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Hoërskool Ben Vorster veg Saterdagmiddag om oorlewing vir ‘n plek in die halfeindronde van die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Skild-afdeling, wanneer hy in Tzaneen teen ‘n gekweste Hoërskool Montana te staan kom.

Volg al die SDC Noordvaal Skild-aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Soos sake tans op die puntelys daar uitsien, moet die Buffels altwee hul oorblywende wedstryde met ‘n bonuspunt wen én hoop dat Hoërskool Die Anker en Hoërskool Secunda, teen wie hulle in die volgende ronde kragte meet, êrens in die hek duik. Die Buffels beklee die sesde plek met 16 punte, slegs een punt agter Die Anker en Secunda, wat albei 17 punte het maar nóg drie wedstryde oor het om te speel.

Die positief is dat altwee Ben Vorster se laaste wedstryde tuis plaasvind in Tzaneen, wat ‘n moeilike plek is vir besoekende skole. Die Buffels, nes die Monties, lek ook wonde na ‘n nederlaag van 24-35 teen Hoërskool Lichtenburg verlede naweek.

Tumi Ramohlale, wat teen die Liggies op vleuel uitgedraf het, keer terug na agsteman, terwyl Lethabo Sejake weer as linkervleuel ingespan word. Die enigste ander verandering is voorlangs, waar die staatmakerflank, Kobus de Beer, hierdie kragmeting misloop en deur die bekwame Amaris Nortjé vervang word.

Die Monties hou nog asem op oor ‘n paar spelers wat beserings opgedoen het in die stryd met Secunda. Breier, AJ Le Roux is egter min geskeel oor die moontlikheid van ‘n paar plaasvervangers, aangesien hy oor heelwat diepte en ervaring beskik. Die Pretorianers sal laat Donderdagmiddag hul beginspan vir die rit na Tzaneen finaliseer.

In sy tweede agtereenvolgende tuiswedstryd, verwelkom die einste Secunda die kookwaterspan van Hoërskool Lichtenburg.

Die Liggies skyn tans die helderste in die eerste posisie van die Skild-afdeling, met 22 ligapunte, en het ook nóg drie wedstryde oor om ‘n tuishalfeind te verseker. Die Liggies-span wat vir die Buffels gegaffel het bly grotendeels dieselfde, behalwe vir Duan Kruger se terugkeer op vaskopstut. Dit beteken dat Juan van Rhyn terugkeer na sy gunstelingposisie op haker, wat die voorspelerpak aansienlik versterk.

Franko Rossouw is afwesig vir Secunda en word deur Renier Combrink op agsteman vervang.

Hoërskool Pietersburg kan steeds as ‘n buiteperd beskou word, vernaam as hy sy kragmeting met Hoërskool Hugenote van Springs, tuis in Polokwane, met ‘n bonuspunt kan wen. Die Pieties betree die stryd met ‘n onveranderde span, wat hul kanse versterk.

Die Hugies, daarenteen, gaan gebuk onder die beserings en sal ook eers later in die week hul span bekend maak. Dit beteken egter nie dat hulle gering geskat moet word nie.

Die Anker se besoek aan Hoërskool Piet Retief se Jack Botes-stadion beloof ook om vir heelwat opwinding te sorg. Die span van Brakpan streef na ‘n bonuspuntsege, terwyl die Pieties se ondersteuners bankvas agter die tuisspan staan vir ‘n eerste sege in vanjaar se reeks.

Die spanne: 

Ben Vorster t. Montana om 12:30 in Tzaneen

Ben Vorster: 15 Freddie Pinto, 14 Zane Trollip, 13 Gehan Hendricks, 12 Stiaan du Rand, 11 Lethabo Sejake, 10 Shelton-Ray Primo, 9 Joshua van Eeden, 8 Tumi Ramohlale, 7 Joshua van der Mescht, 6 Amaris Nortjé, 5 Chifu Banda, 4 Lourens Harmse, 3 Randy Magabe, 2 Ruben Pohl, 1 Thabang Nkuna.

Montana: 15 Marq de Villiers, 14 Dixie Sethuga, 13 Luan Barnard, 12 Hendrew Schoeman, 11 Keagan van der Merwe, 10 Rubel Bester, 9 Braam Schutte, 8 Ulrich van Biljon, 7 Ashton Vorster, 6 Dieter Scheepers, 5 Kyle Bronkhorst, 4 Eric Potgieter, 3 Aiden Vorster, 2 Juan Theunissen, 1 Aiden van der Made.

Hoërskool Secunda t. Hoërskool Lichtenburg om 13:20 in Secunda

Secunda: 15 Dillon Grundlingh, 14 Ryan Lottering, 13 Armand Underhay, 12 Bismark Jansen, 11 Damian de Beer, 10 Alonzo Blakenberg, 9 JD van Coller, 8 Renier Combrink, 7 Zander van der Merwe, 6 Sifiso Hlungwane, 5 JC Olivier, 4 Mickey Jordaan, 3 MC Vosloo, 2 Reinhardt Fourie, 1 Nathan Erasmus

Lichtenburg: 15 Xander Blom, 14 Thatu Seabo, 13 WJ Liebenberg, 12 Oratile Sekoto, 11 Kuzi Mupudzi, 10 Luan Snyman, 9 Rea Motsusi, 8 KG Legodi, 7 Tiaan Booysen, 6 MC Shanahan, 5 Darius Lombard, 4 Realeboga Ramatshoele, 3 Duan Kruger, 2 Juan van Rhyn, 1 Ruben Pretorius.

Hoërskool Pietersburg t. Hoërskool Hugenote van Springs om 13:30 in Polokwane

Pietersburg: 15 Ryno Mienie, 14 Armand Venter, 13 Zuhan Labuschagne 12 Siya Mahlangu, 11 Keanu Potgieter, 10 Juan Randall, 9 Celliers van der Merwe, 9 Ludke Pienaar, 8, FC Smith, 7 Juan Jansen van Vuuren, 6 Andru de Beer, 5 Ludke Pienaar, 4 Brent Vorster, 3 Stephan Jansen van Rensburg, 2 Ziahn Lombaard, 1 Krissie Swanepoel.

Hugenote (Springs) (moontlik): 15 Christaan Basson, 14 Andile Dhlamini, 13 Yovan Prinsloo, 12 Dylan Nel, 11 Kyle de Klerk, 10 George Lucas, 9 Thanyani Mokiri, 8 Euan Venter, 7 Luan Pretorius, 6 Arné Marais, 5 André Coetzee, 4 Tristan de Beer, 3 Wian Rudolph, 2 Luan Smit, 1 Franko Neuhoff.

Hoërskool Piet Retief t. Die Anker om 12:20 in Piet Retief: 

Piet Retief: 15 Owethu Shabalala, 14 De Klerk Ferreira, 13 Bubele Ngubane, 12 Gilles Van der Meulen, 11 Vuyani Tshabalala, 10 Kyle Stock, 9 Domenic Coetzer, 8 Marnus Thomas, 7 SJ van Barneveld, 6 Lethu Hlope, 5 Abongwe Maduna, 4 Harold Gevers, 3 Sfundo Mayisa, 2 Mario de Oliviera, 1 Waynne Mitchell.

Die Anker: 15 Ethan Minnie, 14 Dyllon le Roux, 13 Arno Krugel, 12 Edrick Pienaar, 11 Jonothan Jordaan, 10 Danie Smit, 9 Troy Joubert, 8 Ruben Herbst, 7 Markus Herbst, 6 Byron van Zyl, 5 Jaydon Steenkamp, 4 Marco Groenewald, 3 Xavier Momberg, 2 Rico Goosen, 1 Branden Sauerman.

The Brewery AstroTurf will be packed to the rafters, filled with spectators, learners, and parents, when South African College High School (SACS) hosts Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) in a Hyundai Friday Nite Lights fixture.

The highly anticipated derby, arguably the best in the country, takes place at Newlands at 19:00 and will be broadcast live on the SuperSport Schools App, with a replay available on DStv Channel 216.

Meetings between the sides in the past five seasons have delivered top-quality hockey, and this time around will be no different.

SACS and Paul Roos have faced each other twice already this season. Their first meeting was at the Hibbert Shield Tournament, hosted by Grey High School, in Gqeberha, in May. There, the giants met in the semifinals and played to a 3-3 draw before SACS won the penalty shootout 5-4.

Their second meeting, in Stellenbosch at the end of May, ended in a 3-1 win for SACS, courtesy of a Reece Theunis brace and a strike by Daniel Graser.

Both teams have produced strong seasons, dominating in the Western Cape, regularly rattling the back of the oppositions’ nets while thoroughly entertaining spectators with their attractive and creative play.

Casting an eye over their three outings, SACS overwhelmed Paarl Boys’ High 7-1 and Wynberg Boys’ High 5-1. They were, though, held to a 2-2 draw by Paarl Gimnasium, but that’s the only match they haven’t won in 2025.

As for PRG, they drew 3-3 with Rondebosch Boys’ High last week, but before that, they defeated Wynberg 4-1 and Stellenberg High 5-0.

PRG has suffered only one defeat in regulation time all season long and that was their loss in Stellenbosch to SACS.

Past form won’t count for much, though, and it won’t be difficult for the coaches, Sam Holmes (SACS) and Michael Baker (PRG), to get the best out of their boys. It’s the game by which they measure themselves.

The captains, Jo le Roux and Christo Swanepoel, will both be vital performers in their teams’ quests to win the big one. SuperSport Schools Hockey caught up with both skippers ahead of the clash.

Jo le Roux – SACS

“The group is in a very good space, and we are super excited and eager for the game ahead,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say the concern is getting too carried away because of the calibre of the PRG side. It’s more about sticking to our process and not letting the occasion of the crowd and fixture distance us from the task at hand.

“We just need to play our brand of hockey. If we get stuck in the 1 v 1 battles, then it could be anyone’s game.

“And just the mentality that we need to outrun them physically, because tactically and technically we are sound. So, it’s just that mental approach going into the match.”

Christo Swanepoel – Paul Roos

“I would say the boys are excited. We’ve had a proper week of intense training, probably one of our best yet, and the energy within the team is super high.

“We know we’ve got absolutely nothing to lose. They have beaten us twice, and now they are at home.

“This will probably go down as one of their best teams. They have some special players. So, it’s a massive opportunity for us, a chance to create some history, and make everyone at home proud.

“I don’t think there has ever been a bad PRG vs SACS game, so as a hockey person, it’s one of my favourite games.”

Last five meetings between SACS and Paul Roos

2025: SACS 3-1 Paul Roos
2025: SACS (5) 3-3 (4) Paul Roos

2024: Paul Roos 2-2 SACS
2024: SACS 6-2 Paul Roos
2024: Paul Roos (6) 3-3 (5) SACS

Our Lady of Fatima is primed and ready to make an impression in their maiden appearance at the Fairtree Super 12 Tournament, which takes place in Bloemfontein at Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje, from 7 to 9 August.

“Our team has been working hard in the lead-up to the tournament, and we’re excited about the opportunity to compete,” Matthew Smith, the school’s Head of Hockey, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

Our Lady of Fatima has a strong hockey culture and has long been a strong competitor in KwaZulu-Natal, giving their more renowned coastal neighbours, St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, and Durban Girls’ College a good run for their money. They have also consistently been fierce campaigners at the annual St Mary’s Waverley Festival.

Despite their impressive resume, they had previously never qualified for the Super 12. In 2025, though, they became the 25th team to earn an invitation to the prestigious 10-year-old tournament. The Durban North school is one of three KwaZulu-Natal teams in the lineup, joining St Anne’s Diocesan College, and St Mary’s DSG, Kloof.

They open their Pool B challenge with a challenging encounter against last year’s bronze medallists, Paarl Gimnasium. They’ll also be up against the Eastern Cape’s DSG Makhanda and Collegiate Girls’ High, Pretoria’s Die Hoërskool Menlopark, who won the St Anne’s Cup earlier this season, and St Anne’s, who have qualified in back-to-back seasons for the first time in their history.

The idea of being the new kids on the block at one of the premier hockey events on the girls’ schools’ calendar could be daunting. However, Our Lady of Fatima is excited to be competing against the country’s best hockey-playing sides, and Smith and his charges are focusing inwards, not outwards.

“We’ve been focusing on sharpening our basics, building team cohesion, and improving our tactical awareness,” he explained.

“We’ve had a solid run of training and a few challenging fixtures that have helped us identify key areas to improve. Fitness and discipline have also been central to our approach this season.”

Smith’s side is captained by Jenna Shaw. Industrious and skilful, she leads by example. Shaw was a member of the KZN Coastal u18A team, enjoyed a strong showing at the SASHOC u18 National Week, and was rewarded with a place in the SA u18B side at its conclusion.

Success sometimes comes at a cost, and that means Charly-Rose Boyall, the leading goal scorer at the SASHOC u16 National Week and winner of the Most Valuable Striker Award, will miss the Super 12 as she prepares to represent South Africa u16A against Zimbabwe u16A between 12 and 15 August.

Our Lady of Fatima does, however, also feature Emily Hughes and Isabella Slater, who turned out for the KZN Coastal u16B side, and Zoey Quigley, who played for the KZN Coastal u16C team.

While the Durban’s sides stars will likely be the cornerstones of their challenge, Our Lady of Fatima’s greatest strength will be their ability to coalesce and play as a unit. It’s been the key to their success and qualification for the Super 12, and they’ll stick to that tried and tested formula in Bloemfontein.

“We’re aiming to play consistent, competitive hockey throughout the tournament and just show other schools that we belong here.” coach Matthew Smith said.

“While winning is always a motivator, our main focus is on playing to our potential, staying connected as a team, and representing our school with pride and sportsmanship.”

The interschools clash between Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High, as well as Paarl Girls’ High, is one of the biggest derbies on the schools’ hockey calendar.

The annual fixture, which divides loyalties in Paarl, almost always lives up to expectations, with festivities beginning early in the week and continuing right up until matchday, with the excitement and anticipation amping up day by day.

This year, it’s Paarl Gimnasium who will welcome their rivals to their home turf.

The girls’ match takes place on Friday at 18:00, while the boys are set to meet on Saturday at 10:30.

Both matches will be LIVE on SuperSport Schools and DStv Channel 216.

In last year’s fixtures, it was Paarl Gim who reigned supreme in both matches.

The girls scored a 4-0 win in a hotly contested affair, thanks to goals by Karea de Ridder (2), Tanya Pieterse, and Isabella Nel. The boys, led by coach Jacques Grobler, edged out their opponents 2-1, with LD Nel and this season’s captain, Juan Swanepoel, scoring in that encounter.

A lot has changed since those matches, however, and all four teams have enjoyed accomplished seasons, scored impressive wins, and have pressed on from their strong showings in 2024.

For all four captains – Gim’s Juan Swanepoel and Joné de Winnaar, Lucia Marcus, of Girls’ High, and Boishaai’s AJ Mostert – it will be their last matches for their schools.

SuperSport Schools Hockey caught up with all four captains to get their thoughts on what is arguably the biggest interschools match in the world.

Lucia Marcus – Paarl Girls’ High

Marcus is one of the most experienced players on her team and has previously featured in four interschools matches against Paarl Gim, all of which have been tough and closely contested.

This year, she has led Girls’ High admirably, helping her team to some notable victories, thanks also to the help of her leadership group and vice-captain, Lisa Craven.

Marcus and her side now look forward to their biggest game of the year.

“Our team is very excited and hyped for the interschools game ahead,” she said. “We are looking forward to a high-intensity match and can’t wait to give it our all.

“It’s a bittersweet moment for the matrics, as we know this is our last interschools, but we are ready to make our school proud.”

The skipper also understands the threat Paarl Gim poses. “We know that playing against Paarl Gim is never easy,” she said. “They are a highly ranked team with such incredible players, and you always have to be at your best when you play them.

“We know that we will have to bring our all on Friday evening and keep fighting till the last whistle blows. I truly believe that if we stick to our basics and execute our game plan well, we are able to take on any team.

“An interschools game is always so unpredictable, and the team that wants it the most that night will win.”

The match will also be coach Marc Landman‘s first interschools derby since he took over as first team coach earlier this year.

Joné de Winnaar – Paarl Gimnasium

Joné de Winnaar has stepped up tremendously in 2025.

After taking over the captaincy from Tanya Pieterse, she has led her side to some remarkable victories while playing some scintillating hockey.

In the Western Cape, they have suffered only one defeat, and that was a 0-1 loss to Rhenish Girls’ High a week ago.

De Winnaar says Gim has learnt a lot from that game and she and her team are ready to step up at interschools.

“We’re feeling very motivated,” she reckoned. “Last week’s result gave us a lot to learn from, but we are now excited for interschools and ready to leave it all on the field.

“Interschools is one of the most special fixtures on our calendar. It’s more than just a game. It’s about legacy and the incredible support we get from our school.

“What I love most is the way it brings everyone together and the way you can play for your badge, and there’s nothing like hearing your school behind you.”

One of the most important points of focus for De Winnaar and her side will be to not let the occasion get the better of them. Staying composed and executing their plans is what could propel them to victory, she said.

“It’s an emotional one for us matrics, and we want to finish with no regrets,” she added.

“To get the win, we’ll need to stay composed under pressure, stick to our structures, and trust each other.

“Interschools against Girls’ High is always a different game on the day, but we believe in our preparation. It’s going to come down to the team that wants it more.”

AJ Mostert – Paarl Boys’ High

AJ Mostert has been the backbone of Boishaai this season.

The centre-back has led from the front, defended well, distributed like a general, and has always got his troops up for big encounters.

Last week, he led his team to a bronze medal at the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament. This week, it’s all about throwing everything they have at Paarl Gim.

“We are ready, a bit nervous, but we’re also excited,” the skipper said. “It’s going to be a big one. It’s going to be tough as well because both sides are very strong this year.

“I think we just need to stick to our processes and stay together as a team. We need to trust each other, and everyone must do their job.

“If we let the occasion get to us, we will be lost come Saturday morning, especially with all the people around and the questions we get. So, we are remaining calm and treating this like a normal game.”

It will be a momentous day for Mostert, who will earn his 100th cap when he walks out against Gim on Saturday.

Juan Swanepoel – Paarl Gimnasium

Juan Swanepoel has tasted victory in an interschools match before, and he’ll be set on tasting it again in 2025.

The explosive Paarl Gim skipper has been at the centre of his team’s successes this season, leading with his actions rather than words.

He’s also relied on other experienced heads, including John Coetzee, Martin Ferreira, Stefan Wiehahn, and Philip Barnard.

In their last outing, Gim held off Wynberg Boys’ High, scoring a 3-2 win. Swanepoel said the mood in the team is positive ahead of taking on their great rivals.

“We are feeling really good. The win against Wynberg reminded us of what we’re capable of doing.

“We have to go into the interschools game with the mindset that we want to win and play our game.”

Swanepoel netted in last year’s interschools clash. On Saturday, he’s intent on scoring more goals and leaving it all out on the field.

“Interschools is massive. It’s more than just a match. It’s history, our pride, and we play for every player that’s worn the jersey before us,” he said.

“It’s the one fixture we dream about and think about the whole year. It’s our last dance as matrics, so we will leave everything out there.”

TEAMS

GIRLS

Paarl Gimnasium: Joné de Winnaar (c), Karli van Deventer, Jessica Gresse, Karea de Ridder, Minke Botha, Isabella Nel, Imke Koegelenberg, Izelle Fourie, Anya Swanepoel, Alanda Rademeyer, Micha Bakkes, Lua van Wyk, Marili Walters, Annabelle Smith, Hannah-Claire Lees. 

Coach: Danelle van Zyl
Assistant coach: Scott Hendricks
Manager: Tanya van der Spuy

Paarl Girls’ High: Lucia Marcus (c), Leonora Van Zyl, Charlotte Louw, Janri Dixon, Halle Williams, Margit Naude, Cassie Fairbairn, Jessi Baxter, Mila Warnich, Nika Pretorius, Lucy Le Roux, Nika Du Plessis, Anne Nell, Lisa Craven (vc)

Coach: Marc Landman
Manager: Anri Keevy

BOYS

Paarl Gimnasium: Juan Swanepoel (c), John Coetzee, Johannes Nieuwoudt, Reinhardt Honiball, Rikus de Kock, Ryan Van der Merwe, Philip Barnard, Stefan Wiehahn, Ebert Sabbagha, Philip du Preez, Josh Smit, Mikal Janse van Rensburg, Eben Thiart, Martin Ferreira, Gideon Cronje.

Coach: Jacques Grobler
Manager: Surindi Lombaard

Paarl Boys’ High: AJ Mostert (c), AJ Fourie, Alex Lategan, Ben Haarhoff, Daniel Willemse, Gideon du Toit, Jamie Kock, Joel Martini, Laubscher van Loggerenberg, Luan Bornman, Luka King, Martin de Bruyn, Mijan Heroldt, Nicholas Swanepoel, Tiaan Liebenberg, Ullrich Drotchie.

Coach: Rowan Mclachlan
Assistant coach: Nicholas Neethling
Manager: Madre Mostert

The hockey season is slowly but surely drawing towards its conclusion, but there are still a handful of mouthwatering fixtures on the menu in various parts of the country.

This coming weekend, Paarl Gimnasium faces Paarl Boys’ High in their annual interschools clash, while South African College High School (SACS) tackles Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) in Cape Town in another box office battle.

Jeppe High School for Boys will reignite their rivalry with King Edward VII in Johannesburg, making for a thrilling weekend of hockey.

While those matches play out, spectators in the Eastern Cape will also be treated to tasty fare.

The clash of the weekend is undeniably the meeting between Grey High School and Grey College.

The boys from Bloemfontein will make the trip down to Gqeberha, eyeing a massive victory against one of their oldest rivals.

They face off at the Rectory Astroturf on Friday at 19:00 and the match will be broadcast LIVE on the SuperSport Schools App.

In last year’s fixture, it was Grey College who, somewhat unexpectedly, scored a nervy 1-0 win over their counterparts in Bloem, when they were still under the guidance of coach Wayne Coetzee.

A year later, and it’s a new-look Grey College outfit, led by coach Dallan Phillips, who took over the reins at the start of 2025 after leaving Pearson High School, who will face their brother school.

College has constructed a decent season, although there have been a couple of disappointing results that didn’t go their way.

The Bloem boys have had taken on a busy schedule filled with festival/tournament hockey, but, apart from those events, Grey College has recorded just three wins over Hoërskool Outeniqua (2-0), Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (4-1), and Paarl Boys’ High (3-2) in 2025.

In derby games, they went down 2-4 against Paarl Gimnasium and drew 2-2 with Selborne College in their last outing, in May.

In Grey High, they come up against a team that has found its feet as the season has progressed.

Their last five fixtures have resulted in mostly convincing victories over York High (5-1), Magdalen College UK (7-1), St Andrew’s College (1-0), Queen’s College (5-2) and Wynberg Boys’ High (3-1) – results that show coach Andrew Beynon‘s boys aren’t finding it hard to score goals.

History or past results are relevant for context, but they’ll mean very little when the sides square off in what is expected to be a thriller.

To boost their chances of success, players from both camps will need to step up, including penalty corner ace Matthias Visser and captain Andrew Koupis for the visitors.

In goal, Sayur Pillay will have to be on his game, while others to keep an eye on include Raphael Kambanis, Warena Legaiwa, Gianni Tyropolis, the explosive Waldo Konig, and Luke Visser, up front.

Neilandro Van Schalkwyk, who was the only Free State player to make the SA Schools u18A team, will also be a threat in midfield.

For Grey High, coach Beynon will call on his senior players to show what they’re capable of on the big stage.

Luke Tait, Athi Voigt, Matthew Allibone, Liam Poole, and Keegan le Roux will need to make their marks.

A player who will be aiming to continue his fine form is Logan Goddard-Ford, who netted a brace against York last week and is playing some of his best hockey.

At the back, goalkeeper Kiano Broadhurst will rely on Ameer Muller and James Chree to defuse the Grey College attack.

Other matches

While that clash plays out in Gqeberha, Selborne College will take on Queen’s College in East London.

It’ll be the second meeting between the teams in 2025. When they met in April, it ended 3-2 in favour of Selborne.

Both teams are currently in red-hot form. Last week, Queen’s thumped Merrifield College 7-0, while Selborne showed character to come from behind to beat a gritty Hudson Park outfit 2-1. There’s everything to play for, with provincial bragging rights on the line.

Also in East London, Stirling High, after sharing a pulsating 3-3 draw with Dale College last week, goes up against Hudson Park on Friday.

Dale, meanwhile, hosts Graeme College.

EASTERN CAPE BOYS’ FIXTURES

Friday, 1 August

15:00 – Dale College vs Graeme College
17:00 – Stirling High vs Hudson Park
18:30 – Selborne College vs Queen’s College
19:00 – Grey High vs Grey College

St Anne’s Diocesan College is primed and ready to put their best foot forward at Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje (Oranje) when they contest the Fairtree Super 12 Tournament, from 7 to 9 August.

Coach Morné Odendaal‘s side will be keen to pick up from where they left off last year. The ladies from Hilton were somewhat inexperienced in 2024 and that cost them as they finished 11th. However, they kept fighting until their last match, which they won 2-1 over Die Hoërskool Menlopark.

It is the fourth time that St Anne’s has qualified for the prestigious event. Previously, they were in action in the 2017, 2019 and 2024 competitions. Thus, for the first time, they have qualified for the Super 12 tournament in consecutive years.

“2024 marked my first time at the Super 12 tournament with St Anne’s, providing a valuable learning experience for our players,” Odendaal told SuperSport Schools Plus. “We aim to build upon that experience and deliver outstanding performances.”

Their experience in tournament hockey, which they have accumulated over the past 18 months, will be tested in Pool B, where they will take on DSG Makhanda, Paarl Gimnasium, Collegiate Girls’ High, Menlopark, and Our Lady of Fatima for the group stage honours.

Instead of having delusions about their standing compared to the sides in their group, Odendaal is realistic. “Embracing our underdog status removes the fear of failure and fuels our hunger to prove doubters wrong,” he explained.

One of the first things he did when he took over the reins at St Anne’s was to establish a year-round programme that sought to enhance the players’ skills and improve their awareness on the field.

That programme has already reaped rewards in its first full year of operation, with four players from St Anne’s earning national colours after the SASHOC National Weeks.

Kgabiso Morafo and Jasmin Kelly were selected for the SA u18A team, Holly Hofmeyr will represent the SA u17 side, and Inati Ngcobo will feature in the SA u16B side. Odendaal attributed those players’ successes to the St Anne’s team wholeheartedly embracing and dedicating themselves to the programme.

“I constantly say this to my team, ‘Remember, while you may fear not being good enough, the rest of the country fears you realising your full potential’,’” said Odendaal.

“I encourage the girls to be brave and believe in their abilities, feeling secure in their roles within the team. We strive not only to be formidable opponents on the field but also exemplary individuals off it,” Odendaal added.

The St Anne’s side will carry their coach’s wise words into their opening fixture against the Eastern Province powerhouse, DSG Makhanda on Thursday, 7 July. Both teams will be focused on making a winning start to jumpstart their campaigns.

On Saturday, Riverwood College hosted the Riverwood aQuellé Soccer Festival in Pietermaritzburg. Played over a single day, the event brought together schools from across KwaZulu-Natal to compete in the boys’ and girls’ competition.

At the end of a competitive day, Umthoqotho High School claimed the boys’ title, while St Anne’s Diocesan College won the girls’ competition.

In the boys’ event, Riverwood College topped Group A after a 1-0 win over Grace College and a 4-1 success against Treverton College. Those wins enabled the hosts to advance to the semifinals, where they faced Domino Servite High School. After a tight clash, Riverwood moved forward to the title game on the back of a 1-0 victory.

The home team’s dream run was brought to an end in the final by Umthoqotho High School. After regulation time, the sides were tied at 1-1. Then, a nail-biting penalty shootout ensued. Sudden death penalties were needed to settle it, and Umthoqotho edged it 6-5.

Umthoqotho High endured a shaky start to their winning campaign, finishing second to Linpark High in Group C. They, however, qualified for the semifinals as the best of the three runners-up.

They weren’t beaten in group play. Rather, they drew goalless with Linpark. Ironically, the way matters unfolded, the semifinals threw the same sides together. This time, Umthoqotho triumphed 1-0 to reach the final.

The girls’ final also went to a penalty shootout, featuring St Anne’s and Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High. They were deadlocked at 0-0 after regulation time, but St Anne’s took victory 5-4 from the spot.

The Hilton school impressed during the group stage of play, topping Pool B with a clean record. Then, in the semifinals, they outplayed St John’s DSG, registering a comfortable 4-1 victory.

Girls’ High booked their place in the title decider with a 2-0 win over Howick High in the semifinals.

RESULTS

Boys 

Group A

Riverwood College 1-0 Grace College
Treverton College 0-0 Grace College
Riverwood College 4-1 Treverton College

Group B

Domino Servite 2-1 Etham College
Domino Servite 2-1 St Nicholas
St Nicholas 2-1 Etham College

Group C

Linpark 4-3 Howick High
Umthoqotho High 0-0 Linpark High
Umthoqotho High 2-1 Howick High

Semifinals 

Riverwood College 1-0 Domino Servite
Umthoqotho High 1-0 Linpark

Final 

Umthoqotho High School (6) 1-1 (5) Riverwood College

Girls 

Group A

St John’s DSG 2-0 Riverwood College
St John’s DSG 1-1 Epworth School
Epworth School 1-0 Riverwood College

Group B

St Anne’s 2-0 Linpark
St Nicholas 0-0 Linpark
St Anne’s 8-0 St Nicholas

Group C

Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High 3-0 The Wykeham Collegiate
Howick High 1-0 The Wykeham Collegiate
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High 1-1 Howick High

Semifinals 

St Anne’s 4-1 St John’s DSG
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High 2-0 Howick High

Final

St Anne’s (5) 0-0 (4) Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High

HARARE: A dashing century by Muhammad Bulbulia helped power South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) Men to a second win in three games in their Youth One-Day International (YODI) tri-series – the latest victory by 107 runs coming against hosts Zimbabwe in Harare on Tuesday.

The captain played a key role by powering 130 off 93 balls (11 fours, 1 six) as the tourists amassed 346 for nine after they lost the toss and were put in to bat first.

The in-form Jorich van Schalkwyk (63 off 62 balls, 6 fours) was again amongst the runs with another half-century, while Adnaan Lagadien plundered 58 off 36 balls (12 fours).

Then in reply, Enathi Khitshini claimed three for 34 as the home side were restricted to 239 for nine.

It was just the response South Africa were looking for after they were narrowly edged out by the other team in the competition, Bangladesh, by one wicket on Saturday.

They flew out of the blocks thanks to openers Lagadien and Van Schalkwyk, who broke the international record for the highest individual score (215) against the same opponents last Friday and also breached the highest score by a South African U19 player (164*) in the game prior against Bangladesh.

Their stand for the first wicket yielded 103 in 13.1 overs, before 43 between the latter and Bulbulia.

The skipper then played a central role, though the only other to cross 20 was co-captain Jason Rowles (24).

Nonetheless, the visitors managed to set a strong target of 347.

The Zimbabweans made a good start of their own to the reply with Nathaniel Hlabangana (47) and Leeroy Chiwaula (17) putting on 60 for the first wicket.

But Khitshini, on as first change, eventually made the breakthrough by trapping the former leg before wicket.

Five runs later he got rid of Chiwaula, with Rowles (2/32) accounting for two more batters before the 100 was raised as the home side wobbled.

The two wicket-takers then combined to remove Brandon Senzere (6), caught by Rowles off Khitshini leaving the total on 107 for five.

Michael Blignaut led a recovery with 50 off 62 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes), though his dismissal by JJ Basson (2/57) ended all hopes for the Zimbabweans.

Captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere did manage a battling 46, but by then the game was done. He fell to Van Schalkwyk (2/30) as South Africa sealed a big win.

SA U19 Men’s Squad – Youth ODI Tri-series against Zimbabwe U19 and Bangladesh U19

Muhammad Bulbulia (captain, KZN Inland), Jason Rowles (captain, Lions), JJ Basson (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Dayalan Boyce (Dolphins), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini (Garden Route Badgers), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Kamogelo Phiri (Lions), Vihan Pretorius (Titans), Ntando Soni (Warriors) and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).

YODI Tri-series Fixtures

Friday, 25 July – 09:15
Zimbabwe U19 lost to South Africa U19 by 278 runs – Sunrise Sports Club, Harare

Saturday, 26 July – 09:15
South Africa U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 1 wicket – Sunrise Sports Club, Harare

Monday, 28 July – 09:15
Zimbabwe U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 91 runs – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Tuesday, 29 July – 09:15
Zimbabwe U19 lost to South Africa U19 by 107 runs – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Thursday, 31 July – 09:15
Bangladesh U19 vs South Africa U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Friday, 01 August – 09:15
Zimbabwe U19 vs Bangladesh U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Monday, 04 August – 09:15
Zimbabwe U19 vs South Africa U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Wednesday, 06 August – 09:15
South Africa U19 vs Bangladesh U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Friday, 08 August – 09:15
mbabwe U19 vs Bangladesh U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Sunday, 10 August – 09:15
Number 1 vs Number 2 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

The third term of 2025 has begun and with that the football season has fully kicked into gear with great enthusiasm.

SuperSport Schools Plus reports on some of the football matches that took place during the week and on the weekend, featuring, among others, Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG), Urban Academy, Rondebosch Boys’ High, Jeppe High School for Boys, Maritzburg College, Hillcrest High, and Westville Boys’ High School.

Urban Academy, from Gqeberha, continues to ascend and has proven their pedigree competing against the most formidable schools in the country.

During the week, they took on Lawson Brown High and recorded a comfortable 4-0 victory, with goals from Oyisa Ngeni, Qhamani Gubevu, Tashreeq Rademeyer, and Okuhle Khemese.

During the mid-year holiday, Urban Academy went through the Kearsney Soccer Tournament without conceding a goal, but they were beaten 3-1 on penalties in the final after a goalless draw with the defending champion, Pinetown Boys’ High, the second time the teams had finished in a 0-0 stalemate in the event.

Pinetown also won the Kloof High Football Tournament, which underlined the size of the challenge that Urban Academy faced, but also reflected their class.

Also on Thursday, another Gqeberha side, Westview School, delivered an exceptional performance to defeat Cape Recife High 4-0.

In Gauteng, Pretoria Boys High showcased their skill in a 2-1 win over Princethorpe College, a touring team from the United Kingdom.

On Saturday, Rondebosch Boys’ High secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Paul Roos in the Western Cape, while Hudson High defeated Queen’s College 2-1 in the Eastern Cape.

In KwaZulu-Natal, Northwood School, after a disappointing run in the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal A-League, Second Term League, which almost led to their relegation, are finding their form. They’ve played far better football in recent times, including at the end of the second term.

Their upward trend resumed on Saturday when they scored a surprisingly commanding 6-1 victory over a decent Clifton College outfit. Northwood, perhaps, has turned the corner.

On Saturday, Westville Boys’ High, the winners of the 2025 KZNHSFA Coastal A-League and the Kloof High School Football Tournament’s Shield winners, picked up a tight 2-1 victory over Hilton College, with Nkanyezi Mkhungo and Asanele Shange scoring for the winners.

The KZNHSFA Inland A-League champion, Maritzburg College who also lifted the Plate at the Kloof High Football Tournament, made a good start to their third term’s fixtures with a convincing 3-0 win over Hillcrest High at Hillcrest High.

Mazithi Qasha, Sphelele Sibiya and Thubelihle Myeni were on target for the Red, Black and White.

While the 1st XI was outstanding, College’s other primary teams – u14A, u15A, u16A, and 2nd XI – were all held to draws.

Hillcrest High enjoyed an outstanding run during the second term’s KZNHSFA Coastal A-League and made it to the final, where they were beaten in a penalty shootout by Westville Boys’ High. Since then, though, their fortunes have slipped, and they didn’t enjoy a good showing at the Kloof High Football Tournament.

Hillcrest, though, has a young team that has demonstrated resilience and determination this season, and, given the performances they have previously produced, they should be able to regain their mojo.

They’ll be in action at the finals of Curro Halala Cup, which take place at HeronBridge College on 7 August. There, they’ll face, among others, Grey College, Clapham High School, Glenwood High, who are all vying for the prestigious title, with a prize of R100,000 at stake.

On Saturday, in Johannesburg, St John’s College hosted Christian Brothers’ College Boksburg (CBC). In a tight 1st XI game, St John’s secured a narrow 1-0 victory.

Durban High School (DHS) travelled up to Johannesburg for a showdown with Jeppe on Saturday as the schools engaged in rugby, hockey, squash, chess, golf, and football competition.

Jeppe’s strong season continued as they hung a 3-1 defeat on the Horseflies.

In Makhanda, St Andrew’s College played to a 1-1 draw with Victoria Park High.

Results

Thursday 24 July

Urban Academy 4-0 Lawson Brown High
Westview School 4-0 Cape Recife High
Pretoria Boys High School 2-1 Princethorpe College

Saturday 26 July 

Rondebosch Boys’ High 2-1 Paul Roos Gimnasium
Hudson Park 2-1 Queen’s College
Westville Boys’ High 2-1 Hilton College
Northwood 6-1 Clifton College
Maritzburg College 3-0 Hillcrest High
St Andrew’s College 1-1 Victoria Park High
Jeppe 3-1 DHS
St John’s College 1-0 CBC Boksburg

The 2025 edition of the Pullen and Howell Girls’ Hockey Tournament got off to an action-packed start on Saturday, with schools from across Gauteng in pool-stage action.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools 

In Pool A, St Mary’s Waverley, the defending champion, made good use of their home ground advantage on Nathan Field, and made a clean sweep against their three opponents.

They opened with a narrow 1-0 win over St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls before defeating Beaulieu College 2-0. In their last match, they outclassed Noordheuwel 3-1 to seal top spot.

Nories showed resilience in a thrilling 3-2 win over St Dominic’s and also shared a 1-1 draw with Beaulieu College. St Dom’s bounced back from those two losses with a 2-1 win over Beaulieu

Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool (Affies) lived up to their expectations, scoring 11 goals without conceding in Pool B. They beat both Hoërskool Dr. EG Jansen and Hoërskool Monument 3-0, and thumped Kingsmead College 5-0.

Jansies played to a 1-1 draw with Monnas and both bagged 3-0 wins over Kingsmead.

Hoërskool Waterkloof led the way in Pool C, playing at Hoërskool Linden. Klofies rolled against Roedean, charging to a 6-1 win and then shut out Northcliff, winning 4-0.

Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge held Northcliff to a goalless draw and later edged out Roedean, claiming a 2-1 victory. Northcliff, meanwhile, won 3-1 against Roedean.

Pool D proved to be a closely contested group, with all four teams evenly matched.

St Andrew’s School for Girls and St Stithians College delivered a tense contest, with St Andrew’s shading it 2-1. Hoërskool Garsfontein, meanwhile, pulled off a 1-0 win over Helpmekaar Kollege and then handed St Andrew’s a 1-0 defeat.

Garsies, then, turned on the style to stun St Stithians 4-0. Saints mustered a 3-3 draw with Helpmekaar in one of the most exciting clashes of the day, while Helpies added another draw to their record, finishing 1-1 against St Andrew’s.

The action continues on Tuesday, with the tournament’s last day taking place on Thursday.

RESULTS

Pool A – @ St Mary’s Waverley (Nathan Field)
St Mary’s 1-0 St Dominic’s
Noordheuwel 1-1 Beaulieu
St Mary’s 2-0 Beaulieu
St Dominic’s 2-3 Noordheuwel
St Mary’s 3-1 Noordheuwel
Beaulieu 1-2 St Dominic’s

Pool B – @ Kingsmead College
Monument 3-0 Kingsmead
Affies 3-0 EG Jansen
Monument 1-1 EG Jansen
Kingsmead 0-5 Affies
Monument 0-3 Affies
EG Jansen 3-0 Kingsmead

Pool C – @ Linden
Waterkloof 6-1 Roedean
Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge 0-0 Northcliff
Waterkloof 4-0 Northcliff
Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge 2-1 Roedean
Waterkloof v Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge
Northcliff 3-1 Roedean

Pool D – @ St Andrew’s School for Girls
Stithians 1-2 St Andrew’s
Garsfontein 1-0 Helpmekaar
St Stithians 3-3 Helpmekaar
St Andrew’s 0-1 Garsfontein
Garsfontein 4-0 St Stithians
Helpmekaar 1-1 St Andrew’s