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Two of the league’s most improved teams, Kaizer Chiefs and TS Galaxy, are set to meet at Naturena Village on Sunday in the 17th round of fixtures in the 2024 Gauteng Development League (GDL).

Coach David Mathebula‘s Chiefs’ under-19 side has lost only one league match this season, and they currently occupy second position in the standings. They finished the 2023 GDL season in third place.

Mathebula has been hard at work with his charges and that hard work is paying dividends as the likes of Mpho Khethang have taken the division by storm, dominating opposition defenders.

Mathebula’s team has been consistent and has produced highly attractive possession-based football.

They’ve also maintained their intensity, tempo and hunger throughout the first half of the season, which was something that did not happen in 2023.

TS Galaxy, meanwhile, have earned themselves the moniker of the league’s “Giant Slayers”. 

They currently sit fifth on the log, with seven victories, four draws, and five losses in 16 matches thus far. That position is two better than where they finished the 2023 season.

Last season, Galaxy was unbeaten against Chiefs. They were, in fact, the only team to achieve that feat.

Head-to-Head
Chiefs 1-2 Galaxy 28 October 2023
Chiefs 1-2 Galaxy 10 June 2023
Chiefs 3-1 Galaxy 17 September 2022

Will Galaxy keep the ‘Giant Slayers’ tag, or will Chiefs flip the script on Sunday?

Due to the Engen Knockout Qualifiers this weekend in the Gauteng region, Chiefs and Galaxy will be the last GDL teams to do battle ahead of the school break.

The league will resume on 13 July as players, coaches, and officials, take a well-deserved break after a gruelling first half of the season.

Youth football and schools’ football tournaments play an important role and have a positive influence on the growth of the beautiful game in South Africa.

These events, held across South Africa, are continually evolving and providing young players with platforms to exhibit their skills, while also encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

The tournaments, furthermore, also foster a sense of community within the football fraternity, offering the youth opportunities for interaction and to live their dreams.

An exemplary example of this is the Siphiwe Tshabalala Soccer Tournament, organised by the Siphiwe Tshabalala Foundation.

This year’s event, which is now into its ninth edition, is anticipated to be larger than ever before and it has attracted national attention, with teams from other regions of South Africa eager to participate in it.

It runs from 15 June to 7 July, with the finals taking place at the Kgotso Grounds in Soweto, which will play host to all of the matches.

The event caters for both boys and girls, with the boys competing in u15, u17, and u20 divisions, and the girls’ competition happening in the u15 and u20 age groups.

When it began, the tournament featured eight teams from Soweto. Now it has expanded beyond the borders of the Gauteng province.

The Siphiwe Tshabalala Soccer Tournament has unearthed some talented performers, including Mfundo Vilakazi, who was awarded a professional contract earlier this year by Kaizer Chiefs after making his mark within the development structures of the Kaizer Chiefs Reserve Multichoice Team and the Gauteng Development League team.

Siphesihle Tati and Mduduzi Shabalala are also currently on the books of Chiefs. Ayanda Ntshanga is another former tournament participant who has gone on to greater things. He is now with Mamelodi Sundowns.

In 2023, the stakes were high, with the backing of sponsors, such as FutureLife, and live streaming from SuperSport Schools. A record 1 800 players took part in the event.

Recap of the 8th edition of the Siphiwe Tshabalala Soccer Tournament 

u20 Division

Khenza Football Club (KFC) won the u20 division, led by their coach Karabo Mkhabela, who was hailed as the Coach of the Tournament.

Yugun Fredericks, from KVK Academy, and Siyanqoba Moleane, from KFC, shared the Top Goal Scorer Award, each netting five times.

Teboho Ramokapela, from FC Basil, was recognised as the Player of the Tournament, while Orabile Pinto, of FC Basil, showcased exceptional shot-stopping skills and was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

u17 Division

The Citizens dominated the u17 division and secured three awards. Masiya Siyabonga was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Thabang Sabeko emerged as the Top Goal Scorer, and their coach, Amo Motloung, was named the Coach of the Tournament.

Ladies’ Division

Orlando Ladies emerged victorious after a 4-3 penalty shootout win following a goalless draw against Thunderstorm Ladies.

Thunderstorm Ladies’ coach Peter Mafa picked up the Coach of the Tournament Award, while Thuli Ndaba was named the Player of the Tournament. Nonhlanhla Muhale, the goalkeeper of the winning team, Orlando Ladies, was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

u15 Division

Soweto Shining Stars edged out Phiri Winter Roses in a penalty shootout, securing a 3-1 victory from the spot after neither team scored in regulation time.

Lesego Reginald Lethoko, from Soweto Shining Stars, was awarded the title of Coach of the Tournament, while Rendani Sediki was recognised as the Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Ntokozo Hlophe claimed the Top Goal Scorer award.

The {layer of the Tournament honour was bestowed upon Kutlwano Noka, from Winter Roses.

SIPHIWE TSHABALALA FIXTURES, KHOTSO GROUNDS (PHIRI) SOWETO

15 June, Saturday 

10:00 – u15, KVK vs Lawley Atlanta (Group D)
11:00 – u20, Orlando Preston Brothers vs Soweto Real Thunders (Group M)
12:30 – u17, Euphoria United vs KVK (Group C)
13:30 – u20 Roodeport Young Masters vs Euphoria United (Group J)
15:00 – u20, SGS vs Orlando West Academy (Group F)

16 June Sunday

10:00 – u15, Zola Seven Stars vs Mapetla Barcelona (Group E)
11:00 – u20, Soweto Stars vs Abafana Be Style (Group O)
12:30 – u20, Izinja Zase Zamblor vs Pimville Young Stars (Group K)
14:00 – u20, Northern Brothers vs Chiawelo Juventus (Group A)

17 June Monday

10:00 – u15, Mapetla Young United vs Soweto Shining Stars (Group A)
11:00 – u15, Phiri Saint German vs Molapo United (Group H)
12:00 – u17, Zola Seven Stars vs Mapetla Young United (Group A)
13:00 – u20, George Best More vs Nicaragua (Group D)
14:30 – u20, Dube Continental vs Soweto Academy (Group C)

The Soweto Basketball Academy hosts the Soweto Basketball Uprising Tournament, the largest basketball tournament in the southern region of Johannesburg, and one of the largest in South Africa, from Friday.

The tournament has been organised in memory of the 16 June 1976 Soweto Uprising.

It takes place at the Jabavu Basketball Centre, the Klipspruit Sports Centre, and the Morrison Isaacson High School in Soweto, and runs from 14 to 17 June.

Morris Isaacson High School is the most famous school in Soweto, renowned for its history and alumni. It’s located where the Soweto Uprising of 1976 began, and it is the only school in Soweto with indoor and outdoor basketball courts.

The Soweto Basketball Centre is an iconic basketball facility and was one of the first to be built in the township. It is situated along the route of the 16 March 1976 Soweto Uprising march and is a stone’s throw away from Morris Isaacson High School.

With an indoor court and two outdoor courts, the Klipspruit Sports Centre is a state-of-the-art sports facility, which has grown to become the number one choice for elite basketball games in Johannesburg

Monwabisi Dlamini, the founder of the Soweto Basketball Academy, commented: “Basketball has become the most rapidly expanding sport in townships, urban areas, and private schools, guaranteeing a generation that loves basketball.”

In a recent press statement, he said the event’s goal was not only to serve as a tournament but to transform it into a festival featuring performances and entertainment by top South African artists.

The event also includes basketball awards, NBA2K stalls, basketball movie screenings, food stalls, and more.

Dlamini said the 2023 edition of the tournament was the largest yet, with sponsorships from Puma and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture.

Last year’s coverage of the tournament was provided by streamers, including SuperSport Schools and Soweto TV, and NBA Africa also backed the event, too.

“We wish to see our 2024 edition bigger and much better than all the previous ones,” he said.

“We wish to grow our tournament to attract all the best u14 and u18 basketball teams in South Africa, and international teams to come play and compete for the ultimate championship. We believe that this tournament has the potential to be the biggest tournament in Africa,” Dlamini wrote in a recent press statement.

The partners of the 2024 Soweto Basketball Uprising Tournament include Puma, Jr. NBA, the Johannesburg Basketball Association and the City of Joburg

Puma has been the technical sponsor of the past three Soweto Basketball Uprising tournaments, and they serve as a primary partner for the festival this year.

Another welcome partner is the Jr NBA League, Dlamini said: “We will be partnering with the Jr NBA League for yet another 16 June Basketball Clinic. We have hosted this clinic with NBA Africa for the past two years in Soweto.”

Dlamini also said he was thankful for the support of the Johannesburg Basketball Association. “We have been granted endorsement by the Johannesburg Basketball Association, which is the mother body for basketball in our region,” Dlamini said. “This endorsement gives us the confidence that our festival is approved by the association.”

He also thanked the City of Johannesburg for their backing. “We have had a great relationship with the City of Johannesburg with our programme. They have committed to assisting us with our Joint Operation Committee application and will also be giving us Klipspruit Sports Centre for the festival duration,” Dlamini said.

Tournament Format

“Our festival will start on Friday the 14th of June, where we will be having an official tournament opening ceremony. This opening will be done through a dance spectacle for the spectators and then followed by a welcoming ceremony.

“Thereafter the Soweto Basketball Academy will play opening games for both boys’ and girls’ u18. Games will continue from 15 June.”

Dlamini wrote: “On the 16th of June we will have a basketball clinic in the morning for all of our u14 Jr NBA players.

He continued: “Our u14 category will host a total of 32 teams (16 boys’ and 16 girls’ teams). With this category, the format will be a knockout, where each team will play to make it to the next round, until we get to the final and crown a champion.

“Our u18 category will host a total of 32 teams (16 girls’ and 16 boys’ teams),” he added. 

Special Awards – Soweto Basketball Lifetime Achievement Award

Dlamini also spoke about the Soweto Basketball Lifetime Achievement Award, which honours those who have played an active role in growing basketball in South Africa.

Dlamini said: “In the past year we have honoured three legends, namely Mr Jackie Masenya, Ms Nonhlanhla Sithole and Mr Henry Nkosi.

“This year will not be any different as we will be honoring more basketball legends. This award is, in fact, the very first of its kind for South African basketball, and we strongly believe that this is an extremely important part of our festival.”

Boys’ u18 (Tsietsi Mashinini Conference)

Group A

Soweto Basketball Academy
Montana Vikings
Next Level
MSD Wolves
Ignite Academy

Group B

Kings Academy
Jozi Stars
Katlehong Bulls
Mangaung Knights
Moletsane Kings

Girls’ u18 (Winnie Mandela Conference)

Group A

Soweto Basketball Academy
Katlehong Bulls
Mangaung Knights
Basketball Cougars

Group B

Alex Basketball Academy
Kings Academy
Soweto Rising Owl
MSD Wolves

Die Goudstad het sy vere reggeskud vir sy grootste Afrikaanse interskole-wedstryd.

Dis weer daardie tyd van die jaar waar die Hoërskool Randburg en Hoërskool Linden mekaar die stryd aansê. Die twee skole se eerstespanne pak mekaar om 19:00 op Randburg se hoofveld.

Al die kragmeting word regstreeks op SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com) uitgesaai.

Albei skole het die afgelope paar jaar genoeg rede gehad om oor hul rugby te glimlag. Randburg het laas in 2016 teen Linden in die twee spanne se interskole die knie gebuig, terwyl Linden in 2023 sy tweede Springbok in Jean Kleyn opgelewer het.

Kleyn wat voorheen ook internasionale rugby vir Ierland gespeel het, was ‘n lid van die Springbok-span wat as wêreldkampioen verlede jaar in Frankryk gekroon is. Die skool se eerste Springbok was die heelagter, Thinus Delport. Boonop is nog ‘n oud-leerling, Morné van den Bergh, in die nuutste bok-groep van Rassie Erasmus ingesluit.

Randburg sal vanjaar weer as die gunsteling op die veld draf. Die span word deur Francois Vosloo en Etienne Engelbrecht gebrei. Vosloo het voorheen in sy afrigtingsloopbaan ook vir Linden afgerig.

Randburg het boonop ‘n Wiggett in sy geledere met Josh Wiggett wat op regtervleuel diens doen. Sy pa, Hennie Wiggett, was self ‘n blitsige rugbyspeler wat vir Transvaal se seniorspan uitgedraf het.

Hennie was ook natuurlik ‘n staatmaker op buitesenter vir Randburg se span wat in 1990 as kampioen van die Direkteurstrofee gekroon is. Waarskynlik Randburg se beste span in die skool se geskiedenis. Randburg het destyds vir Lichtenburg met 14-6 in die eindstryd verslaan.

Die uitvoerende hoof van ProVantage, Jacques du Preez, het op daardie dag ook ‘n sleutelrol vir Randburg vanaf die kant van die skrum vertolk. ProVantage sien om na die SDC Noordvaal Cup se kommersiële regte.

Linden wat deur Martin Henning en Ruan Basson afgerig word is stadig maar seker weer besig om rugbyprogram rigting te gee.

Die span het boonop ‘n Francois Steyn op losskakel so sake kan nie te sleg gaan nie. Steyn is ook sy span se kaptein.

Die spanne is: 

Hoërskool Randburg: 15 Francois Groenewald, 14 Josh Wiggett, 13 Hendré Breet, 12 Zander Drake, 11 Charl le Roux, 10 Quinton Fillies, 9 Jayden Todd, 8 Duncan Beaven (kaptein), 7 Jean Venter, 6 Herman Goosen, 5 Willie Lindeque, 4 Tristan Nel, 3 Malan van Heerden, 2 Diedelof Fourie, 1 Gustav Vorster.

Hoërskool Linden: 15 Sandile Gumede, 14 Zander Fourie, 13 Etienne Fouché, 12 Aidan Mans, 11 Jeandré Müller, 10 Francois Steyn (kaptein), 9 Ruan Erasmus, 8 Ayden Davel, 7 Keatin Carlse, 6 Dylan Fourie, 5 Lincoln Engelbrecht, 4 Eric Beyl, 3 Ryan Nel, 2 Zackie Crow, 1 Xander Oelofse.

Bepalings: 

19:00 | o.19A
17:30 | o.16A
16:20 | o.15A
15:10 | o.19B
14:00 | o.14A

“Keeping the main thing, the main thing,” will be the message echoed in the changing room by Kingswood College head coach, José Smith when his side makes a short trip to take on St Andrew’s College in the annual K-Day showdown in Makhanda on Thursday night.

Kingswood enters the match seeking revenge after they were beaten 1-0 in last year’s encounter.

The big game kicks off at 18:30 and will be played on the Webster AstroTurf at St Andrew’s.

Catch all the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

When Smith assumed responsibility as head coach of the first team earlier this year, one of his goals was to change the team’s style of play and introduce his philosophy.

In his first-ever coaching role, he took over the reins from Director of Hockey and current first team girls’ coach, Jason Maclachlan, who had an impressive run with the side, which recorded some eye-catching results in 2023.

Coach Smith’s first order of business was joining forces with his assistant coach, Asithi Nama. Together, they have worked hard to put out a strong side that’s given a good account of itself this season.

They opened their campaign at the Belgotex Tony Godding Festival in East London in March. There, the team from Makhanda won three out of their four matches, beating Merrifield College 4-0, Linden 4-0 and Witteberg High School 1-0. They also drew 2-2 with Komani’s Queen’s College.

Soon after, they headed to the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Festival in Cape Town, where they placed an impressive 10th out of 40 schools.

In April, Kingswood hosted a Co-Ed Festival, where they recorded a 3-0 win over Glenwood House and beat Oakhill School 4-0. They were, however, handed a 0-3 loss by a tough Somerset College team.

Since that tournament, Kingswood has been in prolific form. They’ve won their last five matches, scoring 17 goals while conceding only three in those games. Just last Friday, they defeated Dale College 1-0 in Qonce.

“With it being my first year of coaching, I am beyond content with the performance and success of the team,” Smith told SuperSport Schools Plus ahead of K-Day.

“In all, we’ve played 25 games so far and we have lost only five.

“Not many coaches can build a team that can produce stats like the ones Ms. Nama and I have in only five months at the school.”

In St Andrew’s, the visitors will face a side that started the season like a house on fire, then lost a little momentum, but have again found their best form.

Their last three fixtures have all been against tough Eastern Cape opponents.

In late May, they hosted the dangerous Grey High, clearly one of the best teams in South Africa in 2024 and went down 1-2 in that clash.

Coach Dean Ferreira‘s troops then travelled to face Selborne College, another of 2024’s leading teams, in East London and played to a 1-1 draw.

They’ll enter the clash confident after recording a hard-fought 2-1 win over Queen’s College in Komani last Friday.

Smith says they’re wary of the threats posed by their rivals. “It is a known fact that St Andrew’s College is a hockey school,” he said.

“They play a structured game. To say their basics are good is an understatement.

“However, these are all things that I’ve known over the years. We have not played a fixture against St Andrew’s before our game this week, and I have not had a chance to watch them play this year.

“With that said, we are approaching this game with the same mindset and intensity as every other game.”

The Kingswood side is led by Joshua Hufkie, who is set to represent the Eastern Province u18A side at the SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein.

Gary Woods serves as the side’s vice-captain. Meanwhile, Andrew Woods, Josh Loon, Jack Collett, and Ethan Alt have been earmarked as Kingswood players to keep an eye on.

Smith says those four have not only improved this season, but they continue to win the mental game and show up consistently for their teammates.

They will need to do that and then some on Thursday as they go in search of a victory.

The KwaZulu-Natal Inland u18 boys’ team returns to the annual SASHOC National Week, to be played in Bloemfontein from 16 to 21 June, intent on improving on their sixth-place finish of last year. They were third in 2022.

The Damian Kimfley-coached outfit is in Pool B, along with Southern Gauteng A, KZN Coastal A, Northern Gauteng A, Southern Free State A and Eastern Province A. That’s a tough lineup.

They begin their campaign with a contest against Northern Gauteng A on Sunday afternoon. The KZN team defeated the highveld side 1-0 last year, on their way to an overall record of four wins, two losses and a single draw.

Their campaign was held together by the goal-scoring abilities of Nicholas Chantler and captain, Wian Liebenberg, who scored seven goals between them. Chantler, with four, was the team’s leading scorer. Overall, KZN Inland finished with a total of 13 goals scored and nine conceded.

Kimfley hopes that Grant Bridgeford will use his experience to direct the defence. The Hilton College learner was a part of the KZN Inland u18 team last year and represented the SA U17 team in Malaysia in late 2023.

“The selection is a tough process with us having a small pool of players to pick from. But the selectors and I were very deliberate in how we picked the team, with boys having tactical and technical proficiency,” Kimfley said.

KZN Inland’s last line of defence will be filled by another experienced young man. Like Bridgeford, goalkeeper Nicholas Holmes was part of the KZN Inland u18 team last year and a member of the SA u17 team that finished as the runners-up at the Mirnawan Cup.

Kimfley is known for building teams that play attacking and entertaining hockey. This year, the KZN Inland coach is blessed with the talents of his Hilton College captain, Jared Kitto. Skilled and experienced, he shares the same range of experience as Bridgeford and Holmes. His spatial awareness and creative gameplay in the midfield will be a boon for the KZN side.

The KZN Inland captain will form a middle-of-the-astro partnership with Ipeleng Mosupye, who is enjoying a good season with Maritzburg College.

“We also made sure that we have a good penalty corner team in terms of injectors, two or more flickers and stoppers. That left us short at last year’s IPT,” Kimfley explained.

Uyanda Dlamini will spearhead the KZN Inland attack. The 17-year-old scored a solitary goal when he turned out for the provincial side last year. Kimfley hopes that the teenager will be in good form and that he’ll be able to use his experience up front.

While positive in perspective, Kimfley is quick to point out that his team has a bit of a mountain to climb. “We are aware it’s going to be extremely tough, seeing as we are in the Group of Death, where there are just A teams. This is a challenge on its own.

“Everybody in the tournament wants to leave with a medal. So, we will try to compete and play entertaining hockey,” he concluded.

Cohesion should not be an issue for the KZN Inland u18A team. The squad features eight players from Hilton College, seven players from Maritzburg College and one from Michaelhouse. There will be a lot of familiar combinations in the side.

KZN Inland U18 team: Nicholas Holmes (Maritzburg College), Dane Jackson (Maritzburg College), Murray Loughor-Clark (Hilton College), Grant Bridgeford (Hilton College), Jayden Roux (Hilton College), Joshua Julius (Hilton College), Kadin Jenkins (Maritzburg College), Uyanda Dlamini (Maritzburg College), Reagan Madua (Hilton College), Ipeleng Mosupye (Maritzburg College), Jarred Kitto (Hilton College), Banele Dlamini (Maritzburg College), Tinotendo Hove (Hilton College), Masud Dakile (Hilton College), Julian Konigkramer (Maritzburg College), Gordon Deutscher (Michaelhouse)

The Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool from Pretoria is once again the champion of Gauteng in the DStv Schools Challenge.

The team from Pretoria is therefore a step closer to defending their national title. Affies defeated Menlopark by 27-23 in a closely contested clash on Saturday at Hoërskool Florida in Roodepoort.

Menlopark won the clash earlier between the two schools in the Jubilee league by 31-30. The Parkies also enjoyed a narrow lead of 7-6 after the first quarter in the Gauteng final.

Affies managed to claw back in the second quarter to make sure the teams rest with the score deadlocked at 12-all.

In the third quarter, Affies found their third gear and managed to build up a 21-16 lead.

Bianca Lubbe (goal shooter), Anja Roux (wing defence) and Anouk Janse van Rensburg (wing attack) produced exhilarating performances for the champions.

The national tournament of the DStv Schools Challenge will take place on 12 and 13 July this year. Affies have been crowned champions a total of seven times (2001, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2023) since the inaugural tournament back in 1998. It was then still known as the SA Top Schools tournament.

Affies booked their place in the Gauteng final with a 36-18 victory over Waterkloof, while Menlopark defeated Garsfontein by 29-24 in the other semi-final. These four teams from Pretoria will also be the four Botho representatives from Gauteng at the DStv Schools Challenge.

Waterkloof defeated Garsfontein by 25-24 in the play-off for the third and fourth position.

All the Results | u19

Group A: Helpmekaar 25, Dinamika 15; Transvalia 30, Soshanguve East 6; Helpmekaar 18, Transvalia 14; Dinamika 31, Soshanguve East 6; Helpmekaar 39, Soshanguve East 6; Dinamika 23, Transvalia 22.

Group B: Marais Viljoen 21, Randpark Ridge 17; Randpark Ridge 33, Moshate 11; Marais Viljoen 30, Moshate 8.

Group C: Menlopark 48, Edenvale 15; Edenvale 18, Thatulwazi 5; Menlopark 53, Thatulwazi 4.

Group D: Kempton Park 44, Raphela 5; Affies 37, Kempton Park 10; Affies 78, Raphela 2.

Group E: Garsfontein 31, Brandwag (Benoni) 12; Brandwag (Benoni) 21, Linden 17; Garsfontein 29, Linden 13.

Group F: Montana 41, Vosloorus 7; Florida 25, Vosloorus 4; Montana 24, Florida 23.

Group G: Noordheuwel 22, Trinityhouse Rand Park 10; Noordheuwel 21, Waterkloof 20; Waterkloof 28, Trinityhouse Rand Park 13.

Group H: Monument 24, Heidelberg Volkskool 13; Monument 36, Sikhululekile 7; Heidelberg Volkskool 28, Sikhululekile 10.

Round of 16: Helpmekaar 27, Rand Park 13; Marais Viljoen 27, Edenvale 18; Menlopark 27, Kempton Park 14; Affies 41, Brandwag (Benoni) 5; Garsfontein 31, Florida 11; Waterkloof 27, Montana 22; Noordheuwel 27, Heidelberg Volkskool 13; Monument 28, Dinamika 21.

Quarterfinals: Menlopark 37, Helpmekaar 17; Affies 40, Marais Viljoen 14; Garsfontein 29, Noordheuwel 13; Waterkloof 30, Monument 20.

Play-Offs: Noordheuwel 19, Helpmekaar 17; Marais Viljoen 30, Monument 29.

Semi-Finals: Menlopark 29, Garsfontein 24; Affies 36, Waterkloof 18.

3/4: Waterkloof 25, Garsfontein 24; 5/6: Noordheuwel 30, Marais Viljoen 25.

Final: Affies 27, Menlopark 23.

Correcting the wrongs of 2023 will be the main item on the agenda for the Northern Gauteng u18A boys’ side when they kick off their 2024 SASHOC National Week campaign in Bloemfontein this coming weekend.

They’ve been drawn in Pool B and will face KZN Inland A in their opening match on Sunday, 16 June at 12:45.

The University of the Free State, St Andrew’s School, St Michael’s School for Girls, Grey College, and Eunice High School will serve as the venues for the National Week.

Last year, Northern Gauteng, despite fielding a fairly young squad punched above their weight and secured a seventh-place finish, ending above Border, Southern Free State A, Eastern Province, and KZN Coastal B.

In this year’s campaign, they are again coached by the experienced Kagiso Mathaba, who Stefan Coertzen assists, while Hoërskool Eldoraigne’s Chadwin Petersen, is the manager of the side.

The selectors have opted for a mixture of youth and experience, with five players from last year’s team returning. They include the St Alban’s College duo of Sukuma Shirata and Lungile Mzimba, Pretoria Boys High’s Ruard Chris Booysen and Marco Upton, and Kade Kalib Poonasamy, from Hoërskool Eldoraigne.

“It is quite a difficult and rigorous process when it comes to selecting a team. We have over 150 boys come to trials,” coach Mathaba told SuperSport Schools Plus ahead of the tournament.

“Per SASHOC events, we have to follow certain requirements in terms of team compositions, which sometimes leaves players disappointed or hard done by at the end of the process.

“With that said, I still feel that we choose the best team to go and represent the province.

“We have a good mix of youngsters and experienced players and, without putting extra pressure on the returning players, I think the returning boys have a cool head on themselves to know what is expected of them. Their experience will be beneficial for everyone in the team.”

The Northerns’ 2023 campaign was clouded by a series of draws and narrow defeats during the pool stages.

They drew 3-3 with both Border and Southern Free State A, narrowly lost 0-1 to KZN Inland A (1-0), and 2-3 to Western Province A. They pulled off a 2-1 win over KZN Coastal B in their final match of the tournament to end on a high.

Mathaba believes better game management in crucial times will be key if Northerns is to better their performance this year.

“We need to manage games a lot better going into this year’s tournament. We thought that we let ourselves down last year, losing and drawing games in the last few minutes of those games,” he admitted.

“We need to be better in how quickly we organize and set up our offensive and defensive shapes and just execute our plans better and more consistently.

“The plan is to focus on ourselves and not worry too much about what other teams are doing or saying.

“We are approaching this tournament by focusing on one game at a time. We not looking too far ahead.”

St Alban’s Zack Richardson will captain the side, while Ruard Booysen serves as vice-captain.

Northern Gauteng u18A

Ivan Lehlogonolo Ramushu (Die Hoërskool Menlopark), Lungile Mzimba (St Alban’s College), Hein Karl Seebach (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Luken Brunette (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Sukuma Shirata (St Alban’s College), Cameron Paul Davids (Pretoria Boys High), Ruard Chris Booysen (Pretoria Boys High), Josue Vuyolwethu Mukeba (Sutherland High School), Zack Thomas Richardson (St Alban’s College), Tyler Justin Trower (CBC Mount Edmund), Dalixolo Ndlovu (Curro Hazeldean), Marco Upton (Pretoria Boys High), David van Niekerk (Die Hoërskool Menlopark), Kade Kalib Poonasamy (Hoërskool Eldoriagne), Zandré Nel (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Kabo Takalani Mulaudzi (Pretoria Boys High).

NORTHERN GAUTENG’S POOL FIXTURES

Sunday, 16 June
12:45 – Northern Gauteng A vs KZN Inland A

Monday, 17 June
08:45 – Northern Gauteng A vs Eastern Province A
17:15 – Northern Gauteng A vs Southern Gauteng A

Tuesday, 18 June
12:45 – Northern Gauteng A vs Southern Free State A

Wednesday, 19 June
15:50 – Northern Gauteng A vs KZN Coastal A

Just under a month after returning from the high-profile Indian Premier League (IPL), St Stithians College cricket star and first team hockey captain Kwena Maphaka intends on concluding his schoolboy hockey career on a high note over the forthcoming weeks.

The multi-talented prodigy will lead his side on Friday night when they host Kearsney College at 18:15 on the Superpark Red Astroturf in his final derby match on home turf.

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The year 2024 has been one to savour for the youngster.

He shone for South Africa at the ICC u19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, which took place on home soil early in the year. The 17-year-old made his mark, picking up 21 wickets and a tournament record three five-wicket hauls, and took home the Player of the Tournament accolade.

His impressive bowling on the world stage earned him a call up to the Mumbai Indians team, making him the youngest South African player to play for an IPL side. Previously, the record had belonged to 19-year-old Dewald Brevis.

His inclusion in the tournament did, however, mean he would miss a huge chunk of the hockey season.

After his spell in India, Maphaka returned to action on the turf late last month, playing in the Aitken Cup, which was hosted by St Stithians.

His team entered the tournament with their sights set on defending the title they won against Jeppe High School for Boys in 2023, however, it wasn’t to be.

Their difficult challenge became an uphill task after they suffered a shock 0-2 defeat at the hands of Helpmekaar Kollege in their opening game.

The hosts recovered well, though, picking up emphatic victories over Rand Park High (10-1), Northcliff School (7-0), and Noordheuwel (7-1). The damage had been done, however, and they finished outside the top five.

Saints quickly put that disappointment behind them, and they’ve since added another four wins onto those they scored in the Aitken Cup.

Smart, quick, and enterprising hockey saw them claim the scalp of KwaZulu-Natal’s St Charles College, winning 3-2 in Pietermaritzburg. They also won 2-1 against Garsfontein, scored an impressive 4-0 defeat of St David’s Marist Inanda and, in their most recent outing, they claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over St Alban’s College.

“I think I’ve settled back into the game quite well,” Maphaka told SuperSport Schools Plus ahead of the Kearsney clash.

“While away in India, I always had hockey in the back of my mind, so it’s really nice to be back.

“My first game back was the first game of Aitken. Although we didn’t come out with the win, it was great to be back out on the turf and fight tooth and nail with my brothers out there.”

St Stithians comes up against a Kearsney side that’s enjoyed a strong season and has been in fine form in recent weeks.

Apart from drawing (1-1) with Michaelhouse last weekend, the side from Botha’s Hill will draw confidence from their impressive wins over Clifton College (3-0) and Glenwood (4-0) in recent weeks.

Maphaka said Saints are fully aware of the threats the visitors will pose.

“They are a great side this year,” he said.

“However, I think we’ve played some really good hockey over the past few weeks and that run of form will do wonders for our confidence going into the game.

“We know it’s going to be tough and that they are going to come out firing. I believe if we stay calm and stick to our game plan, we’ll be golden.”

The match against the KZN side will be the first of three before Maphaka bids farewell to the Saints’ hockey team.

After the weekend’s clash, they have away games against St John’s College and Cornwall Hill College later this month and, after that, they’ll draw the curtains on the 2024 season.

The skipper said his team is keen to deliver the goods in their remaining matches. “I’m really excited to end off on a high note,” he confidently said.

“I’ve loved hockey since I was young, and this will most probably be the last time I touch the Astro.

“I think getting a streak of wins in our last games would be the perfect sendoff from the game,” he concluded.

FIXTURES

Friday, 14 June

18:15 – St Stithians College vs Kearsney College (1st Team)
17:00 – St Stithians College vs Kearsney College (u16A)
16:00 -St Stithians College vs Kearsney College (u14A)

FIXTURES

Day one, 15 June: Male category

09:00 – Group A, Hout Bay Hurricanes vs Hot Shots (Court A)
09:55 – Group B, Westcliff Eagles vs Wynberg Boys High (Court A)
10:50 – Group B, Hout Bay Snipers vs Elite Basketball Academy (Court A)
11:45 – Group A, Titans Basketball Academy vs Dirurubele Basketball Academy (Court A)
11:45 – Group C, Eagles Basketball Club vs Spartans Basketball Club (Court B)
13:35 – Group B, Wynberg Boys High vs Hout Bay Snipers (Court A)
13:35 – Group C, Sandton Bullz vs Duep Basketball Club (Court B)
14:30 – Group B, Westcliff Eagles vs Elite Basketball Academy (Court A)
15:25 – Hot Shots vs Dirurubele Basketball Academy (Court A)
15:25 – Titans Basketball Academy vs Hout Bay Hurricanes (Court B)
16:20 – Eagles Basketball Club vs Duep Basketball Club (Court A)
16:20 – Spartans Basketball Club vs Snadton Bullz

Day Two, 16 June: Male Category 

09:00 – Titans Basketball Academy vs Hot Shots (Court B)
09:55 – Hout Bay Hurricanes vs Dirurubele Basketball Academy (Court A)
10:50 – Spartans Basketball Club vs Duep Basketball Club (Court A)
10:50 – Wynberg Boys High vs Elie Basketball Academy (Court B)
11:45 – Eagles Basketball Club vs Sandton Bullz (Court A)
11:45 – Westcliff Eagles vs Hout Bay Hurricanes

Day One, 15 June: Female category 

09:00 – African Grassroot Hoops All Stars vs Delft Umoja (Court B)
09:55 – UCT Ladies vs Hot Shots (Court B)
10:50 – Elite Baskstball Academy vs African Grassroot Hoops All Stars (Court B)
14:30 – Hot Shots vs Amante Stars (Court B)

Day Two, 16 June: Female category 

09:00 – Amante Stars vs UCT Ladies (Court A)
09:55 – Delft Umoja vs Elite Basketball Academy (Court B)