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In April, the South African Hockey Association (SAHA) released a memorandum about the treatment of match officials, players, and competitors, signed by Shaune Baaitjies, the Interim CEO of SAHA, and by Executive Board Member Rules and Technical, John Wright. It’s been a long time coming, in my opinion.

A common theme in chats I have had with different people in the schools’ hockey community is that behaviour on the pitch and alongside it has deteriorated to the detriment of the game. It’s something I have heard and something I have witnessed. And it puts an ugly damper on the fantastic matches we are seeing on the Astro.

Hockey, at schools’ level, is going from strength to strength, but if the community does not look after and respect one another, there will be a price to pay.

Everyone involved in the hockey community – players, coach, administrators, supporters – should read the memorandum and, then, adhere to it. Please be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

MEMORANDUM

TREATMENT OF MATCH OFFICIALS, PLAYERS AND COMPETITORS

Despite hockey being a sport that continues to grow in both participation and spectator interest with increasing marketing opportunities, engaging competitions, and events that foster lifelong friendships the abuse directed at match officials and players has reached unacceptable levels.

This behaviour is now bordering on being out of control and is bringing the game into disrepute.

Such conduct is negatively affecting the marketability of our sport, diminishing spectator enjoyment, and undermining the overall experience for both players and match officials.

Hockey must remain a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved. There is no place for abusive or uncontrolled behaviour in our sport.

In particular, the abuse being experienced by match officials from coaches, managers, and players alike is deeply concerning. This relentless pressure is leading many officials to leave the game, creating a significant and lasting impact on hockey and the South African Hockey Association (SAHA) as a whole.

Abuse takes many forms, including sarcasm, swearing, persistent questioning, dissent, dismissive gestures, and negative body language. The perception that it is acceptable to abuse a match official, an opposition player, or even one’s own teammates is wholly unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated.

While SAHA acknowledges that not all matches have qualified technical table personnel, where such officials are present, they are empowered to take appropriate action against offenders.

Effective immediately, the South African Hockey Association mandates the following actions and sanctions in response to misconduct:

1. Warning – To be issued by technical officials or umpires.
2. Repeat Offence – May result in a Yellow Card (15-minute suspension) or Red Card, depending on the severity.

o Yellow Card: Suspension served in the designated area.
o Red Card: The individual must immediately leave the ground and venue.

3. Disciplinary Hearing – Any recipient of a Red Card must face a disciplinary hearing, conducted by the relevant school, club, or province within 7 days.
4. Sanctions – Penalties may include, but are not limited to monetary fines, match suspensions, or bans from the sport.

Furthermore, it is mandatory that all provinces ensure that every participant in their region signs and adheres to a Code of Conduct and that the SAHA Safeguarding Policy is strictly implemented.

We request that this directive be implemented immediately, and trust in your commitment to upholding the values and integrity of our sport.

There was jubilation, excitement, and thrills when the St Stithians College first-team hockey side won the prestigious Aitken Cup in 2023.

Playing at home, in front of a jam-packed crowd, Saints defeated Jeppe High School for Boys 4-2 on penalties after their clash had ended tied at 2-2.

It was a momentous occasion, not only for the players and school but also for the alumni, parents, and the Saints’ community, who had last witnessed their side claim the trophy in 1975.

After 48 years, they had broken that drought. However, St Stithians was not about to rest on their laurels. They wanted to go back-to-back in 2024.

They were drawn in a tricky pool and were done in by a slow start to the tournament, which dampened their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

As a result, Saints finished ninth, behind Helpmekaar College, St Benedict’s College, and Trinity House Park Randpark Ridge, while Jeppe won the title after beating Parktown Boys’ High in the final.

This year, Saints is hungry to make a statement and to prove that they are one of the top teams in the country.

Led by coaches Miguel da Graca and Pat Owgan, the Saints Knights have put together a strong season, despite falling to a narrow 3-4 defeat to a high-flying Jeppe team in their season opener.

St Stithians has run rampant since that loss and they dominated at their home festival, the Saints Fest, going unbeaten before finishing an impressive fifth at the Standard Bank Hibbert Shield.

A player who has been crucial to their early-season success is forward Aidan Blatch. The lanky striker, who owns a powerful shot and vicious drag flick, has been their talisman all season long, finding the back of the net with relative ease and causing headaches for many teams.

He scored an insane hat-trick against Hilton College at Saints Fest before introducing himself as one of the players to watch at the Hibbert Shield.

His performances in Gqeberha helped Saints record an emphatic 5-2 win over Grey College in the playoff for fifth-place.

“I feel like Hibbert was nice, even though we didn’t play the type of hockey we wanted to play,” Blatch told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“I think we started very slowly, and that put us on the back foot, but we played very well, especially the last few games.”

Blatch was involved with the Saints’ team in 2024 and also represented Southern Gauteng at the SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein.

It wasn’t one of his better seasons, though, as he struggled to find form and rhythm. He revealed how he changed his fortunes: “I’m very happy with how I’m playing now. It’’ way better than what it was last year,” he opened up.

“Last year, I lacked confidence. I was getting frustrated and mentally I wasn’t switched on, and this year, I’ve fixed that.

“I’ve also worked on my flicking a lot, and I’ve improved in that area. I’m just glad that I’m stepping up and helping the team this season.”

While Blatch is grabbing the headlines week in and out, his performances and the types of goals he scores wouldn’t be possible without the help of his teammates.

Jason Joiner, who is age only 16, has been distributing some juicy balls from the back, and they’ve remained solid in defence, with Dihian Naidoo and Angelo Dimitriadis playing well.

Skipper Liam O’Flaherty, along with Thomas Robinson and Dylan Burger, has also scored some fine goals and, from time to time, they make Blatch look good.

“Look, I think my teammates have been really good,” Blatch said with enthusiasm.

“I’ve been impressed with our defence so far this season. We conceded minimal goals, and that stepped up everyone’s mindset. They’ve given me the ball in the right areas, and they make it easy for me to play.”

After impressing in their Easter festival, Saints would also have received a big boost from their performance at the Hibbert Shield, while facing the toughest lineup at any event this season. Now, they’re eager to capture the Aitken Cup. Blatch believes they’re in the form of their lives and Saints could go on and win the whole thing.

“Our team goal is definitely aiming to win Aitken. I think we are one of the best teams in Johannesburg, and we have a good chance of winning it,” he reckoned.

St Stithians has been drawn in Pool A with Jeppe, HeronBridge College and Trinity Park.

TEAM:

Joshua Smith, Dihian Naidoo, Jason Joiner, Angelo Dimitriadis, Matthew Douglas, Ross Mountford, Liam O’Flaherty, Thomas Robinson, Dylan Burger, Aidan Blatch, Thomas Venter, Simon Meiring, Thomas Becker, Thomas Collins, Sebastien Pousson, Gofaone Msagala. 

Saints Fixtures at Aitken Cup

Thursday, 15 May @Wits AstroTurf

15:00 – St Stithians vs Heronbridge College

Friday, 16 May @Wits AstroTurf

07:30 – St Stithians vs Jeppe High School for Boys
15:00 – St Stithians vs Trinity Park

Grey High School has appointed old boy and former first-class coach, Grant Morgan, as its new Head of Cricket.

Morgan, who has established a strong reputation for excellence within coaching circles through his work with teams like The Dolphins and KwaZulu-Natal Inland’s Tuskers, will return to the Windy City to share his considerable experience with the young talent gracing the grounds of one of Gqeberha’s oldest and most prestigious cricketing institutions.

In addition to his extensive coaching credentials, the fiery and passionate Morgan was once regarded as one of South Africa’s most promising young wicketkeepers.

During his time at Grey High, he captained both the First XI and the Eastern Province Schools team. He went on to represent the South African Schools side, also serving as its vice-captain.

After finishing school, Morgan earned over 50 first-class caps before transitioning into coaching.

His impressive coaching résumé includes roles with, among others, the South Africa u19 side, the Royal Challengers Bangalore, in the Indian Premier League, and a stint with the Scotland national team. Morgan was also involved with Grey High’s neighbours, Pearson High School, in 2022.

“Grey High School is proud to welcome back Old Grey, Grant Morgan, as the new Head of Cricket. A distinguished cricketer and coach, Mr Morgan brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the game to his alma mater,” a press release from Grey High read.

Morgan, who departed the Tuskers during their inaugural and only season in Cricket South Africa’s Division One competition, returns from Scotland, where he has been based for the past two years. He is certain to receive a warm homecoming upon his return to the place where his cricketing journey began.

Morgan takes over from Deon Kruis, who has moved north to join Cornwall Hill College, in Pretoria.

The Aitken Cup, which brings together Johannesburg’s leading hockey-playing schools, takes to the turf from Thursday and runs through until Sunday.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

The four-day event will incorporate four venues: The University of Johannesburg, Wits University, St John’s College, and King Edward VII School, while the format includes 16 schools split across four pools.

Pool A promises to be exciting with the defending champion, Jeppe High School for Boys, headlining the group as they go on a quest for back-to-back titles.

They’ll be up against Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge, HeronBridge College, and St Stithians, who, arguably, pose the greatest challenge to Jeppe’s title aspirations.

Meanwhile, the 2024 runner-up, Parktown Boys’ High School, is in Pool B, where they will face St Benedict’s College, Hoërskool Monument and Beaulieu College, who are dark horses.

Parktown’s new coach, David Grace, said he is ecstatic about his responsibility of guiding his team in the prestigious tournament.

“I am extremely excited to be going to Aitken and will be looking to live up to last year’s success and, hopefully, better it. I feel we are well prepared, and the boys are peaking at the right time in the season,” he told SuperSport School Plus.

The experienced mentor said his side is “process driven, and we look at incremental improvements every day.”

Focusing on the Aitken Cup, he said: “In tournament hockey, every opponent is tough. Anything can happen, so you have to perform every game.”

Parktown has made some tactical adjustments and has also brought up some players into the 1st team for the tournament, Grace said.

“Our preparation has been extensive, and any success must be attributed to our coaching staff. We have the best people involved with the team to make sure the boys are well prepared. Credit must go to my assistant coach, Mr. Bailey, team psychologist, Mr. Hull, 1st team manager Mrs Grace, and Mr Furlonger, our MIC, for their tireless work behind the scenes.”

St John’s College looks like the team to beat in Pool C. They’re up against Helpmekaar Kollege, Hoërskool Noordheuwel, and Northcliff High. While the Blues might be the favourites, it’s a group that could spring a surprise or two.

Pool D features one of the traditional powers, KES, who will be challenged by St David’s Marist Inanda, Fourways High School, and Rand Park High School.

The action begins on Thursday at Wits, with St Stithians meeting HeronBridge. They’ll be followed by the defending champion, Jeppe, taking on Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge.

Jeppe heads into the tournament in a rich vein of form. Siya Sityana‘s charges have faced KZN opposition in their last two matches, scoring a hard-fought 2-1 win over Northwood School and a 5-2 win against Westville Boys’ High. Before that Jeppe won all five of their games at the KES Easter Festival.

St John’s College will make the short trip to their neighbours, KES, where they will kickstart their Aitken Cup campaign against Helpmekaar Kollege.

POOLS

Pool A: A1 Jeppe, A2 Trinity RP, A3 St Stithians, A4 Heronbridge
Pool B: B1 Parktown, B2 St Benedict’s, B3 Monument, B4 Beaulieu
Pool C: C1 St John’s, C2 Helpmekaar, C3 Noordheuwel, C4 Northcliff
Pool D: D1 KES, D2 St David’s, D3 Fourways, D4 Rand Park High

FIXTURES

Thursday, 15 May

Wits
15:00 – A3 St Stithians vs A4 Heronbridge
17:00 – A1 Jeppe vs A2 Trinity RP

King Edward VII School
17:00 – C1 St John’s vs C2 Helpmekaar
18:30 – C3 Noordheuwel vs C4 Northcliff

UJ
17:00 – B1 Parktown vs B2 St Benedicts
18:30 – B3 Monument vs B4 Beaulieu

St John’s College
|17:00 – D1 KES vs D2 St David’s
18:30 – D3 Fourways vs D4 Randpark

Friday, 16 May

Wits
7:30 – A1 Jeppe vs A3 St Stithians
9:00 – A2 Trinity RP vs A4 Heronbridge
10:30 – C1 St John’s vs C3 Noordheuwel
12:00 – C2 Helpmekaar vs C4 Northcliff
13:30 – A1 Jeppe vs A4 Heronbridge
15:00 – A2 Trinity RP vs A3 St Stithians
16:30 – C1 St John’s vs C4 Northcliff
18:00 – C2 Helpmekaar vs C3 Noordheuwel

UJ
7:30 – B1 Parktown vs B3 Monument
9:00 – B2 St Benedict’s vs B4 Beaulieu
10:30 – D1 KES vs D3 Fourways
12:00 – D2 St David’s vs D4 Randpark
13:30 – B1 Parktown vs B4 Beaulieu
15:00 – B2 St Benedict’s vs B3 Monument
16:30 – D1 KES vs D4 Randpark
18:00 – D2 St David’s vs D3 Fourways

Saturday, 17 May

Wits
7:30 – QF 1 – Winner Pool A vs 2nd Pool C
9:00 – QF 2 – Winner Pool D vs 2nd Pool B
10:30 – QF 3 – Winner Pool B vs 2nd Pool D
12:00 – QF 4 – Winner Pool C vs 2nd Pool A
13:30 – 5–8 Place 1 – Loser QF 1 vs Loser QF 2
15:00 – SF 1 – Winner QF 1 vs Winner QF 2
16:30 – 5–8 Place 2 – Loser QF 3 vs Loser QF 4
18:00 – SF 2 – Winner QF 3 vs Winner QF 4

UJ
7:30 – 9–16, 3rd in Pool A vs 4th in Pool C
9:00 – 9–16, 3rd in Pool D vs 4th in Pool B
10:30 9–16, 3rd in Pool B vs 4th in Pool D
12:00 – 9–16, 3rd in Pool C vs 4th in Pool A
13:30 – 13–16, Loser Game 1 vs Loser Game 2
15:00 – 9–12, Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 2
16:30 – 13–16, Loser Game 3 vs Loser Game 4
18:00 – 9–12, Winner Game 3 vs Winner Game 4

Sunday 18 May

Parktown
7:30 – Aitken A Section – 5th/6th Place
9:00 – Aitken A Section – 7th/8th Place
10:30 – Aitken A Section – 9th/10th Place
12:00 – Aitken A Section – 11th/12th Place
13:30 – Aitken A Section – 13th/14th Place
15:00 – Aitken A Section – 15th/16th Place

Wits
9:00 – Boden B Final
10:30 – Aitken C Final
12:00 – Aitken B Final
13:30 – Boden A Final
15:00 – Aitken A Final
16:30 – Medal Presentation Ceremony for all finals

UJ
7:30 – Boden B Section – 3rd/4th Place
9:00 – Aitken C Section – 3rd/4th Place
10:30 – Aitken B Section – 3rd/4th Place
12:00 – Boden A Section – 3rd/4th Place
13:30 – Aitken A Section – 3rd/4th Place
16:30 – Medal Presentation Ceremony for all bronze medals at Wits.

Eleven games into the Gauteng Development League season, the two-time defending champions, Highlands Park, find themselves off the pace, sitting in fifth place in the u19 division, with SuperSport United leading the way.

The side has dropped a surprising number of points in their last five matches, which is the kind of inconsistency that one would not usually associate with the Lions of the North.

However, included in those last five games are a loss to Joburg City and draws against Jomo Cosmos and SuperSport United.

In an interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, coach Sifiso Mnguni discussed his team’s middling form, citing injuries as one of the key reasons behind their inconsistent performances.

“We lost to Joburg City and drew against Cosmos. A draw against Cosmos, we honestly didn’t deserve. I felt we dominated the game. I think 15 minutes into the game we were 2-0 up and conceded sloppy goals,” Mnguni reasoned.

“One of the things we’ve been struggling with has been consistency in the line-up. We’ve been making forced changes as two of our stronger centre backs were also out with injuries.

“Against Cosmos, we were unlucky because when you’re 2-0 up in the opening 15 minutes, then you should win the game. Against Joburg City, as well, because of the struggle of the centre backs, we made defensive errors.

“Also, we created a lot of chances in that game but, all in all, we have certain departments we need to fix and maybe recruit for the second round.

“With all due respect to Joburg City, sometimes the boys tend to be complacent and think that it’s a guaranteed win against them. This league is getting more difficult, especially for us because we are the defending champions. Everyone wants to beat us,” he added.

On the weekend, Highlands Park faced a stiff challenge with an away clash against the table-topping SuperSport United. Mnguni had his centre-backs back, but the problem they faced lay at the other end of the field. They created plenty of opportunities, but struggled to turn those into goals. 

“Our biggest boost was that our centre backs came back when we went to SuperSport, but yet again we were unlucky,” Mnguni told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“We quickly discovered that one of the departments that we needed to improve is getting a number nine (a centre forward or striker) because we are creating a lot of chances, but we are not scoring.”

Mnguni’s side bounced back in their fixture against Kaizer Chiefs, beating coach David Mathebula‘s side 1-0 at home to return to winning ways.

“Against Chiefs, I think the boys worked extremely hard as a team and, again, there’s no motivation needed when you’re playing Chiefs,” Mnguni said.

“The boys stuck to the game plan. We hit them on the counter, and the boys played really well considering the points that we dropped and the manner we drew against SuperSport.

“The boys showed good fight and character to be able to bounce back. Hopefully, we keep our players fit and available for the coming fixtures.”

RESULTS

Sunday, 11 May

Seven’s Academy 2-1 East Rand Athletic Club

Saturday, 10 May

Elspark United 0-5 Randburg AFC
SuperSport United 1-0 Kathorus Hyper Academy
Joburg City 1-0 TS Galaxy
School of Excellence 1-4 Remember Elite Sport Academy
Rockefvs FC 1-1 Jomo Cosmos
Tuks 0-4 Mamelodi Sundowns

St John’s College first-team hockey captain, Owethu Sishuba, is relishing the chance to lead his side out when they do battle at the Aitken Cup this weekend.

The prestigious tournament, which pits Johannesburg’s top sides against each other, runs from 16 to 18 May at the University of the Witwatersrand, with some matches also taking place at King Edward VII (KES).

Playing in the A-section of the tournament, St John’s will set their sights on going two steps further after they took home bronze in last year’s event.

They have been drawn in Pool C with Helpmekaar Kollege, Northcliff High School, and Hoërskool Noordheuwel.

“It’s exciting times for us as a team, and at Aitken, we want to compete with the best of the best and to be considered as such,” Sishuba told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“In terms of our goals, we want to take the competition game by game and keep on improving as we progress. The aim is to yield positive results for the team and the school.”

The task of doing well at Aitken will be more felt by coaches Gilbert De Villiers and Anthony Woodhouse, who are on a mission to take this St John’s outfit to the next level.

They’ve had a decent run so far this year and produced some good performances at the Nomads Hockey Festival in March.

Their last outing, though, was a disappointing 0-3 loss against St Andrew’s School, in Bloemfontein. Despite that defeat, Sishuba said he’s pleased with the progress the team is making.

“That loss to St Andrews was hard, but, as always, I and the team are eager to get back onto the Astro and to prove ourselves. Our season has been good in that we’ve built on the foundations laid last year by our coach, Mr De Villiers, in his first year.

“With that said, there is still a lot that we can improve on, and more importantly, there are still a lot more opportunities to do so.”

The Blues, as they are known, will enter the tournament as one of the underdogs, with Jeppe High School for Boys, St Stithians College, and KES the leading contenders in the eyes of many.

Sishuba, however, isn’t too concerned about outside noise and wants his side to focus on the job and improve on last year’s outing.

“For us, this tournament is the pinnacle of schoolboy hockey, and after just falling short last year, being in an Aitken final and winning it is the goal this season.

“You can expect us to play hard and play for the badge. No matter the result, our boys have been trained to play with grit and play until the end.

“We don’t play for ourselves. We play for the badge, so I think when you have a mindset like that, it’ll be hard for teams to break us down,” he concluded.

St John’s will open their challenge against Helpmekaar Kollege on Thursday, at 16:00, at KES.

St John’s fixtures for the Aitken Cup

Thursday, 15 April @KES

16:00 – St John’s vs Helpmekaar Kollege

Friday, 16 May @Wits

10:30 – St John’s vs Hoërskool Noordheuwel.
16:30 – St John’s vs Northcliff

TEAM

Owethu Sishuba (c), Siza Gule (vc), Connor Cooper (vc), Kamogelo Thobejane, Andrew Turck, Dylan Viljoen, Daniel Chemaly, Max Pitman, Michael Stubbs, Ben Nagel, Tapiwa Mutetwa, Connor Mackenzie, Alec Loveland, Motheo Mparutsa, Scott Bray, Alan McFerren, Khanya Lebina, Kevin Van Vught.

The South African u20 national team, known as Amajita, has qualified for the 2025 FIFA u20 World Cup, set to take place in Chile from 27 October to 19 November.

It’s another big boost for South African football, with Amajita joining the South African u17 national team, which has already qualified for the u17 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted in Qatar from 3-27 November.

Amajita secured their qualification by advancing to the semi-finals of the ongoing Confederation of African Football (CAF) u20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), after a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the quarterfinals on Monday.

The match was at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, on Monday evening, with Amajita scoring the decisive goal during extra time after the game ended in a 0-0 draw in the standard 90 minutes.

Thabang Mahlangu, with an assist from Shakeel April, netted the winning goal, which not only sealed Amajita’s progression to the u20 FIFA World Cup but also to the semi-finals of the u20 Afcon. They’re still in the running to claim the continental title, of course.

Dr. Danny Jordaan, the President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), commended Amajita, saying their diligent efforts in Egypt have been recognised.

“This is another momentous occasion, coming so soon after we qualified for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Sunday, and the FIFA u17 World Cup to be held in Qatar from 3–27 November 2025,” he stated.

Three African powerhouses – Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria – qualified for the Afcon semis along with South Africa. All four have qualified for the World Cup.

Egypt faces Morocco on Thursday at the 30 June Stadium, while South Africa takes on Nigeria at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, also on Thursday. All the games are streamed on CAT Tv on YouTube.

Quarterfinals results 

South Africa 1-0 DR Congo
Egypt (5) 2-2 (4) Ghana
Morocco 1-0 Sierra Leone
Nigeria (3) 1-1 (1) Ghana

Fixtures

Venue: Suez Canal Authority Stadium

17:00 (SA Local Time) – South Africa vs Nigeria

Venue: 30 June Stadium

20:00 (SA Local Time) – Egypt vs Morocco

Die Jubilee-netballiga het behoorlik momentum opgetel met ‘n reeks uiters mededingende kragmetings tussen van Pretoria se voorste hoërskoolspanne.

Hoërskool Garsfontein het in hul drie wedstryde tot dusver hul regmatige hoeveelheid uitdagings ervaar, maar met besliste veerkragtigheid teruggeveg om hulself as ‘n sterk aanspraakmaker in die liga te vestig.

Garsies het reeds in hul openingswedstryd van die liga teen Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria ‘n tamaaie konfrontasie in die gesig gestaar. Affies, wat bekend is vir hul gestruktureerde spel en presiese afronding, het oplaas die oorhand verkry met 33–27, maar Garsies was deurgaans kompeterend en het hul teenstanders vir elke punt laat sweet.

Garsies het boonop vinnig herstel en met groot durf vir Hoërskool Zwartkop die stryd aangesê. Vasberade verdediging en die flink vermoë om verdediging in aanval te omskep, het hulle in staat gestel om met 26–17 terug te keer na die wenpad. Die span het duidelik die lesse uit hul vorige wedstryd ter harte geneem en hul spelplan doeltreffend aangepas.

Teen Hoërskool Waterkloof het Garsies se karakter en spanwerk uitgetroon. Die spel was vinnig en vurig, maar Garsies het stelselmatig beheer geneem in die tweede helfte om uiteindelik met 37–29 te seëvier. Met hierdie spogsege het hulle hul aanspraak op ‘n plek in die uitspeelrondes aansienlik versterk.

Uitslae o.19A:

AHMP 33, Garsfontein 27

Garsfontein 26, Zwartkop 17

Garsfontein 37, Waterkloof 29

The Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal and Inland Second Term Leagues have reached their halfway point.

This week’s games, thus, take on additional importance as teams attempt to make moves to secure places in the playoffs.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools!

Coastal A-League

The Coastal A-League is heating up and a keenly awaited showdown takes place on Tuesday at Queensburgh High School between the table-topping Port Shepstone High and the defending champion, Glenwood High.

Sheppie has won all three of their matches thus far, while the Green Machine appears to be hitting its stride. Last time out, Glenwood beat Empangeni, and they’ll be keen to build on that success.

Glenwood was beaten by Hillcrest High in their opener, but they’re up to fourth in the standings. Port Shepstone already has wins over Bechet, Empangeni, and Northwood.

Northwood has struggled this season, but they have an opportunity to right the ship when they tackle Bechet on Tuesday. The Knights haven’t yet tasted victory and have, in fact, lost all three of their matches, while Bechet has picked up only one point from their three games, thanks to a 1-1 draw with Pinetown Boys’ High.

Tuesday’s other matches at Queensburgh High School feature Hillcrest High versus Pinetown Boys’ High and Empangeni High against Westville Boys’ High.

Inland A 

Edendale Technical High School, who are in fifth place in the Inland A-League standings, will have to climb a mountain on Tuesday when they take on the league leaders, Maritzburg College, on Barns Field.

The Red, Black, and White team will aim to capitalise on their home-ground advantage as they aim to protect and maybe even extend their two-point lead over Carter High at the top of the standings. College has seven points after two wins and a goalless draw with Carter.

Carter, meanwhile, takes on sixth-placed Newtown. While there is a considerable gap between their log positions, only one point separates the sides. A good result for Carter, though, and a slip-up from College, against a team that ousted them in the quarterfinals of the Jody Momple Cup last year, could see Carter leapfrog their rivals and move to the top.

Linpark, in third place, goes up against Haythorne Secondary School, who are propping up the table with one draw and two losses after three games. They’ll be out to reverse their fortunes on Tuesday.

Alexandra High School tackles Ixopo Secondary School. Their meeting has the look of a sneaky-good clash.

FIXTURES

Coastal A

Queensburgh High School

Field 1

15:10 – Bechet vs Northwood School
16:15 – Port Shepstone vs Glenwood

Field 2

15:10 – Pinetown vs Hillcrest High
16:15 – Westville vs Empangeni

Inland A

Venue: Barns Field (Maritzburg College)

15:00 – Linpark vs Haythorne
16:00 – Maritzburg College A Team vs Edendale

Venue: Alexandra High School

15:00 – Newton vs Carter High School
16:00 – Alexandra High School A Team vs Ixopo Secondary School

Nie eens ‘n agterstand van 15 punte, met skaars 10 minute oor, was genoeg om die vuur van Hoërskool Eldoraigne se Drake te blus nie.

Herleef al die aksie op SuperSport Schools – (www.superpsportschools.com) 

Die Eldos het Saterdagmiddag tuis in Centurion verbete teruggeveg met 25 punte in slegs sewe minute om dié agterstand om te swaai in ‘n sege van 27-20 oor Hoërskool Jeugland in die Bowl-afdeling van die SDC Noordvaal Cup.

Die Drake se staatmakerflank, Cameron Killian, was sy vurige self in die los en goud werd vir die tuisspan by die afbreekpunte. Dit het die vuur onder sy lostrio-kollegas, Justyn Meintjies en Esdee Kotze, aangesteek, met elkeen van die drietal wat agter die doellyn gaan draai het.

Uiteindelik was dit linkervleuel, Hugo Theron, wat die kersie op die koek aangesteek het deur, met speeltyd bykans verstreke, oor te duik vir die wendrie.

Andrew Khoza, buitesenter van Kempton Park, was die besoekers se groot gevaarman. Hy het die Eldos se middeveld deurentyd beproef met skerp aanvalslyne en het sierlik tussen die pale oorgeduik vir een van die Kempies se twee drieë.

Potchefstroom Volkskool, een van vanjaar se sterk aanspraakmakers op die Bowl-titel, het tuis sy veldtog gesaghebbend afgeskop teen Bergsig Akademie. ‘n Puik spanpoging het op ‘n oortuigende sege van 40-28 uitgeloop en, soos wat die geval was in die vorige ontmoeting tussen dié twee spanne, was dit die tuisspan se Lethabo Riet (regtervleuel) en Arno Nel (heelagter) wat Bergsig laat bontstaan het agterlangs.

Riet het by twee geleenthede uitstaande stukkies aanvalswerk afgerond, terwyl Nel vir ‘n tweede keer vanjaar agter die Arende se doellyn gaan kuier het. Vir die Arende het steelkantflank, Thatano Bagwase, sy lyf op die spel geplaas in sowel die vastelos as op die verdediging.

Die verdedigende kampioen, Potchefstroom Gimnasium, het in die eerste ronde nie op hom laat wag nie en gemaklik met 47-19 met die nuweling, Hoërskool Ermelo, afgereken.

Agsteman, De Wet Grobler, was weer die uitblinker onder die Gimmie-voorspelers, met loskopstut, Jeandré Barends, kort op sy hakke. Thabo Mokwena het nietemin uitgeblink op Ermelo se linkervleuel met sy bedrieglike vaart en aanvalsvernuf wat uiteindelik tot ‘n tweekuns aan drieë gelei het.

Hoërskool Randburg moes self ‘n agterstand van 18 punte uitwis om vir Hoërskool Dinamika met 29-18 te troef.

Die Randburgers se Graad 11-slot, Phillip Rykaart, was aan die spits van die terugvegpoging met nogmaals ‘n blink vertoning met die bal in hand en is met ‘n tweekuns beloon. Heelagter, Josh Wiggett, en linkervleuel, Vino Prince, het ook dikwels hul slag op die aanval uitgestal.

Puntemakers: 

Eldoraigne 27 (5) – Drieë: Justyn Meintjies, Cameron Killian, Esdee Kotze, Hugo Theron. Doelskop: Shepang Motsomane. Strafdoel: Motsomane. Jeugland 20 (13) – Drieë: Levino Domingo, Andrew Khoza. Doelskoppe: Koketso Maphopa (2). Strafdoele: Mophopa (2).

Potchefstroom Volkskool 40 (23) – Drieë: Lethabo Riet (2), Arno Nel, Hennie Pretorius, Koan Smit. Doelskoppe: Juhan Redelinghuys (3). Strafdoele: Geldenhuys (3). Bergsig Akademie 28 (13) – Drieë: Thatano Bagwase, Alzandro dos Santos, Keabetswe Dale, Carlo de Jager. Doelskop: Bradley Stonehouse. Strafdoel: Stonehouse.

Potchefstroom Gimnasium 47 (19) – TBC. Hoërskool Ermelo 19 (7) – Drieë: Thabo Makwena (2), Janco Kleynhans. Doelskoppe; Willie Pretorius (2).

Hoërskool Randburg 29 – Drieë: Phillip Rykaart (2), Victor van Blerk, Vino Prince, Josh Wiggett. Doelskoppe: Wiggett (2). Dinamika 18 – TBC.

Ander spanne: 

o.16: Eldoraigne 41, Jeugland 0; Bergsig Akademie 14, Potchefstroom Volkskool 13; Ermelo 34, Potchefstroom Gimnasium 21; Randburg 20, Dinamika 17.

o.15: Eldoraigne 33, Jeugland 21; Bergsig Akademie 19, Potchefstroom Volkskool 14; Ermelo 22, Potchefstroom Gimnasium 17; Dinamika 26, Randburg 15.

o.14: Jeugland 47, Eldoraigne 3; Potchefstroom Volkskool 13, Bergsig Akdemie 7; Ermelo 29, Potchefstroom Gimnasium 26; Randburg 16, Dinamika 16.