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Abdullah Tadwala has proven to be Hoërskool Marais Viljoen‘s most valuable asset since the start of the Easterns leg of the Schools SA20 earlier this year.

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Tadwala has performed in every match with either the bat or the ball but has outdone himself in his most recent appearance during the side from Alberton’s last encounter of the region’s round-robin stage, to help secure a semi-final spot for one of the region’s favourites.

In the match against neighbours, Alberton High School, Tadwala once again led the way with the bat. As usual, the left-hander opened the batting and looked in control from the get-go, needing only 52 deliveries to smash a scintillating 115. His knock included 17 boundaries, comprising 14 fours and three sixes.

Tadwala’s confidence spilt over into his bowling, as he spun around the home side’s batting lineup to claim figures of 3/24 in his allotted four overs.

His captain, the talented Jaden Govender, however, refused to let Tadwala have all the fun. Govender showed why is one of the highest-rated batsmen in the region as he also carved his way to a century in no time. His unbeaten 104 runs came from just 42 deliveries, striking at an astonishing rate of 247 and smashing nine fours and six sixes.

The right-arm medium pace of Riyaan Marques was the pick of the Marais Viljoen bowlers on the day. Defending a mammoth 276 courtesy of Tadwala and Govender’s efforts with the bat, Marques took three wickets conceding only 15 runs in the four overs he bowled. Alongside him, Marco Hoffman also claimed two scalps to restrict Alberton High to just 83, securing a handsome win by 193 runs.

The second semi-final berth in Pool A will be decided on Wednesday when Hoërskool Dr. EG Jansen faces the unpredictable Actionville Hub. Actionville has impressed with some serious performances, including a four-run victory over Pool A table toppers, Marais Viljoen.

Summarised scorecard:

Marais Viljoen 276/2 (Abdullah Tadwala 115*, Jaden Govender 104*, Rieshaeel Hashim 30*; Ntokozo Masuku 1/33); Alberton High School 83 (Kagiso Moholos 28; Riyaan Marques 3/15, Abdullah Tadwala 3/24, Marco Hoffman 2/23). Marais Viljoen won by 193 runs.

With the Easterns leg of the Schools SA20 competition entering the business end, Hoërskool Kempton Park made a massive push for a semi-final berth.

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The semi-finals are scheduled for the 11th and 12th of October and will serve as curtain-raisers for the CSA T20 knockout match between the Easterns Storm and AET Tuskers at Willowmoore Park, the home of Easterns Cricket.

The Kempies batsmen, in particular, fired serious warning shots ahead of the weekend’s action and yet again played a major role in their side’s unbeaten run.

Marko Richter and Shaun Nash took it upon themselves to take apart Hoërskool Dinamika‘s bowling attack after the side from Alberton initially had the Kempies in a bit of a pickle.

A fiery spell by Dinamika’s opening bowler, Jayden Smith, had the Kempies wobbling in the powerplay. Smith’s return of 2/29 in his allotted four overs had the scoreboard flashing 36-3 when Richter and Nash strode to the crease. The fallen three scalps would be the last, though, as both middle-order batsmen teed off.

Richter led the way, striking 11 fours and nine sixes for his unbeaten 123* from only 52 balls, while maintaining a very healthy strike-rate of 236.5 throughout his innings. Nash, providing quality support, also got in on the action. Needing only 43 deliveries for his 80 runs, Nash combined excellently with Richter for a 217-run partnership, leading their side to a massive 253/3 in the allotted 20 overs.

Facing up to a young and inexperienced Dinamika batting lineup, opening bowler, Kristian du Plessis, made early inroads with a remarkable return of 4/38. Captain, Wian Pieters, also delivered, claiming two wickets for only five runs, while the rest of the attack also chipped in.

Mohammed Valli appeared to be the only Dinamika batsman comfortable at the crease. Valli top-scored, looking in good nick for his 33, but was, unfortunately, the only batter to make it past the 20 mark as the side from Alberton was bundled out for 76, falling 175 runs short of the required target.

St Benedict’s are the other likely favourites in Pool B to qualify for the semi-finals. The Bennies have won three out of their four games, one less than pool leaders, Kempton Park.

Summarised scorecards:  

Hoërskool Kempton Park 253/3 (Marko Richter 123*, Shaun Nash 80*; Jayden Smith 2/29); Dinamika 76 (Mohammed Valli 33; Kristian du Plessis 4/38, Wian Pieters 2/5, Francois Marais 2/32, Stian van Breda 2/18). Hoërskool Kempton Park won by 175 runs.

 

In an exclusive interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, head coach, Raymond Mdaka, discussed the recent victory of his South African u20 National Team (Amajita) at the Cosafa Championship in Mozambique.

The team secured a berth in the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, having reached the finals of the Cosafa Championship, where they will be joined by Zambia to represent the SADC region.

Mdaka attributed the team’s success to the mindset of the players; the governing body of South African football, SAFA, and the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS). The latter initiative, in collaboration with SAFA, aims to enhance youth football development in South Africa by organising regular school-based tournaments and training camps to foster the growth of football in the country.

Mdaka further expressed his optimism regarding the future of South African football, highlighting the necessity for strategic planning and ongoing development within the sport. He also noted the challenges associated with nurturing young talent, underscoring the importance of shielding them from public scrutiny due to their youth, as well as the critical role of development programs.

Speaking specifically about winning a ninth Cosafa title for South Africa, Mdaka suggested that it was an indication of football in South Africa having taken a step up to the next level.

“I would like to thank the the players, as well as the technical and support staff,” he said, adding that the most important aspect is preparation.

“We had our first camp in March, where we had a bigger pool of players, and our second camp ahead of the match against Lesotho. All those camps were in preparation of the Cosafa Cup, and, together with the friendly game against Lesotho, hugely beneficial in terms of balancing the team and playing pattern.”

During the tournament Amajita exhibited a fantastically balanced approach, scoring a remarkable 16 goals while keeping the door shut as they did not concede a single goal.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the number of goals we scored; you could sense the hunger to score,” Mdaka said. “Looking at the game against Zambia and the chances that we created, we could have actually scored more goals.

“The important thing is, when we were in possession of the ball, we were in possession with a purpose, not just for the sake of keeping possession.

“Defence is just as important, though, and I’m immensely proud of how well we defended. As a coach, that brings the stress level down and you can relax a bit.”

However, everything was not smooth sailing and there were times when the young boys had their character tested, when they had to come through as a unit even when the goals were not necessarily coming. Commenting on those difficult situations when the opposition was frustrating his team, Mdaka said the most important thing was to remain focused, as well as to allow the young boys to make mistakes but rectify them, to remain calm at all times and not lose momentum.

This team comprised a youthful but very talented group of players, which is reflected in the results and ultimately the title that they brought home. According to Mdaka it is fantastic to have such a huge pool of talent to choose from, describing it as a positive headache.

“Not knowing who to pick is always better than not having enough to pick from.”

Having clinched the Cosafa Championship, Coach Mdaka is now shifting his focus towards the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

 

It is a day the Hoërskool Eldoraigne faithful and young Benyael Morkel won’t forget in a hurry.

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Morkel delivered an innings for the ages when the Eldos hosted Hoërskool Pretoria-Noord in the B Section of the Titans Platinum League on the 1st of October.

Coming in at number seven, the all-rounder benefited from a dominant platform set up by the 238-run partnership of top-order duo, Kyle de Bruin and Johan Broekman.

Both De Bruin and Broekman recorded magnificent centuries, with De Bruin racing along for his 123 from only 83 deliveries and Broekman also batting at a brisk pace for 106, also from 83 balls.

It is not often that two innings of 123 and 106 respectively play second fiddle in a single match, yet Morkel managed to steal the show by some margin.

Requiring only 59 deliveries, Morkel lit up the Eldos Oval to smash the ball all over the park. His unbelievable innings of 174 not out included 16 sixes and 15 fours, with the boundary count of 31 meaning that 156, or 89%, of his runs were scored from boundaries.

The Eldo trio’s prowess with the willow set the visitors a mammoth target of 551/6 in their allotted 50 overs.

Pretoria-Noord’s Jean Swart and Ulrich Breytenbach exhibited great patience with the ball and eventually emerged as the pick of the bowlers. Although expensive, which was to be expected given the extraordinary batting performance by their hosts, each claimed two well-deserved wickets.

Unfortunately, with their backs against the wall, the Pretoria-Noord batsman could not quite find the necessary rhythm to successfully chase such a mammoth score.

Etiene du Bruyn and Rohan Louw nevertheless deserve a pat on the back. Showing some class of his own, Du Bruyn grafted his way to an industrious 56 from 78 balls. Louw, too, showed that he can bat at a brisk pace, contributing a 29-ball 45 and smashing 10 fours in the process.

Eldo’s Daniel Steyn was the standout with the ball. Opening the bowling, Steyn claimed the best figures on the day, boasting a return of 3/37 in the nine overs he bowled. Ruhan Oliphant also got in on the action, claiming two wickets for 27 runs.

Morkel, who seemingly couldn’t stay out of the spotlight, also contributed two wickets as the Eldo bowlers’ efforts restricted the visitors to 168 all out, claiming a resounding victory by 383 runs.

Summarised scorecard: 

Eldoraigne 551/6 (Benyael Morkel 174*, Kyle de Bruin 123, Johan Broekman 106, Ryno Mulder 45, Ryno Redelinghuys 24*; Jean Swart 2/65, Ulrich Breytenbach 2/68); Hoërskool Pretoria-Noord 168 (Etiene du Bruyn 56, Rohan Louw 45; Daniel Steyn 3/37, Ruhan Oliphant 2/27, Benyael Morkel 2/40). Eldoraigne won by 383 runs.

The Meridian Northern Academy football team was celebrated and warmly welcomed by the school on Monday, 7 October, during a special assembly held in recognition of their recent success at the Kay Motsepe Schools Soccer Tournament.

The event was graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including Cobus Loubser (CEO of Curro Holdings), Funani Maseko (Limpopo MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture), and Dr. Pitso Mosimane, the highly decorated South African coach of, among others, Bafana Bafana, SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Egyptian giants, Al Ahly.

On Saturday, 28 September, the u19 boys’ team from Polowane’s Meridian Northern Academy triumphed in the Kay Motsepe Schools Soccer Tournament, a prestigious national tournament featuring over 13 000 teams from more than 5 000 schools.

The tournament has seen the likes of former Bafana Bafana star Hlompo Kekana participating in it. Kekana went on to have an outstanding career as captain of the Mamelodi Sundowns during which they won six Premier League titles, the Caf Champions League, and the Caf Super Cup.

Cobus Loubser commended both the u19 and u13 boys’ teams, the latter of which secured a bronze medal in the tournament, which was sponsored by Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation.

Loubser described the school’s achievement as one of the greatest feats of all of the Curro Group’s sports teams in its 25-year history.

“Curro’s mission is to offer exceptional opportunities to many more learners in every aspect of life,” Loubser said.

“Our task is to nurture and support learners to reach their potential, to inspire, motivate, and guide them to excellence in whatever they do. Champions often inspire us to strive for greatness in our own lives, whether it be in sports or other areas.”

Led by Coach of the Tournament, Hendrick Mukwevho, the Meridian Northern Academy saw a number of their players scoop individual accolades for their performances throughout the competition.

Thato Mpati took home the Golden Boot Award, while Bokang Thaba was named Player of the Tournament. Team captain, Thabo Malatsi, was honoured for his exceptional goalkeeping and leadership.

Mosimane, the founder of the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS), also congratulated the promising young talents.

During his tenure in charge of the national team, the Premier Soccer League’s most successful coach of all time was a vocal proponent of the need for greater investment in youth development football to improve South Africa’s fortunes on the global stage. This led Mosimane to launch PMSS in 2023.

The Meridian Northern Academy was one of the pilot schools used to initiate the programme in 2023, with great success. Thousands of learners within the primary schools of the greater Curro Group have followed the expanded programme in 2024 to develop their athletic ability and football skills.

“When I was coach of Bafana, I worked with remarkable players who represented the nation at the highest level and played overseas,” Mosimane said.

“My experience of having coached internationally led me to ask myself how far we are from the highest international level. It made me realise that we need to start football training at an early age.

“So, where is the best place to start? At school, because that is where you find mass participation from a young age. That is how we got involved with Curro.

“Congratulations to Curro and the Northern Academy coaches,” he added.

Loubser echoed Mosimane’s sentiments, encouraging the class of 2024 ahead of their final exams and thanking the staff and parents for their tireless support.

“I want to honour every teacher and every parent of every learner at Meridian Northern Academy for their sacrifices and support. You should be very proud of the champions before us today, as well as of every other learner on every team at this school.

“We have so much more work to do in our society, so many more opportunities to create, so many more young heroes to support. Curro is inspired to offer exceptional, quality education.

“Every child matters.”

No school has performed better in the history of the Titans Platinum League than Hoërskool Waterkloof.

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Following their eight-wicket victory over Cornwall Hill College, Waterkloof’s First XI became the first team to win the prestigious Titans Platinum League for four consecutive years, two years of which captain and wicketkeeper, Beukes van den Berg, had the opportunity to don the captain’s armband.

Van den Berg was also instrumental in the victory over Cornwall, contributing an unbeaten knock of 39 runs, which, like most of his other innings, came at a healthy strike rate.

The day, however, belonged to opening batsman, Divan Behrens, who led the chase in fine form to notch a well-deserved half-century. Facing the Cornwall attack without his long-time batting partner, Wian Ruthven, who had injured his hand in the Klofies’ victory over Garsfontein earlier in the season, Behrens showcased his experience by smashing seven fours and two sixes in his contribution of 56 runs, not out.

Marcus Bakker was in one of his destructive moods racing to a 15-ball 46, an innings which included six fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 306.7. This would have pleased head coach, Cobus Pienaar, with the annual Noord-Suid T20 cricket tournament around the corner.

It was the Klofie bowlers, however, who set the scene for the batting trio. Marno Pienaar was exceptional as the spearhead of the Klofie attack with a return of 3/30, which included the wicket of SA Emerging U19 representative and Cornwall’s captain, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka.

Jaco van der Walt (3/35) and Ruan Ferreira (3/38) rubbed further salt in the wounds, contributing six wickets between the two of them.

Cody Sander was the star of the show with the willow for the home side. Not only was he the only Cornwall batsman to make more than 20 runs, but he did so in style. Sander commanded the crease for a gutsy and very well-deserved half-century before he was eventually sent back to the pavilion with 61 runs behind his name.

With the ball, it was Trent Hardie who put up a valiant fight. Although he was expensive, the Cornwall opening bowler showed grit and determination, and was rewarded with two wickets, making him the only successful bowler for his side.

Summarised scorecard:

Cornwall Hill College 146 (Cody Sander 61; Marno Piennaar 3/30, Jaco van der Walt 3/35, Ruan Ferreira 3/38); Waterkloof 150/2 (Divan Behrens 56*, Marcus Bakker 46, Beukes van den Berg 39*; Trent Hardie 2/73). Waterkloof won by eight wickets.

Nkosibonile Sibisi and Thabiso Mabe were Dudaza Hub’s heroes, helping their side stun Hoërskool Marais Viljoen during the past weekend’s Schools SA20 clash.

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After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sibisi stepped up to the plate. With a relatively solid foundation set up by captain Luyanda Beya’s contribution of 25 and Siyathemba Chakela’s 24, Sibisi was able to capitalise, grafting his way to an industrious 41 not out that came from only 36 deliveries.

Sibisi and Moeketsi Beya combined fluently to put together a vital 45-run partnership, which helped Dudaza to achieve a competitive score of 145 in their allotted 20 overs.

Marais Viljoen’s Abdullah Tadwala once again showcased his importance with the ball, producing another fine spell of spin bowling. Although he only took one wicket, Tadwala kept the scoring to a minimum and, together with Stiaan Janse van Vuuren and Ethan van Rooyen, pulled it back nicely for the hosts.

Tadwala then led the chase as well. Opening the batting alongside the dangerous Tiaan Hall, the pair got Marais Viljoen off to a flyer. Tadwalla hit 45 from 17 balls, including five fours and three sixes, while Hall produced a mature 39 to set up an interesting chase with a 53-run partnership. Ethan van Rooyen found himself in the spotlight again as he, too, made a valuable contribution of 28 runs.

It was, however, Thabiso Mabe’s spell which found the home side wanting. Boasting a return of 3/29 in his four overs, Mabe turned the tide to limit Marais Viljoen to 141/8 in their 20 and thereby secure a tight four-run victory.

Summarised scorecard:

Dudaza Hub 145/3 (Nkosibonile Sibisi 41*, Extras 26, Luyanda Beya 25, Siyathemba Chakela 24; Abdullah Tadwalla 1/28); Marais Viljoen 141/8 (Abdullah Tadwala 45, Tiaan Hall 39, Ethan van Rooyen 28; Thabiso Mabe 3/29). Dudaza Hub won by four runs.

Liam Mudenda scored a brilliant ton as he steered St Stithians College to a two-wicket victory over St John’s College in their 50-over match on Saturday. St John’s, who won the toss and elected to bat first, scored 260/9 in 50 overs. In reply, St Stithians needed all 50 overs to score the required 261 runs to seal the victory. They lost eight wickets in the process.

Both teams came into the tie on the back of wins in their final matches at the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week. However, St John’s was leading 1 – 0 in head-to-head encounters played this year. The two sides have met twice already this year, but it was in T20 matches. St John’s won the first encounter and the second was abandoned due to inclement weather.

Mudenda was out in the middle for 49.1 overs and would have shepherded his side to victory had it not been for Malan du Plessis, who dismissed him with five balls to go in the match and his side in need of four runs to win. The opener creamed nine fours and five sixes on his way to an evenly paced 113 off 141 deliveries.

Mudenda lost three partners before he shared a match-winning stand with Ombesa Matsha. The pair compiled a 113-run fourth-wicket partnership that did not just stabilize the St Stithians innings, it also set them on course for victory. Matsha’s 66-ball 67 was invaluable to the St Stithians cause.

Du Plessis almost upset St Stithians’ march to victory when he delivered two outstanding overs at the death. The bowler claimed his first wicket in the 48th over. The wicket slightly opened a window for St John’s to find their way back. Then he sent down a brilliant final over, which he began with the dismissal of St Stithians’ set batter. Mudenda’s dismissal caused panic and St Stithians lost two more wickets via run out in the over.

Fortunately for St Stithians, Oliver Wilson had the presence of mind to place the ball into the gap and ran the required two runs for victory.

Earlier in the day, St John’s found it hard to get going.  Four of their top six batters got starts but failed to kick on. Michael Stubbs (19) and Nkosana Sibiya (16) made it to double figures before they were dismissed, Alec Loveland (21) made it past 20 and Darshik Lutchman made 34.

James Yuill (60) and Ethan Robinson (73) arrested the start-stop nature of the innings with a 112-run seventh-wicket partnership that made it possible for St John’s to post a competitive total. Unfortunately for St John’s, they were about 10 runs short of a winning total and needed one of their top six batters to have the same innings as Mudenda.

Taseen Hanslo was St Stithians’ best bowler with two wickets for 35 runs in 10 overs. Tom Collins also bagged a brace but conceded 38 runs in nine overs.

Summarised Scorecards:

St John’s College 260/9 (Ethan Robinson 73, James Yuill 60; Taseen Hanslo 2/35, Tom Collins 2/38) St Stithians College 261/8 (Liam Mudenda 113, Ombesa Matsha 67; Ethan Robinson 2/47, Malan du Plessis 2/51) St Stithians College won by two wickets.

Taine Havemann scored an unbeaten half-century as he shepherded Durban High School to a 1-wicket win over Hilton College in their 50-over match contested at DHS on Saturday.

Hilton was bowled out for 205 runs in 50 overs after electing to bat first. DHS needed 49.2 overs and nine wickets to score 209 runs to secure victory in the encounter. Havemann, who scored an unbeaten 52 off 72 (4x4s), was critical to the home side’s successful chase.

Fabian Lazarus’ side did not begin their chase well. After choosing a circumspect approach at the start of their innings, the coastal side found themselves on 8/1 after 3.4 overs. Ismaeel Omar (51) stood tall as he set DHS back on course. The opener was part of three partnerships that added a combined 86 runs in 19.5 overs. Omar’s half-century came off 73 deliveries and featured four boundaries.

Omar’s dismissal in the 24th over coincided with the arrival of Havemann at the crease. The number six batter kept his head down and focused on the task at hand as a procession of wickets fell at the other end. None of the five batters he shared the crease with reached the 20-run mark. Bayanda Majola, who scored a run-a-ball 15, was the highest scorer among all his partners.

Sechaba Gude was the pick of the bowlers for Hilton with three wickets for 42 runs in 10 overs. Kyle Christie and Benoit Rey bagged a brace of wickets each.

Earlier in the day, Bayanda Majola took a three-wicket haul of his own as he helped DHS stifle Hilton’s progress. The pacer finished the game with three wickets for 26 runs in seven overs. He was well supported by Semal Pillay, who bagged a brace, while Taine Havemann, Jared Havemann, Dhilan Naraidu and Bhavesh Naicker took a wicket each.

Hilton’s top six batters all had starts but couldn’t make much out of them. Only Charles Swart, who made a 76-ball 45 came close to a milestone. Two other batters, Jayden Roux (32) and Rob Burman (30) reached the 30-run mark, while Ben Hockley, Simon Steyn and Natenzi Denenga passed 20. This sextet’s inability to kick on also meant that Hilton was unable to compile big partnerships that could take the game away from the hosts.

Summarised Scorecards:

Hilton College 205/10 (Charles Swart 45, Jayden Roux 32; Bayanda Majola 3/26, Semal Pillay 2/24); Durban High School 209/9 (Taine Havemann 52*, Ismaeel Omar 51; Sechaba Gude 3/42, Kyle Christie 2/36) Durban High School won by one wicket.

The South African U20 football team (Amajita) was crowned champions of the U20 Cosafa Championship on Saturday, 5 October, in Maputo, having seen off Zambia with a score of 2-0 in the final.

South Africa last claimed the championship title in 2018, marking a significant milestone as it has been six years since they last achieved this honour. This is the ninth Cosafa title for team South Africa in the Cosafa championship.

In addition, the South African team has successfully qualified for the upcoming 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They will be joined by Zambia, the finalist they overcame in the Cosafa Championship final, as both earned their spots in upcoming CAF tournament by reaching the finals of the Cosafa Championship.

The South African triumph was achieved through goals by Shandre Campbell, who plays for Club NXT in Belgium and is an inductee of the SuperSport Schools Class of 2023, and the consistently reliable Lee Jody Ahshene.

Amajita recorded an exceptional clean sheet throughout the tournament. Under the leadership of coach, Raymond Mdaka, the team scored an impressive 16 goals during the tournament, maintaining a powerful winning streak from the group stages through to the knockout rounds.

Topping off his remarkable performances in this year’s Cosafa championship, Campbell was named Player of the Tournament, while Ahshene won the Golden Boot for his four goals scored in the tournament. South African goalkeeper, Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, who maintained a clean sheet throughout the tournament, won the Golden Glove, having played a total of 450 minutes of football throughout the tournament.

Zambia heads home with the silver, as well as the Fair Play Prize.

South Africa’s run in the Cosafa Championship:

Group Stage: 

South Africa 5-0 Malawi
South Africa 6-0 Lesotho
South Africa 2-0 Comoros

Semi-final: 

South Africa 1-0 Angola

Final: 

South Africa 2-0 Zambia

TOURNAMENT STATS:
Matches Played: 18
Goals scored: 55
Biggest victory: South Africa 6-0 Lesotho (Group C, 29 September)
Most goals in a game: 9 – Mozambique 4-5 Eswatini (Group A, 26 September)