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The hosts, Nico Malan, are gearing up for a massive onslaught across the board when they tackle the dangerous Marlow Landbou in what is set to be a fascinating King Price Derby Series showdown in Humansdorp, on Saturday, at 15.30.

Both sides have scored some notable victories this season, and it appears there is little to choose between them as they aim for the bragging rights in a match that is always competitive.

Under coach Jaco Nepgen and captain Pietman Kleinhans, the home side is fresh off a hard- earned win over Pearson, but they will know they have to show intensity of the highest order to handle the Wolramme challenge.

“There is always a huge amount of respect between the two schools, and we know that Marlow has developed a lethal combination of physicality and skill,” the Nico Malan mentor said.

“They have always been a physical team, but they have brought a new dimension to their game with skilful backs who can attack from coast to coast.

“There is so much pride and passion in their ranks that we know we will have to lift our intensity for the full duration of the 70 minutes.”

Nico Malan are also no slouches when it comes to toughness and skills, and they will take heart from the sort of performance they put in when beating Glenwood 41-39 at the Absa Wildeklawer Festival.

It was a display which epitomised their attacking talent as well as their defensive systems, and they will need more of the same against Marlow.

The Wolramme have a good record against their Humansdorp rivals, even away from home, but coach Derik Olivier acknowledged that they are in for a serious battle.

“Nico Malan is very strong this year, with several provincial players in their ranks,” he pointed out.

“Their play in the tight phases is outstanding, and they always play at pace and with great commitment.

“We know we will have to match them physically, but we are up for the challenge because the pressure will be on them, playing on their home ground.”

Marlow has compiled an impressive record this season, and although there have been three defeats, those have all been by narrow margins – Selborne (22-26), Brandwag (31-36) and Glenwood (9-8).

They also drew 25-25 with St Andrew’s College, while they produced one of their best performances at the Wildeklawer Festival when they beat Welkom Gimnasium 25-22.

With both sides bristling with talent and no shortage of commitment in either camp, it promises to be an afternoon to remember in Humansdorp.

The teams: 

Nico Malan: 15 Alarno Primo, 14 Reagan Stone, 13 Gelden van Niekerk, 12 Enzo Machaba, 11 Tequane Koopman, 10 Leighton Lawrence, 9 Lleyton Mienie, 8 Pietman Kleinhans (captain), 7 Neil Lategan, 6 MC Ferreira, 5 Ruben van Dijk, 4 Ulrich van Zyl, 3 André van der Merwe, 2 Janu Janse van Rensburg, 1 Waldo Krige.

Marlow Landbou: 15 Du Preez Vermaak, 14 Logan van Vuuren,  13 Dawid-Malan de Ridder, 12 Ockert du Preez, 11 WJ Pienaar, 10 Cole Hurter, 9 Gian Steyl, 8 GD Jordaan (vice-captain), 7 Adrian Joubert, 6 CJ Botha, 5 Marnus Malan, 4 Burgert van Heerden, 3 Herman le Roux, 2 Markus Bester, 1 Zian Jacobs. Replacements: 16 Wikus van der Merwe, 17 Izak Steyn, 18 Sinqobili Siyengo, 19 Ruan van Deventer, 20 AC du Toit, 21 Jurgens van Staden, 22 Pierre Marais.

Kick Off: 15:30

Other matches in the Eastern Cape: 

13:15 – Muir College vs Pearson; 13:30 – Kingswood College vs Port Rex THS; 13:40 – Die Brandwag (Uitenhage) vs Westering; 13:40 – Hudson Park vs Graeme College; 13:45 – Cambridge vs Dale College; 14:30 – Queen’s College vs Grey High School; 14:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Selborne College.

Die laaste keer wat Die Hoërskool Menlopark oor Hoërskool Garsfontein kon seëvier was ses jaar gelede, toe hy in die destydse Noordvaalbeker-halfeindstryd koning gekraai het.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Tuisveldvoordeel, met die skare wat hul luidkeels aanmoedig, kan Saterdagmiddag vir Parkies egter die nodige hupstoot gee om die verdedigende kampioen se onoorwonne veldtog tot dusver in vanjaar se Beker-afdeling te beëindig.

Die Bere was soos ‘n wafferse naelloper uit die blokke om gemaklik met Helpmekaar Kollege (47-29) en 2024 se naaswenner, Hoërskool Waterkloof (53-19), af te reken.

Die Parkies het verlede week, vir die derde keer in hul laaste vier kragmetings, met 19-27 teen die einste Klofies vasgeval. Dit was egter hul eerste nederlaag vanjaar, wat die Parkies se skitterseisoen tot dusver beklemtoon.

Die Bere se diepte aan die kant van die skrum word hierdie naweek getoets met flank en kaptein, JP Pieterse, wat las van ‘n enkelbesering ondervind. Hy word deur nog ‘n JP, JP Meintjies, vervang. Vaskopstut, Luan van den Berg, dra derhalwe Saterdag die kapteinsarmband.

Die Parkies behou dieselfde span wat tot op hede vanjaar soveel sukses behaal het.

Haker, Declan Pleser, sal, saam met oopkantflank, Nathen du Plessis, een van die tuisspan se groot uitblinkers vanjaar, woel in die los en vastelos. Agterlangs hou die beproefde kombinasie van losskakel en kaptein, Andru Keun, en heelagter, Reihardt Herbst, ‘n taamlike bedreiging in vir die Bere.

In Boksburg mik Helpmekaar Kollege vir drie agtereenvolgende seges wanneer hy met die “Dokter” van Boksburg, Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen, swaarde kruis.

Die Jansies het tot dusver ‘n wipplank-seisoen ervaar. In hul mees onlangse uitstappie in die Beker-afdeling, het hulle teen Hoërskool Transvalia in Vanderbijlpark vasgeval, wat egter van hulle ‘n gevaarlike opponent tuis maak. Vernaam heelagter, Deshean Pietersen, hou groot gevaar in met sy teenaanvalle vanuit enige hoek van die veld.

Die Helpies gaan egter weekliks van krag tot krag, met die Lourens-tweeling, Ethan en Shaye, wat uitblink op onderskeidelik binnesenter en skrumskakel.

Die spanne: 

Menlopark t. Garsfontein om 12:30 in Pretoria: 

Menlopark: 15 Reinhardt Hebrst, 14 Bladen Peterson, 13 Leskin Samuels, 12 Dylan Stumke, 11 Juan Joubert, 10 Andru Keun, 9 Gustav Scäffner, 8 JN van Wyk, 7 Tiaan Boshoff, 6 Nathen du Plessis, 5 Keagen Pretorius, 4 Xander Roets, 3 Ruvan van Aardt, 2 Declan Pelser, 1 Mattheus Prinsloo.

Garsfontein (moontlik): 15 Junade Pasensie, 14 Junaide Stuart, 13 Xian Erasmus, 12 Keagan Knighton, 11 Drewyn Baron, 10 Joshua Gouws, 9 Derrick Kuhn, 8 Lourenz de Jager, 7 JP Meintjies, 6 JP Pieterse, 5 Derik Potgieter, 4 JJ Fourie, 3 Luan van den Berg, 2 Justin Blom, 1 Morné Coetzer.

EG Jansen t. Helpmekaar Kollege om 12:25 in Boksburg: 

EG Jansen: 15 Deshean Pietersen, 14 Otlatleng Zulu, 13 Christopher Combrink, 12 Nathan Delport, 11 Jordan van der Westhuizen, 10 Juan van Aswegen, 9 Joseph Diesel, 8 Slade Mowbray, 7 Dian Botha, 6 Craig Lightfoot, 5 Breyton Kruger, 4 Jacques van Tonder, 3 Deveraux Wideman, 2 Marco Ventura, 1 Ruan Rossouw.

Helpmekaar Kollege: 15 Ty Ax, 14 Xander van Niekerk, 13 Clinton Cloete, 12 Ethan Lourens, 11 Francois Tonkin, 10 Wian Storm, 9 Shaye Lourens, 8 Lewelyn Vermaak, 7 Zaiden Krige, 6 Sydney Nicholson, 5 Eugen de Lange, 4 Diandro Botha, 3 Dylan Engelbrecht, 2 Keanan Combrink, 1 Liam Devenier.

The first recorded match between Wynberg Boys’ High and Diocesan College took place in 1920, but the rivalry between these two schools most probably predates this clash taking their proximity to each other into consideration.

The two schools’ face each other twice on an annual basis with this year’s first encounter to be played on Hawthornden in Cape Town’s southern suburbs as part of the King Price Derby Series.

The match kicks off at 12:30.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

Wynberg Boys’ High have won the last three encounters between the two schools in 2023 (35-8 and 38-16) and 2022 (27-20). Bishops’ 2025 side has been a more formidable opponent than last year.

They have secured good victories over Michaelhouse (26-17) and Brackenfell (24-12) earlier in the season. The team, however, have not won in their last five outings. A draw of 14-all against SACS was their best result in this handful of matches.

Wynberg will therefore take the field as favourites on their home ground. This will also be their first match against Southern Suburbs opposition this season.

The team has only suffered defeat three times thus far against Stellenberg (19-24), Helpmekaar (17-18) and Paarl Boys’ High (26-32).

Wynberg has also been utilising the SA Schools flyhalf of 2024, Yaqeen Ahmed, at inside centre this season. Bishops’ midfield pairing of Rynard Gordon and Boytjie Fyfer will have to keep Ahmed at bay.

The home side’s halfback pairing of Morné Noble and Achmat Behardien has also had superb seasons thus far. They could also be thorns in the side of Bishops.

Wynberg also have SA Schools A tighthead prop Luqobo Makwedini in their pack of forwards to lead the charge up front.

SACS will be hosting Hoërskool Durbanville on Saturday at Memorial A from 12:30.

These two teams met each other last year during the Wynberg Rugby Festival, with SACS coming out on top by 25-22 in a closely contested match.

The contest between the two outside centres, Mikey Skeeles (SACS) and Louwrens Rademeyer (Durbanville), promises to be one of the highlights of the clash.

The teams:

Wynberg Boys’ High vs Diocesan College on Hawthornden in Cape Town at 12:30:

Wynberg Boys’ High: 15 Daniel Ould, 14 Chad Campbell, 13 Kunene Gadu, 12 Yaqeen Ahmed, 11 Albert Lourens, 10 Achmat Behardien, 9 Morné Noble, 8 Alvin Machinja, 7 Tjeripo Karuhumba, 6 Jamie Stride, 5 James Orwin, 4 Jaythen Orange, 3 Luqobo Makwedini, 2 Noah Gila, 1 Luke Miller.

Diocesan College: 15 Lulibo Nyawula, 14 Cole Robyntjies, 13 Rynard Gordon, 12 Boytjie Fyfer, 11 Eljaron Geduld, 10 Alex Laspatzis, 9 Max Marr, 8 Jack Venter, 7 Ethan Venter, 6 Uzoma Ngcwangu, 5 Dan Coetzee, 4 Alex Vintcent, 3 Chris du Toit, 2 Daniel van den Heever (captain), 1 Will Reid.

SACS vs Hoërskool Durbanville on Memorial A Field in Cape Town from 12:30:

SACS: 15 Langa Moyo, 14 Josh Pfister, 13 Mikey Skeeles, 12 Nathan Potgieter, 11 Dayyaan Conrad, 10 Robert Boyes, 9 Max Bester, 8 Thando Sitole, 7 Daniel Grant, 6 Siphe Mbungendlu, 5 Siphukhanyo Dyantyi, 4 Reuben de Klerk, 3 Qiraan Hermans, 2 Sango Zangqa, 1 Qawe Sawuka

Hoërskool Durbanville: 15 Cole Carls, 14 Kyle Doyle, 13 Louwrens Rademeyer, 12 De Wet Viljoen, 11 Michael Shaw, 10 Kyle Albertus, 9 Lorenzo Brogneri, 8 Muller Janse van Vuuren, 7 Tiaan Kearns, 6 Zay-Winn Januarie, 5 Adriaan Freemantle, 4 Ethan Swartz, 3 Ruan van Wyk, 2 Juan Smit, 1 Eli Pedro.

While some of the country’s top hockey-playing schools lock horns at St Anne’s Diocesan College in the St Anne’s Cup this weekend, many Western Cape sides will be in action in local derbies.

It’s a bumper weekend of hockey action as teams aim to add more wins to their record before breaking for the mid-year exams early next month.

There are three enticing fixtures to keep an eye out for on Friday night, and it all starts in Stellenbosch where HMS Bloemhof welcomes Rustenburg Girls’ High.

Bloemhof, after taking home silver at the St Mary’s Waverley Hockey Festival, has struggled to find the form that carried them all the way to the final in Johannesburg, but they will be confident heading into the clash against Rustenburg.

They may not be playing their best hockey currently, but a recent 2-1 victory over Reddam House Constantia, courtesy of goals by Mari Steyn and Nina Louw-Stanich, came at a much-needed time.

Coach Jenny King‘s side heads into the match as the favourites to win, but they’ll be wary of the threats posed by the Cape Town side.

Not far away from that clash, also in Stellenbosch, will be Rhenish Girls’ High taking on Paarl Girls’ High.

Rhenish, after losing in the final of the All Girls’ Festival and drawing 1-1 with Herschel Girls School, got back on track in emphatic style with a 6-2 win over St Cyprian’s School last week.

It was a clinical performance from coach Chris Gerber’s side, who used their chances, were defensively sound and looked like their old selves again.

They welcome back coach Marc Landman, who left Rhenish at the beginning of the year to take on the project at Paarl Girls’ High.

They’ve also done relatively well recently and beat La Rochelle 3-0 last week, thanks to goals from Anne Nel, Cassie Fairbairn and Halle Williams.

Girls’ High has nothing to lose, and they can be expected to throw the kitchen sink at Rhenish.

While Stellenbosch’s showdowns promise to entertain, Somerset will also be treated to a humdinger when Parel Vallei (PV) hosts Paarl Gimnasium on home turf.

Coach Wayne Coetzee’s Parel Vallei side has pulled off some outstanding results this year but getting one over the fiery and confident Gim would be quite the upset.

It won’t be easy to pull off it off because the Gim girls are playing some of their best hockey currently.

Both sides recorded 2-1 wins in their last outings, with PV beating Somerset College while Gim got by Bloemhof.

Gim, led by coach Danelle van Zyl, are well rested after a bye and will head to Somerset looking to cause havoc.

In other matches scheduled for Friday, Reddam House Constantia faces Springfield Convent School, and St Cyprian’s School tackles DF Malan in a league match.

In George, York High takes on Langenhoven Gimnasium.

There are several league fixtures on Saturday, with the Stellenberg High School versus Herschel Girls School one to watch. It promises to be a cracker.

WESTERN CAPE GIRLS’ FIXTURES

Friday, 23 May

18:10 – York High School vs Langenhoven Gimnasium
18:45 – Reddam House vs Springfield Convent School
19:00 – HMS Bloemhof vs Rustenburg Girls’ High School
19:00 – Parel Vallei vs Paarl Gimnasium
19:20 – St Cyprian’s School vs DF Malan
19:30 – Rhenish Girls’ High vs Paarl Girls’ High

Saturday, 24 May

09:30 – Durbanville vs Tygerberg High
10:00 – Fairmont High School vs Rustenburg Girls’ High
10:00 – Wynberg Girls’ High vs Curro Durbanville
10:30 – Stellenberg vs Herschel Girls School
11:00 – Outeniqua vs Framesby

Wanneer die Krugersdorp-derby Saterdagmiddag op “Die Heuwel” afskop, sal die gasheerspan, Hoërskool Noordheuwel, streef na slegs ‘n derde oorwinning ooit oor die naburige Hoërskool Monument.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) of op DStv kanaal 216. 

Sedert die ontstaan van dié derby, in 1986, kon die Nories nog nét twee keer, in die heel eerste kragmeting en weer in 2001, met 20-18, die knoop deurhak.

Intussen het die Wit Bulle in 16 van die 18 ontmoetings koning gekraai. Die grootste punteverskil was in 1996 toe hulle vir die Blues met 74-3 pak gegee het.

Die tweestryd het sedert 2022 ‘n jaarlikse instelling geword, danksy die destydse Noordvaal-trofee (deesdae die SDC Noordvaal Cup) en ‘n paar rillers opgelewer.

Die Wit Bulle was nietemin steeds baas van die Krugersdorp-plaas in ál drie die onlangse kragmetings. Die vorige keer, tydens die rondomtalie-fase van verlede jaar se Beker-afdeling het die Monumentare naelskraaps met 36-33 die pyp gerook op hul tuisveld, die Ras van Rooyen.

Vanjaar is die algemene gevoel in Krugersdorp dat die Blues dié derby straks as gunstelinge betree, maar, gegewe die onvoorspelbaarheid van skolerugby, kan ‘n mens nooit té vroeg daadwerklike aannames maak nie. Die Nories het op stuk van sake die afgelope paar weke klippe gekou, met ‘n onlangse nederlaag teen King Edward VII School (22-23), wat ‘n bitter pil was om te sluk.

Die beseringspook het intussen by albei skole kom aanklop. Die Wit Bulle se staatmaker-losskakel, Jaydon Viljoen, is steeds op die krukkelys met ‘n gebreekde arm. Cameron Kourie het egter Viljoen se skoene netjies volgestaan as generaal van die span.

Kourie se lakmoestoets wag egter Saterdag in die vorm van Noordheuwel se Jeandré Uithaler. Uithaler is onlangs welverdiend as die Goue Leeus se Cravenweek-losskakel aangewys, maar daar is twyfel oor sy beskikbaarheid na hy die Blues se nederlaag teen KES verlede naweek misgeloop het.

Voorlangs word vuurwerke verwag tussen die onderskeie kapteins, met Nories se haker, Clinton Agu, tans die sterkste aanspraakmaker op die nr. 2-trui vir die SA Skolespan, wat sy stempel sal wil afdruk teen Vincent Roberts en die res van die Monnas-pak.

Om verder tot die opwinding by te dra, is daar twee oud Monumentare, Stefan Lourens en Reinhard Gerber, in die teenoorgestelde hoeke van die kryt.

Hoërskool Rustenburg hervat sy veldtog na ‘n welverdiende blaaskans, wanneer hy vir Hoërskool Nelspruit tuis verwelkom.

Die Rusties, met slegs een uitstappie in dié kompetisie tot dusver vanjaar, sal graag sake wil regstel na hul nederlaag van 13-20 teen Hoërskool Transvalia twee weke gelede. Die Rhinos lek self wonde nadat hulle met 13-22 die knie gebuig het teen ‘n ooglopend “nuwe” Helpmekaar Kollege.

Die Rusties en Nellies is nietemin steeds altwee gedugte spanne, goed afgerig, en die stryd voorlangs behoort verál fel te wees.

Nellies word versterk deur die terugkeer van kantman, Vian Louw, wat so gou as moontlik na sy harsingskudding die spelpeil wil herwin waarmee hy die tuisspan onder druk kan plaas.

Wat die Rusties betref, vervang Ayden Willemse vir Lorenzo Snyers op heelagter, in ‘n taktiese skuif wat Willemse in staat stel om sy aanspraak op die nr. 15-trui in die Luiperds se Cravenweekspan te versterk.

Die spanne: 

Noordheuwel t. Monument om 12:30 in Krugersdorp: 

Noordheuwel (moontlik): 15 Jade Rollison, 14 Aidan Bester, 13 Jayden Steyn, 12 Kieran Reid, 11 JP van der Merwe, 10 Juandré Uithaler, 9 Gillie Diedericks, 8 Armand van Eck, 7 Juandré de Villiers, 6 Andrew Lambert, 5 Roehan Hoogendyk, 4 Kean Lourens, 3 Steph Botha, 2 Clinton Agu, 1 Skuttie Bezuidenhout.

Monument (moontlik): 15 Ewan van der Walt, 14 Jason Joubert, 13 Viandré van Loggerenberg, 12 Juandré Ehlers, 11 Ruan Genis, 10 Cameron Kourie, 9 Evan Berhardi, 8 Ryn van der Westhuizen, 7 Loghan Huges, 6 Siya Ncube, 5 Dean Hartman, 4 Vincent Roberts, 3 Juandré Marais, 2 Reghardt Ernst, 1 Danie Smith.

Hoërskool Rustenburg t. Hoërskool Nelspruit om 13:30 in Rustenburg: 

Rustenburg: 15 Ayden Willemse, 14 Bradley Snyers, 13 Jon-Ré Jefthas, 12 Hendré Robinson, 11 Waide Davey, 10 Ricardo Enos, 9 Adriano George, 8 Donovan Mosterdt, 7 Dirk Huisamen, 6 MJ Otto, 5 Evan van Heerden, 4 Tristan Myburgh, 3 Jayden Minnie, 2 Xavier Steenkamp, 1 Jan-Paul Nel.

Nelspruit (moontlik): 15 Jean Erasmus, 14 Jordan Pretorius, 13 Ruben Greeff, 12 Rian Botha, 11 Tinyiko Silubane, 10 John Duncan, 9 Liam Pringle, 8 Vaughn van Zyl, 7 Vian Louw, 6 Werno Heyns, 5 André Smit, 4 Ethan Esterhuizen, 3 Gert Cloete, 2 D’Angelo Roberts, 1 Lindani Ndlela.

Hoërskool Wesvalia se veelsydige Fafa Calitz keer Saterdag terug na die beginspan vir die Wessies se groot uitdaging teen Hoërskool Oos-Moot in die SDC Noordvaal se Plaat-afdeling in Klerksdorp.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Calitz het vanjaar al in bykans elke posisie in die agterlyn uitgedraf. Hierdie slag neem hy egter weer sy gunstelingposisie in op linkervleuel, waar hy straks op sy gevaarlikste is.

Daar wag ook ‘n kolossale stryd tussen die twee spanne se losskakels.

Dewron Aford, een van Oosies se vernaamste aanvalswapens, sê vir die tuisspan se Eduard Dreyer die stryd aan. Dreyer se sterkpunt is sy geoefende skopskoen, waarmee hy die besoekers uit die Moot in hul halfgebied sal probeer vaspen.

Die onlangse Blou Bul-skoleproewe het Oos-Moot se breier, Braam Pretorius, laat asem ophou weens die moontlikheid van beserings op die vooraand van hierdie kritieke kragmeting. Pretorius maak vanjaar deel uit van die Blou Bulle se Cravenweekbestuur, wat die Oosies se sterk aanspraak op vanjaar se Plaat-titel verklaar.

‘n Hoogs gemotiveerde Hoërskool Marais Viljoen sal Saterdag tuis uitdraf wanneer Ligbron Akademie vanaf Ermelo besoek aflê.

Die span van Alberton se agsteman, Rio Tshimbalanga, ‘n uitblinker van die Goue Leeus se Akademiespan verlede jaar, het weer die span gehaal, maar as reserwe, en sal dus ‘n punt hê om te bewys. Derhalwe kan dié ekstra oemf in Tshimbalanga se tenk moeilikheid beteken vir Liggies se verdedigers.

Hoërskool Zwartkop hou ewe veel gevaar in vir die gekweste Hoërskool Kempton Park.

Die Zwarries het nie slegs verlede naweek hul jaarlikse derby teen Hoërskool Eldoraigne gewen nie, maar dit vermag met ‘n oorweldigende sege van 59-10. Dit was die span van Centurion se 11de agtereenvolgende oorwinning van die jaar en, met haker, Regan Blignaut, en buitesenter, Luan Williams, stewig op dreef, sal hulle oorgehaal wees vir nr. 12.

Die nuus uit ‘n groen Middelburg is dat Hoërskool Middelburg sy jaarlikse derby teen HTS Middelburg ongeskonde deurgemaak het. Die Middies pak hul tog na Noordwes, waar Hoërskool Klerksdorp op hul wag, aan met ‘n onveranderde span.

In antwoord hierop het die Klerksdorpers slegs een verandering aangebring. Brendin Mathyse keer terug van ‘n besering om vir Jayden Turner op heelagter te vervang, wat beteken dat Dorian Isaacs sy plek op losskakel behou na ‘n uitmuntende vertoning in sy span se sege oor Hoërskool Lichtenburg verlede week.

Die spanne: 

Wesvalia t. Oos-Moot om 12:30 in Klerksdorp: 

Wesvalia: 15 Henco Greyling, 14 Martin Bierman, 13 Jeandré Snyman, 12 Wian du Preez, 11 Fafa Calitz, 10 Eduard Dreyer, 9 Barry Niemand, 8 Franco Dumond, 7 Christiaan Swanepoel, 6 Quewen Fourie, 5 Tiaan de Kock, 4 Joshua Pieterse, 3 Ignus Nel, 2 Fanie Linde, 1 Ulrigh du Preez.

Oos-Moot: 15 Jayden Pretorius, 14 Drew Williams, 13 Royston Arendse, 12 Jeandré Venter, 11 LJ Vaughn, 10 Dewron Aford, 9 David Joubert, 8 Jaydon Botha, 7 Riyaan Wilson, 6 Clayton du Bruyn, 5 MC van Tonder, 4 Stian de Vente, 3 Jandré de Beer, 2 Thando Telelo, 1 Divan du Preez.

Marais Viljoen t. Ligbron Akademie om 12:30 in Alberton: 

Marais Viljoen: 15 Raynhardt Kruger, 14 Cayden Scheepers, 13 Juan van den Heever, 12 Jonno Morkol, 11 Kabelo Tlhoaele, 10 Claude do Cotto, 9 Ethan Wiedeman, 8 Rio Tshimbalanga, 7 Munga Mwengehya, 6 Lloyd Shoko-Schenck, 5 Dean Scheepers, 4 Jermaine Crause, 3 Sifiso Shongwe, 2 Ondisa Njili, 1 Juan Cooper.

Ligbron Akademie: 15 Bandile Thanjekwayo, 14 Neo Zwane, 13 Siyanda Dennison, 12 Lethi Ngwenya, 11 Ndumiso Dlamini, 10 Eben Degenaar, 9 Renier van Staden, 8 Janco Claasen, 7 Jurgens Bezuidenhout, 6 Tiaan Botha, 5 Ian Booysen, 4 Henco Scheepers, 3 Devan Scheepers, 2 Regard Janse van Rensburg, 1 WP Human.

Zwartkop t. Hoërskool Kempton Park om 12:30 in Centurion: 

Zwartkop: 15 Shayden Botha, 14 André Marx, 13 Luan Williams, 12 David van Jaarsveld, 11 Stiaan Botha, 10 Tilon Baron, 9 Luan Janse van Rensburg, 8 Wihan Roux, 7 Luan Wepener, 6 Brian Smith, 5 Jethro le Roux, 4 Ettienne van Niekerk, 3 AJ Hendriks, 2 Regan Blignaut, 1 Christiaan de Vries.

Kempton Park: 15 Ben Steyn, 14 Ethan Botha, 13 Wian Riekert, 12 Jethro Williams, 11 Ettienne Stroebel, 10 Stian de Villiers, 9 Ferdi Smith, 8 Ruan Mostert, 7 Marco van der Walt, 6 Matthew Vermaak, 5 Luca du Plooy, 4 Louis Mouton, 3 Dihan Keeve, 2 Matthew Swannevelder, 1 Piet van den Heever.

Hoërskool Klerksdorp t. Hoërskool Middelburg om 12:20 in Klerksdorp: 

Klerksdorp: 15 Brendin Mathyse, 14 Tyrand Masango, 13 Winton Abrahams, 12 Jarred van Staden, 11 Elzeno Schalkwyk, 10 Dorian Isaacs, 9 Rellston Wilson, 8 Tiaan Koen, 7 Marnus van der Merwe, 6 D-Jee Treurnich, 5 Juan Hills, 4 SG de Klerk, 3 Hanro Nel, 2 Brandon Botha, 1 De Wet le Roux.

Middelburg: 15 Katlego Baloyi, 14 Kefilwe Phamotse, 13 Jaco Truter, 12 Lungelo Maseko, 11 Lesego Rakale, 10 Matthew Abbey, 9 Keabetswe Nkgadima, 8 Hencoe Jane van Rensburg, 7 Wihan Jordaan, 6 CW Hanekom, 5 Jabu Mathebula, 4 Khensani Buthelezi, 3 Dewald du Toit, 2 Roux Grobler, 1 Carlo Joubert.

Potchefstroom Gimnasium betree die jaarlikse Potchefstroom-derby teen Potchefstroom Volkskool Saterdagmiddag op die Mooivallei-sportgronde as gunsteling.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Vir die Volkies bied dié groot dag nietemin ‘n gulde geleentheid om vir die eerste keer sedert hul sege van 27-10 in 2022 weer oorwinning te smaak teen hul buurskool.

Die Gimmies se jong span streef op hul beurt na ‘n driekuns van seges in die derby, ná ‘n tuissege in 2023 (26-13) en indrukwekkende wegoorwinning (30-13) in verlede jaar se kragmeting in die Volkies se agterplaas. Gimmies het hierdie keer nie minder nie as 15 Graad 11’s in hul eerstespan-groep van 23.

Om verder petrol op die vuur te gooi, maak Saterdag se die stryd ook deel uit van die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Bowl-afdeling. Hoewel Gimmies die verdedigende kampioen is, is Volkies vanjaar ook ‘n sterk aanspraakmaker op die titel.

Gimmies het vandeesweek hul A-veld vernoem na Piet Malan, ter ere van die diep spore wat dié voormalige Springbok-flank as oud-Gimmie getrap het. Dit maak van Saterdag se wedstryd ‘n geskiedkundige gebeurtenis wat bydra tot die drama.

Malan, hoofseun en eerstespan-kaptein in 1937, het in die onoorwonne toetsreeks teen Fred Allen se All Blacks in 1949 Gimmies se eerste van vier Springbokke geword, en later ‘n beduidende rol gespeel in die totstandkoming van die jaarlikse Cravenweek-toernooi vir hoërskole. Gimmies se ander Bokke is Johan van der Schyff (geen toetse), Theo van Rensburg en Gerhard Steenekamp.

Albei spanne is slaggereed vir die massiewe stryd wat hierdie Saterdag voorlê. Die Volkies, aangevoer deur skrumskakel, Juhan Geldenhuys, het vanjaar reeds ‘n paar wenkbroue laat lig met uitmuntende aanvalsrugby. Dit is vernaam heelagter, Arno Nel, en regtervleuel, Lethabo Riet, wat ‘n taamlike bedreiging agterlangs inhou.

Kenmerkend van ‘n derby, sal die vonke ook spat in die loopgraafoorlogvoering tussen die twee pakke. Die Gimmies se Cravenweek-vaskopstut, Matthew Redelinghuys, en sy voorrymaat, Juandré Barends, lek hul lippe af vir die skrumstryd wat wag, terwyl agsteman, De Wet Grobler, se tweestryd met die Volkies se tweede in bevel, steelkantflank, Marlu du Preez, vir hope aksie in die los kan sorg.

Die spanne: 

Potchefstroom Gimnasium t. Potchefstroom Volkskool om 14:00 in Potchefstroom: 

Potchefstroom Gimnasium: 15 Jandré Oosthuizen, 14 Rea Moloalosi, 13 Irumeleng Pheto, 12 Elrich Bosch, 11 Chris van Zijl, 10 Zandré Da Silva, 9 MJ Viljoen, 8 De Wet Gorbler, 7 Reuel Potgieter, 6 Damian Zwahlen, 5 Rynel Rautenbach, 4 Dirk Stear, 3 Matthew Redelinghuys, 2 Kobus Grobbelaar, 1 Juandré Barends.

Potchefstroom Volkskool: 15 Arno Nel, 14 Lethabo Riet, 13 Hennie Pretorius, 12 Rivel Samuel, 11 Juan Fourie, 10 Lourenzo Louw, 9 Juhan Geldenhuys, 8 Johannes Lombard, 7 Marlu du Preez, 6 Wian Victor, 5 Stef Schoeman, 4 Joshua van der Westhuizen, 3 De Waal Coetzer, 2 Louis Fourie, 1 AB Brink.

Ander spanne: 

Piet Malan-veld (A-veld):

12:10 – o.16
11:00 – Tweede spanne
10:00 – o.15
09:00 – o.14
08:00 – Derde spanne

Twelve matches into the season, the Gauteng Development League (GDL) has seen a shift as “smaller” teams have become contenders and some of those teams are leading the way on the u19 log.

Who would have thought that Randburg AFC would be sitting at the top of the log, or that Remember Elite Sport Academy, Joburg City, Jomo Cosmos, Panorama, and Wits Junior would all be in the top 11 of the standings?

After all, those are the teams that have flirted with relegation in seasons gone by.

This season, however, the tide appears to have turned as regular title challenges, among them Highlands Park, SuperSport United, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns – all teams that are expected to dominate – have uncharacteristically lost crucial games and struggled to be consistent.

In an exclusive interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, Joburg City coach, Thato Mosala, weighed in on the unfamiliar look to the league standings.

The head coach pointed to SuperSport Schools’ investment and involvement in the league as a major reason behind the improvement in the overall competitiveness of the smaller teams.

“It all boils down to the opportunity that SuperSport Schools is giving to these boys. These boys being on the app already says a lot. When the scouts are searching, they’ll go to the SuperSport Schools app and look at the u19 division,” Mosala told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“What I changed at Joburg City is the mindset to say, we have an opportunity to grow. The u19 level is the last level of development. So, the question that I am asking my boys is, ‘Where do you want to go? What’s the next level?’

“That’s the mindset that I’ve changed with my players, to say, ‘The next level needs to be higher, and SuperSport Schools has given you guys the opportunity to be on the app. Some games are live on TV. So, you get those opportunities. Use the opportunities that you are given.’ So, I think it’s the mindset and the hunger.

Mosala joined Joburg City in July 2024 and inherited a team that sat at the very bottom of the standings. He helped them complete the season in 16th place.

When reflecting on the brilliant start to the 2025 campaign he has had with his team, which currently sits sixth on the log, with seven wins from 12 games, including victories over the defending champions Highlands Park and the highly respected School of Excellence, Mosala highlighted his unique style of scouting talent after he was forced to build a new team for the  season.

“I joined Joburg City last year in July when they were struggling a lot. I found them last on the log,” he said. “In some games, I had to use u17 players because last year the Joburg City u17s were doing exceptionally well,” said Mosala.

“So, at the beginning of the season, obviously, the boys that did well went to other teams, and I had to build the team from scratch as we only had five players from last year.

“Building a team from scratch, we were looking for different types of players. First of all, we’re looking at a player’s ability on the ball, off the ball, and off the field. Is a player a good person? Is he a good person outside of football? 

“Will he be able to understand the situation if he trains the whole week, but the coach’s technical plan is to play a player who trains twice, but who has a different profile? So, we looked at those factors. We looked at the aggression, the aggression on the ball, the communication, and we tried to build a team.

“It’s becoming better day by day, week by week, game by game. We now have fighters. These boys refuse to give up.”

Coming off a 0-1 loss to Jomo Cosmos last week, Mosala will lead his boys against Thokozani Mnguni‘s Rockefvs FC, a team that is high in confidence after they held Sundowns to a draw last week.

Mosala told SuperSport Schools Plus that Joburg City is expecting a tough contest on Saturday.

“I’m expecting a technically good team, a team that plays with aggression,” he said. “I’ve profiled their striker, a very, very good striker that they have, the number seven. All in all, I’m expecting a tough game. 

“I’m expecting a team that’s motivated. Playing to 1-1 with Sundowns and winning 3-0 at Elspark, they’ve been having a good run.

“So, the question is, will our boys be resilient from the 0-1 loss against Cosmos, get up and say we want to fight and win the game at home? Because we only have one win at home, which is not a good stat for us.

“We’re hoping to get the second win, but let’s see if the boys will be ready for such a game.”

FIXTURES

Saturday, 24 May

Joburg City vs Rockefvs FC
Seven’s Academy vs Tuks
SuperSport United vs Jomo Cosmos
Elspark United vs Remember Elite Sport Academy
Kaizer Chiefs vs TS Galaxy
Highlands Park vs East Rand Athletic Club
Wits Junior vs Kathorus Hyper Academy
Panorama FC vs Randburg AFC

Sunday, 25 May

School of Excellence vs Mamelodi Sundowns

In past seasons, teams in the Eastern Cape have played second fiddle to top teams from the Free State, Western Cape, and Gauteng.

However, in 2025, there has been a shift, and the Eastern Cape is home to some of the country’s best sides.

Pearson High and Collegiate Girls’ High have both upped the ante and put the province on the map.

They’ve produced outstanding hockey in 2025, and it will be on show on Friday evening when the sides clash at Pearson’s Top AstroTurf at 19:15.

It will be the second time they meet this year after facing each other in the quarterfinals of the Belgotex Sport Girls Challenge in Paarl earlier this month.

At that tournament, coach Anton Peltenburg‘s charges ran out the winners, edging out Collegiate 3-2 after trailing 0-2 in the first half.

Pearson went on to finish third, while Collegiate ended fifth after a narrow win over Hoërskool Waterkloof in their final match, taking the victory 4-3 on penalties.

Coach Michael Abrahams’ squad was rightfully disappointed by that result after they had won gold at the All Girls’ Festival by beating Rhenish Girls’ High in the final.

Since then, the girls in green have recorded a mixed bag of mixed results while Collegiate has been untouchable.

Pearson suffered a 1-2 loss against another Eastern Cape powerhouse, DSG Makhanda, before they thumped Hudson Park 5-0 last week.

Lisa de Villiers was the standout player against Hudson, scoring a hat-trick of goals before Chanelle Venter joined in on the action by sending two balls into the backboard.

Meanwhile, Collegiate has run rampant since returning from the tournaments in the Western Cape.

A 9-0 trashing of Union High School sent out a massive statement before goals by Kerrin Gillies (2), Casey Groblaar, and Kate Brennen secured a 4-0 win over Kingswood College a week ago.

There’s no question Collegiate will be out for revenge for their previous loss to Pearson, but they’ll need to be at their utmost best against a resilient side that will be banking on their home support.

DSG Makhanda welcomes Clarendon High School for Girls to the Webster AstroTurf, on Saturday. Clarendon has had a rough season, but, after a hefty 2-12 loss to Eunice High School, they bounced back last week and thumped Cambridge High 7-0.

Woodridge College faces Victoria Park, while Stirling has a Saturday morning date with Kingswood College, in East London. Hudson Park will battle their East London rivals, Merrifield College, while Cambridge faces a tough task when they take on Qonce’s Kingsridge Girls’ High.

EASTERN CAPE GIRLS’ FIXTURES

Friday, 23 May

19:15 – Pearson High vs Collegiate Girls’ High

Saturday, 24 May

10:00 – Woodridge College vs Victoria Park
10:00 – Stirling High vs Kingswood College
11:00 – Hudson Park vs Merrifield
11:00 – Cambridge High School vs Kingsridge Girls’ High
13:00 – DSG Makhanda vs Clarendon

The Magnificent Wednesday Schools Football League, in the Lejweleputswa region of Virginia, in the Free State, features nine circuits that have schools competing in the league.

The champions of each circuit will compete in a one-day tournament at the conclusion of the regular season in late August.

In circuit nine, one of the Free State’s powerhouses and a force in South African football Virginia High School was welcomed by Harmony High School to its sports grounds on Wednesday.

After a hard-fought contest, Virginia High walked away a 2-1 win, taking the three points on offer, thanks to goals from Fikile Yena and Mozwakhe Flatela. Harmony’s consolation goal was scored by Karabo Lebona.

St Anne’s Technical School secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Meloding Secondary School, with Jason Arries scoring the decisive goal.

After suffering a 0-2 loss to Virginia High last week, Marematlou Secondary School was awarded a 2-0 walkover victory on Wednesday when Reatlehile Secondary School failed to show up for the match, which meant, also, that Marematlou earned three points by default.

Results

Circuit 9

Marematlou Secondary 2-0 Reatlehile Secondary (Walkover)
St Anne’s Technical School 1-0 Meloding Secondary
Virgnia High 2-1 Harmony High