Hoërskool Eldoraigne‘s Director of Hockey, Chadwin Petersen, says preparations for their annual 2nd Team Hockey Festival for 2025 are well underway, with 36 teams confirmed to participate in next year’s event.
The event takes place from 28-31 March, with matches being played at the Pretoria school’s AstroTurf.
The festival has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2022, which makes the 2025 iteration the fourth edition of the event.
Taking a leaf out of an idea very successfully implemented at the Fairweather Hockey Festival in KwaZulu-Natal, the event gives much-needed exposure to second-team boys’ and girls’ hockey players from schools around the Gauteng region and further afield in the northern regions of the country.
“The drive ultimately was to grow the game beyond the first or A team senior level in the traditional sense,” Petersen told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“We wanted to prove that sport and hockey are for everyone, and if we could find the means to create an elite tournament for second teams, this will give the same feel and vibe as what the major tournaments create around the country.”
The festival takes place amidst a busy schedule of first-team tournaments in the early part of the season, and it has attracted some noteworthy participants.
Among the top schools that will contest next year’s festival are Jeppe High School for Boys, Hoërskool Garsfontein, Helpmekaar College, St Alban’s College, Die Hoërskool Menlopark, and Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool.
This year, Affies won the girls’ section, while Jeppe claimed the top honours in the boys’ competition.
The tournament has been well received by the schools and parents and serves as an important building block for the players.
“One thing we’ve seen is the passion and pride that goes into each individual that represents their school,” Petersen said. “This event allows them to be treated like ‘elite’ players and gives them the platform to bring their best.”
It creates an opportunity for players in either their last year of school hockey or for those who narrowly missed out on first-team selection, to lay a foundation for their season, he explained.
Despite the success of previous editions of the festival, Petersen is adamant that there’s a lot to improve on from an organisational point of view.
“We always believe in adding value and creating an unforgettable experience for the players and staff on and off the field,” he explained.
“With a number of partners secured for 2025, that will be no different. An increase in interactive activities taking place throughout the day will keep players and staff engaged and entertained.
“One of the main features of the festival is no game will end up in a draw. If teams end up in a stalemate, they will share the points; however, there will be an extra point on offer in a three-player shootout post the game to acquire an additional point,” he concluded.
Hoërskool Eldoraigne Hockey Festival 2025 Pools
Boys
Pool A: Jeppe High School for Boys, Helpmekaar Kollege, Hoërskool Waterkloof, Potchefstroom Gimnasium
Pool B: Die Hoërskool Menlopark, St Alban’s College, Hoërskool Linden, Hoërskool Nelspruit
Pool C: Hoërskool Louis Trichardt, Hoërskool Garsfontein, Hoërskool Eldoraigne, Hoërskool Kemptonpark
Pool D: Sutherland High School, Hoërskool Zwartkop, Hoërskool Pietersburg, Hoërskool EG Jansen
Girls
Pool A: Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool, Hoërskool Eldoraigne, Hoërskool Zwartkop, Hoërskool EG Jansen, Hoërskool Louis Trichardt
Pool B: Die Hoërskool Menlopark, Hoërskool Pietersburg, Parktown High School for Girls, Sutherland High School, Hoërskool Nelspruit
Kwena Maphaka of the Proteas celebrates the wicket of Dinura Kalupahana of Sri Lanka during the ICC u19 Men’s World Cup 2024, Super Six match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at JB Marks Oval on 2 February 2024, in Potchefstroom. Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images.
It was only a matter of time before Kwena Maphaka pulled on the test whites for South Africa.
The Lions‘ left-arm fast bowler, a grade 12 learner from St Stithians College, has been handed a maiden test call-up for the second test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha.
Maphaka cracked the nod in place of the injured Gerald Coetzee, who suffered a groin strain on the fourth day of the first test at Kingsmead in Durban, which South Africa won by 233 runs.
Maphaka’s inclusion comes in the same year as his record-breaking T20 debut, which saw him become the youngest South African player to don the green and goldat the age of 18 years and 137 days to improve the record previously held by fellow St Stithians‘ old boy, Kagiso Rabada, the long-time spearhead of the Proteas’ test bowling line-up, who debuted at the age of 19.
Maphaka doesn’t have a lot of red-ball experience. That’s an understatement. He has, in fact, played only one first-class game for the Lions, against the Warriors, at The Wanderers. He must have, however, impressed the red-ball coach, Shukri Conrad, and the selectors enough, with returns of 3/24 in the first innings and 3/54 in the second innings to help the Lions to a comfortable 200-run victory.
Conrad is no stranger when it comes to guiding youngsters out of their comfort zone. Although the young quick might be on drinks duty only during the second test, to get a feel for the test set-up, the possibility exists that he could make his test debut in a partnership with Saints’ Old Boy, Rabada.
The second test starts on 5 December and will be played at St George’s Park in Gqerberha, where test victories have been hard to come by for the hosts.
South Africa’s last test victory at the venue was back in 2022 when they thumped Bangladesh with 322 runs. Before that, they tasted success four years earlier in the “Sandpapergate” series against Australia, winning by six wickets.
Playing at two of the Jacaranda City’s best venues, St Alban’s College and Tuks, 16 regional teams will compete over five days from 10-14 December, contesting five 50-over matches each.
The regions are divided into two groups based on their performances over the last couple of years, with the promotion and relegation matches, which will determine 2025’s groups, taking place on the last day.
The Platinum Group clash on the first day at the Tuks Oval between the hosts, the Titans, and Boland, from down south, will set the tone for the week. Gauteng will be challenged by one of the dark horses, Eastern Province, on the same day.
On day two, KwaZulu-Natal supporters will be licking their lips with the province’s sub-unions, KwaZulu-Natal Coastal and KwaZulu-NatalInland, facing off, also on the Tuks Oval. Both will already have a tough encounter under the belt, with Coastal facing Western Province and Inland testing their skills against the Garden Route Badgers on day one.
Free State, who were relegated to the Gold Group from the Platinum Group in 2023, will aim to open their account on a positive note against Kei. The showdown between Easterns and Mpumalanga is expected to be the highlight of the Gold Group action on day one. They’ll be duelling on Tuks C. Northern Cape‘s challengers will be North West, while a strong Limpopo side faces a serious test from Border.
Matches are scheduled to begin at 09:00 every day.
Groups
Platinum
Pool A: KZN Coastal, KZN Inland, Western Province, Garden Route Badgers. Pool B: Titans, Gauteng, Eastern Province, Boland.
Gold
Pool A: Free State, Easterns, Mpumalanga, Kei. Pool B: North West, Border, Northern Cape, Limpopo.
Fixtures:
Day One – 10 December 2024
KZN Inland vs Garden Route Badgers (St Alban’s – Oval 1)
KZN Coastal vs Western Province (St Alban’s 2)
Eastern Province vs Gauteng (St Alban’s 3)
Titans vs Boland (Tuks 1 – Oval)
Free State vs Kei (Tuks B)
Easterns vs Mpumalanga (Tuks C)
North West vs Northern Cape (Tuks D)
Border vs Limpopo (Tuks E)
Day Two – 11 December 2024
Titans vs Eastern Province (St Alban’s 1 – Oval)
Gauteng vs Boland (St Alban’s 2)
Free State vs Mpumalanga (St Alban’s 3)
KZN Coastal vs KZN Inland (Tuks 1 – Oval)
Garden Route Badgers vs Western Province (Tuks B)
North West vs Limpopo (Tuks C)
Northern Cape vs Border (Tuks D)
Kei vs Easterns (Tuks E)
Day Three – 12 December 2024
Titans vs Gauteng (St Alban’s 1 – Oval)
KZN Coastal vs Garden Route Badgers (St Alban’s 2)
North West vs Border (St Alban’s 3)
KZN Inland vs Western Province (Tuks 1 – Oval)
Free State vs Easterns (Tuks 2)
Mpumalanga vs Kei (Tuks C)
Eastern Province vs Boland (Tuks D)
Northern Cape vs Limpopo (Tuks E)
The Dolphins named Ross Coetzee their captain for the forthcoming Khaya Majola Week. The Kearsney College captain enjoyed a spectacular and record-breaking year with the bat. He has been a part of the Dolphins’ set-up from u11 and has represented the province through all the age groups. He played in the 2023 Khaya Majola Week and was picked for the Cubs Week at the beginning of the year.
Coetzee boasts a track record of lifting silverware with the sides he leads. He has a bright future in the game and hopes to represent his country in the future.
“Ross is a thinker of the game and understands what needs to be done, and, most importantly for him, it’s about the team winning the game, so he must bat for them,” Duzi Mbatha, the Dolphins’ assistant coach said.
Captain Ross Coetzee acknowledges the applause after scoring a century against Hilton College in his 100th match for the Kearsney College 1st XI. Photo: Hannah Shirley.
A thin layer of fibreglass tape close to the toe-end of his bat tells you that Ross Coetzee has used it as a digging tool to repel yorkers. The face of the blade is blood red. It’s as if Coetzee tried his hand at painting on it, targeting the middle to lower part of his bat.
However, Coetzee is no painter. He prefers fishing over wielding a paintbrush. The red region on his bat is evidence of the thousands of balls Coetzee has middled while decimating bowling attacks.
On 12 October 2024, Coetzee unknowingly recreated Walter Crane’s illustration of a young King Arthur holding up the Excalibur. The young man stood in the middle of the pitch, facing his team’s dugout, his battle-worn bat in one hand and helmet in the other. Like King Arthur, Coetzee had vanquished the opposition on his way to a century in his 100th first-team match for Kearsney College.
If one considers underarm bowling and gentle half-trackers as coaching, Coetzee’s first coach was his father, Lourens. The older Coetzee has no cricket background and possesses only a fan’s understanding of the game. Nonetheless, Lourens threw hundreds of balls after work, on weekends, and during holidays to his son.
“How do you decide that you are not going to have a weekend? Ross loves cricket so much that he plays on Saturday and Sunday. He has always been like this. As a child, he just wanted me to throw balls at him all the time,” Lourens recalled.
Those moments are imprinted on Ross Coetzee’s mind. “I remember when my dad was throwing balls to me, and I was hitting them with the baseball bat.”
Lourens’ dedication and their backyard did not meet Coetzee’s needs as a budding cricketer. The father quickly realised that his son required more and went to a local indoor cricket centre and asked if they could join it.
Instead of being buried by the wave of talent he encountered, Coetzee thrived in his new surroundings. Playing in a stream of talented and driven youngsters fed into his desire to excel. He rode the wave. In 2018, he was selected for the title-winning South Africa u13 indoor team that defeated Australia in the Indoor Cricket World Cup final in Christchurch, New Zealand.
That team’s triumph marked the first time that Australia had been beaten at u13 level. Coetzee and company became the first South African team to be crowned world champions of indoor cricket. That side included Lhuan-Dre Pretorius and 2023 Kearsney College captain Hayden Bishop. However, having some of the most talented youngsters of his generation in that line-up didn’t mean that Coetzee rode his teammates’ coattails. He did so well that he was voted the third most valuable player of the tournament.
Future Kearsney College 1st XI captains, Hayden Bishop and Ross Coetzee, helped the South African u13 team win the Indoor Cricket World Cup in 2018.
There was a touch of Barry Richards in the manner in which Coetzee was going about business. The legendary Durbanite was like a video game that had two modes: easy and expert.
The easy mode was like the autopilot version of Richards, which he engaged when facing lesser bowling attacks. He switched on to expert when up against the best bowlers of his time. He was hard to dismiss in either mode.
Despite conditions being different from what Coetzee was used to, none of the bowlers he faced could dismiss him. They were playing cricket in a park in India. The pitch was devoid of any grass. It was completely bare. Instead of a regular cricket ball, they were using a heavier tennis ball. The Bengaluru temperatures were also higher than he was accustomed to in Durban.
If those differences were not enough, there were also 10 other matches taking place around his. The constant action and noise were enough to distract any batsman. Coetzee, though, was locked in easy mode during the early part of his knock., However, he had to engage expert mode as better bowlers gravitated to his side’s pitch. Word had gotten around that no one could dismiss him.
Lourens took his son to India because he felt that Coetzee needed to experience cricket in one of the biggest cricketing nations in the world. However, park cricket was not their raison d’etre in Bengaluru. Coetzee was a member of the Carter Cricket Academy team that was on tour to the subcontinental nation for an eight-team tournament.
The teams competed in two T20 and seven 50-over contests. As he did with the u13 side, Coetzee led his team to the title.
“Ross is a special player,” Sam Mofokeng, the Dolphins’ u19 coach stated.
Mofokeng’s assessment is not based on Coetzee’s trip to India. The Dolphins’ coach didn’t watch that series of matches. However, he is aware of what the Kearsney learner has been doing on the local scene. In March 2022, Coetzee was adjudged to be the Dolphins Castle Corner Bash’s Youth Player of the Tournament. The showpiece features Hollywoodbets Dolphins’ professionals, Dolphins Academy players, top club players, and a select number of school boys.
A highlight was when Coetzee carved an unbeaten 37-ball 65 against a bowling attack that featured Prenelan Subrayen and Jason Smith to help his side to victory. “It was amazing to test myself against the pros and it was really cool batting with Jon-Jon Smuts, Robbie Frylink, and Slade van Staden. Jon-Jon gave me some great advice with my batting options and scoring areas, especially against left-arm spin,” Coetzee said.
Ross Coetzee receives the winner’s trophy after leading his Carter Cricket Academy team to success in India.
“Ross is one of the most complete batters I have come across. He has an excellent technique that he can rely on but his greatest strength is his explosiveness. He can destroy a bowling attack when he wants to. He is very innovative and is the complete 360-degree batter,” Matt Savage, Coetzee’s coach at Kearsney, shared.
That view is also shared by Mofokeng and Duzi Mbatha. And that is not the highest compliment that trio of coaches has paid Coetzee. The three gaffers agree that Coetzee’s greatest attribute is his coachability.
“When I first saw him, he was that kid who was constantly asking questions. He asked coaches and professional players. He hasn’t changed. He has a hunger to learn and improve,” Mofokeng explained.
When Mofokeng gave Coetzee his Dolphins Colts debut, the youngster didn’t score many runs. Instead of brooding and sulking in the dugout, Coetzee quickly removed his pads, went to sit beside his coach, and, almost immediately, asked the mentor to show him what he had done wrong.
“I have seen a lot of youngsters come through, and most of the highly talented are not coachable. This is what makes Ross stand out. It’s almost as if he doesn’t realise how talented he is,” Mofokeng said.
Coetzee’s hunger to grow and develop is the reason why he is Kearsney’s all-time leading run-scorer for the first team in a calendar year, with 1 463 runs at an average of 63.6 in 2024. He surpassed the record set by his long-time friend Hayden Bishop, who made 1 428 runs last year.
In celebration of a meaningful milestone, Ross Coetzee rang the AH Smith Oval’s bell after scoring a century in his 100th match for the Kearsney College 1st XI.
Cricket is a sport with a high failure rate. Most batsmen fail more than they succeed, and so do bowlers. Most of them fail in landmark innings. A handful chalk up outstanding performances in milestone matches. However, for Coetzee, dedication and years of learning from failure culminated in him registering a century in his 100th match for the Kearsney 1st XI.
“There was a matric thing for our grade on the Friday before my 100th match, but I didn’t go because I wanted to have the best chance the Saturday for my game,” Coetzee shared.
Hilton College batted first, and Kearsney was in the match for most of the contest. However, Kearsney collectively felt a sense of dread as Hilton creamed 100 runs in the last seven overs of their innings.
“I remember saying to Mr Savage that all Hilton’s late surge means is there are more runs to score,” Coetzee recalled.
In the middle, he drove like Kohli, smashed spin like Heinrich Klaasen, employed Chris Gayle’s hitting and striking ability, and engaged AB de Villiers’ 360 batting as he motored to an incredible ton, on his way to leading his team to victory. He embodied his cricket heroes as he went about his business. It was fitting that he did so with his favourite bat.
“Yousuf, from KH, gave it to me because they noticed that it had a hole in the side after it came through customs. The hole made it unsellable and he gave it to me for free,” said Coetzee.
He used it in the nets for a while before he promoted it to club and school matches. Coetzee has scored a lot of runs with it. It is as if the bat was made for him, just like King Arthur and the Excalibur.
The former Pearson first team coach makes the switch having spent two years at the Gqeberha school.
During his tenure at Pearson, he carved out a fresh identity, introduced his unorthodox philosophy, and built teams that competed against some of the country’s best.
Phillips was also heavily involved with the SA u16 boys’ team after the SASHOC National Week, which was won by Boland.
He brings a wealth of experience to Grey College, which is aiming to reach higher heights in South African schoolboy hockey.
“I’m thrilled and deeply thankful for this exciting new opportunity,” Phillips told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“Embarking on a fresh journey always comes with a mix of emotions, but, for me, it’s primarily about embracing the chance to grow and take on new challenges.
“While I’ve greatly valued my time here [at Pearson] and built a deep connection with the community, this opportunity aligns perfectly with my aspirations to embrace new challenges and expand my horizons. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right step forward for me and my family.”
Coach Dalan Phillips led Pearson during the 2024Tony Godding Festival in East London. Photo: Elschke (Pearson High)
Phillips will assume responsibility for a hockey programme that has been well-developed through all age groups and is already firing on all cylinders.
In 2024, the Grey College 1st XI was one of the top teams in the country, and Phillips will have a sound foundation to build upon in 2025.
“This opportunity offers a platform to work in an environment where excellence is not only encouraged but expected,” he said.
“My aim is to build on the programme’s existing achievements while introducing innovative ideas to drive continuous improvement.
“Ultimately, my goal is to leave a meaningful legacy by empowering both players and coaches to reach their full potential.”
The coach also had a message for Pearson, the school’s players and the parents, who supported his vision during his two-year stint.
“I’ve been privileged to work with a good group of athletes and had the backing of the entire staff, which made my job a little easier.
“The boys I’ve coached have shown immense dedication and growth. I’m confident they’ll continue to thrive under the solid foundation we’ve built together,” he ended.
Mia Loizides scored five times in Central Gauteng’s 12-10 victory over Western Province in the girls’ u19A final of the 2023 Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament. Photo: Brad Morgan.
The Central Gauteng girls’ u19 A team to contest the 2024 Schools Water-polo South Africa Inter-Provincial (IPT) in East London, from 7 until 11 December, is, on paper, a powerful outfit.
Four Stithians College girls are in the 13-player squad: Courtney Calenborne, Tori Tanner-Ellis, Emily Carle, and Isabella Imbriolo, who was awarded the Best Defender at the Saints Invitational Tournament.
Saints finished fourth in that event, which took place at the end of October, after going down 3-5 to Herschel in the third-place playoff.
At the beginning of October, St Stithians won the Parktown Spring Sports Festival, edging out Reddam House Bedfordview 3-1 in a penalty shootout after the teams had finished regulation time level at 4-4.
Boksburg’s St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls provides two players, Ruby Carlson and Ogechi McMurray. St Mary’s Waverley has also contributed two players, Amy Smith and Julia Joseph, to the lineup, while Anastasia Hambakis, from Reddam House Bedfordview, cracked the nod, too.
Roedean, the winners of the Saints Invitational, has three players in the squad, namely Francesca de Villiers, Mia Loizides, and Emma Pelicot. Loizides was a key performer for Central Gauteng when they won the 2023 IPT, scoring five of their 12 goals in a narrow 12-10 win over Western Province in the final.
In September, Loizides, Hambakis, Smith, and McMurray represented South Africa at the World Aquatics Women’s u18 Water Polo Championships in Chengdu, China.
Saints’ Courtney Calenborne, who was named to the All-Star Team after the Saints Invitational, will be playing in a Central Gauteng A team for a sixth consecutive year. Reflecting on that achievement, she told SuperSport Schools Plus: “This achievement not only highlights my commitment but my dedication and passion for the sport. Being chosen for such a prestigious tournament is a significant milestone in my water polo journey.”
She added that she is “looking forward to competing against the top provincial water polo players in South Africa” as it will test her skills and performance while improving her self-confidence and personal growth within the sport.
The Central Gauteng girls’ u18 side with head coach Kelsey Thomson during the final of the Currie Cup in East London. Photo: Shot by Shani Photography.
Preparations for the IPT are going well, Calenborne said, and the team is gelling. “I am thoroughly enjoying training and collaborating with my teammates, learning from our coach Kelsey Thompson, who is an outstanding South African water polo player, and it is such an honour,” she added.
“Kelsey has a profound ability to refine our skills, and keep us motivated and fit while building on team chemistry with one another as we work together on our goals.”
Saints’ captain Tori Tanner-Ellis said she was ecstatic to be selected to represent the province. “I felt extremely grateful and accomplished,” she shared. “The u19 A team is a very experienced and talented team and I was extremely happy to be selected to be part of that team.”
Tanner-Ellis is an experienced player at inter-provincial level and will be participating in her fourth IPT. She was a member of the Central Gauteng u16A team, which claimed the national title. As a member of the u15 squad, she won a silver medal, while Central Gauteng finished in third place when she played in the u14 age group.
Emily Carle echoed Tanner-Ellis when she said being selected for the Central Gauteng u19A team was a great honour. “It’s something I’ve worked hard to achieve,” she explained. “Being part of such a talented group is amazing, and I’m excited to represent my province at this level. This opportunity inspires me to keep improving and give my absolute best in and out of the pool.”
She added: “This isn’t my first IPT, but it’s still a privilege to be selected. My previous IPT experiences were unforgettable. I learned so much and grew as a player.”
Turning to the forthcoming event, she concluded: “This year feels special because it’s another chance to represent my province, take on strong competition, and contribute to the team’s success. I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned in the past and make this tournament the best one yet.”
The fourth member of the Saints’ quartet, Isabella Imbriolo, weighed in: “I feel honoured to represent my province and play at the highest level within schools in South Africa. This is my sixth IPT, and I’ve always enjoyed experiencing the different provinces and watching polo, all while building a bond with my team over the years. It’s always a lot of fun and a great learning curve.”
Central Gauteng A kicks off their title defence on 7 December against the hosts, Buffalo City. They face Western Province A in a key clash on 8 December, and then tackle a a double-header, playing KwaZulu-Natal and Nelson Mandela Bay on 9 December.
Central Gauteng Pool Stages Fixtures:
7 Dec: Central Gauteng A vs Buffalo City A
8 Dec: Western Province A vs Central Gauteng A
9 Dec: Central Gauteng vs KwaZulu Natal
9 Dec: Nelson Mandela Bay vs Central Gauteng
Central Gauteng U19A Girls
Courtney Calenborne (St Stithians), Emily Carle (St Stithians), Ruby Carlson (St Dominic’s), Lucy Davis (Kingsmead), Francesca de Villiers (Roedean), Anastasia Hambakis (Reddam Bedfordview), Isabella Imbriolo (St Stithians), Julia Joseph (St Mary’s), Mia Loizides (Roedean), Ogechi McMurray (St Dominic’s), Emma Pelicot (Roedean), Amy Smith (St Mary’s), Tori Tanner-Ellis (St Stithians)
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Regardt Kleingeld, nuut aangestelde rugby direkteur van Potchefstroom Gimnasium.
Regardt Kleingeld gaan die skilderagtige Stellenbosch verruil vir Potchefstroom wanneer hy hom by vanjaar se Bowl-kampioen in die SDC Noordvaal Cup, Potchefstroom Gimnasium, aansluit as die nuwe direkteur van rugby.
Kleingeld het sedert 2020 ‘n vername rol gespeel in die ontwikkeling van Paul Roos Gimnasium se junior rugbystrukture. Alvorens die skuif na die Wes-Kaap, het hy ook diep spore by Hoërskool Ben Vorster in Tzaneen getrap.
Daar het hy, soos by Paul Roos, die o.15- en o.16-spanne afgerig, waaronder ‘n paar groot name, insluitende die Goue Leeus se Voorspeler van die Jaar in vanjaar se Curriebeker-reeks, Renzo du Plessis, vir die Vossies uitgedraf het.
Gedurende sy tyd in Limpopo was hy, tesame met sy goeie reputasie as afrigter, ook een van die provinsie se voorste skeidsregters en het hy menige groot skole- en klubwedstryde behartig.
In sy vier jaar op Stellenbosch het Kleingeld met twee onoorwonne seisoene in sy vier jaar as afrigter en indrukwekkende oorwinnings oor die magtige Grey Kollege van Bloemfontein, in 2022, 2023 en 2024 op junior vlak, gespog. Hy en mede afrigter, Cobus Grobler, was dus van die min afrigters in die land wat die Bloemfonteiners, weg en tuis kom klop.
Kleingeld en Grobler se rekord spreek van self, met slegs drie nederlae en een gelykop uitslag in die vier jaar wat die duo saam afgerig het.
Hy was ook deel van die afrigtingspaneel wat vanjaar SA Rugby se o. 16 hoë-prestasie oefenkamp na die jaarlikse Grant Khomo-week gelei het. In sy vrye tyd het hy sy liefde vir afrigting voortgesit deur vir Dagbreek Manskoshuis van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch se o. 20-span tot twee agtereenvolgende titels in 2023 en 2024 te neem.
Sy hope ervaring en rugbykennis is beslis ‘n groot aanwins vir die Potchefstromers, verál met die oog daarop om hul Noordvaal-titel in 2025 suksesvol te verdedig, asook die wortel voor die neus wat promosie na die kompetisie se Skild-afdeling betref.
“Ons is opgewonde om Gimmies se nuutaangestelde rugby-direkteur aan die Gimmie-gemeenskap bekend te stel. Regardt en sy gesin verruil die een Gimnasuim vir die ander. Hy was sedert 2020 by Paul Roos Gimnasium betrokke. Ons sien uit dat hy deel van die Gimmie-familie gaan word,” lees die Gimmies se Facebook-plasing.
Kleingeld sê hy is baie opgewonde vir die nuwe uitdaging en dat hy niks minder as oneindige dankbaarheid vir almal by die “Roos” het nie.
“Potchefstroom Gimnasium was nog altyd ‘n sterk skool gewees en ek sien uit om by hulle aan te sluit en, nie net goeie rugbyspelers, maar ook goeie jong manne, deur alles was ek geleer het, te kweek,” het Kleingeld bygevoeg.
The much-anticipated annual event, which features boys’ and girls’ competition in the u13, u14, u15, u16, and u19 age groups, runs from 7-11 December. The u19 matches will be played at the Joan Harrison Swimming Pools.
Province are the favourites to win the u19 title alongside Central Gauteng A and KwaZulu-Natal. However, Buffalo Cityand Nelson Mandela Bay will not be a walk in the park. Playing in familiar waters, they’ll be eager to upset the usual title challengers.
Melling-Williams is one of the returning stars from last year’s group that claimed gold in Gqeberha. In that tournament, Province was led by coach Jabulani Sibiya and dominated during the pool stages, seemingly scoring goals at will.
A lot has changed since that final, and it’s an almost revamped Province team that will take to the pool in this year’s event. Only five players, including Melling-Williams, have survived from 2023.
“The team is extremely excited to get going at IPT this year,” Melling-Williams told SuperSport Schools Plus. “After successful school seasons all around for the boys, IPT provides one last bite at the cherry for a gold medal this year.
“The preparation has been intense and proper under the dedicated guidance of our coach, Jabulani Sibiya. We’ve been training really hard and are now preparing for the last push in the build-up to tournament time.”
A noticeable absentee from the Province team is goalkeeper Jordan De Sousa, who has been an influential presence for both Bishops, and Western Province throughout his water polo career, and who was selected for the SA Schools side after last year’s IPT.
Melling-Williams is not naïve and recognised that De Sousa’s shoes are going to be tough to fill, but he backed the goalkeepers selected to get the job done.
The Western Province u19 boys’ during the 2024 Currie Cup tournament in East London. Photo: Shot by Shani Photography
“Yes, Jordan is missing out this year. However, our goalkeepers, Pierre Du Plessis and Adam Lawrence, are some of the best in the country,” he insisted.
“The team has full belief and confidence in their abilities to keep our opponent’s scores low.”
Province’s last proper outing as a unit was at the Currie Cup in March, which was also hosted in Buffalo City.
There, Melling-Williams and his teammates didn’t quite live up to expectations and finished with the bronze medal after losing to Central Gauteng in the semifinals.
The skipper believes he and his team have learnt from that disappointing tournament and they will not replicate some of the mistakes they made there.
“The Currie Cup was a bit of a disappointment for our WP side earlier this year,” he acknowledged. “That is now in the past, though, and we’ve definitely taken lessons from that experience, which will hopefully stand us in good stead coming into the IPT.
“I think the main lesson learnt was probably the need to be awake and focused throughout the entirety of every game. Drop-offs in this regard can easily swing results out of your favour.”
The Western Province team is stacked with matric learners out for a last hurrah. Playing in their last Schools Water Polo South Africa Interprovincial Tournament alongside the skipper are Ross Stewart (vc), Adam October, Arkin Marias, Nicholas Fall, Pierre du Plessis, Bradley Warneke, Thomas Truter, Zack Cicero, Mac Lecuona, and Matthew De Villiers.
Zack Cicero is among the players playing their final IPT for Western Province. Photo: Shot by Shani Photography
“Yes, it is our ‘last dance’ for Western Province, and it has been an absolute honour to represent WP on multiple occasions throughout my polo career,” Melling-Williams added.
“I must extend a special thank you to all the people behind the scenes who work tirelessly organising kit, transport, and accommodation to make the players’ experiences so easy and enjoyable.
“Furthermore, the dedicated coaches who give up so much of their time to ensure the players are prepared to put on a show. And to the parents, who make these opportunities possible for everyone, thank you for your sacrifices!
“To end on a high note in taking home that last gold medal would be super special and a great way to finish our WP careers. It is definitely not a given, though, as the competition is fierce, but we’ll give it our best shot, that’s for sure,” he concluded.
WESTERN PROVINCE U19A SQUAD
Luke Burger, Matthew de Villiers, Pierre du Plessis, Bradley Warneke (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Zack Cicero, Nicholas Fall, Mac Lecuona, Jandro Rojo-Ross, Connor Melling-Williams (SACS), Adam October, Adam Lawrence, Arkin Marias (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Thomas Truter, and Ross Stewart (Bishops Diocesan College).
They underlined those credentials on Saturday once more when they capped off an incredible season with a second Mpumalanga title, following on their success in the 50-over Mpumalanga League, by winning the provincial final of the Schools SA20 on Saturday.
Playing away from home against Hoërskool Secunda, whom they had lost to by eight wickets earlier in the competition, Hoërskool Middelburg opted to bat first, knowing that, with runs on the board, scoreboard pressure could play a key role in the final of the T20 competition.
The home side, however, bowled well up front, keeping the Middies’ openers quiet while picking up four wickets in the first 10 overs, which, in turn, exerted heavy pressure on the visitors.
Secunda star and Khaya Majola representative, Alonzo Blankenberg, was the pick of the home team’s bowlers, snapping up 2/12 in two overs.
Luan Swart produced a similarly good spell, conceding only 10 runs from three overs while also removing the Middies’ top scorer, Wian van Heerden. Van Heerden however, inflicted significant damage before he was sent back to the pavilion. With his side struggling on 71/6, the lower-order batsman added a match-winning 33 runs, batting at just over a run a ball.
Hendre Nel seemingly loves the fight as he, too, fought back with a quickfire 23 runs, while opening batsman, Daryl Chirumitikwa, kept things together, carrying his bat for an unbeaten 23 as the trio helped the visitors to 138-7 in their 20 overs, which gave them a fair total to defend.
Then, in the field, the Middies’ strong bowling attack took matters into their own hands. The partnership between Nel (2/19) and Gavin Genis (2/12) yielded success for the umpteenth time this year.
Genis picked up two quick wickets, while Nel got rid of Blankenberg to leave the home side wobbling within the first two overs. A run out of Live Betela, by Wian van Heerden, turned the screws even tighter as the scoreboard reflected a grim 18/4 for the hosts.
Walt Vorster, batting ninth in the order, gave Secunda a glimmer of hope. He blasted five sixes and one four in an innings of 39 runs, which came off only 18 balls, before he fell victim to the pick of the Middies’ bowlers, Herman Potgieter. He put the final nail into the Secunda coffin by knocking over three of the four remaining wickets to guide the visitors to a 16-run victory.
Summarised scorecard
Hoërskool Middelburg 138/7 (Wian van Heerden 33, Hendre Nel 23, Daryl Chirumitikwa 23*; Alonzo Blankenberg 2/12); Hoërskool Secunda 122/10 (Walt Vorster 39; Herman Potgieter 3/22, Gavin Genis 2/12, Hendre Nel 2/19). Hoërskool Middelburg won by 16 runs.
Hoërskool Eldoraigne‘s Director of Hockey, Chadwin Petersen, says preparations for their annual 2nd Team Hockey Festival for 2025 are well underway, with 36 teams confirmed to participate in next year’s event.
In soccer, attackers often steal the spotlight, but it’s the defenders — the relentless protectors of the goal, who hold the line and keep teams in the game. Like the saying goes, goals win games but defences win titles.
