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The much anticipated u13 Craven Week tournament of 2025 is set to kick-off at Selborne College in East London from 30 June to 4 July, with some exciting encounters already on the cards for matchday one. 

The Blue Bulls, reigning champions from the 2024 edition in Pretoria at Loftus Versfeld, will begin their title defence in the A-division. 

A total of eight games will be played in the opening division A fixtures, promising a day of schoolboy rugby as future stars of South African rugby take center stage. 

Defending champions, the Blue Bulls, will take on the Sharks, while last year’s finalist, Western Province, will face Eastern Province. In another key encounter, bronze medalist Golden Lions will play Griqualand West, while Border will look to improve on their last-place finish when they tackle Griffons in the first fixture of the day. 

In the B-division, the fixtures will kick-off with South Western Districts facing Eastern Province and will be followed by a clash between Golden Lions XV and Limpopo Blue Bulls. Western Province, who finished in first place last year, will begin their journey against Free State.  

A southern African showdown is also on the cards, with Namibia facing off against Zimbabwe, and Boland will be tested by Valke  in another key encounter with plenty of pedigree.

The fixtures for Day 2 will be announced following the results from Day 1.

Fixtures | Day 1 

A-field

16:30 – Boland vs Border
14:30 – Blue Bulls vs Sharks
13:25 – Western Province vs Eastern Province
12:20 – Golden Lions vs Griffons
09:05 – Pumas vs Limpopo Blue Bulls
11:15 – Free State vs Leopards
10:10 – South Western Districts vs Valke
08:00 – Griffons vs Border Country Districts 

B-field 

14:30 – Western Province II vs Free State II
10:10 – Blue Bulls II vs Leopards II
12:20 – Boland II vs Nashua Valke II
11:15 – Sharks II vs Pumas II
08:00 – South Western Districts II vs Eastern Province II
09:05 – Golden Lions Academy vs Griffons II
09:05 – Border II vs Griqualand West II
08:00 – Golden Lions XV vs Limpopo Blue Bulls II
13:25 – Namibia vs Zimbabwe

The 2025 LSEN (learners with special needs) Craven Week will be hosted at Hoërskool Hoogenhout in Bethal, Mpumalanga, with matches taking place on Saturday, 28 June, Monday, 30 June, and Tuesday, 1 July.

The action starts at 08:30 each day and ends as late as 17:30.

The opening ceremony follows the day’s second last game, between Western Province and South Western Districts, with the last game on Saturday featuring the home side, the Pumas, tackling the Griffons at 16:00.

Arguably the biggest match of the day takes place at 09:50, though, when the Lions take on the Blue Bulls.

In the 2024 tournament, Eastern Province claimed the title of unofficial champions with a hard-fought 17-7 win over Western Province.

The team from the Eastern Cape will be aiming to go back-to-back to show that last year’s success was not an underdog’s story. They want to show that they’re one of the big guns. Again, a hungry Western Province side, will be one of their toughest challengers.

However, if the past is an accurate indicator, then the tournament can be won by any side which brings its A- game to the field on matchday.

Memorably, in 2017, the Valke, went through the tournament unbeaten despite being one of the smallest regions in the competition.

Fixtures

Saturday 28 June

08:30 – Sharks vs Leopards
09:50 – Golden Lions vs Blue Bulls
11:10 – Valke vs Cheetahs
12:40 – Western Province vs South Western Districts
14:00 – Eastern Province vs Boland
16:00 – Pumas vs Griffons

Monday 30 June

TBA

Tuesday 1 July

TBA

The inaugural u16 Clive Barker Soccer Festival was played at Glenwood High on Saturday. The event, celebrating the legacy of the South African football legend and Glenwood Old Boy, was a huge success.

Some of the province’s finest u16 teams were in action, including Maritzburg College, Westville Boys’ High, Hillcrest High, Durban Academy, and Pinetown Boys’ High, who went head-to-head on Basson’s and Dixon’s Field.

After a long day of spirited but fun and competitive football, Pinetown Boys’ High and Maritzburg College topped their respective groups to qualify for the final.

Pinetown Boys’ High then ensured they made history by becoming the first-ever winners of the u16 Clive Barker Soccer Festival by handing Maritzburg College a 2-0 defeat.

Last year, Pinetown Boys’ High won the Kearsney Soccer Tournament. They’re a school to be reckoned with on the football field.

Andile Mtshali was named the Player of the Tournament due to his outstanding performances and his leading role in steering Pinetown to the title.

After the tournament, Khaya Mngwengwe, the Director of Soccer at Glenwood, expressed his gratitude to all the schools that participated and supported the event.

“We are truly grateful,” he said. “The level of play was of a high standard, and the event went very well.”

Mngwengwe said Glenwood has significant aspirations for the tournament, adding that he is confident that it will continue to expand. Saturday, he said, was an unforgettable day for the Glenwood community.

“It was wonderful to see old faces that worked with Clive Barker here at our school,” he remarked.

He extended his gratitude to John Barker, the son of the former Bafana Bafana coach, for attending and supporting the event.

RESULTS

Group A

Glenwood 2-2 Westville
Pinetown 5-0 Queensburgh High
Glenwood 4-1 Queensburgh High
Pinetown 2-1 Westville
Pinetown 1-0 Glenwood
Westville 2-0 Queensburgh High

Group B

Maritzburg College 1-1 Hillcrest
Durban Academy 1-1 Northwood
Maritzburg College 2-0 Durban Academy
Northwood 3-1 Hillcrest
Maritzburg College 2-1 Northwood
Durban Academy 1-1 Hillcrest

Final 

Pinetown 2-0 Maritzburg College

Border has always been a Craven Week side which has, excuse the pun, bordered on greatness.

They’ve dominated rural sides and other smaller Craven Week regions. Yet, they have never quite been able to overcome the giants, such as Western Province, Free State and the other top dogs, consistently.

This year, they’ll be aiming to challenge the status quo, with a side that looks strong on paper.

The two squads include players from an astounding 11 schools, making them one of the, if not the, most diverse provinces at the Craven and Academy Weeks. The 24-man Craven Week squad, though, features players from five schools.

Border U18 Craven Week squad: 1 Robert-John Osunkwo (Selborne), 2 Amyoli Ngxongwana (Queen’s), 3 Zeake Mata (Queen’s), 4 Ahlume Gqetywa (Queen’s), 5 Liam Hansen (Selborne), 6 Bulumko Manqina (Queen’s), 7 Hlumelo Gobile (Hudson), 8 Dominic Stegman (Selborne), 9 Travis Enslin (Selborne), 10 Ebenezer Sarpong (Dale), 11 Ethan Schoeman (Port Rex), 12 Luca Liebenberg (Selborne), 13 Jeffery Niland (Queen’s), 14 Acwenga Saul (Queen’s), 15 Kamva Sithole (Dale), 16 Ayola Somhlahlo (Queen’s), 17 Ndimphiwe Songqawaba (Port Rex), 18 Bungqina Nuku (Selborne), 19 Ncutu Kepe (Queen’s), 20 Milani Madida (Dale), 21 Njongo Mbanga (Selborne), 22 Sibabalwe Magwebu (Queen’s), 23 Owam Nqweniso (Port Rex), 24 Oliver Schmidt (Selborne).

9 Queen’s College | 8 Selborne College | 3 Port Rex Technical High | 3 Dale College| 1 Hudson Park

Border U18 Academy Week squad: 1 Azole Zodlaka (Dale), 2 Manyano Mpendu (Hudson), 3 Phawu Ludwaba (Dale), 4 Zothando Mrara (Selborne), 5 Leon Muller (Ooskus), 6 Joshua Pickering (Stirling), 7 Mlibo Makapula (Port Rex), 8 Lakhanye Mbewu (Dale), 9 Tenda Saunyama (Hudson), 10 Matthew Bean (Selborne), 11 Phindokuhle Mdlalana (Hudson), 12 Sinethemba Baatjie (Richard Varha), 13 Connor Maree (Selborne), 14 Liyabona Mgqingwana (Dale), 15 Khaka Xoseni (Queen’s), 16 Kungawo Jaxa (Dale), 17 Chad Weimann (Selborne), 18 Juan Nel (Ooskus), 19 Inga Mnunu (Queen’s), 20 Khazimla Qavile (Selborne), 21 Masibulele Kwakwini (Hudson), 22 Unayo Mzathi (Mdibaniso), 23 Boikaho Motlohi (Queen’s), 24 Sibabalwe Salman (Cambridge), 25 Lunathi Dolo (Hudson), 26 Luphumlo Tayo (Dilizintaba), 27 Lomelelo Fotoyi (Stirling), 28 Mivuyo Kongela (Port Rex), 29 Nande Ncada (Dale), 30 Mahle Zinto (Hudson).

6 Dale College | 6 Hudson Park| 5 Selborne College| 3 Queen’s College| 2 Ooskus Gimnasium | 2 Stirling High | 2 Port Rex Technical High | 1 Richard Varha High | 1 Msibaniso Secondary | 1 Cambridge High | 1 Dilizintaba Secondary.

A rejuvenated Junior Springbok squad filled with excitement are ready for take-off for Italy, where the 2025 edition of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship kicks off on Sunday.

The South Africans will launch their campaign against Australia, with pool matches against England and Scotland to follow.

The squad had their traditional capping ceremony last Friday evening in Cape Town and wrapped up their preparations in Stellenbosch on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, they will depart to their tournament base in Verona, where they will fine-tune preparations ahead of the competition.

Junior Bok captain Riley Norton (lock) and fellow forwards Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker) and JJ Theron (lock) shared their thoughts on the team’s readiness and the challenges that await in Italy.

Norton, who matriculated from Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch last year, expressed immense pride in representing South Africa.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard to be here, and all of us are just so proud to be representing this team and our country,” said Norton.

“The coaches and staff have done an amazing job in preparing us for this tournament, and now it’s up to the players to go out and do the best that they’re capable of.

“The brotherhood and togetherness are big focuses for us, and we all have that desire to be the best player that we can be, in the service of our country and for the Junior Springbok team. The challenge to face the best teams at our age group level is enormously exciting to all of us as players.”

Mnebelele, the SA U18 captain last year who attended King Edward VII School in Johannesburg, highlighted the importance of their recent experience in the U20 Rugby Championship: “The intensity will be quite different than what we’re used to, and that is why we are so grateful that we played in the Rugby Championship. Playing against Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand prepared us well for the challenges ahead.”

He described Springbok Damian Willemse’s motivational talk at the capping ceremony as truly inspiring: “He told us to be ourselves, play to the best of our abilities, and fight for each other, our team, and the country.”

Regarding the tournament format, Theron – SA Schools captain in 2023, who went to Grey College in Bloemfontein – added: “It is a very demanding tournament with a five-day turnaround (between matches), but as South Africans, we always embrace a challenge.

“Australia, England, and Scotland – each game will be an enormous test, but we don’t look too far ahead. We aim to always stay in the moment and do the job at hand, what is necessary.

“We pride ourselves on our physicality, and that’s what we aim to display when we take the field, to play to our strengths. We are all enormously proud to be selected for the Junior Boks, and we are excited about the tournament and the opportunity to play for our country.”

The team will travel to Italy on Tuesday and will have their first session on Italian soil on Wednesday afternoon after settling into their base in Verona.

Junior Springbok squad for the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy:

Props: Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Herman Lubbe (DHL Western Province), Simphiwe Ngobese (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls).

Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province), JJ Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Morné Venter (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Loose forwards: Thando Biyela (Fidelity ADT Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (DHL Western Province), Xola Nyali (DHL Western Province), Matt Romao (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Stephanus Linde (Toyota Cheetahs).

Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Haashim Pead (Fidelity ADT Lions), Erich Visser (Toyota Cheetahs).

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ian van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls).

Centres: Albie Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gino Cupido (DHL Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Dominic Malgas (DHL Western Province).

Outside backs: Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Fidelity ADT Lions), Siya Ndlozi (DHL Western Province), Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

South Africa’s Pool A fixtures:

Sunday, 29 June: Junior Boks vs Australia U20 – Stadio San Michele (Calvisano)

Friday, 4 July: Junior Boks vs England U20 – Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo)

Wednesday, 9 July: Junior Boks vs Scotland U20 – June Stadio San Michele (Calvisano)

Playoffs:

Monday, 14 July: Semi-finals (Verona and Viadana)

Saturday, 19 July: Final and ranking matches (Calvisano and Rovigo)

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Ready, Set, Go!

The countdown is on for the 2025 edition of the u18 SASHOC National Week in Pietermaritzburg.

The tournament commences on Monday, 30 June, with the final scheduled for Saturday, 5 July.

The girls’ matches will be played at St Anne’s DSG’s Upper and Lower AstroTurfs.

Last year, Southern Gauteng A reigned supreme and ended the week unbeaten after defeating Northern Gauteng in the final.

It’s going to be highly competitive. Southern Gauteng faces a tough task to repeat their title-winning success. There are plenty of challengers who could spring a surprise. The battle for medals is going to be intense.

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

You can also follow the action here on SuperSport Schools Plus

Below are the squads for the u18 girls’ teams playing in the A-section.

Note: Changes will be made if any teams need to be updated.

Boland u18A

Katherine Sickle (Rhenish Girls’ High), Leah du Plessis (Rhenish Girls’ High), Lily Newton (Rhenish Girls’ High), Pippa Viljoen (Rhenish Girls’ High), Puck Bakker (Rhenish Girls’ High), Rose Quinlivan (Rhenish Girls’ High), Sarah-Ellen Groenewald (Rhenish Girls’ High), Andrea Fortuin (Parel Vallei), Anya Swanepoel (Paarl Gimnasium), Elré Oosthuizen (HMS Bloemhof), Emihle Wulana (Parel Vallei), Cassie Fairbairn (Paarl Girls’ High), Joné de Winnaar (Paarl Gimnasium), Jordan Boer (Parel Vallei), Skylar Bougaard (Parel Vallei).

Border u18A

Mbaliyethu Khumalo (Hudson Park High School), Keera Van Vuuren (Hudson Park High School), Rania Khan (Hudson Park High School), Jessica Schaefer (Clarendon High School for Girls), Megan Phillips (Clarendon High School for Girls), Alex Viljoen (Merrifield College), Tarelle Jones (Aces), Caroline Kretzmann (Clarendon High School for Girls), Tariro Chinamasa (Merrifield College), Quinn Carr (Clarendon High School for Girls), Hannah Faro (Hudson Park High School), Busiwe Mayekiso (Hudson Park High School), Cara Knott (Clarendon High School for Girls), Ahlumile Moni (Stirling High School), Kishka Baartman (Stirling High School), Kara Batting (Hudson Park High School).

Southern Gauteng u18A

Charlie Dalling (Kingsmead College), Khanyisa Ndamase (Kingsmead College), Kate Horton (Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge), Nicole Bailey (Northcliff High School), Tayler Billet (Roedean School), Tori Tanner-Ellis (St Stithians College), Raffael Abrahams (Steyn City School), Keovaan Jansen (Northcliff High School), Amber Fairon (Dainfern College), Zoe Opaley (Heronbridge College), Azania Peterson (St Andrew’s School for Girls), Andani Mphoentle Tshikhudo (St Andrew’s School for Girls), Nomthandazo Kelly Rens (Monument), Bokamoso Swazi (St Mary’s Waverley), Kristen Cikes (Brescia House), Ciara van der Walt (Hoërskool Noordheuwel).

Southern Gauteng u18B

Stella Alves (Redhill School), Megan Muller (Hoërskool Linden), Gomolemo Modise (Monument), Morgan Reedijk (Hoërskool Noordheuwel), Georgia Prince (Brescia House School), Juliet Horton (Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge), Zoe Greeff (Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge), Kayla Williscroft (Monument), Keila Schutte Hanekom (Hoërskool Noordheuwel), Addison van der Byl (Beaulieu College), Dannika Ramroop (St Teresa’s School), Mazvita Kawisi (Redhill School), Chloe Potgieter (Parktown Girls High School), Erin Stoffels (Monument), Masego Modisenyana (Krugersdorp High School), Khumo Menyatso (Krugersdorp High School).

Eastern Province u18A

Rebecca Haswell (Pearson High School), Mikè Holder (DSG Makhanda), Kerrin Gillies (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Eden Oliver (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Anna Kirsten (Woodridge College), Jessica Stevens (DSG Makhanda), Abigail Holderness (DSG Makhanda), Gemma Bower (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Taryn Peltenberg (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Kezia Abersalie (Alexander Road High School), Amber-Rose Roth-Uren (St Dominic’s Priory School), Linati Goniwe (Westering High School), Ayanda Klass (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Kate Brennan (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Khazimla Nogalawe (Collegiate Girls’ High School), Inathi Ndlazi (Westering High School).

Northern Gauteng u18A

Amogelang Motlatle (Curro Hazeldean), Andrea Groenewald (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Anouk du Plessis (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Beracah Mosaka (CBC Mount Edmund), Bontle Sejane (Hoërskool Waterkloof), Cameron Holworthy (Midstream College), Cara Bouwer (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Hannah Zhou (Home schooled), Jana Seebach (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Lisa Marie Grey (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Mia Pretorius (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Moya Reinach (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Okuhle Ntshaba (Curro Hazeldean), Onthatile Khoza (Curro Hazeldean), Thato-ya-Ona Dimpe (Pretoria High School for Girls), Zoe Badenhorst (Hoërskool Menlopark).

Northern Gauteng u18B

Anja Steidler (Menlopark), Anjone Lourens (Hoërskool Garsfontein), Annika Kloppers (Hoërskool Menlopark), Atli Motsoadi (Curro Hazeldean), Boipelo Mazwi (Hoërskool Overkruin), Kathleen van Rooyen (Hoërskool Menlopark), Lize Wiltz (Hoërskool Waterkloof), Masego Bokwa (St Marys DSG), Mia Perold (Hoërskool Waterkloof), Mikela Harmse (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Mila Badenhorst (Hoërskool Waterkloof), Nonhlanhla Mokgwathi (Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria), Phawu Motlohi (Sutherland), Priella Nsubuga (St Marys DSG), Realeboga Moloisane (Cornwall Hill), Rofiwa Mulibana (Sutherland).

KZN Inland u18A

Annabelle Balmer (St John’s DSG), Chanel Dennis (Epworth), Emma Williams (St John’s DSG), Erynne Marais (TWC), Hannah Schwegmann (St Anne’s), Holly Homeyr (St Anne’s), Jade Kelly (St Anne’s), Jasmine Kelly (St Anne’s), Kathryn Schulze (Epworth), Kgabiso Morafo (St Anne’s), Lamia Amod (St John’s DSG), Mika Khumalo (GHS), Nyaniso Khoza (GHS), Sbonga Ngubane (GHS), Sienna Solms (St John’s DSG), Siphokazi Mpontshane (Epworth).

KZN Coastal u18A

Alwande Diadla (Kloof High), Caprice Bengtson (Durban Girls’ College), Ella Bowyer (St Mary’s DSG), Enyenhle Nzama (Danville Girls), Erin Moodley (Durban Girls’ College), Gabi Howarth (Our Lady of Fatima), Jada Blair (Westville Girls), Jamie Da Silva (St Mary’s DSG), Jenna Shaw (Our Lady of Fatima), Jenna-Leigh Freese (St Mary’s DSG), Mia Lopes (Our Lady of Fatima), Morgan Nel (Ashton College), Nicola Dudas (Reddam Umhlanga), Nicola Forbes (St Mary’s DSG), Nonkosi Xaba (Ashton College), Zezethu Kunene (Maris Stella).

Western Province u18A

Peyton Marais (Curro Durbanville), Georgia Maw (St Cyprian’s School), Nina Wides (Herschel Girls School), Sam Flint (Herschel Girls School), Zara Berrisford (Westerford High School), Amy Ten Cate (Durbanville High School), Kira Totaram-Jacobs (St Cyprian’s School), Camryn Corner (Fairmont High School), Chelsey McGregor (St Cyprian’s School), Sarah Ashbolt (Herschel Girls School), Thimna Waka (Table View High School), Hannah Henderson (Herschel Girls School), Jehan Abrahams (Wynberg Girls’ High School), Khanya Moore (Springfield Convent School), Isabella Amm (Springfield Convent School), Emma Hibbert (Reddam House Constantia).

Western Province u18B: 

Hayley Lewis (Herschel Girl’s School), Anjum Kazie (Milnerton High School), Danica Muller (Rustenburg Girls), Kiara Kommer (Durbanville High School), Leah Hofmeyr (Rustenburg Girls), Minke Lourens (Stellenberg High School), Luwandile Giyo (Milnerton High School), Ilke van der Merwe (Stellenberg High School), Jenna Petersen (Pinelands High School), Nina Cullis (St Cyprian’s School), Tamar Hankey (The Settler’s High School), Cassidy Frank (Reddam House Constantia), Emily Brink (St Cyprian’s School), Inam Gungubela (Langa Hockey Club), Kate Naiker (Rustenburg Girls), Tatum Malherbe (Rustenburg Girls).

Southern Free State u18A

McKenna Pienaar (Oranje Meisieskool), Botlhale Motlhaolwa (CBC), Georgia Kambanis (Eunice High School), Anne Prinsloo (Oranje Meisieskool), Kirstin Booysen (Oranje Meisieskool), Marlene Du Plessis (Oranje Meisieskool), Claire Volschenk (Eunice High School), Carli Oosthuizen (Oranje Meisieskool), Xylia Choene (Oranje Meisieskool), Atlegang Kgantsi (Oranje Meisieskool), Victoria Mabaleng (CBC), Cale Potgieter (Eunice High School), Nthati Monyai (Eunice High School), Bianca Rees-Gibbs (Eunice High School), Quincley Norris (Brebner High School), Tavia Williams (Brebner High School).

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union, the host of the 2025 Grant Khomo Week, has announced the fixtures for the first day of the inter-provincial tournament, which commences on 30 June in the heart of Pretoria, where St Alban’s College will lay on three days of scintillating action from the young guns.

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

The fixtures for the second day will be released after the first day’s action, and those for the third day will follow after the matches on day two.

The action on the Moshate Field, the main field at St Alban’s, will commence at 09:30 on Monday morning with Border taking on the Leopards.

The action on the Baloyi Field (B-Field) will kick off a half-hour earlier, at 09:00, with Zimbabwe crossing swords with Border Country Districts.

All eyes will, however, be fixed on the main clash of the first day when Western Province begins their unofficial title defence against a strong outfit from the Free State.

At the 2024 tournament, in Gqeberha, Western Province beat Eastern Province 38-24, the Sharks 19-13, and the Blue Bulls 31-22.

The main match on Baloyi Field will see the Iqhawe XV locking horns with Griquas.

The Iqhawe side is a new addition to the week and consists of the best talent identified at the 2024 Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week, hosted by SA Rugby Legends, at Queens High School in Johannesburg.

Western Province also won that title to add another trophy to the rugby powerhouse’s cabinet.

Fixtures

Monday, 30 June 

A-Field

09:30 – Border vs Leopards
10:50 – South Western Districts vs Eastern Province
12:10 – Sharks vs Golden Lions
13:30 – Bulls vs Boland
14:45 – Opening Ceremony
15:15 – Western Province vs Free State

B-Field 

09:00 – Zimbabwe vs Border Country Districts
10:20 – Valke vs Limpopo Blue Bulls
11:40 – Griffons vs Namibia
13:00 – Western Province XV vs Pumas
14:45 – Opening Ceremony
15:15: Iqhawe XV vs Griquas

The annual SASHOC National Week tends to produce surprises, upset results, and Cinderella stories, and the Border u18A girls’ team wants to be a part of that narrative this year.

Led by the experienced coach Jerry Snyman, the Eastern Cape side will arrive at the national event with nothing to lose and ready to throw the kitchen sink at their opponents.

The tournament will be hosted at St Anne’s DSG, in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, and runs from 30 June until 5 July.

You can catch every minute of it LIVE on the SuperSport Schools App and DStv channel 216.

Border had a disappointing run last year and just managed to stay in the A section after finishing in 11th place behind Northern Free State.

This year, they’re drawn in Pool B where they will face Northern Gauteng A, KZN Coastal A, KZN Inland A, and Western Province A and B.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus ahead of the tournament, Snyman said his team’s preparations have gone smoothly.

“Prep has been good, despite the busy derby season and nursing injuries we’ve had,” he said. “We are in the final stages now of tweaking the finer details ahead of the tour.”

Snyman and the selectors have named a solid 16-player squad that includes players from Hudson Park High, Clarendon High School for Girls, Stirling High, and Merrifield College.

Only two players, Tarelle Jones and Tariro Chinamasa, were part of last year’s outfit, so it’s a new squad, and Snyman is excited to see what his side can produce.

“As much as it’s a new team, these players have been playing hockey since their primary school years. Some have grown immensely over the years, which has led to them being picked for the team, proving hard work does pay off.

“The players have made sessions so easy,” he added, “as they’ve all been selected for their various talents, skills, or roles in the team, and the girls have stepped up to the task and become a team, which is what coaches want at the end of the day. A team plays for a team, not individuals.”

Despite being drawn in a tricky pool, Border will fancy their chances of making a mark. To do that, they will target certain games within the group.

Coach Snyman believes unity through thick and thin will be vital in their quest.

“Our group could be worse, having finished where we finished last year,” he said.

“We knew this year was going to be a tough task. Nonetheless, we have our goals and targets set for some games.

“We will need to stay as a team through the highs and lows. We cannot let a poor performance, or a missed goal, get us down. We need to keep in the fight until the end, regardless of the results.”

Clarendon’s Cara Knott will lead the side, with her schoolmate, Caroline Kretzmann, serving as vice-captain.

Border kicks off its campaign against Northern Gauteng A on Monday, 30 June, at 13:10.

Border u18A

Mbaliyethu Khumalo (Hudson Park High), Keera van Vuuren (Hudson Park High), Rania Khan (Hudson Park High), Jessica Schaefer (Clarendon High School for Girls), Megan Phillips (Clarendon High School for Girls), Alex Viljoen (Merrifield College), Tarelle Jones (Aces), Caroline Kretzmann (Clarendon High School for Girls), Tariro Chinamasa (Merrifield College), Quinn Carr (Clarendon High School for Girls), Hannah Faro (Hudson Park High), Busiwe Mayekiso (Hudson Park High), Cara Knott (Clarendon High School for Girls), Ahlumile Moni (Stirling High), Kishka Baartman (Stirling High), Kara Batting (Hudson Park High).

As the SASHOC Nationals approach, Gauteng’s u18A boys are heading to Maritzburg College from 29 June to 5 July with their sights set firmly on a podium finish at least. With a blend of experience, chemistry, and high-intensity preparation, the team looks interesting and promising to make a serious statement this year.

Among the standout names to watch from the Southern and Northern Gauteng u18A teams are Owethu Sishuba, Aiden Blatch, Matteo Stipcevich, Luken Brunette, Owen McMennamin, and Clayton Koorbanally — all these young charges bring unique strengths to their respective teams.

St David’s Marist Inanda‘s midfielder Stipcevich said this tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a moment of personal pride.
“As a U14, you really look up to the U18S and I feel proud and honoured to be one now,” he shared.

After playing for the U18B team last year, this marks his debut with the A side, a step up he has embraced with good preparation.
“I’ve prepared myself with daily skills and conditioning training, as well as playing club Premier League for MCC,” he said.

The talented midfielder went on to explain his role in the heart of the Astro: “My job is to both facilitate and build up attacks, as well as come back to help the defence and assist with outletting. I think we are well prepared with a variety of presses and good connections between players. We’ve all played together somewhere or somehow, so we know each other well.”

Despite identifying Western Province A and KZN Inland A as two of the toughest opponents to watch out for, Matteo highlighted that the ultimate team goal is to finish in the top three and bring home a medal. “This year, we’re going to finish what we started. There’s no pressure, we know we’re better and ready.”

Alongside him, we have identified five more players to watch who will be representing the Gauteng Province.

SOUTHERN GAUTENG

Matteo Stipcevich– St David’s Marist Inanda
Matteo brings both technical precision and leadership to Gauteng’s midfield. After playing for the U18B team last year, he’s stepped up to the A squad with noticeable growth, backed by intense skills training and club-level experience at MCC Premier League.
“My role is to facilitate and build attacks, while also helping defensively and with outletting,” he says.
Matteo is known for his vision, work rate, and ability to control the tempo. He will be one of the key players in transitioning the team from defence to attack.

Owethu Sishuba– St John’s College
Another dynamic, creative, and deadly player in the circle who also brings leadership qualities. Sishuba is one of the most exciting and solid defenders in the squad. His ability to close the back line with speed and flair makes him a nightmare for strikers. As a team Captain at St John’s, the young, driven star also brings his leadership skills to the team, and he will be at the heart of Gauteng’s offensive firepower.

Aiden Blatch – St Stithians College
Aiden from the side has been well this season in both leagues and Derby clashes. He brings a cool head and a sharp mind to the field. As a playmaker, he is instrumental in linking the backline and forward unit. Blatch is excellent at spotting space, delivering pinpoint passes, and maintaining structure under pressure.
His ability to dictate play makes him one of Gauteng’s most trusted assets and a player to watch in big moments.

NORTHERN GAUTENG

Owen McMennamin– Pretoria Boys High
In goal, Northern Gauteng have a reliable and fearless shot-stopper in Owen. Calm under pressure. He graces his position with confidence. His ability to pull off clutch saves could be the difference in tight matches, especially against tough opposition like Western Province A.
Keep an eye out for his penalty corner defence and quick distribution that often sparks counter-attacks.

Clayton Koorbanally – St Alban’s College

The fact that he is the only player selected from his school makes the young and talented athlete stand out among the players to watch in this year’s tournament.
Known for being strong in tackles and smart in positioning, Clayton has been a regular in  Alban’s, and he received the 50th cap honours with his school’s first team last week.
He is disciplined, reads the game well. His ability to intercept, block and launch counter-attacks will play a key role, especially against high-pressing teams.
Clayton has been pivotal for St Alban’s College, particularly with his leadership. He has led the front line with courage, being at the forefront of high-quality defensive IQ. His understanding, work ethic and discipline will put him in good stead for this year’s national U18 IPT.

Luken Brunette – Hoërskool Garsfontein

Brunette will be co-captaining the Northerns. The Garsies star brings the energy and versatility that make him an invaluable asset. He covers ground tirelessly. With high hockey intelligence and consistent effort, Luken is often the glue that holds transitions together.
He thrives in high-pressure environments and will no doubt leave his mark in crucial moments.

The Gauteng Women’s Soccer League (GWSL), formerly known as the Gauteng Women’s Soccer Tournament, an annual competition hosted at the end of October and extending into November, has grown year on year. Recently, it announced a game-changing partnership with Phoenix Elites SA, which is set to further boost the event.

Now heading into its fourth edition this year, the GWSL has dedicated itself to being the only tournament that exclusively focuses on young girls and women’s football teams from across Gauteng. Zimbabwean sides have also added their flair to the competition.

Teams from the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL), Sasol Gauteng, and SAFA Regional Leagues, as well as university clubs, are eligible to compete in the tournament.

In a recent exclusive interview, SuperSport Schools Plus spoke with Mondli Dube, the Director of the GWSL, and Melissa Sall, the Managing Director of Phoenix Group SA.

Phoenix Elites SA possess a diverse profile – a registered entity focused on youth empowerment through sport and development initiatives, engaging in a wide range of activities from sports to rehabilitation centres and children’s homes.

Sall informed SuperSport Schools Plus that the partnership with GWSL has been developing over an extended period of time. She said it wasn’t able to come together in 2024, but now Phoenix Elites SA is well-positioned to contribute to the GWSL.

Dube said the partnership involves diverse activation channels, which include networking opportunities, a grassroots programme, and shared brand values focused on youth empowerment, teamwork, and perseverance.

Both parties [GWLS and Phoenix Elites SA] have agreed to work jointly towards a shared vision of uplifting underprivileged youth, with a specific focus on community development, girls’ soccer initiatives and educational enrichment through sport.

Sall stated the partnership with the GWSL was logical for Phoenix Elites SA as it resonated with the values of the organisation and what it represents.

“We don’t believe that there’s only one winner,” she said. “Yes, we understand it is part of the claim that there needs to be a winner, but for us, everything that we do is about longevity,” Sall said about the deal.

“Are we merely stating that we are organising a tournament, and once someone wins R20 000, that is the end of it? Or are we considering how we can ensure the sustainability of this team from the R20 000 prize – that this team is indeed developing, and the players are receiving the essential support they require within the sports industry?” Sall asked.

She said her organisation was also aiming to collaborate with the GWSL on additional initiatives beyond the end of the year tournament. “If the events that they are organising align with our vision and the way our organisation functions, we will certainly provide our support,” she stated.

In addition, said Sall, Phoenix Elites SA will also host their own tournament in October. It would be entirely distinct from any other tournament, she reckoned. The tournament, an invitational event, will feature teams that have been identified as having specific needs.

“There will be first-place prize money, but for each and every team that will be invited, we have a specific tailor-made award or prize that they are getting that is beneficial to the team.

“For instance, we’ve identified that there are teams where half of a team does not have soccer boots. We will be supplying that team with soccer boots”

The GWDL and Phoenix Elites SA listed six shared goals that they will work on together:

– Awareness and visibility, featuring female athletes in mainstream media, launching integrated marketing campaigns across TV and social media to elevate the profile of the tournament.
– Infrastructure and talent development – building a strong, lasting foundation for women’s football.
– Innovation.
– Commercial visibility – having a sustainable business model around the GWDL.
– Cultural and social impact.
– Legacy creation.

“The partnership aims to grow the game, uplift the athletes, and inspire communities. The partnership emphasises balance in commercial goals with a deep sense of purpose and responsibility,” Dube said.