The annual interschools between Paul Roos Gimnasium and Grey College are one of the highlights on the South African schoolboy rugby calendar. These two schools have produced more Springboks between them than any other school in the country.
Results down the Years:
[ninja_tables id=”55107″]
Kearsney College’s water polo team is back in the pool and preparing for the 2024-25 season. Earlier this year, Nicholas Rodda’s charges finished their season in style, beating St Alban’s College 10–8 in the final to lift the Reef Cup Water Polo Invitational Tournament title.
“Winning that tournament and going unbeaten in term one was a big highlight. Beating Hilton twice was also a big one for us,” Rodda shared.
The Reef Cup title was lifted five months ago, and while Rodda is keen to use it as a building block as Kearsney prepares for the new season, he doesn’t want to focus only on problem areas he saw in March. The Kearsney coach is focusing on all aspects of play and going back to the basics.
By creating a well-rounded team that can execute in all areas, the boys from Botha’s Hill hope to accomplish or come close to fulfilling their goals for the season.
“We want to do the best we can to improve on our sixth-place finish at last year’s Clifton tournament. This year is also our first attendance at the Saints Stayers Tournament in a few years. We are aiming to do the best we can there,” Rodda said.
While Rodda’ wants his side to perform as a unit, Kearsney certainly has some players who were key performers in their outstanding first term that they will again lean on, including Blake Kruger, James Pohl, and Luca Sandri.
Kruger was a member of the KZN u19B team that contested the semi-finals of the inter-provincial tournament last year and his skills and experience will be invaluable in Kearsney’s campaign. Pohl and Sandri helped KZN win the u16 IPT, and earlier this year they were members of the KZN Currie Cup team that finished as the runners-up in the inter-provincial tournament in East London.
Sandri’s pedigree in the pool cannot be overstated. He was part of South Africa’s gold medal-winning relay teams in the 4×50 and 4x100m at the 2023 BRICS Games in Durban.
Kearsney has been in pool training for three weeks now and has played two pre-season games against Westville and Glenwood, cruising to a 19-6 victory over Glenwood and falling 8-11 to Westville.
The KwaZulu-Natal coastal schools are involved in preseason games on Tuesday nights. Unfortunately, Kearsney’s third pre-season fixture against Clifton has been cancelled because of illness in the Durban school’s ranks.
It will, therefore, be a while before Kearsney is back in action. Rodda’s charges will face Hilton and Michaelhouse on 3 September.
With heavy underfoot conditions expected in Paarl on Friday, the SA Under-18s are under no illusion that a tough challenge awaits them when they face Ireland in their first outing of the 2024 u18 International Rugby Series.
The match, which will take place at Paarl Gimnasium, kicks off at 15h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Schools, as will the opening encounter of the day, between England and Georgia, which is scheduled to start at 13h30. Tickets are available here.
Ireland delivered an impressive performance on Monday when they outplayed England 42-28 in their opening match staged at Stellenberg High School in Cape Town.
The SA U18s are determined match the effort of the SA U18 ‘A’ side, who beat Georgia in their only clash of the series on Monday.
In naming the team that will be captained by hooker Sethu Mnebelele, SA U18 coach James Winstanley said his group prepared well for the series and are looking forward to meeting the challenge of a very good Irish team.
“We are privileged to have an outstanding coaching, medical and support staff in place and most importantly a phenomenal group of players that are excited to compete in the U18 International Series,” said Winstanley.
“Our goal as a staff is to create a gold standard experience for the players that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The overall aim of the U18 programme is to expose the players to the rigours of international rugby and prepare them for the pathway to the SA Rugby Academy and the Junior Springboks.”
Winstanley also praised the players’ efforts in the build-up to the much-anticipated series: “The SA Schools camp has provided us with the opportunity to align our structures and gain the momentum needed to produce Test match performances.”
The SA u18 mentor is confident that his team will be able to give good account of themselves in the annual series, starting on Friday against Ireland.
“The team selection reflects the importance of set pieces and go forward in order to win the gain line and breakdowns at international level,” he said.
“There is a strong probability of heavy playing conditions and so our kicking game and defence was also a factor in the decision-making process.”
Mnebelele also captained the SA Schools outfit against the SA Schools ‘A’ side last month in Krugersdorp, while AJ Meyer (lock) and Torren February (loose forward) have been drafted into the squad from the SA u18 ‘A’ team following injuries to James Schnetler and Kebotile Maake.
SA u18 team to face Ireland in Paarl:
15 Akha Boqwana, 14 Kuthadzo Rashivhaga, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Pieter van der Merwe, 11 Zekethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Ellie Meyer, 8 Reuben Kruger, 7 Josh Mackenzie, 6 Alutha Wesi, 5 Riley Norton, 4 JD Hattingh, 3 Uli van der Merwe, 2 Sethu Mnebelele (captain), 1 Siba Booi. Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Phiwayinkosi Khubeka, 18 Aidan Botha, 19 AJ Meyer, 20 Josh Neil, 21 Adeeb Boraine, 22 Simphiwe Moyo, 23 Janco Purchase, 24 Torren February, 25 Ethan Adams, 26 Cheswill Jooste.
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
Hierdie naweek vind die 26ste jaarlikse interskole-kompetisie plaas tussen twee van die land se top meisieskole, Hoërskool Bloemhof en C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje.
Dié twee gedugte eerste netbalspanne pak mekaar op Saterdag, 17 Augustus, om 10:50 in die Sentrum op Stellenbosch, terwyl altesaam 29 netbalwedstryde is geskeduleer om plaas te vind op die dag.
Die kragmeting tussen die eerste spanne, hul derde ontmoeting vanjaar, sal beslis wie werklik die kroon in 2024 dra, nadat elkeen van die skole vyf van die laaste 10 interskole-kragmetings gewen het.
Vroeër vanjaar het die spanne twee keer by toernooie ontmoet. Bloemhof het ‘n sege van 20-16 in Pretoria behaal, terwyl Oranje kort daarna in die Paarl met 34-28 gewen het.
Oranje moet beslis nie onderskat word nie, aangesien hulle vir die tweede keer in hul geskiedenis die eindstryd van die Nasionale Netbalkampioenskap gehaal het. Die span spog met spelers soos Cara Smith, Jessica Barnard en Amy Fröhlich, wat elk meer as 100 wedstryde gespeel het, terwyl kaptein, Marguerite Cronjé, reeds 150 op haar kerfstok het. Boonop is Marianne Louw aangewys as Speler van die Toernooi by die Nasionale Netbalkampioenskap vir o.17’s.
Bloemhof, op hul beurt, se trots is kaptein, Lara Ehlers, wat onlangs in die SA o.21-span opgeneem is, asook Juane Maass, wat vroeër vanjaar deel uitgemaak het van die Kaapse Wynlandspan.
Vorige interskole-uitslae:
– 2023: Oranje wen 35-23
– 2022: Oranje wen 24-21
– 2021: Geen interskole-kompetisie nie
– 2020: Geen interskole-kompetisie nie
– 2019: Bloemhof wen 29-25
– 2018: Oranje wen 28-19
– 2017: Bloemhof wen 24-22
– 2016: Bloemhof wen 19-12
– 2015: Bloemhof wen 20-18
– 2014: Bloemhof wen 25-17
– 2013: Oranje wen 31-28
– 2012: Oranje wen 24-23
Oranje: Nadine Jonck, Marianne Louw, Karin Truter, Diné le Roux, Amy Fröhlich, Marguerite Cronjé, Anja Cohe, Danielle v Jaarsveld, Jessica Barnard, Ane Goosen, Kylie Steenkamp.
Bloemhof: Juané Maass, Mariaan Bruwer, Nell Basson, Lara Ehlers, Alana Lourens, Zahni Smit, Carlin Keuzenkamp, Cara Otto, Simoné Dry, Mila Bester.
Hidden within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is Edenvale, a small town on the East Rand, where brothers, Brendon Lohan and Storm Fox, have been hard at work developing the local football talent under the Sevens Academy flag.
Lohan, a former professional footballer, is now the chairman of the academy, and he has brought all of his knowledge, from on and off the pitch, to the club.
Fox, eight years younger than Lohan, coaches the u13 Sevens Academy team, which contests the Gauteng Development League (GDL).
This past weekend, when Sevens Academy handed Mamelodi Sundowns their first loss of the season in the under-19 division, thrashing the Brazilians 4-1 at Clapham High School, it became clear that the Edenvale-based team had finally acclimatised to the Gauteng Development League after making their bow at the start of the season.
The brothers’ passion and that of the staff and players saw Sevens Academy stun the league leaders. It was noticed, too, by the other GDL teams. None of them had managed to stop Sundowns in the league, but Sevens Academy had, emphatically.
Lohan’s story is inspiring, and he shared it on DStv Channel 216 last week, in the SuperSport Schools’ Football On 216 Show.
“The main reason I got into coaching is, when I played, I had a three weeks’ stint at (Moroka) Swallows when [manager] Gavin Hunt was still there, and after three weeks there, Gavin told me to go back but I wasn’t interested.
“I played for Highlands Park after that, when they were in the Vodacom League. I played there for a year and wasn’t interested (in continuing). I regret it. There are regrets,” Lohan admitted.
“I thought maybe I should get into coaching, help the kids realise that there’s the mental side of the game, not just the physical ability. That was the main reason I got into coaching, to try and help boys understand what it takes, because I know I threw part of it away and I have regrets.
“I don’t want kids to have the same regrets I have when they grow up.” he added.
However, the success of any club doesn’t start from the under-19 division. It begins at a younger level, with the u13s. That’s where Fox has made his mark with Sevens Academy.
With a passion for teaching youngsters football fundamentals, he has proven to be a perfect fit for the u13 age group, and his leadership has led to the success of the club’s youngest GDL team.
“I’ve always looked up to Brandon, as my older brother. Inevitably, I had to follow in his shoes. That’s why I took this role. I wanted to teach the boys the fundamentals,” he said.
“I think there’s a lot of youth who don’t understand the fundamentals of football. That’s the main reason I’ve stayed with the u13s since I joined the academy. That’s where my passion lies as far as the coaching side,” he explained.
With Sevens Academy having forced the rest of the GDL to sit up and take notice, they’ll be under the microscope as the season continues. But they’ll welcome that. It’s what happens when you’re successful.
RESULTS
Friday, 9 August
East Rand Athletic Club 0-2 Highlands Park
Jomo Cosmos 1-0 Tuks
Kathorus Hyper Academy 1-0 SuperSport United
NWU Vaal 1-1 School of Excellence
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-4 Sevens Academy
Panorama 3-0 Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School
Randburg 2-3 RESA
Sunday, 11 August
East Rand Athletic Club 1-0 School of Excellence
Sevens Academy 1-0 Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School
SuperSport United 2-2 RESA
TS Galaxy 1-3 Randburg
Tuks 2-0 Panorama
Wits Junior 0-1 NWU Vaal
Highlands Park 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Jomo Cosmos 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs
The Bishops Diocesan College first hockey team will be on a mission to end their season on a high when they tackle Rondebosch Boys’ High in their final game of 2024 in Cape Town on Friday night.
The encounter, famously known as the Bisch/Bosch Derby, is scheduled for a 19:20 push-back at the Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC) main Astroturf.
Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.
A key player for Bishops, who will be pulling the strings for his side, is the dangerous Joshua Mettler. He’s been an important contributor to Bishops’ successes this season. He’s scored crucial goals in big matches, created opportunities for his teammates, and has come to life when it’s mattered most, displaying a massive work rate on and off the ball.
The away fixture against Rondebosch will be his last in Bishops’ colours and, after a rather lukewarm second half of the season, he’s determined to end his schoolboy career on a positive note.
Ahead of the match, Mettler chatted with SuperSport Schools Plus hockey journalist Avuyile Sawula about his love for the game, about making a move from Curro Durbanville to Bishops in grade 11, and about the current season, which has included representing Western Province and South African Schools, and what his hockey future looks like.
The 2024 season, its ups and downs
There was a sense of optimism, rejuvenation, and a positive vibe when Bishops began their season with a long list of impressive results.
They kicked off their campaign at the Parel Vallei Boys’ Hockey Festival where they recorded wins over Somerset College, Outeniqua, and Paarl Boys’ High during the pre-season.
A week later, they hosted the 175 Bishops Hockey Festival. There, under the tutelage of the experienced Ryan Julius, they went unbeaten. They claimed a 3-1 win over Michaelhouse, a 4-0 victory against St Charles College, a 2-0 defeat of St David’s Marist Inanda, an 8-0 hammering of Bloemfontein’s St Andrew’s School, a hard-fought 2-1 victory over St Andrew’s College, and a 4-0 success against St Benedict’s.
They entered the season with their tails up. There was a slight hiccup when they were upset by Garsfontein in the quarterfinals of the Hibbert Shield, but their form in the Western Cape was strong.
However, once their coach, Ryan Julius, joined up with the national team to represent South Africa in the Paris Olympics, their form wavered.
In his absence, Bishops fell to a 1-2 loss against Paul Roos and were beaten 3-0 by SACS. Paarl Gimnasium claimed a 2-1 win over the Cape Town school and Wynberg Boys High avenged a loss earlier in the season, beating Bishops 3-1 in their rematch.
“This season has had its ups and downs,” Mettler told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“We had one of our best starts where we went unbeaten for a couple of games, and I think that quarterfinal loss at the Hibbert Shield dampened our spirits.
“This term, we also lost Ryan (Julius) and Cassa (Abdul Cassiem – assistant coach), and that’s no excuse, but not having them there has had an impact on the team.
“It’s been tough, honestly, and we want to bounce back and close off the season on a high.”
Curro to Bishops, a tough transition
Mettler’s hockey career began early in grade one at Chesterhouse Primary School.
In grade four, he moved to Curro Durbanville, and that’s where he spent the rest of his primary school days before moving on to the high school.
With swimming also in the mix, the lanky youngster was forced to choose between the pool and hockey. The AstroTurf won that battle.
He played some of his best hockey in grade 10 at Curro but, after falling out with one of the coaches, he decided on a move to greener pastures and Bishops gladly opened its doors to him.
Mettler admitted, though, that it wasn’t all smooth sailing when he first arrived at the school. “When I got to Bishops, it was tough adjusting,” he revealed. “Coming from a co-ed school, they were stricter. Stuff like coming two minutes late for class, hair not combed correctly, shirt not tucked in, all of those were taken seriously at Bishops.
“On the turf, as well, I found the going a bit hard, I won’t lie.
“At Curro, we had two training sessions a week, and here at Bishops, we have a proper programme: pre-season tours, conditioning sessions, gym sessions, practice matches with UCT. It’s just a level up and it took me some time to get used to it.
As a result of his struggles on and off the turf, Mettler said he didn’t have the best of seasons in 2023 despite making the Western Province u18A side.
“I think one of the reasons I struggled was because of the pressure,” he explained. “At Curro, only parents used to watch our games, and getting to Bishops where hundreds of schoolboys come out was kind of nerve-racking.
“I was the new kid on the block. Everyone knew I came for hockey and the pressure to perform in front of everyone got a bit too much.”
In the blue and white of Western Province
In grade seven, Mettler was selected for the u13A Western Province side that finished fourth at the Inter-Provincial Tournament. He received the “Most Valuable Striker” accolade, which set him up nicely for high school.
In grades eight and nine, he missed out on provincial selection due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In grade 10, he was selected for the Western Province u16A side.
However, it was in 2023 that the stars aligned for the youngster. After his move to Bishops, he sneaked into the Western Province u18A side. Soon after that, he was selected to represent South Africa at the u17 Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia.
This year, he made the Province side again, and he was also selected for the SA Schools u18A team.
“As a young boy, you dream of making the SA side, and I’ve been working towards it,” he said.
“When I heard my name, I was relieved that I could tick off one of my goals. It’s not that I doubted myself, but going into this year’s IPTs, I picked up an injury and I had to play with strapping around it. Sometimes it didn’t feel good.
“Overall, it was a nice experience, going back-to-back [and winning the SASHOC National Week], and topping it off with making the SA Schools team.”
Influential figures and supportive family
On his journey, Mettler has been able to turn to a number of coaches to help him improve different aspects of his game.
At Curro, coach Darryl Christians was immense in his development, and Christians even helped him with his move to Bishops.
When he arrived at the southern suburbs school, he was guided by Julius and Cassiem, who both backed him and gave him time to settle in a new environment.
“Since grade seven, Darryl Christians has been there for me. He’s played a massive role in my career,” Mettler shared. “He’s one of the guys I could go to for advice, and he’s never led me astray.
“At Bishops, Cassa and Ryan have been immense for me, especially this season. As you know, last year, I didn’t play so well, and I thought they wouldn’t back me this year. They believed in me and have backed me all the way, and I thank them so much.”
Apart from his coaches, Mettler also gave credit to his family who have been his most reliable supporters since day one.
“My mom and dad don’t know much about hockey, but they’ve helped me through the good and bad times,” he said. “They’re always there for me, always telling me when I’m wrong, and encouraging me to do better and be accountable for my actions.
“They’ve supported me throughout my whole schoolboy career, taking me to training, on long drives to the AstroTurf. They’ve played a massive role,” he concluded.
The 18-year-old also plays for Milnerton Hockey Club and plans to continue playing the sport after school.
However, before that, he hopes to play a pivotal role in helping his side secure their second win of the season over Rondebosch.
In their first meeting, Bishops romped to a 5-1 win at the Woodlands Astroturf. They’ll be eager to reprise that showing on Friday night.
St Anne’s Diocesan College capped off the 2024 hockey season with a 2-1 win over Menlopark at the Fairtree Super 12 tournament. A victory is a good way to close a chapter.
The use of the word chapter is not accidental. Morné Odendaal, the St Anne’s coach, views his tenure like a book.
All seasons are connected. They are all part of a single process geared towards the growth and development of the St Anne’s hockey programme.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that St Anne’s was the youngest of the teams that contested the Super 12. “The girls were a little short on experience, but they dug deep and delivered an impressive performance, finishing 11th,” Odendaal said.
“They made us all incredibly proud, showcasing remarkable grit and skill. Special recognition goes to Lucy Porril for her outstanding leadership in Lebone Sibiya‘s absence, and to Belle Hofmeyr, who proved her exceptional talent to the entire country.”
While proud of how his side acquitted themselves at the elite annual event in the absence of their captain, Lebone Sibiya, who sustained an injury just before the tournament, and star player Ella Shuttleworth, who was injured in the first game, Odendaal is more impressed by his charges’ performances throughout the season.
“We had a very strong start to the season but had a little bump in the middle. Coming third at the St Anne’s Cup was a massive highlight of our season,” Odendaal shared.
The midseason dip affected their momentum, but the KZN Inland school managed to arrest that slide. They recovered and elevated their performances again, which led to their impressive run at the inaugural St Anne’s Cup.
It was a busy season, with St Anne’s playing 58 games. They scored 131 goals, more than double the 56 goals that they conceded.
Two of their 37 wins were over Eunice, one of the best sides in the country. St Anne’s faced the Bloemfontein school, which finished as the runner-up at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival, four times this year, winning twice and losing twice. In total, Odendaal’s side lost 11 matches and drew 10 times.
The Hilton school’s 2024 campaign was built on the back of reliable and outstanding performances from Shuttleworth, Belle Hofmeyr, Holly Hofmeyr, Jasmin Kelly, Jade Kelly, and Kgabiso Morafo.
“I think Kgabiso was our most improved player this year,” Odendaal said. “Last year, she was picked as the third-choice goalkeeper for the u16 team, and in 2024 she played first team and made the SA u17 side,” he explained.
The coach took away many positives from the season. There were numerous highlight moments, but those he will file among the good memories and lessons learned because he is already working with his side on the next chapter.
In an early season chat, Odendaal said the first step he took when he accepted the position at St Anne’s was to establish a year-round hockey programme.
“This approach provides players with more opportunities to enhance their skills and reach their full potential. So, we leveraged all available resources and implemented a five-day-a-week hockey programme throughout the year,” he shared.
That means Odendaal and his charges have little time to bask in their accomplishments from this season.
“We started preparing for the 2025 programme today, 13 August,” he said. “We have a group of players that want to change their story. Next year, we want to be the best we can be, grow as a hockey programme, and win some trophies.”
The coach understands that trophies won’t come easily. It will take hard work and dedication. But Odendaal and his side are committed to putting in the hard yards.
During the past week’s second round of the KZN High School Football Association’s (KZNHFSA) Cowie Cup, Northwood School faced Curro Salt Rock. The Knights were dialled in, singularly focussed on a place in the quarterfinals of the Cowie Cup.
When they’re on song, Northwood can be devastating – strong in defence and deadly on the counterattack.
Unfortunately for Curro Salt Rock, they ran into a Northwood side at its best and were bowled over, with the Durban school powering its way to a staggering 12-1 victory.
Allan Govender and Sphe Gigaba both bagged hattricks for Northwood, while Owami Maduna and Obi Kelechi added doubles. Further goals from Lwazi Ngcece and Daan van Huyssteen completed the scoring for the winners.
Maritzburg College, who are chasing a first title of 2024, turned on the style in their second-round clash with Kloof High. College dominated the game and secured a 4-0 victory. The prolific Mazithi Qasha struck twice, while Nzolo Ngcemu and Wandile Zondi added to the tally, to ensure a comfortable passage for the Red, Black and White into the quarters.
A big game awaits College in the last eight. They’ll face Carter High School for a fourth time this season. Carter won the first two meetings of the sides, while College was victorious in their most recent match. One of Carter’s victories came in the final of the KZNHSFA 2nd Term Inland League.
The reigning champions, Port Shepstone, were involved with an 11-goal thriller against Redwood College and only one goal separated the teams at its conclusion, with Sheppie claiming an eye-opening 6-5 win.
In the quarterfinals, Port Shepstone will face Empangeni, who were also involved in a high-scoring game, defeating Amanzimtoti 5-3.
Matters were tight between Alexandra High School and Ixopo Secondary School, with Alex sneaking a 1-0 win. New Forest also won by a single goal, beating Thomas More College 2-1.
Westville Boys’ High School was pushed hard by Durban Academy, but the Griffin came away with a 3-2 victory to move on to the quarterfinals.
Cowie Cup second round results
Maritzburg College 4-0 Kloof High School
New Forest 2-1 Thomas More College
Westville 3-2 Durban Academy
Alexandra High School 1-0 Ixopo Secondary School
Northwood 12-1 Curro Salt Rock
Port Shepstone 6-5 Redwood College
Amanzimtoti 3-5 Empangeni
Newcastle forfeited their game against Carter High School.
Third round fixtures
Maritzburg College vs Carter High School
New Forest vs Westville
Alexandra High vs Northwood
Port Shepstone vs Empangeni
Unathi Ndlovu is a rock at the back for Mamelodi Sundowns in the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL). The young goalkeeper has been beaten a miniscule three times in 18 matches this season. But that’s only one aspect of her diverse sporting talent.
She stars on the opposite end of the field for Lynwood Ridge Primary School. Playing as either a striker or a midfielder, she has scored over 40 goals for her side.
That shows why she is confident with the ball at her feet, and it’s that kind of skill that has become a prerequisite for ‘keepers in the modern game.
She’s coached by Banyana Banyana and Mamelodi Sundowns’ goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who calls Unathi a fast learner: “She is a passionate young lady who loves being in goal. She is brave, and self-aware. She knows her strengths and weaknesses.
“She is a team player. She has played a huge role in making Mamelodi Sundowns’ u14 and u16 what they are today. She doesn’t work alone, of course, but she sure gives a positive vibe to the team.”
Unathi is multi-skilled, excelling in a wide variety of sports. Her list of achievements is eye-opening.
Her club football career began in 2022, when she played for Tuks. Representing her school that year, she helped them capture the u11 Football Association of Pretoria Primary (FAPP) Schools’ title.
Last year, she turned out for Mamelodi Sundowns and played a key role in the club lifting the u15 Gauteng Women’s Development League title, conceding only five goals in the 16 games in which she played.
Earlier this year, she and Sundowns won the GWDL Top 8 pre-season festival.
Unathi also played for Lynwood Ridge Primary in 2022 as the goalkeeper for the boys’ u10 team. She was part of the side that won the Crawford Malas Tournament, and she received the Most Improved Player as the school’s Sports Awards.
Playing as a midfielder for the girls’ u11 team, she scored a stunning 17 times in eight games, which earned her the Player of the Year Award at the Sports Awards ceremony.
Last season, representing the u11 girls’ team, Unathi netted 18 times in 12 games. That played a big role in Lynwood Ridge achieving a runner-up finish in the FAPP. Once more, she was awarded the Player of the Year at the school’s Sports Awards. In addition, she earned a further accolade, being named the Most Promising Player in the boys’ u11 side.
This season, she has served as the vice-captain of the boys’ u12 and u13 teams, both of which have advanced to the semi-finals of the FAPP Challenge Cup.
One of the main reasons for Unathi’s success on the football field is her prowess as an athlete. She has been a top performer in Inter-Primary competition. Her achievements include winning the 80m sprint and 600m race in 2022, which demonstrated her speed and endurance.
The following year, she added an Inter-Primary victory in the long jump and won silver in the high jump, plus another 80 metres title. Not surprisingly, she was the Junior Victrix Ludorum at Lynwood Ridge’s Inter-house meet.
This year, she upgraded that award to the Senior Victrix Ludorum, and added further wins in the long jump, high jump and 80 metres to her record. Unathi also expanded her repertoire, picking up a bronze in the shot put.
Further evidence of her versatility has come on the cricket field. She was named the Bowler of the Year in successive years, 2022 and 2023, for the u10 boys’ and u11 boys’ cricket teams, and was invited to Northerns’ trials in 2023.
Of course, it’s on the football pitch where she has truly grabbed the spotlight. She received her Northerns‘ colours in 2022, 2023 and 2024, with her selection this year including being named the vice-captain of the provincial side.
In 2022, she helped Northerns win the Bill Steward Inter-Provincial Tournament. The following year, in the Fran Hilton Smith Inter-Provincial, Northerns placed third and she was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. This year, Unathi and Northerns placed fourth at the Fran Hilton-Smith Inter-Provincial.
Siya Pongco of SuperSport Schools Plus had a chat with Unathi Ndlovu to find out more about this multi-talented all-round sportswoman.
Q: Unathi Ndlovu, what is your age?
A: I am 12 years’ old this year.
Q: Which school do you attend, and do you participate in football at the school level?
A: I am doing my sixth grade at Lynnwood Ridge Primary School in Pretoria
Q: When did you begin your football journey, and when did you make your debut?
A: I started my football journey at school and was then recruited by Tuks when I was nine years old in 2022. I then joined Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies at the beginning of 2023. My debut was a friendly for the u16 Mamelodi Sundowns’ boys, which we won by 4-0.
Q: How many caps have you earned as a school-level footballer?
A: So, I play for the boys’ team as a striker, and the girls’ team as a goalkeeper. I would say more than 50 caps to date.
Q: What motivated you to pursue goalkeeping?
A: I just loved the challenge of strikers trying to score past me, and me denying them the chance (Laughs).
Q: Is it a family tradition? Is there someone who also plays the same position, and how do you manage the responsibility of goalkeeping, being the last line of defence?
A: It’s not a family tradition. I am a pioneer. I enjoy facing penalties and saving them.
Q: Can you share any memorable moments in goal where you saved your team at a critical time?
A: Yoh! There are so many, but a few stand out. Our season opener this year, I saved three penalties to take the team to the final, which we won against JVW. The other match was at the 2022 Provincial tournament where I played against the Southerns’ squad, and we were crowned champions.
Q: What would you consider your career highlights?
A: League champions at Tuks, the 2022 provincial champions with the Northerns Squad, league champions at Sundowns in 2023, and the GWDL Cup champions in 2024.
Q: What has been the pinnacle of your career thus far?
A: I can say it’s me joining Mamelodi Sundowns.
Q: You recently participated in the Inter-Provincial Tournament at Camp Discovery; how was that experience?
A: I was there for the third time this year, and it was a fabulous experience once again, facing those brilliant players from across the country. It will always be an honour to be selected to play there.
Q: Who are some of the individuals who have supported you throughout your journey?
A: My family, my Sundowns’ coaches, provincial coaches, my teammates, and I thank God always for them.
Q: Playing for a successful club like Mamelodi Sundowns, how does it feel?
A: It’s super fun. I am very happy to be with such a big club. It is a dream come true.
Q: Do you have any future aspirations as a goalkeeper?
A: I want to play for the Sundowns’ first team, and Banyana Banyana, and overseas.
Q: Who are some players you admire?
A: FC Bayern Munich goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer; my coach Andile Dlamini, the Banyana Banyana and Mamelodi Sundowns’ goalkeeper; Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns’ goalkeeper and Bafana Bafana captain; and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Q: How have the coaches, such as Andile Dlamini, contributed to your development as a goalkeeper?
A: All my coaches have taught me about good communication, good positioning, great distribution, and ball handling. I have also learned to trust myself and my teammates.
Q: How have your teammates supported you in performing at your best?
A: My teammates are a unique bunch. They make jokes, they motivate me, we play for each other, and we just love it so much. Their support brings out the best in me. I love them.
Q: Do you have any interests outside of football?
A: I am the Senior Victrix Ludorum. I am a sprint champion at my school. I also enjoy solving the Rubic’s Cube and camping with my Pathfinder Youth Club at church.
Q: Your favourite dish of food?
A: Dried mangoes, any time.
Unathi’s parents are her biggest supporters. They commented: “Unathi has a deep love of sports. She loves her soccer so much and all we can do is support her and wish her the best. We have watched her journey to this point, and we thank the coaches for the great work they do.
“At school, she plays soccer, cricket, and is the best sprinter this year and last year for girls. It is truly amazing because all this does not affect her grade A status in class.
“She is an amazing young lady. We are so proud of her. We always tell her that every result as she develops is a learning opportunity for her win or lose. It’s good for her mental strength.”
The countdown is on to the annual Kearsney Hockey 5s, powered by Belgotex Sport, with the first push-back happening at 08:00 on Friday morning.
The event features eight boys’ high school teams, six girls’ high schools, and 12 boys’ primary schools’ sides.
Westville Boys’ High are the defending champions. In last year’s final, they scored a comfortable 6-1 win over Kearsney College. Both are likely to be in the mix for the title again.
Clifton College, with an exciting group of young players coming through, including SA u16 representatives Georg Wolhuter and Ryde Brisset, might fancy their chances. They hit a purple patch, scoring some stunners to defeat Hilton College in the third-place playoff last year.
Hilton, as always, should be a contender, while Michaelhouse should be considered a dark horse. They made impressive strides in the 2024 season.
Ashton International (Ballito) is a wild card. While they might not be quite up to the level of their competition in the 11-a-side game, with fewer players on the pitch those gaps tend to narrow.
Adding spice to the mix are Pretoria’s St Alban’s College and Garsfontein. They contested the fifth-place playoff last year, with St Alban’s taking the match 6-3. It wouldn’t be a surprise should either make more noise this time around.
The Griffin will have a shot at defending their boys’ title, but a new girls’ champion will be crowned because St Anne’s, who beat Danville Park Girls’ High 5-3 in the 2023 final, won’t be returning.
Taking their place, however, will be St Mary’s DSG, who produced an outstanding season on the Astro, culminating in a runner-up finish at the Fairtree Super 12. They’ll be viewed as the team to beat, but they’ll have to adjust to the five-a-side game. Getting the tactics right will be crucial.
In KZN, the third term is when hockey is played in the primary schools, so the primary school entry is the largest of the three divisions, with 12 teams in action.
Hockey Fives is the format used in the Youth Olympic Games, and one that is a great equaliser; due to the limited number of players on the field at one time – four outfielders and a goalkeeper – teams can put out a quality line-up at all times.
It’s also highly entertaining, with players able to shoot from anywhere on the park. That includes hitting from long distance and throwing overheads from way out to test any goalkeeper that might not be fully focussed.
TEAMS
Boys’ High School Teams
Clifton, Ashton, Hilton, Garsfontein, Kearsney, St Alban’s, Michaelhouse, Westville
Girls’ High School Teams
Curro Hillcrest, Thomas More, Maris Stella, Danville, St Mary’s, Ashton
Boys’ Primary School Teams
Cowan House, Atholl Heights, Kloof, Penzance, Ashton, Treverton, Highbury 1, Highbury 2, Hillcrest, Bonisanani, Winston Park, Westville Senior Primary
FIXTURES
(BHS – Boys’ High Schools, GHS – Girls’ High Schools, all other Boy’s Primary Schools)
Friday, 16 August
Court 1
08:00 – Clifton vs Ashton (BHS)
08:30 – Hilton vs Garsfontein (BHS)
09:00 – Kearsney vs St Alban’s (BHS)
09:30 – Cowan House vs Atholl Heights
10:00 – Kloof vs Penzance
10:30 – Ashton vs Treverton
11:00 – Curro vs Maris Stella (GHS)
11:30 – Highbury 1 vs Cowan House
12:00 – Highbury 2 vs Hillcrest
12:30 – Atholl Heights vs Bonisanani
13:00 – Penzance vs Treverton
13:30 – Clifton vs Kearsney (BHS)
14:00 – Highbury 1 vs Highbury 2
14:30 – Michaelhouse vs Westville (BHS)
15:00 – Bonisanani vs Kloof
15:30 – Garsfontein vs Westville (BHS)
16:00 – Kearsney vs Ashton (BHS)
16:30 – Ashton vs Penzance
17:00 – Clifton vs Westville (BHS)
17:30 – Highbury 1 vs Bonisanani
18:00 – Highbury 2 vs Cowan House
18:30 – Hillcrest vs Treverton
19:00 – Westville Senior vs Penzance
19:30 – Winston Park vs Kloof
20:00 – Michaelhouse vs St Alban’s (BHS)
Court 2
08:00 – Curro Hillcrest vs Thomas More (GHS)
08:30 – Maris Stella vs Ashton (GHS)
09:00 – Highbury 1 vs Hillcrest
09:30 – Highbury 2 vs Bonsanani
10:00 – Westville Senior vs Winston Park
10:30 – Danville vs Thomas More (GHS)
11:00 – Clifton vs Michaelhouse (BHS)
11:30 – St Alban’s vs Garsfontein (BHS)
12:00 – Hilton vs Ashton (BHS)
12:30 – Kloof vs Westville Senior
13:00 – Winston Park vs Ashton
13:30 – Danville vs Ashton (GHS)
14:00 – Hillcrest vs Cowan House
14:30 – St Mary’s vs Maris Stella (GHS)
15:00 – Westville Senior vs Atholl Heights
15:30 – St Alban’s vs Hilton (BHS)
16:00 – St Mary’s vs Thomas More (GHS)
16:30 – Treverton vs Winston Park
17:00 – Curro Hillcrest vs Danville (GHS)
17:30 – Michaelhouse vs Ashton (BHS)
18:00 – St Mary’s vs Ashton (GHS)
18:30 – Kearsney vs Garsfontein (BHS)
19:00 – Ashton vs Atholl Heights
19:30 – Hilton vs Westville (BHS)
20:00 – Garsfontein vs Ashton (BHS)
Saturday, 17 August
Court 1
07:30 – Highbury 1 vs Kloof
08:00 – Bonisanani vs Ashton
08:30 – Westville vs Kearsney (BHS)
09:00 – St Alban’s vs Ashton (BHS)
09:30 – Maris Stella vs Thomas More (GHS)
10:00 – Ashton vs Curro Hillcrest (GHS)
10:30 – St Mary’s vs Danville (GHS)
11:00 – Winston Park vs Cowan House
11:30 – Highbury 2 vs Penzance
12:00 – Highbury 1 vs Atholl Heights
12:30 – Hillcrest vs Bonsanani
13:00 – Ashton vs Kloof
13:30 – Westville vs Treverton
14:00 – Clifton vs St Alban’s (BHS)
14:30 – Hilton vs Michaelhouse (BHS)
15:00 – Westville vs Garsfontein (BHS)
15:30 – Treverton vs Bonisanani
16:00 – Kloof vs Hillcrest
16:30 – P3 vs P4 (3/4) (GHS)
17:00 – P5 vs P6 (5/6) (BHS)
17:30 – P1 vs P2 (1/2) (GHS)
18:00 – P1 vs P2 (1/2) (BHS)
18:30 – Prize giving
Court 2
07:30 – Highbury 2 vs Winston Park
08:00 – Cowan House vs Penzance
08:30 – Clifton vs Hilton (BHS)
09:00 – Garsfontein vs Michaelhouse (BHS)
09:30 – Treverton vs Atholl Heights
10:00 – Westville Senior Primary vs Hillcrest
10:30 – Hilton vs Kearsney (BHS)
11:00 – Clifton vs Ashton (BHS)
11:30 – St Alban’s vs Michaelhouse (BHS)
12:00 – Kearsney vs Ashton (BHS)
12:30 – Thomas More vs Ashton (GHS)
13:00 – Maris Stella vs Danville (GHS)
13:30 – St Mary’s vs Curro Hillcrest (GHS)
14:00 – Winston Park vs Penzance
14:30 – Highbury 2 vs Atholl Heights
15:00 – Cowan House vs Ashton
15:30 – Highbury 1 vs Westville
16:00 – P7 vs P8 (7/8) (BHS)
16:30 – P5 vs P6 (5/6) (GHS)
17:00 – P3 vs P4 (3/4) (BHS)
Sunday, 18 August
Court 1
08:00 – Hillcrest vs Penzance
08:25 – Westville vs Highbury 2
08:50 – Kloof vs Treverton
09:15 – Cowan House vs Treverton
09:40 – Highbury 1 vs Winston Park
10:05 – Atholl Heights vs Penzance
10:30 – Prize giving
Court 2
08:00 – Highbury 1 vs Ashton
08:25 – Bonsanani vs Cowan House
08:50 – Atholl Heights vs Winston Park
09:15 – Ashton vs Hillcrest
09:40 – Highbury 2 vs Kloof
10:05 – Bonsanani vs Westville