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  • SASHOC to host first Indoor National Hockey Tournament

    SASHOC to host first Indoor National Hockey Tournament

    Litha Kraai during the SA Men's Indoor Hockey preparation camp in Cape Town. Photo: ES Media
    Litha Kraai during the SA Men’s indoor hockey preparation camp in Cape Town for the 2025 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. Photo: ES Media

    The South African Schools Hockey Council (SASHOC) is preparing to host its first-ever Indoor National Hockey Tournament.

    It takes place in KwaZulu-Natal, from 1-4 December.

    The event promises to be a milestone moment for the development of indoor hockey in the country, giving young athletes a platform to showcase their skill and provincial pride on a national stage.

    SASHOC Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairperson Wayne Marsden said the introduction of the event is the culmination of years of planning and commitment from the hockey community.

    “SASHOC has spoken about hosting indoor hockey national events for the past three years and finally took the plunge to turn it into a reality this year,” Marsden explained.

    “This tournament will give many of our schoolchildren the opportunity to officially represent their province or region on the indoor courts. It’s a proud moment, not only for the players but for everyone who has worked to grow the game.”

    Marsden said the LOC has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that the competition meets the highest standards, both on and off the court.

    “The LOC has been hard at work to make sure these events are successful for the players, team staff, and supporters,” he said.

    “All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools App, giving families and fans across the country a chance to follow the action in real time.”

    The SASHOC Indoor National Tournament will bring together players from u14 up to the u18 age group, with the opportunity for the participating teams to make history as the first national indoor champions in their age groups.

    The matches will be played at some of KwaZulu-Natal’s premier indoor venues: The SportsZone (Kearsney College), Hillcrest High, Kloof High, and iKhwezi Centre (Thomas More College)

    Marsden emphasised that the tournament is merely the beginning of a long-term vision to grow indoor hockey across schools and provinces.

    “The plan is to grow the SASHOC indoor hockey national events in the future,” he said. “This is about creating more opportunities for players, coaches, and officials – building a sustainable pathway from school to elite level.

    “We want to ensure that indoor hockey becomes a strong and exciting part of our sporting calendar.”

    South African indoor hockey is in a healthy space. The national women’s team finished ninth at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia in February.

    The men’s team, meanwhile, medalled for the first time, finishing third overall after edging out Belgium 6-5 to claim bronze. SACS’ star Litha Kraai was a member of the history-making squad.

    FIXTURES

    Monday, 1 December

    u18 Girls

    08:00 – KZN Coastal A vs KZN Inland B
    09:00 – Northerns vs Southerns
    10:00 – KZN Inland A vs KZN Coastal B
    14:00 – Northerns vs KZN Inland B
    15:00 – KZN Inland A vs Southerns
    16:00 – KZN Coastal A vs KZN Coastal B

    u18 Boys

    11:00 – KZN Coastal A vs KZN Invitational
    12:00 – Northerns A vs Southern Free State
    13:00 – Southerns vs KZN Coastal B
    18:00 – Northerns A vs KZN Invitational
    19:00 – Southerns vs Southern Free State
    20:00 – KZN Coastal A vs KZN Coastal B

    Day 2 – Tuesday, 2 December

    u18 Girls

    08:00 – Southerns vs KZN Coastal B
    09:00 – KZN Coastal A vs Northerns
    10:00 – KZN Inland A vs KZN Inland B
    14:00 – KZN Coastal A vs Southerns
    15:00 – KZN Coastal B vs KZN Inland B
    16:00 – KZN Inland A vs Northerns

    u18 Boys

    11:00 – Southern Free State vs KZN Coastal B
    12:00 – KZN Coastal A vs Northerns A
    13:00 – Southerns vs KZN Invitational
    17:00 – KZN Coastal A vs Southern Free State
    18:00 – KZN Coastal B vs KZN Invitational
    19:00 – Southerns vs Northerns A

    Wednesday, 3 December

    u18 Girls

    11:00 – Southerns vs KZN Inland B
    12:00 – Northerns vs KZN Coastal B
    13:00 – KZN Coastal A vs KZN Inland A
    17:15 – Semi-Final 1 (1st vs 4th)
    17:45 – Semi-Final 2 (2nd vs 3rd)

    u18 Boys

    08:00 – Southern Free State vs KZN Invitational
    09:00 – Northerns A vs KZN Coastal B
    10:00 – KZN Coastal A vs Southerns
    16:00 – Semi-Final 1 (1st vs 4th)
    18:30 – Semi-Final 2 (2nd vs 3rd)

    Thursday, 4 December

    08:00 – u18 Boys’ bronze playoff
    09:15 – u18 Girls’ bronze playoff
    10:30 – u18 Girls’ final
    11:45 – u18 Boys’ final

  • Heyns goes big for ‘Bosch, SACS overwhelms Ottoman Hub

    Heyns goes big for ‘Bosch, SACS overwhelms Ottoman Hub

    Cricket Ball on BatRondebosch Boys’ High vs Hoërskool Tygerberg (20-over)

    In Tuesday’s third round of the Switch Schools SA20 – Volume Two, Rondebosch Boys’ High, playing at home, won the toss and decided to bat first against Hoërskool Tygerberg.

    The southern suburbs’ boys produced some brilliant individual performances to power their side to a resounding 218-run.

    Opener Tyler Heyns stole the spotlight. Batting at just better than two runs a ball, he blasted 10 fours and nine sixes in a brutal 140 runs from only 69 deliveries.

    His fellow opener, Eli Aufrichtig, played conservatively, scoring 32 off 25, but he fed Heyns the strike, which led to the duo sharing a 139-run opening stand.

    In at three, Janko Webb turned up the heat even higher, hammering eight sixes in his 76 off only 26 balls. Together, he and Heyns shared a blistering 117-run second wicket partnership.

    Tygerberg could do little to stop the onslaught, Aufrichtig was run out by Lee-Charn Koopman, but that brought Webb to the wicket, which accelerated Rondebosch’s scoring. Later on, only after Webb had inflicted massive damage on the Parow school’s attack, Koopman bowled him.

    The visitors were set a very high mountain to climb as ‘Bosch rocketed to 283/2.

    Koopman, though, showed his class. Opening the batting, he thumped three fours and a six in his 32 off 49 balls. Unfortunately for the visitors, that was, very nearly, half of their total as they tumbled to 65 all out.

    Aufrichtig snapped up 3/8 in 1.4 overs, while Ethan Strydom sent two batsmen packing for only three runs from three overs.

    Arin Spiller and Matthew Brooks both recorded figures of 2/7, with Spiller doing it in four overs and Brooks in three.

    SACS vs Ottoman Hub XI (20-over)

    In another Switch Schools SA20 – Volume Two clash, SACS opted to bat first when hosting the Ottoman Hub on the De Villiers Oval after the toss went their way

    The hosts smashed their way to a large total, which proved to be more than enough, as the home side won by exactly 100 runs.

    Litha Kraai and Ulrich Roth set the tone for their peers by producing a 77-run opening stand, with Kraai cracking four fours and three sixes in scoring 42 off 31 balls, while Roth hit four fours and two maximums in his 43 off 30.

    Max Fourie, with 38, and Jordan Berry, with 35, kept the momentum going, helping SACS to 212/6 by the end of their 20 overs.

    It was a tough outing for most of the Hub’s bowlers, but Matthew Bezuidenhout did a good job, picking up 2/31 in four overs.

    They needed to score at more than 10-and-a-half runs per over, and the Ottoman Hub’s run chase never really got going, although number three batsman, Ezekiel Mostert, weighed in with a solid 26 off 26. Further down the order, Anele Phama‘s knock delivered 20 runs from only 16 balls.

    The SACS’ bowlers enjoyed their outing, however. Matthew Hill captured 3/21, while Saeed Conrad returned 2/20.

    Abhay Kalan finished the match with 2/32 from 3.4 overs as the visitors were bowled out for 112.

    Summarised Scorecards

    Rondebosch Boys’ High 283/2 (Tyler Heyns 140*, Janko Webb 76, Eli Aufrichtig 32, Extras 23); Tygerberg High 65/10 (Lee-Charn Koopman 32; Eli Aufrichtig 3/8, Ethan Strydom 2/3, Arin Spiller 2/7, Matthew Brooks 2/7) Rondebosch won by 218 runs.

    SACS 212/6 (Ulrich Roth 43, Litha Kraai 42, Max Fourie 38, Jordan Berry 35, Extras 23, Michael Watson 20*; Matthew Bezuidenhout 2/31); Ottoman Hub XI 112/10 (Ezekiel Mostert 26, Anele Phama 20; Matthew Hill 3/21, Saeed Conrad 2/20, Abhay Kalan 2/32). SACS won by 100 runs. 

  • Affies comes out on top in another clash of the Titans

    Affies comes out on top in another clash of the Titans

    Photo: Frans Lombard/Actionpix.

    Another Titans’ trophy has found its way into the Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Affies) cabinet to add to an already impressive season.

    Earlier in the season, Affies dethroned Hoërskool Waterkloof as the Titan’s Platinum League champions, ending a five-year run at the top for Klofies.

    On Monday evening, at Cornwall Hill College, Affies took down another Titans’ giant, beating Hoërskool Garsfontein, to become the Switch Schools SA20 – Volume Two Titans’ champion.

    Relive all the Titans Switch Schools SA20 action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

    Affies vs Cornwall Hill College

    In the semi-finals, they dealt with Cornwall Hill, beating the home team by four wickets.

    To no one’s surprise, Vihan Pretorius was in the middle of the action in both Affies’ outings. He put his all-round abilities on show against Cornwall Hill, providing strong support to the main contributor with the ball, Nico Loggenberg, by claiming an economical 2/20 from his four overs.

    Loggenberg’s 2/18 in four was the latest in a string of strong performances from him throughout the season, and it helped to limit the hosts to only 121/7 from their 20 overs.

    Zander Davel was Cornwall’s leading batsman, cracking 69 from 53 deliveries, while all around him his teammates struggled.

    When Affies batted, Oliver Richards and the impressive Mohale Pitso fought valiantly in defence of a modest total, with Richards snapping up 2/17 and Pitso 2/29.

    Pretorius, though, top-scored with 28, and further solid contributions from AJ Morkel (27) and Daniel Murray (22) saw their side across the line.

    Hoërskool Garsfontein vs Midstream College

    In the other semi-final, Charl van Staden powered the Ysbere to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Midstream College.

    Garsies needed only 14 overs to chase down the victory target of 129 set by Midstream, mostly thanks to the spanking Van Staden handed to the bowlers. His unbeaten match-winning 79 came from only 53 balls and included a whopping 11 fours and two sixes. Righardt Joubert lent good support, chipping in with 24.

    Wikus du Preez, meanwhile, shone with the ball, with his four overs costing him only 11 runs and bringing him two wickets.

    Reinhardt Niebuhr, with 2/15, and Katlego Lebelo, with 2/25, also played their part in setting up a meeting with Affies in the final.

    Affies vs Hoërskool Garsfontein

    Unfortunately for Garsfontein, they ran into Vihan Pretorius at his destructive best in the title game. He blasted 51 runs, including six fours and one six, à la Kevin Pietersen, with a reverse hit over the off side.

    Daniel Murray, again, made a valuable contribution, weighing in with an unbeaten 26, as Affies tallied 145/6 from their 20 overs.

    Nathan Ferreira was the best of the Ysbere’s bowlers, nabbing 2/24 from his four overs.

    When Garsfontein batted, Willem Louw, with an undefeated 29, and Wikus du Preez, with 20, produced useful knocks, but Jaden Beukes sliced through the Garsies’ batting line-up, capturing 3/10 in only three overs

    Armin Snyman excelled in the middle overs, dialling up the pressure with a tight spell, which brought him 2/15.

    In the end, the defending champions were able to muster only 102 all out, leaving Affies the winners by a handsome 43-run margin.

    The good news for Garsies’ supporters is that their team will have a second chance to topple Affies when both sides run out in phase two of the regional playoffs, which brings together the top two teams from the Titans, Limpopo and Mpumalanga regions early in 2026.

    Summarised scorecards

    Semi-finals 

    Cornwall Hill College 121/7 (Zander Davel 69; Nico Loggenberg 2/18, Vihan Pretorius 2/20); Affies 122/6 (Vihan Pretorius 28, AJ Morkel 27, Daniel Murray 22; Oliver Richards 2/17, Mohale Pitso 2/29). Affies won by four wickets. 

    Midstream College 128/9 (Rikus Cilliers 29, Ryan Strauss 29; Wikus du Preez 2/11, Reinhardt Nieburh 2/15, Katlego Lebelo 2/25); Garsfontein 132/2 (Charl van Staden 79*, Righardt Joubert 24; Wian de Bruin 1/15). Garsfontein won by eight wickets. 

    Final 

    Affies 145/6 (Vihan Pretorius 51, Daniel Murray 26*, Extras 20; Nathan Ferreira 2/24); Garsfontein 102 (Willem Louw 29*, Wikus du Preez 20; Jaden Beukes 3/10, Armin Snyman 2/15). Affies won by 43 runs. 

  • Foote relishes proper workout against French u19s

    Foote relishes proper workout against French u19s

    Oliver Reid scrumming against a French u19 team (Photo: SA Rugby)

    Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote was very pleased with the SA Under-19 Academy side’s tough workout against their French counterparts late Monday afternoon at the French Rugby Federation’s High-Performance centre in Marcoussis near Paris, where they are based during the French leg of their European tour.

    The two sides are gearing up to face each other in an international friendly at Châteauroux on Saturday. Both teams got a good taste of what’s to come when they had a series of unit sessions and a full-on contact session on the Marcoussis fields on Monday.

    After warm-ups and technical drills were completed, the teams used each other as live opposition during the forwards and backs unit sessions. The forwards staged proper scrums and lineouts, while the backlines got a chance to run some active plays – both on attack and defence.

    Foote, who oversees the SA U19s, said he and his coaching staff were grateful for the opportunity and expressed his satisfaction with the various outcomes.

    “The practice was really good for us and we saw from our lineouts, as well as our mauling, scrum, and our set piece, all the good work that Lumumba Currie (forwards coach) has done,” said Foote.

    “Melusi Mthethwa (attack coach) had a chance to run some backline plays against the French, and it got quite heated at one stage. There was a bit of passion, and I think both teams are very excited about representing their country, of which we are very proud. Then we had a proper training hit out involving the full teams.”

    Following a brief a break after the unit sessions, the two teams met for a live training session, where both sides used the opportunity to cycle their full squads into the action.

    Foote pinpointed one area for improvement: “One work-on for us is definitely our breakdown. I think they challenged us really hard in that area and came with a lot of line speed. We’ve got to understand how we want to play against them and how we’re going to nullify the breakdown pressure.

    “But, generally I’m very happy, I thought the guys stuck together and they played a nice brand of rugby. We managed to score some great tries, and we defended very well. So, it is a good start to our French tour, allowing us to build nicely towards Saturday’s international at Châteauroux.”

    Foote stressed the overall goal of the tour: “The whole purpose of this trip is to get our game clarity right, understanding how we want to play and connecting with each other.

    “We also want to enjoy the touring experience in France and make new friends, and we would like to thank them for their hospitality.

    “All-round, it’s just very good for our rugby, and we’re learning a lot. When it went to the live session, some guys showed they are ready to step up to this level. We want to make sure we get our fundamentals right.”

    The South Africans are set to announce their team for the international against France U19 on Thursday.

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • Dato Mirnawan Cup joy for SA u17 girls

    Dato Mirnawan Cup joy for SA u17 girls

    Holly Hofmeyr scored for South Africa on day two of the Dato Mirnawan Cup. Photo: National Hockey Development Program - NHDP
    Holly Hofmeyr scored the game-winning goal for South Africa against the Australia Crocs on day two of the Dato Mirnawan Cup. Photo: National Hockey Development Program – NHDP

    Holly Hofmeyr‘s strike late in the third chukka proved to be enough as the South African u17 girls team defeated the Australia Crocs 1-0 on Monday, day two of the Dato Mirnawan Cup, in Malaysia.

    After going down 1-3 against Queensland (Australia) in their opening match, the South African girls were eager to turn the tide and secure their first points of the tournament.

    Coach Natalie Esteves’ players dominated their opener, owning the majority of ball possession, but they failed to turn their opportunities in the final third into goals.

    Apart from the lack of finishing, there were plenty of positives to be taken away from the match against Queensland, including the manner in which the side bossed proceedings in midfield, and the link-up play, which led to some eye-catching, flowing moves.

    The side knew they weren’t far off the mark and they took on board some lessons learned in Sunday’s loss to deliver a win on Monday.

    The match was tightly contested from the get-go, with both teams enjoying their fair share of possession in first chukka.

    Soon, though, South Africa started to play themselves into dangerous positions and create goal-scoring opportunities.

    The contest’s key moment arrived in the third chukka, when they won a penalty corner and executed a variation. When the ball landed on Holly Hofmeyr‘s stick, she slammed it into the back of the net.

    Photo: National Hockey Development Program – NHDP

    The South African girls then held onto their slender lead the rest of the way.

    “I think one thing that we did, which we did really well, was fighting back despite the heat and conditions,” Hofmeyr said after the game.

    “The halftime team talk helped us. We came together as a team and fought back.

    “In our next game, it’s going to be important for us to go forward and use the chances we create in midfield.”

    Busiwe Mayekiso, who scored South Africa’s goal in their 1-3 loss on Sunday, added: “One thing we can work on is probably connecting on the field.

    “We must be able to trust each other as a team and work together.”

    The South African team returns to match action on Thursday, 6 November, when they tackle the Malaysia Tigers at 12:00 SAST.

  • St Andrew’s School wins Free State Switch Schools SA20

    St Andrew’s School wins Free State Switch Schools SA20

    St Andrew’s School celebrates winning the Free State’s Switch Schools SA20 – Volume Two title. Photo: St. Andrew’s Bloem on Instagram.

    St Andrew’s School vs Hoërskool Witteberg

    The hosts, St Andrew’s School, won the toss and elected to bat first against Hoërskool Witteberg on Vossie’s Field in the semi-finals of the Free State’s Switch Schools SA20 – Volume Two competition on Saturday, in Bloemfontein.

    They plundered a high score to place the Bethlehem school under heavy pressure and then followed up with a strong effort in the field to win by six wickets and qualify for the final.

    Anru Erasmus impressed with 2/29 in four overs for Witteberg, but Saints galloped their way to a staunch 210/4 after 20 overs.

    After a 92-run opening stand, Jonathan Hickley was dismissed for a hasty 51 runs from just 22 balls. His knock had included six fours and two sixes.

    His fellow opener, Dean Katzin, was the top scorer of the match. He struck six fours in an undefeated 71 off 53.

    Towards the end of the innings, Schalk van Rensburg blasted three fours and three maximums as he charged to 42 not out from only 19 deliveries.

    Witteberg’s run chase was dismantled quickly by the St Andrew’s bowlers. The Bethlehem boys had a few middle order batsmen reach the teens, but they were unable to get the runs flowing.

    In at nine, Tian Jordaan, showed some fight, cracking two sixes in an unbeaten 24 off 18.

    Meanwhile, Erhard Barends was clinical for Saints, snaring 3/13 in four overs. Schalk van Rensburg looked good, too, claiming 2/14 in three overs. while Nijhil Sukraj came on late and helped to close out the game by picking up 2/24 in four overs.

    After 18.3 overs, Witteberg was all out for 95.

    Grey College vs Hoërskool Trio (Kroonstad) (20-overs)

    Due to scheduling issues, the second semi-final was not played. As a result, Hoërskool Trio advanced to the final to face St Andrew’s.

    St Andrew’s School vs Hoërskool Trio (20-over)

    In the title game, Hoërskool Trio won the toss and chose to bat first on Vossie’s Field.

    They were met by a strong showing from St Andrew’s School, whose desire to repeat as the regional champion was evident. A cohesive all-round effort lifted the Bloemfontein side to an emphatic six-wicket win.

    Trio lost four wickets before they had reached double figures, with Erhard Barends continuing his fantastic form and picking up three of them. He went on to return 4/38 from four overs. The other four Saints’ bowlers chipped in with a wicket each, while the home side also executed two run outs.

    Robbie van der Vyver, batting sixth in the order, delivered an exciting display of power hitting, smashing 50 off only 21 deliveries, five of which he powered for six and another three for four.

    Unfortunately for the visitors from Kroonstad, his defiant effort made up more than half their total as they were dismissed in double-quick time, all out for 95 in only 13.2 overs.

    When St Andrew’s batted, each of the four bowlers used by Trio picked up a wicket, but they had too few runs to defend.

    Third man in, FG Botha, tallied four fours in a rapid 35 off 24 balls, while opener, Jonathan Hickley, knocked 21 off 22. Grové du Preez hammered four fours in an impactful 20 off 10.

    It took Saints 12 overs to overhaul Trio’s total and with that, they retained the title of Free State Schools SA20 champions.

    Their journey in the competition continues in January, in Potchefstroom, which hosts the next stage of the playoffs.

    Summarised Scorecards

    St. Andrew’s School 210/4 (Dean Katzin 71, Jonathan Hickley 51, Schalk van Rensburg 42*; Anru Erasmus 2/29); Hoërskool Witteberg 95/10 (Tian Jordaan 24*; Erhard Barends 3/13, Schalk van Rensburg 2/14, Nikhil Sukraj 2/24). St. Andrew’s won by 115 runs.

    Hoërskool Trio 95/10 (Robbie van der Vyver 50; Erhard Barends 4/38); St. Andrew’s School 96/4 (FG Botha 35, Jonathan Hickley 21, Grové du Preez 20). St. Andrew’s won by six wickets.

  • De Jager stars as SA bags second win at Dato Mirnawan Cup

    De Jager stars as SA bags second win at Dato Mirnawan Cup

    Keegan de Jager pictured with his mother after scoring a hat-trick for South Africa on day two of the Dato Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia. Photo: Puis Nkosi
    Keegan de Jager pictured with his mother after scoring a hat-trick for South Africa on day two of the Dato Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia. Photo: Pius Nkosi

    Keegan de Jager, of Kearsney College, scored a late hat-trick to help the South African u17 boys team seal a morale-boosting 4-2 win over the Malaysia Tigers at the Dato Mirnawan Cup, in Bukit Jalil, on Monday.

    Ahead of the match, South Africa had their sights on bagging a second straight win after beating the Australia Crocs 2-0 on the opening day.

    They were eager to make a statement against one of two home sides but were struck a massive blow in the first chukka when the Tigers struck twice to take a 2-0 lead and set South Africa a huge challenge if they were to grab a share of the spoils or win the game.

    The comeback, though, began in the second chukka when Jacques van Dyk, of Stellenberg High, pulled one back, and with that goal the game’s momentum began to shift.

    The third chukka was goalless, but the team talk shared by coaches Justin Collins and Michael Abrahams ahead of the fourth chukka worked like a charm.

    The South African side was more assertive, challenged for every ball, and put the Tigers under immense pressure.

    In the 49th minute, the contest tilted in favour of SA when they won a short corner, and De Jager’s drag flick flew into the back of the net to make it 2-2.

    There was no stopping South Africa after that, and two more PCs, in the 55th and 59th minutes, resulted in De Jager scoring from both to seal his hat-trick and complete the comeback.

    Speaking after the game, Logan Lackey, one of the co-vice-captains, said he was pleased with the character shown by the side.

    Vice-captain of the SA u17 boys’ team, Logan Lackay, was pleased with the character shown by the side in a come-from-behind win over the Malaysia Tigers. Photo: National Hockey Development Program – NHDP

    “The game was really good,” he said. “Last year, we were in the same position against the same team, but we couldn’t get the outcome we wanted. I’m glad we could walk away with the win this year.

    “When we were 0-2 down, I still had hope. There’s always that little bit of hope you have, but I’m glad we pushed through.”

    Lackey also revealed what coach Collins had said in the dugout at halftime.

    “The coach told us not to drop our heads but to work together and trust each other, and everything will work out.”

    The South African team has a rest day on Tuesday before returning to action on Wednesday, 5 November, against Malaysia Speedy at 12:00 SAST.

  • After Tuks’ upset win, GDL title down goes down to the last game

    After Tuks’ upset win, GDL title down goes down to the last game

    Tuks’ 3-1 win over Highlands Park places their Pretoria neighbours, Mamelodi Sundowns, in prime position to lift the GDL title, with one match left in the season this coming Saturday. Photo: Mondli Dube

    The Gauteng Development League (GDL) was expected to conclude this past weekend, with Highlands Park and Mamelodi Sundowns in the running for the u19 title, but heavy rains meant some matches in Johannesburg couldn’t be played.

    Earlier in the week, though, Wits Junior snatched a 3-2 victory over Panorama and Rockefvs downed the University of Pretoria (Tuks) 4-2.

    On Saturday, Highlands Park, who are pursuing their third consecutive GDL title, was set to face the School of Excellence, with Tuks awaiting them on Sunday.

    Due to a waterlogged pitch, their Saturday match was postponed to Saturday, 8 November. Meanwhile, their title-chasing rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, were in action against Jomo Cosmos and bagged a convincing 3-0 victory.

    With the win, the Brazilians moved up to 77 points, tied with Highlands Park, but Sundowns took over first place on goal difference.

    On Sunday, though, the Lions of the North had a chance to move back into first place when they faced one of Sundowns’ Pretoria neighbors, Tuks. Unfortunately for Highlands Park, Tuks played the role of spoiler, claiming a sound 3-1 win. That result was gratefully received by Sundowns, at Clapham.

    Omolemo Moabi, Tristan Peters, and Sibusiso Munyuku netted for Tuks in the surprise win, with the consequence being that Highlands Park needs Panorama to beat Sundowns in their final match of the season.

    If both title chasers were to win next week, ‘Downs, with their superior goal difference, would lift the title and stop Highlands Park’s quest for a three-peat.

    In other matches on Saturday, Kathorus Hyper Academy, fresh off a 2-1 victory over Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) last weekend, once again beat the Vereeniging club at the President Park Stadium, although this time it ended 3-2.

    Before beating Highlands Park on Sunday, Tuks scored a 3-2 win over Panorama, while Randburg claimed a 1-0 victory over Jomo Cosmos on Sunday.

    Seven’s Academy grabbed a narrow 1-0 win over the School of Excellence, while TS Galaxy got by Joburg City 3-2.

    Elspark United, who will be relegated to the second tier of the GDL, did not fulfil their fixture against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, resulting in Amakhosi being awarded a walkover win and three points as a consequence of that.

    Trophy lifting Time 

    While the u19 title winner will be decided next week, the other age groups have already crowned their winners.

    The u17 Mamelodi Sundowns was pushed hard by the SAFA Academy, but, at season’s end, Sundowns lifted the GWDL title. Photo: Supplied.

    The u17 GDL title was awarded to the Mamelodi Sundowns, who dominated their opposition.

    The Brazilians also won the u15 GDL title, while Kaizer Chiefs claimed the u14 GDL crown. Mamelodi Sundowns’ outstanding season continued with victory in the u13 division, too.

    With three titles already in the books, the pressure now shifts to the u19 Mamelodi Sundowns’ side to deliver a fourth.

    The Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) titles were presented on Sunday, 26 October, with JVW winning the inaugural u13 division title

    The SAFA Academy dominated the u15 division and were worthy winners, while the u17 title went the way of Mamelodi Sundowns, who had a competitive back-and-forth with SAFA Academy before Banyana Ba Style secured the title.

    RESULTS

    Wednesday, 29 October

    Wits Junior 3-2 Panorama
    Rockefvs 4-2 Tuks

    Saturday, 1 November 

    Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Jomo Cosmos
    Kathorus 3-2 RESA
    Tuks 3-2 Panorama
    Wits Junior 5-2 Rockefvs
    Kaizer Chiefs vs Elspark United (Walkover, Elspark failed to honour the game)

    Sunday, 2 November

    Tuks 3-1 Highlands Park
    Seven’s Academy 1-0 School of Excellence
    TS Galaxy 3-2 Joburg City
    Randburg 1-0 Jomo Cosmos

  • KZN Coastal Khaya Majola team highlighted by pace bowling options

    KZN Coastal Khaya Majola team highlighted by pace bowling options

    DHS's Ismaeel Omar gives the KZN Coastal team a reliable opening batsman, capable of holding down an end or taking the attack to the opposition. Photo: Brad Morgan.
    DHS’s Ismaeel Omar gives the KZN Coastal team a reliable left-handed opening batsman, capable of holding down an end or taking the attack to the opposition. Photo: Brad Morgan.

    Five players from Durban High School (DHS) have been named in the KZN Coastal u19 team to contest the Khaya Majola Week in Bloemfontein in December.

    Westville Boys’ High supplies three players and Clifton College two. Northwood, Glenwood, Kearsney, and the Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu (INK) Hub contribute one each.

    The DHS contingent includes their consistent top three in the batting order – Ismaeel Omar, Ethan Cooper, and Josh van Biljon, with Cooper also offering a bowling option. Both left-handed opener, Omar, and wicketkeeper/batsman, Van Biljon, tallied over 1 000 runs in 2025.

    Bayanda Majola will spearhead the Coastal attack. He brings serious pace to the side and if the Bloemfontein pitches offer anything, he will extract it. Bonga Maphanga completes the DHS contingent and fills another of the bowling positions.

    Westville’s trio is made up of Seth Simpson, who, along with Josh van Biljon, is arguably the most dominant batsman in the province; the left-handed all-rounder Tristin Delvin, who has enjoyed a strong fourth term with both bat and ball, and presents one of the spin bowling options; and Dayalan Boyce, a paceman with the ability to deliver an unplayable ball at any time, thanks to the huge movement he generates.

    Clifton College captain Tim Saulez offers a seam bowling option and is a solid batsman, too, capable of going big. His teammate, Shiraz Perumal, is an exciting, attacking leg spin option. He set a school record for the most wickets by a Clifton College 1st XI player in 2024, while in Grade 10. This year, he has obliterated that mark of 62 wickets and, with still more cricket to come, is in the region of 30 wickets ahead of the previous record.

    Glenwood is represented by Bandile Mbatha. He’s a proven top-level bowling all-rounder, who was one of South Africa u19s top performers when they took on England early in 2025, making key contributions with both bat and ball.

    Mbatha, Majola, and Boyce have all represented South Africa at u19 level, which makes it clear that the seam bowling department should be one of the KZN Coastal team’s strengths.

    Kearsney College paceman, Litha Gonya, is the owner of a classic action and presents the challenge of being a left-arm quick. Photo: Brad Morgan.
    Kearsney College paceman, Litha Gonya, is the owner of a classic action and presents the challenge of being a left-arm quick. Photo: Brad Morgan.

    Kearsney’s Litha Gonya provides the team with a left-arm pace option, while Northwood captain Kyle White is a technically strong batsman and part-time bowler, capable of snapping up a key wicket or two.

    The INK Hub’s Sbani Qwaba is the outlier, the only player selected from outside of the traditional boys’ schools which usually provide all of the provincial players. He isn’t an unknown, however, and has moved up the provincial age group teams with many of his teammates for the Khaya Majola Week.

    Two years ago, he was part of the Coastal u16 team that contested the inter-provincial week in Oudtshoorn. That side also featured Ismaeel Omar, Josh van Biljon, Dayalan Boyce, Kyle White, and Tim Saulez. Seth Simpson was a non-travelling reserve.

    KZN COASTAL PROVINCIAL TEAMS

    KZN Coastal u19 

    Ismaeel Omar (DHS), Seth Simpson (Westville), Timothy Saulez (Clifton), Kyle White (Northwood), Josh van Biljon (DHS), Tristin Delvin (Westville), Ethan Cooper (DHS), Sbani Qwabe (INK Hub), Bandile Mbatha (Glenwood), Dayalan Boyce (Westville), Bonga Maphanga (DHS), Shiraz Perumal (Clifton), Bayanda Majola (DHS), Litha Gonya (Kearsney).

    Coach: Sam Mofokeng
    Assistant coaches: Richard Wissing and Darryl Govender
    Manager: Thomas Jackson

    KZN u15 Blue Team

    Asher Hollister (Kearsney), Jeremiah Josephs (DHS), Cameron White (Northwood), Gary Verbaan (Kearsney), Kagiso Mokoena (Westville), Luyanda Nzuza (Westville), Cameron Rudolph (Westville), Oliver Anderson (Northwood), Michael Hopkins (Westville), Skhil Sinath (Glenwood), Ithani Doyi (Glenwood), Sebastian Oertel (Glenwood), Anotha Ngubane (INK Hub).

    Head coach: Cameron Gordon
    Assistant coach: Mikaylen Kistna
    Manager: Sthabiso Zungu

    KZN u15 Green Team

    Ryan Staats (Kearsney), Gaurav Sewlal (Westville), Zac Robertson (Westville), Elandre van Rooyen (DHS), Yusuf Osman (Westville), CJ Esau (Westville), Taine Lawson (Westville), Qhamani Sikutshwa (Glenwood), Shaun Stumke (DHS), Eliah van Jaarsveld (Clifton), Simanye Manona (Glenwood), Sphesihle Sithole (Outer West Hub), Thando Bhengu (Umlazi Hub).

    Head coach: Jody Saayman
    Assistant coach: Caleb Pillay
    Manager: Wandile Mlangeni

    KZN Coastal u16

    Blake Johnson (Clifton), Muhammed Malek (Clifton), Caleb Naicker (Clifton), Esihle Gasa (Glenwood), Segolobe Moloto (Glenwood), Aaron Blackburn (Kearsney), Rivaan Moodley (Kearsney), Lusanda Dldlo (Nfolozi High), Luc Boyall (Northwood), Josh Mills (Northwood), Keegan Reeves (Northwood), Kai Cotton (Westville), Jamie Hollenbach (Westville).

    Head coach: Brandon Scullard
    Assistant coaches: Gavin Reddy and Siyabonga Gumede
    Manager: TBC

    KZN Coastal u17

    Ewan du Toit (Westville), Olwami Zondi (Glenwood), Aiden Baudach (Westville), Kreesan Pillai (Glenwood), Keegan de Jager (Kearsney), Thabiso Mtambo (Northwood), Kyle McGough (Westville), Paul Momoh (Hillcrest High), Yadav Dayaram (Grantleigh), Bayanda Xulu (Glenwood), David de Bruyn (Northwood), Taine Havermann (DHS), Sqalo Mbatha (Parkhill High)

    Head coach: Wayne Scott
    Assistant coach: Kenneth Mafunga
    Manager: Cayle Marillier

    KZN Rural u17

    Jordan Gopaul (Scottburgh High), Sahl Peerbhay (Umzinto), Lubanzi Nkabinde (Curro Salt Rock), Veolan Palavar (Felixton College), Esihle Hlaluka (Nkosibomvu Secondary), Heinrich Hattingh (Grantleigh), Shivaar Sivpersad (Scottburgh High), Aphiwe Mthethwa (Birdswood Secondary), Kian Topham (Grantleigh), Keenen Thirrumugam (Stanger Secondary), Johar Maharaj (Roseville Secondary), Gift Banda (Nkosibomvu Secondary), Dillan Pieterse (Grantleigh).

    Head coach: Zacharia Venganayi
    Assistant coach: Nkosinathi Ntuli
    Manager: Andre Pretorius

  • Down a man, South Africa beats Bolivia in u17 FIFA World Cup opener

    Down a man, South Africa beats Bolivia in u17 FIFA World Cup opener

    The u17 South African national team, known as Amajimbos, recorded their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory with only 10 players on the field, beating Bolivia 3-1 on Monday, in Qatar.

    Coach Vela Khumalo’s squad faced an early setback when Sive Pama was sent off in the first half, leaving South Africa a man down with more than half the game to go.

    However, the team quickly responded positively after Pama’s ejection.

    Cape Town City’s Emile Witbooi, a member of the SuperSport Schools Class of 2024, scored the opening goal of the contest, with a searing counterattack catching Bolivia off guard.

    From the first whistle, the Bolivians defence appeared vulnerable, and South Africa probed and exploited weaknesses by attacking down the flanks through the side’s wings, which was a key strength of Khumalo’s strategy.

    At the start of the second half, with Amajimbos leading 1-0, the coach made a couple of substitutions, removing Teboho Mlangeni and Selywn Stevens and replacing them with Lebohang Dlamini and Alwande Booysen, affectionately known as Bhubesi.

    Their introduction had the desired effect, particularly from the Lamontville Golden Arrows‘ wing, Booysen, who set up Neo Bohloko for Amajimbos’ second goal.

    While South Africa enjoyed attacking success, they were also subjected to some defensive scares and committed a number of errors that could have led to Bolivian goals.

    Eventually, one of those mistakes resulted in a penalty for the South Americans and Jesús Maraude punished South Africa by slotting the opportunity past goalkeeper, Lwandiso Radebe, who had pulled off some outstanding saves.

    Only one goal separated the sides, but Shaun Els made sure of the win for Amajimbos by netting in additional time to make it 3-1.

    South Africa’s next group stage clash is on Thursday, when they take on the host nation, Qatar.