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  • Dayyan Fudu’s Spanish trial showcases talent and dedication

    Dayyan Fudu’s Spanish trial showcases talent and dedication

    Dayyan Fudu during his recent visit to Levante, where he participated in a trial with the Levante UD Academy in Spain. Photo: Supplied.

    Dayyan Fudu, born in 2008, plays for Westville Boys’ High School and turns out in club football for the KZN Academy. In 2025, he has revealed himself to be one of the most outstanding talents on the schools’ scene.

    The Westville star is a centre forward, also able to play either lefto or right-wing.

    He was a key contributor to Westville Boys’ High winning the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal A-League title in June.

    The Chairperson of the KNHSFA, who also serves as the Director of Football at Westville, Dan Haswell, has characterised Fudu as an outstanding young talent and diligent worker, who is a prolific goal scorer.

    The sharpshooter was the Coastal A-League’s top goal scorer, netting nine times, even though he was absent from the final, which went to a penalty shootout.

    He also made an impact at the Kloof High School National Football Tournament at the end of June, where he scored 11 goals, once again finishing as the event’s top goal scorer, which earned him a place in the team of the tournament.

    Fudu’s been in sensational form. In 15 matches this season, he has slotted a whopping 23 goals and added three assists for good measure.

    With the KZN Academy, where he competes in the Durban Central Local Football Association (DCLFA) in the SAFA eThekwini Regional League, he has made 16 appearances this season, scoring 15 goals while also providing five assists.

    Photo: Supplied.

    Those remarkable statistics are indicative of the major steps his game has taken since 2024.

    Last year, while playing 18 times for the u17 and u19 teams of the KZN Academy, he scored only twice while providing 12 assists.

    In 2024, he made 13 first team appearances for Westville, scoring 11 times and making four assists.

    What is particularly impressive about his outstanding statistics this year is the fact that both the DCLFA and schools’ football seasons are ongoing. Fudu is sure to boost his goal count considerably.

    In light of his exceptional performances in both school football and with the KZN Academy, Fudu received an incredible opportunity to attend trials and assessments at Levante UD Academy in Spain.

    He quickly made a strong impression abroad, where he featured in three friendlies and delivered three goals and two assists while also picking up a player of the match award.

    Following Fudu’s recent journey to Spain, SuperSport Schools Plus spoke with Junero Mdlongwa, the founder of NeroNoLimit Football Agency, an agency collaborating with FIFA Licensed agents, UEFA coaches, and clubs in La Liga, Spain’s top league. The agency focuses on helping players from Africa to access elite football opportunities in Spain and was behind Fudu’s trip to Spain.

    Mdlongwa, an old boy of Crawford North Coast, said that he, like Fudu, used to receive calls for District Tournaments every single year. After finishing matric, he moved to the United Kingdom to play football, but also for study opportunities.

    In an exclusive discussion with SuperSport Schools Plus, Mdlongwa, spoke of Fudu’s remarkable talent, commending his technical abilities and tactical insight, and advocated for his inclusion in South Africa’s national development teams, arguing that a player of his calibre deserves such an opportunity.

    Dayyan Fudu (left) alongside Junero Mdlongwa (right), during Fudu’s visit to Spain.

    Fudu is reserved, respectful and humble, said Mdlongwa, and he is also willing to be coached, which is commendable given his natural talent for the game.

    Rating Fudu’s talent, Mdlongwa said that he would easily give him a 10 out 10 rating.

    “I think Dayyan is of the best undiscovered talents in South Africa right now, and that can be quoted,” he said.

    “I have not seen a young striker with his ability, and especially with that kind of physicality.

    “Usually, players who are that tall and strong, they don’t know how to move the way that he does. They don’t have the speed that he has. They don’t have the technique that he has,” he explained.

    Another advantage that Fudu possesses is his ability to score with both feet. He can hurt the opposition in many ways, Mdongwa said: “He can score using his right foot, he can score with his head, he can convert free kicks, he can take penalties, and he possesses dribbling skills. Personally, it has been some time since I have witnessed a striker of that calibre emerging from South Africa.”

    After his trial in Spain, Fudu began training with the DDC Team of Durban City FC, and, as he had with the coaches at Levante, he impressed the Durban City coaches. On Monday, he signed a contract with the club.

    The Westville Boys’ High striker is also preparing to return to the Levante UD Academy. Thanks to his earlier impressive two-week assessment and trial, he’ll be training with the u19 Levante UD team.

    Dayyan Fudu’s Profile 

    Bio

    Date of Birth – 07/02/2008
    Height –  5’11 ft (179 cm)
    Weight – 140 lbs (69 kg)
    Playing foot – Right and Left
    Shooting/Crossing Foot – Right
    Position – Centre Forward (CF), Right and Left Wing

    Career

    2025 – KZN Academy – DCLFA Premier, SAFA eThekwini Regional League
    Appearances: 16
    Goals: 15 goals
    Assists: 5

    Westville Boys’ High School – u19 (first team)
    Appearances: 15
    Goals: 23
    Assists: 3

    2024 – KZN Academy, DCFLA, u17 and u19
    Appearances: 18
    Goals: 2
    Assists: 12

    Westville Boys’ High School
    Appearances: 13
    Goals: 11
    Assists: 4

    2023 – KZN Academy, DCLFA u15
    Appearances: 8
    Goals: 3
    Assists: 0

    Westville Boys’ High School
    Appearances: 11
    Goals: 13
    Assists: 4

    2022 – KZN Academy, DCLFA u15
    Appearances: 42
    Goals: 36
    Assists: 4

    In 2022, Fudu also made it the KZN u15 Provincial Team. He was the captain and top goal scorer.

    Westville Boys’ High School
    Appearances: 22
    Goals: 28
    Assists: 4

    u14 Top Goal scorer and made the u14 KZN Provincial Team

    2021 – KZN Academy, DCFLA u13
    Appearances: 15
    Goals: 13

    2019 – KZN Academy, DCFLA u11
    Appearances: 22
    Goals: 21
    u11 Top Goal scorer

    Experience

    2025 – Trials – Levante Academy UD (Spain)
    Match Appearances/Friendly Matches: 3
    Goals: 3
    Assists: 2

    KZN Academy u18 – Engen Cup Provincial (KZN)
    Appearances: 3
    Goals: 1

    Westville Boys’ High Schools – Kloof High School National Football Tournament
    Appearances: 6
    Goals: 11
    Assists: 3
    Accolades: Top Goal scorer and Team of the Tournament member

    Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association, Coastal A-League
    Appearances: 7
    Goals: 9
    Assists: 3
    Accolades: Top Goal scorer

    2024 – KZN Academy u18, Engen Cup 
    Appearances; 4
    Goals: 1
    Assists: 3

    2023 –  SAFA u15 National Tournament 
    Appearances: 3
    Goals: 1
    Accolades: SAFA National u15 Team Call for training squad

    KZN High School u15 Euro Tour (Germany and Netherlands)
    Appearances: 4
    Goals: 3
    Assists: 5

    KZN High School Howick Cup
    Appearances: 4
    Goals: 4
    Assists: 1
    Accolades: Title winner

    2022 – KaapStadt – Tournament u14 runner-up
    Appearances: 6
    Goals: 3
    Assists: 1
    u14 Captain

    2019 – KaapStadt – Tournament u12 runner-up
    Appearances: 6
    Goals: 1
    Assists: 1

  • Selborne vs Grey High: The battle for Eastern Cape’s top status

    Selborne vs Grey High: The battle for Eastern Cape’s top status

    Gray van Heerden is eager to lead Selborne against Grey High on Friday night. Photo: Johann Wessels
    Gray van Heerden is eager to lead Selborne College against Grey High on Friday night. Photo: Johann Wessels

    The atmosphere will be electric, the stands will be packed to the rafters, and a sea of black and white will greet Grey High School when they take on Selborne College in East London on Friday night.

    The much-anticipated Hyundai Friday Nite Lights hockey clash will kick off at 18:30 and will be LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

    The meeting between the schools is one of the biggest in the Eastern Cape, and it’ll be the final match of 2025 for both.

    They’ve delivered some excellent performances this season under the leadership of KJ Friend (Selborne) and Andrew Beynon (Grey High).

    They’ve dominated most of their derby matches, usually scoring plenty of goals, and entertained with attractive brands of hockey.

    In their most recent outing, Selborne thumped Dale College 6-1 in Qonce, while Grey recorded a gritty 3-1 victory over Grey College, in Gqeberha, a fortnight ago.

    In their most recent meetings, victory has gone the way of coach Beynon’s side. At the Hibbert Shield, back in May, Grey beat their East London rivals 4-0. They also won last year’s interschools game 3-1.

    Friday’s showdown will likely be a different ball game, though, with Selborne firing on all cylinders ahead of the clash. They’ve made massive strides since the start of the season.

    This term, they’ve beaten Queen’s College 8-0 and Hudson Park 2-1. Grey, meanwhile, defeated York High 5-1 and, before that, mustered a 1-0 victory over St Andrew’s College.

    It will also be a special occasion for the captains, Gray van Heerden and Luke Tait, who will don their school colours on the AstroTurf for the final time. SuperSport Schools Plus caught up with both skippers ahead of the clash.

    Gray van Heerden – Selborne College

    “There are a lot of emotions flying around,” Van Heerden said. “I think there’s a bit of sadness for the matrics as we’re coming to our last ever schoolboy game, but we are also excited and keen.

    “We know it will be a fantastic game, and we want to leave everything out on the field for the last time.”

    Van Heerden and his troops will be banking on their supporters coming out in their numbers. He believes sticking to their structures and playing their particular brand of hockey could propel them to victory.

    “If we can just play Selborne hockey and block out the crowd [we could win],” he said. “If we play the hockey we’ve played in all our derbies this year, I’m confident we will be good.

    “We will need to work hard, run that extra metre, and play our own game.”

    Photo: Grey High School on Facebook.
    Photo: Grey High School on Facebook.

    Luke Tait – Grey High

    “We are ready. Training has been intense in preparation for this one. The boys are ready to leave it all out there at Selborne,” the Grey High captain said.

    “Selborne away is always tough. They have been in good form of late, but if we stick to our principles and take our chances, I’m positive we will come out on top.”

    Tait is one of the most experienced players in the Grey side after making his 100th appearance for the school in June. He’s now gunning for the “perfect send-off.”

    “It’d be massive to end the season on a high,” he said.

    “Ending away with a big win would be the perfect send-off for the matrics and Grey.”

    Other matches in the Eastern Cape

    While the match in East London promises to deliver top-quality hockey, there are three other games on which to keep an eye.

    In Komani, Queen’s College hosts Cambridge High on Saturday. Queen’s, led by coach Michael Baiden, are coming off a 4-0 win over Graeme College, so they’ll fancy themselves to get the job done.

    Merrifield College, which is celebrating its founder’s weekend, goes up against Stirling High, while Dale College locks horns with Hudson Park in Qonce.

    Eastern Cape boys’ fixtures

    Friday, 15 August

    16:00 – Dale College vs Hudson Park
    18:30 – Selborne College vs Grey High

    Saturday, 16 August:

    11:15 – Queen’s College vs Cambridge High
    11:15 – Merrifield College vs Stirling High

  • Cilliers shines as SA u16 boys breeze past Zimbabwe

    Cilliers shines as SA u16 boys breeze past Zimbabwe

    Caleb Cilliers was on fire on day one of the Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge in Johannesburg on Tuesday. Photo: TeamPhotoSA
    Caleb Cilliers was on fire on day one of the Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge in Johannesburg on Tuesday. Photo: TeamPhotoSA

    Caleb Cilliers, from Paul Roos Gimnasium, scored a whopping five goals to lead the South African u16B side to a comprehensive 10-0 win over Zimbabwe on day one of the Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge, in Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

    The event, organised by South African Schools Hockey (SASHOC), is being held at St David’s Marist Inanda and runs through until Friday, 15 August.

    It was a successful opening day for the SA u16 boys. Apart from the B team running riot against Zim’s u16A before, the u16A team posted a 3-0 win over Zimbabwe’s u18A team.

    The B-team, led by coaches, Siya Sityana, from Jeppe High School for Boys, and Siya Lusiba, from Queen’s College made an early statement in their first outing.

    They dominated Zimbabwe in the early exchanges, scored some brilliant team goals, and at the break, led 4-0.

    Skipper  Jason Joiner opened the scoring in the first chukka after Caleb Cilliers won a penalty stroke. A minute later, Cilliers got his name on the scoresheet when he linked up well with Buhle Kama before calmly placing the ball in the back of the net.”

    Kama and Cilliers were at it again and combined for the game’s third just before the second chukka.

    South Africa, then, netted another goal in the second quarter through Kamohelo Tsoka, who latched on to a loose ball inside the circle after a piece of individual brilliance by Michael Meiring.

    The home side was just getting started and they came out firing in the second stanza.

    Limani Makeleni, from Cape Town’s Langa Hockey Club, was at the right place at the right time to tap in at the far post and make it 5-0.

    Zim struggled to outlet, and South Africa’s press worked effectively as they turned over the ball with relative ease, which ensured that the visitors remained under heavy pressure.

    After Cilliers made it 6-0, the floodgates opened up, and Tsoka completed his brace before Kama scored arguably the goal of the day when he smashed a tomahawk into the back of the net.

    Cilliers wasn’t done and netted two late goals to complete his fiver and make it 10 for his side.

    The sides meet again on Wednesday at 14:00.

    The Zimbabwe u18A boys gave a solid account of themselves against South Africa's u16A team. Photo: TeamPhotoSA
    The Zimbabwe u18A boys gave a solid account of themselves against South Africa’s u16A team. Photo: TeamPhotoSA

    The second boys’ game featured SA u16A against Zimbabwe’s u18A side.

    The home side made a blistering start, with Stephan Malan converting from a short corner to give them the lead.

    Blaine Candy made it 2-0 in the second chukka before Malan, from Parel Vallei High, completed his brace in the third quarter.

    South Africa pushed for a fourth, with Callum Anderson and Kgotsofalang Lehloenya bossing proceedings, but Zimbabwe’’ defence remained resolute.

    Anderson, from Bishops Diocesan College, was named the Player of the Match, and he will aim to continue playing a vital role in South Africa’s quest for more glory.

    The coaches in charge, Dalan Phillips and Anthony Woodhouse, would’ve been pleased with the win but will demand more from their boys as the series continues and intensifies.

    Results and scorers

    SA u16B 10: Caleb Cilliers (5), Kamohelo Tsoka (2), Buhle Kama, Limani Makeleni, Jason Joiner. Zimbabwe 0.

    SA u16A 3: Stephan Malan (2), Blaine Candy. Zimbabwe 0.

    Day 2 fixtures, Wednesday, 13 August

    14:00 – South Africa u16B vs Zimbabwe u16A
    17:00 – South Africa u16A vs Zimbabwe u18A

  • SA u17 girls dominate Zimbabwe u18 in 4–0 victory

    SA u17 girls dominate Zimbabwe u18 in 4–0 victory

    The South African u16A and u17A girls' teams both made winning starts against Zimbabwe on the Tuesday, 12 August, the opening day of the Alistair Fredericks Africa Challenge. Photo: TeamPhoto SA.
    The South African u16A and u17A girls’ teams both made winning starts against Zimbabwe on the Tuesday, 12 August, the opening day of the Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge. Photo: TeamPhoto SA.

    The South African u17A girls’ hockey side delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday, cruising to a 4-0 win over Zimbabwe‘s u18 team on day one of The Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge.

    The national teams met at St David’s Marist Inanda, in Sandton, in front of a lively crowd.

    From the opening whistle, the game was off to an energetic start, with the defences standing firm while the sides probed for opening.

    For close to one-and-a-half chukkas, the contest was deadlocked. Then, Jemma Ferreira broke the stalemate. Capitalising on a well-worked penalty corner, she struck with precision to put South Africa ahead.

    That goal shifted the momentum firmly in the hosts’ favour, and Ferreira made her presence felt again, doubling the lead before the halftime whistle.

    The hosts’ dominance told, though, and they extended their lead when Jamie Da Silva struck from a penalty corner.

    Her goal brought a strong response from the Zimbabweans, who put together some good attacking moves, and even won a penalty corner, but their industry went unrewarded.

    In the final chukka, coach Omari Pienaar-Geyer‘s team sealed the victory in style when Raffael Abrahams slotted from a short corner to put the result beyond doubt.

    The scoreline reflected South Africa’s edge, particularly from set pieces. Zimbabwe delivered a spirited performance and exhibited some good skills, but it wasn’t enough.

    Speaking after the match, Pienaar-Geyer reflected on the team’s performance: “I believe we have a promising group of players, and while we’re still in the early stages of developing our team dynamics, I’m pleased with our win. It’s a positive start.”

    She acknowledged areas for improvement despite the strong showing. “We recognize that there are fundamental areas we need to improve on, particularly in refining our basic skills and enhancing our tactical connections. These are critical for building a cohesive team.”

    Looking ahead to the remainder of the tournament, the coach remained optimistic:
    “Each match is a chance for learning and improvement, and I’m optimistic about our progress. Our aim is to keep pushing forward, building on our strengths, and working together to become even better in future games.”

    She added with confidence that the Journey is exciting.

    “Overall, it’s an exciting journey for us, and we’re looking forward to the games ahead. Will be better today – promise. Looking forward to the game and excited for the improvements.”

    There was further success for South Africa, with the SAu16 side beating their Zimbabwe counterparts 6-0.

    The Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge continues with further matches on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

    SA vs ZIM FIXTURES

    Wednesday, 13 August
    18:30 – SA u17 vs Zim u18

    Thursday, 14 August
    17:00 – SA u17 vs Zim u18

    Friday, 15 August
    14:30 – SA u17 vs Zim u18

  • Turner, Nelson shine in nine-try SA u18A romp against Georgia

    Turner, Nelson shine in nine-try SA u18A romp against Georgia

    Erin Nelson, South Africa A outside centre, show off his pace to beat a defender in the match against Georgia on Tuesday, 12 August, at Boland Landbou. Photo: Gallo Images.

    The South African u18A side ruthlessly dismantled a fatigued Georgia, with a nine-try blitz propelling the home team to a 57-19 victory in their second outing of the U18 International Series at Boland Landbou, on Tuesday.

    Relive all the u18 International Series action on SuperSport Schools(www.supersportschools.com)

    From the opening kick-off, it was evident the South Africans intended to physically dominate a lacklustre Georgian side, who were markedly less sharp than they were in a shock 35–31 win over England last Friday at Hoërskool Durbanville.

    The visitors struggled to cope with the tempo set by the hosts. On the heavy Boland Landbou surface, and under the strain of the relentless physicality of the South Africans, they wilted against a fired-up Migael Turner and a formidable South African pack.

    Turner, the vice-captain, was named the Man of the Match for a tireless, all-action display.

    Outside centre Erin Nelson must have come close to winning the Man of the Match award. The fleet-footed Graeme College midfielder repeatedly carved open the Georgian defence with his searing pace and hard running lines. He was rewarded with a try in the second half.

    After taking a fearsome battering in the first half, the Georgians demonstrated resilience in the second stanza and crossed for two well-crafted forward tries.

    However, the rampant South Africans answered each of those scores and powered their way past the 50-point mark with an imperious performance.

    Scorers: 

    South Africa u18 A 57 (31) – Tries: Quintin Potgieter (2), Junade Pasensie (2), Tommy Muller, Migael Turner, Ncutu Kepe, Erin Nelson, Nathan Aneke. Conversions: Jeandré Uithaler (6). Georgia 19 (5) – Tries: Gocha Pitshkhelauri, Gabriel Razmadze, Goirgi Berdzenishvili. Conversions: Levani Butskhirikidze (2).

  • Meyer powers South Africa u18 to crushing victory over Ireland

    Meyer powers South Africa u18 to crushing victory over Ireland

    Zekhethelo Siyaya, the SA u18 fullback, chases possession against Ireland in their clash on Tuesday, 12 August, at Boland Landbou. Photo: Gallo Images.

    AJ Meyer became the second South African lock to be crowned the man of the match on Tuesday when he helped power South Africa to a commanding u18 International Series victory over Ireland, at Boland Landbou in the Agter-Paarl.

    Relive all the u18 International Series action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

    The Grey College powerhouse stood tall in another dominant forward display from the South Africans, who overwhelmed the Irish 45–5.

    The victory was also the second for the hosts over Ireland in as many years.

    Although Ireland disrupted the South African lineout on several occasions, Meyer remained a reliable target for his hookers.

    It was, however, his immense work rate that earned him the man of the match accolade. In the set scrums, too, the hosts produced another powerful performance that surely left scrum coach Cobus van Dyk smiling.

    Scrumhalf Jayden Brits was particularly sharp behind a dominant pack. Playing on his home turf, he set the tone with his high intensity, quick breaks, and crisp service that had the Irish scrambling. As the match wore on, South Africa’s relentless pressure created cracks in the visitors’ defence, particularly out wide.

    Meyer’s fellow Grey College man, Lamla Mgedezi, operating on the left wing, and Jadrian Afrikaner, who later replaced him, both capitalised by racing down the left-hand touchline to add to the score in a stunning team performance.

    Despite being comprehensively beaten, the Irish kept battling hard. True to their character, their lineout defence was top-tier, which caused the South Africans repeated headaches, and they effectively disrupted several driving mauls.

    Captain and tighthead prop Harry Goslin put in a massive shift, which made it fitting that he was the only Irishman to crash over for a try.

    Scorers: 

    South Africa u18 45 (17) – Tries: Jayden Joubert, Clinton Agu, Jayden Brits, Lamla Mgedezi, Jadrian Afrikaner, Ethan Adams. Penalty Try. Conversions: Ruben Groenewald (2), Liyema Nela (2). Ireland 5 (0) – Try: Harry Goslin.

  • Football wrap: third-term action heating up

    Football wrap: third-term action heating up

    Selborne College and Dale College’s First Team Football Teams faced off on Friday, with Selborne College picking up a 2-1 victory. Photo: Selborne College on Facebook.

    The past week delivered some memorable football highlights, including Northern Academy lifting the Curro Halala Cup, and the home team claiming the St David’s Nedbank Challenge Cup on Sunday.

    It was also a memorable week for Mazithi Qasha, the vice-captain and most trusted goal poacher for Maritzburg College, who, once again, was in the limelight.

    On Saturday, 2 August, he made his 100th appearance for the Red, Black, and White, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Alexandra High to commemorate the occasion in style. That brace his total to 89 goals for the College 1st XI.

    Then, on Wednesday, he added another pair to help College to a 3-2 victory over Howick High School.

    This past Saturday, Qasha struck twice more against Westville Boys’ High School, with Westville sharpshooter, Dayyan Fudu, matching the College vice-captain with a pair of his own as the schools shared a 2-2 draw.

    Fudu, who was recently in Spain for an assessment and trial with the Levante UD Academy, netted just four seconds into the match and added his second in the tenth minute.

    Mancosa KZNHSFA Cowie Cup

    During the week, the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Cowie Cup took centre stage in the province, with Reddam House Umhlanga making a huge impact in the last 32 by powering to a commanding 6-0 victory against Waterfall College.

    Reddam House Umhlanga, depicted earlier in August following their 2-1 victory against Curro Hillcrest. Photo: Reddam House Umhlanga on Facebook

    Queensburgh High defeated Kloof High 3-1, while Northwood scored a decisive 4-0 win over Ashton Ballito.

    Brettonwood, whose star is on the rise after the school earned promotion from the KZN Coastal C-League to the Coastal B-League, took another step forward by cruising to a 6-0 win over Thomas More College.

    Following a disappointing run in the second term, Alexandra High School handed Redwood College a 2-1 defeat to move on to the last 16 of the Cowie Cup.

    The Coastal A-League champion, Westville, showcased their strength in the Cowie Cup with an impressive 4-2 victory over Amanzimtoti, while Carter High, the runner-up of the Inland A-League, swept to a 5-0 win over Sastri College.

    Mangaung Region – Kay Motsepe Semifinals and Final

    The Free State’s Mangaung Schools Football League concluded qualifying for the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup, with the semifinals taking place on Tuesday and the finals on Friday.

    On Tuesday, HTS Louis Botha picked up a narrow 1-0 victory over Kyrios Independent School in the first semifinal. In the second semi, Grassland Secondary was taken to penalties by Hodisa Technical Secondary after a 0-0 draw in regulation time, with Grassland, then, snatching a 5-4 win in the penalty shootout.

    Queensburgh High School beat Kloof High School 3-1 in the Cowie Cup, despite cold and rainy weather. Goals came from Ntando Goniwe, Andile Nene, and Lwandile Zungu. Photo: Queensburgh High School on Facebook.

    The final also went to penalties after HTS Louis Botha and Grassland played to a 1-1 draw. In the shootout, HTS Louis Botha displayed precision to claim a 5-4 victory after Grassland missed a critical penalty, securing them a place against other regional champions from across South Africa in the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup.

    Eastern Cape 

    In the Eastern Cape, a highlight of the week was a showdown on Friday between Selborne College and Dale College. The win went Selborne’s way by a tight 2-1 margin. .

    On Thursday, in the East London High Schools Football League, Stutterheim High, the reigning champion, recorded a 2-1 victory over Cathcart High. The Centre of Excellence, meanwhile, ran out 4-2 winners over Merrifield College.

    RESULTS

    Wednesday 

    Maritzburg College 3-2 Howick High

    Free State – Mangaung – Kay Motsepe Semifinals and Final

    Tuesday – Semifinals

    HTS Louis Botha 1-0 Kyrios Independent School
    Grassland Secondary (5) 0-0 (4) Hodisa Secondary

    Final

    HTS Louis Botha (5) 1-1 (4) Grassland Secondary

    Eastern Cape 

    Selborne College 2-1 Dale College

    Thursday 

    B Block BWFLA High Schools Football League/East London High Schools Football League

    Stutterheim 2-1 Cathcart
    Centre of Excellence 4-2 Merrifield

    Saturday 

    Maritzburg College 2-2 Westville Boys’ High

    Mancosa KZNHSFA Cowie Cup – Last 32 Results 

    Reddam House Umhlanga 6-0 Waterfall
    Queensburgh High 3-1 Kloof High School
    Northwood 4-0 Ashton Ballito
    Brettonwood 6-0 Thomas More College
    Alexandra 2-1 Redwood
    Westville 4-2 Amanzimtoti
    Carter 5-0 Sastri College

  • A super no. 7 for Clarendon and Selborne at Top Schools Squash Tournament

    A super no. 7 for Clarendon and Selborne at Top Schools Squash Tournament

    Selborne College succeeded Hoërskool Zwartkop as the top team in South Africa, winning the Top Schools title for a seventh time. Photo: Selborne College on Facebook.
    Selborne College succeeded Hoërskool Zwartkop as the top team in South Africa, winning the Top Schools title for a seventh time. Photo: Selborne College on Facebook.

    Clarendon High School for Girls and Selborne College, both from East London, won the girls’ and boys’ titles for a seventh time each at the 40th annual Top Schools Squash Tournament. hosted at Epworth School, in Pietermaritzburg, over the weekend.

    At the event, the massive contribution of the doyen of girls’ squash in South Africa, Sally White, who has been a part of the Top Schools Tournament since its start, was also recognised.

    SA Schools’ Squash presented White with a Meritorious Service certificate, which read: “SA Schools’ Squash acknowledges with grateful thanks, forty years of highly commendable, dedicated and loyal service to SA Schools’ squash, as pioneer and custodian of the SA Top Schools’ Squash Tournament.”

    Under White’s tutelage, Epworth has long been one of the leading squash-playing schools in the country and has won the Top Schools title an eye-popping 21 times, including nine times in succession between 1991 and 1999.

    Sally White, a driving force in girls' squash in South Africa for decades, was honoured at the 40th Top Schools Squash Tournament for her huge contribution to the game. Photo: Supplied.
    Sally White, a driving force in girls’ squash in South Africa for decades, was honoured at the 40th Top Schools Squash Tournament for her huge contribution to the game. Photo: Supplied.

    In recognition of her outstanding service to Epworth’s squash programme, the school’s squash courts were renamed the Sally White Squash Courts.

    On court, the girls’ defending champion, Clarendon High School for Girls, was ever so slightly less dominant than when they won the 2024 Top Schools title, but they were, nonetheless, the far and away the class of the field as they powered their way to a seventh Top Schools title.

    Clarendon’s toughest challenge came from the hosts, but they beat Epworth 15-7 in their group clash before repeating that result in the cross-pool playoff.

    Epworth finished second in Section 2 behind the East London school, but then handily dealt with the Section 1 winner, Midstream College, beating the 2024 runner-up 16-6 to move up one position from their third place finish of last year.

    Midstream dominated Section 1, recording convincing wins over Eunice, Paarl Gimnasium, and Rustenburg Girls’ High, with Bloemfontein’s Eunice going on to finish in fourth place.

    Clarendon repeated as the Top Schools girls' champion, comfortably winning the title. Photo: Clarendon High School for Girls on Facebook.
    Clarendon repeated as the Top Schools girls’ champion, comfortably winning the title. Photo: Clarendon High School for Girls on Facebook.

    In the boys’ competition, the 2024 champion, Hoërskool Zwartkop, missed out on qualification for the Top Schools tournament, with Die Hoërskool Menlopark, succeeding them as the champion of Northern Gauteng. Menlo did a good job, but they had to settle for fifth place overall.

    It was, instead, Selborne College, one of the traditional powers, who went all the way, comfortably winning all of their matches. There was little doubt that the East London school was the team to beat.

    With their seventh title, Selborne is second only to Pretoria Boys High‘s nine titles in the history of the Top Schools event.

    While Selborne winning the tournament was not unexpected, the runner-up was a surprise, with Maritzburg College achieving the school’s best-ever finish at the Top Schools Tournament.

    After finishing in a comfortable second place to Selborne in Section 1, College won against Grey High and St Andrew’s School, two of the other traditional powers, in the cross-pool playoffs to end in the silver medal position.

    Grey High, the winner of Section 2, took third place, with St Andrew’s School in fourth.

    RESULTS

    GIRLS

    Section 1

    Midstream 17-4 Eunice
    Midstream 18-3 Paarl Gimnasium
    Midstream 20-1 Rustenburg Girls’ High

    Eunice 4-17 Midstream
    Eunice 18-5 Paarl Gimnasium
    Eunice 14-7 Rustenburg Girls’ High

    Paarl Gimnasium 3-18 Midstream
    Paarl Gimnasium 5-18 Eunice
    Paarl Gimnasium 6-14 Rustenburg Girls’ High

    Rustenburg Girls’ High 1-20 Midstream
    Rustenburg Girls’ High 7-14 Eunice
    Rustenburg Girls’ High 14-6 Paarl Gimnasium

    Section 2

    Clarendon 15-7 Epworth
    Clarendon 20-1 St Mary’s Waverley
    Clarendon 20-0 Collegiate

    Epworth 7-15 Clarendon
    Epworth 20-0 St Mary’s Waverley
    Epworth 20-0 Collegiate

    St Mary’s Waverley 1-20 Clarendon
    St Mary’s Waverley 0-20 Epworth
    St Mary’s Waverley 19-6 Collegiate

    Collegiate 0-20 Clarendon
    Collegiate 0-20 Epworth
    Collegiate 6-19 St Mary’s Waverley

    Cross-Pool (1-4)

    Clarendon (1st)
    Clarendon 17-5 Midstream
    Clarendon 20-1 Eunice
    Clarendon 15-7 Epworth

    Epworth (2nd)
    Epworth 16-6 Midstream
    Epworth 7-15 Clarendon
    Epworth 16-6 Eunice

    Midstream College (3rd)
    Midstream 5-17 Clarendon
    Midstream 17-4 Eunice
    Midstream 6-16 Epworth

    Eunice High (4th)
    Eunice 4-17 Midstream
    Eunice 1-20 Clarendon
    Eunice 6-16 Epworth

    Cross-Pool (5-8)

    St Mary’s (5th)
    St Mary’s Waverley 16-11 Rustenburg Girls’ High
    St Mary’s Waverley 19-5 Paarl Gimnasium
    St Mary’s Waverley 19-6 Collegiate

    Rustenburg Girls’ High (6th)
    Rustenburg Girls’ High 11-16 St Mary’s Waverley
    Rustenburg Girls’ High 14-6 Paarl Gimnasium
    Rustenburg Girls’ High 18-7 Collegiate

    Collegiate Girls’ High (7th)
    Collegiate 7-18 Rustenburg Girls’ High
    Collegiate 6-19 St Mary’s Waverley
    Collegiate 14-9 Paarl Gimnasium

    Paarl Gimnasium (8th)
    Paarl Gimnasium
    6-14 Rustenburg Girls’ High
    Paarl Gimnasium 5-19 St Mary’s Waverley
    Paarl Gimnasium 9-14 Collegiate

    BOYS

    Section 1

    Selborne 18-6 Maritzburg College
    Selborne 18-3 Rondebosch
    Selborne 20-0 Strand

    Maritzburg College 6-18 Selborne
    Maritzburg College 19-4 Rondebosch
    Maritzburg College 20-0 Strand

    Rondebosch 3-18 Selborne
    Rondebosch 4-19 Maritzburg College
    Rondebosch 16-6 Strand

    Strand 0-20 Selborne
    Strand 0-20 Maritzburg College
    Strand 6-16 Rondebosch

    Section 2

    Grey High 17-6 St Andrew’s School
    Grey High 20-2 Menlopark
    Grey High 20-0 St John’s

    St Andrew’s School 6-17 Grey High
    St Andrew’s School 15-6 Menlopark
    St Andrew’s School 20-3 St John’s

    Menlopark 2-20 Grey High
    Menlopark 6-15 St Andrew’s School
    Menlopark 19-3 St John’s

    Cross-Pool (1-4)

    Selborne College (1st)
    Selborne
    15-8 Grey High
    Selborne 18-6 Maritzburg College
    Selborne 20-1 St Andrew’s School

    Maritzburg College (2nd)
    Maritzburg College 6-18 Selborne
    Maritzburg College 17-8 Grey High
    Maritzburg College 14-7 St Andrew’s School

    Grey High School (3rd)
    Grey High 8-15 Selborne
    Grey High 8-17 Maritzburg College
    Grey High 17-6 St Andrew’s School

    St Andrew’s School (4th)
    St Andrew’s School 1-20 Selborne
    St Andrew’s School 6-17 Grey High
    St Andrew’s School 7-14 Maritzburg College

    Cross Pool (5-8)

    Die Hoërskool Menlopark (5th)

    Menlopark 17-4 Rondebosch
    Menlopark 18-5 Strand
    Menlopark 19-3 St John’s

    Rondebosch Boys’ High (6th)
    Rondebosch 4-17 Menlopark
    Rondebosch 16-6 Strand
    Rondebosch 15-10 St John’s

    St John’s College (7th)
    St John’s 3-19 Menlopark
    St John’s 10-15 Rondebosch
    St John’s 16-6 Strand

    Hoërskool Strand (8th)
    Strand 6-16 Rondebosch
    Strand 5-18 Menlopark
    Strand 6-16 St John’s

  • SA u18s rotate squads for second-round fixtures

    SA u18s rotate squads for second-round fixtures

    Gert Kemp for South Africa u18 vs France u18 in Durbanville, 8 August 2025 (POTO: Fhoto: Charmaine Sander)

    The two South Africa U18 squads (SA U18 and SA U18 ‘A’) show extensive rotational changes for their second-round matches of the U18 International Series, which will take place at Boland Landbou near Wellington in the Western Cape.

    The SA U18 ‘A’ team will face Georgia at 11h30, and this will be followed by the SA U18 match against Ireland at 13h30, with England and France rounding off the day’s action at 15h30.

    The SA U18 coach Lwazi Zangqa has made eleven changes to his team, stating that these changes align with their overall strategy to meet their objectives and provide every player with an opportunity to showcase their skills at international level.

    Only four players from the starting line-up that comfortably beat France in the opening round have been retained to face Ireland. They are vice-captain AJ Meyer (lock), Gert Kemp (No 8), captain Markus Muller (outside centre) and Zekhethelo Siyaya (fullback).

    Zangqa anticipates a tough challenge from the Irish side, who beat the SA U18 ‘A’ team in a close-fought match on Friday: “We are looking forward to the fixture against Ireland whom we believe will be a highly motivated and confident opponent on Tuesday afternoon.”

    Meanwhile, SA U18 ‘A’ coach Flash Malinga has retained five players for their match against Georgia, saying that the rotational changes were part of the team’s preparations, giving all players a chance to start at international level for their development.

    The retained players in the SA U18 ‘A’ starting line-up from their close defeat to Ireland are vice-captain Migael Turner (lock), Liam Lightly (flanker), Quintin Potgieter (No 8), captain Jeandre Uithaler (flyhalf) and Ncutu Kepe (wing).

    Malinga acknowledged Georgia’s strong performance against England – they won 35-31 last Friday – and said they are expecting a hard and physical encounter. He added that the players have prepared to face this physicality while also looking to showcasing their own style of play.

    “We know what’s coming from Georgia,” said Malinga. “They are hard and physical, but we will be looking to showcase our owns style as much as we prepare to match their physicality. We are looking forward to playing against a very good international side.”

    All three games will be broadcast on the SuperSchools channels. Tickets are only R20 per person and are available at the gate or online from Quicket.

     

    SA U18 vs Ireland:

    15 Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks)
    14 Junaide Stuart (Bulls)
    13 Markus Muller (captain, Western Province)
    12 Christian Vorster (South Western Districts)
    11 Lamla Mgedezi (Free State)
    10 Ruben Groenewald (Bulls)
    9 Jayden Brits (Western Province)
    8 Gert Kemp (Western Province)
    7 Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks)
    6 Jacobus de Villiers (South Western Districts)
    5 AJ Meyer (vice-captain, Free State)
    4 Jayden Joubert (Western Province)
    3 Matthew van der Merwe (Western Province)
    2 Clinton Agu (Lions)
    1 Jordan Jooste (Western Province)

    Replacements

    16 Altus Rabe (Western Province)
    17.Kai Pratt (South Western Districts)
    18 JG Badenhorst (Free State)
    19 Lwandile Mlaba (Sharks)
    20 Chinedu Amadi (Lions)
    21 Joshua Neill (Western Province)
    22 Morne Noble (Western Province)
    23 Liyema Nela (Sharks)
    24 Ethan Adams (Free State)
    25 Jadrian Afrikaner (Sharks)
    26 Thabiso Simelane (Bulls)

    SA U18 ‘A’ vs Georgia:

    15 Ethan van Biljon (Western Province)
    14 Junade Pasensie (Bulls)
    13 Erin Nelson (Eastern Province)
    12 Sbabalwe Magwebu (Border)
    11 Ncutu Kepe (Border)
    10 Jeandre Uithaler (captain, Lions)
    9 Mickyle Booise (Western Province)
    8 Quintin Potgieter (Western Province)
    7 Liam Lightly (South Western Districts)
    6 Briint Davids (Western Province)
    5 Migael Turner (vice-captain, Western Province)
    4 Lian Terblanche (Sharks)
    3 Deon Botes (Bulls)
    2 Thomas Muller (Western Province)
    1 Pieta Cilliers (Western Province)

    Replacements

    16 Keenan Myners (South Western Districts)
    17 Jeffrey Singo (Bulls)
    18 Bernhard du Toit (Western Province)
    19 Diaan Augustyn (South Western Districts)
    20 Nhlanhla Ndlovu (Sharks)
    21 Zirk Meyer (Bulls)
    22 Lizwe Mthethwa (Sharks)
    23 Nathan Aneke (Sharks)
    24 Reinhart Viljoen (South Western Districts)
    25 Jeneall Davids (Western Province)

    U18 International Series fixtures at Boland Landbou – Tuesday, 12 August:

    11h30: SA U18 ‘A’ vs Georgia

    13h30: SA U18 vs Ireland

    15h30: England vs France

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • Kathorus Hyper Academy humbles Panorama FC

    Kathorus Hyper Academy humbles Panorama FC

    Kathorus Hyper Academy silenced Panorama FC in their own backyard after Panorama coach Luyanda Gcabashe made a series of bold statements in the build-up to their Gauteng Development League fixture on the weekend.

    Two weeks before the match, Gcabashe and his team had defied the odds, winning the Gauteng leg of the  Engen Knockout Challenge.

    Still riding the wave of that magnificent triumph, Gcabashe sent out a warning to Kathorus Hyper Academy, saying he felt sorry for them that they would have to deal with Panorama’s attack..

    However, Gcabashe was forced to swallow his words as Kathorus Hyper Academy travelled to Panorama FC and walked away with maximum points following a 1-0 victory.

    It is important to provide some context for Gcabashe’s confidence, however. Panorama’s Engen Knockout success was not the only reason he was optimistic.

    Their strong season has included wins over the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, School of Excellence and, ironically, even Kathorus Hyper Academy in an earlier round of Gauteng Development League.

    Gcabashe had reason to feel confident, but, as the saying foes, “Football is a funny game”.

    Meanwhile, in a top of the table clash, Mamelodi Sundowns and Randburg AFC shared a 1-1 draw, while Jomo Cosmos beat league newcomers Elspark United 2-0.

    Chiefs and Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) drew 1-1, the University of Pretoria (Tuks) lost 0-1 to their neighbours SuperSport United, while Seven’s Academy went down 2-4 to TS Galaxy on Saturday and lost 1-2 to Rockefvs on Sunday.

    Results

    Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Randburg AFC
    Elspark United 0-2 Jomo Cosmos
    Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Remember Elite Sport Academy
    Panorama FC 0-1 Kathorus Hyper Academy
    TUKS 0-1 SuperSport United
    Seven’s Academy 2-4 TS galaxy
    Seven’s Academy 1-2 Rockefvs