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Hoërskool Pietersburg was the first to bite in a battle between Limpopo’s big dogs on Saturday.

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A man of the match performance by Stephan Swanepoel, who was aided by a superb batting display from captain, Hanno van Zyl, saw the Pieties to a convincing 83-run victory over Merensky Landbou Akademie in Tzaneen.

The pair did the bulk of the hard work with the willow for the visitors, combining well for a massive and much-needed partnership of 140 runs. Merensky was left wondering what might have been if they had held onto their chances early on in the partnership.

Van Zyl was dropped just after his arrival, then went on to play some high-quality strokes, facing 75 balls for a crucial 73 runs. Swanepoel, meanwhile, played the anchor role wonderfully and also notched a half-century. He was eventually the victim of a peach of a delivery from seamer, Topher Elphinstone, for 68.

Swanepoel then led the way with the ball, capturing 5/50 from his 10 overs to cause a severe wobble in the Merensky response. Good support from SJ Stander, who took 2/25, and AJ Galloway, who picked up 2/35, meant the Pieties never looked like losing.

Merensky’s newfound gem, bowling all-rounder Timothy Baker, fought valiantly. The left-arm off-spinner snared 4/52 in 10 and smashed a quick-fire 35 from only 22 deliveries. Rinaldo Borman chipped in with 35 runs, too, while opening batsman Logan Janse van Rensburg knuckled down for a well-played 29.

Hoërskool Ben Vorster’s home field, the Premier Park Oval, hosted a low-scoring thriller. On a weekend in which there was a five-for in the second innings of every match played across the league, it was the Ben Vorster captain Njabulo Maseko who stepped up to the plate and guided guide his side to an important victory over Phalaborwa Boys Hub.

Defending only 102, the home side opted to open with spin from both ends. Maseko worked his magic, spinning a web around the visitors to snap up 5/11 in 9 overs. Fellow spinner, Ndzalama Mushswana, also enjoyed success, claiming three scalps from his end while conceding 44 runs as the Phalaborwa side was rolled over for a meagre 68.

Phalaborwa’s Hlalani Ngomane continued his good form with the ball, leading the visitor’s attack with a sparkling return of 4/11 from four overs, while opening bowler Bradley Rikotso bowled well up front, capturing 4/37.

Hoërskool Piet Potgieter, a dark horse contender for league honours, taught Nkowankowa Boys Hub a proper cricket lesson.

After setting Nkowankowa a target of 228 for victory, thanks to a fine contribution of 85 runs from Muaaz Muhammed and 56 from captain Aeron Vaidyan, his second half-century in succession, it was up to the bowlers to get the job done. They did it in some style.

Opening bowler Ruben Oosthuizen led the way with an innings-destroying spell that he will remember for a long time. He stormed in, sending down six overs during which he knocked over 7/11 to return his best figures of the season thus far.

Vaidyan, meanwhile, capped off a proper captain’s performance by picking up three wickets for only one run as the visitors stumbled to a disappointing 52 all out.

Nkowankowa’s seamer, Allen Shiviri, was the star of the show for his side. While his team was well beaten, Shiviri would have been satisfied with his haul of 6/55.

Summarised scorecards

Hoërskool Pietersburg 256/8 (Hanno van Zyl 73, Stephan Swanepoel 68, Hanru Marais 35, Juan Rademeyer 20*; Timothy Baker 4/52); Merensky 173/10 (Rinaldo Borman 35, Timothy Baker 35, Logan Janse van Rensburg 29, Extras 28, JP Botha 23; Stephan Swanepoel 5/50, SJ Stander 2/25, AJ Galloway 2/35). Hoërskool Pieterburg won by 83 runs.

Ben Vorster 102/10 (Amaris Nortjé 28; Hlulani Ngomane 4/11, Bredley Rokotso 4/37); Phalaborwa Boys Hub 68/10 (Rivoningo Chauke 21; Njabulo Maseko 5/11, Ndzalama Mushwana 3/44). Ben Vorster won by 34 runs.

Hoërskool Piet Potgieter 227/10 (Muaaz Muhammed 85, Aeron Vaidyan 56, Du Preez Coetzee 28, Extras 28, Jaque Fourie 21; Allen Shiviri 6/55); Nkowankowa Boys Hub 52/10 (Extras 14, Nhlalala Malangana 13; Ruben Oosthuizen 7/11, Aeron Vaidyan 3/1). Hoërskool Piet Potgieter won by 175 runs.

Wian Ruthven enhanced his status as one of the best opening batsmen in South African schoolboy cricket by rising to the occasion and playing a match-winning innings in a massive Titans League clash on Saturday.

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The Waterkloof opening batsman showed off his big match temperament as Klofies scored an important home victory over Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Affies) on the André van der Walt Oval in Pretoria.

Ruthven was at his destructive best as he and his opening partner, Divan Behrens, who weighed in with 40, got their team off to a superb start, putting on 91 runs for the first wicket before Behrens was sent back to the pavilion.

Not even the early departure of Marcus Bakker fazed Ruthven as he went on to notch an exquisite 107 from just 95 deliveries. His innings included 11 fours and five sixes and came at a healthy strike rate of 112.63.

Beukes van den Berg did his part, combining nicely with Ruthven, as they added 114 between them.

The Waterkloof skipper showcased his stroke-playing ability, compiling a mature 59 runs, to show why he was invited to the South African u19 Identification Camp last month.

Riley Miller, with 52, and Rico van der Walt, with an undefeated 44,  cashed in on the solid platform laid by the top order to help Waterkloof to a healthy 324/6 in their 50 overs.

Affies’ Vihan Pretorius, aged only 16, has enjoyed an impressive season and he continued in that vein with another classy innings for Affies in their reply, facing only 65 balls for a wonderful 88 runs, which included 10 fours and a six.

His captain, Divan de Villiers, fought valiantly with both the bat and ball. He made 61 after taking two wickets in the Waterkloof innings, although he was expensive, finishing with figures of 2/89 from his 10 overs.

Ruben Groenewald was the pick of the Affies’ attack, knocking over 2/34 in seven overs.

Affies came up well short in their run chase, with an inspired spell of 4/54 from Marcus Bakker, who always seems to be in the middle of the action, proving to be the turning point as the visitors lost a number of batsmen cheaply, on their way to an 81-run defeat.

Testing batting conditions forced Hoërskool Menlopark to fight to the very end to overcome Cornwall Hill College. They managed it, just, winning by only seven runs at home.

Parkies’ Matt van der Westhuizen continued his suburb run of form, top-scoring for his side once again, with a well-played 68. Captain Steve Stolk made his way to another half-century, contributing an important 55, while James Bronkhorst produced a little gem of 42 runs.

It was no surprise that Lhuan-dré Pretorius led the way for Cornwall Hill. He top-scored with a patient 86 but would’ve desperately wanted to keep batting as another couple of runs from his bat would have likely produced a much-needed victory for his side.

A dominant performance by Hoërskool Garsfontein’s bowlers blasted Hoërskool Centurion out of the water. The Ysbere’s quick, Nayleo Sanna, did the early damage, snapping up 3/15 in five overs. Xander Venter shone, too, also claiming 3/15, but in four overs.

An unbeaten 34 from opening batsman Reuben van Zyl was enough to break the backbone of the small run chase. Garsfontein needed only 83 to win and they wasted no time, spending only 12 overs at the crease as they recorded a convincing seven-wicket victory.

Summarised scorecards

Waterkloof 324/6 (Wian Ruthven 107, Beukes van den Berg 59, Riley Miller 52, Rico van der Walt 44*, Divan Behrens 40; Ruben Groenewald 2/34, Divan de Villiers 2/89); Affies 243 (Vihan Pretorius 88, Divan de Villiers 61, Henré Smith 35, JP Botha 20; Markus Bakker 4/54). Waterkloof won by 81 runs.

Menlopark 233/9 (Matt van der Westhuizen 68, Steve Stolk 55, James Bronkhorst 42; Michael Blignaut 3/17, Neo Makwela 3/42); Cornwall Hill College 226/9 (Lhuan-dré Pretorius 86, Ab Rasool 43, Neo Makwela 27, Michael Blignaut 26; Murray Hofmeyer 3/36, Ewald Meyer 2/23, Matt van der Westhuizen 2/31). Menlopark won by seven runs.

Hoërskool Centurion 82 (Rehan Lues 26; Nayleo Sanna 3/15, Xander Venter 3/15, Sebastian Bouwer 2/11, Eckard Struwig 2/22); Garsfontein 83/3 (Reuben van Zyl 34*; Rehan Lues 1/10). Garsfontein won by seven wickets.

U17 Competition

Hoërskool Durbanville played the role of spoiler, preventing Hugenote from recording a fairytale win at home by romping to a 42-5 victory over the hosts in the Cup final of the Cape Schools Sevens, on another weekend of high-octane High Schools Sevens Series, proudly sponsored by Toyota, action.

In the key result of Saturday’s event, Durbies knocked over the favourites, Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG), in the semi-finals, scoring a narrow 19-17 win. Hugenote, meanwhile, accounted for Milnerton, securing their spot in the final with a 24-19 victory.

Durbanville exited Pool B, arguably the most wide-open of the four groups, ahead of Worcester Gim and the Forward Foundation. Paul Roos topped Pool A, Hugenote finished at the head of Pool C, and Milnerton ruled Pool C.

The Bowl title went the way of the Forward Foundation, who beat Augsburg Landbou by eight points in a 60-point thriller. Parel Vallei downed Worcester Gim 12-7 in a tight Plate final before Durbanville powered their way to the Cup honours.

U15 Competition

In the u15 competition, Paul Roos lived up to their favourites’ tag by lifting the title.

Their challenge began with a surprisingly tough 22-14 victory over Langenhoven Gim, but that was a scoreline that they would enjoy later when they beat Boland Landbou in the Cup final by the same score.

PRG conceded points in only one other game, winning their Cup semi-final against Hugenote 37-15.

Boland Landbou, meanwhile, charged through their group assignments, putting up 94 points in their wins over Augsburg Landbou and Worcester Gim. They convincingly dealt with Milnerton in the quarterfinals, winning by 31 points, but their semi-final against Porterville was an arm wrestle, with the farmers taking it 15-7.

The Forward Foundation, edged out by only three points by Durbanville for second place in Pool D, turned their fortunes around in the Bowl playoffs, blanking Lagenhoven Gim and Augsburg Landbou to win the Bowl.

Durbanville missed out on winning Pool D after falling 20-28 to Hugenote in the key pool contest, which thrust Durbies into a quarterfinals clash with Paul Roos. The Stellenbosch boys cruised to a 38-0 victory. Durbanville recovered well, though, beating Boland Landbou 2 28-17 and, then, Worcester Gim 50-0 to claim the Plate.

u17 Results

Pool A

Porterville 19-12 Langenhoven Gim
Paul Roos 50-7 Langenhoven Gim
Paul Roos 26-12 Porterville

Pool B

Worcester Gim 29-14 Forward Foundation
Durbanville 36-12 Forward Foundation
Durbanville  26-17 Worcester Gim

Pool C

Hugenote 26-5 JAG Foundation
Parel Vallei 42-12 JAG Foundation
Parel Vallei 21-33 Hugenote

Pool D

Augsburg Landbou 14-17 Wellington Jaguars
Milnerton 28-7 Wellington Jaguars
Milnerton 26-14 Augsburg Landbou

Quarterfinals

Cup

Paul Roos 24-19 Worcester Gim
Durbanville 38-5 Porterville
Hugenote 21-17 Wellington Jaguars
Milnerton 21-19 Parel Vallei

Semi-finals

Bowl

Langenhoven Gim 0-52 Forward Foundation
JAG Foundation 10-26 Augsburg Landbou

Plate

Worcester Gim 33-12 Porterville
Parel Vallei won vs Wellington Jaguars

Cup

Paul Roos 17-19 Durbanville
Hugenote 24-19 Milnerton

Finals

Bowl

Forward Foundation 34-26 Augsburg Landbou

Plate

Parel Vallei 12-7 Worcester Gim

Cup

Durbanville 42-5 Hugenote

u15 Results

Pool A

Worcester Gim 12-10 Augsburg Landbou
Boland Landbou 40-0 Augsburg Landbou
Boland Landbou 54-19 Worcester Gim

Pool B

Porterville 12-5 Parel Vallei
Milnerton 22-5 Parel Vallei
Milnerton 21-24 Porterville

Pool C

Boland Landbou 2 12-5 Langenhoven Gim
Paul Roos 22-14 Langenhoven Gim
Paul Roos 68-0 Boland Landbou 2

Pool D

Hugenote 21-0 Forward Foundation
Durbanville 27-24 Forward Foundation
Durbanville 20-28 Hugenote

Quarterfinals

Cup

Porterville 28-12 Worcester Gim
Boland Landbou 36-5 Milnerton
Paul Roos 38-0 Durbanville
Hugenote 36-12 Boland Landbou 2

Semi-finals

Bowl

Augsburg Landbou 24-19 Parel Vallei
Langenhoven Gim 0-19 Forward Foundation
Worcester Gim 28-24 Milnerton
Durbanville 28-17 Boland Landbou 2

Cup

Porterville 7-15 Boland Landbou
Paul Roos 37-15 Hugenote

Finals

Bowl

Forward Foundation 27-0 Augsburg Landbou

Plate

Durbanville 50-0 Worcester Gim

Cup

Paul Roos 22-14 Boland Landbou

Monument made full use of their home-ground advantage as both their u17 and u15 teams won the High School Sevens, proudly presented by Toyota tournaments in Krugersdorp on Saturday.

It was one-way traffic in the u17 competition as the Wit Bulle ran riot. They were barely tested.

In each of their first three matches, they racked up more than a half-century of points, including 80 against Eye of the Tiger. Only their fourth outing was competitive, but comfortable, with Monnas downing the Noordheuwel Invitation side 28-10.

Jeppe was brushed aside 42-0 in the semi-finals and Dinamika overrun 43-5 in the title decider.

In the Plate final, Marais Viljoen surprised a deflated Jeppe outfit, and Helpmekaar secured the Bowl with a victory over Alberton.

The u15 competition proved to be a two-horse race between the Krugersdorp powerhouses.

It wasn’t until the Cup semi-finals that Monument conceded a point. By then, they had already racked up 151 in their previous three matches. Noordheuwel, meanwhile, also boasted an unblemished defensive record. They had tallied 116 points in victories over Monument 2, Eye of the Tiger, and Dinamika.

Monnas were finally extended in the Cup semis, where they won 24-10 over Helpmekaar, while their Krugersdorp rivals, Noordheuwel, cruised to a 33-0 defeat of Dinamika.

There was little to separate the sides in the final, but Monument grabbed the trophy with a hard-fought 12-7 victory.

In the Bowl final, Monnas added another title, with Monument 2 beating Garsfontein 33-17, while Helpmekaar hoisted the Plate with a tight 17-12 win over Dinamika.

u17 Results

Monument 57-0 Alberton
Helpmekaar 23-10 Monument 2
Noordheuwel Inv 21-14 Eye of the Tiger
Jeppe 54-0 Westridge
Monument 59-5 Marais Viljoen
Westridge 0-42 Monument 2
Eye of the Tiger 5-27 Alberton
Jeppe 22-26 Dinamika
Noordheuwel Inv 5-26 Marais Viljoen
Helpmekaar 68-0 Westridge
Monument 80-0 Eye of the Tiger
Marais Viljoen 12-10 Alberton
Jeppe 47-12 Monument 2
Dinamika 68-0 Westridge
Monument 28-10 Noordheuwel Inv
Helpmekaar 17-34 Jeppe
Marais Viljoen 19-12 Eye of the Tiger
Dinamika 35-14 Monument 2
Noordheuwel Inv 10-31 Alberton

Cup semi-finals

Monument 42-0 Jeppe
Dinamika 19-7 Marais Viljoen

Finals

Bowl

Alberton 12-24 Helpmekaar

Plate

Jeppe 19-26 Marais Viljoen

Cup

Monument 43-5 Dinamika

u15 Results

Monument 48-0 Alberton
Helpmekaar 26-10 Marais Viljoen
Noordheuwel 2 12-20 Dinamika
Noordheuwel 26-0 Monument 2
Monument 42-0 Garsfontein Inv
Helpmekaar 31-14 Eye of the Tiger
Monument 2 12-7 Marais Viljoen
Dinamika 24-5 Alberton
Noordheuwel 40-0 Eye of the Tiger
Noordheuwel 12-17 Garsfontein Inv
Helpmekaar 41-0 Monument 2
Monument 61-0 Dinamika
Garsfontein Inv 41-12 Alberton
Noordheuwel 50-0 Marais Viljoen
Eye of the Tiger 20-26 Monument 2
Helpmekaar 5-19 Noordheuwel
Garsfontein Inv 0-31 Dinamika
Eye of the Tiger 0-24 Marais Viljoen
Noordheuwel 2 24-12 Alberton

Cup semi-finals

Monument 24-10 Helpmekaar
Noordheuwel 33-0 Dinamika

Finals

Bowl

Garsfontein Inv 17-33 Monument 2

Plate

Helpmekaar 17-12 Dinamika

Cup

Monument 12-7 Noordheuwel

Maritzburg College were crowned the 2024 champions of the Cowie Cup after defeating the 2023 titleholders, Port Shepstone, on Barns’ Field on Friday afternoon, to reclaim the title they last held in 2022.

College secured an impressive 2-0 victory, with both goals being scored in the second half of the match after they upped their attacking pressure.

The team’s prolific striker Mazithi Qasha scored the opener for College, getting onto the end of a long through-ball before calmly lofting the ball over the ‘keeper.

Then, just two minutes later, Philasande Khuzwayo delivered an impressively composed strike from outside the box, curling the ball around a defender and into the goalkeeper’s bottom left-hand corner to effectively seal the win for the Red, Black, and White.

College asserted their dominance in the final from the onset, with Zipho Makangela skillfully penetrating the Port Shepstone defences down the right flank. Cheered on by their strong home support, College exhibited superior control of the game with their trademark short, sharp, passing game, and they also appeared more threatening than their rivals.

However, Port Shepstone also had their moments, with Thule Cele narrowly missing a gilt-edged opportunity in the first half after successfully evading the offside trap. For most of the contest, however, College’s high defensive line caught out the south coast side, who were blown up time after time for straying way offsides.

“The offside trap is something that we have been working on for the last three years,” College coach Chemon Petersen told SuperSport Schools Plus after the match. “You will never perfect it, but you will come close, and they did exceptionally well in communicating and judging when to do it. There were many times when Port Shepstone could have got in behind us and made it a one-on-one game with the ‘keeper. But we were very good.”

By not conceding a goal, Maritzburg College was halfway to victory, and as Petersen said: “Offence wins you games, defence wins you championships. That sums it up for us. The defensive unit was amazing.”

While Makangela challenged Port Shepstone down the right flank throughout the game, College held back on trying their luck down the left-hand side during the first half. That was because Sheppie threatened down their right on the counterattack, Petersen explained.

At half-time, however, College decided to go on the attack, which included bringing on Nzolo Ngcemu as a third striker. The home side brought the left flank into play much more through wing-back Braydon Middleton and they were rewarded for that decision.

Another move that paid dividends was switching Malachi Momple to defensive midfielder. College’s Director of Soccer, Nic Haswell, was effusive in his praise of Momple’s contribution. “He’s a very special player with an unbelievably gifted left foot. He always seems to have time on the ball and nothing flusters him,” Haswell said.

“We switched him to defensive midfielder in the second half to get more control over the passing in the game. We felt we had a lot of the ball, but we weren’t making key passers from that key central defensive midfield position.

“What an eye for a pass he has. He knows how to weight a pass, when to play the pass, and he can switch the play.”

Momple made a difference and impressed with his decision-making and the range of his passes. He moved the ball around well, keeping it short and sharp when needed, executing one-twos to get the attack rolling, and finding players out wide with beautiful raking long balls to stretch the Port Shepstone defence.

Haswell also praised College captain KG Matshoge for the example he set and his captaincy. “He’s a young man with such heart and maturity. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with him,” he said.

Reflecting on the win, which followed a victory in the annual Raw Cup clash against Durban High School (DHS) last week, Haswell continued: “You see how much it means to us and how hard we work. If it means this much to me, I can only imagine what it means to our players, particularly our matrics. They deserve this.

“They’ve been through some heartbreak. They were part of last year’s team and they thought that winning would happen naturally, as all teenagers do. They learned the hard way that you have to work for each and every result. To see them grow through that process and learn from their mistakes, you can’t ask for any more as coaches.

“They carried us in the Raw Cup and today, as well. I felt all of the matrics stood up, and were determined to win this game. That composure and leadership really rubbed off on the team.”

While Maritzburg College won three titles in 2023 – the KZN Inland League, the Primo Big 10, and the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands FA Cup – they didn’t win the Raw Cup or the Cowie Cup, so, after some near misses in 2024, it was pleasing for College to finish off the season by capturing the two titles they didn’t land last year.

Five different trophies in two years is quite some haul.

Coach Petersen summed up Maritzburg College’s Cowie Cup triumph: “Port Shepstone was a very good side. They didn’t give us too much space, they didn’t give us much to work with. But I think sticking to our guns and trusting what we’ve worked on carried us across the line.”

A battle of the batsmen awaits Hoërskool Waterkloof’s home field, the André van der Walt Oval, when the Klofies face their old rivals, Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool, in a massive Titans League showdown on Saturday.

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Both sides have shown that they possess deep batting lineups, which suggests their match will be a high-scoring affair on the batting-friendly wicket.

Affies’ Jorich van Schalkwyk will be itching to pass the 1 000-run mark this year. He has 943 to his name already at an average of 67.36.

His tally includes two double-centuries, three centuries, and a fifty, which reflects well on his ability to turn starts into substantial scores.

Captain Divan de Villiers, Vihan Pretorius, and Ruben Groenewald, an unsung hero, further bolster the visitor’s lineup. Groenewald, batting lower down the order, has been in immaculate form, scoring 489 runs at a very useful average of 40.75.

Waterkloof, on the other hand, possesses the striking power of opening batsman Wian Ruthven, who has been at the forefront of their success this year. He’s scored 832 runs at an average of 52.

The Klofies have other regular run scorers in their ranks, including their captain and wicketkeeper, Beukes van den Berg, and Ruthven’s opening partner, Divan Behrens. He, too, has been exceptional this season, scoring 786 runs, while Van den Berg has also excelled behind the stumps, claiming 12 dismissals thus far this term, including nine catches, two run outs, and a stumping.

The left-arm offspinner, Marcus Bakker, is a dangerman for Waterkloof with 32 wickets this year. He’s also a hard-hitting batsman capable of tearing a bowling attack to shreds. Opening bowler Petrus Rautenbach leads the attack, having sent 34 batsmen packing in 2024.

The South African u19 opening pair of Steve Stolk and Lhuan-dré Pretorius will be raring to go but find themselves on opposite sides for the clash between Hoërskool Menlopark and Cornwall Hill College.

Pretorius, fresh off a well-played 91 against Affies last week, seems to be in good touch. Stolk, meanwhile, has not quite been at his destructive best, but that is likely to end soon, which will be a major warning sign for Cornwall Hill.

Hoërskool Centurion would have had some time to reflect on and analyse their performances ahead of their clash with Hoërskool Garsfontein’s Ysbere.

The Garsies have enjoyed a strong season so far, losing only by one wicket to Menlopark, whereas the Woeries are still chasing a first victory of their campaign. Centurion captain Charl Prinsloo has played some spectacular innings in 2024 and he will be aiming to set his side up for a win.

Parktown Boys’ High made a welcome return to the upper tier of Southern Gauteng schools’ hockey in 2024, with Tristan Le Forestier assisting coach Kyle Reddy during a hugely encouraging season, which included a runner-up finish in the prestigious Aitken Cup.

He’s one of three brothers who have passed through Parktown in recent years and who are now making their marks in the game.

Tristan plays club hockey for Old Edwardians, whom he helped qualify for the 2025 Belgotex Elite Club Championships.

He began playing the game in grade 8 at Parktown in 2013. That first year, he earned selection for the Southern Gauteng u18D team.

However, he made rapid progress and ended up turning out for the school’s 1^st XI on 107 occasions. He also represented the Southern Gauteng u18A side.

This year, he’ll also run out for Witwatersrand at the Senior Inter-Provincial Tournament, which takes place at St Stithians from 9 September.

It has been a balancing act for Tristan, who is also serious about his academics. He is a software engineer, with Honours from the University of the Witwatersrand. He explained that he was fascinated by technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) from a young age.

“I enjoy problem-solving and finding solutions, and computer science provides a platform to apply these skills meaningfully,” he said. “I completed my Honours degree in Computer Science at the University of the Witwatersrand, where I have had the opportunity to develop in various aspects of the field, including machine learning, data analysis, and software development.

“The dynamic nature of technology and its potential to drive innovation and solve real-world problems continuously inspire me.

In a world of rapidly evolving technology, he is clear about his goals: “I aspire to contribute to advancements in AI and technology, making a positive impact on society through my work.”

Performing well on the sports field and in the classroom at the same time is not a walk in the park. “Balancing studies and sport is tough, but my passion for both keeps me going,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus. “Good time management is key. It helps me to do well in both without having to sacrifice one for the other. I plan my schedule carefully to fit in training, matches, and study time.

“When I’m on tour, I always bring my work with me and use any free moments to catch up on my studies. This disciplined approach has allowed me to stay on top [of things]. Staying organised, and setting clear priorities, helps me manage everything and keep progressing in both areas.”

Meanwhile, his brothers, Michael and Cameron, helped the University of Pretoria‘s hockey side lift the title at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament in July after a 6-4 win over Stellenbosch in the final.

Michael, another strong academic, said Tuks had to build as a team to achieve the victory. “Winning USSA is never an easy thing, and it takes so much out of you for so long to build towards it,” he explained. “Unlike most teams, our entire season is focused around the week at USSA, so our prep for it starts in January and builds to the tournament.

“From the very first week of pre-season, the goal was to not only physically prepare us for the season but also to mentally prepare ourselves for the tough moments in games and tough playing conditions. To then win it after all the work is such a rewarding feeling.

“Winning back-to-back USSAs with Tuks was something that I found incredible, but this year”s USSA meant a little bit more to me as it was my last.

“After the USSA win last year, I decided to stay on at Tuks for another year to win another USSA title, and to have it pay off was such an incredible feeling.”

Cameron concurred: “Winning USSA was amazing. It’s something that as a student you look forward to the whole year. To be able to win it two years in a row is so rewarding and it reminds me that all the early mornings and late nights put into training pay off.”

Apart from the lessons learned at Parktown, Michael said values instilled in the brothers by their mother, Leandra, have served them well.

“My mother raised us to always make sure that we’d be able to take care of ourselves, and to do that in today’s world we needed to get degrees in valuable fields.

Both my mom and dad represented their respective countries in waterskiing and still excelled academically. Hence, they proved to us it was possible to be both a high-level athlete and an academic.

“Parktown Boys’ High School helped in teaching me a balance between my academic and sporting codes,” he added. “Whenever we needed to find extra time to complete assignments or study, the sports faculty made sure we had a space to prepare and work to stay ahead of our work. They also made sure we were looked after by our teachers who provided us with any assistance or extra support we needed.”

Both Michael and Cameron will represent the Northern Blues at the forthcoming men’s IPT. Witwatersrand is in the opposite pool, in case you were wondering.

There’s no secret to succeeding on the turf and in the classroom, Cameron said: “Balancing studies with sport honestly just requires dedication – knowing when to work, train, or have fun with friends.

“It’s also very important to make sure you have a good support system for your friends and family so that you don’t feel alone. I find it helpful to write down upcoming tests and schedules so that I can prepare for them ahead of time.”

Tristan said sports and academics can serve as springboards for one another: “Sports can open many academic doors and provide resources to pursue your passions,” he explained.

“Developing small, consistent habits can lead to success. Work hard on the field and in the classroom, as sports can teach valuable soft skills beneficial in professional life. Stay organised and plan your time effectively, balancing both commitments.

“Seek support from coaches, teachers, and teammates to help manage your workload and stay motivated.

“Embrace challenges and learn from setbacks, as they will help you grow stronger in both areas.

“Above all, remember to enjoy the journey and have fun!”

Cam, who majors in Genetics and Biochemistry, had the last word: “⁠Taking studies further as a young sportsman or sportswoman is very important. Not only does it allow you to educate yourself further and grow your knowledge, but it also allows you to be in an environment that has your best interests at heart.

“University doesn’t only allow for further academic success but also sporting success with the amazing sporting facilities and programmes that are put in place.”

The name Jorich van Schalkwyk will be etched into Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool’s (Affies) cricket history, alongside some legends, who are renowned on the world stage and who have passed through the school before him.

That’s because just a few weeks ago, the young top-order batsman thrust his name into the spotlight by breaking the Affies’ record for the highest individual score in a 50-over match.

Playing against Cornwall Hill College, he made a masterful 240 from only 152 deliveries, striking 34 fours and seven sixes.

The talented right-hander’s love for the game, especially batting, started at the age of five in the small town of Warmbaths in Limpopo. Warmbaths was also home to his idol and former Affies’ star, AB de Villiers, one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era.

At the age of 11, Van Schalkwyk got his first taste of provincial cricket, making the Limpopo u11 side. Multi-talented, like De Villiers, he also represented the province in tennis and hockey. His cricketing talent, however, stood out and he was selected for the provincial u13 side the following year. Since then, he’s grown from strength to strength.

In 2023, at the age of 17, Van Schalkwyk was chosen for the Titans‘ u19 Khaya Majola side. At the end of a successful week, he was included in the South African Schools squad. He also appeared for the Northern Champions at the Cubs Week in Stellenboch.

Assessing his successes, he said they wouldn’t have happened without the help of his coach at Affies, Pieter Cronje. “Coach Pieter Cronje has played a massive role in my cricket since I came to Affies. I owe him a lot,” Van Schalkwyk said.

His latest representative achievement is his recent selection for the SA u19 Emerging squad, which will tour Zimbabwe from 15 to 30 September in preparation for the 2026 u19 Cricket World Cup.

Van Schalkwyk, though, said tours with Affies rank highly in his estimation. “The tours, like the Michaelmas and the Cape Peninsula Festivals, are my favourites. It not only allows me to do what I love, but I get to do it with my friends. Those are the memories I’ll cherish,” he said.

He has two double-centuries to his name this year and he’s closing in on another big milestone. He’s within touching distance of surpassing the 1 000-run mark for 2024. It should arrive in his next outing given his consistency.

With bucketloads of talent, humility, a huge hunger to succeed, and high aspirations, Van Schalkwyk has the necessary character traits and talent to make his name at a higher level of cricket. Keep an eye out for him.

St Charles College mounted a stunning run chase to beat Westville Boys’ High by five wickets, with only three balls remaining, in their Eston One Insurance T20 Night League match on Thursday.

The victory puts Saints through to the final where they will defend the title against Maritzburg College.

Last season, an extraordinary 5/10 from Nathan Beaumont carried the Pietermaritzburg school to a four-run victory over Hilton College in the final.

It’s not often that a team comes out on top in a T20 after having a batsman score an unbeaten 100 against them off of only 53 balls, but Marcell Wellmann and his side pulled it off against Westville.

Opening batsman Kaeden McAllister was magnificent for the Griffin, blasting the Saints’ bowlers about the field, striking 11 fours and four sixes. In the last over, he smashed three of those sixes and two twos, with the last two coming off the final ball of the innings, to bring up his century.

He and Max Robertson got stuck into the St Charles bowlers early and charged their way to an opening stand of 60 in only 5.4 overs. Brendon Sunguro then had Robertson caught by Rico Honiball in the deep for 37 from 25 deliveries, with six fours and a six.

Skipper Wellman arrested the free-scoring for a brief moment, removing the dangerous Sean McGough and Nicandro Kistna for ducks, as Westville slipped to 61/3.

Kyle McGough steadied the ship with McAllister, however, with their partnership lasting a ball shy of 10 overs and producing 76 runs. Kaiyuran Naidoo, a top performer for Saints at the Fasken Time Cricket Festival, brought it to an end when he trapped McGough in front for 28. His runs had come from 30 balls and included two fours and a six.

Roxton Payne was in and out in short order as McAllister took over, helping Westville to 179/5 in their 20 overs, which left St Charles needing to score at eight runs per over to win.

Wellmann led his side’s bowling attack, picking up 2/23 in four overs of left-arm spin, while Kaiyuran Naidoo chipped in with 1/17 in three. It was a tough outing for the opening bowlers. SA Emerging u19 speedster, Rowen Rajah, went for 51 runs in his four overs, while Tristan Montile lasted only one over, which cost 15 runs.

If they were to have any chance at victory, St Charles would have to score quickly from the start. Luckily for them, they had Cian Fortmann at the top of the order, a man very capable of delivering lots of runs quickly.

The hard-hitting left-hander spent only 5.5 overs at the crease but, by the time he was out, he had already contributed 37 runs from just 21 balls, striking two sixes and five fours. Westville had lost their first wicket after 5.4 overs, with their total on 60. There wasn’t much in it.

Rico Honiball was dismissed 10 runs later for 14, but captain Wellmann, in at three, took over from Fortmann, laying into the Westville attack with relish. He received some support from Brendon Sunguro, Connor Riley, and Covhan Baaitjies, although all three didn’t progress beyond the teens. Wellmann, though, came close to seeing his team across the line.

His was the fifth and last wicket to go down, but he had made a huge impact. He matched Fortmann, also hitting two sixes and five fours, but his stay lasted 40 balls and delivered 67 runs.

It was left to Riley and Baaitjies to finish off the job. They needed 19 runs off the last two overs and it took them nine balls to score them.

The Westville bowlers came in for serious stick. Nicandro Kistna, with 0/18 off three overs, and Roxton Payne, with 1/32 in four, were the best of them. But the day belonged to St Charles, who were rewarded for their courageous approach to a daunting challenge.

Scores

Westville Boys’ High 179/5 (K. McAllister 100*, M. Robertson 37, K. McGough 28, M. Wellmann 2/23, K. Naidoo 1/17, C. Fortmann 1/27); St Charles College 182/5 (M. Wellmann 67, C. Fortmann 37, C. Riley 18*, A. Bulose 1/16, S. Shangase 1/16)

St Charles won by 5 wickets

SuperSport Schools is proud to announce its exclusive partnership as the official streaming and broadcasting partner for the inaugural Schools SA20, a groundbreaking cricket competition aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of cricket talent among both girls and boys across South Africa.

Running from September 2024 to March 2025, this thrilling national tournament will feature schools from all 16 regions competing for the coveted title of Schools SA20 champions. With over 370 boys’ school teams and more than 200 girls’ school teams participating, more than 1,000 matches will be played, offering a platform for young athletes to shine on a national stage.

In a milestone for women’s cricket, the Schools SA20 will include a dedicated girls’ competition, reflecting a commitment to breaking barriers and advancing the women’s game in South Africa. This competition will also be instrumental in preparing the Proteas’ u19 Girls team for the ICC u19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia in 2025.

The competition will be conducted in three phases:

• Phase 1: Provincial Competitions (September-November 2024)
• Phase 2: Regional Playoffs (January-February 2025)
• Phase 3: National Finals (March 13-15, 2025)

Schools SA20 is an extension of SA20’s mission to provide continuous opportunities for young cricketers in South Africa, building on the success of the Rookie draft system introduced in SA20 Season 2. As the exclusive broadcaster, SuperSport Schools is committed to “bringing you the sport you care about most,” ensuring that fans can access every moment of this thrilling competition.

Graeme Smith, SA20 League Commissioner, highlighted the importance of this tournament: “Schools SA20 is more than just a competition; it’s a vital contributor to our cricketing future. Many current Protea Men and Women stars began their journeys at the school level, and I’m excited to see the next generation showcase their skills. This competition will undoubtedly bring the next teenage cricket sensation to the global stage.”

Smith continued, “SA20 is also committed to working with CSA to invest in the women’s game in South Africa. Our sponsorship of the U19 Girls’ Camps, alongside CSA’s and the government’s initiatives to professionalize the women’s game, will be crucial in developing the next generation of Proteas Women players.”

Future Proteas Men and Women stars such as Kagiso Rabada, Laura Wolvaardt, and Nadine de Klerk started their cricketing journeys at school level. Their success serves as inspiration for the young cricketers set to compete in Schools SA20, reminding us that “World Cups are won ten years before they’re played,”

Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki, who attended the launch event at Wanderers Stadium, shared his excitement: “Schools SA20 is set to make a significant impact on the future of cricket in South Africa. By bringing together the best young talent from across the country, this competition will play a crucial role in the growth of the sport. For many young athletes, this will be a stepping stone towards professional cricket, with the potential to unearth the next generation of SA20 and Proteas stars.”

As the exclusive streaming and broadcasting partner, SuperSport Schools will bring Schools SA20 to a global audience, with over 200 matches live-streamed and broadcast across various media platforms and a selected few to be available on DStv Channel 216. This partnership reflects our mission to bring fans “the future Olympians and World Cup winners,” and we are excited to witness the rise of South Africa’s next cricketing legends.