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Gauteng has unveiled a powerful girls’ team to represent the province at the upcoming Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT), which will take place in Johannesburg from 6 to 10 December 2025.

The prestigious national event assembles the country’s top young water polo players for five days of high-intensity competition, camaraderie, and provincial pride. It’s one of the highlights of the school sporting calendar, offering players a platform to showcase their talent and stake a claim for national selection.

This year’s Gauteng squad shows a blend of experienced players and rising stars, with several returning from last year’s campaign. The team announcement has already generated excitement within the local water polo community, which has seen significant growth and success over the past few seasons.

Roedean School SA, which has enjoyed a great season this year in both community development events and school tournaments, is leading the U19A team selection with five players named in the provincial lineup. St Stithians College, boasting another powerhouse programme, contributes four players to the squad. Both schools have produced several players who have gone on to represent South Africa at the youth level.

The U19A side, led by head coach Kelsey Thomson, features a powerful combination of attacking and defensive ability. With the likes of Taylor Billett and Gabriella Morrell from Roedean, Emily Carle and Tori Tanner-Ellis from St Stithians, and Ziyanda Tshabalala, who was in the B team last year and adds speed and precision in the A side, the team is expected to be one of the top contenders at this year’s tournament.

Meanwhile, the U19B team, coached by Siyabonga Guzana, brings together a promising group of young players eager to prove themselves on the national stage. The depth of talent within the province is evident, with several schools, including Crawford Lonehill, Beaulieu College, and Reddam House Bedfordview, well represented. The team’s balanced roster features players with solid tournament experience and exciting new prospects ready to make their mark.

With established players such as Ané du Plessis, Kuhlesibonge Buthelezi, and Danielle Sassenberg, Gauteng’s B team promises to be competitive, offering a glimpse into the future of the province’s water polo pipeline.

U19A Girls

Taylor Billett (Roedean), Jenna Blaauw (St Mary’s), Emily Carle (St Stithians), Lucy Davis (Kingsmead), Anastasia Hambakis (Reddam Bedfordview), Isabella Imbriolo (St Stithians), Julia Joseph (St Mary’s), Gabriella Morrell (Roedean), Cadha Mosehla (St Stithians), Emma Pelicot (Roedean), Caitlin Scrimgeour (Reddam Bedfordview), Amy Stubbs (Roedean), Tori Tanner-Ellis (St Stithians), Ziyanda Tshabalala (Roedean)

Head Coach: Kelsey Thomson, Assistant Coach: Oluchi McMurray, Manager: Caitlyn O’Shaughnessy

U19B
Kuhlesibonge Buthelezi (Roedean), India-Rose Cope (Crawford Lonehill), Ané du Plessis (Roedean), Esme du Plessis (Roedean), Isabella Duffy (Beaulieu), Meegan Zomero (Crawford Lonehill), Mia Duffy (Beaulieu), Ambrin McEwan (Roedean), Annabelle Morton (Reddam Bedfordview), Iminathi Njokwana (Crawford Lonehill), Rylee Rogers (Steyn City), Danielle Sassenberg (St Stithians), Anna Springer (St Stithians), Kathryn Thorburn (St Mary’s)

Head Coach: Siyabonga Guzana, Assistant Coach: Oluchi McMurray, Manager: Caitlyn O’Shaughnessy

Nicholas Bayly scored a brilliant half-century on Tuesday afternoon to give St Stithians College the perfect start to their Johnny Waite Trophy campaign.

His sterling effort helped Saints to a four-wicket win over Helpmekaar at the University of Johannesburg.

When the toss went Xander Jackson’s way, and the Helpmekaar captain elected to bat first and his team responded well, batting at over eight runs per over to tally 164/6 in their 20 overs. With Bayly leading the charge, St Stithians replied with 165/6 in 18.2 overs.

The Saints’ skipper was dismissed before the end of his side’s innings, but that didn’t matter because he had done enough to guarantee them victory by scoring 75 from only 47 balls, which included striking five fours and four sixes.

Early on in their chase, Saints found themselves in a spot of bother. They lost Ombesa Matsha and Thomas Collins in the powerplay and were three down after only 6.5 overs. They needed someone to hold their innings together, and their captain raised his hand, spending 13.5 overs in the middle and setting his team on course for victory.

Bayly’s brisk 42-run fourth-wicket partnership with Michael Katzenstein from 25 balls was the turning point of the match as it put Saints comfortably ahead of the required run rate. Katzenstein’s contribution was a well-played 25 from 15 balls.

Heinrich Minnaar was Helpmekaar’s best bowler with 2/18 from four overs, while Stefan Trumpelmann and Xander Jackson also bagged two wickets each, although they lacked Minnaar’s economy. Trumpelmann conceded 38 runs in four overs, while Jackson was slightly better, giving up 32 from his four overs.

Zuan Joubert starred with the bat for Helpies, cracking a wonderful 61 from 39 balls. He also shared a solid 68-run third-wicket partnership with Minnaar that spanned 9.5 overs. Dominic Tait, meanwhile, weighed in with an unbeaten 25 from only 11 deliveries to give Helpmekaar’s innings a late boost, but it wasn’t quite enough.

Thomas Collins led the St Stithians bowling attack with a disciplined effort that brought him 2/20 from three overs. Although he didn’t pick up a wicket, Tajendra Naidu put Helpmekaar under heavy pressure by conceding only 13 runs from his three overs.

Like Collins, Zaakir Hanslo picked up two wickets, albeit that he was a touch costly, going for 29 runs from his four overs.

Summarised Scorecard

Helpmekaar 164/6 (Zuan Joubert 61, Heinrich Minnaar 27, Dominic Tait 25*; Thomas Collins 2/20, Zaakir Hanslo 2/29). St Stithians 165/6 (Nicholas Bayly 75, Matthew Katzenstein 25, Jason Joiner 23; Heinrich Minnaar 2/18, Xander Jackson 2/32, Stefan Trumpelmann 2/38). St Stithians won by four wickets.

Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, thanked the outgoing leadership of the SA Schools Rugby Association and congratulated the new Executive Committee and selectors, who were elected at their Annual General Meeting in Durbanville on Monday.

KwaZulu-Natal’s Noël Ingle’s term as chairperson has come to an end after 10 years, with Kervin Grove from Western Province, the former secretary, elected to take over from Ingle at the meeting held at Hoërskool Durbanville.

The two vice chairpersons from the last term were re-elected on Monday. They are Katiso Mosioua (Border, high schools) and Granville Josephs (Boland, primary schools).

At the 2024 SA Rugby Awards earlier this year, SASRA was named as the Associate Member of the Year.

“Noël’s final meeting as Chairperson was not merely a farewell – it is a celebration of a legacy defined by passion, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the development of young rugby talent across our nation,” said Mr Alexander.

“For decades, he has been a guiding force behind the growth and transformation of school rugby, nurturing generations of players, coaches and administrators with wisdom and care.

“Under his stewardship, SASRA has flourished as a cornerstone of South African rugby, fostering excellence, inclusivity and opportunity in every province and community. His leadership has been marked by tireless advocacy for youth development, strategic collaboration with schools and unions and a deep belief in rugby’s power to unite and uplift.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude and admiration to Noël, for your outstanding service and unwavering dedication to school rugby in our country. Your legacy will endure not only in the structures you helped build, but in the lives you’ve shaped and the spirit you’ve inspired. You leave behind a game stronger, fairer and more hopeful because of your service.

“At the same time, I would like to congratulate Kervin, Katiso and Granville on their elections and wish them all the best for their terms. They have big boots to fill, but we have all the faith in them and the rest of the Exco that they will build on the success created by their predecessors.”

New SASRA Executive Committee:

• Chairman: Kervin Grove (Western Province)
• Vice Chairperson: High Schools: Katiso Mosioua (Border)
• Vice Chairperson: Primary Schools: Granville Josephs (Boland)
• Additional Members – High Schools: Dean Moodley (KwaZulu-Natal), Ofentse Moeng (Blue Bulls)
• Additional Members – Primary Schools: Selwyn January (Golden Lions), Tobie Pretorius (Mpumalanga)
• Treasurer: Tinus Diedericks (Golden Lions)
• Secretary: Shirese Jordaan (Eastern Province)

 National Selectors: Henkie Green (Boland), Gerald Pyoos (KwaZulu-Natal), Janse van der Ryst (Border), Ruan Jacobs (Blue Bulls), Bobby Joubert (Free State)

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Hoërskool Waterkloof se eerste netbalspan het vanjaar weer bewys dat ware sukses nie slegs aan punte of posisies gemeet word nie, maar aan deursettingsvermoë, geloof en spanverband.

Hierdie jong en belowende groep het deur die 2025-seisoen merkwaardige groei getoon, ten spyte van verskeie uitdagings. Die hoogtepunte van die jaar was nie slegs seges oor sterk teenstanders nie, maar die onwrikbare geloof wat die spelers in God, mekaar en hul mentors gehad het.

“Ons het klein doelwitte vir onsself gestel, en selfs wanneer dinge moeilik geraak het, het die spelers nooit opgegee nie,” verduidelik Klofies se netbaldirekteur, René Straeuli.

’n Besonderse mylpaal was toe Waterkloof vir die eerste keer in drie jaar die top-agt by die La Rochelle-toernooi gehaal het, ’n prestasie wat nóg meer betekenisvol was gegewe die drie ernstige beserings wat die span moes trotseer.

‘n Onvergeetlike oomblik van die seisoen was die oorwinning oor Sentraal in die uitspeelwedstryd om derde plek tydens die Sentraal-toernooi, verál nadat Klofies vroeër in die rondes teen die einste Tralies die knie gebuig het. Nog ’n trotse prestasie is dat Waterkloof van 28ste in 2024 na 22ste op die nasionale skoleranglys geklim het, ’n bewys van konstante verbetering en vasberadenheid.

Met slegs twee spelers wat van die vorige jaar oorgebly het, moes hierdie span letterlik van vooraf begin bou. Dit was aanvanklik ’n uitdaging om nuwe spelers bymekaar te bring en vertroue te vestig, maar namate die seisoen gevorder het, het hulle ’n hegte eenheid gevorm. Selfs ná drie groot beserings het die span se jong lede vinnig aangepas en hul plek in die span verdien. Die grootste groei was in hul vermoë om aan te pas by verskillende kombinasies en steeds mededingend te bly teen top skole.

Waterkloof het vernaam vooruitgang getoon wat hul verdediging betref, asook die beperking van ongeforseerde foute. Waar onnodige foute aanvanklik ’n struikelblok was, het die span later meer gefokus en gedissiplineerd gespeel, wat tot kritieke oorwinnings gelei het.

Vyf spelers wat verlede jaar nog vir die B-spanne gespeel het, het vanjaar met groot sukses hul plek in die eerste span volgestaan. Hulle vermoë om aan te pas by die vinniger tempo van A-span-netbal, asook spelers wat nuwe posisies moes bemeester, verdien groot lof. Waterkloof se eerste span het met trots, geloof en ongelooflike vasberadenheid gespeel, en hoewel elke uitslag nie altyd in hul guns was nie, het die span se groei, karakter en eenheid die ware triomf van die 2025-seisoen bepaal.

Uitslae

NWU-reeks:
Verloor teen Ben Vorster 34–27
Verloor teen Oos-Moot 17–25
Wen teen HTS Middelburg 25–21
Wen teen Kempton 22–18

Klooffees:
Wen teen Jeugland 16–11
Wen teen Potch Volkies 18–11
Wen teen Eunice 21–17
Verloor teen Sentraal 12–18
Wen teen Windhoek Privaat 16–6
Verloor teen La Rochelle 15–25
Wen teen Brandwag 23–12
Wen teen Framesby 22–20
Wen teen Klerksdorp 20–15

Paarl-toernooi:
Wen teen Sundowns 38–37
Verloor teen Paarl Gim 16–49
Verloor teen Upington 33–35
Wen teen Montana 28–27
Wen teen Tygerberg 35–34
Verloor teen Bloemhof 29–35
Wen teen Upington 33–23

Sentraal-toernooi:
Wen teen Wilgerivier 40–23
Wen teen Kalahari 35–16
Wen teen Pietersburg 33–25
Wen teen Despatch 43–24
Verloor teen Sentraal 24–35
Verloor teen Garsfontein 18–33
Wen teen Sentraal (3de plek) 24–20

Liga:
Verloor teen Garsfontein 29–37
Verloor teen Affies 16–40
Verloor teen Menlo 21–27
Wen teen Zwartkop 35–21
Wen teen Eldoraigne 36–24
Wen teen Oos-Moot 31–28
Wen met ’n forfeit teen Montana

Five members of the triumphant Junior Springbok side from earlier this year have been included in the SA Rugby u19 Academy squad of 30 players for an exciting three-match European tour to France and Ireland.

The touring squad, which includes Junior Bok captain Riley Norton and his 2025 SA u20 team-mates Oliver Reid, Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, Siphosethu Mnebelele, and Vusi Moyo, will depart South Africa on Wednesday.

The tour is a crucial part of the pathway for age-group players to the Junior Springboks, serving as the pinnacle of SA Rugby’s Elite Player Development (EPD) programme.

Kevin Foote will be supported by the full SA u20 coaching and management staff. The Junior Springbok head coach sees the trip as an ideal opportunity for the young players to connect with and experience the culture of the Junior Boks.

The SA u19 squad will face strong international competition, starting with an opposed training session against a French u19 Invitational XV on 3 November, followed by a match against France u19 on 8 November. The tour concludes with a clash against Ireland u19 on 14 November.

Speaking after the week-long training camp in Stellenbosch, Foote expressed his satisfaction with the squad’s preparation.

“It was an awesome camp and a great opportunity to immerse the guys in our culture, what it means to play for the Junior Springboks, how we want to play, and how we want to represent ourselves,” Foote said.

Despite spending only a week together before flying out to France on Wednesday, Foote is fortunate to have significant continuity within the group.

“We are lucky to have five guys who returned from the World Rugby u20 Championship,” he said.

“They did a fantastic job of leading the integration of the new players and setting the tone. We also have another 10 players who were part of our Junior Springbok camp preparations throughout the year, so there is a lot of continuity.”

Adding further strength and continuity, the entire World Rugby u20 Championship-winning Junior Bok coaching and management staff will be involved in the tour. This includes Thulani Nteta (strength and conditioning coach), Melusi Mthethwa (attack coach), and Lumumba Currie (forwards coach).

“From a coaching perspective, we are a year down the line as a team, which is a big plus. There is a great synergy among the whole management staff, which set the trend nicely for the camp,” Foote noted.

The final 30-man touring squad was reduced from the original training group following injuries to James Schnetler (lock, Fidelity ADT Lions) and Samuel Badenhorst (centre, DHL Western Province), with Fidelity ADT Lions lock Thomas Beling having been brought in as cover during the camp.

The four players not selected for the final touring squad are Beling, Henry du Plessis (prop, DHL Western Province), Bohlala Mapisa (loose forward, Toyota Cheetahs) and Adeeb Boraine (scrumhalf, DHL Western Province).

Foote reassured the players who missed out that they remain firmly in the Junior Springbok sights: “We are obviously disappointed for the four players who left the camp today, but they leave with things to work on. We can take only 30 players, so we unfortunately had to reduce the group.

“We are very happy with the touring squad selected. For those who were injured and not considered, we will have another opportunity to look at them, as well as the u18s who came out of this year’s school programme,” he added.

Foote emphasised the primary goals for the tour: “Our goals are clarity; to ensure everyone understands the team’s playing model and style; giving players confidence in executing that style and connection; and fostering the bond and understanding between players to set a tone for next year.

“For now, the focus is on Europe. We know France and Ireland will be a challenge, given that it’s in their backyard and early in their season, which is different to us where we are at the end of our season. We want to go there and represent our country very well.”

The squad departs for France on Wednesday afternoon and will return to South Africa on 16 November.

SA U19 Academy squad for the tour to Europe

Props: Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Aphiwe Shelembe (Vodacom Bulls), Ulrich van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Danie Kruger (DHL Western Province),

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Mahle Sithole (Fidelity ADT Lions), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Riley Norton (DHL Western Province), JD Hattingh (Fidelity ADT Lions), Tom Barnard (DHL Western Province).

Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Vuyo Gwiji (Fidelity ADT Lions), Risima Khosa (Fidelity ADT Lions), Aiden de Costa (DHL Western Province), Reuben Kruger (DHL Western Province).

Scrumhalves: Brooklyn Newman (Vodacom Bulls), Elgernon Meyer (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Centres: Pieter van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls), Janco Purchase (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gregan Jansen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Adriano Jackson (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Outside backs: Dylan Miller (DHL Western Province), Unathi Mlotshwa (Vodacom Bulls), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls), Akahluwa Boqwana (Vodacom Bulls).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

In a repeat of 2024’s results, Clifton College won two out of the three KZN Top 10 water polo titles, but Kearsney College was crowned the overall champion, thanks to their consistency through the u14, u15, and u19 team competitions.

Unlike 2024, Kearsney didn’t lift a single title – they won last year’s 1st team competition – with Hilton College being crowned the u14 champion, and Clifton lifting the u15 and 1st team titles.

Echoing 2024’s overall results, Kearsney edged out Hilton and Clifton by a single point.

u19

The Clifton 1st team put together an outstanding run to win the u19 title at the Clifton Aquatic Centre on Sunday.

They were stretched by Westville Boys’ High, winning 10-9, and they downed Kearsney 7-4 in the final. But not once did they need penalties to win. An opening 8-5 victory over Hilton College set up coach Pierre le Roux‘s charges for their run to the title.

The highly regarded Le Roux took over the school’s water polo programme earlier this year and it was clear then that the players hadn’t enjoyed a full pre-season under his guidance. Now that he has had good time to prepare the 1st team and to institute his influence on the overall Clifton water polo programme, the results are evident, and they’re good.

Kearsney, last year’s winners – they edged out Hilton 8-7 in a thrilling final – hasn’t been quite the dominant team they became late in 2024, when they won the Saints Invitational Water Polo title, but they’ve been very good. Like Clifton, they were pushed to the limit by Westville and also won by only one goal against their neighbours, taking their semi-final showdown 6-5. Westville, meanwhile, handed Hilton a 7-6 loss in a pivotal contest.

Durban High School (DHS) turned in an encouraging showing and made it through to the semi-finals. Their key result was a 7-6 win over Northwood.

1st Team Results

Saturday, 25 October

Westville 18-6 Glenwood
Kearsney 14-8 DHS
Clifton 8-5 Hilton
Northwood 15-4 Thomas More
Westville 8-3 Maritzburg College
DHS 7-4 Michaelhouse
Clifton 25-1 Glenwood
Kearsney 18-3 Thomas More
Hilton 7-4 Maritzburg College
Northwood 7-5 Michaelhouse
Clifton 10-9 Westville
DHS 14-1 Thomas More
Hilton 22-2 Glenwood
Kearsney 9-6 Michaelhouse
DHS 7-6 Northwood
Clifton 10-3 Maritzburg College

Sunday, 26 October

Michaelhouse 11-5 Thomas More
Westville 7-6 Hilton
Kearsney 9-6 Northwood
Maritzburg College 16-4 Glenwood
Clifton 9-5 DHS (Semi)
Kearsney 6-5 Westville (Semi)
Glenwood 9-5 Thomas More (9/10)
Michaelhouse 7-5 Maritzburg College (7/8)
Northwood 6-4 Hilton (5/6)
Westville 7-5 DHS (3/4)
Clifton 7-4 Kearsney (1/2)

u15

Clifton’s u15 team as u14s last year, ran roughshod through their KZN Top 10 competition. They also proved recently that they remain one of the best teams in their age group in the country at Wynberg Boys’ High’s Ian Melliar Cup, which brought together most of South Africa’s leading sides.

While they were beaten in the quarterfinals by Rondebosch Boys’ High, the eventual champions, that defeat was the only one suffered by Clifton, who later beat St David’s Marist Inanda, who had surprised ‘Bosch in their opening game.

Clifton’s u15s, though, found the going far tougher on the weekend than they had found it to be a year earlier in the u14 competition. In their very first outing, they needed penalties to get by Northwood. All credit to Northwood, though. They went on to finish third after a 4-3 win over Kearsney.

Clifton also won by only one against Westville and needed penalties to defeat Hilton in the final, which ended 5-5, before Clifton slotted two penalties to Hilton’s one.

The Durban boys, though, have shown, time after time, an admirable quality to pull off victories in tight contests.

u15 Results

Saturday, 25 October

Michaelhouse 16-2 Glenwood
Clifton (2) 6-6 (0) Northwood
Hilton 14-7 Kearsney
Westville 4-0 Thomas More
Michaelhouse 15-1 DHS
Northwood 9-2 Maritzburg College
Kearsney 13-6 Glenwood
Clifton 15-1 Thomas More
Hilton 18-1 DHS
Westville 4-3 Maritzburg College
Kearsney 9-8 pens Michaelhouse
Northwood 9-2 Thomas More
Hilton 20-3 Glenwood
Clifton 11-1 Maritzburg College
Northwood 4-3 Westville
Kearsney 12-7 DHS

Sunday, 26 October

Maritzburg College 6-5 Thomas More
Hilton 14-5 Michaelhouse
Clifton 4-3 Westville
Glenwood 5-2 DHS
Hilton 8-5 Northwood (Semi)
Clifton 10-5 Kearsney (Semi)
Thoma More 10-2 DHS (9/10)
Maritzburg College 16-3 Glenwood (7/8)
Westville 5-4 Michaelhouse (5/6)
Northwood 4-3 Kearsney (3/4)
Clifton (2) 5-5 (1) Hilton (1/2)

u14

The u14 competition featured three teams that have proved themselves to be among the best in the country in the age group in 2025 – Hilton, Kearsney, and Michaelhouse – and they finished in that order, with Hilton scoring a 6-5 win over Kearsney to prevent the Botha’s Hill boys from winning a fourth tournament in 2025.

In the end, a 4-5 loss by Clifton against Northwood cost Clifton in the overall standings, with Northwood going on to finish sixth and Clifton ending seventh.

Hilton put together a clean run, which included a 6-3 victory over Michaelhouse. Apart from the final, that was as close as any team got to beating them.

u14 Results

Westville 25-0 Glenwood
Kearsney 9-4 Clifton
Hilton 6-3 Michaelhouse
Northwood 7-4 Invitational
Westville 7-4 Maritzburg College
Kearsney 12-5 DHS
Michaelhouse 21-1 Glenwood
Clifton 10-1 Invitational
Hilton 12-0 Maritzburg College
DHS 6-2 Northwood
Michaelhouse 12-2 Westville
Kearsney 12-0 Invitational
Hilton 24-0 Glenwood
DHS 8-5 Clifton
Kearsney 7-2 Northwood
Michaelhouse 10-4 Maritzburg College

DHS 9-2 Invitational
Hilton 12-3 Westville
Northwood 5-4 Clifton
Maritzburg College 16-0 Glenwood
Hilton 12-4 DHS (Semi)
Kearsney 9-4 Michaelhouse (Semi)
Invitational 17-1 Glenwood (9/10)
Clifton 6-4 Maritzburg College (7/8)
Westville 7-3 Northwood (5/6)
Michaelhouse 12-1 DHS (3/4)
Hilton 6-5 Kearsney (1/2)

Overall Ranking

Kearsney 27
Clifton 26
Hilton 26
Westville 20
Northwood 19
Michaelhouse 17
DHS 15
Maritzburg College 10
Glenwood 6
Thomas More 3

Points Allocations

1st – 11
2nd – 10
3rd – 8
4th – 7
5th – 6
6th – 5
7th – 4
8th – 3
9th – 2
10th -1

The Hudson Park High School girls’ hockey programme has hit new heights over recent years under the tutelage of first-team coach Jerry Snyman.

The Eagles, as they’re affectionately known, are now serious contenders and have become a force to be reckoned with in the Border region.

Their results from the past season are encouraging after they went toe-to-toe with some of the best schools in the Eastern Cape.

In 2025, the school situated on Devereux Avenue in Berea had six players selected to represent the Border u18A girls’ side at the SASHOC National Week in Pietermaritzburg.

Out of those six, Busiwe Mayekiso shone the brightest and was named in the South African Schools u18A High-Performance Team.

That selection gave Mayekiso, who is in grade 11, an opportunity to play for the SA u17 side at the Dato Mirnawan Cup, which kicks off on 1 November in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

“Being selected to represent South Africa and travel to Malaysia means the world to me,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus before departing South Africa.

“It’s such an incredible honour and a dream come true to wear the national colours and represent my country on an international stage.

“This opportunity is not just about travelling or competing. It’s about showcasing the hard work, dedication, and passion that’s gone into reaching this point. It’s a moment that reminds me why I started, not only for myself but for everyone back home who has supported and believed in me.”

Since making her debut for Hudson Park in grade nine, Mayekiso has been a regular member of the first team.

She’s made valuable contributions and scored important goals in big games.

Apart from representing herself and her family in Malaysia, she also wants to do her school proud.

“Playing for Hudson’s first team over the past three years has been an amazing experience and a huge part of my growth as both a player and a person,” she explained.

“Every season has come with its own challenges and highlights, but what’s made it truly special is the bond within the team and the incredible support from the coaches and staff.

“The school has played such a big role in my journey, from the coaches who’ve guided me to the teammates who’ve become like family, and the staff and students who’ve always supported me.

“Wearing the school’s name overseas is a huge honour because it’s a reflection of everyone who’s helped me get to this point. I feel proud to show what our school stands for: hard work, teamwork, and commitment, and I hope to make everyone at Hudson proud by giving my very best out there.”

The Border star was also part of the South Africa u17 side that won the Allistar Fredericks African Challenge against Zimbabwe in August.

She scored her maiden international goal in one of those fixtures and will be aiming to pick up from where she left off when the team lands in Malaysia.

When asked what spectators can expect from her, she said: “People who know and support me can expect nothing less than my absolute best when I wear the green and gold.

“I’m going to give my all and play with heart, pride, and passion every single time I step onto the field.

“I want to represent my country with humility, dedication, and the same hard work that got me here.

“I’ll stay focused, keep pushing myself, and make sure I give everything I have for the team and for South Africa.

“Most importantly, I’ll enjoy the moment and make everyone who has supported me proud,” she concluded.

South Africa kicks off their campaign on Sunday, 2 November, against the Australian state side, Queensland, at 12:00 SAST.

Follow SuperSport Schools Hockey for all the updates.

TEAM

Annika Kloppers (Die Hoërskool Menlopark, Northern Gauteng), Peyton Marais (Curro Durbanville, Western Province), Timari Jonker (Potchefstroom Gimnasium, North West), Jamie da Silva, Ella Bowyer (both St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, KZN Coastal), Zezethu Kunene (Maris Stella, KZN Coastal), Raffael Abrahams (Steyn City School, Southern Gauteng), Holly Hofmeyr (St Anne’s Diocesan College, KZN Inland), Xylia Choene (Oranje, Southern Free State), Claire Volschenk (Eunice, Southern Free State), Azania Petersen (St Andrew’s School For Girls, Southern Gauteng), Siphiwe Thwala (Middelburg High School, Mpumalanga), Busiwe Mayekiso (Hudson Park High, Border), Katherine Sickle (Rhenish Girls’ High, Boland), Emihle Wulana (Parel Vallei, Boland), Jemma Ferreira (St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, Eastern Gauteng), Anjun Kazie (Milnerton High, Western Province), Amogelang Motlatle (Curro Hazeldean, Northern Gauteng).

FIXTURES

2 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Queensland (Australia)

3 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Australia Crocs

6 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Malaysia Tigers

8 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Japan

Strong defence coupled with accuracy in front of goal saw the Hudson Park High School u15 girls’ team clinch the Clarendon Centennial Water Polo title in East London on Sunday.

Hudson cruised through their Pool B assignments before being extended in the playoffs. In the end, they sneaked by Glenwood House 1-0 on penalties in the final after the match ended deadlocked at 4-4.

“The campaign went really well,” head coach Khanyisa Mpumlwana told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“The goal was to win the tournament. We had an unlucky run at the Collegiate Tournament but played some amazing water polo.

“The win is an immense confidence boost. The players will grow more confident and hopefully continue with their winning ways.”

Apart from being held to four goals in the final, coach Mpumlwana’s troops were on another level on their journey to the title-deciding match. In their five pool matches, they scored a whopping 36 goals and conceded only six times.

In the semi-finals, they were put to the test by DSG Makhanda but held their nerve to score a narrow 2-1 win to qualify for the title game.

Several Hudson Park players shone during the weekend, and the coach paid homage to his stars.

“All the players did really well and have grown in leaps and bounds since u14,” he explained.

“Tyler-Jade Robert is a defence queen and undeniably the best defender in the Eastern Cape. Abby Batting and Leah Smith had our tight press on lockdown, and no one was able to break their defence. They have pure aura and chemistry in that channel.

“Madison Klopstra, scoring crucial goals rolling in from our left, received two Player of the Match awards, and she was unlucky not to make the team of the tournament. Milani Mlanga and Abby also received two players of the match awards.

“Baily Lake had a rocket of a long-range shot, while Mlanga was immense with her finesse lob shots. She also played an exceptional tournament.

“I can’t not mention our goalkeeper, Caylin MacKenzie, who has won countless goalkeeper of the tournament awards. She has been the heart of our team. Lastly, our bomb squad – Cassidy Cloete, Stephany Necsulescu, Gabriella De Sousa and Georgia Maria – all deserve a mention.”

The win will be a welcome boost to the East London school’s water polo programme, which is growing in leaps and bounds.

Earlier this month, the girls’ first team defeated Glenwood House to win the Woodridge Stayers in Thornhill.

Coach Mpumlwana believes the current crop of players has also set the bar higher. “This is going to set the tone for a few years. They are the team to beat,” he said.

“The job’s not done.”

Over the weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns delivered an outstanding performance in a Tshwane derby, while a win for Highlands Park underlined their determination to win the Gauteng Development League (GDL) title for a third consecutive time.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ title aspirations were tested when they faced SuperSport United in a Tshwane derby. With the GDL nearing its conclusion, nothing but a win would do, and the Brazilians rose to the challenge, claiming a 3-0 victory.

While Sundowns celebrated their win, their title-chasing rival, Highlands Park, won on their home ground, Balfour Park, to stay top of the table.

They took on the School of Excellence and won 2-0. It was a big result, not only for the vital three points the Lions of the North added to their tally, but also because the School of Excellence had enjoyed an outstanding showing the previous weekend, netting ten goals without conceding any in two wins.

Kaizer Chiefs and Seven’s Academy both recorded 4-0 victories, with Chiefs overpowering Joburg City, while Seven’s Academy accounted for bottom of the table Elspark.

Panorama, whose form has slumped since they won the Engen Knockout Gauteng in July, was again on the wrong end of a result, going 2-3 down to the University of Pretoria (Tuks).

Randburg scored a 1-0 victory against Jomo Cosmos, while TS Galaxy recorded a 3-1 win over East Rand Athletic.

Kathorus Hyper Academy, who had performed exceptionally well in the early part of the second round of the season’s fixtures before falling off the pace, scored a consequential victory on Saturday. Their hard-fought 2-1 win over Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) pretty much ended the Vereeniging club’s faint hopes of a second or even first-place finish.

On Sunday, Panorama, after their loss the previous day, picked up a point by securing a 1-1 draw with East Rand Athletic.

RESULTS

Saturday, 25 October

Kaizer Chiefs 4-0 Joburg City
Tuks 3-2 Panorama
TS Galaxy 3-1 East Rand Athletic
Highlands Park 2-0 School of Excellence
Randburg 1-0 Jomo Cosmos
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 SuperSport United
Kathorus Hyper Academy 2-1 RESA
Seven’s Academy 4-0 Elspark United

Sunday, 26 October 

Panorama 1-1 East Rand Athletic

Boksburg Stadium played host to the inaugural Phoenix Elites SA Games on Saturday. The new women’s football tournament ran seamlessly and ended with Diambars Sunward being crowned the first-ever champions of the tournament.

In the gold match, Diambars Sunward powered their way to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Silver Spears Sport Institute to finish the event with a clean sheet in every match.

From the very first minute of the title game, they had Silver Spears Sport under pressure, and Silver Spears didn’t seem to have a clear plan on how to counteract it.

It was all Diambars Sunward, and the score could have easily exceeded five or six goals, but they squandered opportunities, including several open-net chances, that could have turned the contest into a rout and decided the outcome very early.

However, once the first goal was scored, Diambars Sunward’s confidence soared. They maintained a strong press, forcing Silver Spears Sport to play most of the game in their own half.

Frustration was evident on the bench of Silver Spears Sport. Yet, there was little they could do, and critical errors under pressure cost them the championship.

Earlier in the day, Diambars Sunward beat East Rand Ladies 1-0 in the semi-finals, while Silver Spears Sport also claimed a narrow 1-0 win against Kathorus United.

The tournament was designed to ensure that every participant could leave as a winner, as reflected in the organiser’s slogan, “Opportunity Meets Purpose.”

Diambars Sunward, the competition’s champions, took home R20 000, while Silver Spears Sport, the runner-up, received R10 000.

Kathorus United, who reached the semifinals, were awarded the kits winners’ prize, while East Rand Ladies, their fellow semi-finalists, were the soccer boot winners.

Among the other winners were PFC Ladies, who were awarded transport vouchers, and Albertho Girls’ Academy, who received soccer equipment as their prize.

As stated by the tournament director, Melissa Sall, to SuperSport Schools Plus last week, the tournament was set up to be distinctly different from any previous tournaments, designed so that every participant emerges as a winner. That sentiment was the prevailing message of the day.

SuperSport Schools Plus spoke with the Rustenburg City coach, Technocrat Yusuf, to discuss the North West Province’s side’s experience of participating in the inaugural Phoenix Elites SA games.

Earlier this year, Phoenix Elites SA organised a five-a-side tournament to which Rustenburg City was invited. Coach Yusuf believes that the tournament organisers may have recognised something in his team that led to their invitation to the Phoenix Elites SA Games as the only side from outside of the Gauteng province.

Yusuf shared the reasons for his team’s successes at the five-a-side event, saying: “It is primarily a matter of discipline, and during the five-a-side tournament, our goalkeeper was awarded the title of goalkeeper of the tournament. She participated in all the matches despite being injured. Perhaps this demonstrated the determination of our girls to the organisers.”

The Phoenix Elites SA Games was his side’s first time competing in an 11-a-side tournament outside of the North West, Yusuf told SuperSport Schools Plus. That was a big challenge, he added, because teams in Gauteng are more advanced than those in the North West.

Rustenburg City lost all of their matches in Group A, but they were, nonetheless, competitive. Despite those defeats, it was a valuable learning opportunity for his charges, said Yusuf. It was essential for his team to push beyond their limits and to be exposed to various styles of play and competition.

Yusuf also praised Phoenix Elites SA for promoting girls’ football. “The Phoenix Group is performing an excellent job, and I would like to extend my personal gratitude for their efforts,” he said.

“Upon our arrival in the morning, breakfast was provided, lunch was offered, water was available, medical assistance was on hand, and everything was organised to a top-class standard.”

RESULTS 

Saturday, 25 October 

Group A

Silver Spears Sport 2-0 Rustenburg City
Absalom Tete 1-0 Rustenburg City
Diambars Sunward 2-0 Rustenburg City
Diambars Sunward 5-0 Absalom Tete
Silver Spears Sport 1-0 Absalom Tete
Diambars Sunward 1-0 Silver Spears Sport

Group B

Kathorus United 3-1 PFC Ladies
East Rand 0-0 Albertho Girls’ Academy
Albertho Girls’ Academy 0-0 Kathorus United
Kathorus United 0-0 East Rand Ladies
East Rand Ladies 1-0 PCF Ladies
Kathorus United 3-1 PCF Ladies
Kathorus United 0-0 East Rand Ladies
East Rand Ladies 1-0 PCF Ladies
PCF Ladies 2-0 Albertho Girls’ Academy

Semifinals 

Silver Spears Sport 1-0 Kathorus United
Diambars Sunward 1-0 East Rand Ladies

Final 

Diambars Sunward 3-0 Silver Spears Sport