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The annual SASHOC National Weeks are not only a celebration of schools’ hockey in South Africa but also a platform for players to showcase their skills.

It’s an opportunity for them to rise to the occasion and show what they’re capable of doing at the highest level of the game in the country.

At the u16 inter-provincial tournaments, played at Hilton College, St Anne’s DSG, and St John’s DSG in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this month, siblings Luc and Charly-Rose Boyall, both representing the KZN Coastal u16A teams, achieved something remarkable.

Firstly, they finished the tournament as the top goal scorers in the boys’ and girls’ A-sections with 12 goals (Luc) and nine goals (Charly-Rose), respectively.

They both also scooped the Most Valuable Striker accolades before being named in the u16 SA Schools squads.

Luc’s side finished in fifth place, while Charly-Rose and her troops won gold after beating Eastern Province 4-2 in the final.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus, the siblings reflected on their achievements with pride.

“I think it was a really good tournament, and it was fun,” said Charly-Rose.

“We played well as a team, and it showed in the final when we won the whole thing.

“I had a good run out there. I tried to go in as fresh as I could and tried to score as many goals as possible to help the team. I’m happy it turned out the way it did.”

Despite missing out on a medal, Luc and his side played some outstanding hockey throughout the week, but some lapses of concentration in crucial moments cost them.

“We wanted to win the tournament, but a couple of games didn’t go our way,” he explained.

“As a team, we could’ve played better in some matches. From my end, it was good because I wanted to help the team, and my teammates helped me score the goals I scored.”

Luc attends Northwood School, while Charly-Rose is a product of Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School.

Their older brother, Tristan Boyall, also represented KZN Coastal between 2022 and 2023. He made the SA u17 side and currently plays with his younger siblings at the Riverside Hockey Club.

Luc and Charly-Rose are also backed by Princess Hockey. On the field, they are versatile players who can slot into the midfield or play as strikers.

The siblings are deadly in front of the goal. Luc netted 10 field goals and two short corners at the National Week, while his sister slotted five PCs, two penalty strokes, and two field goals.

Charly-Rose admitted it was a “cool” feeling to achieve such a feat with her older brother.

“We kind of knew that both of us were getting it because Luc was far ahead from the beginning.

“I think he scored three goals on the first day, and I had to work a bit harder to get the accolade because there were players behind me with a lot of goals.

“It was cool when we got called up together, and our parents were happy.”

Luc will represent his school in their last two matches of the season against Durban High School and Glenwood High, while Charly-Rose’s season at Our Lady of Fatima is complete.

They will, however, both turn out for South Africa at the Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge next month against Zimbabwe in Johannesburg.

That series runs from 12 to 15 August and takes place at St David’s Marist Inanda.

“We are excited to play for South Africa. It’s one of the goals we have been working towards this year, so to make that is amazing for us, especially for Charley, who’s 15,” Luc said.

“We will see what happens when we get there. We want to contribute to our teams, not play as individuals and play to the best of our abilities, and hopefully do well.

For 15-year-old Charly-Rose, it’s all about enjoying her time out on the turf and playing good hockey.

“It’s a privilege to be playing in the u16A team, and I’m excited to see how it will go,” she said. “I just want to have fun, play good hockey, and help the team as much as I can.”

The Allistar Fredericks Africa Challenge will be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport Schools and DStv channel 216.

You can also follow SuperSport Schools Hockey for all the updates.

SA u16 GIRLS HIGH PERFORMANCE TOURNAMENT TEAM
	NAME	SURNAME	REGION
1	Alecia	Louw	Eastern Province A
2	Bea	van den Berg	Western Province A
3	Buntu	Msweli	KZN Coastal A
4	Charley-Rose	Boyall	KZN Coastal A
5	Chelsey	Woolf	KZN Coastal A
6	Emihle	Mazomba	Eastern Province A
7	Giovanna	Abrahams	Southern Gauteng A
8	Heather	Kane	Western Province A
9	Iminathi	Rungqu	Eastern Province A
10	Jamie	Gall	Western Province A
11	Jo	Kerchhoff	Western Province A
12	Klara-Lea	Basson	Boland A
13	Lenique	Vogel	Northern Blues A
14	Lucy	Holderness	Eastern Province A
15	Ronewa	Tshikhudo	Southern Gauteng A
16	Salome-Rose	Oosthuizen	Eastern Province A
17	Zani	Boezaart	Boland A
18	Ziyanda	Mchunu	KZN Coastal A

SA U16A BOYS HIGH PERFORMANCE TOURNAMENT TEAM
	NAME	SURNAME	REGION
1	Arin	Spiller	Western Province
2	Maharaja	Liam	Kwa-Zulu Natal Coastal
3	Stephan	Malan	Boland
4	Jaime	Kock	Boland
5	Eben	Peters	Kwa-Zulu Natal Coastal
6	Jeandré	van Zyl	Boland
7	Kade	Lottering	Southern Gauteng
8	Sbuyisilwe Mchunu	Mchunu	Kwa-Zulu Natal Inland
9	Callum	Anderson	Western Province
10	Luke	Mason	Eastern Province
11	Kgotsofalang	Lehloenya	Southern Gauteng
12	Eichaan	Lubbe	Kwa-Zulu Natal Coastal
13	Blaine	Candy	Southern Gauteng
14	Loyiso	Mletshe	Western Province
15	Luc	Boyall	Kwa-Zulu Natal Coastal
16	Santiago	Matroos	Kwa-Zulu Natal Inland
17	Danté	Elkington	Eastern Province
18	Tshimologo	Mogale	Southern Gauteng

 

The Junior Springboks were welcomed back to South Africa on Monday by cheering fans and Mr Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, after winning the World Rugby u20 Championships in Italy on Saturday.

The SA u20s, under the leadership of head coach Kevin Foote, ended a 13-year wait to reclaim the global Under-20 crown with a 23-15 victory over the Junior All Blacks in the summer heat of Rovigo.

“This is a very proud day for rugby in South Africa, and I would like to congratulate Kevin and the team on an outstanding performance in the tournament,” said Mr Alexander.

“The group have been welded into a formidable unit over the course of this year and many of them have the potential to go on to higher honours, I am sure.

“Their victory is a tribute to all the hard work done at high school level by educators and coaches, and at our provincial unions from whom these players are drawn.

“Appointing a head coach in Kevin, who has franchise experience, was also an important part of the progress this group have shown, and I would like to commend him, his backroom team, and the High-Performance Department at SA Rugby for what they have achieved in such a short space of time.

“I’d also like to thank our sponsors who have come on board to partner the Junior Boks and with whom we are delighted to share in their success.”

The Junior Boks last won the title in 2012 with a home victory over the same opponents in Cape Town, but had had a long wait for a repeat success having not appeared in another final since 2014.

This time the team showed great composure in cruising to the final with commanding victories over Australia (73-12), England (32-22) and Scotland (73-14) in the pool stages, and Argentina (48-24) in the semi-final.

They led in the final from the third minute and tries by Xola Nyali and Gilermo Mentoe, as well as 13 points from the boot of Vusi Moyo, secured a famous victory.

Moyo finished the tournament as the top points’ scorer with 63, while Haashim Pead scored six tries, placing him second for the most five-pointers behind Georgia’s Mikheili Shioshvili (7).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The hockey season in the Western Cape has reached its halfway point, the SASHOC National Weeks have come and gone, and the re-opening of schools means it’s time for the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament (CTIHT).

The CTIHT has featured on the province’s hockey calendar since its inception in 2003 and is hosted annually in the first week of term three.

This year’s tournament will see 60 boys’ and girls’ teams battle it out for the silverware. The action kicks off on Wednesday, 23 July, before concluding with the respective finals on Sunday, 27 July.

Six venues – the Central Hockey Club, Hartleyvale Stadium (A & B), Pinelands High School, South African College High School (SACS), the University of Cape Town (UCT), and the Western Province Cricket Club (A & B) – will host the jam-packed programme.

The playing field is dominated by local sides, with a sprinkling of schools from the United Kingdom (UK), Zimbabwe, and Namibia set to add some international spice to the event.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that new champions will be crowned in both the girls’ and boys’ sections after Paarl Gimnasium decided not to participate. Last year, the Paarl Gim boys defeated a SACS Stayers team 2-1 in the final, while the girls thumped Somerset College 10-0 to lift the trophy.

How the tournament works

The tournament is separated into two parts, with both the boys’ and girls’ events featuring “Evolve” and “Elite” sections.

The boys have 16 teams in both sections, with the traditionally stronger sides competing in the Elite section. The girls’ competition is slightly smaller, with 16 Elite teams but only 12 Evolve sides.

Among the top challengers in the Elite section are SACS, Somerset College, Paarl Boys’ High, Reddam House Constantia, and Parel Vallei.

Pool A includes SACS, Somerset College, Windhoek Afrikaanse Private School, and St George’s Weybridge, from Surrey, in the UK.

SACS won the tournament in 2023, and they’ll be focused on making a strong start when they face Somerset College in the tournament’s opening game on Wednesday morning.

Paarl Boys’ High will battle it out in Pool B against Worcester Gimnasium and visiting sides Reed’s School, also from Surrey, and Windhoek Gimnasium.

Parel Vallei, one of the favourites, takes on Durbanville High, Millfield School, renowned for its remarkable record of producing international sportsmen and sportswomen, and Kingston Grammar, which also boasts a proud hockey tradition, in Pool C.

Pool D will be contested by Hoërskool Outeniqua, Reddam, King Edward’s School, from Birmingham, in the UK, and a Western Province Invitational side.

The girls’ Elite section is wide open, and it features a mouthwatering fixture list. Several teams will fancy their chances in the absence of Paarl Gim, including their great rivals, Paarl Girls’ High.

Coach Marc Landman‘s girls are drawn in Pool D where they’ll take on Zimbabwe’s Chisipite, Durbanville High, and Hoërskool Bellville.

Reddam House Constantia, HMS La Rochelle, and Worcester Gimnasium will tackle St Paul’s College, from Windhoek, in Pool A.

St Paul’s is one of the sides to keep an eye on after they impressed at the Belgotex Easter Hockey Tournament earlier this year.

Pool B will be contested by Hoërskool Outeniqua, Somerset College, Millfield, and Windhoek Afrikaanse Private School.

Parel Vallei shares Pool C with Curro Durbanville, Kingston Grammar, and Windhoek High School.

Past editions of the tournament have been disrupted by bad weather and heavy rain, but the forecast looks promising, and spectators should be able to witness a full week of hockey.

You can catch the action LIVE on the SuperSport Schools App and follow SuperSport Schools Hockey for all the updates.

Click HERE to see all the tournament fixtures.

Pinetown Boys’ High and St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, went back-to-back as champions of the Kearsney Soccer Tournament on Saturday, while Ashton Ballito claimed the honours in the primary school competition.

It was far from simple for Pinetown, however. They faced Gqeberha’s Urban Academy, with whom they had drawn goalless in the group stage, for the title, and Urban Academy hadn’t yet conceded a goal.

Pinetown had scored more than Urban Academy on their way to the final, but they had, at least, conceded once in a 2-1 win over Glenwood High, a team that Urban Academy comfortably beat 3-0.

Once more, both defences held firm and, in cold and wet conditions, the title game went down to a penalty shootout.

Pinetown, who recently claimed the Kloof High Football Tournament title after a penalty shootout win over the Absa Wildklawer champion, Virginia High School, demonstrated their BMT once more, claiming victory by a 3-1 margin from the spot.

In a tightly contested playoff for third, Durban High School (DHS), the winners of the inaugural tournament in 2023, edged out the host, Kearsney College, winning 3-2.

That was also the score in the fifth-place clash, with Siyajabula, the 2024 runner-up, defeating Queensburgh High.

Maqhutshana A scored a 2-1 win over Clifton College to finish seventh.

Glenwood, who had the misfortune of having both finalists with them in Group C, cantered to victory in the Plate final, outplaying Curro Somerset West 5-1.

The girls’ final also brought together teams that had met previously in the group stage when St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, took on Durban Girls’ High.

It had ended 1-0 in favour of Saints in their pool clash, and it finished 1-0 once more in the title decider.

Third place went to Danville Park Girls’ High who scored a 3-1 win over Curro Hazeldean.

Ashton Ballito lifted the Plate in style, defeating Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge 3-0.

Meanwhile, Ashton Ballito, also, enjoyed a fairy tale run to the primary schools’ title. They won all three of their group matches, beating the defending champion, Merchiston Prep, 3-0, Winston Park Primary 3-0, and Westville Senior Primary 4-3.

In round two of the Championship, they rolled to a 4-0 win over John Wesley. That was followed by a 2-0 victory over Pelham in the semi-finals, and a 2-1 win over Hillcrest Primary in the final. Six matches, six victories.

Merchiston and Pelham, both from Pietermaritzburg, met in the third-place playoff, with Pelham picking up a narrow 1-0 win.

RESULTS

Boys’ High School

1st/2nd: Pinetown Boys’ High 0-0 Urban Academy (Pinetown won 3-1 on penalties)
3rd/4th: Durban High School 3-2 Kearsney College
5th/6th: Siyajabula 3-2 Queensburgh High
7th/8th: Maqhutshana A 2-1 Clifton College
9th/10th: Glenwood High 5-1 Curro Somerset West
11th/12th: Curro Hazeldean 1-0 Sutherland
13th/14th: Maqhutshana B 1-1 Ashton Ballito (Maqhutshana won 6-5 on penalties)
15th/16th: Grace College 3-1 Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge

Girls’ High School

1st/2nd: St Mary’s DSG, Kloof 1-0 Durban Girls’ High
3rd/4th: Danville Park Girls’ High 3-1 Curro Hazeldean
5th/6th: Ashton Ballito 3-0 Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote credited his team’s renowned, trademark South African grit and fighting spirit for their victory over New Zealand in the World Rugby u20 Championship final in Italy on Saturday evening.

SA u20 captain Riley Norton and the Junior Boks lifted the U20 world crown on a humid evening in Rovigo, Italy, finishing the tournament unbeaten after a pulsating final against their fiercest rugby rivals.

The hard-fought 23-15 win delivered South Africa’s first u20 Championship title in 13 years, following their triumph over New Zealand in the 2012 final at a packed Newlands in Cape Town.

Speaking after the final whistle, Foote praised his team’s defensive resolve and refusal to let the Kiwis back into the game, even when they were camped on the SA tryline for long periods of time.

“Defence is all about character, and there were moments when New Zealand were right on our line, but we held firm,” said Foote said.

“From a coach’s perspective, you can’t ask for more than that. It was a real South African defensive effort and gees (spirit) that won it for us today.”

Foote, who took over as Junior Bok head coach at the end of last year, also described his winning squad as a special group of young rugby players.

“I love our country and the Springboks, and I love working with this age group,” he said.

“To see these young men grow from training in December to what they’ve achieved now is amazing. Being on this journey with them has been incredibly special, and I’ll never take it for granted.”

Foote added that he always believed in his team, even when the New Zealanders were pushing hard to regain control: “I looked at the players on the field and saw their body language. They were so present and in the moment. They had such belief, and I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved here in Italy.”

Norton, who led from the front, said: “The ball was so slippery, and your fundamentals had to be spot on in these conditions, which was tough. There were a few handling errors due to the incredible humidity, and our jerseys were absolutely drenched in sweat, but I think we handled the conditions well. This win is for everyone who supported us back home.”

The Junior Bok captain also credited their intense training in Stellenbosch for helping them adapt to the Italian summer heat.

“We actually adapted very well to the local conditions, even though it was winter when we left Stellenbosch,” said Norton. “That’s thanks to our conditioning and the fact that we’re used to training in similar summer weather back home.”

The Junior Springboks are expected to arrive back in South Africa on Monday morning, landing in Johannesburg before the players return to their respective provincial unions.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The World Rugby U20 Championship will return to Georgia in 2026 with the prestigious age-grade tournament to expand to 16 teams.

• Georgia to host 16th edition of rugby’s pinnacle age-grade competition
• Tournament expanded from 12 to 16 teams to boost global competitiveness
• Fiji, Japan, Uruguay and USA to complete the line-up

World Rugby has today confirmed that Georgia will host an expanded World Rugby U20 Championship in 2026 with 16 teams to contest the prestigious age-grade tournament.

It will be the second time that Georgia hosts the World Rugby U20 Championship, having done so in 2017 when a New Zealand side featuring current All Blacks Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan beat England 64-17 in the final in Tbilisi.

Georgia finished 10th on home soil after a narrow defeat to Ireland with Bega Saginadze, Akaki Tabutsadze, Tedo Abzhandadze and Tornike Jalagonia among those from that squad to have gone on to play test rugby for the Lelos.

The tournament will again be staged in the cities of Tbilisi and Kutaisi with the dates to be confirmed by World Rugby and the Georgian Rugby Union in due course.

The expansion to 16 teams comes on the back of consultation with national unions as part of a wide-ranging review of men’s age-grade competition structures aimed at increasing the competitiveness of international rugby as part of the pathway to Men’s Rugby World Cup.

This will be the first time since 2009 that 16 teams will take part in the U20 Championship and means that there will be no relegation from the 2025 edition for the team losing the 11th place play-off between Ireland and Spain on Saturday. The 12 participating teams in Italy were advised of this information ahead of the tournament.

The current 12 teams participating in the U20 Championship will be joined in Georgia next year by Fiji as the side relegated from the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2024 and USA, Japan and Uruguay as the sides finishing second, third and fourth in the U20 Trophy in 2024.

Japan last played in the U20 Championship in 2023, but it will be a first appearance in the showpiece tournament for more than 10 years for both Uruguay and USA, who last played in 2009 and 2013 respectively.

The details regarding promotion and relegation for 2027 will be confirmed by World Rugby in due course.

World Rugby Chief of Rugby Competitions, Performance and Development, Nigel Cass said: “We are delighted to bring the World Rugby U20 Championship back to Georgia – a nation with a deep passion for the game and a proven track record of hosting world-class events.

“The return of the tournament to Tbilisi and Kutaisi, now expanded to 16 teams, is a significant step forward in our mission to enhance global competitiveness and provide more young players with the opportunity to shine on the international stage.

“We look forward to working with the Georgian Rugby Union and local authorities to deliver another memorable edition of our pinnacle men’s age-grade tournament. In the meantime, I would like to wish New Zealand and South Africa the very best of luck ahead of tomorrow’s U20 Championship final in Rovigo – a fitting climax to a fantastic 2025 edition.”

Georgian Rugby Union President Davit Kacharava said: This is the second time we have the honour of hosting the World Rugby U20 Championship – an event that holds great significance not only for the development of Georgian rugby but for our country as a whole. The tournament is growing in scale, and in 2026, Georgia will welcome 16 teams instead of 12. We must rise to the challenge and, as we did in 2017, deliver a world-class championship.

“The active support of our national government has been instrumental in this achievement. Their backing was essential to securing hosting rights, and without the guarantees provided by our authorities, this would not have been possible.

“I firmly believe that hosting the U20 Championship will spark a new wave of interest in rugby across Georgia. More young people will be inspired to take up the sport. Aspiring players will have the unique opportunity to witness, firsthand, how the giants of world rugby and the stars of tomorrow perform on the international stage.

“Matches will take place both in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, which will further elevate the popularity of rugby in Georgia. Rugby fans from both Eastern and Western parts of the country will be able to attend the games and be part of this great celebration of the sport.

“I would like to once again congratulate our entire nation and the global rugby community on this remarkable occasion. I extend my sincere thanks to World Rugby for entrusting us with this opportunity, and to our government for standing firmly beside us. My gratitude also goes to every individual who has been involved in making this possible.

“We are now facing a major challenge, and it is our responsibility to meet it with the highest level of preparation and professionalism – not only on the sporting front, but also in terms of operations, marketing, and every other aspect of tournament organisation.

“I am confident that this historic decision, so important for our country and our sport, will be welcomed with celebration across Georgia. In difficult times, sport remains a powerful unifier – a source of hope and joy. Given that sport has been declared a national priority, hosting such a prestigious tournament is both a tremendous honour and a great responsibility.”

The World Rugby U20 Championship 2025 concludes in Italy on Saturday with New Zealand and South Africa to meet in the final at Stadio Mario Battaglini in Rovigo, a repeat of their 2012 showdown at a sold-out Newlands in Cape Town.

The Junior Springboks beat New Zealand 23-15 in the final in Italy to win the World Rugby U20 Championship for the first time in 13 years.

South Africa ended a 13-year wait for a second World Rugby U20 Championship title after beating New Zealand 23-15 in the final of the 2025 edition in the Italian city of Rovigo on Saturday.

It was the first meeting of the two nations in a final since the Junior Springboks’ class of 2012, featuring the likes of future Rugby World Cup winners Handre Pollard, Steven Kitshoff and Pieter-Steph du Toit, ran out 22-16 winners in Cape Town.

A sold-out Stadio Mario Battaglini didn’t have long to wait for the opening try of this title decider, flanker Xola Nyale going over from close range in the third minute only for New Zealand to hit back through Jayden Sa from a lineout move.

New Zealand loose-head prop Sika Uamaki Pole was sent to the sin-bin in the 22nd minute, the yellow upgraded to a 20-minute red by the Foul Play Review Official, the first red card in a final since 2012. South Africa centre Albertus Bester would be carded 10 minutes later, but his remained a yellow card with South Africa only able to add two Vusi Moyo penalties for a 13-5 half-time lead.

An early Rico Simpson penalty cut the deficit after New Zealand were unable to find a way through the South African defence, before the Junior Springboks had a try by Hassiem Pead chalked off by the TMO for holding.

The second try would eventually come, albeit only in the 77th minute when Gilermo Mentoe went over to wrap up victory. There was still time for New Zealand to grab a consolation try by Maloni Kunawave but it was South Africa captain Riley Norton who got to enjoy “the greatest day” of his life and lift the coveted trophy aloft.

While the final may have been a tight affair, the points were certainly not in short supply anywhere else on the final day with more than 100 points alone scored in the previous match in Rovigo between Australia and England.

Argentina scored five second-half tries to come from 14 points down to beat France 38-35 in the second match in Calvisano to match their best-ever finish of third place, achieved in 2016. Hooker Nicolás Cambiasso scored two of them as Los Pumitas avenged their 52-26 loss to France in their Pool B decider.

Australia and England also met for the second time in the tournament and the Junior Wallabies were clearly out for revenge for that loss, racing into a 21-0 lead after 13 minutes of the fifth place play-off. They went in leading 35-14 but there was no let up after the break with Australia running out 68-40 winners, leaving the 2024 champions to post their worst finish since they placed seventh in 2012.

Earlier in the day, Italy and Wales had kicked off proceedings in Rovigo with the seventh place play-off and it was the hosts who ran out 31-23 winners to secure their best-ever finish in the World Rugby U20 Championship. Nelson Casartelli scored two tries with Francesco Braga’s reliable boot contributing 16 points to the Azzurrini cause.

Georgia number eight Mikheili Shioshvili followed up a hat-trick in the Junior Lelos win over Spain with another brace in a 22-7 defeat of Scotland to secure ninth place. Shioshvili’s second try on the hour mark proved to be the only points of the second half.

Spain looked on course for their biggest scalp in the tournament but were denied a famous win when Ireland hooker Henry Walker scored his second try of the game in the 79th minute to snatch a 38-37 victory in the 11th place play-off in Calvisano. Spain had played the final 15 minutes a man down after Daniel Chico Ayo’s red card and came up just short.

The next edition of the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2026 will take place in Georgia and will expand to 16 teams with Fiji, USA, Japan and Uruguay joining the 12 teams from this tournament.

BENONI: Jason Rowles turned in a strong all-round performance but it proved to be in vain as South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) Men slipped to a second successive loss in their three-match Youth One-Day International (YODI) Series against Bangladesh in Benoni on Saturday.

The hosts, beaten by 130 runs in the opening match at Willowmoore Park on Thursday, this time suffered a 104-run defeat to the tourists, who moved into an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Tour co-captain Rowles first bowled tidily, returning figures of none for 43 to help restrict the visitors to 265 for six after winning the toss and opting to bowl.

Paul James (2/21) and Corne Botha (2/60) both picked up two wickets apiece.

In reply, Rowles top-scored with an entertaining 51 off 48 balls, which included five fours and two sixes. However, there was little support from the rest of the team – Botha’s 26 being the next best effort – with the junior national side rolled over in 30.2 overs.

It meant that Bangladesh moved 2-0 ahead with the third and final match to follow on Tuesday.

Coach Malibongwe Maketa and his team will no doubt be disappointed by their latest setback, almost a repeat of the tour opener.

Bangladesh made a strong start again to their innings as Zawad Abrar (57 off 53 balls, 1 four, 6 sixes), Azizul Hakim Tamim (67 off 90 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) and Rizan Hossan (52 off 71 balls, 4 fours) all hit half-centuries that left their side in a powerful position at 205 for three in the 41st over.

But James’ twin strikes and JJ Basson (1/58) did well to help haul their side back and keep the target to what was seemingly within range.

However, Muhammad Bulbulia, SA’s batting hero from the first game, was dismissed for two, along with Adnaan Lagadien (5), Armaan Manack (5) and Vihan Pretorius (12), all inside the opening 10 overs to leave the hosts with a mountain to climb.

That early damage was done by Al Fahad (2/29), Iqbal Hossain (1/25) and Tamim (2/35), before Rowles fought back with a partnership of 49 alongside Kamogelo Phiri (20).

Shadhin Islam (2/9) added two scalps to his name, and by the time Botha tried to hit out, the game was all but done for the South Africans.

They were eventually bowled out with nearly 20 overs to go, giving Bangladesh a big win.

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 vs Bangladesh U19 – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

The 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng leg kicked off at Wits Marks Park Sports Ground on Friday, with top u18 boys’ and u20 girls’ teams plotting a path towards provincial glory and a place in the Engen Champ of Champs.

In the boys’ u18 division, coach Thato Mosala‘s Joburg City enjoyed an impressive opening day, finishing it unbeaten after pulling off the biggest upset thus far, a 1-0 victory over coach David Mathebula‘s Kaizer Chiefs.

SuperSport United, under the guidance of coach Tumelo Ndaba, has endured a horrid month in the Gauteng Development League, but they put together a successful opening day, scoring 1-0 victories over Orlando Pirates and Florida Albion FC to top Group B.

In the Ladies’ division, Diepkloof Ladies were handed a 1-3 defeat by Panorama Ladies, but they bounced back with a 10-0 thrashing of Thembalethu Ladies.

The defending champion, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, made a clean start to their title defence, beating Blue Birds Ladies 1-0 before handing the University of Pretoria a 4-1 defeat.

Among those in attendance was French-based Bafana Bafana midfielder and Engen Knockout Challenge graduate Lebogang Phiri, who spent the day engaging with players, watching matches, and reflecting on the impact of the tournament.

“This is not just another youth tournament, I don’t think people always realise the gravity of it,” said Phiri.

“Tournaments like the Engen Knockout Challenge are where you get the next top talents and future big-name players. It’s where players learn to handle pressure, build big-match temperament, and get exposed to the type of support and attention that prepares them for the next level.

“If a young player approaches this platform with the right mindset, it can change their career.

“The pressure is high, and the expectations are real, and because of that, players learn respect, discipline, and great sportsmanship. These are qualities you don’t always get from just training or league matches. This kind of environment shapes you in every way as a footballer.”

As a former participant in the Engen Knockout Challenge before he turned professional, Phiri’s presence at the tournament reinforced the 2025 theme “It’s Your Moment, Future Diski Legends”, which encourages current players to seize the opportunity in front of them.

With a strong turnout of supporters, tightly contested matches, and growing excitement on the ground, the opening day set the tone for a thrilling weekend ahead.

The Gauteng leg continues through to Sunday, when the provincial champions will be crowned and earn themselves the honour of representing the province at the prestigious Engen Champ of Champs in October.

RESULTS AND STANDINGS

BOYS

Group A Standings

1. Joburg City
2. Kaizer Chiefs
3. TS Galaxy
4. Augusto Palacious Apprentice Academy

TS Galaxy 0-2 Kaizer Chiefs
Augusto Palacious Apprentice Academy 0-0 Joburg City
TS Galaxy 1-0 Augusto Palacious Apprentice Academy
Joburg City 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs

Group B Standings
1. SuperSport United
2. Panorama FC
3. Orlando Pirates
4. Florida Albion FC

Orlando Pirates 0-1 SuperSport United
Florida Albion FC 0-1 Panorama FC
SuperSport United 1-0 Florida Albion FC
Panorama FC 1-1 Orlando Pirates FC

Group C Standings 

1. Mamelodi Sundowns
2. Randburg AFC
3. Kathorus Hyper Academy
4. SAFA/Transnet School of Excellence

SAFA/Transnet School of Excellence 1-2 Kathorus Hyper Academy
Randburg AFC 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
SAFA/Transnet School of Excellence 0-2 Randburg AFC
Kathorus Hyper Academy 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

Group D Standings 

1. Highlands Park
2. Wits University
3. Remember Elite Sport Academy
4. Tuks

Tuks 0-0 Remember Elite Sport Academy
Wits University 1-1 Highlands Park

LADIES

Group A Standings

1. SAFA Academy
2. FC Raycon
3. Randburg AFC
4. Joburg United Eagles

SAFA Academy 8-0 Joburg United Eagles
Randburg AFC 2-0 FC Raycon
SAFA Academy 5-0 Randburg AFC
Joburg United Eagles 0-3 FC Raycon

Group B Standings 

1. JVW
2. Wits University
3. Mito Stars Ladies
4. Kempton Park Ladies

Mito Stars Ladies 1-2 Wits University
Kempton Park Ladies 0-3 JVW
Mito Stars Ladies 1-1 Kempton Park Ladies

Group C Standings 

1. University of Johannesburg
2. Mamelodi Sundowns
3. Blue Birds Ladies
4. University of Pretoria

University of Johannesburg 4-0 University of Pretoria
Blue Birds Ladies 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
University of Pretoria 1-4 Mamelodi Sundowns
Blue Birds Ladies 0-3 University of Johannesburg

Group D Standings 

1. Future Stars Ladies
2. Diepkloof Ladies
3. Panorama FC
4. Thembalethu Ladies

Diepkloof Ladies 1-3 Panorama FC
Future Stars Ladies 7-0 Thembalethu Ladies
Thembalethu Ladies 0-10 Diepkloof Ladies
Panorama FC 0-1 Future Stars Ladies

After a cool start to Friday’s action, the weather, warm and clear on Thursday, turned cold, with rain falling to add an extra challenge to day two of the Kearsney Soccer Tournament as it headed into the playoffs.

At the start of the day, though, teams first had to complete their group assignments.

In Group A, Clifton College wrapped up their schedule with a convincing 4-0 win over Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge, which lifted the Durban school to the top of the table.

They posted a record of two wins and a draw with Maqhutshana A, but those goals that Clifton scored in their win over Trinityhouse saw them edge out Maqhutshana for top spot, based on goals scored. Both teams had a goal difference of plus-seven.

Two matches remained in Group B. Queensburgh High cruised to a 4-0 win over Grace College, while Kearsney College scored a tight 1-0 victory over Sutherland.

That left both Queensburgh and Kearsney with seven points, from two wins and a draw, but Queensburgh edged out Kearsney for first place on goals scored, having netted one more than Kearsney, who conceded none, with both achieving a plus-five goal difference after three games.

Ominously for their challengers, the defending champion, Pinetown Boys’ High hit their stride on Friday. They overwhelmed Curro Somerset West 7-0 in their last group outing to take over at the top, having scored nine goals and surrendered just one.

Urban Academy, from Gqeberha, matched Pinetown and finished with the same record while scoring six goals in their three matches and keeping their sheet clean.

From Group D, Siyajabula High and Durban High School (DHS) booked places in the Championship quarterfinals. Siyajabula overran Ashton Ballito 5-1, while DHS scored a 3-0 win over Curro Hazeldean.

Siyajabula finished with seven points from two wins and a draw – no team won all three group matches – while School picked up six points from two victories.

With Glenwood High, one of the better teams in KZN in recent seasons, missing out on reaching the Championship quarterfinals from Group C, the signs were there that the teams that advanced from that group were sides to keep an eye on. That proved to be the case.

In the first quarterfinal, Urban Academy lifted their record to 10 goals scored and zero conceded after they charged to a 4-0 win over Clifton. Pinetown Boys’ High, playing the third quarterfinal, repeated their spectacular performance of earlier in the day, thumping Maqhutshana A 7-0.

DHS advanced to the semis with a 3-1 win over Queensburgh, which left them, like Pinetown, in with a chance of winning the Kearsney Soccer Tournament for a second time. They won the inaugural edition in 2023, while Pinetown lifted the trophy in 2024.

The hosts, Kearsney, third in 2024, progressed to the semi-finals by ousting last year’s runner-up Siyajabula. The teams shared a goalless draw, but Kearsney went through 3-1 from the penalty spot.

The semi-finals, though, confirmed the earlier perception of Group C, with Pinetown Boys’ High and Urban Academy winning through to the title decider. Pinetown scored a clear-cut 4-0 win over DHS, while Urban Academy defeated Kearsney 2-0. That meant Pinetown had scored an astounding 18 goals without allowing one in three matches on the day.

However, when Pinetown Boys’ High and Urban Academy met on Thursday, they shared a 0-0 draw. On Saturday, a winner will emerge and will lift the Kearsney Soccer Tournament title.

Girls’ competition

Friday morning brought a showdown between free-scoring St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, the defending champion, and Durban Girls’ High, in Group A. This time, the game was as tight as could be, with St Mary’s scraping a 1-0 win. Both teams, though, were already assured of a place in the semi-finals.

In Group B, Danville Park Girls’ High ran roughshod over Sastri College, winning 7-0, while Curro Hazeldean drew 1-1 with Ashton Ballito. That left Curro top of the table, with Danville in second.

Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge met Sastri College in the Plate semi-finals and won comfortably, 3-0, to book their place in the Plate final. They’ll face Ashton in the title game after Ashton beat Crawford La Lucia 2-0.

Both Championship semi-finals went to penalty shootouts and when they were done it set up another showdown between St Mary’s DSG and Durban Girls’ High School for the title.

St Mary’s and Danville drew 1-1, with St Mary’s winning 3-2 from the spot, while Durban Girls’ High and Curro Hazeldean also drew 1-1, with Girls’ High taking it 2-1 in the penalty shootout.

RESULTS

BOYS

Group A

Clifton College 4-0 Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge

Group B

Kearsney College 1-0 Sutherland
Queensburgh High 4-0 Grace College

Group C

Pinetown Boys’ High 7-0 Curro Somerset West

Group D

Durban High School 3-0 Curro Hazeldean
Siyajabula High 5-1 Ashton Ballito

Championship quarterfinals

QF 1: Clifton College 0-4 Urban Academy
QF 2: DHS 3-1 Queensburgh High
QF 3: Pinetown Boys’ High 7-0 Maqhutshana A
QF 4: Kearsney College 0-0 Siyajabula (Kearsney won 3-1 on penalties)

Championship semi-finals

SF 1: Urban Academy 2-0 Kearsney College
SF2: Pinetown Boys’ High 4-0 DHS

Plate quarterfinals

QF A: Curro Hazeldean 3-3 Maqhutshana B (Curro Hazeldean won 3-1 on penalties)
QF B: Sutherland 1-1 Ashton Ballito (Sutherland won 3-1 on penalties)
QF C: Glenwood High 5-0 Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge
QF D: Curro Hazeldean 1-0 Grace College

Plate semi-finals

SF A: Curro Somerset West 1-1 Curro Hazeldean (Somerset West won 2-1 on penalties)
SF B: Glenwood High 3-0 Sutherland

GIRLS

Group A

St Mary’s DSG, Kloof 1-0 Durban Girls’ High
Crawford La Lucia 1-1 Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge

Group B

Ashton Ballito 1-1 Curro Hazeldean
Danville Park Girls’ High 7-0 Sastri College

Plate semi-finals

SF A: Trinityhouse Rand Park Ridge 3-0 Sastri College
SF B: Ashton Ballito 2-0 Crawford La Lucia

Championship semi-finals

SF1: St Mary’s DSG, Kloof 1-1 Danville Park Girls’ High (St Mary’s won 3-2 on penalties)
SF 2: Durban Girls’ High 1-1 Curro Hazeldean (Durban Girls’ High won 2-1 on penalties)