Blog

When Paarl Gimnasium took on South African College High School (SACS) in the final of the Hibbert Shield, in May, in Gqeberha, they were on the receiving end of a 6-3 hiding.

That loss came on the back of some strong results from coach Jacques “Stevo” Grobler‘s team, who swept past their opponents until they met SACS.

They drove back to the Western Cape with their silver medals draped proudly around their necks.

A week later, they were called into action against Paul Roos Gimnasium. Paarl Gim struggled in that clash and suffered another big loss before going down against Parel Vallei the following week.

They restored some belief with a 5-0 win over HTS Drostdy, but their inconsistency was punished again when they went down 1-2 to Bishops.

That defeat led to some serious introspection from coach Grobler and his captain, Juan Swanepoel, because matters weren’t about to get any easier with SACS looming.

The clash against SACS, at the Brewery AstroTurf in Cape Town, was a gut check. Gim needed to put up or face a serious hammering from a team that has hit double figures a good number of times in 2025.

Gim was up for the challenge. They had their games faces on, ready to take on the team widely regarded as the best in the country.

There was an intense start to the clash, but the visitors were rewarded early for their bravery when stalwart John Coetzee netted from a short corner in the opening five minutes.

It took the home side until the second chukka to reply, and it came from Cameron Corderio, who netted the equaliser with five minutes to go before halftime.

Then, early in the third quarter, SACS hit the front, courtesy of an outrageous solo effort by Litha Kraai. After receiving a pass just outside his half, he beat a defender and accelerated into Gim’s circle untouched before firing off a rocket into the back of the net.

Heading into the final chukka, the hosts led 2-1, but Paarl Gim wasn’t done, and they clawed their way back into the contest.

They evened the scores through a successful penalty stroke conversion from their captain, Juan Swanepoel. Then, they had to withstand a nervous last minute, after SACS was awarded a penalty corner.

“Going to SACS is never easy. If you look at the past years where we’ve gone there, it’s always been a different outcome,” Swanepoel told SuperSport Schools Plus after the game.

“That said, I’m very proud of the boys. The effort they put in was exceptional. I couldn’t be prouder, especially after what we’ve been through in the last two weeks. It’s a massive step up.”

Ahead of the clash, there was no doubt that Paarl Gim was the underdog. They had played some good hockey in their recent outings, but their past results weren’t convincing. Swanepoel revealed the team had some direct, honest discussions ahead of the clash.

“We had some hard conversations as a team during the week,” he said. “Coach Stevo and I agreed that we needed to go there and get a result. We couldn’t afford to be scared or not up for the challenge. We couldn’t let SACS run us over, and we made it clear to the guys in the team that everyone had a role.

“It turned out perfectly. Even when things didn’t go our way, we stayed positive. We were up for it for 60 minutes.”

With their morale receiving a massive boost of confidence, Paarl Gim will head into their last game of the term, against Fairmont High School, next weekend, eager to sign off with a victory.

“I think we’ve set the standard now. If we take this and learn from it, we will be good moving forward,” Swanepoel reckoned.

Next term, a big derby clash against Paarl Boys’ High lies ahead.

“We can believe we are one of the best teams in the country,” Swanepoel concluded.

Other matches

In another match played in Cape Town, Paul Roos Gimnasium handed Wynberg Boys’ High a 3-1 loss.

Reuben Gouws, Caleb Cilliers, and skipper Christo Swanepoel scored for the Stellenbosch school.

Meanwhile, goals from Laubscher van Loggerenberg and AJ Fourie earned Paarl Boys’ High a hard-fought 2-2 home draw with Bishops.

RESULTS

SACS 2-2 Paarl Gimnasium
Paul Roos 3-1 Wynberg Boys’ High
Paarl Boys’ High 2-2 Bishops

Kearsney College showed class and resilience in front of their alumni, coming from behind, with two late goals, to clinch a 3-2 win over St Stithians College on the Mason Astro to fuel their Founder Day celebrations on Saturday morning.

“It was a special performance on Old Boys’ Day and the last outing on the home Astro for the matrics,” Joel Steyn, the Kearsney captain, said after the match.

The hosts had to do things the hard way. They fell behind twice but bounced back twice to level before they found the winner.

The triumph demonstrated Kearsney’s principles as a unit. “You can go down, but you must get up and stay in the fight,” Steyn explained.

After a cagey first chukka, St Stithians took the lead through Aiden Blatch, who executed a spectacular tomahawk strike eight minutes into the second chukka. Kearsney responded by applying pressure on the visitors as they went in search of an equaliser. But Saints stood firm at back, calm and composed. At half-time, the visitors led 1-0.

In the third chukka, the game opened up a little more. Still, neither team was able to find a finish. Eventually, though, Kearsney equalised through Keegan de Jager, who converted a penalty corner with a sizzling low shot, six minutes into the fourth chukka.

Almost immediately, Saints struck back, winning themselves a penalty stroke and Blatch stepped up to bury the opportunity and give his side the lead once more.

Kearsney, to their credit, kept fighting, even as time ticked away. Then, two minutes from the end, Aaron Blackburn got onto the end of a diagonal ball into the circle and deflected the ball into the back of the St Stithians’ goalbox.

St Stithians were still reorganising when Kearsney snatched the winner. This time, Ata Mazikbuko delivered the final touch, much to the delight of the packed stands of local supporters.

Saints tried to work their way into the Kearsney circle with less than two minutes remaining. Each time, though, they were stopped, and Keegan de Jager used his massive overheads to relieve the pressure and keep the Johannesburg side at arms’ length.

“This is a result of consistent hard work. No one dropped their heads. We continued with the hard work,” Steyn said, reflecting on a tough season in which Kearsney had suffered some painful losses.

Steyn might have also been describing his team’s attitude in Saturday’s clash. Even when the tide was against them, they stuck to the task and, eventually, they were rewarded.

There are always nerves when one represents one’s school, Steyn said, but there were a few more than usual playing in front of Kearsney’s old boys on Founders Day, including somewho were his teammates in the first team in 2024.

Result

Kearsney 3-2 St Stithians College

The finals of the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Second Term, Inland B and C-Leagues took place on Friday, with ML Sultan and Michaelhouse both securing titles.

The final of the Inland B-League, between ML Sultan and Northbury Park, mirrored their previous game. In the earlier round-robin league match, Northbury Park surprised ML Sultan, who had won six out of six until then, winning 3-2.

In the final, with promotion to the A-League awaiting the winner, the stakes were high and the margin for error was minimal.

ML Sultan got back to winning ways, reversing their loss to Northbury Park by claiming a tight 1-0 victory to be crowned the KZN Inland B-League champion, thanks to a goal from Mtolo Samkelo.

The champions had more reasons to celebrate. Their Thabiso Madlala and Vuyani Mkhize shared the golden boot, finishing as the joint=top goal scorers in the B-League, with five each.

ML Sultan’s title-winning success came despite the school facing a number of significant challenges. In May, Sanele Ngcobo, the team’s coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus that the school lacks the advantage of a full-sized soccer field and currently uses a seven-a-side pitch.

Still, ML Sultan found a way to win and next season they’ll join teams like Maritzburg College, Carter High, Edendale Technical High, and Linpark in the A-League.

Daniel Haswell, the Chairperson of the KZNHSFA, commended coach Ngcobo for his exceptional efforts in organising the ML Sultan football team, with support from the KZNHSFA, which helped them acquire a sponsored team kit from Primo.

In 2025, Edendale Technical High made a smooth transition from the B-League to the A-League, finishing in third place. ML Sultan will take lessons from the journey of Edendale when they, too, contest the A-League in 2026.

Inland C League 

In the final of the Inland C-League, Michaelhouse defeated Umvuzo 2-1.

Although Umvuzo entered this match as the slight favourites, having tallied 16 points in an impressive campaign, which was double the eight points earned by second-placed Michaelhouse in the regular phase of the season.

However, the title game did not reflect that advantage, as Michaelhouse won to move to up to the KZN Inland B-League in 2026.

They may have lost, but Umvuzo’s Nkosingiphile Zuma was the leading goal scorer in the Inland C-League.

Results

Inland B

ML Sultan 1-0 Northbury

Inland C

Michaelhouse 2-1 Umvuzo

The results from around South Africa will be updated here as we receive the results from the various schools.

If your school’s match is not listed below or you would like to send in your team’s results – please contact us via e-mail at hockey@ssschoolsplus.co.za or via WhatsApp at 072 172 5455.

All the Results:

EASTERN CAPE 

[ninja_tables id=”75158″]

KWAZULU-NATAL 

[ninja_tables id=”75159″]

NOORDVAAL 

 

WESTERN CAPE 

[ninja_tables id=”75160″]

.

The results from around South Africa will be updated here as we receive the results from the various schools.

If your school’s match is not listed below or you would like to send in your team’s results – please contact us via e-mail at hockey@ssschoolsplus.co.za or via WhatsApp at 072 172 5455.

All the Results:

EASTERN CAPE 

[ninja_tables id=”75161″]

KWAZULU-NATAL 

[ninja_tables id=”75162″]

NOORDVAAL

 

WESTERN CAPE

[ninja_tables id=”75163″]

.

Catch all the action live from around the country on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

The results from around South Africa will be updated here as we receive the results from the various schools. For results of the SDC Noordvaal Cup – click on the following link – SDC Noordvaal Cup Results.

If your school’s match is not listed below or you would like to send in your team’s results, please email us via e-mail at rugby@ssschoolsplus.co.za or via WhatsApp at 072 172 5455.

You can also submit a result via our website – Submit Result.

All the results: 

EASTERN CAPE 

[ninja_tables id=”75168″]

KWAZULU-NATAL

[ninja_tables id=”75169″]

NOORDVAAL

[ninja_tables id=”75170″]

WESTERN CAPE

[ninja_tables id=”75176″]

.

Al die uitslae van die reeks soos wat ons dit ontvang sal hier opgedateer word.

Indien u uitslag of wedstryd nie op die lys is nie – tree gerus met ons in kontak deur ‘n e-pos te stuur aan rugby@ssschoolsplus.co.za of per WhatsApp na 072 172 5455.

Al die uitslae:

GROEP 1 

BEKER-AFDELING

[ninja_tables id=”75171″]

Ander spanne:

o.16: 

o.15: 

o.14: Monument 43, Nelspruit 5;

SKILD-AFDELING

[ninja_tables id=”75175″]

Ander spanne: 

o.16:

o.15:

o.14:

BOWL-AFDELING 

[ninja_tables id=”75172″]

Ander spanne: 

o.16:

o.15:

o.14:

GROEP 2

BLOU BULLE

[ninja_tables id=”75173″]

LIMPOPO

[ninja_tables id=”75167″]

VALKE

[ninja_tables id=”75174″]

.

Luc Boyall scored an outstanding hat-trick to help Northwood clinch a 4-1 victory over Clifton College in their Friday Nite Lights clash at Northwood. Taylon Goowin helped solidify the victory with a fourth goal.

The win was much-needed for the Knights, who headed into the contest having lost 3-5 to Hilton College at Northwood last weekend.

They wanted to reassure their supporters that their turf was not a place where visiting teams could have their way with them. They needed a statement-making victory, and they delivered.

“I am really proud of the boys. Clifton is always a tough fixture for us. They beat us last year, so beating them this time around was good,” coach Justin Collins told Supersport Schools Plus.

Clifton, on the other hand, arrived at Northwood hoping to improve on last week’s result, a 4-4 draw with St Charles College in which Clifton captain Zach Williamson bagged a hat-trick.

Last week’s results and the score from their last fixture counted against Northwood, and they were also challenged by their inability to consistently train throughout the week because of exams. But Collins made the best of the little time they had together and drilled his charges in a different approach, designed to counter Clifton’s threats.

The adapted game plan reaped dividends. Northwood struck first and they did so early, with Boyall opening the scoring in the fifth minute. After receiving a pass around the halfway line, he drove into the Clifton circle, where he uncorked a powerful shot past Clifton and KZN Coastal u18A goalkeeper, Georg Wolhuter.

The sides launched offensive moves into each other’s half, but none reaped rewards for the remainder of the first half, leaving the home team with a narrow 1-0 advantage midway through the contest.

“It was actually a close game for long periods,” Collins said.

Nine minutes into the second half, Northwood finally put some daylight between them and Clifton when, after three retakes at a penalty corner, they hit paydirt. That goal tilted the match in their favour, and they enjoyed long phases of possession.

Clifton, though, clawed their way back into the match and controlled the ball for significant periods in Northwood’s half. The Knights, though, stretched their lead to three goals.

To their credit, Clifton’s fire continued to burn brightly, and they pulled one back, but it was too little too late from coach Calvin Price‘s charges.

In the final minute, Northwood rubbed some salt in the visitors’ wounds by delivering a killer blow to end with a convincing win.

Result

Northwood 4-1 Clifton

Under Friday night lights and with the buzz of derby energy in the air, Die Hoërskool Menlopark‘s girls’ hockey team delivered a commanding performance to get one over their long-time rivals, Hoërskool Waterkloof, securing a 2–0 victory.

The match, played in front of a lively crowd of supporters, lived up to its billing as one of the most thrilling fixtures on the Pretoria schools’ hockey calendar.

While the opening chukka saw both sides probing cautiously, it was Menlopark who gradually gained the upper hand through their disciplined structure, swift counterattacks, and clinical execution in key moments.

In the second chukka, they broke the deadlock, seizing on a lapse in Waterkloof’s defensive shape to slot home the opening goal. The momentum remained firmly in Menlo’s favour heading into the third chukka, where they doubled their lead with a well-worked team move that showcased their attacking fluidity and composure under pressure.

Waterkloof, for their part, had their chances. They created several promising moments, particularly on the break and from set plays, but a combination of untidy finishing and an inspired performance from Menlopark’s goalkeeper, Annika Kloppers, denied them any chance of a comeback.

Kloppers, who was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament when Menlopark won the St Anne’s Cup, pulled off several vital saves on her way to a clean sheet.

Despite the defeat, Waterkloof head coach Omari Pienaar-Geyer was magnanimous in her post-match comments, offering praise for the opposition while also reflecting honestly on her team’s shortcomings.

“Overall, the game was a tough one. We have to commend Menlo on their efforts. They really capitalised on their opportunities and demonstrated their desire to win,” Pienaar-Geyer said.

“Their key players stepped up when it mattered, and their keeper made some vital saves early on and on some counter attacks.”

Acknowledging her team’s struggles in front of goal, Pienaar-Geyer emphasised the importance of learning from the experience and using it as a stepping stone for the season ahead.

“Unfortunately, for my team, we created some moments but just couldn’t find the back of the net. A key takeaway is that if you’re not scoring goals, you simply can’t win against quality teams.

“We learned that it’s crucial to make the most of our opportunities and to trust the process moving forward. Now, we go back to the drawing board, and we prepare our players for inter-provincial tournaments and the rest of tournament hockey.”

The victory was a significant one for Menlopark in an already impressive season, not just because of the derby rivalry, but also as a statement of intent for the remainder of the season.

Their ability to remain composed, absorb pressure, and strike with precision makes them a team to keep an eye on in forthcoming fixtures and regional tournaments.

As for Waterkloof, they showed glimpses of promise despite the result. With technical refinement and renewed focus in the attacking third, they remain a dangerous outfit capable of bouncing back strongly in the weeks to come.

The annual Soweto Basketball Uprising Tournament, an u18 basketball event organised by the Soweto Basketball Academy (SBA), got underway on Friday, with the hosts setting the tone on the first day.

The tournament, which runs through until Monday, kicked into action with four matches.

The boys’ and girls’ teams from SBA immediately showed the benefit of their home advantage on the court at Morris Isaacson High School. in Jabavu, Soweto.

In their opening match, SBA’s boys’ team dominated Norkem Park High School, rocketing to an 89-15 win, which served as a strong statement of their intention to go all the way.

The SBA girls’ team, the winners of the AISJ Basketball Tournament and the u18 girls’ Old Petrians Basketball Tournament at the end of February this year, also faced Norkem Park in their Pool A opener in the only girls’ game of the day. They, too, won comfortably, posting a 50-20 victory

In Friday’s other games, Jozi Stars scored a 58-52 win over Jenny Wu Sports Academy (JWSA), while there were only three points in it in Elite Basketball Academy‘s (EBA) hard-fought 50-47 victory over Eagles.

The action and the excitement will ramp up on Saturday, with the first tip-off at 08:00 and the last games starting at 16:00.

Results 

Boys 

Soweto Basketball Academy 89-15 Norkem
Jozi Stars 58-53 JWSA
EBA 50-47 Eagles

Girls

Soweto Basketball Academy 50-20

Saturday 14 June

Boys Competition 

Jabavu 1

Pool B

09:20 – Montana Vikings vs Orlando Basketball

Pool D

10:40 – Jozi Stars vs Equestria Giants

Pool A

13:20 – Norkem Park vs Young Warriors

Pool D

14:40 – Equestria Giants vs Rand Tutorial

Pool C

16:00 – Eagles vs Hotshots (Western Cape)

Jabavu 2

Pool A

09:20 – Wolves vs Young Warriors
13:20 – Soweto Basketball Academy vs Wolves

Pool B

14:00 – The Glen High vs Orlando Basketball

Pool C

16:00 – EBA vs Sandton Bulls

Pool D 

10:40 – JWSA vs Rand Tutorial

Morris 1

Pool B

09:20 – Phoenix vs The Glen High
14:40 – Phoenix vs Montana Vikings

Pool C

10:40 – Hotshots vs Sandton Bulls

Girls Competition

Jabavu 1

Pool A

12:00 – Soweto Basketball Academy A vs Rand Tutorial

Pool B

08:00- Alex vs The Glen

Jabavu 2

Pool B

08:00 – Soweto Basketball Academy B vs Young Warriors
12:00 – Young Warriors vs The Glen

Morris 1

Pool A

08:00 – Rand Tutorial vs Wolves
13:20 – Wolves vs Norkem Park

Pool B

12:00 – Alex vs Soweto Basketball Academy B