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The southern suburb teams begin their second run against each other to draw a close to the season on Saturday.

Diocesan College hosts Wynberg Boys’ High for a rematch after the Bishops boys beat Wynberg by 14-10 earlier in the year for the first time since 2019.

Meanwhile, SACS travel to Rondebosch Boys’ High to attempt to avenge their 22-7 loss earlier in the season.

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There will be a 15-second moment of silence observed for the Wynberg Boys’ High pupil, Ryder Kossatz, who is still listed as missing after being washed off the rocks at Llandudno beach on Wednesday, the first team will also be wearing black armbands in honour of their schoolmate.

Wynberg’s centre, Amier Adams, scored their only try in their last encounter with Bishops. He and his teammates will be looking to get one back over their rivals on the Piley Rees on Saturday.

Diocesan College, on the other hand, are attempting to repeat the triple crown, after already beating their three big competitors in the area. They got past Wynberg on the first time of asking and also saw away with Rondebosch Boys High (13-8) and SACS (31-25) earlier in the season.

Their Craven Week fullback, Gilermo Mentoe, has been instrumental to their success, and is definitely one to watch this weekend, as he has already shown his ability to get through the smallest of gaps in the defence.

Lucca Mynhardt, their speedster on the wing, is another exciting player to keep an eye on as are the two other players who represented Bishops at the Craven Week along with Mentoe this year, Aidan Norris (eighth man) and Shaywan Blanckenberg (flyhalf).

Hashim Pead, who was also part of the unbeaten Western Province team at the Youth Week in George, misses this fixture as he has been selected as part of the SA Schools team to face France on Tuesday.

Wynberg’s captain, Xola Nyali (eighth man), is also part of the SA Schools team and will not be on the field this weekend.

Rondebosch Boys’ High were able to beat SACS in their own backyard earlier in the season, but SACS have looked fired up of late and will be keen to return the favour on Saturday.

The visitors are still without their injured captain, the big prop, Ali Osman-Bosch, and they lost against an in-form Boland Landbou in their last match, but they have had a week to regroup and recover, and looked strong in their game against Hoërskool Durbanville where they managed to hold Durbies to a 22-all draw on their home field.

The Rondebosch forwards determined the game in their last meeting, and the likes of Justin Amos (prop) and Carl Geddie (lock), who scored in that game, will need to be at their best again this weekend to set the pace of the game and keep the visitors at bay.

The teams are:

Diocesan College vs Wynberg Boys’ High at 12:30:

Diocesan College: 15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Ayanda Bonoyi, 13 Olo Sopotela, 12 Nic Allison, 11 Lucca Mynhardt, 10 Shaywan Blanckenberg, 9 Jashief Joseph, 8 Aidan Norris, 7 Alex Smith, 6 Tapiwa Nkumanda, 5 CJ Gordon, 4 Zach Willemse, 3 Nashe Chahwahwa, 2 Merlin Fransman, 1 Richard Horton.

Wynberg Boys’ High: 15 Matthew Ould, 14 Matteo Pascoe, 13 Brandon Ashburner, 12 Amier Adams, 11 Xolela Hoyi, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Sange Mbuto, 8 Aden da Costa, 7 Euwyn Liberty, 6 Jarrod Jackson, 5 Michail Kasfikis, 4 Montgomery Loggenberg, 3 Luqobo Makwedini, 2 Nicholas van Schalkwyk, 1 Aidan Reid.

Rondebosch Boys’ High vs SACS at 12:15:

Rondebosch Boys’ High: 15 Nichollas Molyneux, 14 Juma Amissi, 13 Juandre Welthagen, 12 Matthew Malherbe, 11 Ethan Gordon, 10 Dylan Miller, 9 Cameron Whitson, 8 Ryan du Rand, 7 Sunday Mailoni-Burns, 6 Altha Wesi, 5 Tom Barnard, 4 Carl Geddie, 3 Cole Macdonald, 2 Thomas van Wyk, 1 Justin Amos.

SACS: 15 Aya Machuli, 14 Nick Reynolds, 13 Daniel Dayaram, 12 Raashied Conrad, 11 Ilitha Ntinini, 10 Rayaan Solomons, 9 Seth Bradford, 8 Niche Koopman, 7 Ben van Coller, 6 Richard Skeeles, 5 Khwezi Ndlovu, 4 Zach Kennedy, 3 Ikhona Maxegwana, 2 Alex Pybus, 1 Tumelo Noah.

 

 

There will only be one left standing after the long-anticipated clash between EG Jansen and Garsfontein when the two giants meet on Saturday in their last round robin clash of the SDC Noordvaal Cup Division.

Both these two proud rugby schools are yet to suffer defeat in the division thus far leaving a trail of victims behind them as they steamrolled onwards in their search for silverware.

EG Jansen will look to capitalize on their home ground advantage, with the Garsie Bere having to travel to Boksburg. The star-studded team from Boksburg has proved that they are indeed a massive contender to be crowned champions beating Monument 41-17 away from home in what might arguably be their biggest victory for the campaign to date.

Their live-wire fullback, David Twala, will be in action again on Saturday and will have the Bere defenders on their toes for the full 70-minutes as he looks to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Garsfontein defence.

Upfront it will be the man packing down at the side of the scrum Reon Pretorius who will look to light the fire among his big men, to counter the imposing pack from Pretoria.

Garsfontein, on the other hand, has enjoyed the dominance they’ve had upfront dominating the set pieces throughout their campaign, they’ve been especially strong at scrum time and will look to stamp their authority early on. De Wet Lottering has been exceptional in the front row as the hooker can be labelled as a fourth loose forward, wreaking havoc at ruck time as well as being a menace with ball in hand. He has been well supported by the Craven week eight-man Divan Brits, who has dominated the physical battle upfront in the trenches.

At the back it will be Demitri Erasmus who has a point to prove after making SA Schools but missing out on a SA u18 selection. The flyer on outside centre has the stage set as he will go toe to toe with the leading try scorer of the competition, Juandre Jacobs, who has been exceptional for EG Jansen.

Waterkloof will host Monument in their annual Premier Interschools clash in Pretoria and will decide which team ends up in the third place on the log. Monument has experienced a difficult season and will look to create some much-needed continuity. Jamaal Feldman will be one to look out for as he packs down at the back of the scrum. Feldman has been instrumental to the Wit Bulle’s attack with his strong, imposing ball carries.

Waterkloof will look to upset the Witbulle’s rhythm on home soil to come out on top for the first time since 2019, when they were crowned victors by 28-21. Hernus Marais will aim to continue his good form by being a danger from the back in the 15 jumper, with Jean Jooste looking to counter Feldman’s presence upfront.

Marais Viljoen will play hosts to the dangerous outfit from Krugersdorp in the form of Noordheuwel. The team from Krugersdorp will look to get back to winning ways after falling agonisingly short against EG Jansen, loosing 31-29 last week. With both teams out of contention for a playoff spot, it will be a battle to sign off their respective campaigns on a high.

The teams:

EG Jansen vs Garsfontein at 12:30 in Boksburg:

EG Jansen: 15 David Twala, 14 R-Jay Pieterson, 13 Jeandre Jacobs, 12 Keanu Engelbrecht, 11 Cameron van Wyk, 10 Ruan van Heerden, 9 Gordon Smith, 8 Gerhard van Aswegen, 7 Reon Pretorius, 6 Zaide-Leigh Rippenaar, 5 Michael Devy, 4 Ettiene Smith, 3 Marnus Swarts, 2 Danre Pike, 1 Shawn Simpson.

Garsfontein: 15 Jason Hugo, 14 Ruan Enslin, 13 Demitri Erasmus, 12 Heinrich Cloete, 11 Cassie Prinsloo, 10 Nicallen Gabrielson, 9 Zian Cilliers, 8 Divan Brits, 7 Harmand Aucamp, 6 Stephan Pretorius, 5 Jacques Swarts, 4 Aiden King, 3 Leighton Cloete, 2 De Wet Lottering, 1 DA Swart.

Waterkloof vs Monument at 12:30 in Pretoria:

Waterkloof: 15 Hernus Marais, 14 Waldemar Griesel, 13 Riwan van Aswegen, 12 Reuven Ferreira, 11 Sjaan Steyn, 10 Franco Cronje, 9 Francois Viljoen, 8 Dale Arlow, 7 Jean Jooste, 6 Happy Makate, 5 Stephan de Beer, 4 Dylan Knoetze, 3 Luan Brown, 2 Stephan Jacobsz, 1 Marnus Maritz.

Monument: 15 Kealan Milton, 14 Hanu Fourie, 13 Jody Schambreel, 12 Zain Henery, 11 Ernesto Oersen, 10 Daylon Myners, 9 Ceano Everson, 8 Jamaal Feldman, 7 Nathan Erasmus, 6 Geoffrey French, 5 RJ Barnard, 4 Ruan Koekmoer, 3 Roelf Jacobz, 2 Tristan da Costa, 1 Muller van Reenen.

Marais Viljoen vs Noordheuwel at 12:30 in Alberton:

Marais Viljoen: 15 Franco Horn, 14 Brandon Els, 13 Juandre Theron, 12 Henrico Germishuizen, 11 Progress Sithole, 10 Giacchino Gerber, 9 Caydinn Fredericks, 8 Stephan van Deventer, 7 Chphas van Biljon, 6 Phillip Jonker, 5 Bjorn Pieterson, 4 Dian Scheepers, 3 Dylan Alberts, 2 Lohan van Schalkwyk, 1 Calum Botha.

Noordheuwel: 15 Jade Muller, 14 Jenemo Luiters, 13 Jared Coetzee, 12 Marshall de Vos, 11 Keaton van Deventer, 10 JT Kapank, 9 Coun-Lee Koekman, 8 Marco Maree, 7 Ludie Schutte, 6 Juan Fourie, 5 Rudolph Coetzee, 4 Donovan Breedt, 3 Martin Nel, 2 Juandre Schoeman, 1 Meyer Opperman.

 

A rivalry that spans 102 years and 175 games, there is no shortage of history between these schools. 

In the 2022 season, Glenwood was a dominating force, defeating College in both encounters. Although close victories at 23-22 and 28-22, the Green Machine managed to secure the win each time. 

The 2023 season paints a slightly different picture. At their first game this year, Maritzburg took a 42-15 victory over Glenwood. 

This is not to say Glenwood hasn’t had a great season, earning ten victories against some formidable competition. 

Maritzburg is leading the charge, however, with fourteen victories so far. One of these successes was against Affies, earning an 50-31 win over the Pretorians. 

Saturday should provide some highly competitive rugby in what will be both schools final fixture of the season.

Although Glenwood and Maritzburg will be rivals this weekend, their players will be allies in the days to come as they form part of the SA u8 squad that takes on France and England on the 15th and 19th of August respectively. 

Glenwood will be represented by Lithemba Mfupi, and Maritzburg will be represented by Phiwayinkosi Kubeka and Luyanda Kunene. 

 The teams: 

Glenwood High School – 15 Jaco Williams, 14 Okonta Chijindu, 13 Johandrê van Rooyen, 12 M.J Schoeman, 11 Bakhosibakhe Gamede, 10 Andrew Martins, 9 Tyrique Hartnick, 8 Siya Klaas, 7 Tumisho Mofidokoane, 6 Keegan Goosen, 5 Kwandokuhle Dlamini, 4 Siphe Xaba, 3 Bongani Dlamini, 2 Michael Betts, 1 Njemba Mgomba. 

Maritzburg College – 15 Swelihle Mbatha, 14 Langelihle Makhathini, 13 Ayrton van der Linde, 12 Nkululeko Sithole, 11 Colm Reardon, 10 Luc du Toit, 9 Rhett Quinn, 8 Sasha Kadira, 7 Kevin Ayliffe, 6 Travis Walton, 5 Jake Jansen, 4 Bohlale Maphisa, 3 Aiden Botha, 2 Elbie Mouton, 1 Codi Robinson.

 

Selborne College and Grey High School are certainly not strangers on the rugby field, they have met for battle regularly and have each gone through periods of consecutive victories. The rivalry started nearly a hundred years ago and shows no signs of slowing down. 

Going back to 2009, Selborne held on to the title for three years up until 2011. Grey then flipped the script, winning three games from 2012 to 2014. 

This pattern has continued throughout their history, Grey even held an eight-game winning streak from 2000 until 2008. 

After a two-year hiatus, the competition recommenced in 2022, this saw Grey go on to take a 32-26 victory. 

Both sides have of course been strong this year, with Selborne leading by 10 wins to 9.

Additionally, both schools were represented by one of their players on the SA Schools ‘A’ side. Zuko Poswa, of Selborne College, and Imaani Pemba, of Grey High School.

Pemba will form part of the SA u18 squad that takes on France on the 15th of August and England on the 19th of August. 

Other fixtures in the Eastern Cape this weekend include Graeme College vs Muir College and Cambridge High School vs Queen’s College, amongst others. 

Graeme College will also have one of their players, Bathlo Hlekani, form part of the SA U18 squad that takes on the international rivals later this month. 

The teams: 

Selborne College: 15 Daniel Larkan (vice-captain), 14 Thomas Braun, 13 Siyamthanda Sakhela, 12 Chad de Beyer, 11 Anjolauluwa Sogbanmu, 10 Erich Gravett, 9 Paige Fennel, 8 Gcina Puzi, 7 Dewan du Preez, 6 Grant Day (captain), 5 Charles du Plessis, 4 Zuko Poswa, 3 Nathi Nthuli, 2 Jordan Luck, 1 Sandisiwe Msengana.

Grey High School: 15 Joshua Bands, 14 Dylan Garrod, 13 Kyle Callaghan, 12 Tobias Nota, 11 Kaiden Titus, 10 Divan Lamprecht, 9 Aza Ncula, 8 Mark Brombacher, 7 Likona Sodlaka, 6 Reece Miles, 5 De Wet Goedhals, 4 Josh Durrheim, 3 Aidan Wilkinson, 2 Jon Hobson, 1 Daniel de Lange.

The fixtures: 

12:30 – Dale College vs Hudson Park; 13:30 – Cambridge vs Queen’s College; 13:45 – Muir College vs Graeme College; 14:10 – Hoërskool Punt vs Hoërskool Nico Malan; 14:30 – Selborne College vs Grey High School; 14:50 – Die Brandwag vs HTS Daniel Pienaar; 15:00 – Hoërskool Framesby vs Marlow Landbou; 15:30 – Hoërskool Pearson vs Parel Vallei. 

Welkom Gimnasium and Voortrekker battle it out for the Griffons league title on Saturday, the winner of this match also qualifies for the Kovsie League semi-finals against the Griqua League champions and the two Free State representatives, who will be Jim Fouché and Fichardtpark.

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Welkom Gimnasium has been an exciting team to follow all season. With some big victories and reels full of entertaining tries, the Gimmies aim to collect some silverware as a reward for all their hard work on Saturday.

Over their last eight matches, Welkom Gimnasium has been able to score more than 40 points against seven of their opponents, including last weekend, when they beat Noord-Kaap 58-12 with a comprehensive performance in the semi-final.

By their own admission though, their focus is not on the margins of their victory, as long as they continue growing and playing good rugby their eyes are set squarely on the title.

Last year Hoërkool Trio were crowned champions after beating Voortrekker 21-14 in the final in their debut season.

The Trekkers got their revenge last weekend when they eliminated the newcomers with a hard-fought 27-24 victory.

Getting through Welkom Gimnasium this weekend, however, will require their strongest performance of the season.

When they last met in Welkom earlier in the year, the Gimmies cruised to a 43-8 victory.

Their talisman flyhalf, Ronaldo Kiewiet, was on top of his game in that match, scoring 13 points off the kicking tee.

Kiewiet went on to be the top scorer at this year’s Craven Week in George and has not shown any signs of slowing down since.

He’s scored seven tries in the three matches since the start of the term and seems to have added drop goals to his arsenal, scoring two opportunistic three-pointers recently.

The Trekkers have to take on this challenge without their two first-choice hookers, Arnold Ras and HJ Spalding, who are both out with injuries. Hendrik Matthee has stepped up well to fill their boots.

They also lost their fullback, Tiaan van Rooyen, and their star winger, Kamohelo Moses, last weekend. Kaneng Komane, one of their standout players throughout the season, covers at the back while Karabelo Chaka and Thinus Hefer will start on the wings.

Apart from Kiewiet, the rest of the Welkom backline also poses a number of threats in the form of the Goeda twins, Naylen (fullback) and Naven (winger) who seem to be able to score from anywhere, and speedsters like Teschan Meas (centre) and Julian Samuels (scrumhalf) who also have a knack for beating defenders.

This game promises a lot of action and some beautiful tries, with both teams playing an exciting brand of rugby this season. This will be a fitting final to an entertaining season and one would suspect that the winners of Saturday’s match should be among the favourites in the Kovsie league.

The teams are: 

Welkom Gimnasium vs Voortrekker at 13:20:

Welkom Gimnasium: 15 Naylan Goeda, 14 Naven Goeda, 13 Teschan Meas, 12 Mojalefa Matoka, 11 Khamohelo Mokoena, 10 Ronaldo Kiewiet, 9 Julian Samuels, 8 Ethan Jones, 7 Raylin Kirsten, 6 Lawrence Lamiene, 5 Jayden Auld, 4 Tristan Appollis, 3 Keanan August, 2 Dante Smith, 1 Buhle Mxabayi.

Voortrekker: 15 Kaneng Komane, 14 Karabelo Chaka, 13 Hein Smith, 12 Craig Mann, 11 Thinus Hefer, 10 Johan Whitehead, 9 Alexander Maree, 8 Dawid Fourie, 7 Alberto Argentino, 6 Jayden de Jesus, 5 Harry Kymdell, 4 Luttig Roux, 3 Cecil Parsons, 2 Hendrik Matthee, 1 Francois Maree.

The capital of Limpopo will host a titanic battle between the hosts Hoërskool Pietersburg and Merensky Landbou Akademie in their final round-robin clash of the SDC Noordvaal Cup Bowl division.

With Merensky already securing a playoff spot and Pietersburg out of the running, log positions and qualifications will move to the back of many minds and the focus now shifts to which of the two locals can walk away with bragging rights over the other.

Merensky enjoyed a very impressive season thus far, only losing two of their six encounters in the division, their last victory coming last week against Potch Volkies, beating the visitors 17-10 in Tzaneen.

The Light Blues made some interesting shifts for their clash against their long-time rivals, with their stalwart openside flanker, Hardus Terblanche, moving to inside centre to take the place of the suspended, Ulrich Mare, who received a red card last week.

Lukas Pieterse retains his place in the side after his impressive performance from the back of the scrum last week and Waldie Haasbroek still out of commission with an injury.

Together with Pieterse, Luan Verster will make yet another appearance in the number four jumper. The lock forward has had a remarkable season to date and has impressed with his burly ballcarriers to lay the platform for some attacking rugby out wide.

Pietersburg had a good start to the season but faded away somewhat with a few crucial losses, one of those coming against the same Volkies team that fell short against Merensky last week, losing by only one point. The men from Pietersburg opted to go with an unchanged side for most of their campaign. The man with the captain’s armband, Dewan Gobey, will look to light the fire upfront and take the physical battle to the visiting side. Gobey has been well supported by his lock partner Jayden du Bruin and eight-man Henre Venter.

At the back, all eyes will be on the exciting midfield pairing of Wian Terblanche and Hanno van Zyl. The pair have proved to be a real danger on attack and will look to keep the visitors on their toes when they have ball in hand.

This will be a big test for the men from Tzaneen before they head off to the playoffs next week, to face either Wesvalia or Die Anker.

Eldoraigne will face Alberton in their final pool clash in Pretoria on Saturday. The Eldo’s are in a comfortable position at fourth on the log and a victory against a struggling Alberton side will secure them a place in the playoffs. The Pretoria-based side had a rocky start to the season but recovered well winning four of their six encounters thus far, with their latest loss coming against Die Anker last week and will look to get back to winning ways and create important continuity before next week.

Die Anker will travel to Potchefstroom to face Potchefstroom Volkskool. The side from Brakpan has not been beaten and will look to keep it that way. Volkies on the other hand will want to cause an upset and hand Die Anker their first loss of the season to finish their season of on a high note.

Wesvalia welcome the struggling Dr. Malan in Klerksdorp for their final pool clash of the 2023 season. The side from Klerksdorp is currently tied with Merensky with 19 log points each and will be eyeing a bonus point victory to cement a home semi final next week.

The teams:

Pietersburg vs Merensky at 12:35 in Pietersburg:

Pietersburg: 15 Dian van Tonder, 14 Devon Janse van Rensburg, 13 Hanno van Zyl, 12 Wian Terblanche, 11 Niel Smit, 10 Vincent Luckhoff, 9 Divan Brown, 8 Henre Venter, 7 Reuben Weyer, 6 Keagan Baker, 5 Dewan Gobey, 4 Jayden du Bruin, 3 Floris Venter, 2 Dewald de Beer, 1 Jan-Hendrik Venter.

Merensky: 15 Caleb Mokgalaotse, 14 Heinrich Lubbe, 13 Klokke Mohlala, 12 Hardus Terblanche, 11 Mahlatse Semosa, 10 Byron Hendricks, 9 Dirk De Nysschen, 8 Lukas Pieterse, 7 Tian Viljoen-Krugel, 6 Ruan Marcos, 5 Zander Heydenrych, 4 Luan Verster, 3 Tirelo Mashapa, 2 Ethan Maritz, 1 Divan Pietersen.

Eldoraigne vs Alberton at 13:50 in Pretoria:

Eldoraigne: 15 JP Meyer, 14 Hendru van Zyl, 13 Marchand Nel, 12 Rynardt Gelderblom, 11 Ivan Vermeulen, 10 Reynier Kidson, 9 Donnevin Naude, 8 Johan Coetsee, 7 Anrou du Plessis, 6 Divan de Jager, 5 Myburgh van Wyk, 4 Shane Henery, 3 Jaco Fourie, 2 Jaydon Niehaus, 1 Willie Diffenthal.

Alberton: TBC

Potchefstroom Volkskool vs Die Anker at in Potchefstroom:

Potch Volkies: TBC

Die Anker: 15 Damien Muller, 14 Breedt la Grange, 13 Duhan du Plessis, 12 Branden Crous, 11 Christiaan Nell, 10 Benton Giessing, 9 Danie Smit, 8 Hanru Pienaar, 7 Bradley van Niekerk, 6 AJ Roux, 5 Ruben Herbst, 4 Reagan Pretorius, 3 Daniel du Toit, 2 Dihan de Villiers, 1 Buks Britz.

Wesvalia vs Dr. Malan at 12:30 in Klerksdorp:

Wesvalia: 15 Marno Dreyer, 14 Teboho Sekonyela, 13 Deon Viljoen, 12 Philip Janse van Rensburg, 11 Werner Kruger, 10 Richardt van Heerden, 9 Chad Hofmeyer, 8 Hanre Venter, 7 Heinrich Visser, 6 Francois Dumond, 5 Wessel Sevenster, 4 Vian Botes, 3 Koos Kleynhans, 2 Junior Kuhn, 1 Heinrich Janse van Vuuren.

Dr. Malan: 15 Dian van der Berg, 14 Ethan Williams, 13 Collyn Fourie, 12 Andreas Botha, 11 Dante Morat, 10 Juan Stols, 9 JP Kinghom, 8 Juan Jardin, 7 Dillon Gouws, 6 Herman du Plessis, 5 Clayton Button, 4 Xander Boshoff, 3 Ziwan Karrani, 2 Duhan Rheeder, 1 Kananelo Mtambo.

 

Saturday will see the unbeaten table toppers, Hoërskool Rustenburg, welcome second-place Kempton Park in their last round-robin clash of the SDC Noordvaal Cup Plate-division.

This will prove to be the hosts toughest challenge thus far with Kempton being the top try scoring team in the division to date.

Rustenburg has been tremendous thus far managing to stay unbeaten in the division and with a victory in a friendly against the mighty Glenwood by 26-24 last week, beating the men from Rustenburg will be no easy feat for the visitors.

The Rustenburg pack has been the foundation of their attack, dominating the set pieces at line out time and rumbling forward at scrum time with none better than the front row in Werner Kinnear (loosehead prop), Zander Steenkamp (hooker), Carlo van Wijk (tighthead prop).

Behind them it has been the ever-present Sybrandt Smit, packing down at the side of the scrum, who has been instrumental to the Rustenburg pack’s success.

At the back it will be danger man Lorenzo Snyers who will be a thorn in the side of Kempton Park. Snyers has moved from fullback to left wing in recent times where he continues to terrorize defences on a regular basis.

Although, Kempton Park won’t be a walk in the park, possessing a pack that could easily upset the rhythm of Rusties. The loose trio of Kempton will be one to look out for with Preston Smith (eight man) and Milano Hattingh (blindside flanker) will look to take the physicality to the home side. At open side flanker, Ruben Turketti, will make his presence known at the breakdowns, trying to disrupt as much Rustenburg ball as possible.

At the back Joshua Meyer has been exceptional at fullback, proving to be a dangerous counter attacker and would the Rusties like to shy away from kicking to much as the flyer will look to cause problems for the home side’s defence.

With both teams already qualifying for the playoffs it will come down to which teams walks away with the bragging rights of being table toppers.

Middelburg will welcome Zwartkop in their last round robin clash of the season, both teams have built up some good momentum over the last couple of weeks with Middelburg thumping Transvalia 39-20 in Middelburg last week. The side from Middelburg has been impressive on home turf and will it be a tough ask for Zwartkop to walk away with a victory to sign of their season on a positive note.

Transvalia will have a new breath, playing at home for the first time in a while as they welcome HTS Middelburg. HTS Middelburg has struggled throughout the season but started showing promising signs in the last couple of weeks, making Rustenburg sweet for their 24-23 and securing a win against Klerksdorp.

Transvalia on the other hand will look to get back to winning ways after their defeat last weekend to build up some momentum before the playoffs start.

Klerksdorp will host Montana in Klerksdorp. With the hosts still in search of their first victory of the campaign they will look to capitalize on home ground advantage to achieve this feat, but Montana won’t make it easy as the men from the Jacaranda-City look to close out their campaign with a victory.

The teams:

Rustenburg vs Kempton Park at 13:40 in Rustenburg:

Rustenburg: 15 Tiano Combrinck, 14 Zulu Khumalo, 13 Adriaan Liebenberg, 12 Awie Alberts, 11 Lorenzo Snyers, 10 Jaden Meyer, 9 Nathan van Aswegen, 8 Adrian Young, 7 Sybrandt Byleveldt, 6 MC Smit, 5 PJ Engelbrecht, 4 Pedri Human, 3 Carlo van Wijk, 2 Zander Steenkamo, 1 Werner Kinnear.

Kempton Park: 15 Joshua Meyer, 14 Andre Zietsman, 13 Tian Aucamp, 12 Tiaan Delport, 11 Ryan Smith, 10 Marko Opperman, 9 Keagen Trollip, 8 Milano Hattingh, 7 Preston Smith, 6 Ruben Turketti, 5 Kyle Botha, 4 Divan Francis, 3 Adrian Labuschangne, 2 Brendon Grobler, 1 Zeke Shaw.

Klerksdorp vs Motana at 12:30 in Klerksdorp:

Klerksdorp: 15 Cohan Witbooi, 14 Brink von Wielligh, 13 Lebogang Wangeng, 12 Leonard Bevan, 11 Papino Mauleke, 10 Decan Loots, 9 Izak Nienaber, 8 HJ Erasmus, 7 Pedri Snyman, 6 Kobus de Waal, 5 Pieter Kriel, 4 JJ Nel, 3 Liam Pretorius, 2 Janu de Wet, 1 Juan-dre Botha.

Montana: 15 Divan Nel, 14 Liam de Villiers, 13 Stefan Steyn, 12 Roald Matthee, 11 Ryan Nel, 10 Rigard van Rensburg, 9 Ewan Korb, 8 Ivaan Koltzow, 7 Devan van der Merwe, 6 Eduard Retief, 5 Justin Herbst, 4 Hein du Prees, 3 Henco Brits, 2 Christiaan Coetzee, 1 Rico Herholdt.

Transvalia vs HTS Middelburg at 13:50 in Vander Bijl Park:

Tranvalia: 15 Daniel Grobler, 14 Nkanyiso Mccamel, 13 Kyle Esterhuyzen, 12 Brondonlee Smit, 11 Ruben Claasen, 10 Duan du Toit, 9 Anro Nagel, 8 Anro Labuschagne, 7 Xander Mcniel, 6 Wynand Sols, 5 Dane Beytel, 4 Alex Mcniel, 3 Arne Botes, 2 Junior van Wyngaardt, 1 Vusi Morathi.

HTS Middelburg: 15 Kutloano Seabela, 14 Luhan Graaf, 13 Johnny Dos Santos, 12 Dewald Pieterse, 11 Sphesihle Skosana, 10 Zander Erasmus, 9 Desmond Milner, 8 Toy Engelbrecht, 7 Luka Harmse, 6 Morne Botha, 5 Sam Ndwandwe, 4 Ben Meyer, 3 Kagiso Gumbi, 2 Gerrie Roets, 1 Michael-Owen Muller.

Middelburg vs Zwartkop at 13:30 in Middelburg:

Middelburg: 15 Le Roux French, 14 Mthokozisi Yende, 13 Smile Sibande, 12 Luke Geldenhuys, 11 Blessing Hamandishe, 10 Crawford Joubert, 9 Simtha Maseko, 8 Kaylin Maphutha, 7 Tjaart Joubert, 6 Tyrell Isaacs, 5 Rogan van der Walt, 4 Wandisa Mthobeni, 3 Tebogo Nkosi, 2 Fumani Chuake, 1 Shuan Marx.

Zwartkop: 15 Denilson Metcalfe, 14 Willem Hough, 13 Kyle Blignaut, 12 Zander Farmer, 11 Milton Naude, 10 Waldo Smith, 9 Xavier Rabie, 8 Ian van der Westhuizen, 7 Adriaan Janse van Vuuren, 6 Dehan Smit, 5 Nathan van Aswegen, 4 Johan van Heerden, 3 Brogan Ackerman, 2 Reagan Smith, 1 Xavier Boikanyo.

 

 

Hugenote (Springs) will aim to down a high flying Ligbron side to stand a chance for qualification in the playoffs to keep their campaign in the SDC Noordvaal Cup’s Shield-section alive.

Ligbron came from nowhere to rack up an impressive three-match winning streak but will find it difficult to maintain against a spirited Hugenote side, who will look to capitalise on home ground advantage.

Hugenote has had a solid season so far, winning three of their six encounters.

The men from Springs pushed the table topping Secunda all the last week loosing by only seven points in what was arguably their best performance yet and with that creating loads of confidence heading into an all-important clash this weekend.

The Hugenote pack has proved to be good enough to challenge any other pack in the division. With their immense physicality and never say die attitude, led by the ever-present, Aiden Mazirel, in the front row the men from Springs will look to bully Ligbron upfront and get the upper hand early in the game.

At the back Miquelle Shults will take up his familiar position at scrumhalf and will look to continue his accuracy aiming at the posts as it might prove to be the difference between the two sides.

Ligbron has impressed many playing an expansive brand of rugby with their backline possessing the ability to offload in and before contact which makes it extremely difficult to defend against. The exciting centre pairing in Qhawe Lukhele and Sithelo Zikhali will be on display once again and will look to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Hugenote defence.

Upfront Ayanda Mkwebane makes another appearance on the side of the scrum. Mkwebane has been instrumental for the Ermelo based side, being a menace at the break downs and showcasing some elusive running throughout the season. He will be backed up by the stalwart in the eight jersey, Kyle Alves, who always seems eager for a physical battle.

With only four log points separating the two it will be a 70-minute fight for survival and that all important fourth spot to head into the playoffs next week.

The table topping Secunda will travel to Heidelberg to face a tough challenge in Heidelberg Volkskool. The unbeaten side from Secunda made two changes to the side who beat Hugenote last week with Lie-Chaen Muller replacing Henrico Fourie in the front row. Fourie has been struggling with a shoulder niggle and will look to Muller to step up and light the fire in the trenches among the big men upfront. At the back, Tyron Moolman takes a breather with Ryan Erasmus moving to outside centre and Ethan Coetzee slotting in at fullback.

Heidelberg opted for an unchanged starting line up and will look to capitalize on home ground advantage to bring an end to Secunda’s unbeaten run and create some continuity before the playoffs start next week.

Oos-Moot will travel again, this time to face Jeugland in Kempton Park. The men from Pretoria have already booked a home semi-final but will look to build some momentum before they head into playoff weekend. Jeugland on the other hand would love to cause major upset and sign their campaign of on a high.

Ben Vorster will make the long drive to Lichtenburg for their final clash of the season. With both teams out of contention and having tough seasons to date a victory for either one will mean a bittersweet ending to the season.

The Teams:

Hugenote vs Ligbron at 12:30 in Springs:

Hugenote (Springs): 15 Leon Jacobs, 14 Ruan van Biljon, 13 Jason Joubert, 12 Vian van Dyk, 11 Tiaan Smit, 10 Corne Pretorius, 9 Miguelle Schoultz, 8 Hendrik Eybers, 7 Tyron Hand, 6 Anthony Smith, 5 Zandre van der Schyff, 4 Xavier Ungerer, 3 Liam Davidtz, 2 Aiden Mazirel, 1 Henre Oosthuizen.

Ligbron: 15 Khaya Mahlangu, 14 Landulwasi Nkosi, 13 Qgawe Lukhele, 12 Sithelo Zikhali, 11 Asanda Mabuza, 10 Anele Ngwenya, 9 Diean Swart, 8 Kyle Alves, 7 Vannie Fourie, 6 Ayanda Mkwebane, 5 Sinothele Madonsela, 4 Arno Koekemoer, 3 Mpho Ngwenya, 2 Henco du Bruyn, 1 Tiaan Venter.

Heidelberg Volkskool vs Secunda at 12:20 in Heidelberg:

Heidelberg Volkskool: 15 Kayle Venter, 14 Tristan la Grange, 13 Rhys Thompson, 12 Ruduwaan Rodgers, 11 Jeandre Kleinhans, 10 Joshua Booysen, 9 AJ Engelbrecht, 8 Dian La Grange, 7 Daniel Jordaan, 6 Christiaan Jordaan, 5 Joshua Munro, 4 Daniel Munro, 3 Hanre Strydom, 2 Lian Pelzer, Botshelo Mortsepe.

Secunda: 15 Ethan Coetzee, 14 Tiaan Delarey, 13 Ryan Erasmus, 12 Tian Steyn, 11 Luan Lottering, 10 Jean du Toit, 9 Jarno Haaroff, 8 Mike Pretorius, 7 Hanre Hattingh, 6 Sibusiso Ngubane, 5 Armand Kwooitz, 4 Bakkies Bezuidenhout, 3 Tumelo Mtshali, 2 Lie-Chaen Muller, 1 Jayden Schnuir.

Lichtenburg vs Ben Vorster at 12:30 in Lichtenburg:

Lichtenburg: 15 Collen Peraira, 14 Johandre van der Walt, 13 Lukie Benson, 12 Antonio Vasjel, 11 Tiaan Crowther, 10 Albert Joubert, 9 Willem van Niekerk, 8 Dries Scheepers, 7 Tiaan Booysen, 6 DG Jacobs, 5 John Kleynhans, 4 GJ Malan, 3 Ockie Lotriet, 2 Eddie du Preez, 1 JJ Jonker.

Ben Vorster: 15 Neo Sephuma, 14 Ruan Sutherland, 13 Tihandre Reyneke, 12 Chadwin Storm, 11 Damian Bye, 10 Divan Spangenberg, 9 Cilliers van Heerden, 8 Aza Mabe, 7 Laython Nel, 6 Mias Koen, 5 Aldo Blignaut, 4 Nkateko Phakula, 3 Meyer Jacobs, 2 Christopher Jansen van Vuuren, 1 Chris Snyman.

Jeugland vs Oos-Moot at 13:40 in Kempton Park:

Jeugland: 15 Thando Ngomane, 14 Billy Rheeder, 13 Lynghe Pretorius, 12 Jacques du Plessis, 11 Oregophotse Shilubane, 10 Hassan Ruhongole, 9 Nhlanhla Ndlovu, 8 Relebohile Letlala, 7 Siyanda Mbanjwa, 6 Rynardt Olivier, 5 Sharon Nsenda, 4 Shamma Senda, 3 Mundilu Emeraude, 2 Devan de Jager, 1 Keana Watson.

Oos-Moot: 15 Jeandre de Bruyn, 14 Jaydon La Douce, 13 Ewald Wolmarans, 12 Ruwan Allen, 11 Van Zyl Myburgh, 10 Charl van der Sluis, 9 Jacques Benade, 8 Deon Badenhorst, 7 Wade Williams, 6 Bertus van Dyk, 5 Jaydon Botha, 4 Connor de Jager, 3 Gristian Smith, 2 Ryan Scott, 1 Braam Bezuidenhout.

 

Die Griekwaland-Wes en Griffon-streke se onderskeie ligas bereik hierdie naweek hul eindpunt.

In die Griekwas se mediumskole afdeling speel Curro Kathu en Hartswater teen mekaar in die eindstryd terwyl Postmasburg en Namakwaland meeding vir die kleinskole titel. Hierdie wedstryde vind Saterdag by die Windhoek Draught Park in Kimberley plaas.

In Welkom, by die Rovers Rugby Klub, veg Wilgerivier en Bothaville dit uit vir die Griffons mediumskole-titel, terwyl Vrede en Hoopstad mekaar die stryd aansê in die ander eindstryd.

Die wenners van hierdie wedstryde beweeg dan ook aan na die Kovsiereeks halfeindstryd, waar hulle teen mekaar, en twee spanne in elke liga uit die Vrystaat uit sal meeding.

Curro Kathu lyk nog onstuitbaar hierdie jaar nadat hulle ‘n begeesterde Hopetown kon inperk om ‘n plek in die eindstryd oop te speel deur om met 28-17 te wen.

Die senterpaar van Julius Mhzaza en Rehaden van Wyk blyk om ‘n probleem vir hul teenstanders te wees, met hierdie twee wat weekliks punte bydra vir die span van Kathu.

Mhzaza kon hierdie naweek weer met twee doelskoppe slaag, ‘n verantwoordelikheid wat hy met sy loskakel, Leighton Hopshire, deel.

Hopshire kon ook twee drieë vervyf, en Van Wyk kon weer agter die doellyn gaan draai.

Hartswater het in hul halfeindstryd teen Hoërskool Kathu danksy twee drieë deur hul senter, Tshiamo Tsiane, met 27-12 geseëvier.

Onder die leiding van hul kaptein en losskakel, Emmanuel van der Merwe, kon die manne van Postmasburg vyf drieë teen die span van De Aar in te ryg in hul halfeindstryd.

Namakwaland moes sweet in die hardste wedstryd van die naweek om vir Douglas uit die eindstryd uit te hou met ‘n 24-19 sege.

Bothaville het ook hard gewerk vir hul plek in die eindstryd met ‘n 24-19 oorwinning teen Ficksburg.

Op die ou end was dit die nege punte deur hul losskakel, Alex du Pisani, se betroubare skopskoen wat die verskil tussen hulle en die manne van Ficksburg kon maak.

Wilgerivier se blitsige vleuel, Thlompo Motsapi, kon ‘n driekuns teen die uitdagers uit Ladybrand aanteken en sy buitesenter, Marnus Swart, kon ook twee maal agter die doellyn gaan draai om hul span na ‘n 56-25 sege te lei.

Vrede en Hoopstad marsjeer voort in die kleinskole liga , na Vrede kon uithou om vir Hennenman 18-12 te verslaan, en Hoopstad vir Paul Erasmus met ‘n omvattende vertoning 73-23 kon wegsien.

Theo van Zyl, Vrede se groot slot, kon twee van sy span span se drieë aanteken.

In die Hoopstad wedstryd was daar drie spelers wat twee drieë elk kon druk, met die twee flanke, AB Muller en Jurgens Human, asook Arrie Ferreira, die losskakel, wie elkeen ‘n skof kon aanteken.

Die stryd tussen Vrede en Hoopstad beloof om vonke te lewer waneer die twee ontmoet vir die titel, albei spanne speel nog heel seisoen top-gehalte plattelandse rugby en dit gaan ongetwyfeld ‘n opwindende aflsuiting van ‘n spogseisoen wees.

Die spanne is:

Griekwaland-Wes eindstryd:

Curro Kathu t. Hartswater om 15:25:

Curro Kathu: 15 Luis Cassumba, 14 Timothy Isaacs, 13 Julius Muzaza, 12 Rehaden van Wyk, 11 Ashley Sickles, 10 Leighton Hopshire, 9 Marcwin Nero, 8 Ruben Wessels, 7 Zavier Magerman, 6 Lindzae Peacock, 5 De-Anzo Eilerd, 4 Biochoko Thlopele, 3 Damian Maclean, 2 Wiaan Hatting, 1 Michael Viljoen.

Hartswater: 15 Lyle Thompson, 14 Takunda Chindenga, 13 Mi-Chaelle Moeng, 12 Tshiamo Tsiane, 11 MJ Blaauw, 10 Jerome Davids, 9 Kesley Kock, 8 Ji-Andre Visser, 7 Henre Kruger, 6 Kamogelo Tshaka, 5 Nico van der Westhuizen, 4 Layton van Niekerk, 3 Tiaan Pretorius, 2 Nico van den Heever, 1 Eduardt Erasmus.

Postmasburg t. Namakwaland om 14:00:

Postmasburg:15 Lorenzo Hael, 14 Carlo de Beer, 13 Mandre Maritz, 12 Oratile Mathe, 11 Andile Tshaka, 10 Emmanuel van der Merwe, 9 Eugene Makhubedu, 8 Schalk van Wyk, 7 Phumezo Nel, 6 Bradley Clark, 5 Jack Nhundu, 4 Paul Murray, 3 Koketso Pule, 2 Evando Markus, 1 Bradley Mophatlheng.

Namakwaland: 15 Conway Williams, 14 Dequin van Wyk, 13 Rihaadt Cloete, 12 Jackwin Magerman, 11 Berton Visser, 10 Leorick Magerman, 9 Mikhail Afrikaner, 8 Petro Raven, 7 Markwin Kordom, 6 Pieter van der Walt, 5 Logan Karstens, 4 Paul Earlio, 3 Dequin Engelbrecht, 2 Zander Coleman, 1 Chad-Lee Jansen.

Griffons Platteland eindstryd:

Wilgerivier t. Bothaville om 15:10:

Wilgerivier: 15 Jonty Graaff, 14 Thlompo Motsapi, 13 Marnus Swart, 12 Tiaan Hattingh, 11 Ersnt Richter, 10 Wian Muller, 9 HG Muller, 8 Jean-Pierre Prinsloo, 7 Ruan Mayer, 6 JD van den Berg, 5 Tom van der Watt, 4 Juan de Klerk, 3 Zernich van Zyl, 2 Louis de Villiers, 1 Gerhart Venter.

Bothaville: 15 Hanru Coetzee, 14 Josh Petersen-de Andrade, 13 Joshua Scholtz, 12 Tohan Taljaard, 11 Tshepo Nteo, 10 Alex du Pisani, 9 Hanco van der Merwe, 8 Andre Eloff, 7 Edrian Erasmus, 6 Hanco van der Walt, 5 Neo Mosolodi, 4 Johan Swanepoel, 3 Ruan Meyer, 2 GJ Papenfus, 1 Schalk Engelbrecht.

Vrede t. Hoopstad om 13:40:

Vrede: 15 Awie Viljoen, 14 Henco Crouse, 13 Skosana Lesolang, 12 Wynand Engelbrecht, 11 Nichaelin Patrick, 10 Ewan Luus, 9 Charl Cilliers, 8 Wikus Fourie, 7 Nathan Venter, 6 Thabang Motaung, 5 Theo van Zyl, 4 Du Toit Neethling, 3 Paul du Plessis, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Adriaan Mostert.

Hoopstad: 15 Busi Mfebe, 14 Corne Wilsnach, 13 Hennie Barnard, 12 Abrie van Zyl, 11 Michael Steyn, 10 Arrie Ferreira, 9 Edward Graham, 8 Adam Barnad, 7 AB Muller, 6 Jurgens Human, 5 Christiaan Liebenberg, 4 AP Meyer, 3 Hano Botha, 2 Ruben Enslin, 1 Pieter Vosloo.

 

In celebration of Women’s Day on 9 August, eNanda township in the province of KwaZulu Natal, MJ Sports hosted the ‘Here for Her” soccer games. 

Inanda Divas were crowned the inaugural champions of the tournament topping the group with seven points. Inanda Divas’ impressive win came against Mortality Ladies FC, when they were defeated by 8-0. 

Inanda Divas also defeated Lacoste Ladies by 3-0. Junior Classic Ladies were the only team not to concede a goal against the full attacking force of Inanda Ladies. However, that did not stop the Inanda Ladies from winning the championship. 

Junior Classic Ladies were the only threatening side to the champions, Inanda Divas. Junior Classic Ladies lost the trophy by a goal difference as they tied the champions with seven points after two impressive wins and a goalless draw with their rivals in the chase of glory. 

The director of MJ Sports, Mfanakuthi Myeni said, the event was a success despite having two teams that pulled at the last minute. Having to adjust, the tournament ended up with a single group made of four teams. 

“Nonetheless, football won at the end of the day”, Myeni said. 

Each team was also rewarded with 30 sanitary pads as a token of appreciation to all the young girls who participated in the tournament. 

Tournament Honors:

Top Goalscorer: Akhona Hlela (6 goals) 

Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Amanda Nyoka of Inanda Divas walked away as the goalkeeper of the tournament without conceding a goal. 

Player of the Tournament: Kamva Mqoboli