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Garden Route Badgers Boys U19 Squad

The Khaya Majola Week takes place in Bloemfontein from 16-21 December, and the team to represent the Garden Route Badgers includes 13 players from eight schools.

Outeniqua High has the most representatives, three, while Aurial College, Thembalethu High and Bridgton Senior Secondary each had two players selected.

It’s an experienced lineup, with seven players – Enathi Kitshini, Keano Coericius, Shirwin Plaatjies, Kurt Botha, Joof Enslin, Igcobe Kitshini, and Liviwe Bawulie – having played in the 2024 Khaya Majola Week in the Western Cape.

Kitshini is the big name in the squad. He made the South African Schools team last year and also represented the Southern Superstars at the CSA Cubs Week. He’s also been a fixture in the CSA Hub Invitational XI and recently participated in the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week and the Wildeklawer T20.

SQUAD

1. Ducayne Plaatjies (Bridgton Senior Secondary)
2. Enathi Kitshini (Thembalethu High)
3. Keano Coericius (Bridgton Senior Secondary)
4. Shirwin Plaatjies (Aurial College)
5. Lastio Williams (Aurial College)
6. Kurt Botha (George High)
7. Joof Enslin (Outeniqua High)
8. Igcobe Kitshini (Imizamo Yethu Secondary)
9. Liviwe Bawulie (Thembalethu High)
10. Daniel du Plessis (Outeniqua High)
11. Danie Venter (Outeniqua High)
12. Josh Karelse (Protea High School)
13. Singumzi Blou (York High)

Manager: Francois Visage (Chairman of Eden Schools Cricket)
Head Coach: Jonathan Beukes (former Free State, Eagles, SWD, and Scotland men’s player)
Assistant Coach: Danrick Moodien (former SWD player and u19 Girls Assistant Coach)

Garden Route Badgers Girls’ u19 Squad

The Girls’ u19 National Tournament will be held in Potchefstroom from 15-20 December.

Eleven players from nine schools make up the Garden Route Badgers’ team. Sao Bras Secondary has three players in the side. No other school has more than one.

SQUAD

1. Tisché Frans (Sao Bras Secondary)
2. Mi-Jeanne Botha (Outeniqua High)
3. Faithlynne Carelse (Sao Bras Secondary)
4. Riche Saayman (Sao Bras Secondary)
5. Shante Williams (Aurial College)
6. Caroldene Ewerts (Bridgton Senior Secondary)
7. Philasande Bodlo (Thembalethu High)
8. Marissa Nunns (York High)
9. Jade West (Hoërskool Langenhoven)
10. Rusha van Wieling (Plettenberg Bay Secondary)
11. Kemrodine Swartz (Concordia High)

Manager: Thabani Kenene (Greenwood Bay College teacher)
Head Coach: Yolandi van der Westhuizen (former Women’s Proteas’ wicketkeeper)
Assistant Coach: Ranwill Claassen (former SWD men’s player)

Sixteen players from nine schools make up the Boland u19 Squad for the Khaya Majola Week, which takes place in Bloemfontein from 16 to 21 December.

Paul Roos Gimnasium, Paarl Boys’ High and Somerset College each have three representatives in the squad.

Included in the lineup is Klein Nederburg‘s Taywin Adams, who, along with Ryall Julies, of the Wellington School of Skills, represented the Southern Superstars at the CSA Cubs Week at the start of the year.

More recently, Adams and Julies turned out for the CSA Hub Invitational XI at the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week, while Adams also represented the side at the Wildeklawer T20.

Adams, Paul Roos Gimnasium’s Luca Plekker, and Owethu Moyi, of Somerset College, were members of the Boland team that contested the 2024 Khaya Majola Week in the Western Cape.

SQUAD

1. Taywin Adams (Klein Nederburg Secondary)
2. Liam Basson (Paul Roos Gimnasium)
3. Aden Batt (Paarl Boys’ High)
4. Inam Bula (Catch Trust)
5. Marco Cato (Paarl Boys’ High)
6. Gideon du Toit (Paarl Boys’ High)
7. Ryall Julies (Wellington School of Skills)
8. Buhle Mfunelwa (Somerset College)
9. Owethu Moyi (Somerset College)
10. Luca Plekker (Paul Roos Gimnasium)
11. Francois Prins (Boland Landbou)
12. Matthew Seymore (Paul Roos Gimnasium)
13. Mila Silamsi (Somerset College)

Non-Travelling Reserves: 

1. Jamiel Ismail (Parel Vallei)
2. Reese Peterson (Paarl Boys’ High)
3. Ghrislan Louw (Hopefield High)

Central Gauteng has announced its u19A and u19B boys’ teams for the forthcoming Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT), which takes place in the City of Gold from 6 to 10 December.

The u19A team, coached by Jon-Marc de Carvalho, assisted by Thabang Madi, and with Zahraa Bodiat as the manager, features a blend of experience, leadership, and youthful energy.

The side includes players from St David’s Marist Inanda, St John’s College, St Stithians College, Jeppe High School for Boys, and King Edward VII (KES).

The u19B team will, meanwhile, be led by Head Coach Thabang Madi, with De Carvalho serving as his assistant, and Bodiat looking after the managerial duties.

Reflecting on the teams’ build-up and preparations, Madi expressed his excitement about working within the Central Gauteng setup and highlighted the importance of teamwork, commitment, and joy in the game.

“It’s not my first time being part of the coaching team,” he said. “I’ve been involved with the u19 setup before, and now I’m also part of the u18s. For me, it’s another great opportunity to work with Jon-Marc, who is a proper, well-seasoned player and coach. It’s super-awesome to be part of that again because of the wealth of knowledge and experience he brings.”

Madi also shed light on the teams’ preparations for the interprovincial tournament. “The boys are currently in the middle of exams, especially the matric guys. We have about six of them in the A team, but we also have a large number of Grade 11s in the B side. The boys have been training twice a week since November,” he explained.

“We haven’t had many formal games in camp, but throughout the year we’ve been training consistently as school squads. Generally speaking, the boys have been putting in a hard shift this week, and they are super keen. That’s a good sign. It shows everyone’s committed to making sure we are as successful as possible at the IPT.”

Madi shared that maintaining passion for the sport remains central to the coaching and managerial crew’s approach. “The guys have put in a lot of work already, and we’ll keep building over the next five weeks,” he said. “But it’s important to remember why we do this. We play because we love the sport.

“As much as we want to compete and push to win, the biggest thing is to keep the joy in our hearts. That enjoyment will come through working hard as a team and doing it for one another, and for Central Gauteng.”

TEAMS

u19A Boys

Erik Arwidi (St David’s), Chris Chapman (St John’s), Fu-Nam Chen (St John’s), James Crick (St Stithians), Danilo Giuricich (St David’s), Cooper Haworth (St David’s), Aiden Khoury (Jeppe Boys), Connor McJannet (St David’s), Simon Mussett (St John’s), Tyler Mwekassa (King Edward VII), Nicholas Searle (St John”s), Dylan Wiggill (St David’s), Harry Wilkins (King Edward VII), Declan Wood (St Stithians).

Head Coach: Jon-Marc de Carvalho
Assistant Coach: Thabang Madi
Manager: Zahraa Bodiat

u19B

Gui-Nam Chen (St John’s), Matthew Cross (St Stithians), Dylan Gander (St David’s), Samuel Gomes (St John’s), David Latilla-Campbell (St David’s), Mukhetwa Maemu (Jeppe Boys), Ryan Morley (King Edward VII), Troy Pasqualle (St Stithians), Matthew Peacock (St David’s), Luke Shipway (St John’s), Kian Sing (St Stithians), Oskar Stahljans (St John’s), Craig Toet (King Edward VII), Roan Wessels (St Peter’s)

Head Coach: Thabang Madi
Assistant Coach: Jon-Marc de Carvalho
Manager: Zahraa Bodiat

The SA Rugby u19 Academy squad wasted no time in settling in at their European base after arriving in Paris on Thursday, marking the start of their three-week tour of France and Ireland.

The 30-man touring party and team management have set up camp at the France High-Performance Centre (HPC), in Marcoussis, which is located approximately one hour’s drive outside of Paris. The modern, world-class facility, the heart of French rugby, provides the young South Africans with an impressive platform as they prepare for two tough international games plus an opposed training session.

Melusi Mthethwa, the Junior Springbok and SA u19 Academy attack coach, said the environment is key to sharpening the squad’s focus on this tour, which forms a crucial element of the Junior Springbok pathway.

“The facilities here at Marcoussis are superb and give us the perfect launching pad for our preparation block, which include this tour,” Mthethwa said on Friday.

“This tour is a wonderful opportunity for all of us – players, coaches and management staff. We came to work, to embed the Junior Bok culture, and to ensure we leave Europe with a clearer blueprint of how we want to play.

“Of course, it also gives us an opportunity to tour two countries with rich rugby traditions and culture, which is fantastic to experience.”

On Friday, the players got straight down to business after breakfast, beginning the day with an early morning gym session before moving into the technical phase, focusing on unit specific sessions, where Mthethwa, forwards’ coach Lumumba Currie, and head coach Kevin Foote, drove home the details.

“The unit sessions today were critical. It’s about alignment, understanding of our game model and precision in our set-piece plays,” Mthethwa explained.

“The continuity we have – with five players returning from the World Rugby U20 Championship squad and several more that attended our SA u20 training camps earlier in the year, and the full Junior Bok management here – means we can build on what we already established back in Stellenbosch.”

For Mthethwa, the tour is not simply about results, it’s about integration into the Junior Bok culture and system, echoing the goals set by Foote, which are game model clarity, gaining confidence, and establishing connection.

“Every drill today, from the gym session to the final team huddle, has been focused on those three pillars,” Mthethwa emphasised.

“We want to establish clarity in our roles, the confidence to execute our style against top European opposition in their own backyard, and the connection with one another that defines the Junior Bok culture.”

The SA u19 Academy squad will have an opposed training session against a French u19 Invitational XV on Monday, 3 November. This will provide the first real measure of their progress before they take on the French u19 side on 8 November and the Ireland u19 team on 14 November.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Continuous rain in Pretoria and the surrounding areas has placed a question mark over the Fain Noordvaal semi-finals, which are set to be played on Saturday in the Jacaranda City and Meyerton.

The Ysbere, of Hoërskool Garsfontein, will host Potchefstroom Gimnasium after beating Hoërskool Waterkloof by four wickets in their quarterfinal clash last week.

Potch Gimnasium, meanwhile, put together an excellent performance against Hoërskool Middelburg to progress to the final four.

Hoërskool Kempton Park, a dark horse to go all the way, comfortably ended Hoërskool Monument‘s journey, and Hoërskool Dr Malan enjoyed the most comfortable victory of the round, knocking out Merensky Landbou Akademie by eight wickets in Meyerton.

Gimmies, Kempies, and Dokkies have both their 1st XIs and u15 sides in the penultimate round of the series.

If rain prevents play on Saturday, the teams will be required to complete their fixtures as soon as possible during the following week. The final is scheduled for Saturday, 8 November.

The Ysbere have been in outstanding form. Not only did they win the Wildeklawer Diamantveld Tournament, but they also knocked out the winner of the Wildeklawer T20, the Klofies, thanks to a massive contribution from Wikus du Preez with both bat and ball. His all-round performance – 4/26 and 58 – as well as Jared Carr‘s 3/36, showcased the depth and talent that coach Elmar Dorey has empowered over the past two seasons.

Garsies also have three centurions in their lineup, including run machine, Reuben van Zyl, which will make it a very tough ask for the Gimmies to beat the Ysbere, who will start as the favourite on their home turf.

Potch Gim, though, is talented and has a well-balanced unit. They showed just how good they could be in a one-sided victory over Grey College in September.

The all-round capabilities of Caiden Seleka and the hero of their quarterfinal win, Henré Cronjé, will join forces with opening batsman, Christivan Coetzer, and they’ll spearhead a formidable challenge from the visitors.

In Meyerton, Dr Malan will have their work cut out against Kempton Park. It’s no secret that the Kempies, also, feature a strong and well-balanced team. Sheldon Kruger and Shaun Nash are well-established performers with the willow, while, on the bowling front, Stian van Breda stole the spotlight with a match-winning 6/25 against Monument. His new ball partnership with Khaya Majola fast bowler, Kristian du Plessis, poses a significant threat to the Dokkies’ batting lineup.

The home side’s Dewald Erasmus has, however, shown that he’s an impressively aggressive opening batsman. His unbeaten 97 from just 68 deliveries against the Plasies sounded a loud warning about his ability to up the run scoring rate when it’s needed, and he is also a useful bowler.

His opening partner, Jacques Nel, if he delivers alongside Erasmus, will ensure that Kempies are stretched. Also, the fact that they’re playing at home – and they shone on their home pitch in the quarterfinals – makes them a redoubtable opponent.

FIXTURES

09:00 – Garsfontein vs Potchefstroom Gimnasium
09:00 – Hoërskool Kempton Park vs Dr Malan

Mohlodi Maseko, of South African College High School (SACS), will captain the South African u17 boys’ team  at the Dato Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia next month.

The annual international tournament, hosted by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, takes place in Kuala Lumpur from November 1 to 10.

Maseko is one of only two players who participated in the tournament last year and will be assisted by vice-captains, Andile Lembethe, from Maritzburg College, and Paul Roos Gimnasium‘s Logan Lackay, the other returning player.

“When coach Justin [Collins] called me, I was surprised and didn’t know why he was calling,” Maseko told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“When he told me that I would be captaining the side, it just put a huge smile on my face. Litha Kraai was in the room and was very excited for me.

“I’m very excited to face the challenges that arise as the tournament goes on with my co-captains, Logan and Andile. I believe we will overcome these challenges.”

Last year’s campaign didn’t go as planned coach Collins and his troops. After they finished third in 2023 under his guidance, they placed fifth in 2024, despite putting together some good performances.

Maseko, though, believes history won’t repeat itself, particularly after identifying what let the South African team down 12 months ago.

“Last year’s team was great, but it lacked a few things, mainly our finishing,” he said. “I feel with this group, we will be able to focus on the key aspects, such as finishing and marking in the D, which could take us all the way.”

The 18-player squad assembled for a training camp at Kearsney College at the beginning of October to work on team cohesion, combinations, and their overall structure.

They also played a competitive match against the SA u18 team and troubled their seniors, eventually succumbing 3-4 after leading 3-1.

“We had a fantastic camp where we worked on various things we will be focusing on in Malaysia,” the skipper shared.

“I think the team gelled easily and fast, and everyone was on the same page. That will be a key factor in our performance in Malaysia.

“From this group, I think people can expect us to be on the same page and everyone to follow the plan. We will also bring vibes on and off the field.”

South Africa’s campaign starts against the Australian Crocs on Sunday, 2 November, at 12:00 SAST.

Follow SuperSport Schools Hockey for all the updates and results

TEAM

Marley Musasa, Daniel Fisher (both Rondebosch Boys’ High and Western Province), Viwe Ndlovu, Andile Lembethe (both Maritzburg College and KZN Inland), Ruben Gouws, Logan Lackey (both Paul Roos Gimnasium and Boland), Cameron Cordeiro, Chavez Sanger, Mohlodi Maseko (all SACS and Western Province), Keegan de Jager (Kearsney College, KZN Coastal), Jacques van Dyk (Stellenberg High, Western Province), Liam Brooker (Pretoria Boys High, Northern Gauteng), Thandanani Zuma (Michaelhouse, KZN Inland), Matteo Stipcevich (St David’s Marist Inanda, Southern Gauteng), Neilyandro van Schalkwyk (Grey College, Southern Free State), Ryan Groenewald (Fairmont High, Western Province), Chad Julius (Wynberg Boys’ High, Western Province), Martin de Bruyn (Paarl Boys’ High, Boland).

FIXTURES

Note*: Fixtures are in South African Standard Time.

2 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Australia Crocs

3 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Malaysia Tigers

5 November
12:00 – South Africa vs Malaysia Speedy

6 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Queensland (Australia)

8 November
10:00 – South Africa vs Japan

Van die eerste oomblik dat Micah Labuschagne ’n netbalbaan betree het, het dit geen twyfel gely dat sy haar roeping gevind het nie.

Sy onthou hoe sy in die laerskool haar eerste wedstryd gespeel het, en onmiddellik geweet het dat dié sport besonders is.

“Ek het verlief geraak op die gevoel van spanwerk, die adrenalien op die baan en hoe elke speler ’n belangrike rol vervul,” vertel sy.

“Netbal het vir my ’n tweede familie geword.”

As hulpdoel beskryf Micah haar posisie as een wat haar op haar beste uitdaag. Sy geniet dit om die spel te help vorm op die aanval, maar ook om verdedigend haar merk te maak.

“Ek hou daarvan om as hulpdoel die geleentheid te kry om beide te verdedig én die spel vorentoe te help neem. Ek wil heeltyd bal in hand hê!” lag sy.

“Dit is ’n posisie waar jy vinnig moet dink en aanpas, en ek geniet daardie uitdaging. Ek voel altyd trots as ek op die baan stap en my deel kan doen met volle selfvertroue.”

Wanneer sy met jonger spelers gesels, is haar raad eenvoudig maar kragtig:

“Sukses gebeur nie oornag nie. Daar gaan dae wees waneer jy voel dat jy nie goed genoeg is nie, maar dis juis dan wanneer jy moet aanhou glo in jouself. Moed beteken nie dat jy nooit bang is nie, dit beteken dat jy aanhou, ál is jy bang.”

Haar grootste inspirasie kom van spelers soos die Australiese ster Kiera Austin.

“Ek bewonder haar omdat sy altyd kalm, gefokus en vol deursettingsvermoë is, selfs in taai wedstryde. Sy wys hoe passie, harde werk en selfvertroue ‘n mens ver kan neem,” verduidelik Micah.

Nog iemand wat vir Micah ‘n groot inspirasie is, is haar broer, Shane Labuschagne, self ’n bekende aanvallende speler in mans-netbalkringe.

“Ons is albei aanvallende spelers, en ek sien hoe hy selfs in hoëdruk-oomblikke kalm bly en elke beweging bereken. Hy speel met soveel fokus en selfvertroue, en dit herinner my altyd dat die beste spelers dié is wat kophou, ongeag wat op die telbord aangaan nie. Dit motiveer my om dieselfde te doen.”

Met haar rustige selfvertroue, passie vir die spel en die vermoë om druk in motivering te omskep, is dit duidelik dat Micah Labuschagne ’n speler is om dop te hou. Sy speel nie net vir die liefde van die sport nie, maar ook vir die mense wat saam met haar op die baan staan, haar tweede familie.

For Hayley Jose, her love for netball started long before she even joined a team.

“I grew up watching my sister play netball,” she recalls. “I used to copy their drills on the next court until one day the coach invited me to join them. I was only five years old!”

That moment sparked a passion that has simply grown stronger and stronger. For Hayley, netball is more than just a sport; it’s a part of who she is.

“I feel my most authentic self when I play. I love the adrenaline rush that comes with every match; that’s what keeps me coming back.”

Her inspiration comes from some of South Africa’s original netball icons.

“I grew up watching OG SPAR Proteas like Bongi Msomi, Phumza Maweni, and Lenize Potgieter. They showed me what is possible when you work hard and never stop believing.”

As a Goal Attack, Hayley thrives in a position that combines creativity, precision, and quick thinking.

“I love that I get to use my best skills – speed and agility – while also experiencing the thrill of scoring goals. It’s a position that keeps you on your toes every second.”

One of her proudest moments so far came when her school team qualified for the SA Championships for the very first time. “That feeling of pride and unity is something I’ll never forget,” she says with a smile.

Looking ahead, Hayley’s ambitions are clear and focused.

“In five years, I hope to be playing for the national team. It’s my biggest dream to represent South Africa and inspire other young players to dream big.”

Her advice to those following in her footsteps is simple, yet powerful: “No matter how many setbacks come your way, keep working. Your time will come.”

With her calm composure under pressure, relentless drive, and passion for the game, Hayley Jose is a name to remember, a rising star determined to make every goal count.

The Gauteng Lions have a single goal as they prepare for the 2025 edition of the annual Khaya Majola Week: redemption, after falling at the final hurdle last year.

To achieve that, they have named an experienced and well-rounded team to travel to Bloemfontein for the tournament that will run from 16 to 21 December.

The Lions, who lost to Western Province in 2024’s title game, lifted the trophy in 2023 and will aim to make it two titles in three years.

“We have an exciting group with lots of talent and experience from previous Khaya Majola weeks. They are motivated to bring the title back to Joburg,” Ahmed Nawab, the Lions’ head coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

The squad has seven players who represented the province last year: Sipho Potsane, Tahseen Hanslo, Morteza Manack, Armaan Manack, Jason Rowles, Corné Botha, and Kamogelo Phiri.

Rowles, Armaan Manack, JJ Basson, Botha, and Potsane also own international experience after representing the SA u19 squad, while Bafana Mthunzi was part of the SA Invitational team that played against Bangladesh‘s u19 team.

Nawab said the Lions’ selection process focused on picking a team that would have the best chance of winning the title in Bloemfontein. Therefore, the panel resolved to pick a side with both bowling and batting depth and, as a result, the Lions’ squad features several all-rounders.

“We are in a privileged position with a team comprising many quality all-rounders. This gives us good options with the ball and also allows us to mix it up when needed,” Nawab explained.

Rowles, Morteza Manack, Botha, and Wade McQuinn are their frontline all-rounders. The team also features four out-and-out bowlers in their pace duo of JJ Basson and Kyle Butler, and the spinners, Potsane and Hanslo. The quartet of Armaan Manack, Mthunzi, Troy Gordon, and Ombesa Matsha are the batsmen, while Phiri is the designated wicketkeeper.

The squad includes players from six schools: Queens High, Jeppe, St David’s Marist Inanda, St Stithians College, King Edward VII (KES), and Hoërskool Noordheuwel.

St David’s has the most representatives with five: Armaan and Morteza Manack, Rowles, Phiri, and Butler. Traditional powerhouse, KES, has Gordon and McQuinn flying their flag, while Hanslo and Matsha will seek to carry on the tradition of outstanding performances by St Stithians learners at the national week.

Basson, who recently signed a Betway SA20 contract with the Paarl Royals, will aim to make Noordheuwel proud, alongside Corné Botha. Queens High and Jeppe are represented by Mthunzi and Potsane, respectively.

In the coaching department, Nawab will be assisted by Tim Makgabutlane, and Willie van den Berg is the team manager.

Gauteng Lions u19 team

Armaan Manack (St Davids Marist Inanda), Bafana Mthunzi (Queens High School), Jason Rowles (St Davids Marist Inanda), Morteza Manack (St Davids Marist Inanda), Troy Gordon (King Edward VII), Kamogelo Phiri (St Davids Marist Inanda), Tahseen Hanslo (St Stithians College), Corne Botha (Hoërskool Noordheuwel), JJ Basson (Hoërskool Noordheuwel), Wade Mcquinn (King Edward VII), Sipho Potsane (Jeppe Boys High School), Kyle Butler (St Davids Marist Inanda), Ombesa Matsha (St Stithians College)

Parel Vallei High (PV) is a school whose sports programmes are going through a growth spurt. The latest evidence of their ambition is the recent appointment of Pieter Malan as a member of their First XI coaching staff.

The former Cape Cobras and Proteas’ Test batsman has previous experience of coaching at the school, but this is his first official role as a coach, albeit that it will be in a part-time capacity. Malan is still playing cricket professionally, so he is not yet ready to take on a full-time role.

When asked about his ambitions for the Somerset West outfit, Malan stated: “To help the Head of Cricket, Wihan Rocher, continue to build up Parel Vallei as a legitimate option for aspiring cricketers.

“I think they are a little bit of a sleeping giant with the amount of talent they have in the area.”

Malan has almost 20 years of experience as a professional player, but when chatting with SuperSport Schools Plus his focus was less on the technical aspects of coaching and more about how important the human aspects are.

He listed Adi Birrell as the coach who has most influenced his coaching style. The highly regarded Birrell has worked with a variety of teams in England and South Africa. Most notably, he served as the head coach for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape and led them to the SA20 title. He has also served as an assistant coach for the Proteas.

When asked about what he liked about Birrell, Malan answered: “He’s obviously got a lot of experience and his cricketing knowledge is immense, but the way he managed everyone was amazing. He really cared about all his players and that elevated everyone in the squad.”

Further expanding upon the importance of players’ support structures, Malan also credited his professional successes to the support he received at home. He described it: “Playing backyard cricket with my father and brothers. My parents always sat next to the field (during games). They supported us whether we got a hundred or a duck.”

Parel Vallei is a school whose cricket is progressing and they’re taking on increasingly tough opposition. That might result in some losses but as is the case in the classroom, it is about education, except in this instance that classroom is the cricket field.

As the players he coaches take on different challenges, Malan will aim to provide them with the same positive support that he was given as a youth, and which was the foundation for his love of the game and his success in it.