Nadine van Hoogdalem het vanaf die ouderdom van slegs ses jaar die netbalbaan haar tweede tuiste gemaak.
Wat aanvanklik begin het as ’n stokperdjie, het spoedig ontwikkel in ’n diep passie, wat haar vandag dryf om haar drome na te jaag.
“My liefde vir netbal het werklik eers op o.9-vlak posgevat” vertel sy. “Die mense wat saam met my die sport beoefen het, asook my afrigter Suzette van Zyl se passie en liefde vir die spel, het ’n groot impak op my as speler gehad.”
Haar eerste jaar in die eerste span as o.16-speler.
As ’n verdediger is Nadine se rol op die baan van uiterste belang, en sy leef vir daardie deurslaggewende oomblikke.
“Aangesien daar van my as ’n verdediger verwag word om balbesit om te draai, is daardie gevoel van satisfaksie elke keer ongelooflik. Ek raak nooit moeg daarvoor nie,” glimlag sy.
Nadine verteenwoordig Hoërskool Noordheuwel, en vanjaar se derby teen Monument was ‘n hoogtepunt.
“Ek het die voorreg gehad om vir die eerste span te speel, en elke keer as ek die bal gedraai het, het ons ondersteuners dit luidkeels toegejuig. Dit het my hoendervleis gegee. Ek kon nie ophou glimlag nie, en ons het daardie wedstryd gewen!”
Hoewel sy die jongste speler in die span was, het Nadine gou haar plek gevind.
“Ek was aanvanklik bekommerd dat ek nie sou inpas nie, maar ek kon nie vir beter spanmaats gevra het nie. Hulle was daar vir my deur goeie en moeilike tye; ek was waarlik geseënd met sulke ongelooflike mense.”
Nadine se drome vir die toekoms is groot – en haar geloof hou haar gefokus.
“Ek wil volgende jaar my prestasies ewenaar of verbeter, en my groot droom is om eendag vir die Proteas te speel as verdediger,” vertel sy vasberade.
“Wanneer ‘n mens voel asof daar nie meer hoop is nie, bid eenvoudig en vra die Here vir krag. Al bereik jy nie jou doelwitte hierdie jaar nie, streef weer daarna volgende jaar. Moenie moed opgee nie; die Here het ’n plan vir ons almal.”
Nadine deflekteer ‘n bal in die lug.
Wanneer dit kom by rolmodelle, kyk Nadine op na sportsterre soos Bongi Msomi en Makazole Mapimpi, wat beide groot uitdagings oorkom het om sukses te behaal.
“Hulle wys vir my dat wanneer ‘n mens hard werk en gemotiveerd bly, jy enigiets kan bereik.”
Met haar passie, geloof en vasberadenheid is Nadine van Hoogdalem beslis ’n naam om dop te hou – ’n jong verdediger wat haar drome met moed en oortuiging nastreef.
Lamla Mgedezi, fullback of the Free State, dives over the tryline for one of his three tries in his side’s 52-33 win over the Blue Bulls at the FNB u18 Craven Week in Middelburg. Photo: Frans Lombard/Actionpix
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has announced a 53-man u17 Elite Player Development (EPD) Squad to attend a camp from 29 November to 6 December at Boland Landbou, in the Western Cape.
“As part of SA Rugby’s ongoing commitment to developing a truly nationwide rugby talent pipeline, we are continuing our comprehensive player identification programme in partnership with our Member Unions,” SARU said in a press statement.
“This crucial initiative is meticulously designed to expand the junior talent pool and strategically strengthen the player pathway for future national selections, directly aligning with our Strategic Transformation and Development Plan.
“The dedication shown by our unions has been instrumental in the success of our programmes over the years. Their commitment to nurturing and advancing rugby talent across South Africa is highly valued and supports our collective vision for sustainable excellence.”
Unsurprisingly, Western Province (WP), leads the way with the largest representation of 16 players. Paarl Gimnasium boasts the most individual selections, with six players, including Liam de Villiers and Mickyle Booise, who headline the union’s strong contingent.
Paul Roos Gimnasium follows with three representatives, including the exciting Tiaan Basson. Juvan Burden and Ethan van Biljon give Stellenberg‘s Jade Brigadetwo reps at the camp, while Rondebosch Boys’ High supplies Caleb Bell and Shellvon Mabooi.
Liam de Villiers of Paarl Boys’ High, Hoërskool Durbanville’s Zay-Winn Januarie, and Achmat Behardien, of Wynberg Boys’ High, complete the Western Cape contingent.
The Sharks, with 12, boast the second-highest number of players, led by three from Kearsney College: Clement Makelele, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, and Lwazi Mbebe. Earlier this year, Makalele was part of the SARU u16 EPD squad.
The northern powerhouse, the Blue Bulls, ranks third with nine players, including three from Affies: Charl Els, Hannes Nagel, and Martin van Niekerk.
The smallers unions also provide their fair share of players. The Limpopo Blue Bulls and Pumas had one player selected each, with Stephan Jansen van Rensburg, from Hoërskool Pietersburg, flying the flag for Limpopo, while Hoërskool Nelspruit‘s Rhandzu Mkhabela does the same for the Pumas.
Queen’s College provides Zeake Mata and Ncuthu Kepe, who are the only representatives from the Border region. Fleet-footed Lamla Mgedezi, one of the most exciting players in the country in 2025, is joined by his Grey College teammate, O’Ryan Kleyn in the squad. They’re the only Free State representatives.
The Lions had four players selected, including Jaydon Viljoen, the top points’ scorer at Academy Week, and the gifted Phano Letsie, who is joined in the squad by his Jeppe High School for Boys‘ teammate, Mihle Dyakala.
South Western Districts (SWD), who contested the Craven Week final at Hoërskool Middelburg in July, also had three players from Oakdale Landbou chosen for EPD camp, including Jacobus de Villiers, who earned SA Schools and SA u18 colours in 2025, and the massive lock, Diaan Augustyn, who was selected for the SA Schools A side and SA u18A teams. Prop, Matthew Prins will be Outeniqua‘s sole representative
Eastern Province provides three players – Luke Doyle, Erin Nelson, and Lucritia Magau – who are all from Graeme College.
U17 EPD SQUAD
Border (2)
Zeake Mata (Queen’s College)
Nchuthu Kepe (Queen’s College)
Blue Bulls (9)
Charl Els (Affies)
Hannes Nagel (Affies)
Martin van Niekerk (Affies)
Queenton Mcube (Pretoria Boys High)
Dylan Stumke (Menlopark)
Mendriano Abrahams (Menlopark)
Thabiso Simelane (St Alban’s College)
Drewyn Baron (Garsfontein)
Luke Doyle (Graeme College)
Erin Nelson (Graeme College)
Lucritia Magau (Graeme College)
Limpopo Blue Bulls (1)
Stephan Jansen van Rensburg (Hoërskool Pietersburg)
Lions (4)
Makomborero Mandihza (St John’s College)
Mihle Dyakala (Jeppe High School for Boys)
Jaydon Viljoen (Monument)
Phano Letsie (Jeppe High School for Boys)
After two years of dominance in the u19 division of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) by Highlands Park, the Lions of the North have been unseated as the GDL champions by Mamelodi Sundowns, who secured the title on the last weekend of the season.
As the league headed towards its conclusion, Highlands Park and the Brazilianswere in a fierce competition for the GDL crown. It was a fascinating season. At one point during the second round of matches, five teams appeared to be in contention for the title, with SuperSport United, Randburg, and Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) all challenging at the top.
Kaizer Chiefs, who had struggled in mid-table for most of their campaign, enduring a sub-standard season by their high standards, finished on a high, passing SuperSport United to claim fifth place.
Ahead of the weekend’s matches, Highlands Park and Park were level on 77 points. However, Bafana Ba Stylehad a better goal difference than Highlands Park. The previous weekend, the University of Pretoria (Tuks) had shaken up the title race when they shocked Highlands Park, which, effectively, all but ended the chances of a three-peat by the Lions of the North.
On Saturday, Highlands Park, nonetheless, had a chance to make history with a third consecutive title, but they didn’t control their own destiny. With their superior goal difference, Mamelodi Sundowns were in the driver’s seat.
For Sundowns’ coach Kristopher Bergman, it was a chance to claim silverware for the first time since joining the Chorkloop-based club in January.
Additionally, Sundowns had a shot at a fourth GDL title in 2025, with their u13, u15, and u17 teams having won their divisions the previous weekend. Only Kaizer Chiefs kept Sundowns from making a clean sweep of the titles, with Chiefs claiming the u14 crown.
Highlands Park took on a struggling School of Excellence side in their final game. School of Excellence had been through a trying campaign and sat 15th in the standings, way below their usual standard, which has usually seen them at the upper end of the table.
Highlands Park did what they could do, scoring a 1-0 win, but Mamelodi Sundowns secured the title in style, cruising to a 3-0 win over Panorama in Pretoria to seal the deal.
Also on Saturday, Rockefvs played to a 2-2 draw with SuperSport United. TS Galaxy scored a 2-0 victory over the East Rand Athletic Club, and Kathorus Hyper Academy took down Tuks 2-0.
With the schedule completed, East Rand Athletic and Elspark United Academy will be relegated to the second tier of the GDL for next season, while the Prestige Football Academy returns to the GDL after being demoted to the Gauteng Development League – Promotional League in 2023. They’ll be joined in the GDL by Future of Africa.
RESULTS
Saturday, 8 November
SuperSport United 2-2 Rockefvs
TS Galaxy 2-0 East Rand Athletic
Kathorus 2-0 Tuks
Highlands Park 1-0 School of Excellence
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Panorama
The reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, qualified for the last 16 of the GWSL despite going down to Royal Lions in one of their group games. Photo: Siya Pongco.
The fourth edition of the Gauteng Women’s Soccer League (GWSL) kicked off in the first week of November and is now set to head into the knockout phase of the competition after the group stage concluded at the Rovers Football Club, in Alberton, on the weekend.
Diepkloof Ladies, who won the inaugural tournament in 2022, are among the teams that have qualified for the next phase.
The 2023 champions, Raycon Ladies, also advanced and face off against Diepkloof Ladies in a mouthwatering round of 16 clash on Saturday, 15 November.
In 2022 and 2023, Raycon and Diepkloof met in the title games, with Raycon winning their 2023 meeting 1-0, thanks to a stunning free kick executed by Loretah Ncube, which left the Diepkloof Ladies’ goalkeeper in disbelief.
Mamelodi Sundowns, the 2024 champions of the GWSL, also qualified for the last 16, which means all of the previous champions are through to the knockout rounds. The Brazilians take on United Ladies.
Additionally, the Sundowns’ u17 team in the Gauteng Women’s Development League also claimed the title, concluding the season with just one defeat, although that loss was the first that the club had suffered under the guidance of coach Rhoda Mulaudzi.
They finished the season with an eye-opening tally of 213 goals scored and only 24 conceded.
In October, Mamelodi Sundowns was also crowned the winner of the Gauteng Sasol League. Now, they have their sights set on the GWSL trophy, aiming to become the first side to successfully defend the title.
Saturday GWSL Recap
Photo: Mondli Dube.
On Saturday, in Group A, Luso Africa surged into a 3-0 lead against Raycon Ladies, but the former champions showed strong character, fighting their way back to share a 4-4 draw.
Asijiki secured a 1-0 victory over United Ladies, while Mito Stars triumphed 2-0 against Raycon Ladies. Luso Africa had to settle for a second draw when they met United Ladies, with that match ending 2-2.
In Group B, Mamelodi Sundowns started strongly with an early 2-0 victory over Blue Birds. In their second outing, though, the defending champions were stunned 2-1 by Royal Lions. Lions continued their excellent form with a big 5-0 win over Brazilian Ladies.
The University of Pretoria (Tuks) played to a 2-2 draw with Blue Birds. Then, they hit the afterburners in scorching Brazilian Ladies 9-0.
Despite that impressive win, Tuks mustered only one victory from their three group matches, which meant they missed out on the last 16.
In Group E, Diambars Sunward, the recent winner of the inaugural Phoenix Elites SA Annual Games, found the going tough. They fell 0-2 to Electrical Ladies and, also, 0-2 to Kempton Park, which meant they failed to progress to the knockout stage of the competition.
Thandabantu United secured a slim 1-0 victory over Rosina Sedibane, who also suffered a 0-2 loss against Electrical Ladies.
Sunday GWSL Recap
On Sunday, some teams which had not yet booked a place in the last 16 had an opportunity to advance.
In Group C, JVW 2 scored a narrow 1-0 victory over the 2022 champions Diepkloof Ladies. Later, Kenneth Football Club (KFC) held JVW 2 to a 1-1 draw.
After an initial loss, Diepkloof Ladies rebounded to win their second match with a score of 2-0 against Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA). Springs Home Sweepers recorded a 3-1 win over KFC and drew goalless against RESA.
Even though Tuks won 9-0 over Brazilian Ladies, it wasn’t enough for them to qualify for the knockout stage of the GWSL tournament. Photo: Mondli Dube.
In Group D, JVW 1 kicked off their Sunday schedule with a 1-1 draw against Future Stars. Later in the day, they were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Revelation, who had edged out Edenvale 2-1 in their Sunday opener.
Edenvale recovered with a convincing 4-1 win over the hosts, Rovers, while Future Stars rolled to a 6-0 victory over Rovers.
In Group E, Diambars Sunward suffered two more defeats, going down 0-2 against Rosina Sedibane. Then, Thabandabantu handed them a fourth 2-0 loss in succession.
In other Group E matches, Kempton Park cruised to a 5-0 victory over Rosina Sedibane, while Thandabantu United picked up a tight 1-0 win over Electrical Ladies. Kempton Park also took down Electrical Ladies, winning 1-0.
RESULTS
Saturday, 8 November
Group A
Luso Africa 4-4 Raycon
Asijiki 1-0 United Ladies
Mito Stars 2-0 Raycon
Luso Africa 2-2 United Ladies
Group B
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Blue Birds
Royal Lions 5-0 Brazilian Ladies
Tuks 2-2 Blue Birds
Royal Lions 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Tuks 9-0 Brazilian Ladies
Group E
Electrical Ladies 2-0 Diambars Sunward
Thandabantu United 1-0 Rosina Sedibane
Kempton Park 2-0 Diambars Sunward
Electrical Ladies 2-0 Rosina Sedibane
JVW1 1-1 Future Stars
Revelation FC 2-1 Edenvale FC
Future Stars 6-0 Rovers FC
JVW1 0-0 Revelation FC
Edenvale FC 4-1 Rovers FC
Group E
Rosina Sedibane 2-0 Diambars Sunward
Thandabantu United 1-0 Electrical Ladies
Kempton Park 5-0 Rosina Sedibane
Thandabantu United 2-0 Diambars Sunward
Kempton Park 1-0 Electrical Ladies
FIXTURES
Last 16
Saturday, 15 November
09:00
Match 1 – Thandabantu United vs Kempton Park, Field 1
Match 2 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs United Ladies, Field 2
Match 3 – Springs Home Sweepers vs Mito Stars, Field 3
Match 4 – Blue Birds vs Future Stars, Field 4
10:30
Match 5 – Revelations vs JVW 2, Field 1
Match 6 – Diepkloof Ladies vs FC Raycon, Field 2
Match 7 – Royal Lions vs JVW 1, Field 3
Match 8 – Asijiki vs Electrical Ladies, Field 4
Quarterfinals
12:00
Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 2, Field 1
Winner Match 3 vs Winner Match 4, Field 2
Winner Match 5 vs Winner Match 6, Field 3
Winner Match 7 vs Winner Match 8, Field 4
The South African u17 girls’ head coach, Natalie Esteves, says she’s pleased with how her team showed “improvement and growth” at the Dato’ Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia.
The international hockey tournament concluded on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, with South Africa ending their sojourn on a high by claiming the bronze medal after defeating Queensland (Australia) 5-3 on penalties after their match had ended in a 2-2 draw.
Finishing third is the best finish yet achieved by the South African girls in the Dato Mirnawan Cup. In 2023 and 2024, they were beaten in the third-place playoff.
“It’s always important to win your last game when playing in a tournament,” Esteves told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“I think they showed unbelievable courage and tenacity to come back from 0-2 down to get a win.
“Heading into this tournament, we just wanted to expose players to this level of hockey and allow them the chance to grow and develop. I think overall the team showed huge improvement and growth.”
The South African girls started their campaign on the back foot, losing 1-3 to Queensland on the opening day despite enjoying the majority of possession.
On day two, they bounced back with a confidence-boosting 1-0 victory over the Australia Crocs, thanks to a Holly Hofmeyr strike.
The side went on to draw 2-2 with Malaysia Tigress before suffering a 0-5 loss against the tournament’s outstanding team, Japan, in their final pool match.
Japan went on to lift the title with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Malaysia Tigress.
“We are so lucky to be able to play against international opposition and expose players so young to other styles of the game,” Esteves said.
“The different levels of physicality and the adversity of playing in tougher conditions away from home are crucial. It’s an unbelievable opportunity for these players, and I’m sure we will see the rewards in the future.”
The South African Schools Hockey Association(SASHOC) will surely feel positive about the strides the South African boys’ and girls’ u17 teams have made in Malaysia in recent years. The event has also helped to identify areas in which the local game needs attention, Esteves said.
“I think, naturally, as SA teams, we need to get physically stronger on the ball and more clinical in the final third.
“There are some technical skills that we can look to execute at a higher level. In saying that, I think we have incredible school programmes and provincial programmes that are working hard to try and fill those gaps.”
The coach also thanked the Malaysia Hockey Federation for hosting an outstanding event.
“It’s just an incredible tournament, and it’s such an honour to be invited,” Esteves said.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity and exposure. I know that all the players have grown and learnt something, which is what it’s about at this age group.”
A goalless draw between Bolivia and Qatar on Sunday helped the u17 South African national team, Amajimbos, to a second-place finish in Group A of the u17 FIFA World Cup and a place in the next round of the tournament.
Amajimbos fell to Italy on Sunday, going down 1-3.
In a similar manner to their match against Qatar on Thursday, 6 November, South Africa conceded an early goal, with Valerio Macarroni setting up Sameul Inacio for a fourth minute strike.
Qatar had scored in the third minute on Thursday. That game ended 1-1.
Italy, who went into the game having not conceded a goal, kept up the pressure on South Africa. However, the Europeans had their defences unlocked in the 32nd minute by Shaun Els, which resulted in the teams heading into the break level at 1-1.
The Italians hit the front again 10 minutes into the second half, with Macarroni laying on his second assist of the match, while Antonio Arena provided the finish.
Only three minutes later, Arena turned provider, setting up Inacio, who netted his second, to make it 3-1.
Fortunately, for South Africa, the goalless draw between the hosts, Qatar, and Bolivia, worked in their favour. The Qataris finished third in the group but could qualify for the round of 32 as one of the eight best third place finishers.
Eliah Booth made history for Grey High by becoming the first batsman to score a triple century for the school. Photo: Supplied.
Eliah Booth, the outgoing Grey High u14A captain, broke the school’s record for the most runs by a learner at the institution with a sensational, unbeaten triple century to lead his team to a massive 326-run win over Woodridge u14A on the Pyott Field, at Grey, on Saturday.
Booth’s undefeated 305 from only 171 balls in the limited overs contest was the first time in the 169-year history of Grey High that a learner had recorded a triple century.
“We had him batting at number four for the entire first term, barring two games where he opened. It was actually his request to bat at the top of the order as he prefers the pace on the harder ball.”
Woodridge won the toss and asked Grey High to bat first. Booth welcomed the invitation with both hands, and turned it into a spectacular success, blasting 28 fours and 20 sixes in his astounding innings, which powered Grey to an unbelievable 475/3 from their 50 overs, good for a run rate of 9.5 runs per over.
That was far too big of a mountain to climb for Woodridge, who were bowled out for 149 in reply in 23.5 overs.
Booth got Grey High going with an opening stand 82 runs off 65 balls with Mason Groch, who chipped in with 23 runs, but that was merely an appetiser for the fireworks that followed.
That partnership was followed by a stunning 323-run second-wicket partnership between Booth and Jed Thurgood from only 211 deliveries. Thurgood played his part by cracking 105 from only 96 balls, striking 15 fours and a six.
Booth scored his first 100 from 63 balls. Then, his second ton took 69 deliveries before he hit the afterburners, rocketing from 200 to 300 in only 32 balls.
The die was cast before Woodridge’s reply began. They needed one of their top-order batsmen to give them a special start if they were to have a slim chance of making a game of it, but it was not to be. They lost three wickets in the powerplay and never recovered.
Joshua Bailes, with 26, and Phelo Kwitshana, also with 26 were their highest run-scorers, while a lower-order partnership of 21 runs between Kwitshana and Cole Bartlett was their best, which paled in comparison to the humungous stand between Booth and Thurgood.
Booth moves up into the u15 ranks next year, where he hopes to continue his successes. The teenager is a great admirer of former South African captain Faf du Plessis and is a fan of both the Chennai Super Kings and Joburg Super Kings franchises.
Summarised Scorecard
Grey High u14A 475/3 (Eliah Booth 305*, Jed Thurgood 105; Ashlee Buhr 1/82, Joshua Bailes 1/86). Woodridge u14A 149/10 (Phelo Kwitshana 26*, Joshua Bailes 26; Ethan Houlie 3/24, Zach Eckert 2/28). Grey High won by 326 runs.
Luphelo Mdyesha and Corbin Tidbury put on a show for Graeme College with match-winning, unbeaten half-centuries in an unbroken stand worth 121 runs. Photo: Supplied.
Luphelo Mdyesha and Corbin Tidbury’s unbeaten half-centuries helped Graeme College claim local bragging rights and a seven-wicket win over St Andrew’s College, in Makhanda, on Saturday.
Meanwhile, half-centuries from Teun Kloppenberg and Connor Parry set up Grey High for a comfortable 80-run victory over Kingswood College at City Lords.
Graeme College vs St Andrew’s College
When the toss went Andrew Muir’s way, the Graeme College captain chose to bowl first. That proved to be a good decision.
After a solid start, the St Andrew’s innings lost momentum and spluttered to 172 all out from 47 overs. The hosts made light work of chasing down the middling target, charging to 178/3 and victory in only 27.4 overs.
The St Andrew’s College innings began well, with Rhys Wiblin, who went on to top-score with 81, and William Beamish, who made 42, providing a sound 75-run opening stand. College, though, failed to capitalise on that strong foundation.
They lost their way when Ajay Jeggels struck twice in the 20th over to dismiss Beamish and Keegan Borst in the space of three deliveries. The visitors, then, mustered a promising partnership between Wiblin and Ben Scharges, but it was ended before it could come to full fruition after the pair had added 30 runs.
Scharges contributed a patient 12 from 28 balls, but he was the last St Andrew’s batsman to reach double figures. Wiblin was forced to watch on helplessly at a procession of wickets going down at the other end. and when College’s innings came to a close for 172, he was unbeaten, having defied Graeme for 117 balls.
Five bowlers picked up two wickets each. The aforementioned Ajay Jeggels took 2/26, Corbin Tidbury snapped up 2/10, Lisekho Zinyane 2/29, and Luphelo Mdyesha 2/41.
The home side’s reply began unconvincingly. After 11.2 overs, they were on 53/3, with the match ready to lean in favour of the team that seized the initiative from that point. It was Graeme who took charge.
Mdyesha and Tidbury joined forces in the middle and proceeded to bat St Andrew’s out of the contest. Playing responsibly, they stitched together an unbroken match-winning 121-run fourth-wicket partnership that piloted the hosts to an impressive win.
Mdyesha hit out with controlled aggression, on his way to Graeme’s top score of 72 not out from 53 deliveries, which included 10 fours and three sixes. Tidbury proved to be a dependable partner, finishing unbeaten on a fine 55 from 57 balls.
Kingswood College vs Grey High
James Upton, the Grey High captain, called correctly at the toss and tasked his batsman with providing a match-winning total when they visited Kingswood College.
The Gqeberha school’s batsmen responded well, tallying 272/9 from their 50 overs. That proved to be more than enough as Kingswood struggled to mount a challenge. After 47.4 overs, they were dismissed for 192.
Upton made 17 as he and Cullen Marais opened with a 49-run stand for the first wicket. The visitors suffered a slight stutter, however, when Marais joined his skipper back in the change room a short while after their partnership was broken.
Soon, though, Grey was back on track and flourishing, thanks to a superb 126-run third-wicket partnership between Connor Parry, who made 68, and Teun Kloppenberg, who weighed in with 79. Their stand took the game away from Kingswood.
It came to an end in the 37th over when David Loudon dismantled Parry’s stumps. Six overs later, Sinawo Bukula dismissed Kloppenberg.
That was the second of Bukula’s superb haul of five wickets, which came off of nine overs and cost him 42 runs. Despite his outstanding effort, Grey High was still able to post a challenging total.
Kingswood’s run chase did not go smoothly, with Grey High showing a penchant for taking wickets at regular intervals, which denied the hosts any momentum. Five of their batsmen – Daniel Jakins, Josh Loon, Chris Zimmerman, Patrick Mouton, and Rogan Goliath – made starts but failed to kick on, with all five being dismissed in the twenties.
Teun Kloppenberg, Grey’s top scorer, was also one of his side’s most successful bowlers, snagging 3/38 from 10 overs. Matthew Tinley was equally effective, claimed 3/34 from 8.4 overs.
Summarised Scorecards
St Andrew’s College 172/10 (Rhys Wiblin 81, William Beamish 42; Ajay Jegels 2/26, Lisekho Zinyane 2/29, Luphelo Mdyesha 2/41, Corbin Tidbury 2/10). Graeme College 178/3 (Luphelo Mdyesha 72, Corbin Tidbury 55; William Stevens – 2/46, William Beamish – 1/15). Graeme College won by seven wickets.
Grey High School 272/9 (Teun Kloppenberg 79, Connor Perry 68, Cullen Marais 36; Sinawo Bukula 5/42, Imi Ngcese 1/25, Josh Loon 1/44). Kingswood College 192/10 (Rogan Goliath 26, Chris Zimmerman 25, Josh Loon 24; Matthew Tinley 3/34, Teun Kloppenberg 3/38, Logan Groch 2 /38). Grey High won by 80 runs.
Rex Wardlaw made a telling all-round contribution to help Michaelhouse to a thrilling two-run win over Hilton in their Pink Day clash on the Roy Gathorne Oval, in Balgowan. Photo: Justin Waldman Sports Photography.
In a tense Pink Day showdown in support of the Pink Drive, Michaelhouse squeaked by Hilton College, claiming an anxiety-filled two-run win over their arch-rivals in a limited overs clash on the Roy Gathorne Oval, in Balgowan, on Saturday.
After Michaelhouse had totalled 190 all out, Hilton appeared to be in with a shout at victory when they reached 94/2, but by then they had used up almost two-thirds of their overs.
‘Househung tough, despite a fine 62 by Ben Hockly, to claim a nerve-wracking victory.
When the coin fell Michaelhouse’s way, they chose to bat first. William Russon was an early casualty, bowled by Sechaba Gude for four. After his dismissal, though, Michaelhouse skipper, Ethan Muir, and Rex Wardlaw settled in, adding 75 runs off the next 108 balls.
Muir, the aggressor, fell with the total on 95, out for a crucial 53 from 66 deliveries, which had included seven fours and a six. Just five runs later, with the century on the scoreboard, Wardlaw followed for a patient 27 from 66 balls.
Two more wickets fell in quick succession, with Benoit Rey getting rid of Graydon Leslie and Hayden Hewlett to leave Michaelhouse somewhat unsteady on 106/5. Four wickets had fallen for the addition of only 11 runs.
Cody Sander and Ben Heuer, however, steadied the ‘House innings, advancing the total by 32 runs before Sander was caught by Ben Wilson off Rey’s bowling for 19. Heuer followed for 26, having struck two fours and a six, which left the home side on 160/7.
Nicholas Baker, with 17, and Radhesh Jhilmeet, with 14, helped stretch the Michaelhouse innings to 190 all out after 46.2 overs. They were aided by 20 extras.
Real men wear pink! The Hilton College 1st XI shows their support for women battling cancer with their pink shoelaces. Photo: Justin Waldman Sports Photography.
Benoit Rey shone for Hilton. He stymied the hosts’ run scoring, conceding only 23 runs from his 10 overs. He was also Hilton’s leading wicket-taker, claiming three victims.
Luke Wilson snagged 2/33 in eight, Luke Campbell chipped in with 2/40 in 10, and opening bowler, Sechaba Gude, although a touch on the costly side – his 10 overs cost him 58 runs – also sent two batsmen packing.
In reply, Hilton made a solid but slow start, with Barack Munawa and Ben Wilson putting on 45 for the first wicket before Munawa was caught by William Russon off Rex Wardlaw’s bowling for 23 from 47 balls, which featured four fours.
Wilson followed four runs later, bowled by Radhesh Jhimleet for 14 from 69 deliveries. He’d been held in check by Jhilmeet and Ben Heuer, who both conceded only 29 runs from their 10 overs, with Jhilmeet picking up two wickets. Although he went wicketless, Heuer’s contribution should not be underestimated. It ratcheted up the pressure on the visitors.
Even Alex Pitman, who usually plays with a fair amount of freedom and inventiveness, was restricted. He scored 17 off 43 before being bowled by Liam O’Dwyer. Soon after his exit, Luke Campbell and Simon Steyn followed him back to the pavilion, which left Hilton on 114/6 in the 39th over.
With another 77 runs required for victory in 68 balls, the visitors were under huge pressure. They hadn’t scored at close to that run rate earlier in their innings.
Still, Ben Hockly was out in the middle, and he had few problems maintaining a strong scoring rate. He, however, was bowled by Rendani Nonge in the 44th over, having whacked eight fours in his 62 from 70 balls. With his departure, the momentum tilted Michaelhouse’s way.
The match was far from over, though. ‘House looked close to locking up the win when they reduced Hilton to 159/8 in the 46th over, with Nonge striking another crucial blow by bowling Cameron Hargroves for 22 from 21 balls.
Hilton, though, kept fighting tigerishly, creeping ever closer to Michaelhouse’s total. With the 191 runs they needed almost within reach, Sange Qangule was run out off of the second ball of the last over for 16 from 14 balls. His dismissal left the visiting side on 184/9.
They needed seven runs to win, but they had only one wicket standing. It was a tough balancing act.
Radhesh Jhilmeet had been entrusted to bowl the final over by his captain, Ethan Muir, and he showed why, producing the goods for Michaelhouse went it mattered most by giving away only four more runs from the last four balls to drag his side to heart-pounding two-run win.
Summarised scorecard
Michaelhouse 190/10 (Ethan Muir 53, Ben Heuer 32, Rex Wardlaw 27, Extras 20; Benoit Rey 3/23, Luke Wilson 2/33, Luke Campbell 2/39, Sechaba Gude 2/58); Hilton College 188/9 (Ben Hockly 62, Cameron Hargroves 22, Barack Munawa 20; Rex Wardlaw 3/31, Rendani Nonge 2/7). Michaelhouse won by two runs.
Northwood concluded their 2025 cricket schedule on a high note, handing Maritzburg College a 57-run defeat at the Crusaders Club, in Durban, on Saturday.
When the toss favoured Northwood, Knights‘ captain, Kyle White, chose to bat first, but the home side found themselves pegged back early on, with both of their openers sent packing with only 18 runs on the scoreboard.
Batting progress was patchy and when Thomas Oosthuizen became the fourth player to lose his wicket, caught by Karl Dedekind off of Sphamandla Dzanibe‘s bowling for 26, Northwood was in a spot of bother on 59/4 in the 17th over.
Their innings soon caught fire, though, through captain White and 2026 Head Prefect, Jamie Wimble. They showed leadership in a responsible stand of 95 runs for the fifth wicket from 160 balls.
It ended in the 44th over when Wimble was LBW to Reece Willson for a well-played 53 from 93 deliveries, which had included three fours and a six.
White remained unbeaten to the end. He was on 75 not out from 108 balls, with five fours and a six, when Northwood’s innings concluded on 198/6.
Opening bowler Sam Hughes removed three batsmen at a cost of 53 runs from his 10 overs, while Sphamandla Dzanibe captured 2/22 from seven. Nathan Pembridge bowled tidily, without wicket-taking success, conceding only 32 runs from his 10 overs.
Maritzburg College, in their reply, struggled to put partnerships together. Their openers, Daniel Nadasan and Kyle de Bruyn, were both back in the pavilion with only 25 runs on the board, and when Karl Dedekind and Deolyn Naidoo were dismissed cheaply College was on 56/4 after 19 overs, a run rate of just less than three per over.
Sphamandla Dzanibe and Akhil Bharath added some substance to the visiting side’s innings with a 31-run stand for the fifth wicket before Dzanibe was caught by Wimble off the bowling of David de Bruyn for 21 from 29 balls. He had struck three fours and a six.
Joe Currie didn’t last long, but Bharath and Dom du Toit then advanced the total by 36 runs, which turned out to be the highest partnership of the visitors’ innings.
Unfortunately for College, when Du Toit fell for 16, with the total on 130, Bharath followed without a run being added for 47 from 77 balls, five of which he had dispatched for four.
Bharath was the first of three victims of Knights’ skipper Kyle White, who also sent Sam Hughes packing on the same total, leaving the Red, Black, and White staring down the barrel on 130/9.
Eleven runs later, it was all over, with Hamza Amla catching Nathan Pembridge off the bowling of White for a single. Maritzburg College was all out for 141.
White led the way for Northwood, knocking over 3/24 in 8.2 overs, while Amla bagged 2/22 in seven. David de Bruyn chipped in with 2/29 in three.
Summarised scorecard
Northwood 198/6 (Kyle White 75*, Jamie Wimble 53, Thomas Oosthuizen 26, Sam Hughes 3/53, Sphamandla Dzanibe 2/22); Maritzburg College 141/10 (Akhil Bharath 47, Sphamandla Dzanibe 21; Kyle White 3/24, Hamza Amla 2/22, David de Bruyn 2/29). Northwood won by 57 runs.
After two years of dominance in the u19 division of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) by Highlands Park, the Lions of the North have been unseated as the GDL champions by Mamelodi Sundowns, who secured the title on the last weekend of the season.
A goalless draw between Bolivia and Qatar on Sunday helped the u17 South African national team, Amajimbos, to a second-place finish in Group A of the u17 FIFA World Cup and a place in the next round of the tournament.
Northwood concluded their 2025 cricket schedule on a high note, handing Maritzburg College a 57-run defeat at the Crusaders Club, in Durban, on Saturday.