Henderson‘s charges have very successfully executed throughout the season.

They’re going to attack around the fringes, aiming to get players running onto the ball at pace, and they have the physical edge to do that. Once Hilton gets into a flow with that approach, they’re relentless.

Their Craven Week forwards, hooker Josh Grant and eighthman Zander Muller, will be key players in the execution of that plan, while lock Andrew Schnell, a Sharks’ Academy Week selection, is playing outstanding rugby, too, but it’s not about individuals, Hilton’s pack hunts well together.

Hilton also features a Craven Week pair at scrumhalf and flyhalf, with Zander Vorster and Liyema Nela manning those positions, except that Vorster will be on the bench on Saturday, with Benoit Rey starting in the number nine jersey.

There’s one other change to the Hilton team that went down 20-23 to Maritzburg College last weekend, with Jacques Olivier taking over from Stewart Falconer at flank.

Michaelhouse is unchanged from the team that went down to unbeaten Westville. They boast a Craven Week midfield of William Ridl and Rourke O’Sullivan.

At the back, both teams have fullbacks who have enjoyed some exciting moments in 2025, with James Peattie wearing 15 for Hilton and Alex Jankowitz his opposite number. When tactical kicking is wayward, they can make things happen.

Wayward kicking happens when teams are able to pressure kickers. That’s going to be a crucial aspect of the game. Both teams understand the importance of playing the game in the right areas of the field. Their coaching – led by Brad Macleod-Henderson, at Hilton, and James Fleming, at Michaelhouse – is top-notch.

Michaelhouse’s season began with a 10-17 loss to Helpmekaar in a game they led at halftime. That was followed by a 13-15 defeat at Northwood, with ‘House losing the lead right at the death. It didn’t help that a showdown with Durban High School (DHS), on Van Heerden’s Field, in Durban, followed. There are few tougher places to play, but Michaelhouse showed up well in a 20-28 loss.

Those tough defeats, though, had an impact and they’ve failed to get across the finishing line in tight games. Had those early games tilted their way, they would likely have built up the momentum that would have resulted in a very different season.

Hilton, in contrast, have curiously underperformed in some games, most evidently in a 7-20 loss to Grey High School. Still, their record is a sound nine wins and four defeats. Interestingly, apart from their loss to Grey High in Gqeberha, two of their three other losses have come on Gilfillan Field.

Perhaps, though, the biggest challenge that awaits both teams is handling magnitude of the occasion. A focus on the basics and playing what lies in front of the players will be key, never mind the wall of noise that will envelop the game from all sides.

Michaelhouse has only four wins, two draws, and nine losses this season, but a victory at Hilton in their last match of 2025 would give their record a far glossier sheen. They’ll be desperate to make that happen.

Teams

Hilton College: 15 James Peattie, 14 Guy Fender, 13 Khazimla Makali, 12 Tristan Uys, 11 John Grubb, 10 Liyema Nela, 9 Benoit Rey, 8 Zander Muller, 7 Emmanuel Dankwah, 6 Jacques Olivier, 5 Andrew Schnell, 4 André Boshoff, 3 Mholi Khuzwayo, 2 Josh Grant, 1 Khanya Jekwa.

Michaelhouse: 15 Alex Jankowitz, 14 Lwandle Nzama, 13 Rourke O’Sullivan, 12 William Ridl, 11 Jack Carmody, 10 Stefan Moolman, 9 Dan Aissing, 8 Dom Sesink-Clee, 7 Luke Mitchell, 6 Oliver Davis, 5 Daniel Carr, 4 Reese Hill, 3 Nicolas Salamousas, 2 Max Oliva, 1 Koketso Bopape.

Having successfully seen off the challenge of Stirling High last week, Hudson Park will be aiming to finish their second term programme on a high note when they host Port Rex in East London at 14.30 on Saturday.

Their derby clash continues a fascinating rivalry between the schools. Both teams will be fired up to ensure it’s an afternoon of celebration for their supporters.

A comparative look at their results suggests that Hudson Park will start as strong favourites.

Port Rex and Stirling drew 17-17, while Hudson cruised to a 41-7 triumph last Saturday.

Against Queen’s College, Port Rex ran out of steam after a fighting display in the first half to leak 30 points in the second, going down 10-57 at The Rec, in Komani. Hudson, on the other hand, albeit playing at home, put in a stronger performance to lose 18-32 to Queen’s.

Nonetheless, both sides know that past results will count for nothing when the ref’s whistle signals the start of their match on Saturday.

Port Rex wasn’t in action last weekend so they will have to find their rhythm against a team who were impressive in dismantling the Stirling defence, with outside centre Lunathi Dolo their standout player.

Bustling No 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini crossed for two tries in that game and he will again be one to watch, while the halfback combination of Likho and Landile Gidi have a close understanding, which could give them the edge.

In the other match in East London, Stirling hosts Selborne College at 13:30. They will need to lift their game to match the visitors.

The Selbornians were solid in defence against Cambridge High last Friday, and equally efficient on attack, running in six tries in a 42-0 victory.

It would be a surprise if they were not able to build on that against Stirling. Allan Miles is an astute coach, and he will keep his Selborne side grounded for the showdown.

Teams

Hudson Park: 15 Mahle Zinto, 14 Bahlumile Mavusa, 13 Ukhona Kama, 12 Lunathi Dolo, 11 Masibulele Kwakwini, 10 Likho Gidi, 9 Landile Gidi, 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini, 7 Likhanye Mandila, 6 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 5 Sange Gwarube, 4 Hlumelo Gobile, 3 Tyrique Peters, 2 Kwakokuhle Pasha, 1 Manyano Mpendu.

Port Rex: 15 Phumelela Sheleni, 14 Deano Snyman, 13 Mivuyo Kongela, 12 Owam Nqweniso, 11 Hlalumi Tisane, 10 Ndimphiwe Songqwaba, 9 Lluthando Maseti, 8 Lonwabo Mntwapi (capt), 7 Lutho Majavu, 6 Siyo Dubula, 5 Kwakhanya George, 4 Ethan Schoeman, 3 Liam Botha, 2 Mlibo Makupula, 1 Siyema Mdyogolo.

Makhanda powerhouse St Andrew’s College will subject their outstanding season to a gruelling examination when they visit the Graveyard, in Qonce, on Saturday, to take on Dale College at 15:15.

The teams could hardly have had more contrasting fortunes this season. Dale has only three wins from 14 matches, while St Andrew’s sports 13 victories, one draw, and a single defeat from their 15 encounters.

The Makhanda team is, also, fresh off a thrilling and morale-boosting 25-22 win over their arch-rivals, Kingswood College.

And yet the feeling persists that the Dalians will not be pushovers at a venue which has not earned its nickname for nothing.

With little to lose, the home side will be fired up to cause an upset, but they will need to make sure they match St Andrew’s up front so as to allow flyhalf Soso Dyani to unleash his backs.

Dangerous runners fill the Dale backline and St Andrew’s coach Jonny Mallett knows that they his side will have to be up to speed in their defensive work to snuff out that threat.

St Andrew’s will be missing star fullback Will Stevens, whose all-round play and accurate kicking have been a significant factor in their success this season. He is on Craven Week warm-up duty, but they have quality cover in their squad. Regular scrumhalf David Chorley will wear the number 15 jersey, while Connor Malan takes over at halfback.

It should be another St Andrew’s victory, as long as they do not take anything for granted.

Graeme College returns to action with a trip to Graaff-Reinet for their annual showdown with Union High, which kicks off at 13.20.

Coach Jonty van der Meulen‘s team is enjoying a very good season and, even with some of their frontline players out, they should have too much in their armoury for the home side.

Union, though, will not lie down for anyone and they have upset the Makhanda side in the past. They’re also coming off heartening wins over Andrew Rabie and Woodridge, and they will relish the prospect of testing themselves against higher-profile opposition.

Kingswood will be missing eight regular players when they host Woodridge in their annual derby at 13.10.

Nonetheless, they will be a formidable hurdle for the Thornhill school, whose last visit to Makhanda ended in a 0-73 defeat at the hands of Port Rex in the Graeme Rugby Festival.

Teams

St Andrew’s College: 15 David Chorley, 14 Asante Chivere, 13 Ali de Kock, 12 Aphindile Ngcuka, 11 Qhawe Madikizela, 10 Oli Johns, 9 Connor Malan, 8 ⁠Joshua van Zyl, 7 ⁠Luca Nigrini, 6 ⁠Coel Trollip, 5 ⁠Matthew Harvey (capt), 4 ⁠William Beamish, 3 ⁠Sivatho Mjali, 2 Amo Habi, 1 Jake Jackson.

Dale College: 15 Inge Mafanga, 14 Achumile George, 13 Milani Madide, 12 Nxande Ngcaba, 11 Amahle Mehlomane, 10 Soso Dyani, 9 Onikwa Boniwe, 8 Kamva Sithole, 7 Liyabona Mqingwana, 6 Linamandla Peter, 5 Kungawo Jaca, 4 Ebenezer Sarpong, 3 Phawu Ludwaba, 2 Lakhanya Mbewu, 1 Azole Sodlaka.

Wynberg Boys’ High visits SACS on Saturday, favoured to claim a victory in their King Price Derby Series match on Memorial-A Field, which kicks off at 12:30.

In 2024, there was almost nothing to separate the sides, with Wynberg winning 9-7 at home in August, and SACS triumphing 30-29, also at home, in June.

This time out, though, Wynberg looks like a far more solid bet than SACS to win. Last Saturday, they fell to a hard-fought 17-21 loss to Paul Roos Gimnasium. On the same day, Paarl Gimnasium overran SACS 82-7. Will SACS suffer a hangover from that heavy defeat?

The weather forecast for Saturday looks perfect for rugby – a cool 16 degrees Celsius, with little wind and lots of sunshine.

The home team will, unfortunately, be without their captain, Siphesihle Mbungendlu, a member of the Western Province XV Craven Week side, due to injury. It’s a loss they can’t dwell on.

Luvuyo Mbuli will pack down in his stead on the side of the SACS’ scrum.

Wynberg will look to their powerful prop, Luqobo Makwedini, to deliver domination in the set scrums, while their captain and lock, Jaythen Orange, will be a tough challenge for the home side in the lineouts.

Behind their pack, Wynberg possesses many skilful playmakers, including flyhalf Achmat Behardien and centres Kunene Gadu and Yaqeen Ahmed. They’ve consistently shown the ability to unlock the toughest of defences.

SACS will aim to slow down Wynberg’s rapid phase play with strong counter rucks at the breakdown. Much will depend on how well they read the visitors’ inventive attacking play.

Wynberg will head into the contest with confidence. They’ve played some outstanding rugby this season, attacking with speed and creative freedom, which will ask serious questions of the SACS defence.

They’ll be eager to get the ball out wide where their hot-stepping wings can show off their fancy footwork.

Craven Week scrumhalf Morné Noble, besides offering a clean service from the base of the scrum, is also a dangerous man around the fringes of rucks and mauls, and he has a sharp eye for a gap. SACS will need to be on their toes when he has the ball in his hands.

Teams

SACS vs Wynberg, Memorial-A Field, Cape Town, 12:30

SACS: 15 Quewinn Lackay, 14 Josh Gorgens, 13 Mikey Skeeles, 12 Nathan Potgieter, 11 Imtiaz Abrahams, 10 Robert Boyes, 9 Matt Forbes, 8 Daniel Grant, 7 Harrison Bell, 6 Luvuyo Mbuli, 5 Cameron Hirst, 4 Reuben De Klerk, 3 Qiraan Hermans, 2 Sango Zangqa, 1 Qawe Sawuka.

Wynberg: 15 Daniel Ould, 14 Chad Campbell, 13 Kunene Gadu, 12 Yaqeen Ahmed, 11 Albert Lourens, 10 Achmat Behardien, 9 Morné Noble, 8 Alvn Machinja, 7 Tjeripo Karuhumba, 6 Alex Barrett, 5 James Orwin, 4 Jaythen Orange (Captain), 3 Luqobo Makwedini, 2 Noah Gila, 1 Luke Miller.

After years of heartbreak, middling results, and a failure to meet targets, the Eastern Province (EP) u18A girls’ team heads into the SASHOC National Week aiming to rewrite history.

The girls’ edition of the national event takes place at St Anne’s DSG, in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, from 30 June to 5 July.

At the same time, the u18 boys will be in action on the iconic Pape’s AstroTurf at Maritzburg College.

All the action will be LIVE on the SuperSport Schools App and DStv Channel 216.

With their local schools’ teams having shown up strongly against top sides from other provinces this season, Eastern Province will feel they have a good opportunity to make their mark.

The girls in black and red have struggled in the past, and last year mustered only a disappointing ninth-place finish in Bloemfontein. The year before, they finished sixth, and in 2022, they ended eighth. Their best finish in the past five years came in 2019, when they sneaked into the top four.

Their past history won’t be tested in Hilton, however. 

Eastern Province might be regarded as underdogs by some, and not that much has been said about them, but their opponents in Group A would beg to differ.

The reality is that EP has one of the strongest teams they’ve had in many years at a national event, and they’ll again be led by the experienced Geowynne Gamiet.

Coach Gamiet and his selectors have named a star-studded squad with players who have been capturing headlines all season long.

The lineup includes a whopping seven players from Collegiate Girls’ High, a school that has excelled all around the country this year.

Representing the Gqeberha school will be Eden Oliver, Gemma Bower, Taryn Peltenberg, Ayanda Klass, Kate Brennan, Khazimla Nogalawe and the dangerous Kerrin Gillies.

Out of the seven, only Bower was part of the u18A side last year, while the rest, except for Brennan, played in the u16A side that won SASHOC National Week gold.

Gillies was instrumental for EP in that team and scored five goals to finish among the tournament’s top goal-scorers, which she’ll be eager to replicate.

Joining the Collegiate girls will be the experienced DSG Makhanda trio of Mikè Holder, Jessica Stevens, and Abigail Holderness.

Holder and Holderness need no further introduction. They’re both influential returning players, looking to inspire their side and share their wealth of knowledge.

Westering High School will also be represented in the A-team by Linati Goniwe and Inathi Ndlazi.

Ndlazi made the step up to the A-side after she was selected to play in the u18B team last year. Her schoolmate, Goniwe, was part of the u16A team and has also been rewarded for her hard work.

Woodridge College’s Anna Kirsten is the sole representative from her school. She has played for Woodridge’s first team for three years and recently made her 100th appearance for the school.

Goalkeeper Rebecca Haswell, from Pearson, makes the move up from the u18B team last year to the A side in 2025.

The squad is completed by Kezia Abersalie, also a top karateka, from Alexander Road High School, and Amber-Rose Roth-Uren, from St Dominic’s Priory School, who has represented EP since she was u13.

The Eastern Cape side is drawn in a very tough Pool A. They open their account against Southern Gauteng B, who finished in the top four last year, on Monday, 30 June, at 07:30.

Eastern Province u18A Team

Rebecca Haswell (Pearson High School), Mikè Holder (DSG Makhanda), Kerrin Gillies (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Eden Oliver (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Anna Kirsten (Woodridge College), Jessica Stevens (DSG Makhanda), Abigail Holderness (DSG Makhanda), Gemma Bower (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Taryn Peltenberg (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Kezia Abersalie (Alexander Road High School), Amber-Rose Roth-Uren (St Dominic’s Priory School), Linati Goniwe (Westering High School), Ayanda Klass (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Kate Brennan (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Khazimla Nogalawe (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Inathi Ndlazi (Westering High School).

POOL FIXTURES

Monday, 30 June

07:30 – Eastern Province A vs Southern Gauteng B
16:00 – Eastern Province A vs Boland A

Tuesday, 1 July

13:10 – Eastern Province A vs Southern Gauteng A

Wednesday, 2 July

10:20 – Eastern Province A vs Southern Free State A

Thursday, 3 July

13:10 – Eastern Province A vs Northern Gauteng B

Hoërskool Garsfontein made history by clinching the prestigious Pretoria G1 League title for the first time, following a nail-biting encounter against Midstream College.

After years of trying, Garsies finally ascended to the top rung of the ladder.

In the final, on Friday, 6 June, coach Charlene Jonsson‘s side brushed aside Midstream, bagging a convincing 3-0 win to lay claim to the title.

After they had won, Jonsson could not contain her excitement: “We are extremely proud of our team, especially because this is the first time that Garsfontein has won the Pretoria G1 league with the 1st team,” she smiled.

“We have come close many years in a row, but we finally crossed the bridge in 2025. This year, we have been fortunate enough to win the league with our 1st and 16A teams,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus.

Winning the title is an exciting and important milestone for Garsfontein. Jonsson credited her team’s consistency and commitment to preparation as key factors behind their success.

“We approached each game and team we had to play with the exact same focus, preparation and intensity when building up to game day.

“We have had many ups and downs this season and could pull from every experience to make this league a successful one. We focused on one match at a time and by doing that we reached our goal that we had set at the beginning of the season.

“We had laid a very strong foundation up until the start of the league and this allowed us to peak at just the right time by following our processes and maintaining our focus where it mattered the most.”

The Pretoria G1 League features many top-tier schools, making it, undeniably, one of the best and most competitive girls’ league competitions on the school calendar. Winning the title ahead of those schools was a big achievement, Jonsson said.

“In my opinion, the Pretoria G1 league is one of the toughest in the country with Garsfontein, Menlopark, Affies, Waterkloof, Midstream, Eldoraigne, Zwartkop, and Montana all participating in the league,” she said.

She applauded her charges for their unity and determination throughout their campaign.

“We have a very strong group of players in the team and everyone, provincial [player] or not, puts in the work, early mornings and late evenings, to help make our programme successful. I can only praise my team for their full commitment and belief in what we are doing.”

Though the league has wrapped up, Garsfontein still has unfinished business. The Pretoria champions are gearing up for a busy post-holiday tournament period.

“After the winter holiday break, we will kick off with the Pullen & Howell tournaments and then fly off to Paarl for the Rising Challengers’ Cup, at La Rochelle,” Jonsson said.

“Unfortunately, we did not qualify for Top 12, but we are very excited to play against top-quality schools from around the country in the Paarl.”

GARSFONTEIN FIRST TEAM SQUAD

Assistant Coaches: Celia Seerane, Kriekie van Wyk
Trainers: Chantelle Potgieter, Chantelle van Tonder
Players: Ashley Retief, Andrea Groenewald, Lenske van Zyl, Megan Folkus, Jana Seebach, Daniella Grobbelaar, Hannah Liebenberg, Mieka Abbott, Moya Reinach, Emma van Rooyen, Anjoné Lourens, Elmien du Preez, Mienke Pieterse, Erné Kotze, Paige Marais, Kristen Baker.