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Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote will get a glimpse of what the future holds when he and his coaching team work with the two SA Under-18 squads announced on Wednesday for next month’s U18 International Series in and around Paarl, in the Western Cape.

The annual series – featuring U18 teams from England, France, Georgia, and Ireland – will take place over three match days at Paarl Boys’ High School, Boland Landbou, and Paarl Gimnasium on 8, 12, and 16 August.

The two squads consist of 52 players, most of whom featured in last week’s SA Schools match in Middelburg. Lwazi Zangqa (SA U18) and Flash Malinga (SA U18 ‘A’) will again serve as head coaches, under the guidance of Foote.

The SA u18 squad will play France, Ireland, and England in their three matches, while the U18 ‘A’ team will face Ireland, Georgia, and France.

Commenting on the selection of the squads, Dave Wessels, SA Rugby’s General Manager of High Performance, said it’s imperative for the governing body to create a healthy ecosystem within the junior structures to feed into the senior ranks.

“Our Elite Player Development pipeline has been running for more than a decade, and seeing the Junior Springboks win the world title – along with the quality of rugby at last week’s SA Schools match – is the reward for the hard work put in by everyone involved,” said Wessels.

“Seven players in the 2025 Junior Bok squad – Cheswill Jooste, Vusi Moyo, Riley Norton, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Phiwayinkosi Kubheka, Oliver Reid, and Alzeadon Felix – played in the U18 International Series last year.

“Furthermore, players such as Ethan Adams, Markus Muller, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Josh Neill, Junaide Stuart, Briint Davids, Jordan Jooste, and AJ Meyer are back for their second year in the U18 structures, which shows that the pipeline is working.

“Continuity among the junior ranks is crucial, as there are numerous new players every year. By involving Kevin and his fellow SA U20 coaches, we hope to strengthen that even further.

“The boys will be properly tested in their three games next month, as the visiting European teams are always strong. These opportunities are hugely beneficial to our players. We’re excited to see what they can do and are looking forward to another outstanding u18 International Series.”

While the SA Schools squads were selected only from players at the FNB U18 Craven Week, the SA U18 squads may include players who have been part of SA Rugby’s EPD pipeline but who missed the annual tournament held recently in Middelburg. Injured players were not considered for these squads.

South Africa u18 squad:

Props: JG Badenhorst (Cheetahs), Jordan Jooste (WP), Kai Pratt (SWD), Luan van der Berg (Bulls).

Hookers: Clinton Agu (Lions), Altus Rabie (WP).

Locks: AJ Meyer (Cheetahs), Lwandile Mlaba (Sharks), Jayden Joubert (WP).

Loose forwards: Chinedu Amadi (Lions), Jacobus de Villiers (SWD), Gert Kemp (WP), Josh Neill (WP), Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks).

Halfbacks: Jayden Brits (WP), Ruben Groenewald (Bulls), Liyema Nela (Sharks), Morne Noble (WP).

Centres: Ethan Adams (Cheetahs), Markus Muller (WP), Christian Vorster (SWD).

Outside backs: Jadriaan Afrikaner (Sharks), Lamla Mgedezi (Cheetahs), Thabiso Simelane (Bulls), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks), Junaide Stuart (Bulls).

South Africa u18 ‘A’ squad:

Props: Bernhard du Toit (WP), Pieta Cilliers (WP), Jeffrey Singo (Bulls), Matthew van der Merwe (WP).
Hookers: Thomas Muller (WP), Keenan Myners (SWD).
Locks: Diaan Augustyn (SWD), Juvan Burden (WP), Lian Terblanche (Sharks), Migael Turner (WP).
Loose forwards: Briint Davids (WP), Andile Ndlovu (Sharks), Quintin Potgieter (WP), Franko Rossouw (Pumas).
Halfbacks: Mickyle Booise (WP), Zirk Meyer (Bulls), Jeandre Uithaler (Lions), Ethan van Biljon (WP).
Centres: Nathan Aneke (Sharks), Randall-John Davids (WP), Lizwe Mthethwa (Sharks), Erin Nelson (EP).
Outside backs: Jeneall Davids (WP), Ncuthu Kepe (Border), Junade Pasensie (Bulls), Reinhart Viljoen (SWD).

u18 International Series fixtures:

All matches to be streamed live by SuperSport Schools

Friday 8 August 2025 at Paarl Boys’ High School

11h30: SA U18 ‘A’ vs Ireland
13h30: Georgia vs England
15h30: SA U18 vs France

Tuesday 12 August 2025 at Boland Landbou

11h30: SA U18 ‘A’ vs Georgia
13h30: SA U18 vs Ireland
15h30: England vs France

Saturday 16 August 2025 at Paarl Gimnasium

11h30: France vs SA U18 ‘A’
13h30: Ireland vs Georgia
15h30: SA U18 vs England

SA u18 Management:

Head Coach: Lwazi Zangqa (Border)

Assistant Coach: Cobus van Dyk (Blue Bulls)

Team Manager: Dean Moodley (Sharks)

Physiotherapist: Robin Williams (Sharks)

Conditioning Coach: Yaw Fosu-Amoah (Eastern Province)

Team Doctor: Dr Gershwin Kortje (Boland)

SA U18 ‘A’ Management:

Head Coach: Flash Malinga (Sharks)

Assistant Coach: Clinton van Rensburg (Western Province)

Team Manager: Mandla Madaka (Blue Bulls)

Physiotherapist: Rob Sims (Western Province)

Conditioning Coach: Adriaan Jansen (SWD)

Team Doctor: Dr Gershwin Kortje (Boland)

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Opener Jorich van Schalkwyk broke the record for the highest-ever individual score by a South Africa u19 player with his unbeaten 164, helping secure victory in the final game of their three-match Youth One-Day International (YODI) Series against Bangladesh in Benoni on Tuesday.

The right-hander carried his bat in an electrifying 156-ball innings, which included 14 fours and four sixes, to almost single-handedly lift the hosts to a 14-run consolation win on the DLS Method after bad light brought a premature end to the contest at Willowmoore Park.

Van Schalkwyk’s exploits broke a record that had stood for 25 years as he toppled former Proteas batter Jacques Rudolph‘s 156* against Nepal in 2000.

The result also meant that the SA U19s at least managed to avoid a third straight loss and end the series strongly, despite going down 2-1 overall.

Victory in the third YODI was built around Van Schalkwyk, but there were good performances too from co-captain Muhammad Bulbulia after he recorded another half-century – his 62 off 67 balls (5 fours) forging a telling 181-run second wicket partnership with the centurion.

Then with the ball, Ntando Soni returned a Player of the Match six-wicket haul, though the tourists still managed to set an imposing 320 for nine, the highest score of the series to date.

Bangladesh, big winners in the opening two games that secured for them the series, won the toss and batted first, the third time they had done so in as many games.

Their top three were pivotal to the big total with half-centuries for Zawad Abrar (68 off 58 balls, 6 fours, 5 sixes), Rifat Beg (86 off 107 balls, 7 fours, 2 sixes) and Kalam Siddiki Aleen (85 off 78 balls, 12 fours, 1 six).

Barring Soni’s six for 65 in 10 overs, almost all the other bowlers struggled, leaving the home batters with a big task on their hands.

And their problems deepened with the early loss of Adnaan Lagadien for only 10 in the third over.

But that brought in skipper Bulbulia, and together with Van Schalkwyk, the pair rebuilt excellently, not just with a rapid scoring rate, but by also keeping their wickets intact.

The stand eventually came to an end in the 32nd over, leaving the score on 201 for two and SA needing 121.

Jason Rowles, the other man with leadership responsibility for the home side, was next to go three overs later for five, opening the door further for the Bangladeshis.

But all hope was then firmly shut out thanks to Vihan Pretorius (18*) and Van Schalkwyk, who ensured there was no further damage as they paired together to add an unbroken 62 for the next wicket when the weather intervened.

With the South Africans ahead on DLS, that was enough to earn them the win after the inclement weather meant the match was halted with a little over five overs still to go and the home side ending on 277 for three.

That helped them finish the series on a high. Both teams will travel to Zimbabwe tomorrow for a YODI tri-series starting on Friday, 25 July at the Sunrise Sports Club in Harare.

SA U19 Men’s Squad – Youth ODI series against Bangladesh U19

Muhammad Bulbulia (captain, KZN Inland), Jason Rowles (captain, Lions), JJ Basson (Lions), Corne Botha (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini (Garden Route Badgers), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Kamogelo Phiri (Lions), Vihan Pretorius (Titans), Ntando Soni (Warriors) and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).

Management

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Paul Adams (Bowling Coach), Thabang Kumalo (Fielding Coach), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Sheenagh Jordaan (Physiotherapist), Kyle Southgate (Team Analyst), Eugene Oppelt (Performance Psychologist) and Lita Gqirana (Media Manager).

Fixtures

1st YODI – Thursday, 17 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 130 runs – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

2nd YODI – Saturday, 19 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 104 runs – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

3rd YODI – Tuesday, 22 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 beat Bangladesh U19 by 14 runs (DLS Method) – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

The u17 Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) resumes on Sunday, following a week off.

The upper tier of the table remains intriguing, as the top three clubs continue to fight it out for the league title.

Since the first week of the season, the leading contenders have been Mamelodi Sundowns, SAFA Academy, and Highlands Park FC.

After 15 matches, it’s Sundowns, the Brazilians, who top the standings on 40 points.

They’re closely followed by SAFA Academy, on 36 points. They’ve put together an impressive season, which has included a win over Sundowns, but they suffered a surprising 0-2 defeat against Edenvale FC on 6 July, which brought their unbeaten run to an end.

While Highlands Park lies just behind ‘Downs and SAFA Academy in the standings, when they met the two front-runners, it didn’t go well. Sundowns powered their way to a 10-0 victory, while SAFA Academy smashed 14 goals in a one-sided win.

Despite those sizeable setbacks, Highlands Park has responded well and they’re only a point adrift of SAFA Academy, holding down third place with 35 points.

On Sunday, SAFA Academy takes on Kempton Park FC at the University of Pretoria Football Fields, located on the Hillcrest Campus. Kempton Park lies eighth, with 19 points after 15 games. SAFA Academy is, undoubtedly the favourite to further bolster their points’ haul.

Mamelodi Sundowns faces Kenneth FC, at Chloorkop, in Mamelodi. while Highlands Park tackles Refilwe FC.

In other fixtures, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) hosts Hellenic Falcons at President Park, in Vereeniging.

The University of Pretoria (Tuks) has home ground advantage against Dinoko Rondebult, while Tornado FC plays Edenvale FC at the Scelo Stadium, and Panorama FC welcomes JVW FC to Panorama.

Sunday 27 July

11:30 – Tuks vs Dinoko Rondebult, Tuks Football Fields (Hillcrest)
11:30 – Tornado FC vs Edenvale FC, Scelo Stadium
11:30 – RESA vs Hellenic Falcons, President Park,
11:30 – Refilwe FC vs Highlands Park FC, Curro Hazeldean
11:30 – Panorama FC vs JVW FC, Panorama FC
11:30 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kenneth FC, Chloorkop
11:30 – SAFA Academy vs Kempton Park FC, Tuks Football Fields (Hillcrest)

Twelve of the country’s top hockey-playing girls’ schools are primed to contest the 10th edition of the Fairtree Super 12 Tournament at Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje from 7-9 August.

The lineup features teams from five provinces.

The Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provide half the field, contributing three teams each. The Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and the Free State will have two representatives each.

Rhenish Girls’ High, Paarl Gimnasium, and Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof will carry the hopes of the Western Cape, while the trio of Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School, St Anne’s Diocesan College, and St Mary’s DSG (Kloof) will fly the flag for KZN.

Die Hoërskool Menlopark and Hoërskool Waterkloof, both from Pretoria, are the Gauteng reps, while Collegiate Girls’ High and Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) Makhanda will present a strong challenge from the Eastern Cape.

Local fans will cheer on Eunice High School and Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje.

Our Lady of Fatima, which qualified for the elite event for the first time, is the 25th school to earn a place in the tournament.

DSG Makhanda, which has produced an outstanding season, returns to the showpiece for the first time since in 2018. Collegiate, meanwhile, missed out on last year’s Super 12.

Three sides that featured in 2024 – Durban Girls’ College, St Stithians College and Hoërskool Garsfontein – miss out this year. St Stithians’ absence means that for the first time in its 10-year history the lineup does not include a school from Johannesburg.

The teams have been split into two groups, Pools A and B. Pool A, has the look of the “pool of death”.

It features three previous winners: the reigning champions, Rhenish; 2023 winners, Eunice; and Oranje, who last lifted the trophy in 2022. Last year’s runner-up, St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, is also in the pool, along with Bloemhof and Waterkloof.

Newcomers Our Lady of Fatima will battle for Pool B supremacy with DSG Makhanda, Paarl Gim, Collegiate, Menlopark, and St Anne’s.

The tournament is scheduled to start with a bang, with Rhenish taking on St Mary’s Kloof in a repeat of last year’s final.

If there is one thing people took away from the inaugural Nika Coertzen Hockey Festival, held at Eunice High School, in Bloemfontein, this past weekend, it is that the future of schoolgirls’ hockey is bright.

The primary school girls’ hockey festival, which was played at Eunice, Grey College, and St Andrew’s School, kicked off with a surprise silent disco on Thursday evening and wrapped up on Sunday afternoon.

“(The disco was) A fun, energy-filled way to unite the athletes and get everyone in festival mode before the whistle blew,” Nika Coertzen, the festival director, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

The showpiece featured 27 teams from across the country who took to the field with fierce determination to compete in 117 games. Eighteen schools wheeled out nine u12 and 18 u13 sides, with each team contesting nine matches, played across three days.

The hosts, Eunice’s u13 team, gave local fans many reasons to cheer by going unbeaten to finish first in their section. Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School ruled the roost in the u12 age group, where they dominated.

“This was the best level of primary school hockey I have seen in 15 years of coaching. The standard was out of this world, with intense, closely contested matches that had spectators on the edge of their seats,” Coertzen said.

Beyond the on-field competition, the festival fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among the players. Though teams went at it hard on the turf, off the field, there was a warm atmosphere of mutual encouragement and comedy, reinforcing the true spirit of sport.

For the coaches, it was a valuable opportunity to observe and refine tactics, with the third term being when primary schools play their hockey. The discussions sparked during and after matches helped sharpen their strategies for the forthcoming season.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who made this weekend’s festival a remarkable success. The players brought energy, dedication, and exceptional skill that lit up the competition and inspired us all,” Coertzen said.

“The coaches, who provided strategic insights and mentorship both on and off the field provided the foundation for a thrilling event. And then, the parents and families, who were a constant presence in the stands.

“I also don’t want to leave out the alumni and local fans, who brought enthusiasm and loud cheers. Everyone came together and helped create an incredible spirit to every match,” Coertzen enthused.

She also extended a special shout-out to SuperSport Schools for broadcasting the matches live on the SuperSport Schools App and on DSTV Channel 216.

“I am grateful to them for giving visibility to this showcase of young talent. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Eunice Girls’ School for their unwavering logistical and moral support throughout the festival,” Coertzen  concluded.

Results

U12 Section team placings

1st St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School
2nd Willem Postma
3rd Eunice Primary School

Individual awards

Best Goalkeeper: Haylee Kretzmann (Laerskool Kenmare)
Top Goal-scorers: Marle Janse (Willem Postma) and Ashley van Tonder (St Stithians) with 5 goals each.
Best Player: Leerah Mokoena (Eunice Primary)

 U13 Section team placings

1st Eunice Primary
2nd Paarl Girls’ High
3rd Durban Girls’ College

Individual awards

Best Goalkeeper: Isabel Hanekom (Paarl Girls’ High)
Top Goal-scorer: Chélyn Parkin (Eunice Primary) with 10 goals
Best Player: Madison Lamour (Eunice Primary)

JOHANNESBURG: One of the key honours at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Pathway Awards 2025, taking place in Johannesburg on 31 July, is the CSA Under-19 Player of the Year award. This accolade recognises players who have made outstanding contributions at the U19 level throughout the 2024/25 season.

The nominees for this year’s CSA U19 Men’s Player of the Year are Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Muhammad Bulbulia (KZN Inland), (Central Gauteng Lions), JJ Basson (Central Gauteng Lions), and Jason Rowles (Central Gauteng Lions).

Janicke Janse van Rensburg (Titans), Sive Silati (Western Province), and Olwethu Gasa (KZN Coastal) are in line for the top award in women’s youth cricket, the CSA Girls U19 Player of the Tournament 2025.

These awards have been a stepping stone for players who have gone on to represent South Africa at the highest level. Recent winners include Karabo Meso (2023) and Kwena Maphaka (2024), both of whom made their senior international debuts after receiving the award.

Maphaka was crowned after taking 21 wickets at the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2024, helping South Africa reach the semi-finals on home soil.

“It was massive for me in terms of my career at that point. Coming from a World Cup prior and being the most senior player in the team, I felt the responsibility to put in big performances for the team and I was really pleased that I could do that,”

Maphaka’s rise continued as he became the youngest Proteas Men debutant at just 18 years and 137 days old, playing in the first T20 International against the West Indies in August 2024, shortly before completing high school.

“There have been a lot of memorable moments, but I think the standout was my Proteas debut. I had always believed that I’d be in the mix around age 22, so to play my first game before I had written prelims was really cool and a massive honour and privilege.”

Meso made her Proteas Women debut at 16 years old, playing against Sri Lanka in March 2024. She later played a key role in helping the SA U19 Women reach the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup final in 2025 after impressing in the first-ever instalment of the competition which was held in South Africa in 2023.

“Winning the U19 Player of the Year meant a lot to me in every aspect since I started playing cricket. It was the biggest award I’ve ever received, bigger than any other award I’ve received in cricket.

“Even when I’m staring at it at home in front of the TV, it reminds me of the 2023 CSA Awards. Walking up to the stage and receiving it from Chloe Tryon and Anrich Nortje, I won’t forget that moment.

“Looking back at the U19 team, it prepared me in so many ways. It taught me how to carry myself on and off the field, and around people. It also gave me a taste of what life is like as a Protea, how professional players live day-to-day.

“Now I know what’s right and wrong, and I’m grateful for everything the U19 setup taught me,” she concluded.

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

 There was joy for many, disappointment for others, when the 2025 SASHOC National Week concluded at Maritzburg College, in Pietermaritzburg, earlier this month.

Among those who were celebrating and basking in the glory of their child’s achievement were Freddie and Rista Brunette, the parents of Luken Brunette.

Luken, who hails from Pretoria’s Hoërskool Garsfontein, captained Northern Gauteng A to a monumental third-place finish, behind only Southern Gauteng A and the winners, Western Province A.

It was the best finish for Northerns in almost 10 years and signalled the growth of schoolboy hockey within the Pretoria region.

“I’m very proud of what we achieved at IPT. We set a goal for ourselves, which was the semifinals, and we reached it,” Brunette told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“We wanted to go further and win, but it was tough against Western Province in the semis.

“For us, it was just about making history. I think the last time Northerns made a semifinal in the A-section was 10 to 12 years ago, so we wanted to make history and medal.”

On a personal level, that was the best interprovincial tournament for Brunette, who has been involved with Northerns hockey since his junior years.

He joined Garsfontein in grade eight after a stint at Laerskool Constantiapark, where he first picked up a stick.

“I started when I was in grade two, and my brother was in grade seven,” he recalled.

“I was always joining his training sessions, picking up the stick, and loving it.

“I also liked rugby a lot, but I broke an arm in the Afsluiting (end-of-season event), and after that, I stuck with hockey from grade six and just went up from there.”

Brunette entered the gates of Garsfontein in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic and didn’t get to play as much hockey as he would’ve liked.

The tide started to turn in grade nine, and he was selected for the u16 SA Schools side for the first time at the age of 15 after an impressive IPT in Stellenbosch.

The dangerous drag flicker continued to up his game and the following year made his first team debut.

“It’s been a journey since I got to Garsies, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” he reckoned.

“After the junior years, I played for the first team in grade 10, and we won the Northerns Cup and finished fifth at IPT and fourth at the Hibbert Shield.

“Grade 11 was also great. Even though we lost two matches at IPT and still finished in 10th place, I managed to make the SA u17 team, which was an achievement.

“This year, we did well at IPT and beat Grey College for the first time at the Hibbert Shield, and I made the SA u18 team. All in all, it’s been amazing.”

During his school career, the 18-year-old has played in the JHL (Johannesburg Hockey League), PSI (Pro Series Indoor) and for the TUKS 1 outfit while also training with the Tuks high-performance squad.

At first, he played centre link but was moved by former coach Nick Bérichon to centre back, a position he has excelled in over the past two seasons.

Apart from drag flicking, Brunette has worked hard on his defending.

“I think as a player you must always try and improve, and that’s something I’ve done over the years,” he said. “My distribution and defending are my best attributes. My attacking is also good, but that’s not what I do a lot in games.

“There are some techniques I learnt as a youngster from my brother, who was a good hockey player as well, and I still use those to this day.”

Brunette plans to study Actuarial Science at the University of Pretoria in 2026. Closing in on the end of his school career, he thanked some of the coaches who’ve helped him along the way and his parents, who have attended many of his matches.

“There are many coaches who played a big role, but from grades 8-10 it was Nick Bérichon, and he’s the one who converted me from centre link to centre back, and that changed my career.

“He left at the end of grade 10, and coach Steven Paulo and meneer Rihann van der Merwe took over and also had a massive influence on my hockey.

“My parents have also been there for me, and they always comfort me when I’ve had tough games.

“They make plans for me to get to where I need to be and play, so I will always be grateful for them.”

The Garsfontein skipper will lead his side for the last time at the Guschkie Top Schools Hockey Tournament, which takes place at Grey College in August.

You can catch that event LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

Click HERE to follow SuperSport Schools Hockey for all the updates.

Gauteng’s top hockey-playing schools return to action this week with a tasty lineup of intriguing matches.

The third term brings a different energy, especially from the senior players, who will be aiming to end their school careers on a high note.

For the younger players, it’s an opportunity to take on more prominent roles, with one eye cast towards the future.

On Wednesday, high-flying Jeppe High School for Boys faces off against Helpmekaar Kollege at Wits University.

In another interesting clash, Parktown Boys’ High School goes up against King Edward VII School (KES) in a friendly fixture ahead of a derby clash with Northcliff High School on Saturday.

Jeppe, under the leadership of coach Siya Sityana, remain the dominant force in Gauteng schoolboy hockey. They went into the mid-year break on a high after edging out Pretoria Boys High to maintain their unbeaten run.

Their fixture against Helpmekaar is an opportunity for the Kensington school to find their momentum once more and bolster their outstanding record.

Helpmekaar are no pushovers, however, and Wednesday’s game will be the 100th for the school’s 1st XI for the talented Jaundré Verwey.

Verwey is a key player in the midfield, who plays with a commanding presence. He and his teammates will be pushed hard by Jeppe, but they would love nothing more than to upset the apple cart and take down Jeppe to celebrate Verwey’s 100th cap.

Jeppe will be back in action on the Bowden AstroTurf on Friday when they host Durban High School (DHS). Recent clashes between the teams have been high-tempo and highly intense, with both sides loaded with provincial representatives.

In Pretoria, Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) hits the ground running. They’re hosting Maritzburg College in one of the largest derbies – rugby and hockey – in the country on 25 and 26 July, while Pretoria Boys High School will face KES.

There will be some feelings of uncertainty following a pause in their schedule for the national hockey weeks during the holiday, but Affies will feel confident after ending the second term with a morale-boosting 4-1 win over Hoërskool Menlopark.

In front of a jam-packed crowd, Panorama FC came from behind to stun Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 and lift the Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng trophy at Marks Park on the weekend.

It was an unexpected outcome, but a huge achievement for Panorama’s u18s, who succeed the team they beat in the final, Chiefs, as the champion of the region.

In 2024, the Amakhosi beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 in the title decider.

Panorama’s exploits were richly rewarded when the individual awards were announced. Tiago Khan was named the Player and the Defender of the Tournament. The Striker of the Tournament went to Neo Maswabi, and, unsurprisingly, considering his team’s stunning march to the title, Luyanda Gcabashe received the Coach of the Tournament Award.

There was also a new champion crowned in the women’s u20 competition, with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) succeeding Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies as the Gauteng champions.

In a tight final, UJ edged out JVW 1-0. It was a tough task getting past the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Casey Gordon, but all that was needed was one goal and UJ got it.

They also received most of the individual awards. Adrielle Mibe was named the Player of the Tournament and the Midfielder of the Tournament, while Gugu Dhlamini picked up the Striker of the Tournament Award.

UJ coach Delisile Mbatha received the Coach of the Tournament award.

The Fair Play Awards went to the University of Pretoria (Tuks) in the boys’ section and Future Stars Ladies in the girls’ competition.

Panorama and UJ will join the KwaZulu-Natal Engen Knockout Challenge winners, Junior Stars and Durban Ladies, and the Western Cape’s Cape Town City and Cape Town Roses at the Engen Champ of Champs, which will be played in Pretoria from 3-5 October.

New champions will be crowned in both the boys’ and girls’ competition because Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies lifted the Champs of Champs titles in 2024.

The Eastern Cape Engen Knockout Challenge will be played on 26 and 27 July.

AWARDS

Boys

Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Mihailo Mijatovic (Joburg City)
Defender of the Tournament: Tiago Kahn (Panorama FC)
Midfielder of the Tournament: Andile Mtsweni (Kaizer Chiefs)
Striker of the Tournament: Neo Maswabi (Panorama FC)
Coach of the Tournament: Luyanda Gcabashe (Panorama FC)
Player of the Tournament: Tiago Kahn (Panorama FC)
Fair Play team of the Tournament: (University of Pretoria)

Top goal scorer: Lucky Mathewi (SuperSport United), Mabutho Nkosi (School of Excellence), Kamohelo Matreletse (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkululeko Soldaat (Wits University), Diego Da Silva (University of Pretoria), Jozela Nceba (Remember Elite Sport Academy), Sibusiso Tolomane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Neo Maswabi (Panorama FC).

Girls

Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Casey Gordon (JVW)
Defender of the Tournament: Naylene Morgau (SAFA Academy)
Midfielder of the Tournament: Adrielle Mibe (UJ)
Top goal scorer: Hlalala Mkhari (SAFA Academy)
Striker of the Tournament: Gugu Dhlamini (UJ)
Coach of the Tournament: Delisile Mbatha (UJ)
Player of the Tournament: Adrielle Mibe (UJ)
Fair Play team of the Tournament: Future Stars Ladies