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Hoërskool Zwartkop captured the boys’ title for a second year in succession, while Clarendon High Schools for Girls lifted the girls’ title for a second time in three years at the annual Top Schools Squash Tournament in Pietermaritzburg over the weekend.

The event brings together the provincial champions from around the country in a bid to determine who is the best of the best. At the conclusion of the event, both Zwartkop and Clarendon had emphatically laid claim to those titles.

Boys’ competition

Zwarries faced Michaelhouse, Selborne and Bishops in Section 1 and had few problems in cruising to top spot, dropping only five games in their three victories. Selborne, one of established powers in South Africa, grabbed second spot, beating Michaelhouse 17-8 in their key fixture.

Meanwhile, in Section 2, which was more tightly contested, it was King Edward VII (KES) who came out on top. Their results were remarkably consistent, beating St Andrew’s School 17-7, Midstream College 16-7, and Maritzburg College 17-6.

Saints, another established power, secured second spot and a place in the top four by comfortably dealing with Maritzburg College and Midstream.

Zwarries showed their superiority when they downed KES 17-4 in a meeting of the section winners in the cross-pool playoffs. That was as close as any team got to the defending champions.

KES, in turn, convincingly dealt with St Andrew’s and Selborne, while Saints beat Selborne 16-10 in a hard-fought tie to lay claim to third place.

Maritzburg College secured fifth place, Midstream College placed sixth, Michaelhouse was seventh, and Bishops eighth.

Girls’ competition

In the girls’ competition, Clarendon blew through their Section 1 opposition, dropping only three games while bagging 20 games in their clashes with St Anne’s, St Mary’s Waverley and Westerford.

They were joined in the top four by St Mary’s, who downed St Anne’s 17-10 in the key tie of the group.

Meanwhile, Section 2 belonged to Midstream College, the defending champions. They defeated Epworth, Eunice and Paarl Gimnasium, but the Northerns’ representatives were challenged, especially by Epworth, whom they beat 15-9.

Clarendon recorded a 16-8 win when the section winners met and they repeated that result against Epworth, while also outplaying St Mary’s. Midstream got the better of Epworth to secure second place, with the Pietermaritzburg girls in third place and St Mary’s taking fourth.

In the cross-pool playoffs for fifth to eight, Paarl Gim dominated. St Anne’s followed them, in sixth place, with Eunice finishing seventh, and Westerford placing eighth.

RESULTS

Boys’ Section 1, Rounds 1-3

Zwartkop 20-1 Michaelhouse
Zwartkop 17-3 Selborne
Zwartkop 20-1 Bishops

Michaelhouse 1-20 Zwartkop
Michaelhouse 8-17 Selborne
Michaelhouse 19-6 Bishops

Selborne 3-17 Zwartkop
Selborne 17-8 Michaelhouse
Selborne 20-3 Bishops

Bishops 1-20 Zwartkop
Bishops 6-19 Michaelhouse
Bishops 3-20 Selborne

Boys’ Section 2, Rounds 1-3

KES 17-7 St Andrew’s
KES 16-7 Midstream
KES 17-6 Maritzburg College

St Andrew’s 7-17 KES
St Andrew’s 18-8 Maritzburg College
St Andrew’s 18-6 Midstream

Maritzburg College 6-17 KES
Maritzburg College 8-18 St Andrew’s
Maritzburg College 18-7 Midstream

Midstream 7-16 KES
Midstream 6-17 St Andrew’s
Midstream 7-18 Maritzburg College

Boys’ Cross-Pool (1-4)

Zwartkop 17-4 KES
Zwartkop 17-3 Zwartkop
Zwartkop 20-2 St Andrew’s

KES 4-17 Zwartkop
KES 15-7 Selborne
KES 17-7 St Andrew’s

Selborne 3-17 Zwartkop
Selborne 7-15 KES
Selborne 10-16 St Andrew’s

St Andrew’s 2-20 Zwartkop
St Andrew’s 7-17 KES
St Andrew’s 16-10 Selborne

Boys’ Cross Pool (5-8)

Maritzburg College 14-6 Michaelhouse
Maritzburg College 18-5 Bishops
Maritzburg College 18-7 Midstream

Midstream 16-8 Michaelhouse
Midstream 7-18 Maritzburg College
Midstream 16-7 Bishops

Michaelhouse 7-14 Maritzburg College
Michaelhouse 19-6 Bishops
Michaelhouse 9-16 Midstream

Bishops 6-19 Bishops
Bishops 5-18 Maritzburg College
Bishops 7-16 Bishops

Girls’ Section 1, Rounds 1-3

Clarendon 20-2 St Anne’s
Clarendon 20-1 St Mary’s
Clarendon 20-0 Westerford

St Anne’s 2-20 Clarendon
St Anne’s 10-17 St Mary’s
St Anne’s 20-2 Westerford

St Mary’s 1-20 Clarendon
St Mary’s 17-10 St Anne’s
St Mary’s 20-1 Westerford

Westerford 0-20 Clarendon
Westerford 1-20 St Mary’s
Clarendon 2-20 St Anne’s

Girls’ Section 2, Rounds 1-3

Midstream 15-9 Epworth
Midstream 20- 0 Eunice
Midstream 18-4 Paarl Gim

Epworth 9-15 Midstream
Epworth 17-6 Eunice
Epworth 18-6 Paarl Gim

Paarl Gim 4-18 Midstream
Paarl Gim 20-2 Eunice
Paarl Gim 6-18 Epworth

Eunice 0-20 Midstream
Eunice 2-20 Paarl Gim
Eunice 6-17 Epworth

Girls’ Cross-Pool (1-4)

Clarendon 16-8 Midstream
Clarendon 20-1 St Mary’s
Clarendon 16-8 Epworth

Midstream 8-16 Clarendon
Midstream 20-2 St Mary’s
Midstream 15-9 Epworth

St Mary’s 1-20 Clarendon
St Mary’s 2-20 Midstream
St Mary’s 5-17 Epworth

Epworth 8-16 Clarendon
Epworth 9-15 Midstream
Epworth 17-5 St Mary’s

Girls’ Cross-Pool (5-8)

St Anne’s 7-18 Paarl Gim
St Anne’s 20-2 Westerford
St Anne’s 17-5 Eunice

Paarl Gim 18-7 St Anne’s
Paarl Gim 20-1 Westerford
Paarl Gim 20-2 Eunice

Eunice 5-17 St Anne’s
Eunice 2-20 Paarl Gim
Eunice 19-7 Westerford

Westerford 2-20 St Anne’s
Westerford 1-20 Paarl Gim
Westerford 7-19 Eunice

Schools Athletics will form the bedrock of the athletics revolution in the country with the launch of the Track+Field Series in Johannesburg on 25 July. SuperSport, Athletics South Africa and SA Schools Athletics are leading the charge as they embark on a mission to find the number one athletics school in the country.

Track+Field is a knockout series involving the best high school athletes from all corners of the country in pursuit of being crowned the number one athletics high school in South Africa. The launch of the thrilling series is part of an exciting global revival of track and field, which is the flagship sport at the Olympic Games.

The announcement follows other innovations such as American legend Michael Johnson’s “Grand Slam Track” league starting in 2025 and the women’s only Athlos track showpiece set to make its debut in September this year. While these global events are focused on the elite athletes of the sport, the Track+Field series will tap into the riches of South Africa’s rising teenage stars.

 The series, which is open to all high schools across the country, is geared to unearth the country’s future global superstars by providing high schools with a platform to compete against the best. The best schools from the nine regional events will compete in the Grand Final for the Track+Field crown.

 Boys and girls at Under-15, -17 and -19 levels will get to add to their school’s success as every point counts towards crowning the regional and overall Track+Field champions.“Athletics is one of the most popular school sports in South Africa, both from a participation and supporter’s perspective,” said SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha.

‘PROUD HISTORY’

“South Africa has a proud history of producing medals at global events at an age-group level and we believe the Track+Field Series will help in building champions.” Highlighting the country’s prowess in the sport at an age-group level, South Africa finished on the medal table at the recent 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships with two gold, one silver, and two bronze.

These athletes were all products of South Africa’s school system. All four podium finishers –gold medallists Lythe Pillay and Mine de Klerk, Benjamin Richardson and Brian Raats – have been selected to represent South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“Reaching the Olympic Games is a testament to the talent that we have in South Africa,” said James Moloi, President of Athletics South Africa “School sports plays a critical part in promoting social cohesion and instilling a love for health and fitness.”

“Our aim with Track+Field Series is to provide more rising youngsters with the opportunity to showcase their talents and produce the next generation of Olympians,” said Mathew Quinn, Olympian, former SA sprint champion and Track+Field co-founder

The Egoli Grand Prix is set to transform the landscape of high school athletics by bringing together the finest young athletes from approximately 30 schools across Johannesburg for a preseason-friendly event. The event provides the perfect platform not only to celebrate young athletic talent but to build a supportive inclusive community culture.

This year, Bestmed Medical Scheme will also be on board as the title sponsor for the event now known as the Bestmed Egoli Grand Prix. The brand’s unwavering commitment to education, nurturing future sports stars, and fostering community growth makes them the ideal partner for this groundbreaking event.

Hosted at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the heart of Johannesburg on Wednesday, 11 September 2024, this dynamic event will include athletes from prominent schools including Helpmekaar, King Edward VII, Kempton Park, Monument, Randburg, Noordheuwel, Dr Malan, and Florida. In addition to these schools, elite institutions such as St John’s, St. David’s, St. Stithians, St. Peter’s, Parktown, and Jeppe will also be sending their top-performing athletes, ensuring a high-calibre competition all round.

What’s more, in alignment with Bestmed’s emphasis on community support, an inclusivity programme will also be unveiled. This initiative will extend complimentary invitations to two high-performing community schools. By breaking socio-economic barriers and fostering lasting connections, the aim is to make sports an inclusive experience for all, contributing to a more diverse and interconnected community.

Tyler Hollingsworth, Director at Sable International and Event Organiser, says; “The Bestmed Egoli Grand Prix is more than just an athletics event; it’s a celebration of young talent, community, and the future of sports in South Africa. We are proud to partner with Bestmed whose values align perfectly with our vision for this event.”

Speaking to the sponsorship, Karen Pienaar, Bestmed Sponsorship and CSI Specialist, said; “We are delighted to be coming on board as the title sponsor. This event not only highlights the exceptional talent of our young athletes but also underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting education and fostering community growth. We truly believe in the power of sports’ ability to bring people together and create lasting positive impacts. By investing in these initiatives, we aim to inspire future generations, cultivate a sense of unity, and contribute positively to the social and educational fabric of our community.”

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on the SuperSport Schools App, ensuring supporters, family, and friends can cheer on the athletes from anywhere.

For more information and updates, follow the event on social media: Bestmed Egoli Grand Prix on Instagram and Facebook.

They only played one game in the Under 18 International Rugby Series, against Georgia at Stellenberg High School on Monday, but South Africa u18 ‘A’ coach Heinrich Martin was grateful and pleased his team took their opportunities in their match, which ended in a 20-3 triumph for the hosts.

The tragic circumstances of last week, when a French player was swept out to sea and the team deciding to return home, resulted in a revision of the fixtures, with only one game for the SA u18 ‘A’ side against Georgia, while the SA u18s will only play two matches.

The SA U18 ‘A’ team, playing with a strong breeze in their favour in the second half, scored two converted tries after the break to take the game away from the gritty Georgians.

Georgia defended well in the first half, stopping the South Africans in their tracks with good tackles and aggression at the breakdown. Afterwards, Martin said he was pleased by the way his players responded to the challenge, especially in the second period of a very competitive encounter.

“We expected a physical battle from the Georgians because they are known to be physical,” said Martin, who is the Director of Rugby at Milnerton High School in Cape Town.

“I was happy with the way we scrummed against them and our maul was also good, especially towards the end of the first half.

“We started to apply more pressure because we realised that they were struggling to keep up with the pace, and so the plan was to hit them through the middle and then to go around them. It worked nicely and opened the space for us.

“We pride ourselves on our scrums and mauls and we worked on those aspects when we were together for a week in Johannesburg after the Under-18 Craven Week.”

Martin commended the players for their efforts: “We played against a quality Georgian side who made us fight right until the end for a good victory. Our task is to mould these boys into future Junior Springboks, and I think they showed plenty of encouragement.”

In Monday’s opening fixture, Ireland kicked off the tournament with an impressive 42-28 win over England, this after the Irish led 21-7 at halftime.

The second round takes place at Paarl Gimnasium on Friday when Georgia and England meet in the first fixture at 13h30, followed by the clash between the SA U18s and Ireland at 15h30. Tickets are available for R20 by clicking here.

The South Africa Under-18 ‘A’ side started the u18 International Series on a high note for the host nation as they beat Georgia by 20-3 thanks to a strong second-half performance at Stellenberg High School field in Cape Town on Monday afternoon.

The South Africans took a slender 6-3 advantage into the break after flyhalf Luan Giliomee slotted two mid-range penalty goals after his Georgian counterpart, Gigi Sirbiladze, gave his side a 3-0 lead when the SA side was penalised for offside.

The first half was an even affair, with the Georgians showing plenty of determination on defence in response to several South African attacks.

The European team had the upper hand at the breakdown, slowing the ball enough, or spoiling it on several occasions, to blunt a number of promising SA attacks. The hosts showed plenty of enterprise with ball in hand, but try as they might, they couldn’t bridge the stubborn Georgian defence.

Playing with a strong breeze in their favour in the second half, the SA ‘A’ side made the most of their opportunities to score two converted tries to take the game away from the gritty Georgians.

After a sustained period of pressure, SA fullback Dylan Miller went over to stretch their lead to 13-3. With the generous breeze in their favour and the replacement forwards adding fresh aggression, the South Africans dominated the rest of the game, earning a few penalties at scrum time and going close to scoring on a number of occasions.

They eventually breached the Georgian line for a second time when replacement outside back Brooklyn Newman crossed over for another converted try to take the final score to 20-3.

Earlier in the day, Ireland kicked off the tournament with an impressive 42-28 win over England, this after the Irish led 21-7 at halftime.

The second round takes place at Paarl Gimnasium on Friday when Georgia and England meet in the first fixture at 13h30, followed by the clash between the SA U18s and Ireland at 15h30.

Scorers:

South Africa ‘A’ 20 (6) – Tries: Dylan Miller, Brooklyn Newman. Conversions: Luan Giliomee (2). Penalties: Giliomee (2). Georgia 3 (3) – Penalty: Gigi Sirbiladze.

Hoërskool Eldoraigne se Drake is duidelik op hul gevaarlikste op die vooraand van die halfeindrondes in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Bowl-afdeling.

Herleef al die Noordvaal Bowl-aksie op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Die span van Centurion het een van sy indrukwekkendste vertonings in die rondomtalie-kragmeting met Merensky Landbou Akademie gelewer, om die span van Tzaneen met 49-27 om te dop. Met dié sege het Eldoraigne die tweede posisie op die afdeling se puntelys behou en verwelkom hy nou die gevaarlike Potchefstroom Volkskool op tuisbodem vir die semi-finaal.

Die Drake was vanuit die staanspoor in beheer en het die besoekers veral lamgelê met hul aggresiewe verdediging. Dit was juis op die verdediging waar hulle ‘n week vantevore ontbloot was teen Potchefstroom Gimnasium, maar die afgelope week was dit ‘n heel ander storie.

Hulle het die fisieke stryd oorheers en met hul vermoë om verdediging in aanval te omskep die fut uit  die besoekers se aanslag geneem. Slot, Rikus Rheeder, was verál prominent met die bal in hand en het ‘n welverdiende driekuns behaal.

Skrumskakel, Darren Bruwer, was nie ver agter nie en is besig om in uiters bekwame nr. 9 te ontwikkel. Hy het, saam met heelagter, JP Meyer, die Plasies dikwels laat omdraai met hul slim skopwerk en dié taktiek het uiteindelik sy tol geëis.

Die Plasies se veelsydige JD Boshoff, was die besoekers se grootste uitblinker. Boshoff moes, kort voor die afskop, noodgedwonge na losskakel skuif weens ‘n enkelbesering aan Byron Hendricks, maar het die rol sy eie gemaak en dikwels vir die Eldo’s se eerste linie verdedigers geklop met slinkse dartellopies.

Ashten Demos, wat van heelagter na skrumskakel geskuif het, het onder die omstandighede goeie diens gelewer en moedig probeer om die ligbloues op die voorvoet te kry.

Potchefstroom Volkskool het vir Hoërskool Wagpos hul derde agtereenvolgende loesing toegedien. Die Volkies het hul laaste tuiswedstryd vir die jaar oortuigend met 63-0 gewen, wat beteken dat die besoekers van Brits in hul laaste drie wedstryde 231 punte afgestaan het.

Agsteman en kaptein, Dewald Groenewald, buitsesenter, Hennie Pretorius, en regtervleuel, Wikus van Aswegen, het elkeen twee van hul span se nege drieë bygedra, terwyl losskakel, Johandre Maree, met sewe doelskoppe geslaag het.

‘n Drie deur vaskopstut, Franco Barns, het verseker dat Hoërskool Dr. Malan sy seisoen op ‘n hoë noot in Piet Retief kon afsluit. Die span van Meyerton het, na ‘n wipplankstryd, met 28-24 teen Hoërskool Piet Retief geseëvier.

Die laaste 20 minute het ‘n naelbytstryd soos min afgegee, met die voorsprong wat ‘n hele paar keer hande verwissel het. Die Dokkies se losskakel, Dian van den Merwe, het sy pond vleis tafel toe gebring met vier suksesvolle doelskoppe.

Die Pieties het nietemin alles in die stryd gewerp om die knoop deur te hak en losskakel, Owethu Shabalala, het op sy beurt drie doelskoppe en ‘n strafdoel oor die dwarslat laat seil.

Puntemakers: 

Eldoraigne 49 (25) – Drieë: Rikus Rheeder (3), JP Meyer, Jayden Niehaus, Jaco Fourie, Darren Bruwer. Doelskoppe: JP Meyer (4). Strafdoele: Meyer (2). Merensky 27 (10) – Drieë: Hardus Terblanche, Ethan Maritz, Asgten Demos, Tirelo Mashapa. Doelskoppe: JD Boshoff (2). Strafdoel: Boshoff.

Potchefstroom Volkskool 63 (35) – Drieë: Dewald Groenewald (2), Hennie Pretorius (2), Wikus van Aswegen (2), Konrad Pretorius, Lourenzo Lou, Christoff Nel. Doelskoppe: Johandre Meyer (7). Wagpos 0.

Dr. Malan 28 (10) – Drieë: Khamohelo Legae, JJ Bester, Luka Pretorius, Franco Barns. Doelskoppe: Dian van den Berg (4). Piet Retief 24 (7) – Drieë: Langelihle Ntuli, Melo Xulu, Aphiwe Khumalo. Doelskoppe: Owethu Shabalala (3). Strafdoel: Shabalala.

Ander spanne:

o.16: Merensky 40, Eldoraigne 28; Wagpos 10, Potch Volkies 6; Piet Retief 29, Dr. Malan 0.

o.15: Eldoraigne 23, Merensky 12; Potch Volkies 15, Wagpos 5; Piet Retief 26, Dr. Malan 5.

o.14: Eldoraigne 56, Merensky 5; Potch Volkies 5, Wagpos 5; Piet Retief 5, Dr. Malan 3.

Hoërskool Secunda het, met sewe drieë teenoor die enkele een van Heidelberg Volkskool, doodseker gemaak dat hy na die halfeindrondes van die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Skild-afdeling deurdring.

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

Secunda het terselftertyd ‘n duidelike waarskuwing gerig dat sy agterlyn fyn dopgehou sal moet word, aangesien die agterspelers ses van die sewe drieë teen die besoekende Volkies aangeteken het vir ‘n wegholoorwinning van 47-7.

Hy is ook die enigste span in die Skild-afdeling wat vanjaar weer die uitspeelrondes kon haal en gaan vir die tweede keer in drie weke na Klerksdorp reis om sake met Hoërskool Wesvalia uit te spook.

Buitesenter, Ryan Erasmus, is ongetwyfeld ‘n man vir die groot oomblik en het die besoekers se verdediging dikwels oorhoeks gehad met sy skerp aanvalslyne en bedrieglike vaart. Erasmus en linkervleuel, Brink La Grange, het puik afgerond om elk twee drieë te druk.

Hoërskool Lichtenburg het ‘n suksesvolle tog na Limpopo beleef deur as oorwinnaar uit die stryd te tree teen sowel Hoërskool Pietersburg as Hoërskool Ben Vorster.

Die Liggies het Donderdagaand met ‘n telling van 36-10 afgereken met die Pieties. Heelagter, Oratie Sekoto, was die Liggies se dodelikste aanvalswapen en het twee keer agter die Pieterbsurgers se doellyn gaan kuier.

Twee dae later, het hulle oorkant die berg ook vir Ben Vorster getroef met 20-13. Hierdie keer was dit oopkantflank, KG Legodi, se beurt om die kollig te steel met ‘n tweekuns van sy eie en sy onophoudelike gewoel in die los, terwyl vaskopstut, JJ Jonker, ook sy aanvallende spelpeil in die vastelos voortgesit het.

Hoërskool Wesvalia beklee steeds die eerste plek in die afdeling nadat hy sy onoorwonne behou het met ‘n sege van 29-26 oor Hoërskool Die Anker in Klerksdorp. Die besoekers het dit egter nie maklik gemaak vir hul gashere nie en daar sou ‘n hele paar seer lywe gewees het na die langnaweek. Albei spanne het in hul eerste jaar in die Skild-afdeling deurgedring na die halfeindrondes.

Die Wessies se Franco Dumond, wat na die kant van die skrum geskuif het, het ‘n barshou gespeel en die span van Brakpan op hul tone gehou met sy fisieke aanslag voorlangs. Xander Frasier, Die Anker se steelkantflank, het ook sy hand opgesteek en sy beperkte geleenthede aangegryp om ‘n tweekuns te behaal.

Die Anker verskuif nou sy fokus na ‘n taai halfeindstryd teen Hoërskool Lichtenburg, in Lichtenburg. Die Liggies is vanjaar nóg onoorwonne in hul agterplaas.

Puntemakers: 

Hoërskool Secunda 47 (20) – Drieë: Ryan Erasmus (2), Brink la Grange (2), Divan Mulder, Bismarck Jansen, Nathan Burham. Doelskoppe: Damian de Beer (3). Strafdoele: De Beer (2). Heidelberg Volkskool 7 (0) – Drie: Daniel Munro. Doelskop: Marco Botha.

Wesvalia 29 (19) – Drieë: Franco Dumond, Hanre Venter, Fafa Calitz, Justin Adams. Doelskoppe: Rickardt van Heerden (3). Strafdoel: Van Heerden. Die Anker 26 (5) – Drieë: Xander Fraser (2), Jonathan Jordaan, Ruan Smith. Doelskoppe: Ruan Smith (3).

Hoërskool Lichtenburg 20 (10) – Drieë: KG Legodi (2), Willem van Niekerk. Doelksop: Luan Snyman. Strafdoel: Snyman. Ben Vorster 13 (8) – Drieë: Nikelo Moyo, Raluano Ramano. Strafdoel: Tihandre Reyneke.

Hoërskool Lichtenburg 36 (17) – Drieë: Oratile Sekoto (2), Tiaan Booysen, Rea Motsusi, JJ Jonker. Doelskoppe: Luan Snyman (4). Strafdoel: Snyman. Hoërskool Pietersburg 10 (3) – Drie: Hanno van Zyl. Doelskop: Vincent Luckhoff. Strafdoel: Luckhoff.

Jeugland 48. Hugenote (Springs) 33 – Drieë: Hendrik Eybers, Henre Oosthuizen, Musa Mahlangu, Arne Marais, Strafdrie. Doelskoppe: Corne Pretorius (3).

Ander spanne: 

o.16: Heidelberg Volkskool 40, Secunda 0; Ben Vorster 80, Lichtenburg 6; Hugenote (Springs) 22, Jeugland 15; Pietersburg 92, Lichtenburg 10; Wesvalia 37, Die Anker 7.

o.15: Heidelberg Volkskool 19, Secunda 0; Ben Vorster 31, Lichtenburg 13; Hugenote (Springs) 29, Jeugland 15; Pietersburg 54, Lichtenburg 3; Wesvalia 29, Die Anker 7.

o.14: Secunda 26, Heidelberg Volkskool 7; Ben Vorster 43, Lichtenburg 12; Jeugland 17, Hugenote (Springs) 7; Pietersburg 41, Lichtenburg 20; Wesvalia 61, Die Anker 5.

Halfeindstryde:

Wesvalia t. Hoërskool Secunda in Klerksdorp

Hoërskool Lichtenburg t. Die Anker in Lichtenburg

Die Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg het dubbel soveel drieë (agt) as Hoërskool Transvalia aangeteken om ‘n tuishalfeindstryd in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Plaat-afdeling te verseker.

Herleef al die Noordvaal Plaat-aksie op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Die Rooi Bulle het een van hul beste vertonings vanjaar opgedis om die afdeling se voorlopers met 49-24 pak te gee in Middelburg.

Met dié bonuspuntsege het HTS vir Hoërskool Middelburg verbygesteek om in die tweede plek op die puntelys te eindig, met nóg ‘n Middelburg-derby wat in die halfeindstryd wag. In die ander semi-finaal gaan Transvalia sake met Ligbron Akademie in Vanderbijlpark uitspook.

Rooi Bul-agsteman, Tercius Bezuidenhout, het uitgestaan met sy fisieke spel, maar ook uitstekende voorgevoel aan die dag gelê om twee keer die besoekers se doellyn oor te steek. Flank en kaptein, Toy Engelbrecht, en haker, Hanru Terblanche, het kort op Bezuidenhout se hakke gevolg.

Gary Gendall, die Middelburgers se losskakel, het agterlangs die toutjies meesterlik getrek en gesorg dat sy senters, Anthoni Smuts en Johnny dos Santos, gereeld goeie voorvoetbal ontvang.

Transvalia is onkant betrap deur die hoë tempo wat die Rooi Bulle van meet af gehandhaaf het. Hy het met rukke en stote soos die topspan in die afdeling gelyk, maar gesukkel om sy weg terug in die wedstryd te vind.

Regtervleuel, Dihan Crause, was nietemin in ‘n liga van sy eie met sy verbysterende lopies teen die kantlyn af, wat aan hom ‘n welverdiende tweekuns besorg het. Voorlangs het die veelsydige, Daniel Kazambu, en loskopstut, Timothy Matthews, uitgehaal om die momentum te probeer swaai met hul fisieke spel op die aanval en verdediging, maar dit was nie genoeg om ‘n begeesterde Rooi Bul-pak te stuit nie.

Ligbron Akademie het met ‘n asemrowende vertoning, vernaam agterlangs, in die tweede helfte daarin geslaag om ‘n dooiepunt van 17-17 teen rustyd te breek en uiteindelik vir Hoërskool Zwartkop met 45-20 te verslaan.

Skrumskakel, Renier van Staden, se flink diens en taktiese skopwerk het die besoekers op die voorvoet gehou, terwyl agsteman, Janco Classen, voorlangs die grondslag gelê het met sy energieke benadering en kragtige dryfspel.

Op die Oosrand het Hoërskool Kempton Park ook uitstekend gevaar om vir Hoërskool Oos-Moot met 44-40 te troef in ‘n drieëfees, wat ‘n mens laat wonder het hoekom die Kempies nie heel jaar lank sulke puik spel kon lewer nie.

Oopkantflank, JP Barnard, het ‘n barshou gelewer in die vastelos wat ook aan hom twee drieë besorg het, terwyl binnesenter, Tiaan Delport, die kollig gesteel het met sy stewel. Delport het vyf doelskoppe en drie strafdoele deur die pale gejaag, wat, tesame met sy drie, sy persoonlike bydrae op 24 punte te staan gebring het.

Hoërskool Montana het beïndruk om vir Hoërskool Klerksdorp uit te skakel, deur met 26-14 op sy tuisveld in Pretoria te seëvier. Loskopstut, Marinus Oberholzer, het die vuur voorlangs gestook en self weer die doellyn oorgesteek om die seisoen as een van die Monties se voorste driedrukkers af te sluit.

Puntemakers: 

HTS Middelburg 49 (19) – Drieë: Tercius Bezuidenhout (2), Toy Engelbrecht, Ethan Kock, Hanru Terblanche, Alex Pretorius, Anthoni Smuts, Gerry Gendall. Doelskoppe: WJ Enslin (2), Gendall. Strafdoel: Gendall. Transvalia 24 (10) – Drieë: Dihan Crause (2), Daniel Kazambu. Timothy Matthews. Doelskoppe: Dylan Steynman (2).

Ligbron Akademie 45 (17) – Drieë: Tiaan Botha, Janco Classen, Jurgens Bezuidenhout, Thamsanga Lamula, Neo Zwane, Bandile Thanjekwayo. Doelskoppe: Renier van Staden (6). Strafdoel: Van Staden. Zwartkop 20 (17) – Drieë: Zulu Mona, Milton Naude. DoelskoppeL Luhardt Booyens (2). Strafdoel: Booyens.

Hoërskool Kempton Park 44 (20) – Drieë: JP Barnard (2), Tian Aucamp, Tiaan Delport, Eric Steele. Doelskoppe: Tiaan Delport (5). Strafdoele: Delport (3). Oos-Moot 40 (28) – Drieë: Mike Notnagel, Bertus van Dyk, David Joubert, Jandre de Beer, Tapiwa Rwafa, Doelskoppe: Ruwan Allen (5).

Montana 26 (11) – Drieë: Tyron van Rooyen, Marq de Villiers, Marinus Oberholzer. Doelskop: Devan van der Merwe. Strafdoele: Van der Merwe (3). Hoërskool Klerksdorp 14 (7) – Drieë: Heinrich Hovener, Brandon Botha. Doelskoppe: Deacon Loots (2)

Ander spanne: 

o.16: Transvalia 22, HTS Middelburg 3; Zwartkop 49, Ligbron Akademie 11; Kempton Park 38, Oos-Moot 0; Montana 17, Klerksdorp 7.

o.15: Transvalia 36, HTS Middelburg 3; Ligbron Akademie 31, Zwartkop 17; Oos-Moot 24, Kempton Park 19; Klerksdorp 28, Montana 21.

o.14: Transvalia 29, HTS Middelburg 7; Zwartkop 31, Ligbron Akademie 12; Oos-Moot 11. Kempton Park 10; Klerskdorp 26, Montana 11.

Halfeindstryde: 

Transvalia t. Ligbron Akademie in Vanderbijlpark

HTS Middelburg t. Hoërskool Middelburg by HTS Middelburg, in Middelburg.

The clubs participating in the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) experienced a memorable weekend as their matches were streamed for the first time this season from President Park in Vereeniging.

Perhaps it was the presence of the cameras; the teams rose to the occasion and delivered rich entertainment and heightened performances on the field.

Strong support from fans of the GWDL was evident, too, as the SuperSport Schools App and DStv Channel 216 made it a day to remember for all the participants.

With a number of fixtures between top contenders scheduled, there was keen interest in their games.

Mamelodi Sundowns, the frontrunners, entered their showdown with second placed JVW, leading their rivals by seven points. Meanwhile, the hosts, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), and Tuks, the teams in third and fourth places, engaged in a highly charged encounter. A victory for RESA would elevate them to third, with 37 points, while a win for Tuks would lift their tally to 38 points in a tie with JVW, if Sundowns managed to beat JVW.

RESA gave their strong home support what they wanted, securing a 2-1 win over Tuks in an intense match.

Lesedi Motaung put RESA into the lead with a goal, but Tuks, demonstrating their resilience, managed to equalise. However, a second goal, from Jabulile Tsotetsi, proved decisive as RESA took the winner’s three points.

As a result of that victory, RESA swopped places in the standings with Tuks, who slid to fourth.

RESA’s coach, Simeon Lekhooana, known as Coach Solly, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and their victory over a formidable opponent.

He said they had prepared well for the clash. “Before you go to a war, you have to prepare your soldiers. We started training on Wednesday, which is something we don’t normally do, as we have our training sessions and preparations on Saturdays,” Lekooana explained. “We started checking who’s fit, who’s available for the game, and it was important for us to tell our players to not fear the opponent, regardless of who they are,” he concluded.

Highlands Park achieved a tight 1-0 win over Panorama FC. That victory pulled them closer towards Panorama on the league table, but, after finishing third last season, Highlands Park has not yet performed as expected this season. They’re currently in a mid-table position.

The most highly anticipated match of the day, Mamelodi Sundowns versus JVW, regrettably concluded in a goalless stalemate, but it was a captivating clash, showcasing the intense rivalry between the sides

Both teams squandered goal scoring opportunities, but both sets of defenders and goalkeepers deserve credit for a job well done.

Coach Samuel Dube of JVW was disappointed that his team failed to end Sundowns’ unbeaten run. However, the draw marked the first time this season that the Brazilians hadn’t bagged maximum points.  Sundowns concluded last season without a loss, with 17 victories, and one draw in 18 matches.

While the teams at the top of the table grabbed most of the attention, a number of other clubs shone. The founder of Refilwe FC, Lebo Ramodike, joked: “No one wants to lose on TV.”

Refilwe’s match against Edenvale FC produced a hard-fought battle, which ended in a goalless draw. Both teams fielded young lineups, but Ramodike said his club works hard to avoid placing excessive pressure on young players while focusing on their future growth. His side could not be compared to established teams like Sundowns, he said, but they should aspire to reach such heights.

There was another goalless draw in the game between Tornado FC and Kenneth FC, while Kempton Park FC and Origin FC, shared a 1-1 draw. There were many chances created on the day, but not many were converted into goals.

Progress on RESA’s facilities 

Earlier this year, Xolani Mathumbo told SuperSport Schools Plus about the upgrades and renovations that were happening at RESA. Having been at the club in April last year, I was astonished to see the improvements and the vision of Mathumbo coming to reality

The area where the RESA facilities now stand was once associated with criminal activity. Now, it is home to a clubhouse, training amenities, residential accommodation, and a merchandise shop. The transformation is truly remarkable.

Notably, RESA has served as the starting point for professional players, such as Mduduzi Mdantsane, the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder; Sekhukhune United midfielder Thabang Monare ; former Orlando Pirates player, Lwandile Mabuya; Richards Bay midfielder, Siphiwe Mahlangu; TS Galaxy midfielder Siphiwe Mahlangu, and Nhlanhla Shabalala, the general Secretary of the South African Football Player’s Union (SAPFU). A more recent graduate is Lucky Muthewi, who now plays for SuperSport United FC.

Mathumbo modestly acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, there remains much work to be done. RESA is on the right path.

RESULTS

RESA 2-1 Tuks
Highlands Park FC 1-0 Panorama FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 JVW
Refilwe FC 0-0 Edenvale FC
Tornado FC 0-0 Kenneth FC
Kempton Park 1-1 Origin FC

While South Africa celebrated Women’s Day, SuperSport Schools also played its part by showing its commitment to recognising and celebrating the contributions of women through the change of all SuperSport logos to pink for the month of August.

On the football pitches in the Gauteng region, the province’s top academies continued their journeys as the Gauteng Development League resumed on Friday across the province.

With Kaizer Chiefs having overtaken Mamelodi Sundowns only a few weeks ago (although they have played two games more), ‘Downs were looking to regain control over the under-19 division over the long weekend.

Coach Surprise Moriri and his boys had two fixtures lined up, which presented them with an opportunity to reclaim the top spot.

Chiefs, on the other hand, had only one match scheduled against Jomo Cosmos, which was expected to be a fairly easy match-up for coach David Mathebula‘s side. The Amakhosi, however, were made to work hard, but they came away with a 2-1 victory away from home.

Matters didn’t go according to plan for Sundowns, who had Sevens Academy and Highlands Park to contend with over the weekend. First up, ‘Downs hosted Sevens Academy at Clapham High.

Playing at home, they were expected to breeze past their opponents, given their dominance this season, along with the fact that Sevens Academy went into the fixture on the back of successive losses to East Rand Athletic Club (1-2) and TS Galaxy (1-4).

However, Sevens Academy turned the tables on Sundowns, handing them a 4-1 hiding. That was a result few saw coming, especially coach Moriri, his team and its supporters.

Bruised and battered, Moriri took his troops to Balfour Park for a showdown against the ‘Lions of North‘, Highlands Park, the defending league champions.

With a good crowd in attendance on Sunday afternoon, the teams played to a 1-1 draw to share the points. 

Tshwane-based Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School and SuperSport United did not do any better than Sundowns as neither registered a victory over the long weekend.

Rosina lost 0-3 and 0-1 to Panorama and Sevens Academy respectively. SuperSport United, meanwhile, hit a brick wall when they clashed with Kathorus Hyper Academy, losing that encounter 0-1. They, then, were held to a 2-2 draw by Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) on Sunday.

Tuks was the only Tshwane-based unit to return home with a positive result over the long weekend. It began, however, with a 0-1 loss to Jomo Cosmos on Friday, but it ended with a 2-0 victory over Panorama FC on Sunday afternoon.

RESULTS

Friday, 9 August

East Rand Athletic Club 0-2 Highlands Park 
Jomo Cosmos 1-0 TUKS
Kathorus Hyper 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 (1-0)
Sevens Academy 1-0 Rosina Sedibane Sports School (1-0)
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