Blog

Wie gaan sake om vanjaar se Valke-kroon uitspook?

Dit is die vraag wat Saterdag beantwoord sal word in die Valke-halfeindronde van die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Afdeling 2.

Die verdedigende kampioen, Hoërskool Hans Moore, loods die aanslag om hul titel suksesvol te verdedig teen een van die ander gunstelinge en gashere op die dag, Hoërskool Brandwag van Benoni.

Dié semi-finaal bied ‘n gulde geleentheid vir die tuisspan om die bordjies te verhang aangesien dieselfde twee spanne in verlede jaar se eindstryd ontmoet het, met Hans Moore wat, na ‘n behoorlike gestoei, naelskraaps met 18-17 koning gekraai het om as die ligakampioen gekroon te word.

Vier van die Hansies se spelers staan ‘n kans om vir die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar na die eindstryd deur te dring. Warren Minnaar (vleuel), Stephan Kellerman (binnesenter), Jayden van Heerden (vaskopstut) en Keagen van Zyl (slot) het deel uitgemaak van die span wat in 2023 die knoop deurgehak het.

Van Zyl, wat ook vanjaar die span aanvoer, is tot dusver sy span se groot uitblinker en ook opgeneem in die Valke se Akademieweekspan wat gedurende die skoolvakansie by Jeppe High School in aksie sal wees. Sy kragtige dryfspel plaas gereeld sy span op die voorvoet om ‘n stewige platform te lê vir die ervare Minnaar en Kellerman wat wag in die agterhoede.

Minnaar het verlede jaar verwoesting vanaf heelagter gesaai, maar is na linkervleuel geskuif weens sy vermoë om haas onmoontlike kanse af te rond.

“Na ‘n paar wedstryde vanjaar wat nie baie goed afgeloop het nie, wil ons graag die halfeindstryd gebruik om te wys dat ons wel ‘n span is waarvoor uitgekyk moet word,” het Hans Moore se hoofafrigter, Wikus Coetzer, gesê.

Die tuisspan plaas hul hoop in die woelige duo van Theuns Goosen (oopkantflank) en Henry van Zyl (slot) om voorlangs die nodige vonk te verskaf. Goosen is uiters effektief by die afbreekpunte om omgekeerde balbesit te bewerkstellig, wat vir Brandwag in staat kan stel om teenaanvalle te loods deur middel van die gevaarman in die middelveld, Tyrese Baadjies.

In die vroeëre semi-finaal, pak die nuweling en buiteperd, Hoërskool Oosterlig, vir Hoërskool Sasolburg vir ‘n plek in die eindstryd. Nes die Hansies, het Oosterlig ‘n paar spelers van hul suksesvolle span van verlede jaar behou.

Tristan Else, die span van Boksburg se losskakel, trek vir die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar die toutjies agterlangs. Haker, Gunther Nel, sal ook in sy tweede halfeindstryd in aksie wees, en kan met sy gewoeker in die vastelos die lewe vir Sasolburg moeilik maak.

Oosterlig sal nietemin op hul hoede moet wees vir die Sasolburgers se woelige skrumskakel, Meyer Pretorius. Pretorius se verbasende fisieke spel vir ‘n skrumskakel en uitmuntende skopwerk het menige opponent onkant betrap deur die loop van die seisoen.

Aan sy buitekant skuil nóg gevaar in die vorm van buitesenter, Sinekhaya Rabebe, en die sneller, Themba Mbele op linkervleuel. Albei is gekies vir die Valke se Akademieweekspan.

Die Sasolburgers se afrigtingsspan is positief dat hul span oor die nodige skietgoed beskik om die Boksburgers te troef.

“As ons volgens ons sterkpunte speel en goed afrond staan ons ‘n kans om die eindstryd te haal, wat uitstekend vir Hoërskool Sasolburg se rugby sal wees,” het Dewald le Roux, Sasolburg se breier, gesê.

Die spanne:

Hoërskool Brandwag van Benoni t. Hoërskool Hans Moore om 15:20 in Benoni

Brandwag (Benoni): 15 Stefan Horn, 14 Logan Turvey, 13 Tyrese Baadjies, 12 Tristan Fletcher, 11 Deacan Coetzer, 10 Jason Coetser, 9 Jayden Smith, 8 Hanre Heydenrych, 7 Ruan Nelson, 6 Theuns Goosen, 5 Henry van Zyl, 4 Jayden van Rooyen, 3 Divan Fourie, 2 Damian Minnaar, 1 Wian Riekert.

Hans Moore: 15 Vincent Labuschagne, 14 Wikus Rossouw, 13 Ruben van den Berg, 12 Stephan Kellerman, 11 Warren Minnaar, 10 Dian Britz, 9 CJ du Plessis, 8 Keagen van Zyl, 7 Slade Mowbray, 6 Divan Stander, 5 Timothy Henstock, 4 Marnus van der Walt, 3 Jayden van Heerden, 2 Reon Huysamen, 1 Vernon Lindeque.

Hoërskool Sasolburg t. Hoërskool Oosterlig om 14:00 in Benoni

Sasolburg: 15 Werner van Rooyen, 14 Byron Thompson, 13 Sinekhaya Radebe, 12 Sphiwe Mngomezulu, 11 Themba Mbele, 10 Keketso Rampai, 9 Meyer Pretorius, 8 Walter Manana, 7 Nathan Swanepoel, 6 Alex Roodman, 5 Mohale Nthontho, 4 Caleb Bezuidenhout, 3 Wiandre Singleton, 2 Wian Landsberg, 1 Kamohelo Ndweni.

Oosterlig: 15 Jaydon Bouwer, 14 Dean Jordaan, 13 Joël Jordaan, 12 Dylan Jordaan, 11 Joshua Booyens, 10 Tristan Els, 9 Neithan Botha, 8 Kevin Koen, 7 Juandé Bekker, 6 Brandon Desmore, 5 Jeandré Naudé, 4 Gert Nel, 3 Calvin van Eeden, 2 Gunther Nel, 1 Tiaan Louw.

Michaelhouse travels to Botha’s Hill on Saturday morning for what promises to be a humdinger of a contest against Kearsney College. On the same day, Hilton College hosts St Charles.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools

Last week, Kearsney fired their way to a 3-0 win over Clifton. That victory came on the back of a 4-0 drubbing of Glenwood the previous week.

Ashley Kemp‘s charges have been prolific in front of goal and solid in defence since their 1-1 draw against Northwood at home on a misty Friday night a month ago.

A big reason for their success has been their captain and talisman, Matthew Mendes de Oliveira. He has led from the front, scoring goals at crucial times, when Kearsney has needed a strike to restore their belief, and he’s been an obstacle for the opposition when tracking back to help out in defence when they have been under pressure.

The SA School’s midfielder’s commitment to defence is a testament to Kemp’s philosophy that places a premium on sound defensive work.

“I take massive pride in defence first. So, from the start of pre-season, that’s my main objective. If you don’t concede, you give your team the ability to play freely,” the Kearsney coach said early in the season. “It’s the hardest part, but if you do it well, you give yourselves a lot of opportunity to express yourself out in the field.”

Kearsney heads into the tie with recent results against Michaelhouse on their side. They have won the last three times they’ve met, recording a 2-0 victory in Balgowan in 2022, which was followed by a 1-0 win at home. Earlier this season, Kearsney fought their way to a 3-2 win away at Michaelhouse. That sets them up with an opportunity to complete a season’s double over ‘House.

However, Nick Bérichon‘s charges are far from the personification of lambs to the slaughter. It is safe to say they are not the same side Kearsney overcame earlier this year. Michaelhouse has gradually gelled and found their stride as they have taken on their coach’s playing philosophy.

“I want the boys to play in a very structured approach, a very obvious plan, one that is self-evident. But I don’t want them to be constricted by the structure, I want them to use it as a foundation to express themselves and play aggressive hockey,” Bérichon said, outlining his approach at the start of the season.

It took Michaelhouse a little time to hit their straps and find consistency. However, after things clicked for them, they have strung together a number of positive results.

They head into the tie buoyed by their recent form, especially a win last week in which they upset the highly regarded DHS at the Durban school’s fortress, The Coliseum. Bérichon’s charges showed grit and resilience as they turned around a tie in which they trailed 0-1, following an extended period of dominance from their hosts.

Not only did they equalise, but they seized control of the contest and established a two-goal lead before conceding a late goal.

With two form sides set to do battle, the showdown on the Mason Astro has the potential to deliver fireworks.

FIXTURES

Saturday
Kearsney vs Michaelhouse
Hilton vs St Charles

Saturday’s showdown on Gilfillan Field between Hilton College and St Charles College has become ever more interesting as the season has unfolded. That has more to do with the visitors than the hosts.

Catch the action on DStv Channel 216

Saints opened their season with a visit to the Cape and took down Milnerton in their opener. At first glance, that didn’t appear to be an important result. However, subsequent away wins by Milnerton at Rondebosch Boys’ High and Bishops have changed the way that result has been viewed.

Then, last weekend, the Pietermaritzburg school took down Glenwood for the first time in 82 years. They did it on Dixon’s, and they did it emphatically, winning 32-19.

Under Craig Dwyer, Saints are playing exciting rugby, and while depth could be an issue if they have to deal with injuries, they have remained relatively fit and will present Hilton with a searching examination on Saturday. And they will put the same XV into the field once again.

Hilton has not been so lucky on the injury front, having to deal with absences throughout the season. Most recently, captain and the school’s only Sharks’ Craven Week representative in 2024, Hanu Pieterse, was missing when Maritzburg College came from behind to claim a 26-20 win over Hilton on Goldstone’s.

It was only on the final whistle that College scored in the corner to seal the deal last Saturday, and that should serve to show that Hilton remains a formidable challenge; College has lost only once at home in the past two seasons.

Often, Hilton is viewed as a grind-it-out kind of team, but that’s not fair. They rustled up two outstanding long-range scores against Maritzburg College, and they have plenty of gas in their backline to challenge anybody.

They have been a tad inconsistent this season, but their 2024 results include six wins in succession before Michaelhouse sneaked a 24-23 win on Gilfillan Field on 4 May. And among those victories are defeats of Boland Landbou, Grey High School, and Hoërskool Nelspruit.

The contrast of styles, with Hilton preferring a tighter game, with a greater focus on playing the game in the right areas, should make for a fascinating duel.

If Hilton gets their tactical kicking right, they will be tough to stop. However, if they don’t, St Charles has the runners to make them pay. Fullback Salmaan Mohammed is one of the most exciting and effective counterattacking no. 15s in the game.

One battle within the battle to keep an eye on will be that between the scrumhalves, Xander Vorster, of Hilton College, and Matthew Fick, of St Charles College. Both present strong physical challenges.

Vorster dotted down twice last week against Maritzburg College, thanks to his strong support running and strength, but he will find, in Fick, probably the strongest number nine on defence in the province, and one of the best in the country.

Fick was named in the Sharks’ Craven Week squad for a second year in succession for good reason. He has been outstanding all season long and delivers all round excellence week in and week out.

Sadly, for Hilton, they will be without their captain Hanu Pieterse again. That is a setback. However, it is a rare luxury that they have a player of the calibre of Emmanuel Dankwah to take his place.

The set scrums will be an interesting area of contestation. St Charles dominated up front against Glenwood and, in fact, they opened their scoring from a tighthead deep inside the Green Machine’s 22. Will they be able to gain the upper hand against Hilton, too?

Playing at home, the odds tilt Hilton’s way, but it would not be a surprise if they find their hands full against St Charles on Saturday.

Hilton College vs St Charles College, Gilfillan Field at 14:30

Hilton College

15 Ivan Jjuuko, 14 Rukudzo Madinga, 13 Khazimla Makali, 12 Daniel Sweeney, 11 Ricky Adonis, 10 Xola Bakana, 9 Xander Vorster, 8 Emmanuel Dankwah, 7 Meyer Malherbe, 6 Stewart Falconer, 5 Kieran Hunter, 4 Trent Chubb, 3 Ben le Roux, 2 Dylan Neill, 1 Oliver Proudfoot

St Charles College

15 Salmaan Mohammed, 14 Athenkosi Qumo, 13 Rashied Isaacs, 12 Okuhle Peti, 11 Matthew Ludick, 10 Ukhanyo Ntsangani, 9 Matthew Fick, 8 Stefan Landsman, 7 Sam Odell, 6 Lazola Makaula, 5 Reece Curtain, 4 Raphael Ajibade, 3 Christian Allardice, 2 Marlon Mbewe, 1 Lutho Mrwata

Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer mik vir ‘n tweede agtereenvolgende oorwinning oor Hoërskool Ben Viljoen wanneer die twee spanne Saterdag in die Limpopo-halfeindstryd van die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Afdeling 2 sake in Naboomspruit uitspook.

Die span van Thabazimbi was in hul vorige ontmoeting, tydens die uitspeelrondes, naelskraaps met ‘n telling van 29-26 baas.

Hulle lek egter nog hul wonde na verlede naweek se nederlaag van 22-25 teen Hoërskool Ellisras in die jaarlikse Matlabas-derby.

Dié uitslag het ook beteken dat die span van Ellisras regstreeks deurgedring het na die eindstryd wat op 13 Junie op hul tuisveld plaasvind.

In ‘n liga waar die spanne van Limpopo reeds etlike kere gesorg het vir senutergende kragmetings, behoort Saterdag se stryd geen uitsondering te wees nie.

Die Frikkies besef dat, indien hulle hoop om weer te seëvier teen die Rassies, hulle die span van Groblersdal se puntemasjien, Mignon Stevens, met ‘n valkoog sal moet dophou.

Stevens, wat vir die grootste gedeelte van die seisoen op heelagter verwoesting gesaai het, het die laaste paar wedstryde op losskakel diens gedoen. Hy is ook as heelagter in die Limpopo Blou Bulle se span aangewys.

Die skuif na losskakel bied egter hom die geleentheid om nader aan die aksie te wees en vir die opposisie met sy flink voetwerk te toets.

Sy skakelmaat, Anvernio Adonis, beskik self oor die vermoë om die vonke te laat spat en dié skrumskakel sal beslis die Frikkies se voorspelers, veral rondom die afbreekpunte, met geniepsige breekslae besig hou.

HP van Heerden, Frikkie Meyer se heelagter, is ‘n kranige teenaanvaller en die span van Groblersdal sal hul storie moet ken indien hulle op hom skop, aangesien Van Heerden die kleinste van spasies kan uitbuit.

Voorlangs wag die energieke slotpaar, Devonric Labuschagne en Henrico Hall, op die verdedigers van Ben Viljoen, met hul kragtige dryfspel en bereidwilligheid om moue op te rol wanneer dit by verdediging kom.

Indien die streeptruie daarin kan slaag om voorlangs te oorheers kan dit ‘n lang dag vir Ben Viljoen se agterlyn raak.

Die spanne: 

Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer t. Hoërskool Ben Viljoen om 16:05 in Naboomspruit

Frikkie Meyer: 15 HP van Heerden, 14 Wian Pretorius, 13 Omphile Masopha, 12 Prince Sekoboane, 11 Poppie Mphela, 10 Merico Venter, 9 Luan Ras, 8 Echard de Klerk, 7 Keanu Visser, 6 Darren Pretorius, 5 Devonric Sart, 4 Janco van Deventer, 3 Johnny Barnard, 2 Stefan Mulder, 1 Lourens Pieterse.

Ben Viljoen: 15 Joe Cloete, 14 Chris Jordaan, 13 Mihlali Ntlebi, 12 Clementino Bowers, 11 Dylan Nieuwenhuys, 10 Mignon Stevens, 9 Anvernio Adonis, 8 Asheeq Bradford, 7 Tiaan Scheepers, 6 Jaco Botha, 5 Erich Labuschagne, 4 Henrico Hall, 3 JP Singleton, 2 Flippie Nieman, 1 Leuco Robinson.

Aphiwe Buthelezi, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the FC Bayern International Youth Cup, is set to journey to the United States with the FC Bayern World Squad to compete against top-tier academies from around the world.

Buthelezi’s standout performances at the inaugural South African FC Bayern Youth Cup, for u16 players, held at Northwood School in August 2023, earned him his spot in the South African squad that went on to participate in the finals of FC Bayern’s International Youth Cup that took place in October 2023 in Germany.

In the fourth edition of the international FC Bayern World Squad project, the class of ’24, representing the 33-time German champions, is going on tour.

Bayern and their partner Audi have selected u19 players from all over the world and presented them with an opportunity to live their dreams of becoming professional footballers.

AmaZulu FC extended their congratulations to the 16-year-old Buthelezi, who was in the Usuthu’s DStv Diski Challenge team last season.

The 23 players in Bayern Munich’s squad include Buthelezi, from South Africa, and three more African players – Jeremiah Olaleke, Ifeanyi Ugah and David Emmanuel – from Nigeria.

The FC Bayern Youth Cup, which was introduced in 2012, is one of the largest youth football tournaments organised by a European football club. Bayern has termed it “the stepping stone from grassroots football to high-level performance”.

The Youth Cup is played in various countries around the world and has, over the years, attracted over 100 000 players from over 15 countries.

More than 20 players who have taken part in the tournament have either secured a professional contract or received a team call-up.

The aim of the tournament, Bayern has stated is for “the best players [to] have the chance to move within the FC Bayern pathway and be called [up] for the u19 FC Bayern World Squad, bringing them to the doorstep of professional football”.

Buthelezi was one of 10 talented young players who showcased their impressive skills and football abilities at Northwood School and were then selected to represent Team South Africa in Germany. Also in that group was Zethembiso Phenyana, from Northwood School.

In Germany, Buthelezi’s outstanding performances during the International FC Bayern Cup earned him the title of MVP, which led to his inclusion in the FC Bayern World Squad.

FC Bayern World Squad 2024

St Mary’s DSG became the winners of the inaugural St Anne’s Cup in May, annexing the title in emphatic fashion against a classy eight-team field. With captain Georgia Pollock pulling the strings, the Kloof side outplayed St Mary’s Waverley champions’ Durban Girls’ College 4-0 in the final.

Pollock was named the Midfielder of the Tournament. Her teammate, Cassandra Forbes, was named the Defender of the Tournament.

“The St Anne’s Cup was insane!” Pollock recently told SuperSport Schools Plus. “Being here in the primary school, hockey was always a big thing, and you look at Oranje Meisies and Eunice, and those are the teams. This was the first time in my high school career that I’ve played either of those sides.

“My team played them at St Mary’s Waverley. I got to watch. This was the first time I had played a Free State team, and then we beat them, which was surreal.

“Having a Durban derby game in the final was also kind of cool. Winning… I felt it could go either way. Obviously, last time they beat us 3-2 [in a league match, which Pollock missed with an injury]. I think everyone played out of their socks.

“That was a huge highlight because we went unbeaten throughout the tournament. It felt like we played a really good brand of hockey.”

Pollock, who made the SA Schools team in 2023 and also represented the SA u17 side at the Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia last year, where they finished fourth, missed out on the St Mary’s Waverley Tournament early in April because she had suffered an injury on a pre-season tour of the Netherlands. It was tough sitting on the side, watching her teammates in action.

Even without the influential midfielder, St Mary’s DSG placed sixth in the elite 32-team field. “They were all very sweet to me and said how they had missed me. But I think they did incredibly without me. I will give them credit for that, but it was kind of sad to watch from the side,” Pollock said.

“I felt like they could have used more legs when I wasn’t there, because they had to fill so many other roles. I felt bad for them, because that is quite tiring.”

It’s those physical demands of hockey that fuel Pollock. Describing what she likes about the game, she said: “I love the athleticism of it, and how you are always running around. There’s always something new to learn, like a new skill. I love that it is a team sport, and that you make friends through it.”

That’s something that jumps out when watching the 2024 St Mary’s first team in action: they’re an excellent team, but a big part of the reason appears to be the spirit in the side. They have fun and they enjoy each other’s company. Friends? Definitely. But, for Pollock, it goes even deeper than that.

“It is very cringe or cliché, but they feel like your sisters, which is so nice, because on and off the field you know that they have your back. It’s not just about hockey. They can tell when you’re having a bad day, and it helps how they treat you on the field and off, so that’s nice,” she explained.

If they are a happy bunch of sisters, much of that stems from Pollock’s leadership, which she described as “democratic”, and that healthy atmosphere also comes from the example that she sets.

“I like to get everyone’s opinion and perspective, even about small things, like what colour we’re wearing on the day. I would say I am open minded and approachable,” Pollock said.

That leadership, too, is evident in the way she plays the game. There are many different types of midfielders, but Pollock describes herself as “a distributor”. Once she shares that description, watching her in action, the crucial role she plays in the team becomes clear.

Pollock makes the players around her better. That’s the mark of a special player. She’s not flashy, but she’s the oil that greases the machine for St Mary’s DSG.

The school has been her home through primary and high school days, and she’s moved up the ranks with three other members of the first team: Anna Birt, Alex Bowyer and Courtney Stewart. Many of the other first team players moved to St Mary’s when it came time to choose a high school, so that they could benefit from the established excellence of the hockey programme.

Included among those later additions are Cassandra Forbes, who was in the SA u17 team with Pollock in Malaysia, and Elizabeth Anderson, who regularly finishes tournaments as the top goal scorer. Earlier this year, at the u21 Inter-Provincial Tournament, she, as usual, topped the scoring charts.

There have always been outstanding players at St Mary’s who have inspired her, Pollock said: “Watching them play, they were huge inspirations. I have a sister, Jemma, who is older, so in her year she had Cerian Fourie, Dani de Oliveira, and Hannah Breytenbach. They were all huge inspirations and knowing them on a personal level made it that much more incredible.

The culture, and the manner in which St Mary’s approached the game, was very appealing, also: “I think something about all of them is that none of them seemed to be selfish. They were all team players and then had one aspect that you could look at, like Cailynn Den Bakker, look at how she runs on the field, and that work ethic, and it’s like ‘Wow, I want to incorporate that’.

“It felt like St Mary’s really nurtured everyone’s individuality but played together as a team, which was so appealing, and something that we all admired.”

There has also been a long list of excellent coaches to help advance Pollock and her team-mates’ hockey education. “I’ve been very fortunate to have so many good coaches,” she said. “Even now, [Director of Hockey] Mrs [Caryn]Springate walks past, and just knowing what she did for the country, and how she had 99 caps, very cool!

“Kelly Reed, as well, Cam Mackay, Carla Mackay, Nolwazi “Chicken” Nkabinde, Keegan Pearce, for club hockey, has been incredible.

“Even with indoor, I have been really blessed to have people who have played for the country, and their technical skills, or just the way they play as a team. All of them have left a mark on me in their own unique way.”

Ever the leader, she nervously laughed: “I don’t want to leave anyone out! ”

Since she was u12, Pollock has been a regular representing KZN Coastal at provincial level. Last year, she helped the SA u18 side win one and draw one against the SA u21 team. Then, visiting Malaysia, playing in the green and gold, was special.

“It was so cool. Even the cultures mixing together, because then you really feel like you are taking a part of your country with you, which is really fun.

“Having the kit at home is always a nice little reminder of what you can achieve, and why you play the game, to get to that level, and just to have fun and explore.”

This year, at the SASHOC National Week, the KZN team will be primarily made up of players from St Mary’s DSG and Durban Girls’ College, with each school providing six players. There’s a strong bond between the players from the two schools, Pollock explained, which will be a huge benefit to the side’s challenge for the overall honours.

“I have been fortunate that we have always played together. They feel like sisters. We have this odd tradition, whenever we play them, we tend to always meet afterwards, or have something planned for after our game. Even when we are playing, we will have conversations with each other on the field. We are friends throughout.”

She’s optimistic that 2024 could be KZN Coastal’s year to go all the way. “Very excited,” she smiled, “because we have been together for so long. We know how each other plays. Hopefully, this will be our strongest year. In u16, we were in the final, but we came second. Hopefully, this year we can win.”

Throughout her hockey-playing days, the foundation for her success, Georgia Pollock revealed, has been the support of her parents, dad Shaun and mom Trish. What kind of sports’ parent is the cricket legend, SuperSport Schools Plus wondered?

“Honestly, I couldn’t ask for better. I think the way that he and my mom work together has been such a blessing for me. I think he’s really got my best interests at heart.

“Because he’s been in the game, he knows the mental side and what the sport requires of you. He’s been so nice, especially being my dad, first and foremost, and then when I’m looking for advice, he’s always willing to give it.

“He’s built an Astro in our garden, which is just beyond! I’m sure it’s the little boy inside of him, getting quite excited just to have the sporting facilities. He’s been incredible.”

With the second term’s hockey wrapping up for many schools this weekend, Cape Town’s Springfield Convent School will aim to close off their schedule with a win when they welcome Reddam House Constantia to St John’s Road on Friday night.

The hosts will approach the clash brimming with confidence after accruing some satisfying results over the past weeks.

The highly anticipated clash kicks off at 17:35 on Springfield’s main Astroturf.

Catch all the hockey action from around the country on SuperSport Schools.

The 2024 season began on a high note for Springfield, when they recorded a 6-1 win over La Rochelle Girls’ High School. They were, however, dealt a blow when they went down 1-4 to Paarl Girls’ High in April.

However, over the past month, the side has resurrected its fortunes and reminded Western Cape hockey enthusiasts of Springfield’s capabilities.

Last weekend, coach Ziyaad Ismail’s team pulled off a hard-fought 1-0 win over a gritty and unpredictable Parel Vallei side away from home.

The week before, they played to a 1-1 draw against Durbanville High. They’ve also claimed the scalp of Rustenburg Girls’ High, winning that match 2-0. Their game against HMS Bloemhof was postponed.

“Playing against the ‘powerhouse teams’ this year has made us more competitive, and we know what is expected to be among the strongest in the province,’ coach Ismail told SuperSport Schools ahead of their clash with Reddam.

“The fact that we have been able to compete and get some results against some of those teams shows we are more competitive than we were previously.

“Besides the Cape Town girls’ league, we set additional fixtures against some of the stronger teams that are not in the Cape Town league, like Parel Vallei, Bloemhof, Rhenish, and Paarl Gimnasium,  the Boland powerhouses.”

This season, Springfield invested in upgrading its programme to assist players in their pursuit of opportunities to perform at the highest level and be competitive against the top schools. Those adjustments and improvements have borne fruit.

The signs of improvement are evident, but Ismail believes they still have a long way to go.

“The goal for pre-season was trying to expose us to the top teams throughout the country, through the various pre-season tournaments and tours,” he explained. “The lessons we learned as a team in that period have made us into a stronger and more competitive team.

“We have also invested a lot into strength and conditioning in our hockey programme, and we are starting to see how our players are better conditioned. The work that has gone into every player is starting to produce the results.”

Reddam will not be pushovers, and Ismail and his players are fully aware of that. “Reddam has caused a few upsets against some very strong teams this year so far.” he said. “We anticipate a very tough match from a very hungry team that plays with no fear.”

Springfield, this season, is captained by Kate Opperman. She’ll set the example and also look to Bella Amm and Khanya Moore to help lead the side to a second win on the trot.

Both Opperman and Moore have been selected to represent the Western Province u18A team at the SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein, which starts on 16 June.

Western Cape fixtures

Friday, 7 June 

17:35 – Springfield Convent School vs Reddam House Constantia
17:45 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Fairmont High School
18:30 – Herschel Girls School vs Wynberg Girls’ High

Saturday, 8 June

10:00- Stellenberg High vs Rustenburg Girls’ High

The Eastern Province u18 A team is aiming to defy the odds at the SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein this month.

They kick off their campaign for the inter-provincial honours on Sunday, 16 June, against last year’s runners-up, Southern Gauteng A, at 14:10 at the University of Free State’s Astroturf.

Catch all the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

The 2024 edition of the SASHOC National Week (formally known as the IPTs) also presents an opportunity for redemption for the Eastern Cape side, which didn’t quite fire on all cylinders last year.

Playing at the same venue in 2023, coach Lyall Meyer‘s troops endured a disappointing campaign, resulting in them finishing in 11th, one spot above the bottom rung in the standings.

In the seven matches they played, they managed only a 4-2 victory over KwaZulu-Natal Inland B, but they also suffered some heavy defeats, going down 1-5 against both Boland and KZN Coastal A.

This year, their squad has a very solid look to it. It features nine players from the in-form Grey High School, three from Pearson High School, a St Andrew’s College duo, and one player each from Kingswood College and Westering High School.

There are four holdovers – the Grey High duo of centre back Ben Ristow and Caden Skinnette, and Pearson’s Zac Willimot and Josh Jacobs – from last year’s 16-player squad, whose experience should prove valuable.

The Grey boys are joined by seven of their teammates in goalkeeper Kiano Broadhurst, Marco Giaconi, Kian Cambier, Liam Poole, Blake Muller, Athi Jansen, and the dangerous forward, Luke Tait.

Apart from Willimot, and Jacobs, Pearson will also be represented by Anthwone April.

The St Andrew’s College pair of David Semrau and Samuel Scheekter are included in the side, while Seth Groener, from Westering, and Josh Hufkie, from Kingswood College, complete the lineup.

“Picking a team will always be difficult in terms of getting the right combinations and balance to suit the philosophy and style of play you would like to implement as a coach,” coach Meyer told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“I am, however, thankful to all my fellow selectors for making this difficult task a lot easier.

“It’s always good to have experience in the locker room, but the trick is how you use and impart that experience on and off the field, and I’m confident our experienced players will accept that responsibility and step up this year.”

EP, for a second year running, is in Section A, where their opposition will include Southern Free State, Southern Gauteng A, and the KZN Inland A and KZN Coastal A teams.

Meyer said he’s had time to study their opponents and the opposition coaches, and Eastern Province is planning to pose a stern challenge to the other title contenders.

“We are fortunate to have SuperSport Schools cover most, if not all the big tournaments and derby days, which allows us to watch and study players, coaches, and teams from all over the country,” he said.

“Most of the players and coaches also know each other well, having played against each other in these tournaments.

“So, we’re well equipped and prepared, and we are backing ourselves to do well, because I believe if you want to be the best you’ve got to beat the best.”

A winning start against Southern Gauteng A would certainly lay down a marker and signal that the 2024 Eastern Province team is going to pose a far stiffer challenge than last year’s outfit.

The Eastern Province selectors are Igsaan Ajam (convenor); Lyall Meyer (Alexander Road, head coach), Dayne Samboer (Westering, assistant coach), Pearson head coach Dalan Phillips, Kingswood College’s Jose Smith, St Andrew’s College’s Dean Ferreira, and the Grey High duo of Andrew Beynon and Corbyn Dolley (team manager).

Eastern Province u18A Team

Kiano Broadhurst (GK) (Grey High), Ben Ristow (Grey High), Marco Giaconi (Grey High), Kian Cambier (Grey High), Liam Poole (Grey High), Blake Muller (Grey High), Luke Tait (Grey High), Caden Skinnette (Grey High), Athi Jansen (Grey High), Zac Willimot (Pearson High), Josh Jacobs (Pearson High), Anthwone April (Pearson High), David Semrau (St Andrew’s College), Samuel Scheekter (St Andrew’s College), Seth Groener (Westering High), Josh Hufkie (Kingswood College).

Pool fixtures

Sunday, 16 June 

14:10 – Eastern Province A vs Southern Gauteng A

Monday, 17 June

08:45 – Eastern Province A vs Northern Gauteng A
15:35 – Eastern Province A vs KZN Coastal A

Tuesday, 18 June
15:35 – Eastern Province A vs KZN Inland A

Wednesday, 19 June 

10:10 – Eastern Province A vs Southern Free State A

Last year’s bronze medallists in the u18A boys’ competition at the annual SASHOC National Week, KwaZulu-Natal Coastal A, head into this year’s event, which again takes place in Bloemfontein, from 16 to 21 June, intent on improving on their 2023 effort.

They have been drawn in Group B and will play their matches at the University of Free State AstroTurf.

It’s a tough-looking pool, which also includes Eastern Province A, Southern Free State A, Northern Gauteng A, KZN Inland A, and Southern Gauteng A. Competition for a place in the semi-finals is going to be intense.

While they did not have a prolific goal-scorer, last year, KZN Coastal A dominated Group B under the captaincy of DHS star Leruo Ditlhakanyane, who not only made SA Schools but also the SA u21 team.

Their leading scorer was Clifton’s Kyle Thomas, with three goals. He and his school captain Connor McKenzie both made the SA Schools B team, and McKenzie and Northwood’s Tristan Boyall bagged two goals each.

The other seven goals scored by the Coastal A side were shared by seven players, including this year’s captain, Matthew Mendes de Oliveira, the Kearsney midfielder, who was selected for SA Schools last year. While they did not score a mountain of goals, they were one of the best teams on defence, conceding only two.

In the pool phase of the tournament, they scored 14 times and conceded just once as they bagged a perfect five wins from five games.

In the semifinals, however their hearts were crushed by Southern Gauteng A, to whom they lost 3-4 in a penalty shootout after the teams had played to a 1-1 draw. The Coastal A side then dusted themselves off and edged Boland 1-0 in the third and fourth-place playoff.

Looking at this year’s lineup, Coastal A coach Cameron Mackay said: “Selection was based around getting the right balance. Our team is dominated by DHS boys with them being the dominant team in KZN this year.”

Mackay, who has taken the baton from Michael Baker as coach of the side, is keen to continue the good work done by his predecessor. Three of the players who played under Baker, Mendes de Oliveira, Owen Slack, and Lethabo Bogacwi, are the core of this year’s outfit. Bogacwi, an SA Schools selection in 2023, and Slack will be the rocks in defence, where they will be assisted by James Read, Bhavesh Naicker, and Ruben Peters. Behind them, Harlee Jagga will be in goal and the last line of defence.

Their leadership duo of Mendes de Oliveira, the captain, and SA u17 midfielder Lumi Matwele, the vice-captain, will control proceedings in the middle of the park. Sithsaba Siyoyo and Andre Strydom will add their skills in that area of the field.

Up front, Josh Beck will lead the attack and will work hand-in-hand with Kearsney‘s prolific forward Trent Jessop. Also working on the search for goals will be Lethabo Matobela, Tyrique Cloete, Luyanda Mbokazi, and Josh Mungherera, and SA u16 squad member in 2023.

“We want to be a team that is confident on the ball and plays an exciting brand of hockey. Our first goal is to make the semifinals and hopefully top the group,” Mackay shared.

KZN Coastal A will kick off their campaign against the hosts, Southern Free State A, on Sunday, 16 June.

Their meeting with Southern Gauteng A on Tuesday, 18 June, could be a decisive fixture in the pool, and it will be an opportunity to avenge their semifinal loss of 2023.

None of the other teams in the pool should be disregarded, however. They all have the potential to claim a place in the final four.

KZN Coastal u18 Boys team: Bhavesh Naicker (DHS), Harlee Jagga (Northwood) James Read (Northwood), Josh Beck (Westville), Josh Mungherera (DHS), Lethabo Bogacwi (DHS), Lethabo Matobela (DHS), Lumi Matwele (DHS), Luyanda Mbokazi (Curro Hillcrest), Matthew Mendes de Oliveira (Kearsney), Owen Slack (Westville), Ruben Peters (DHS), Sithsaba Siyoyo (DHS), Thomas McKenzie (Kearsney), Trent Jessop (Northwood), Tyrique Cloete (DHS).

Coach: Cameron Mackay

FIXTURES

Sunday, 16 June

15:35 – KZN Coastal A vs Southern Free State A

Monday, 17 June

11:35 – KZN Coastal A vs KZN Inland A
15:35 – KZN Coastal A vs Eastern Province A

Tuesday, 18 June

14:10 – KZN Coastal A vs Southern Gauteng A

Wednesday 19 June

15:50 – KZN Coastal A vs Northern Gauteng A

In their final match of the second term, Stirling High School makes a short trip to Selborne College, fully aware that they have nothing to lose when the sides take to the field.

Action in the clash on the Selborne AstroTurf starts at 17:00.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

It has been a season of contrasting fortunes and focusses for the teams. For Stirling, it has been about building, staying competitive, and punching above their weight. For Selborne, it has been a phenomenal season, and they have lost only once at home, going down 2-5 to Grey College in April.

Last weekend, Stirling hosted Hudson Park and went down to a narrow 2-3 defeat. Selborne, meanwhile, visited Makhanda, where they played to a 1-1 draw against a gritty St Andrew’s College side.

The task of taking on one of the top schools in the country will be a big challenge for coach Brett Stirk and his Stirling troops.

They will, however, take confidence from the first half of the season, during which they’ve delivered satisfactory results.

After finishing in 24^th place (out of 40 teams) at the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Festival, Stirling kicked off term two with a clash against Queen’s College at home.

Many expected Queen’s to enjoy a field day, but Stirling, after trailing 0-2, fought back and scored twice through Hisharm Pillay to rescue a 2-2 draw.

The week after that, they went 1-4 down against Gqeberha’s Pearson, but they recovered from that setback to record successive 2-2 draws against Kingswood College and Merrifield College.

They, then, found success against Cambridge High School, beating them 2-0, before going down to Hudson Park last time out.

“So far this season, we have been competitive in all of our games,” coach Stirk told SuperSport Schools Plus, ahead of the Selborne clash.

“Pre-season festivals and tournaments allowed us to work with a squad to be ready for the season.

“I’m quite happy with the progress of the team. They are playing a better style of hockey and improving all the time.”

Queen’s College is the only team in the Border region that’s come close to causing an upset against coach KJ Friend’s Selborne side. In April, the side from Komani produced a spirited performance to secure a 1-1 draw.

Since then, Selborne has emphatically brushed aside the challenges of other Border schools, thumping Dale College 10-1 and Cambridge High 6-0.

Stirling would dearly like to rewrite that script. If they did, it would be one of the upsets of the season.

“We have been in some tough battles this term. We have often gone a goal behind and had to fight our way back into the game,” Stirk said, reflecting on his side’s matches.

“I’m hoping these tough games have prepared my team to bring the fight again on Friday night.

“Selborne often gets the cream of the crop in the East London area. So, it’s an opportunity for my team to cause an upset.”

Stirling is led by Sam Williams, who plays in the centre of our defence. Meanwhile, Josh Williams (not related to Sam) has been identified as a “very influential” player in the midfield.

Hisharm Pillay, up front, has been in sublime form, scoring many of Stirling’s goals this season. Both Williams (Josh) and Pillay will represent the Border u18A team at the SASHOC National Week in Bloemfontein.

Other matches

After getting back to winning ways, with a 2-0 victory over Graeme College last weekend, Dale College welcomes Kingswood College to Qonce on Friday.

St Andrew’s College enjoys home ground advantage against Queen’s College.

Meanwhile, the clash between Pearson High and Woodridge College, which was scheduled to be played this past Friday, was called off because of severe rainfall. It will now take place this Friday.

FIXTURES

16:00 – Dale vs Kingswood College
17:00 – Selborne College vs Stirling High School
18:15 – Pearson High vs Woodridge College
TBC -Graeme College vs Port Alfred
TBC -St Andrew’s College vs Queen’s College