Joné De Winnaar, the Paarl Gim captain, is a force on the Astro. Photo: Paarl Gim.
The Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge, which kicks off on May 1, will bring together some of the top girls’ hockey teams from across the country for three days of edge-of-your-seat competition.
The showcase, to be hosted by Paarl Gimnasium, will feature 52 teams from 20 schools competing in the u14, u16, and u19 age groups.
It’s the first edition of the tournament and teams will be battling it out for the honour of being crowned the inaugural title holders on 3 May.
The hosts, Paarl Gim, will try to ensure that the trophy doesn’t leave their precinct and adorns their cabinet, but they’ll face stiff opposition, all intent on taking the silverware with them.
We take a look at some of the u19 girls who might inspire their sides to glory:
Paarl Gim
The hosts will be led by Joné De Winnaar on the field. The Paarl captain’s leadership style is to lead by example. Her speed and technical ability make her an impactful force on attack. She is also one of the most experienced players in Gimmies‘ lineup, having played in the 1st XI since she was in grade 10. Last year, she was included in the SA u17 squad.
Paarl Gim has an outstanding defence. Players table to pierce that sound backline will still have plenty of work to do, though. Gim’s goalkeeper, Karli van Deventer, has nerves of steel. She is calm and solid in the goal box, a positive communicator, and is outstanding on first- and second-phase saves. She was also part of the SA u17 team that competed in the Mirnawan Cup, in Malaysia, in November 2024.
St Mary’s DSG, Kloof
Coach Nolwazi Nkabinde‘s side is one of the teams to beat this year, despite featuring only one grade 12 learner in their lineup. The ladies from KwaZulu-Natal have their sights on a second title in two months after winning the St Mary’s Waverley Festival trophyearlier in the month. They will be led by the industrious Nicola Forbes, that lone grade 12 player, who was judged to be the Player of theTournament at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival.
Forbes is a phenomenal midfielder, with a high work rate and the ability to control and manage the tempo of the game. She will have the outstanding Tayte Stewart helping her in the middle of the park. Stewart is a strong carrier of the ball, blessed with pace and a defence-splitting ability when distributing the ball. In 2024, she was selected for the SA u16 team and All Stars indoor hockey side.
Up front, St Mary’s DSG has the prolific Jamie da Silva. The Grade 11 learner is clinical in the circle. Her outstanding finishing made her one of the top goal scorers at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival. She is more than a finisher, though. Da Silva is skilful and extremely capable in one-on-one situations. She scored a memorable winning goal in the final against Bloemhof, at St Mary’s.
Oranje
The Free State side has two of the best defenders in the country: Marichelle Crous and Marlene Du Plessis. Both are in their second year with the first team. Crous made her debut as a Grade 8 learner. She thrives under pressure; the higher the stakes, the better she performs. She has big match temperament.
Du Plessis joined the senior side in Grade 10. Coach, Gys van Schalkwyk, says she can break lines in an unmatched fashion. Du Plessis is also a workhorse and leaves everything out on the pitch.
Waterkloof
Waterkloof’s Lenique Vogel is a dynamic and influential presence on the field. Her ability to create opportunities and drive momentum makes her an invaluable part of Waterkloof’s success.
She has already made her mark nationally, being selected for the SA u16 team in 2024, and she will be challenging for another national call-up this year.
Herschel
Hannah Henderson is one of the best leaders in schoolgirl hockey. The Herschel captain communicates with clarity and leads by example, displaying good sportsmanship and an outstanding work ethic on the field.
Spectators can expect to see her control the midfield and the tempo of the game by maintaining possession and creating chances on attack.
With an outstanding collection of talented teams in action at the Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge, these players provide only a sneak peek into the talent that will be on display. More stars will shine brightly at the hockey extravaganza.
The St Mary’s Waverley champions, St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, will be one of the leading contenders at the inaugural Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge.
Paarl will come alive when 20 of the nation’s top hockey-playing schools descend on Paarl Gimnasium for the inaugural Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge.
The tournament springs into action on 1 May and culminates with the final on 3 May.
“This highly anticipated tournament will bring together some of the top girls’ hockey teams from across the country for a weekend of thrilling competition, skill, and sportsmanship,” the event organisers said in a press release.
A total of 52 teams, across three age groups – u14, u16, and u19 – will take to the field at the hockey extravaganza.
The teams in the u19 tier have been placed into five groups, Pools A to E.
Free State powerhouse C & N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje (Oranje) is in Pool A along with Durban Girls College (DGC),Cornwall Hill, and Herschel.
The hosts, Paarl Gim, have been in good form, recently winning against both Oranje and Eunice in Bloemfontein, and they will be keen to bring joy to their home fans by clinching the trophy on home soil. They are in Pool B where they will compete with St Mary’s Waverley, Springfield, and Fairmont.
Waterkloof produced a good showing at the St Stithians Easter Festival recently, and they will be keen to carry that form forward when they meet Pearson, Stellenberg, and Somerset College in Pool C.
St Mary’s DSG Kloof has already added prestigious silverware to their cabinet this season, winning the St Mary’s Waverley title, and they will be eager to embrace the opportunity of adding the Girls Challenge trophy to their collection at the expense of another strong field, but they will have to get past St Cyprian’s, Reddam Constantia, and St Stithians College in Pool D first.
Garsfontein has enjoyed a good start to the season and will have to contend with a dangerous Collegiate side, Durbanville, and Rustenburg in Pool E for a shot at the title.
“This event marks an exciting milestone in the growth of women’s sports and reflects the increasing investment in providing more opportunities for young female athletes to shine.
“The Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge offers a chance for these talented players to perform at the highest level and make their mark on the national stage,” the organisers stated.
Chris Gibson, one of the organisers, said spectators should look forward to three days of fast-paced, high-intensity hockey matches, showcasing individual skill and team strategy.
“The Belgotex Sport Girls Challenge is more than just a tournament. It is an event that will inspire the next generation of female athletes, encourage community support for women’s sports, and create lasting memories for everyone involved,” the organising team said.
Oranje and DGC will get the tournament underway in a mouthwatering opener on Thursday morning. Despite not going all the way at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival, Oranje showed glimpses of what they are capable of producing, and DGC, with a young side, is beginning to hit their stride
Herschel and Cornwall Hill will also go head-to-head at the same time on the other field.
The curtain will come down on the first day of the competition after Collegiate plays Rustenburg, while Garsfontein and Durbanville will cross swords on the other Astro.
FIXTURES
Thursday
9:00 – Oranje vs DGC; Herschel vs Cornwall Hill 10:00 – Paarl Gim vs St Mary’s Waverley; Fairmont vs Springfield 11:00 – Stellenberg vs Somerset College; Waterkloof vs Pearson 12:00 – Reddam Constantia vs St Stithians; St Mary’s Kloof vs St Cyprian’ 13:00 – Garsfontein vs Rustenburg; Collegiate vs Durbanville 14:00 – Herschel vs DGC; Oranje vs Cornwall Hill 15:00 – St Mary’s Waverley vs Fairmont; Paarl Gim vs Springfield 16:00 – Waterkloof vs Somerset College; Pearson vs Stellenberg 17:00 – St Cyprians vs St Stithians; St Mary’s Kloof vs Reddam Constantia 18:00 – Collegiate vs Rustenburg; Garsfontein vs Durbanville.
As South Africa’s schoolboy rugby fanatics ready themselves for the biggest schoolboy rugby tournament-arguably the largest of its kind in the world -the players from the country’s most prestigious rugby schools are beginning to feel the hype.
The highly anticipated Absa Wildeklawer kicks off on 30 April at Hoërskool Diamantveld in Kimberley.
As always, ahead of this colossal clash of the titans, the team at SuperSport Schools Plushas taken the plunge and nominated five players who could not only prove to be match-winners for their sides but also emerge as standout performers at the festival.
It’s important to note that players previously featured in our Five to Watch series will not be included again, as we’ve chosen to dive deeper into the rich well of talent within our schoolboy rugby structures.
That said, players like the formidable outside centres Markus Muller and Ethan Adams will undoubtedly remain massive attractions. Paul Roos Gimnasium‘s Gert Kemp will also be poised to make their presence known in the forward battles that are set to light up the Diamonds‘ home turf.
The Pretoria boys, Hoërskool Garsfontein’s Luan van den Berg, and the Wit Bul from Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Affies), flyhalf, Ruben Groenewald, will be key players for their respective sides, facing some imposing opposition.
Nevertheless, here are this weekend’s Five to Watch:
Zingce Simka – Durban High School
Having already donned the South African Schools A jersey in 2024, Zingce Simka has cemented his reputation as one of the most promising midfielders at schoolboy level. With fierce competition, especially in the midfield, there is no stage bigger than the Wildeklawer to make a push fot the mantle of the best in the midfield.
A powerful ball-carrier and defensive cornerstone, Simka will play a critical role for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit as they face off against Stellenberg‘s Jade Brigadeand, more challengingly, against the powerhouse Paarl Gimnasium – as DHS tries to keep their unbeaten 2025 record intact.
Kai Pratt – Oakdale Landbou
Standing at 185 cm and tipping the scales at 115 kg, Oakdale Landbou‘s Kai Pratt will cut an imposing figure on the Kimberley turf.
Come scrum time, the hulking loosehead prop from the Bullewill be a tough man to shift. His clash with fellow powerhouse Luan van den Berg promises to be a standout duel when Oakdale faces Hoërskool Garsfontein on Thursday morning.
Yet, it’s Pratt’s tireless work rate – both with and without the ball – that truly elevates the Riversdal side in attack and defence.
Divan Pieters – Paarl Gimnasium
Divan Pieters, the unsung hero of Paarl Gimnasium’s backline, has been a consistent playmaker throughout the 2025 season.
Orchestrating attacks from the rear with aplomb, he has given Markus Muller and company the freedom to launch attacking forays from almost anywhere on the pitch.
His attacking prowess may go unnoticed by some spectators, but opposing defences will feel it acutely. With an uncanny ability to read the game and make high-pressure decisions appear effortless, Pieters is a silent assassin in Paarl Gim’s arsenal.
AJ Meyer – Grey College
After recently returning from injury, Grey College‘s South African Schools lock AJ Meyer has already made a major impact. Despite his side falling to Paarl Gim last week, Meyer’s presence in the physical exchanges, which brought him two tries, would have provided a massive boost to the coaches and supporters alike.
A force in the lineout and a relentless contributor in both attack and defence, Meyer brings the full package to Grey’s forward unit. Should he rally that pack effectively, Helpmekaar College could face a very long Thursday.
Tommy Muller – Paarl Boys’ High
The Paarl Boys’ High hooker has become a fixture in the famed striped jersey, seemingly never tiring. His relentless energy and high work rate have been essential to the success of the Boys’ High pack.
Muller is more than a presence in broken play. He is also a technician at set pieces. Often overlooked, lineout throwing is an art that Muller appears to have mastered, delivering pinpoint throws that allow his side to launch dangerous attacks from rugby’s most potent set piece.
Nicola van der Merwe, Sarah-Ellen Groenewald, and Pippa Viljoen helped Rhenish Girls’ High School cruise into the final of the National All Girls’ Sport and Cultural Festival on Tuesday.
Rhenish, who topped Pool A on the opening day, Monday, with four wins from four matches, carried on with that momentum when faced with two crucial fixtures on the second day.
In their first match, the aforementioned trio scored a goal each in a convincing 3-0 win over Paarl Girls’ High in the quarterfinals. Later, they eliminated the 2024 champions, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria (Affies), scoring a 2-0 semi-final victory after goals by Van der Merwe and Viljoen.
After six matches and two days of action, Rhenish had compiled a perfect record of six wins in six matches. That ensured their progress to the title game.
The Stellenbosch school celebrated three big milestones on Monday, too, when Puck Bakker played her 150th game for the 1st XI, Grace Hobbs her 100th, and Frankie Henn her 50th.
The school commented, “We are so proud of their dedication, passion, and commitment to the team. Well done, girls!”
Meanwhile, another dominant side, Collegiate, who also went four for four on day one, moved on to the final.
In the quarterfinals, they took on a resilient Rustenburg Girls’ High and scored a 2-0 win. Then, in the semi-finals, and facing Rhenish’s great Stellenbosch rivals, HMS Bloemhof, who finished as the runner-up at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival, they claimed a 2-1 victory.
A mouthwatering final is in the offing, with both teams putting together outstanding runs to the title decider. Not only was Rhenish unbeaten, but they kept a clean sheet throughout the first two days. That’s only a touch better than Collegiate, who have conceded only one goal.
The Gqeberha girls, though, scored 17 goals on day one, without reply, while Rhenish netted 14 times. Collegiate added four more goals on Tuesday, while Rhenish tacked on five.
While Affies won’t be able to defend their title on Wednesday, they’re still assured of a high finish. They beat Eunice 2-1 on Tuesday, with goals from Marise Ras and Janke Schoeman, while Clare Volschenk replied for the Bloemfontein side.
Affies will meet Bloemhof in the playoff for third place.
Oranje Meisieskool bounced back from a tight loss to Bloemhof in a quarterfinal shootout to edge out Rustenburg Girls’ High 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Imce Botha.
The victory secured them a chance to fight for a top-five spot against Eunice. Meanwhile, Wynberg Girls’ High School, registered their first win after a challenging winless run in their backyard.
The hosts sneaked a 1-0 win over Danville Park Girls’ High in a tight contest. They’ll aim to build on that good result on Wednesday.
Vanjaar se fees kry ook ‘n nuwe lagie verf danksy ‘n spinternuwe hoofborg. Dié fees sal voortaan as die Robday Bergsig-sportfees bekend staan.
Benewens ou bekendes wat terugkeer, is daar ook ‘n aantal nuwe spanne wat vir die eerste keer vanjaar in Rustenburg in aksie sal wees.
Hoërskool Witteberg van Bethlehem is een van die nuwe gesigte by vanjaar se aksiebelaaide fees en bring ‘n mate van Vrystaatse flair. Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer en Hoërskool Randburg sal albei hul storie teen dié gedugte span van die Vrystaat moet ken, met die Frikkies, wat vanjaar terugkeer, die span van Bethlehem se eerste opponente.
Die Randburgers keer ook terug om hul staal oor die twee te wys en maak op die eerste dag litte los teen Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool se derde span, die Rooiharte, voordat hulle vir Witteberg op dag twee die stryd aansê. Affies het oudergewoonte weer twee spanne wat na Rustenburg reis, met die Geel Kobras, hul vierde span, wat ook in aksie sal wees.
Gashere, Bergsig Akademie, se tweede span, beter bekend as die Bergsig Valke, is die enigste plaaslike span in aksie op die eerste dag. Dit sal egter die tafel dek vir Bergsig se eerstes, die Arende, en hul jaarlikse stryd Saterdag met Hoërskool Rob Ferreira van Witrivier.
Dié kragmeting beloof oudergewoonte, nes verlede jaar se stryd, met die Arende wat in die doodsnikke die knoop kon deurhak, om vuurwerke op te lewer en is ongetwyfeld die hoogtepunt van die tweede en laaste dag. Rob Ferreira kom in sy eerste wedstryd te staan teen Hoërskool Overkruin, wat ook nie sonder handskoene aangedurf behoort te word nie.
Bepalings:
Dag 1 – Donderdag, 1 Mei:
09:10 – Bergsig Hawks t. Hoërskool Koster 11:20 – Jim Fouché t. Dinamika 12:40 – Overkruin t. Rob Ferreira 14:00 – Hoërskool Rustenburg Oranje t. Hans Moore 15:20 – Randburg t. Affies (Rooiharte) 16:40 – Affies (Affies Geel Kobras) t. Bergsig Eagles 18:00 – Frikkie Meyer t. Witteberg
Dag 2 – Saterdag, 3 Mei:
08:00 – Hans Moore t. Jim Fouché 09:20 – Randburg t. Witteberg 10:40 – Affies (Rooiharte) t. Dinamika 11:00 – Hoërskool Rustenburg Oranje t. Affies 12:20 – Linden t. Bergsig Hawks 13:40 – Overkruin t. Frikkie Meyer 15:00 – Bergsig Eagles t. Rob Ferreira
The Paarl Gim girls’ team will be aiming to make a statement when the school hosts the Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge. Photo: JB- LookonImages
The Paarl Gimnasium girls’ first-team hockey side will enter the inaugural Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge in high spirits after recording two resounding victories against Eunice High School and Oranje Meisieskool in Bloemfontein over the past weekend.
The Western Cape girls journeyed to Bloemfontein on a mission to bounce back after their last outing, which they lost 1-2 to Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool.
Two clinical performances by coach Danelle van Zyl’s side silenced the home supporters in Bloemfontein.
On Thursday night, they took on Eunice and scored a 2-0 victory, courtesy of strikes by the experienced Isabella Nel, and youngsters, Imke Koegelenberg.
The visitors returned to action the following day in a Friday Nite Lights clash with Oranje, and it was Gim who opened the scoring in the first chukka from a tap-in at the far post from captain Joné de Winnaar.
Oranje responded with two goals in the third and fourth chukkas before Gim responded to level matters at 2-2.
It seemed that the clash would end in a draw until a late goal by the visitors, with only 30 seconds remaining in the game, sealed the win.
““Our focus on this Bloem tour was to be more clinical and process driven and to connect as a team and enjoy the game that we love so much,” coach Van Zyl told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“Our girls played their hearts out. They ran hard and played together as a team in the Eunice game.
“Against Oranje, I could see their legs were tired, but we showed some real character after being down 1-2 and coming back to win the game 3-2.”
James Chree is one of the youngsters to keep an eye on at the Hibbert Shield. Photo: Kody Klass
The annual Standard Bank Hibbert Shield presents players with an opportunity to thrust their names into the spotlight at a high-profile event that attracts widespread interest from across South Africa.
The 2025 edition of the tournament, hosted by Grey High School, in Gqeberha, runs from Wednesday, 30 April, and concludes with the final on Saturday, 3 May, at the Rectory AstroTurf.
The Hibbert Shield will be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport Schools.
While the teams have experienced players to rely upon, many also include exciting juniors who will be playing in the prestigious tournament for the first time in their careers.
In this piece, we take a look at five young players who will be out to make their mark as they step into the pinnacle of schoolboy hockey.
James Chree – Grey High School
Grey High School is known for regularly producing some of the country’s most exciting hockey talent, and James Chree is set to become the latest in that excellent production line.
In his debut season under the guidance of coach Andrew Beynon, Chree has seized the opportunity with both hands and has introduced himself in some style.
He scored a hat-trick against Paul Roos Gimnasium in a thrilling 4-4 draw in Stellenbosch earlier this month and found the back of the net in his side’s 5-1 victory over Dale College, in their most recent match.
Chree is strong defensively and makes great reads, but his biggest threat is posed at penalty corner time. His drag flicks carry serious zip, and every time he’s at the top of the D, he’s expected to score.
He also brings some indoor hockey skills to his game, which gives him an extra edge. As young as he is, Chree will cause problems for top teams.
Callum Anderson – Bishops [Diocesan College]
Bishops is on a rebuilding mission this year, and a player who has put his hand up as someone to rely on is Callum Anderson.
The grade 10 pupil can be a game-changer by taking a contest by the scruff of the neck and exerting his skills upon it. His extraordinary spatial awareness helps him read play well and take good options to drive his team forward.
Anderson has a great engine and never runs out of gas, and he makes his teammates look good by expressing himself on the turf.
He will surely add value to Bishops, who are aiming to go further than last year’s quarterfinal place.
Zayd Mohanlall – St Alban’s College
Zayd Mohanlall is a grade nine learner and is representing the St Alban’s College 1st XI for the first time this year.
He recently turned 15. Yet, even at his young age, has become an integral member of the side, which has enjoyed considerable success this season, including at the Independent Schools Hockey Festival, which the school hosted.
He has slotted in smoothly at 1st XI level and has started every game for his team, covering multiple positions.
Mohanlall’s calm and composed approach has provided stability to the team when they’ve been in possession, and he has also defended with a high level of maturity.
Ethan James – Westville Boys’ High
Westville Boys’ High hasn’t had a great start to the season, but they’re a young bunch, with some talented youngsters, and one player who has stood out early on is Ethan James.
The centre-back has been a key player for the KwaZulu-Natal side, and he is rapidly going from strength to strength as he adds experience game by game.
James possesses exceptional distribution skills, he’s athletic, loves the game, and he’s coming into his own as the season progresses. Apart from defending and distributing, he also owns a decent flick, which he is sometimes called on to exercise at penalty corner time.
Andrea Clerihew – Hoërskool Garsfontein
Hoërskool Garsfontein pulled off a massive upset at last year’s tournament when they defeated a high-flying Bishops team in the quarterfinals to progress to the last four.
There, they fell to the eventual winner, Paul Roos, and went on to finish a sterling fourth.
Garsies returns to the Hibbert Shield knowing, through their own example, that anything is possible. If they’re to match last year’s run, or even better it, one young player who’ll be crucial to their challenge will be Andrea Clerihew.
He exhibits great composure and makes good decisions. He is also a versatile player, able to play anywhere on the field.
His reading of the game has been a real asset for the Garsfontein defence, and his ability to eliminate players and connect with forwards has helped drive the Pretoria school’s counterattacks.
Recently, in a recent exclusive interview, SuperSport Schools Plusspoke with the Headmaster of Kimberley Boys’ High School, Xolile Taba, the host of the tournament, to discuss the preparations, the tournament’s origins, and its development over the years.
History of the Absa Wildeklawer Tournament
To understand the Absa Wildklawer Soccer Tournament, Taba took us back to the founding of Wildeklawer Sport in 2009, by Louis and Cora de Kock, the owners of Wildeklawer. It began with a dozen rugby teams.
With the rugby event proving to be a huge success, netball was then included. More recently, in 2022, football was added to the event, with Louis Bothawinning the inaugural Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament.
“It was one of the discussions that we had with the organisers of the tournament when they approached the school (Kimberley Boys’ High School), looking to use the facilities. It made sense because we are predominantly a soccer school. We then proposed that our school should be added to the tournament, so that our boys can also participate. That’s how the discussion started.”
Taba said he also took a hard look at rugby on the Wildeklawer website. He noted how many future Springboks developed their game at the tournament, and that led to him recognising the value of participating in the Wildeklawer Tournament.
Given the challenges associated with managing football in the country, he said he was eager to be involved in a tournament that upholds high standards of integrity. Furthermore, he acknowledged that Wildeklawer was committed to nurturing potential football players who might one day represent national teams.
“And I must say, even though we started in 2022, we already see the results, with some of the players playing in the Multichoice Diski Challenge. Some of them, from the schools that have participated in this tournament, have also been playing in the National Soccer League.”
Overcoming early challenges
Kimberley Boys’ High School Headmaster, Xolile Taba. Photo. Supplied.
Taba said that the primary obstacle for his team and the stakeholders was a fear of age cheating.
Football needed to be integrated into a system that had been functioning effectively for years without causing disruption. The critical challenge was how to conduct a legitimate tournament that aligned with the highest standards of integrity upheld by Absa Wildeklawer Sport.
Another crucial component of the challenge was which teams to invite. Without any experience of hosting a football tournament, that was new ground that had to be covered. Thus, in the beginning, teams were invited without the use of any criteria. As it gained momentum, performance became a key consideration for the qualification of sides for the tournament.
Last year, the top eight teams were automatically selected for the 2025 event, which was another reflection of the growth of the tournament.
A schools’ ranking system is also used to select the schools, which, now, also includes sides performing at the top level of South African and development football.
Taba said those challenges have been met and overcome. Now, the challenge has become which schools to leave out as top schools are eager to be a part of the prestigious event.
Growth of the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament
“In 2022 we started with eight teams, with 144 players and 16 officials, and I’m glad that we grew. In 2023, it was 16 teams, double the number. We had 288 players and 32 officials.
“Last year, we had 20 teams, and this year we are still going to be 20 teams, with 360 players and 40 officials,” Taba said.
Through livestream platforms, like SuperSport Schools, talent scouts are identifying players from the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament. This year, scouts have, once again, been invited to attend. Those unable to make it in person can watch the matches live on SuperSport Schools.
Some talented players who participated in the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament have moved on to make their mark at a higher level. They include Sechaba Gaseitsiwe, from Kimberley Boys’ High, who joined the Mamelodi Sundowns DDC Team in 2024, and Mateo Horstead, who captained Maritzburg College, and now plays for the AmaZulu DDC Team.
Sechaba Gaseitsiwea, formely a learner at Kimberley Boys’ High, turned out for Galeshewe FC during the 2024 Engen Cup Champ of Champs at Wits Mark Park, in Johannesburg. Photo. Soccer Laduma.
Sense of Community and Belonging
Taba said the tournament also helps to steer children away from crime and drugs.
It also facilitates the formation of communities among schools and administrators, fostering an exchange of ideas and strategies for organising a successful event, he added.
By learning from schools, like Victoria Park High School and Grey College, which hosts the renowned annual Nedbank Grey Soccer Tournament, Taba said valuable lessons could be learnt.
He also acknowledged the significant contribution of the Kimberley community to the success of the tournament.
Taba described the Absa Wildklawer Soccer Tournament as the main event on the schools’ calendar for Kimberley.
“It’s an event we want not only to keep but to grow as well,” he concluded.
NAME OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOL
FINAL POSITION
2024
SA SCHOOLS RANKING
CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL
1
7
GREY COLLEGE
2
1
HTS LOUIS BOTHA
3
11
KIMBERLEY BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL
4
27
PAUL ROOS GIMNASIUM
5
16
MARITZBURG COLLEGE
6
3
VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL
7
5
EMMANG MMOGO HIGH SCHOOL
8
Not ranked
NAVALSIG HIGH SCHOOL
9
12
WILDEKLAWER ACADEMY
10
Not ranked
NORKEM HIGH SCHOOL
11
31
POTCHEFSTROOM BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL
12
47
GLENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
13
29
SELBORNE COLLEGE
14
68
BREBNER HIGH SCHOOL
15
42
NORTHWOOD SCHOOL
16
41
NORTHERN ACADEMY
17
MOTSEPE NATIONAL CHAMPS.
VICTORIA PARK
18
23
REDDAM BEDFORDVIEW
19
24
JEPPE HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS
20
14
Note: Northern Academy, Victoria Park High School, Reddam House Bedfordview, and Jeppe High School for Boys are the newcomers to the Absa Wilderklawer Soccer Tournament.
Positions 1 to 16 reflect last year’s final rankings.
GROUPS
Group A
Kimberley Boys’ High School, Potchefstroom High School for Boys, Paul Roos Gimnasium, Glenwood High School, Wildeklawer Academy
Group B
Clapham High School, Norkem Park High School, Emmang Mmogo, Northwood School, Northern Academy
Group C
HTS Louis Botha, Victoria Park High School, Virginia High School, Reddam House Bedfordview, Brebner High School
Group D
Grey College, Jeppe High School for Boys, Maritzburg College, Navalsig High School, Selborne College
FIXTURES
Wednesday, 30 April
SPU 1 – 14:00 – Kimberely Boys’ High vs Wildeklawer
SPU 1 – 15:00 – Victoria Park High School vs Brebner
SPU 1 – 16:00 – Paul Ross vs Glenwood
SPU 1 – 17:00 – Virginia High School vs Reddam House
SPU 2 – 14:00 – Norkem vs Northern Academy
SPU 2 – 15:00 – Jeppe High School for Boys vs Selborne College
SPU 2 – 16:00 – Emang Mmogo vs Northwood School
SPU2 – 17:00 – Maritzburg College vs Navalsig
Thursday, 1 May
SPU 1 – 08:30 – Potchefstroom vs Wildeklawer
SPU 1 – 09:30 – HTS Louis Botha vs Brebner
SPU 1 – 10:30 – Potchefstroom vs Paul Ross
SPU 1 – 11:30 – Victoria Park High School vs Virginia High
SPU 1 – 13:30 – Kimberley Boys’ High School vs Glenwood
SPU 1 – 14:30 – HTS Louis Botha vs Reddam House
SPU 1 – 15:30 – Wildeklawer vs Paul Roos
SPU 1 – 16:30 – Brebner vs Virginia High
SPU 1 – 18:00 – Kimberley Boys’ High School vs Paul Ross
SPU 1 – 19:00 – HTS Louis Botha vs Virginia High School
SPU 1 – 20:00 – Glenwood vs Potchefstroom
SPU 2 – 08:30 – Clapham High School vs Northern Academy
SPU 2 – 09:30 – Grey College vs Selborne College
SPU 2 – 10:30 – Norkem vs Emang Mmogo
SPU 2 – 11:30 – Jeppe High School for Boys vs Maritzburg College
SPU 2 – 13:00 – Clapham High School vs Northwood School
SPU 2 – 14:30 – Grey College vs Navalsig
SPU 2 – 15:30 – Northern Academy vs Emang Mmogo
SPU 2 – 16:30 – Selborne College vs Maritzburg College
SPU 2 – 18:00 – Clapham High School vs Emang Mmogo
SPU 2 – 19:00 – Grey College vs Maritzburg College
SPU 2 – 20:00 – Northwood School vs Norkem
Friday, 2 May
SPU 1 – 08:30 – Reddam House vs Victoria Park High School
SPU 1 – 09:30 – Kimberley Boys’ High School vs Potchefstroom
SPU 1 – 10:30 – HTS Louis Botha vs Victoria Park High School
SPU 1 – 11:30 – Glenwood vs Wildeklawer
SPU 1 – 12:30 – Reddam House vs Brebner
SPU 2 – 08:30 – Navalsig vs Jeppe High School for Boys
SPU 2 – 09:30 – Clapham High School vs Norkem
SPU 2 – 10:30 – Grey College vs Jeppe High School for Boys
SPU 2 – 11:30 – Northwood School vs Northern Academy
SPU 2 – 12:30 – Navalsig vs Selborne College
4 Pools of 5 Pools Teams (Top 2 in Pool proceed to quarterfinals)
SPU 1 – 15:30 – Winner Pool A vs Runner-up Pool B
SPU 1 – 16:30 – Winner Pool B vs Runner-up Pool A
SPU 2 – 15:30 – Winner Pool C vs Runner-up Pool D
SPU 2 – 16:30 – Winner Pool D vs Runner-up Pool C
Saturday, 3 May
Semifinals
SPU 1 – Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 4
SPU 2 – Winner Match 2 vs Winner Match 4
GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 24: Jean Erasmus and Riley Norton during the South Africa national men’s U20 rugby team photocall session at Southern Sun The Marine on April 24, 2025 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Huggard/Gallo Images)
Former SA u18 lock and national age-group cricketer Riley Norton will captain the Junior Springboks against Argentina in the opening round of the Rugby Championship u20 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Thursday.
This clash, which kicks off at 16:10, is the second match of a double-header at the stadium. The encounter will be preceded by the game between the defending champions, New Zealand, and Australia, which will open the tournament at 14:00.
Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote has selected an exciting match-23 for the clash with the Pumitas, who gave their SA U20 counterparts a tough time last year in the inaugural tournament staged in Australia.
The Junior Bok starting fifteen includes the likes of Norton, Wandile Mlaba, a member of last year’s Junior Bok squad, and the 2024 SA Schools and SA u18 captain, Sethu Mnebelele, amongst the forwards.
The backs feature exciting players such as Blitzbok Gino Cupido and Cheswill Jooste on the wings and Kyle Smith at flyhalf. Utility forward Batho Hlekani and outside back JC Mars are amongst the replacements who are expected to make an impact off the bench.
Foote said his team had a good time preparing for the opening clash in the Friendly City.
“The weather is great, and our hosts have been fantastic, which has given us a lot of energy in our training,” said Foote.
“What stands out for me is the intent and joy of the players; the smiles on their faces tell me they are confident, excited, and see this opportunity to represent our country as a huge privilege.”
The Junior Bok coach added that the eagerness and competition amongst squad members made selection a tough exercise.
“Our squad selection for this first game was difficult because there are so many talented guys, which speaks volumes about our depth,” said Foote.
“We’ve decided on a more settled pack – there’s only one change in the pack from our last training match against Hamilton’s, with our captain, Riley Norto,n coming into the starting lineup after a slight injury.”
According to Foote this shows the forwards have momentum, and he mentioned the synergy they showed against Hamilton’s will give them a good platform upfront, while the backs also excite the coach.
“Amongst our backs, we have welcomed back Haashim Pead at scrumhalf with his experience,” said Foote. “Like Riley, he also had a niggle, which is why he didn’t play in the last training match. There’s also Gino, who comes into the squad after making his Blitzbok debut recently, and JC Mars is also included.”
Foote said they are aware of the huge challenge against the strong South American group: “We’ve done our homework and know what Argentina is going to bring to the game. We understand and respect their passion, and they are also looking forward to this opportunity to play for their country. We have a lot of respect for the Argentinians around their contact and set play, and we are looking forward to playing against them.
“Speaking on behalf of the players and the staff, we are proud to wear the Springbok on our hearts and represent this country. We are hoping for a great crowd and to play an exciting brand of rugby that represents South Africa,” added Foote.
Tickets are priced at R20 per person and will be available at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ticket office or online from Webtickets.
Junior Springboks team to face Argentina in Gqeberha:
SACS captain Jo Le Roux is one of the players to watch at the Hibbert Shield. Photo: Ray Chaplin Photography
The Standard Bank Hibbert Shield, to be hosted by Grey High School in Gqeberha, from Wednesday, 30 April, will feature some of the country’s best players in action.
The tournament, which concludes on Saturday, 3 May, features the strongest lineup of any schoolboy hockey event in South Africa.
It promises entertaining matchups and competitive action in the battle for the prestigious shield.
Paul Roos Gimnasiumis the defending champion, and they’ll be aiming for a fourth title and their third in succession. However, with the level of competition rising, it won’t be smooth sailing.
There will be an abundance of talent on display at the Rectory AstroTurf. We take a look at five senior players you should keep an eye on.
Jo Le Roux – SACS
While many SuperSport Schools Hockey readers would’ve expected to see a different name under SACS, Jo Le Roux is the man we’ve chosen to highlight.
The SACS skipper has come into his own over the past two seasons and is playing some great hockey with the added responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband.
He’s made a good start to the season and led his troops to an unbeaten run on their international tour to The Netherlands last month.
Le Roux is also one of many versatile players in the SACS camp and can operate in different positions, from centre-back to midfield, and on the wing when needed.
He’s calm in defence, composed and encouraging when lifting his teammates, and a reliable threat at the top of the D, with his drag flicking.
Winning the Hibbert Shield requires teamwork, and Le Roux will need to be at his best and lead from the front to give his side a chance at glory.
Aidan Blatch – St Stithians College
Not much has been said about St Stithians College ahead of the Hibbert Shield, and the boys from Johannesburg will like that.
They’ll enter the tournament as underdogs, but they have some fantastic players who will be aiming to make their mark against top opposition.
One of those players is Aidan Blatch. The lanky, strong, and powerful forward is a force to be reckoned with and will cause problems for any team going up against Saints.
Blatch is a serial threat; he flicks well, has a powerful shot, and can turn the tide of a game in an instant. His ability to find spaces also makes him dangerous. Teams should be wary of this fellow.
Uyanda Dlamini – Maritzburg College
Maritzburg College will be making its debut at the Hibbert Shield, and they’re one of those sides that could cause several upsets.
Under the leadership of Uyanda Dlamini, the boys from Pietermaritzburg have enjoyed a steady rise this season after a stuttering start to their campaign.
Credit for their early-season success must go to Dlamini, who is another key player to watch at the Rectory AstroTurf.
He is calm and unrelenting, and his desire to win translates into his leadership. He has silky hands and a change of speed to go with it, which makes him one of the most dangerous players in the country.
Based on their current form, College is a dark horse contender at Hibbert after impressing at the KES Easter Hockey Festival and, most recently, beating Pretoria Boys High 2-1 on the weekend. Dlamini will spearhead their challenge.
Kiano Broadhurst – Grey High School
In a tournament like the Hibbert Shield where anything can happen, goalkeepers have a crucial role to play. They’re usually busier than they are at most other times of the season.
That’s why Kiano Broadhurst features in this list because he will be crucial for the home side if they are to go all the way and win their first title on home turf since 2019.
The South African u17 goalkeeper featured for Grey in last year’s event in which his side went out in the semifinals against SACS after a penalty shootout. He would’ve taken lessons from that game and worked on his one-on-one saves.
In his last two outings for Grey, he conceded just one goal in a 5-1 win over Dale College while he kept a clean sheet against Pearson High School. Forwards, links, and wings are often game-changers, but coaches will state the obvious when they tell you that a good goalkeeper is a must-have. Backed up by sound defenders, Broadhurst won’t be beaten easily, that’s for sure.
Neilyandro van Schalkwyk – Grey College
Grey College has put together an impressive start to the season under the tutelage of head coach Dalan Phillips, who joined them this year from Pearson High School.
Phillips hasn’t changed much and has taken charge of a team that includes many players who featured in 2024, including Neilyandro van Schalkwyk.
Affectionately known as “Neli” by Grey’s parents, Van Schalkwyk is a key player in the new structure and the manner of play that Phillips has introduced to the boys from Bloemfontein.
He might not be one of the top goalscorers, but he makes his presence felt in midfield with strong carries, powerful runs, and big tackles. He shines and contributes to his team alongside other key performers, including Matthias Visser, captain Andrew Koupis, and Waldo Konig.
Grey heads into the tournament off the back of a 2-4 loss against Paarl Gimnasium, so they’ll be looking to bounce back quickly at the Hibbert Shield.
