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The annual Waterstone College Super Cup concluded this week, with Curro Thatchfield and Curro Wilgeheuwel claiming the boys’ and girls’ titles in the u19 competition.

Curro Thatchfield scored a 2-1 win over Curro Wilgeheuwel in the boys’ final on Monday.

There was title-winning success for Curro Wilgeheuwel, nonetheless, with their girls’ team beating Meridian Cosmo City 2-1 to be crowned the champions.

One of the interested spectators at the Waterstone Super Cup was Tshepo Boee, the coaches’ coordinator and u19 coach of Meridian Cosmo City. He was impressed by what he saw, saying the event was well organised and smoothly coordinated.

“There are referees, and all the fields are clearly marked. The coordination of the tournament appears to be very effective, which is beneficial for school football,” he stated.

Boee said well-structured programmes are crucial. They attract more marketing and increase support, while also attracting top schools to be a part of initiatives.

“This, in turn, fosters competitiveness within the programme,” he explained. “If the initiative lacks proper organisation, it will not be taken seriously. For players to perform at their best, a solid structure must be in place.”

Meridian Cosmo City’s u19 team, which also participated in Waterstone Super Cup, was in action in the Curro Halala Cup earlier this season. Although their Curro Halala Cup campaign didn’t go as they had hoped – they made an early exit – Boee applauded the initiative, but said the competition, in its first year, can learn lessons and make improvements.

Among those improvements is taking on the scourge of football in South Africa, ensuring that players meet the age requirements. Boee said player documentation needs to be thoroughly verified.

He also said he felt schools with well-maintained fields should be permitted to host their own matches. Furthermore, he suggested that in the first two opening games of the Curro Halala Cup, it would be better to have one away fixture and one home fixture.

“It’s important that somehow they avoid centralising the games in the first round and the second round of the Curro Halala Cup,” he said. “Yes, the main tournament can be centralised. Allow schools to organise their own games, and to coordinate their own games.”

Part of his reasoning was that schools need to be self-sufficient and learn how to organise events. Match commissioners and referees could still be appointed by the tournament organisers.

Experience is crucial for players’ development, Boee, said. Exposure to various environments and the challenge of playing away, when it is not only the opposing team, but the supporters of the rival school in the stands, to deal with, offer up meaningful learning experiences.

Meridian Cosmo City is one of the schools that has greatly benefited from its association with the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS).

In recent years, Boee noted that at Meridian girls engage in football more than ever before, and there is increased interest due to the PMSS.

“At Meridian Cosmo, we have u8 up to u17 girls and they all love football and they are teachable. That is why they are improving day in and day out,” he said.

“It’s good to see them enjoying the game. At one stage we never had a team that would have soccer boots – maybe two or three [players] – but if you check now, everyone else is well kept. These players have fallen in love with the game.”

Boee stated that PMSS arrived at an opportune moment for Meridian Cosmo. “Firstly, we needed to recognise that within Meridian Cosmo City, there existed football, specifically school football, which was played but not adequately maintained.”

Since the arrival of PMSS, he said, the Meridian Cosmo community has actively participated in the initiative, with parents supporting their children by attending matches and practices. That involvement instils confidence in both the children and the coaches, Boee said.

“It says, they [the parents] trust us with their kids.

“It’s very difficult nowadays to trust a person with your child, because a lot is happening, but it gives us courage to say ‘guys, let’s do it right’.”

“If we fail to execute it properly, we will not provide accurate information to the younger generation.

“Above all, it encourages everyone. Even the children affirm that they will strive to excel when they notice their mother present.

“It brings a smile to everyone. We are pleased to witness the support from all, which instils confidence in us at PMSS to exert an even greater effort,” he concluded.

While neither of Meridian Cosmo City’s teams won the Waterstone Super Cup, it served as a litmus test, demonstrating the progress the school has made under the guidance of PMSS in the past three years, during which is had competed at the highest level.

In the Waterstone College Super Cup, the girls’ team made it all the way through to the final, while the boys’ team was eliminated in the semi-finals by the eventual champions, Curro Wilgeheuwel, exiting 2-3 after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

They subsequently won in the bronze playoff, scoring an impressive 3-2 victory over Curro Soshanguve, a team that has been performing well in other competitions, including the Curro Halala Cup.

RESULTS

Boys’ Competition 

Semi-finals 

Curro Thatchfield 1-0 Curro Soshanguve
Curro Wilgeheuwel (3) 1-1 (2) Meridian Cosmo City

Boys’ 3rd Place

Meridian Cosmo City 3-2 Curro Soshanguve

Boys’ Final 

Curro Thatchfield 2-1 Curro Wilgeheuwel

Girls’ Competition 

Semi-finals 

Curro Wilgeheuwel (4) 1-1 (3) Curro Protea Glen
Meridian Cosmo City 3-1 Waterstone College

Girls’ 3rd Place

Curro Protea Glen (3) 1-1 (2) Waterstone College

Girls’ Final 

Curro Wilgeheuwel 2-1 Meridian Cosmo City

Western Province took on Boland in the unofficial final of this year’s u13 Craven Week. The all Western Cape final took place at Selborne College in East London. It was a repeat of the final in Pietermaritzburg two years ago. Province narrowly won that contest 10-8.

This time out, Province extended their margin of victory, winning 21-7. Their performance was strong all round.

Against such stoic defending, Boland were only able to get on the scoresheet due to the excellent attacking prowess of their centre pairing; Ajanda Nel and Chamielo Smith. The pair have been wreaking havoc against opposition defence the entire week, almost deliberately taking turns at collecting points for their side. This time around, Nel scored the try, while Smith kicked over the conversion.

It’s tough to single out stars from the Province side, since all of their players performed at a top level. Rather, their excellent teamwork and understanding of their individual roles shines out to anyone watching them play. These traits allowed them to be the only unbeaten team in this year’s edition of the competition.

It may be argued that the Western Cape is the richest region for rugby talent in the world. Western Province have been in 13 of the last 14 u13 Craven Week finals, winning nine of them. Boland haven’t been too bad themselves, having been in five of the last 14 finals. Unfortunately, they have won none of them, despite some very close encounters. Although, I’m sure they’ll be looking to change their fortune next year, while Western Province will look to maintain theirs.

Scorers: 

Western Province 21 (7) – Tries: Andile Mlambo, Theolin Edwards, Lihlombe Mabengu. Conversions: Francois Gouws, Andile Mlambo, Jonathan van der Byl. Boland 7 (0) – Tries: Ajanda Nel. Conversions: Chamielo Smith.

Boland B 23 (20) – Tries: Easton Titus (2), Jaylon Boonzaaier, Musawenkosi Kheswa. Penalties: Evert Kleynhause. Western Province B 14 (0) – Tries: Hayden Saayman, Mickyle Montjies. Conversions: Christian Brits (2).

Sharks 33 (19) – Tries: Chris Chekera (2), Zinzo Ndongeni, Siphesihle Shitlhangu (Captain), Nkanyezi Linda. Conversions: Quade Nicholls (4). Pumas 19 (7) – Tries: Totius Botha, Edmund Ferreira, Josseph Mthetwa. Conversions: Brussouw Francke (2).

Eastern Province 52 (33) – Tries: Bulelani Norman (2), Warren Grootboom (2), Aqhama Macembe (2), Musa Mdongwana, Reuben Lotter. Conversions: Siyambonga Mila (6). Griqualand West 5 (0) – Tries: Jacobus Prinsloo.

Leopards 21 (14) – Tries: Shiloh Fortuin, GP Cordier, Evaan van Wyck. Conversions: Alru Ross (3). Limpopo Blue Bulls 5 (5) – Tries: Phetolo Mokwena.

Blue Bulls 41 (12) – Tries: Matthew Ekata (3), Jovan van Dyk (2), Rhoan Lubanzadio, Armand Botma. Conversions: Hanru Louwrens (3). Border Central 12 (5) – Tries: Luke Mpangele, Vuyo Foslara. Conversions: Liam Palmer.

Valke 56 (39) – Tries: Aidyn Hiscock (2), Gert Booysen (2), Helmut Hofmann, Jaco-wiekus Binneman, Wian Gildenhuys, Mbulelo Tshbalela, Siyabonga Mtshwene, Kamogelo Raolane. Conversions: Rossouw Nieuwoudt (2), Helmut Hofmann. Border Country Districts 0.

The 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge playoffs kicked off at Kloof High School on Thursday, with u18 boys’ and u20 girls’ teams from across KwaZulu-Natal competing in the provincial leg of one of South Africa’s top youth football tournaments.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools!

The first day of competitive group stage matches saw some strong performances from teams aiming to make it through to the knockout rounds.

The tournament’s ambassador, Brighton Mhlongo, the former Orlando Pirates‘ and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, encouraged players during the opening ceremony to make the most of their opportunity.

“This tournament is a mirror,” he said. “It reflects your mindset, your hunger, your character. Play with purpose. Play like it’s your moment, because it is.”

In the girls’ division, the defending champions, Durban Ladies, made a solid start, winning both of their matches to finish top of Group A, thus booking their place in the quarterfinals. They were joined by Toti Ladies, who secured their spot after a narrow 1–0 win over Sunflower.

In Group B, Babhamba finished at the top of the group with two wins, while Mphehli All Stars earned second place, thanks to a strong 7–1 victory over Umlazi Young Lions, which also confirmed their place in the knockout stage of the competition.

Adams Academy and Ezemvelo also gave good accounts of themselves with competitive performances across the day.

In the boys’ division, AmaZulu FC advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing level with Junior Stars at the top of Group A, with first place being decided by a coin toss.

Highlander Academy, Mophela Development, and Inanda XL also moved on to the next round putting in strong shifts in their respective group matches.

The tournament continues with the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final on Friday.

A new boys’ champion will be crowned, while the Durban Ladies continue their quest to defend the title.

RESULTS

Women

Durban Ladies 1-0 Sunflower
Umlazi Young Lions 1-7 Mphehli All Stars
Adams Academy 2-0 Senzokuhle
Brazil Academy 5-0 Kwamashu Ladies
Junior Stars 2-1 Clermont Eagles
Durban Ladies 3-1 Toti Ladies
Highlanders 2-0 Mandeni Celtics
Midlands Academy 0-0 Kusekhaya Academy
South Coast United 1-1 Mophela Development
Umlazi Young Lions 0-4 Babhambe
Adams Academy 0-1 Westville Ladies
Brazil Academy 0-5 Ezemvelo

Men

Junior Stars 2-2 Amazulu FC
Highlanders 2-0 Ethekwini City Styles
Midlands Academy 1-1 Inanda XI
South Coast United 0-2 KZN Academy
Sunflower 0-2 Toti Ladies
Mphehleli All Stars 0-1 Babhambe
Senzokuhle 4-0 Westville Ladies
Kwamashu Ladies 0-9 Ezemvelo
Clermont Eagles 1-2 Amazulu FC
Mandeni Celtics 2-4 Ethekwini City Styles
Kusekhaya Academy 2-2 Inanda XI
Mophela 1-0 KZN Academy

QUARTERFINAL FIXTURES

Women

Durban Ladies vs Brazil Academy
Babhambe vs Adams Academy
Senzokuhle Ladies vs Mphehli All Stars
Ezemvelo vs Toti Ladies

Men

Amazulu vs KZN Academy
Highlanders vs Kusekhaya
Inanda XI vs Ethekwini City Styles
Mophela Development vs Junior Stars

Eastern Province A will battle KwaZulu-Natal Coastal in the second semi-final of the girls’ section of the u18 SASHOC National Week on Friday at 13:40 at Maritzburg College.

Looking ahead to the final four clash, Geowynne Gamiet, the Eastern Province coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus: “Coastal has strong runners and they press high.

“They are going to be a tough opposition, but we will bring our A-game and bring everything into the match.”

Gamiet’s side has executed one of the best turnarounds of the past 12 months. Last year, Eastern Province finished a lowly ninth at the SASHOC National Week. They went away, regrouped, and have returned a stronger and better side.

Captained by Abigail Holderness, they have strung together a five-match winning streak that catapulted them to the summit of Pool A. They’re aiming to extend their winning run against KZN Coastal.

On their way to the semi-finals, Eastern Province overcame powerhouses that included the defending champions, Southern Gauteng A, plus one of the perennial favourites, Southern Free State A, and Boland A, who have also qualified for the semi-finals.

However, those five wins have not lulled them into a false sense of security ahead of their fixture against KZN Coastal.

The Chardinay Penniston-coached side subjected Eastern Province to a 3-1 defeat when they met in the group stages last year. Gamiet’s outfit is working towards a different outcome this year.

Eastern Province confirmed their place in the semi-finals on Wednesday already. But that didn’t mean they took their final Pool A match against Northern Gauteng B lightly, and the Sky Blues gave EP a tough workout.

“It was probably our toughest encounter,” Gamiet said after a testing 1-0 win. “The girls have been scoring freely throughout the tournament, but Northerns defended so well. They frustrated us at every turn.”

Eastern Province was forced to be patient, and they grudgingly complied. “They learned a tough lesson. Sometimes you have to grind out a win, and that is what they did,” said Gamiet.

The Eastern Province coach is wary of KZN Coastal’s attacking threat. Zezethu Kunene, Jamie da Silva, and Jenna-Leigh Freese have shown a knack for scoring goals that matter, and the trio all scored in Coastal’s tightly contested 3-3 draw against Western Province A in their final group match on Thursday.

Gamiet hopes that, facing skilful opposition, his defenders will keep up their outstanding form at the back. They’ve been guided well by goalkeeper Rebecca Haswell, who has marshalled her defenders well and kept them calm when the pressure has ratcheted up.

“They are a dogged lot. They fight hard and sometimes get angry when they give the ball away in defence.” Gamiet said. “Rebecca has done a lot to make sure that they remain composed and on their toes.”

With KZN Coastal focused on improving on their third-place finish of 2024, buoyed by strong backing from their home supporters, Eastern Province will need to be on top of their game to secure a place in the title decider.

Results

Pool A

Boland A: 3 – Pippa Viljoen, Leah du Plessis, Skylar Bougaard. Southern Gauteng A: 1 – Azania Petersen.
Southern Free State A: 4 – Bianca Rees-Gibbs (2), Carli Oosthuizen (2). Southern Gauteng B: 1 – Juliet Horton.
Eastern Province A: 1 – Mike Holder. Northern Gauteng B: 0.

Pool B

Northern Gauteng A: 3 – Lisa Grey, Amogelang Motlatle, Mia Pretorius. KZN Inland: 2 – Jasmin Kelly, Annabelle Balmer.
Western Province B: 2 – Anjum Kazie, Tatum Malherbe. Border A: 2 – Kishka Baartman, Busiwe Mayekiso.
KZN Coastal A: 3 – Jenna-Leigh Freese, Jamie da Silva, Zezethu Kunene. Western Province A: 3 – Samantha Flint, Isabelle Amm, Emma Hibbert.
KZN Inland A: 1 – Jasmin Kelly. Western Province B: 0.

Western Cape sides, Boland A and Western Province A, will renew their rivalry when they lock horns in the u18 SASHOC National Week semi-finals on Friday morning.

They’re set to do battle for a place in the final at 10:50, on Pape’s Astro, at Maritzburg College.

The hockey showpiece, which began on Monday, is hurtling towards the business end, with the final, to be contested on Saturday.

“We are feeling prepared and excited to be in the semis. We are expecting to play a well-coached and structured team. It will be a tough game as they always seem to put it together when it counts,” Leah du Plessis, the Boland captain, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

The Boland skipper has enjoyed a fruitful inter-provincial tournament and lies third on the leaderboard of leading goal-scorers, behind Eastern Province A‘s Abigail Holderness and Southern Gauteng A‘s Amber Fairon.

The 2025 event has also brought an improved showing out of Boland, who finish fifth in 2024. “Last year was very disheartening as we could not score, even though we had a good team on paper. This year we have worked on finer moves to attack as a team and also to support in various situations.,” Du Plessis said.

“Our coaching staff has also played a big role in our success by ensuring that we are physically and mentally prepared for each game.”

Du Plessis and her teammates will need to be at their best because their opponents are highly motivated and playing good hockey. Like Boland, Province did not do well last year, when they finished seventh.

Coach Natalie Esteves‘s side has been performing like a well-oiled machine this time around, though, and, with a record of three wins and two draws, is one of two unbeaten sides at the tournament, along with Eastern Province A, who were undefeated in Pool A.

Province has been sound on both attack and defence, scoring 15 goals and conceding only three, although all three came in Thursday’s clash with KZN Coastal A, which ended in a pulsating 3-3 draw.

Emma Hibbert opened the scoring for Province with a goal in the ninth minute. That strike was followed by a long period of both sides trading blows without being able to prise open the opposing defence.

Eventually, Samantha Flint doubled Province’s lead after 38 minutes of play with a penalty corner conversion. That two-goal cushion didn’t last long, though, and Jenna-Leigh Freese pulled a goal back six minutes later. Zezethu Kunene, who has been one of Coastal’s leading goal-scorers, equalised with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Province responded well and bagged a third goal only two minutes later through Isabella Amm, but KZN Coastal kept taking it to Province and they restored parity through a reverse stick flick over the ‘keeper by Jamie da Silva two minutes after Amm’s goal.

Boland, on the other hand, finished in second place in Pool A. Coach Chris Gerber‘s side won four of their five matches, only dropping points in a 1-2 defeat to Eastern Province.

On Thursday, Boland completed their pool assignments with a 3-1 triumph over the defending champions, Southern Gauteng A.

“The girls showed great composure. We went down in the first five minutes, and the pressure was on us. But the team kept pushing through. They trusted the system, kept faith in the game plan,” Gerber told SuperSport Schools Plus.

It took only three minutes for Azania Petersen to put Southerns ahead, but Boland stuck to their game plan and Pippa Viljoen levelled the scores in the 12th minute.

“The team has been really good when it comes to scoring goals when it matters,” Gerber said. “That’s what they did today.”

For the next half-an-hour, it was all-square at 1-1. Then, Skylar Bougaard broke the stalemate with a field goal to put Boland into the lead. Du Plessis, who has masterfully led the side, put her stamp on the tie when she scored Boland’s third in the last minute of play.

Contests between Boland and Province have traditionally been enthralling. Last year, when they met late in the tournament, with neither side in the running for the title, they still produced a humdinger. with Boland edging out Western Province 2-1 in that encounter.

Gerber’s side will be keen to build on that history as they pursue a place in the final. Province, meanwhile, will be determined to maintain their unbeaten run at the SASHOC National Week and, thus, secure their place in the title game.

Results

Pool B

Northern Gauteng A: 3 – Lisa Grey, Amogelang Motlatle, Mia Pretorius. KZN Inland: 2 – Jasmin Kelly, Annabelle Balmer.
Western Province B: 2 – Anjum Kazie, Tatum Malherbe. Border A: 2 – Kishka Baartman, Busiwe Mayekiso.
KZN Coastal A: 3 – Jenna-Leigh Freese, Jamie da Silva, Zezethu Kunene. Western Province A: 3 – Samantha Flint, Isabelle Amm, Emma Hibbert.
KZN Inland A: 1 – Jasmin Kelly. Western Province B: 0.

Pool A

Boland A: 3 – Pippa Viljoen, Leah du Plessis, Skylar Bougaard. Southern Gauteng A: 1 – Azania Petersen.
Southern Free State A: 4 – Bianca Rees-Gibbs (2), Carli Oosthuizen (2). Southern Gauteng B: 1 – Juliet Horton.
Eastern Province A: 1 – Mike Holder. Northern Gauteng B: 0.

The SASHOC National Week, currently underway in Pietermaritzburg, has delivered some pulsating action, cracking goals, and upsets, and, on Thursday, four teams booked their places in the semifinals of the tournament.

The defending champions, Western Province (WP) A, will face Northern Gauteng A at 15:05 on Friday for a place in the final, while the tournament’s surprise package, Western Province B, has a date with Southern Gauteng A at 13:40 on Pape’s AstroTurf, at Maritzburg College.

The action will be LIVE on SuperSport Schools and DStv Channel 216.

Paired in Pool A, WP and Southern Gauteng A cruised into the last four after dominating their opponents during the group stages.

After a shaky start where they defeated Boland B 3-0 on Monday, Province upped the ante and ran riot against Southerns (5-1), Eastern Province A (8-1), KZN Coastal B (10-2), and KZN Inland A (5-1).

By the end of the pool stages, coach Jody Erasmus‘s young guns had scored a whopping 31 goals while conceding only five.

They were clinical in almost every facet of their game, took their opportunities well, and punished their opponents with relative ease at times.

There were also moments of individual brilliance from Litha Kraai, while the rest of the team chipped in with strong performances, match in and match out.

They finished atop Pool A with the maximum haul of 15 points, and coach Erasmus was pleased with his side’s effort after their final pool match win against KZN Inland A on Thursday.

“We treated this match against Inland as a nice test and took it as if it were a quarterfinal,” he explained.

“We respect the talent Inland has. Two years ago, these players faced each other in the u16 final, so we know they have talented players.

“For us, it’s about getting better each game and improving, and I think we did well. It was a physical battle, and it had a couple of interesting decisions, but it’s another step in the process because our goal was to get 15 points in the group stages.

“With that said, we know that these points won’t count tomorrow because the knockout hockey starts, and we’re excited for that.”

Progressing into the last four with Province from Pool A is Southern Gauteng A, a team that’s finding its mojo after a slow start.

Coach Kyle Reddy‘s side opened their campaign with a nervy 1-0 win over Eastern Province A on Monday.

However, besides the 1-5 loss to Western Province A, they’ve dismantled every other team they’ve faced, and on Thursday, they put five past KZN Coastal B.

The boys from Johannesburg also scored eight against Boland B on day three, and coach Reddy feels his side has improved.

“Apart from the results, we have been focusing on our performances and getting better with every game,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“We are connecting a little bit better and polishing what needs to be polished. We played well in the 8-1 win against Boland B, but I think we got a bit lucky with their keeper being injured.

“We set out to make the semi-finals, and that’s a job done, and now the real tournament starts.”

Coach Reddy’s side faces an unpredictable Western Province B side for a place in the final, while Western Province A takes on Northern Gauteng A.

Province B and Northerns impressed in Pool B and did just enough to avoid a dramatic final day.

The boys from the Western Cape defeated Northerns 1-0 on day four, and that meant they finished in top spot with 12 points after four wins and one defeat.

Northerns, meanwhile, failed to beat Southern Free State A by three or more goals in their second game of the day, which they needed to do to finish in first place. Still, they booked a semi-final showdown with Western Province A by winning 3-2.

How did the four semi-finalists fare at the 2024 SASHOC National Week?

Western Province A – Last year, Western Province A won the SASHOC National Week. They went unbeaten in the group stages and defeated Boland A 3-2 in the final.

Southern Gauteng A – It was a tricky tournament for Southerns in 2024. They reached the semi-finals but went down to Boland A. In the bronze medal match, they suffered a 0-1 loss against KZN Coastal A and, as a result, finished in fourth place.

Northern Gauteng A – Northerns entered the 2024 event as one of the underdogs. They had a promising campaign and, on the opening day, caused shockwaves by beating KZN Inland A. They followed that with a 1-1 draw against Eastern Province A. After that, though, their campaign went downhill, and they ended in a disappointing 10th place.

Western Province B – It’s funny how much matters can change in a year. This time last year, Province B were fighting for their lives after a horrendous showing in the group stages. They were at the bottom of their pool and played in the relegation match against Border A. They dug deep to edge out the Eastern Cape outfit 5-4 to retain their place in the A-section. A year later, they are in the semifinals of the SASHOC National Week after winning their pool. Crazy!

Day 4 | Results and scorers

Pool A

Southern Gauteng A 5: Zeyad Davids, Jared Beilings, Aidan Blatch, Ezray Stadt, Ethan Kapanda. KZN Coastal B 1: Krian Jugoo.

Eastern Province A 2: Athi Voigt, Luke Tait. Boland B 0.

Western Province A 5: Litha Kraai (3), Mohlodi Maseko, Zachary Gibbon. KZN Inland A 1: Gordon Deutscher.

Pool B

Boland A 1: Christo Swanepoel. Southern Free State A 1: Matthias Visser.

Western Province B 1: Cameron Cordeiro. Northern Gauteng A 0.

KZN Coastal A 0. Southern Gauteng B 0.

Northern Gauteng A 3: Luken Brunette, Duardt Tollig, Tyler Trower. Southern Free State A 2: Neilyandro van Schalkwyk, Cobus van Wyk.

DAY 5 FIXTURES:

08:00 – KZN Coastal B vs Southern Free State A (9th/12th playoff)
09:25 – KZN Inland A vs Southern Gauteng B (9th/12th playoff)
10:50 – Eastern Province A vs Boland A (5th/8th playoff) @ St Anne’s DSG
13:40 – Southern Gauteng A vs Western Province B (Semi-final 1)
13:40 – Boland B vs KZN Coastal A (5th/8th playoff) @ St Anne’s DSG
15:05 – Western Province A vs Northern Gauteng A (Semi-final 2)

When the Western Province u18B boys arrived at the SASHOC National Week – hosted by Maritzburg College and St Anne’s DSG – their primary objective was simple: avoid relegation.

They were drawn in Pool B alongside Northern Gauteng A, Boland A, Southern Free State A, Southern Gauteng B, and KZN Coastal A.

Peninsula or Pens, as they’re affectionately known, had a disastrous start to the tournament, going down 0-5 against Boland A on the opening day.

That result served to inspire rather than demoralise coach Gary Stevens’ charges, who understood the challenge of competing against A-teams.

On day two, Pens looked like a different outfit. They balanced the ledger with a convincing 5-0 victory over Southern Gauteng B, and that proved to be the start of something special.

When they defeated KZN Coastal A 2-1 in their next outing, they started to believe and played with vigour, confidence, and aggression.

On Wednesday, the Western Cape boys claimed the scalp of a Grey College-laden Southern Free State A side, winning 3-0, and they led Pool B overnight with nine points and one game remaining.

Their remaining fixture, on Thursday, was against Northern Gauteng A. Prior to their showdown, Northerns, who also faced Southern Free State on Thursday, were unbeaten and needed at least one point to progress to the semifinals.

It was a close encounter, and it came down to fine margins, with both teams defending strongly and not allowing many goalscoring opportunities. But Cameron Cordeiro made the difference with a 54th minute strike for Pens to seal a tightly contested 1-0 win.

“I’m massively stoked for the boys,” head coach Gary Stevens told SuperSport Schools Plus after the match.

“This group has been amazing. The boys are good together, and as a coach, I’m enjoying the experience with them.”

Reaching the semifinals of the tournament is a massive bonus for Pens, whose primary focus was staying in the A-Section.

To provide some context, Western Province B narrowly avoided relegation in 2024, edging out Border A 5-4 in the 11th/12th playoff in Bloemfontein to retain their A-section status.

In the past five editions of the tournament, they’ve also been relegated, so to bounce back in emphatic fashion is no mean feat, said coach Stevens.

“Initially, as a Pens’ side, you want to avoid relegation, and you want to play for the top five, and that was our objective coming here,” he said.

“This team has had some tough tournaments in the past, and we just wanted the guys to believe in themselves and enjoy the tournament.

“We are taking each game as it comes. Every day brings a different challenge, and we take those head-on and focus on the next goal and objective,” he added.

Western Province B will take on Southern Gauteng A in the semifinals, while Northern Gauteng A is set to battle Western Province A.

Developments in Pool A and B on Day 4

Pool A

Western Province A entered day four with their spot in the last four already secured after racking up maximum points from their previous outings.

Southern Gauteng A, meanwhile, had one foot in the door after a big 8-1 win on Wednesday over Boland B, who were forced to play without a goalkeeper after Joe van Coller was injured in an upset win over KZN Inland A.

On Thursday, Southerns outplayed KZN Coastal B 5-1 to secure second place in the group.

Boland B, after gaining promotion by winning the B-Section last year, finished in third place, above Eastern Province A, KZN Inland A, and KZN Coastal B.

Pool B

There were several permutations at play in Pool B as Thursday dawned and an early match proved pivotal.

When Southern Free State A played to a 1-1 draw with Boland A, both teams were taken out of the running for a semi-final place.

Boland finished with seven points after five matches, while Southern Free State, despite having a game in hand, still couldn’t get to nine points and trouble Western Province B and Northern Gauteng A, who occupied the top two places.

After going down to Province B, Northerns still had a chance to finish atop Pool B, but they needed to defeat Southern Free State A by three or more goals in their second match of the day. That proved to be a hill too high to climb and they came away with a narrow 3-2 win.

Boland A, just like their B-side, finished in third, above KZN Coastal A, Southern Free State, and Southern Gauteng B.

Day 4 | Results and scorers

Pool A

Southern Gauteng A 5: Zeyad Davids, Jared Beilings, Aidan Blatch, Ezray Stadt, Ethan Kapanda. KZN Coastal B 1: Krian Jugoo.

Eastern Province A 2: Athi Voigt, Luke Tait. Boland B 0.

Western Province A 5: Litha Kraai (3), Mohlodi Maseko, Zachary Gibbon. KZN Inland A 1: Gordon Deutscher.

Pool B

Boland A 1: Christo Swanepoel. Southern Free State A 1: Matthias Visser.

Western Province B 1: Cameron Cordeiro. Northern Gauteng A 0.

KZN Coastal A 0. Southern Gauteng B 0.

Northern Gauteng A 3: Luken Brunette, Duardt Tollig, Tyler Trower. Southern Free State A 2: Neilyandro van Schalkwyk, Cobus van Wyk.

DAY 5 FIXTURES

08:00 – KZN Coastal B vs Southern Free State A (9th/12th playoff)
09:25 – KZN Inland A vs Southern Gauteng B (9th/12th playoff)
10:50 – Eastern Province A vs Boland A (5th/8th playoff) @ St Anne’s DSG
13:40 – Southern Gauteng A vs Western Province B (Semi-final 1)
13:40 – Boland B vs KZN Coastal A (5th/8th playoff) @ St Anne’s DSG
15:05 – Western Province A vs Northern Gauteng A (Semi-final 2)

James Swart, captain of Western Province, has been cleared to lead his side in the unofficial final of the 2025 Grant Khomo Week against the Sharks on Friday, 4 July, at St Alban’s College in Pretoria.

Follow all the Grant Khomo action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

This follows an unusual red card incident during Province’s clash with South Western Districts on the second day. At a mandatory disciplinary hearing, it was established that Swart had erroneously been issued a second yellow card, which was automatically upgraded to red.

Despite the drama, Swart’s availability provides a significant boost to the Western Province pack, particularly with the expectation that forward dominance will heavily influence the outcome of the match.

Adding fuel to the fire, two of the week’s top front-rowers are expected to go head-to-head. If WP loosehead Thomas Meyer earns a starting berth, his battle with the Sharks’ Tunga Griffiths in the scrums promises to be a compelling contest.

Griffiths will be eager to impose himself and provide a solid platform for a dangerous Sharks back division, featuring inside centre Elgenio Oersen and fullback Rosco Williams. Oersen is set to face a fierce midfield challenge from Luca Orgill, whose attacking threat from the No. 13 channel has been instrumental for the Southerners throughout the week.

The curtain-raiser sees another Cape side, Western Province XV, in action following an unbeaten run during the first two days. However, they face a wounded Blue Bulls outfit, who are not only the hosts, but also have a score to settle following a draw on day two, which is viewed by their camp as a loss.

Namibia and Zimbabwe will traditionally kick off the day’s action on the B-Field at 09:00, while Border Country Districts will be in search of their first win as they take on Iqhawe XV in the opening clash on the C-Field.

Free State will face off against neighbours Griquas at 11:30 in the main fixture on the B-Field—a match set to be equally intriguing. The men in white and orange are still chasing their first victory of the tournament, while Griquas aim to complete a clean sweep.

Griffons kick off proceedings on the Moshate Field with an interesting match-up with Eastern Province, followed by a highly anticipated meeting between the Golden Lions and South Western Districts.

Preceding the main match on the C-Field at 11:30 between the Limpopo Blue Bulls and the Leopards, a very dangerous Pumas outfit faces off with the Valke in their hunt for a first victory. Old foes, Boland and Border, meet at 10:15 on the B-Field.

Fixtures for the final day, Friday, 4 July: 

Moshate Field: 

09:00 – Griffons vs Eastern Province
10:15 – Golden Lions vs South Western Districts
11:30 – Blue Bulls vs Western Province XV
13:15 – Western Province vs Sharks

Baloyi A Field: 

09:00 – Zimbabwe vs Namibia
10:15 – Border vs Boland
11:30 – Free State vs Griquas

Baloyi B Field: 

09:00 – Border Country Districts vs Iqhawe XV
10:15 – Pumas vs Valke
11:30 – Leopards vs Limpopo Blue Bulls

The 2025 LSEN Week showcased a wide array of talent within the special needs division of South African rugby and, at its completion, a 23-man squad LSEN Week side was named.

The lineup included players from four sides only, with the winners, Eastern Province, providing 13 players, Western Province seven, the Valke two, and Boland one.

They’ll be in action at the u18 Academy Rugby Week, which kicks off on Monday, 7 July, at Hoërskool Middelburg, in Mpumalanga.

The LSEN team’s challenge begins with an early 09:00 kick-off against the Border Country Districts team.

SA Special Schools 23-man Squad

Starting XV

1. Liam Allen (Western Province)
2. Jean McEwan (Western Province)
3. Luciano Byneveldt (Eastern Province)
4. Rajh Felix (Eastern Province)
5. Rigen Chigosie (Valke)
6. Shaundre Pienaar (Eastern Province)
7. Chandley Jacobs (Western Province)
8. Jordan Derrocks (Eastern Province)
9. Gavin Armoed (Eastern Province)
10. Yusuf Hannibal (Western Province)
11. Najmee Hajie (Boland)
12. Uvern Adams (Eastern Province)
13. Marcos Lubaco (Western Province)
14. Rylan Hawkins (Eastern Province)
15. Ralton Rhode (Western Province)

Replacements

16. Andre Barnard (Eastern Province)
17. Liza Tetani (Eastern Province)
18. Ayema Mbotya (Eastern Province)
19. Kaydon Kerspuy (Eastern Province)
20. Siya Mangali (Westen Province)
21. Elario Forbes (Eastern Province)
22. Thinus van Willing (Valke)
23. Zaynodeen Bennie (Eastern Province)

Die afgelope naweek se SASN All Ages 2025-toernooi was waarlik ’n viering van Suid-Afrika se opkomende netbaltalent. Met provinsies van regoor die land wat in verskillende ouderdomsgroepe deelgeneem het, is daar nie slegs met mening meegeding op die baan nie, maar ook uitnemendheid en sportmangees uitgestal wat uiters belowend is vir die toekoms van netbal in die land.

SA Top 12

‘n Hoogtepunt van die toernooi was die aankondiging van die SA Top 12-span, wat erkenning gee aan uitstaande individuele prestasie. Die gekose spelers het hul plekke in die span verdien op grond van hul vaardighede, spel-intelligensie en onwrikbare deursettingsvermoë. Die SA Top 12 vir 2025:

• Francesca Kante-Heumou (Gauteng)

• Chloe van den Berg (Noordwes)

• Orefile Magoro (Limpopo)

• Lianel Groenewald (Wes-Kaap)

• Deborah Oviahon (Gauteng)

• Oluchi Ndubueze (Gauteng)

• Ella Lisa Steenkamp (Wes-Kaap)

• Milan Engelbrecht (Gauteng)

• Imitha Mdaka (Gauteng)

• Charmaine Tsvangira (Gauteng)

• Nadine van Hoogdalem (Gauteng)

• Mike Scholtz (Wes-Kaap)

Die SASN All Ages 2025-toernooi het ‘n reeks opwindende wedstryde opgelewer wat die diepte van talent in Suid-Afrikaanse junior netbal tentoongestel het.

In die o.16-eindstryd het Delta met ’n indrukwekkende vertoning vir Willows met 23–9 verslaan. Delta het van die eerste afgooi reeds hul stempel afgedruk en momentum regdeur behou. In die uitspeelstryd om die derde plek het Lambda naelskraaps vir Oaks met 13–12 getroef.

Volgens afrigter Marcelle Fourie, onder wie se passievolle mentorskap die Delta o.16-span koning gekraai het, was dit vernaam hul verdediging, asook die selfvertroue en akkuraatheid van haar doelskieters, wat die deurslag gegee het. Sy het vir Sylah Wilson uitgesonder vir haar indrukwekkende werk onder die paal, en beskryf Wilson as ’n speler wat elke geleentheid doeltreffend benut.

Die o.15-eindstryd het gesorg vir naelbytaksie met Delta wat hier ook met 14–13 die pyp gerook het teen Gamma. Dit het ‘n uiters strategiese kragmeting afgegee met rotsvaste verdediging aan albei kante, maar Delta het met hul fokus en vasberadenheid die knoop deurgehak. Inyathi het vir Lambda met 12–10 geklop om derde te eindig.

In die o.14-afdeling, het Gamma ’n kragtige vertoning gelewer om Delta met 16–10 in die eindstryd te verslaan. Gamma het hul oorheersing in die sirkel beklemtoon met blitsige bewegings en presiese afronding. Die uitspeelstryd om die derde plek was nog ’n riller, met Oaks wat die Sharks net-net met 13–12 baasgeraak het in die doodsnikke.

Oaks het in die o.13-eindstryd met 22-14 geseëvier teen Inyathi. Oaks se sukses was grootliks te danke aan uitstekende samewerking tussen die aanvallers en verdedigers. Inyathi het dapper weerstand gebied, maar kon uiteindelik nie die blitsaanvalle van Oaks keer nie. Lambda het derde geëindig deur vir Gamma net-net met 9–5 uit te stof.

In die o.12-afdeling het Gamma hulself as kampioene bevestig met ’n oortuigende sege van 20–9 oor Cedars. Gamma het met puik afronding hul teenstanders oorrompel en van meet af aan beheer geneem. In die stryd om die derde plek het Oaks met 9–7 vir Delta geklop in nóg ’n naelbytstryd.

Die SASN All Ages 2025-toernooi het weereens bevestig dat Suid-Afrika se netbaltoekoms in goeie hande is. Die gees van mededinging, hoë gehalte van spel en wêreldklas-afrigting het van hierdie toernooi ’n monumentale mylpaal gemaak vir elke deelnemer. Met die SA Top 12-span wat aangewys is en talle ander sterre in wording, is dit duidelik dat Suid-Afrikaanse netbal gereed is om nuwe hoogtes te bereik.

Finale Puntestand (o.12-o.16)

o.12 

1.Gamma

2.Cedars

3.Oaks

4.Delta

5.Rubies

6.Ikhala

7.Willows

8.Iqhude

9.Inyathi

10.Bakwena

11.Lynx

12.Ndlovu

o.13

1.Oaks

2.Inyathi

3.Lambda

4.Gamma

5.Willows

6.Delta

7.Sharks

8.Cedars

9.Cheetahs

10.Ndlovu

11.Ikhala

12.Bakwena

o.14

1.Gamma

2.Delta

3.Oaks

4.Sharks

5.Willows

6.Morula

7.Cedars

8.Lambda

9.Jaguars

10.Iqhude

11.Inyathi

12.Diamonds

o.15

1.Delta

2.Gamma

3.Inyathi

4.Lambda

5.Oaks

6.Willows

7.Cedars

8.Sharks

9.Cheetahs

10.Mopani

11.Namibia

12.Rubies

o.16

1.Delta

2.Willows

3.Lambda

4.Oaks

5.Gamma

6.Lynx

7.Morula

8.Mooka

9.Cedars

10.Jaguars

11.Inyathi

12.Whales