Hoërskool Duineveld will be a hive of activity this weekend as it welcomes 12 schools for the Northern Cape DSTV Schools Netball Challenge (DSNC) provincial finals. The schools from five districts will be vying for four spots to represent the province at the national finals.
Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen in Boksburg, Johannesburg will host the fifth annual DSNC at this year’s national finals set for 25-27 July. The DSNC is a flagship schools netball competitions that levels the playing field for players from urban and rural areas an equal opportunity to showcase their talents.
Northern Cape’s Schools Netball chairperson Mary Bezuidenhout is anticipating great excitement for the provincial round although some schools withdrew due to financial constraints.
“We’ve got schools that have withdrawn due to financial issues, it was Ubuntu schools that were withdrawn because of financial problems. But we are looking forward to enjoying the teams playing and healthy competition. All the five districts will be playing against each other,” says Bezuidenhout.
Spar Proteas goal defence and Hoërskool Duineveld alumnus, Sanmarie Visser began her netball career at the school level. Currently playing in Australia’s Suncorp Super League for the Adelaide Thunderbirds although she missed the inaugural DSNC in 2021 due to Covid-19, she says schools competitions are the launchpads to some of the best careers in South Africa.
“Competitions like the DSTV Schools Netball Challenge are crucial. They give young players the platform to showcase their talent and experience competitive environments early. For me, it was a stepping stone that helped build my confidence and exposed me to opportunities beyond school-level netball,” says Visser.
Bezuidenhout has expressed the pride that Visser has evoked in the netball community in the province. She says Visser will inspire the next generation.
“We are proud of her. This is where she started playing, in primary school, Oranje-Noord, and all the way to Duineveld. She is definitely an inspiration for the others in the Northern Cape, especially in Upington,” she says.
Hoërskool Outeniqua hosted Hoërskool Framesby last weekend and defeated the Gqeberha side 4-0. Photo: Sport In Pics
Hoërskool Outeniqua‘s first-team boys’ and girls’ sides will make the trip from George to Thornhill this weekend to face Woodridge College in high spirits.
The much-anticipated derby features the boys in action at 16:00 on Friday and the girls taking to the turf at 11:00 on Saturday.
Both Outeniqua sides are favoured to win after enjoying a stellar month on the turf, which included bossing proceedings in their last two outings against Hoërskool Framesby and Glenwood House, respectively.
The boys’ side, led by coach Kirk Mendoza, thumped Framesby 7-0 before recording an emphatic 8-2 victory over Glenwood House during the week.
The girls, meanwhile, were also ruthless in front of goal and beat Framesby 4-0 before making light work of their town rivals, Glenwood House, winning 5-0.
The focus for the Kwaggas now shifts to a more challenging clash against Woodridge, away from home.
Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plusahead of the game, coach Mendoza reflected on his team’s performances and highlighted areas in which he’d like to see improvement.
“Our main focus is to keep our structure and trust in our system,” he said. “Our movement of the ball is what has impressed me the most.
“The ability to keep structure and keep moving the ball like we do for four chukkas is the key to our success thus far, and that is very pleasant to see.”
Mendoza will need to get his side ready and fired up for Woodridge, who head into the match having beaten St Dominic’s Priory 2-1 in their most recent outing, which was preceded by a 2-2 draw with Victoria Park.
The Hoërskool Outeniqua boys after their impressive 8-2 win over Glenwood House mid-week. Photo: Supplied by Hoërskool Outeniqua
“Woodridge should be a good test for the guys,” he said.
“In that game, we would like to work on converting more circle entries with positive outcomes and improving our decision-making during the game. I believe this will improve our consistency and aid in growing our programme.”
The girls’ team, led by coach Niel Smit, will also be focused on continuing their impressive run.
They’ve created numerous opportunities in their last outings and found the back of the net with relative ease against Framesby. On the scoresheet were Maija Badenhorst (2), Mia Buxman, and Carlien Oosthuizen.
Despite their good run of form, coach Smit believes there are some key areas that Outeniqua needs to sharpen up.
Reflecting on the Framesby game, he said: “I think our passing was an area where we made a big difference. Connecting and finding each other helped create our chances and allowed us to score goals.
“Finishing is an area we want to improve on, including short corners, as it is a great opportunity to put some points on the board.”
Both teams will be eager to finish term two strongly before the learners shift their attention to the mid-year exams.
On Tuesday evening, St Stithians College faced Northcliff High, while Parktown High School for Girls took on Brescia House in midweek league hockey clashes. Both contests were tightly contested.
St Stithians was at Northcliff, where the visitors were pushed hard. In the end, though, coach Lance Louw‘s Saints‘ side secured a narrow 2-1 victory.
Lucy Taylor netted for St Stithians and, crucially, Jessie Earlam scored her first-ever first-team goal. Both sides were effective at creating goal-scoring opportunities but less effective at finishing them, which made for an intense and nail-biting match.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Louw expressed both satisfaction and frustration: “It’s always good to win, but we made it more difficult for ourselves than it needed to be,” he said.
“Northcliff is on the strong side, with some standout players. I asked the team to build on last week’s performance, and while we saw glimpses of that, it came in patches.
“The biggest lesson from tonight is to make the most of our opportunities. We created plenty of chances but made the game unnecessarily close by not finishing them off.”
Looking ahead, Louw highlighted areas that will need improvement: “We need to work on our finishing in the circle and being more confident and composed on the ball across the field. Consistency in our performance is also something we’ll be focusing on.”
Despite the missed chances, Saints held on to win and Louw praised his players for their overall effort and determination.
“It was a solid team performance, and that’s encouraging to see as we prepare for our upcoming ISSF (Independent Schools Sports Festival) tour to Durban. A special shoutout to Jessie Earlam for scoring the winning goal and her first ever for the first team. Well done, Jessie!”
In another evenly contested clash, Brescia House claimed a 2-1 win over Parktown High School for Girls.
Brescia showed grit, going a goal behind in the first chukka before fighting back to clinch a hard-fought victory.
While Parktown pressured Brescia in the first half, Brescia came out firing in the third chukka and struck twice to take the lead. Try as they might, Parktown was unable to break down their opponent’s sound defence in the last quarter.
In Pretoria, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool(Affies) thumped Hoërskool Eldoraigne 5-0 in a one-sided outing.
Affies showed they meant business with an early goal, and they dominated from there.
Even though Eldoraigne lost, they displayed strong character and made Affies work hard for their victory. In the end, though, it was a comfortable outing for the winners.
The battle is on. SACS coach Sam Holmes will make the trip to Stellenbosch with his side to face coach Michael Baker and his Paul Roos side. Photo’s:SACS Hockey and Jonty Thomas
For many years, South African College High School (SACS) considered their hockey rivals to be the traditional southern suburbs’ schools, Wynberg Boys’ High, Bishops, and Rondebosch Boys’ High.
However, that has drastically changed over the past four years because of their newfound rivalry with Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG).
Now, don’t get me wrong, fixtures against the southern suburbs’ schools still get the respect they deserve, but the hype and buzz is through the roof when PRG comes to town or SACS travels to Stellenbosch.
This week will be no different when the two schoolboy hockey giants square off in a Hyundai Friday Nite Lights game at the Maties AstroTurf, in Stellenbosch.
The massive match will be broadcast LIVE on the SuperSport Schools App, DSTV Channel 216, and the SABC Plus App. Pushback is at 19:45.
As part of our extensive coverage, SuperSport Schools Plus hockey writer Avuyile Sawula takes a look at five key talking points you should know about ahead of the crunch clash.
The coaches’ battle: Baker vs Holmes
Culture vs Tactics
One of the most interesting aspects of this match will be the battle between the coaches, Michael Baker (PRG) and Sam Holmes (SACS).
They have a different style of coaching, but both get the best out of their teams, week in and out.
In his first-ever interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, Baker described himself as “a coach who believes in building culture”,while the calm and relaxed Holmes has been labelled a “mastermind tactician” by some of his players.
While the rivalry is between the schools, it’s important to note, as well, that we’re experiencing the teams to be a reflection of their coaches. Since arriving at PRG at the start of 2024, Baker has faced Holmes more than any other coach in the country.
To date, their teams have played against each other four times, and two of those were at the Hibbert Shield, while the other two took place in the Western Cape.
It turned out that the discipline in that high-takes clash was awful, to say the least. Both sides were reckless in their tackles, they talked back to the umpires on numerous occasions, and, as a result, yellow and red cards were dished out.
PRG was forced to play the majority of the clash with a man down after Louan Van Zyl was given his marching orders early on. Reece Theunis and Litha Kraai, of SACS, were also shown cards. It was messy.
This year will be no different. The stakes will be high. There will be electricity in the air. Discipline will be one of the most important aspects of the game. Cool, calm and relaxed heads will be needed, especially with PRG’s home supporters sure to be make their presence known.
Physicality levels will, also, be high, which was evident in the Hibbert Shield semifinal. Both sides will need to be careful.
As a neutral, I would love to see a tightly contested clash where the treatment of umpires is of a high standard, especially after the South African Hockey Association (SAHA) released a memorandum about the problem of the mistreatment of officials.
It will be a heated clash. That’s for sure. But both coaching groups will need to preach the importance of discipline all week long. They surely have.
Paul Roos Gimnasium playmaker, Callum van Oudtshoorn will be key in his side’s quest for glory against SACS. Photo: Janco Saunders
Players must step up
Time to prove a point
Instagram posts, WhatsApp stories, and motivational quotes will mean very little the minute the teams make contact with the AstroTurf on Friday night.
All that will matter for the players is showing up, balling out, and putting their best foot forward.
Big games are made for big players, and each side will need their leading stars to bring their A-game from the get-go.
For the home side, their defence will be key, and at the back, Tylor Carter will be tested,so he’ll need to exert his influence. Carter, along with Jeandre Van Zyl and Danesh Titus, has steered the PRG ship well this season, but SACS poses a different challenge to any other team Paul Roos has faced.
Another player who needs to step to the fore is Paul Roos skipper Christo Swanepoel. He’s played a massive role as the midfield maestro for his side, and he’ll be aiming to boss proceedings.
Up front, Matthew Cardoza, Caleb Cilliers, Callum van Oudtshoorn and the reliable Reuben Gouws will key the PRG attack.
For SACS, many are expecting, rightfully, Litha Kraai to lead their challenge. But Reece Theunis is a dangerous player who will also want to prove a point against a quality side. He has been deadly in front of goal this season and he’ll be keen to take the form he has shown against others into the showdown with PRG.
Mohlodi Maseko is another player who has sparkled for SACS. The little magician has enjoyed a great start to his first-team career, and he’ll want to keep up his playmaking against a well-drilled unit.
SACS has had to make a change at goalkeeper, with their first-choice, Ethan October, ruled out of the contest after sustaining an injury in their 9-1 win over Rondebosch Boys’ High.
With October sidelined, Lorenzo Virisimo took over in the goalbox in their 10-0 win over DF Malan last time out. Up against Paul Roos, he has an excellent opportunity to repay the trust shown in him by coach Holmes.
Accuracy during penalty corner time will be vital in the clash between Paul Roos and SACS. Photo: Janco Saunders
Set-piece accuracy will be key
“Shorty…..”
While fans at the ground would love to see a flurry of field goals,the reality is that set pieces will play a major role in the clash.
The modern game has evolved in a way that teams rely on set-piece opportunities to make the difference in tight contests.
Both PRG and SACS have, however, scored most of their goals this season from open play, but that doesn’t mean they don’t value short corners or spend hours trying to perfect drag flicks or cook up variations.
SACS has three flickers in Kraai, Theunis, and skipper Jo le Roux. All are tried and tested – and they’ll be ready to fire on Friday night.
PRG, meanwhile, is still trying to find its groove at PC time. They were blessed with Reuben Sendzul as their specialist flicker in 2024. This year, in his absence, they’ve taken on more variations.
Those variations have worked well, but they also have, in Reuben Gouws, someone who can score by going the direct drag flick route.
The SACS team for 2025 lined up. Photo: AP -a_pieterse_photography
Is this the battle for top spot?
Jeppe might have something to say about that
For the past two seasons, Paul Roos and SACS have been at the centre of the rankings’ conversation, and rightfully so.
They have consistently played some amazing hockey and taken down many of the top teams from across the country. Their meetings have been nail-biters.
Are they among the best three teams in the country? According to statistics, yes, and by statistics I don’t mean the controversial rankings that spark debates in school corridors and staffrooms.
These sides have proven time and again that they deserve all the hype they receive, and that’s because of everything they’ve done on the turf.
Yes, the rankings will be a massive talking point this week, but they will mean little once the umpire’s whistle signals the start of play on Friday night.
This article is titled: “The Battle for Schoolboy Hockey Supremacy” because the team that wins this one will have the upper hand heading into their second meeting in term three.
There’s no place to hide ladies, and gentlemen. This will be a cracker so don’t miss it!
Last five meetings between Paul Roos and SACS
2025: SACS (5) 3-3 (4) Paul Roos
2024: Paul Roos 2-2 SACS
2024: SACS 6-2 Paul Roos
2024: Paul Roos (6) 3-3 (5) SACS
2023: SACS 8-1 Paul Roos
TEAMS
Paul Roos: Jeandre Cilliers, Jeandre Van Zyl, Danesh Titus, Tylor Carter, Seth Paterson, Reuben Gouws, Caleb Cilliers, Callum Van Oudtshoorn, Christo Swanepoel (c), Logan Lackay, Matthew Cardoza, Rico Esterhuyse, Christiaan Fouche, Charlie Boucher, Ruan Strauss, Luc Botha.
SACS: Lorenzo Virisimo, Jo le Roux (c), James Engelbrecht, Cameron Groves, Aiden Hughes, Matthew Lassen, Litha Kraai, Mohlodi Maseko, Zach Redfern, Adam Thompson, Daniel Graser, Cameron Cordeiro, Reece Theunis, Reegan Wille, Chavez Sanger.
In a familiar scenario, Maritzburg College will, once again, play in the Inland A-League final. Photo: Maritzburg College on Facebook.
While the finalists for the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Inland A-League have been determined, the finalists of the Coastal A-League will be determined only after the last round of league fixtures, on Tuesday, 3 June.
This season’s matches in the Coastal and Inland A-Leagues have proven to be exceptionally captivating, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. SuperSport Schools Commentator Sibonelo Zulu told SuperSport Schools Plus that the games have been more fiercely competitive than ever before.
Coastal A-League
There has been little to separate the top sides in the Coastal A-League since round one. The four leading teams – Westville Boys’ High, Hillcrest High, Glenwood High, and Port Shepstone High – have set the stage for a final showdown to determine who will advance to the final.
Currently, Westville holds the top position with 16 points, followed closely by Hillcrest High, on 15 points. Glenwood, in third place, also has 15 points, while Sheppie sits on 12.
“The KZN Coastal League is the more fascinating of the two streams for obvious reasons. I mean, you have the top four teams all in with a shout of securing a top two spot heading into the last round of matches next week,” Zulu enthused.
He said all four teams are at risk, especially the back-to-back Coastal League champions, Glenwood. Should they lose to Westville next week, they will relinquish their chance at a hattrick of titles.
Given their title wins in 2023 and 2024, the Green Machine missing out on the final would be quite unusual. Even when they didn’t claim the title, they played in the final in 2022, going down 0-1 against Westville.
In 2023, Glenwood got by Port Shepstone in a penalty shootout. Then, in 2024, they avenged their previous defeat to Westville in the final two years’ earlier. If they’re to have any hope of a three-peat, they need three points next week.
Westville Boys’ High opened their league campaign with a 1-0 win over Bechet in the rain. In round three, they beat previously undefeated Hillcrest High 3-0. Photo: Brad Morgan.
On Tuesday, Glenwood picked up another three points, courtesy of a 2-0 walkover due to Bechet‘s failure to honour the fixture.
Although that full haul was welcomed. coach Khaya Mgwengwe would feel disappointed by that outcome. He values the experience of his players earning their victories on the field.
Westville, meanwhile, defeated Northwood School 2-1.
Ntando Ngcobo netted the opening goal for Westville from the penalty spot, while Dayyan Fudu, a contender for the Golden Boot Award, scored the decisive goal.
In another Coastal A-League fixture, Hillcrest High scored a 2-0 win over Empangeni High, with Mohale Sakuneka netting a superb free kick, while Ayedan Whitby scored a tap-in at far post after an amazing run from Tanaka Chinodakufa.
Zulu praised Hillcrest High’s gutsy showings. “Often dubbed the underdogs [Hillcrest High], now has a shot of securing a top two spot and playing in their first ever Coastal League final,” he said.
“The 2025 KZN Coastal League is everything a football fan dreams of seeing transpiring in an elite league.”
In another key result, Port Shepstone, after suffering consecutive losses, returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Pinetown Boys’ High. They’ve given themselves a shot at reaching the final, but, with 12 points, they’re the outsiders heading into the last round of matches.
The fact of the matter, though, is that the top four teams hold their fortunes in their own hands. That’s because next week’s games have them playing one another.
Port Shepstone tackles Hillcrest High, while Westville takes on Glenwood. It couldn’t have been scripted better.
Inland A-League
Zulu told SuperSport Schools Plus that at the outset of the season, there were four teams likely to contend for the Inland A-League title. They included Carter High School, the defending champion, and two-time league winner.
Since 2018, Maritzburg College has appeared in six consecutive Inland A-League finals and, in 2023, they famously won the trebleunder the leadership of Mateo Horstead.
The newly promoted Edendale Tech High School boasts a dedicated, outstanding football programme, while Alexandra High School is regarded as the sleeping giant of the game in the region.
“The cream was always going to rise to the top, and Carter and Maritzburg College, who played only eight minutes of the opening game of the Inland A-League due to inclement weather, meet again in the final,” Zulu said.
On Tuesday, the Red, Blackand Whitedefeated Linpark 3-0, to secure a place in the title decider. Mazithi Qasha, who has been prolific scoring form this season, once again found the back of the net, scoring the opening goal for College.
Coming off the bench, Ndzolo Ngcemu scored their second with his very first touch of the game, while Wandile Zondile added a third goal to ensure College progressed to the final.
They still have one last match to play in the regular phase of the season, on Tuesday, 3 June, against Haythorne Secondary, before they take on Carter High in a rematch of the 2024 final.
Maritzburg College will go into that match as the favourite because Haythorne is at risk of relegation. They’re bottom of the table with only two points to their name.
Carter High, the reigning champion, appears to be in excellent form, yet they remain cautious of the formidable adversary they will face in the gold-medal game
Carter trails Maritzburg College by two points in the standings after they clinched their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over Haythorne, with Adunyiswe Sibiya and Lwanele Mkhize netting for the winners. They face Alexandra High A on Tuesday.
“Destiny, some would say, but I strongly believe that they are the two [Carter High and Maritzburg College] most well-run schools in the Inland League, with a synergy from the junior ranks,” Zulu said. “The Coaches and players all sing from the same hymn book.”
In another Inland A-League clash, Ixopo outplayed Newton 4-0. Edendale Technical High, playing in the Inland A-League for the first time, will be back next season, too. They beat Alexandra High A 2-0, thanks to goals from Wandile Madlala and Wandile Mbanjwa.
At the beginning of the season, in an exclusive interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, Edendale’s head coach Mxolisi Mchunu said it was his side’s ambition to claim the league title. While they may feel slightly disheartened after missing out, they should take pride in a solid season.
Edendale occupies third place on the log, with 10 points and one match remaining. They’ll be aiming to increase their points’ haul to 13 when they face Newton on Tuesday.
RESULTS
Coastal A
Westville 2-1 Northwood
Glenwood 2-0 Bechet
Hillcrest High 2-0 Empangeni
Port Shepstone 2-0 Pinetown
Inland A
Maritzburg College 3-0 Linpark
Ixopo 4-0 Newton
Edendale 2-0 Alexandra High A
Carter High 2-0 Haythorne
Note: The Coastal B-Leaguehave been moved to Wednesday, 28 May, instead of Thursday, 29 May. The hosting venue is still Queensburgh High School, and the times haven’t changed.
Hilton will need to keep their heads when they take on DHS on the Durban side’s Old Boys’ Day. Photo: Hilton College on Facebook.
Nine of KwaZulu-Natal’s top hockey-playing schools will be in action on Friday and Saturday, with six of them doing duty inside the province and three travelling up to the Highveld.
Two wounded buffaloes kick off the weekend’s action at Westville Boys High on Friday.
Expect fireworks when coach Cameron Mackay‘s charges welcome Glenwood into their lair. The Griffin will be keen to get back to winning ways after a narrow 2-3 loss to Durban High School (DHS) last week.
Glenwood, on the other hand, had some soul-searching to do after a humbling 1-8 defeat at the hands of Northwood. Glenwood was competitive in the first half of that contest, but the wheels came off after halftime. Coach Michael Labuschagne‘s side will be keen to prove that the loss to The Knights was an anomaly.
Also on Friday evening, in Johannesburg, St Charles College faces a difficult challenge. They take on the Aitken Cup runner-up, St Stithians College, at Superpark Red. The Joburg Saints will be favoured in that one.
DHS returns to The Coliseum on Saturday after visiting Westville last week. Their 3-2 win there followed a 2-1 home triumph over Kearsney College.
The Horseflies will be keen to add another win to their streak when they host Hilton College on their Old Boys’ Day. The presence of School‘s alumni will be an added incentive for DHS to bag another victory.
They will, though, be expecting a stiff challenge from the visitors. Coach Damian Kimfley’s charges come into the tie with fresh legs after enjoying a week off last weekend. Before the bye, Hilton was extended by Glenwood but fought their way to a 3-2 win.
Coach Mark Sanders’Maritzburg College side will roll out the red carpet for Kearsney College, who will join them for Reunion Day, on Saturday. However, that is as far as the pleasantries will go. College will not be hospitable on Pape’s Astro, where they will be pursuing a dominant display in front of a big crowd.
Coach Keagan Pearce’s young Kearsney side won’t make it easy for College. They’re seeking redemption after their 1-2 loss to DHS. They might have lost to the Horseflies, but Kearsney showed their mettle in that contest, and any win over Maritzburg College on Pape’s would be a significant victory.
Calvin Price‘s Clifton College side will be in action in Gauteng. They visit St David’s Marist Inanda for a derby encounter. Price’s charges head into the contest off the back of a healthy 3-1 win over St Charles in their most recent fixture. Two on the trot will be their aim.
Nick Bérichon’s Michaelhouse team travels to Pretoria Boys High (PBHS) for what should be a tightly contested derby.
Michaelhouse is another of those sides that had last weekend off, so they should have fresh legs. They’ve put together a good season, but last time out an inspired Northwood overcame a 1-2 deficit to edge past ‘House 3-2 on the Punchbowl Astro.
Like Clifton, they’ll be aiming to make the most of their journey upcountry.
FIXTURES
Friday
Westville vs Glenwood
St Stithians College vs St Charles College
Saturday
DHS vs Hilton
Maritzburg College vs Kearsney
St David’s vs Clifton
PBHS vs Michaelhouse
Grey College XI Football Team before their recent Curro Halala Cup win over Kyrios Independent School. Photo. Grey College on Facebook.
Some surprising results caught the eye in schools’ football action in the Free State and the Eastern Cape during the past week, with Virginia High School and Dale College among the losers, but Grey College continued its strong season.
Magnificent Wednesday Schools Football League (Friday fixtures)
On Friday, in a Magnificent Wednesday Schools Football League, Virginia High was unexpectedly defeated 1-0 by St Anne’s Technical School, with Makume Molemela netting the decisive goal for St Anne’s.
Virginia High’s Soccer Manager, Lekhoba Ngakane, told SuperSport Schools Plusthat the fixture between the two schools is always highly anticipated. St Anne’s, he said, is always a tough challenge.
St Anne’s is, also, often underestimated, but they possess one of the best football programmes in the Free State. In 2024, their u13 team finishing as the runner-up in the u13 National Kay Motsepe Schools Championship after a closely contested final against Laerskool Queenswood, from Gauteng, which ended in a 1-2 defeat for St Anne’s.
After four matches in the Magnficicent Wednesday Schools Football League in the circuit nine region, St Anne’s tops the table with 10 points, closely followed by the team they beat in the past week, Virginia High, which has nine points.
In other Magnificent Wednesday Schools Football League matches, Harmony High defeated Marematlou Secondary School 4-1. Mamello Mokoena scored twice for Harmony High, with Buta Makutu and Kananelo Selake also contributing a goal each.
Following a challenging start to the season, it was Harmony High’s first victory following three defeats in succession.
B-Block BWFLA High School Soccer League (East London)
Dale College, whose football fortunes have ebbed and flowed in recent seasons, experienced a setback in their latest outing, going down 1-2 to Cathcart High School.
Stutterheim High School has risen to prominence over the past two years, and it is only a matter of time before the nation recognises their efforts, especially if they sustain their current level of performance.
On Wednesday, they won once more, defeating the Centre of Excellence 1-0, which extended their unbeaten streak in the league to six games, and earned them three points.
Selborne College secured a 2-1 win against Hudson Park High on Wednesday. On Friday, Hudson Park was back in action, taking on Merrifield College. This time, Hudson finished on the winning side, triumphing 3-1.
Merrfield had been in action the day before, playing to a goalless draw with George Randell High School.
Mangaung Schools Football League
Hindered by adverse weather conditions, the Mangaung Schools Football season has got off to a sluggish start.
On Friday, regrettably, another incident, not the weather this time, impacted the beautiful game, with most of the schools being unable to participate due to a South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (SADTU) mass meeting affecting fixtures. However, a few matches were played, with Grey College continuing their winning streak.
They handed Bloemfontein South High Secondary School a 3-1 defeat. That win was part of a gratifying week for Grey College, as they also advanced to the last 16 of the Curro Halala Cup after securing a 1-0 victory against Kyrios Independent School.
That victories places Grey among the final 16 teams that will compete in the Curro Halala Cup in August at HeronBridge, in Gauteng, alongside schools such as Clapham High, Glenwood High, Hillcrest High, and Navalsig.
In another Mangaung Schools Football League clash, Heatherdale Secondary A defeated Bloemfontein High School 2-0.
Kyrios Independent School, after their narrow loss to Grey, restored their confidence with a tight 1-0 victory over Sehunelo Secondary School.
Petunia Secondary School played to a 1-1 stalemate against Vulamasango High, while Grassland Secondary clinched a 3-2 victory over Kagisho Comprehensive Secondary.
Legae Commercial Secondary emerged victorious in their match against Dr. Block Secondary, winning 2-0, while Hodisa Secondary School clinched a close 2-1 win over Lereko Secondary.
RESULTS
Magnificent Wednesday Schools Football League (Free State)
Meloding 1-0 Mamello
Harmony High 4-1 Marematlou
St Anne’s 1-0 Virginia High
B-Block BWFLA High Schools Soccer League (East London)
Merrifield 0-0 George Randell High
Selborne College 2-1 Hudson
Cathcart High 2-1 Dale College
Stutterheim 1-0 Centre of Excellence
Hudson Park 3-1 Merrifield
Mangaung Schools Football league (Free State)
Heatherdale A Team 2-0 Bloemfontein High
Grey College 3-1 Bloemfontein South
Kyrios 1-0 Sehunelo
Petunia 1-1 Vulamasango
Grassland 3-2 Kagisho
Legae 2-0 Dr Blok
Hodisa 2-1 Lereko
Met die Jubilee-liga wat vinnig einde se kant toe staan, het die afgelope week ‘n paar spanningsbelaaide kragmetings opgelewer, met bitter min wat die spanne geskei het.
Waterkloof het puik vertoon om met 36–24 oor Eldoraigne te seëvier. Die Klofies het doeltreffend gekombineer met vinnige voere en kwaai druk toegepas op die verdediging, wat Eldoraigne min ruimte gebied het om momentum te bou.
In een van die naelbytkragmetings van die week het Montana daarin geslaag om Garsfontein met 32–30 te troef. Dit was ’n titaniese stryd met elke doel wat getel het, maar Montana se deursettingsvermoë het in die doodsnikke die deurslag gegee.
Garsfontein het vergoed vir dié naelskraapse nederlaag deur vir Menlopark op ewe spannende wyse met 38–34 te verslaan. Die kombinasie van Karen Roothman (AV) en Dane Boshoff (S) op die aanval was uiters gevaarlik, met presiese voere en dinamiese beweging. Anke Janse van Rensburg (D) het met haar akkuraatheid op doel uitgeblink, terwyl Isabella le Roux (V) rotsvas was op die verdediging en in kritieke stadiums balle omgekeer het.
On Sunday, action in the u17 Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) was characterised high-scoring games, highlighted by Mamelodi Sundowns overwhelming Highlands Park 10-0.
The match between the Brazilians and Highlands Park was anticipated to be the match of the week, with Sundowns entering the contest on the top of the GWDL table, while Highlands Park was in third place.
Home ground advantage belonged to Highlands Park, but that appeared to make no difference whatsoever to coach Rhoda Muladzi’s team. They tend to dominate whether home or away, which is one of the reasons that they are the two-time defending GWDL champion.
On Sunday, Sundowns had clear and total control of their clash with Highlands Park, from the first whistle to the last.
They were not the only Pretoria club that performed well. Refilwe FC and the University of Pretoria (Tuks) also excelled.
Tuks took on Tornado Academy Ladies FC and scored four goals without reply.
Sihle Tshabalala opened the scoring for Tuks. Daniella Human, assisted by Jazz Netshilaphala, netted the second goal and, shortly before the first half concluded, Anastasia Freitas scored from a free kick.
Early in the second half, Daniella Human netted her second and the fourth for her team, this time receiving an assist from Bokang Madileng.
Refilwe FC also kept a clean sheet, defeating Dinoko Rondebult FC 3-0, with Linamandla Bahlehle, Thando Mndaweni, and Bokang Matebesi each contributing a goal.
At Norkem Park High School, JVW performed superbly in an emphatic 5-0 win over Kenneth FC.
Zahra Camroodeen bagged a brace for JVW, while Mbalenhle Nkosi, Saniyya Mahomed, and Mya Manikus were also on the score sheet.
In other matches, SAFA Academy defeated Kempton Park 4-0, while Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) received a 2-0 walkover due to Sporting CP’s failure to fulfil their fixture.
Edenvale and Panorama FC played to a 0-0 stalemate, resulting in both teams sharing the points.
U17 GWDL RESULTS
Tuks 4-0 Tornado Academy Ladies
RESA 2-0 Sporting CP
Refilwe FC 3-0 Dinoko Rondebult
Edenvale 0-0 Panorama FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 10-0 Highlands Park
JVW 5-0 Kenneth FC
SAFA Academy 4-0 Kempton Park FC
The Leopards, from North-West, will travel to Middelburg with a nearly brand-new squad for the Craven Week, which celebrates its 60th edition in 2025.
KG Legodi and Juan van Rhyn, both from Hoërskool Lichtenburg, and Jordan Radebe, from Hoërskool Vryburg, are the only players returning for a second year.
The Leopards boast notable firepower, especially with three of their schools competing in the higher sections of the fiercely contested SDC Noordvaal Cup.
Legodi retains his position at openside flank, while Van Rhyn graduates from the bench to the starting line-up at hooker. They are joined by three more players from Lichtenburg, taking the school’s tally of representatives to five, which is the most from any school in the union.
Scrumhalf Rea Motsusi earns his first Craven Week cap and a starting place after his blistering start to the season caught the eyes of the selectors. Centre Oratile Sekoto is set to make an impact from the bench, while lock George Bingudzu starts in the second row.
North-West’s most successful school side in recent years, Hoërskool Rustenburg, contributes four players, which is tied for the second-most with Hoërskool Wesvalia and Hoërskool Klerksdorp.
Young fullback Ayden Willemse steps up from the 2024 Grant Khomo Week to face elite competition at the Craven Week. Bradley Snyers, the younger cousin of former Leopards’ representative Lorenzo Snyers, forms part of the back three.
Rustenburg captain Xavier Steenkamp is expected to make his presence felt in the front row, while eighthman Dirk Huizamen adds physicality and weight to an already formidable pack.
From Wesvalia, Eduard Dreyer, who featured at the 2024 Academy Week, steps up to the Craven Week. He is joined by Franco Dumond, the second Dumond to appear in as many years, following in the footsteps of his older brother Francois. Franco packs down behind Wesvalia prop, Ulrich du Preez. Barry Niemand has been named as the reserve scrumhalf behind Motsusi.
Hoërskool Klerksdorp’s inspirational captain, Tiaan Koen, has finally earned his spot and was named as the first-choice blindside flank. His inclusion, alongside Huizamen, gives North-West a significant boost.
Koen is joined by fellow Klersdorpers: wing Elzino Schalwyk, utility back Brendin Mathyse, and the dazzling Winton Abrahams.
Outside centre Jordan Radebe leads a trio from Hoërskool Vryburg. He’s accompanied by Jamie Davids and lock Aiden Jonker.
Matthew Redelinghuys, from Potchefstroom Gimnasium, and De Waal Coetzer, from Potchefstroom Volkskool, round out the squad. They’re the only representatives from Potchefstroom.
TEAMS
Craven Week: 15 Ayden Willemse (Rustenburg), 14 Bradley Snyers (Rustenburg), 13 Jordan Radebe (Vryburg), 12 Winton Abrahams (Klerksdorp), 11 Elzino Schalkwyk (Klerksdorp), 10 Eduard Dreyer (Wesvalia), 9 Rea Motsusi (Lichtenburg), 8 Dirk Huizamen (Rustenburg), 7 Tiaan Koen (Klerksdorp), 6 KG Legodi (Lichtenburg), 5 George Bingudzu (Lichtenburg), 4 Aiden Jonker (Vryburg), 3 Matthew Redelinghuys (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), 2 Juan van Rhyn (Lichtenburg), 1 Ulrich du Preez (Wesvalia). Replacements: 16 Xavier Steenkamp (Rustenburg), 17 Thabang Machubene (Bergsig Akademie), 18 De Waal Coetzer (Potchefstroom Volkskool), 19 Jamie Davids (Vryburg), 20 Franco Dumond (Wesvalia), 21 Barry Niemand (Wesvalia), 22 Oratile Sekoto (Lichtenburg), 23 Brendan Mathyse (Klerksdorp).
On Tuesday evening, 
Met die Jubilee-liga wat vinnig einde se kant toe staan, het die afgelope week ‘n paar spanningsbelaaide kragmetings opgelewer, met bitter min wat die spanne geskei het.
