Blog

St Andrew’s College produced a thrilling performance on Friday, day two of the Vides Water Polo Tournament, in East London, to knock off Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) in the quarterfinals.

College was made to work extremely hard. The game went down to a penalty shootout after it had ended level at 6-6, and the boys from Makhanda triumphed 5-3 from the spot.

It was a well-deserved victory for coach Grant Mackenzie’s troops, who have played some brilliant water polo. On the opening day, they defeated KwaZulu-Natal’s Michaelhouse 8-6 and they carried that momentum over to Friday.

St Andrew’s completed their pool matches in style by beating Wynberg Boys’ High 7-6 in a match in which their vice-captain Calum Emslie made his 100th appearance for the team.

Soon after, they thumped Stirling 14-2 to book their spot in the last eight.

Up against a strong PRG side, the St Andrew’s players displayed a high level of maturity, composure, and grit to remain in the fight.

There was nothing to separate the teams after they had traded blows for all four chukkas, and it went down to a shootout.

Luke Parker, Thomas Owen-Jones, Emslie, and skipper Coel Trollip converted from the penalty spot for College, who became the second team to book their place in the semi-finals after St David’s Marist Inanda.

Coach Dean Whyte’s side was outstanding throughout the pool stages and was also unbeaten after three matches, scoring freely to rack up more than 40 goals while remaining solid on defence.

They were pushed hard by Michaelhouse but won 6-4 to progress.

The hosts, meanwhile, shrugged off Grey High 9-2 to book their spot in the semis.

Coach Storm Siebert‘s side dominated their Eastern Cape counterparts, with SA Schools’ stars, Liam Hansen and Thomas Caswell, leading the way.

Samuel van der Venter, Connor Maree, and Daniel Woodin also featured on the score sheet.

Meanwhile, Clifton College kept their hopes of defending the title alive by defeating St Alban’s College in their quarterfinal clash.

Guided by coach Pierre Le Roux, they started slowly but engaged a higher gear in the second half to run away with the match.

Daniel Nothard was one of the Durban school’s standout performers, while Jamie Nicolau and exciting youngster Lincoln Burger also got in on the goal-scoring.

The defending champs will face St David’s for a place in the final, while Selborne is set to battle their Eastern Cape battle rivals, St Andrew’s College, for a spot in the title game.

RESULTS

DAY 2

Michaelhouse 10-9 Stirling High
St David’s Marist Inanda 13-2 Grey College
St Andrew’s College 7-6 Wynberg Boys’ High
Paul Roos Gimnasium 11-2 Pearson High
St David’s Marist Inanda 13-2 Grey College
St Alban’s College 7-2 Paarl Boys’ High
Grey High 8-7 Woodridge College
Selborne College 11-5 Reddam House Constantia
Clifton College 10-5 Selborne Collegians
Michaelhouse 6-2 Wynberg Boys’ High
Pearson High 9-6 Grey College
St Alban’s College 10-4 Reddam House Constantia
St Andrew’s College 14-2 Stirling High
St David’s Marist Inanda 8-7 Paul Roos
Selborne 17-6 Paarl Boys’ High
Grey High School 10-2 Selborne Collegians
Clifton 9-8 Woodridge College

Plate quarterfinals

Wynberg 17-4 Grey College
Stirling High 8-7 Pearson High
Reddam House Constantia 14-4 Selborne Collegians
Woodridge College 12-7 Paarl Boys’ High

Quarterfinals

St Andrew’s College (5) 6-6 (3) Paul Roos Gimnasium
St David’s Marist Inanda 6-4 Michaelhouse
Selborne College 9-2 Grey High
Clifton College 9-5 St Alban’s College

Banyana Banyana will face Lesotho at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus in international friendly matches on 22 and 25 February, with a squad featuring promising young talents.

In the last two years, in South African football, an increasing number of young footballers, both male and female, have been given opportunities to showcase their skills at club and international levels

The willingness of coaches to trust younger players to rise to the challenges has brought with it a sense of optimism and excitement about the futures of Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, the nation’s senior national teams.

Among the promising players that have caught the eye is Katlego Malebana, a top talent from Mamelodi Sundowns, who was loaned to Tuks part-way through the 2024 Hollywoodbets Super League. She excelled and was included as a member of the SuperSport Schools Class of 2024 and also earned the title of GSport4girls School Sport Star of the Year.

Malebana, who rose through the ranks at Sundowns, is one of the brightest talents to have come through the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL), which was established in 2023.

The GWDL continues to thrive and, in 2025, it enters its third season. Mondli Dube, an administrator with both the South African Football Association (Safa) and GWDL, told SuperSport Schools Plus that there are plans to broaden the league by introducing additional age groups – u13, u15, and u17.

In 2024, the GWDL had two age categories, u14 and u16. Malebana’s selection for the national team demonstrates the positive impact of development initiatives and local leagues, like the GWDL, which are dedicated to advancing women’s football.

In a remarkable 2024, she also led the South African team to victory in the u15 CAF African Schools Football Tournament in Zanzibar.

She concluded 2024 on a triumphant note, winning the inaugural IberCup South Africa with Tuks after a decisive 5-1 win from the spot against JVW Girls Football Development, following a 1-1 draw in regular time.

As Malebana continues her successful trajectory and development, her latest achievement is a call-up to the South African national team by the Banyana Banyana coach, Dr. Desiree Ellis.

Malebana is among a group of players who participated in the u17 Cosafa Championship last December, which has been summoned to the senior national side.

The group also includes Bonolo Mokoma. Recently JVW announced her promotion from their Sasol League team to the first team, along with Reitumetse Mosuoe and Mphelo Thorisho. All three players represented JVW in the Sasol League in 2024.

In a press statement, JVW said the promotion of the trio reflects the ongoing success of their player development programmes, with the three demonstrating outstanding growth and dedication.

“Their promotion reflects our dedication to nurturing homegrown talent and providing opportunities for players to step up and make an impact at the highest level,” JVW stated.

Other young players who have been called up to the national team include Tanna Hollis and Katleho Mohame, who are also from JVW, and Nobahle Mdelwa who has joined the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the Hollywoodbets Super League. She joins her UJ team-mate, Adrielle Mibe, in the national set-up.

Another promising young talent, Khwezi Khoza, who, like the others, has represented South Africa at junior levels in Cosafa competitions, was also summoned by coach Ellis.

Ellis, who played 600 club games in her career, and 32 internationals, explained her decision to go with a youthful line-up for the two matches against Lesotho.

“We are always watching players and have been impressed with the group we have called in for these two matches,” she said. “As you see, some are from the Cosafa Championships played last year, some are currently part of the u17 national team and will have an opportunity to learn from the senior team while they prepare for their World Cup qualifiers.”

Another member of the young faction is 19-year-old Kesha Hendricks, who plays for the University of Fort Hare in the Hollywoodbets Super League. She made her debut for Banyana Bayana against Namibia at the 2024 Cosafa Championship, on 22 October last year.

Hendricks caught the eye when she scored a hat-trick in an impressive 8-1 win over The Seychelles, during which she showcased her skills and finishing to a wide audience

In response to her selection, Hendricks told the University of Fort Hare media team” “A national call-up means a lot to me because I am going to represent my country.”

 

Banyana Banyana Squad to face Lesotho. 

Name and Surname	Club	Province
Goalkeepers
1.     Jessica Williams	Badgers	Western Cape
2.     Casey Gordon	JVW FC	Gauteng
3.     Asa Rabalao	Mamelodi Sundowns	Gauteng
4.     Mbali Ntimeni	Mamelodi Sundowns	Gauteng
5.     Matshidiso Masebe	University of Johannesburg	Gauteng
6.     Katlego Moletsane	University of Western Cape	Western Cape
7.     Siphesihle Dlamini	University of Western Cape	Western Cape
8.     Dineo Magagula	TS Galaxy	Mpumalanga
Defenders
9.     Ntando Phahla	University of Pretoria	Gauteng
10.  Portia Masilela	University of Johannesburg	Gauteng
11.  Bonolo Makoma	JVW FC	Gauteng
12.  Yomelelo Jacobs	TS Galaxy	Gauteng
13.  Sikelelwa Mhlanga	City Lads	Eastern Cape
14.  Unathi Simayile	University of Western Cape	Western Cape
15.  Yolanda Nduli	University of Johannesburg	Gauteng
Midfielders
16.  Okuhle Sithole	Durban Ladies FC	KwaZulu-Natal
17.  Mmabatho Mogale	University of Western Cape	Western Cape
18.  Nondumiso Manengela	University of Western Cape	Western Cape
19.  Isabella Ludwig	N/A	N/A
20.  Katlego Malebana	Mamelodi Sundowns	Gauteng
21.  Sibongile Ntoane	TUT – Matsatsantsa FC	Gauteng
22.  Thato Mofolo	University of Johannesburg	Gauteng
23.  Kesha Hendricks	University of Fort Hare	Eastern Cape
24.  Adrielle Mibe	University of Johannesburg	Gauteng
Forwards
25.  Katleho Mohale	JVW FC	Gauteng
26.  Khoza Khwezi	Durban Ladies FC	KwaZulu-Natal
27.  Tshegofatso Motlogelwa	TUT- Matsatsantsa	Gauteng
28.  Mavis Maiacane	Super Strikers FC	Mpumalanga
29.  Nobahle Mdelwa	University of Johannesburg	Gauteng
30.  Tanna Hollis	JVW FC	Gauteng

 

Hoërskool Zwartkop se resultate hierdie naweek, op sowel eerstespan- as o. 15-vlak, is van uiterste belang met die oog daarop om ‘n plek in die promosie-relegasie-wedstryd van vanjaar se Finsbury-reeks te verseker.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Aangesien die Finsbury-reeks se puntelyste volgens die eerste- en o. 15-spanne se uitslae bepaal word, moet Zwarries dus een of albei, dié kragmetings met Hoërskool Pietersburg wen. Die skool van Centurion lê tans eerste, met 32 ligapunte, wat aan hom ‘n buffer van twee punte bied oor Midstream College in die tweede plek.

Midstream College se o. 15-span is ‘n vlieg in die salf vir Zwartkop, aangesien hy, nes die Zwarries se eerste span, steeds onoorwonne is en ál vier sy wedstryde tot dusver met ‘n bonuspunt beklink het.

Zwarries het verlede week, in wat hul taaiste stryd sou wees, geswoeg om Hoërskool Monument met drie paaltjies te troef. Nicholas Conradie was die deurslaggewende faktor teen die Monumentare, met ‘n onoorwonne 89 lopies.

Die Pietersburgers beskik oor genoeg talent om ‘n wedstryd te swaai, met vernaam die veelsydige Cilliers van der Merwe en Stephan Swanepoel wat vir die tuisspan hoofbrekens kan besorg. Boonop behoort die jongeling, Willem Viljoen, oor te loop van selfvertroue nadat hy Hoërskool Dinamika verlede naweek met 5/20 gekarnuffel het.

Midstream College verwelkom vir Hoërskool Monument in Centurion en, nes die die Zwarries-Pieties-stryd, kan dit ‘n taamlike impak op die afdeling in vanjaar se kompetisie hê. Midstream se Ryan Strauss is netjies op dreef met bal én kolf, en spog na sy vorige twee wedstryde met vyf paaltjies en 43 lopies.

Monnas se aanvangskolwer, Antonie van Niekerk, sal beslis in Strauss se visier wees en is grootliks die gom wat Monnas se kolflys deurgaans aanmekaar hou.

Hoërskool Dinamika onderneem die tog na Lichtenburg om Hoërskool Lichtenburg aan te durf. Die Liggies moet waarskynlik die wenner van die D-afdeling, Hoërskool Middelburg, in die promosie-relegasie-stryd trotseer, maar sal graag hul seisoen met ‘n oorwinning oor die span van Alberton wil afsluit.

Bepalings

Week 5:
Zwartkop t. Hoërskool Pietersburg
Midstream College t. Monument
Hoërskool Lichtenburg t. Dinamika

Clifton College‘s Ken Mackenzie Hall hosted the 12 teams that will contest the Clifton T20 Tournament on Thursday evening. It was an opportunity to learn more about the captains and their sides and to enjoy a tasty dinner.

It was also a chance for the players to see their playing kits for the first time. They were revealed when each of the captains donned their outfits before heading onto the stage for a chat with Tournament Director Brandon Scullard and Clifton’s Deputy Principal: Marketing, Barry Mezher.

The 2025 line-up includes the nine KZN schools that were part of last year’s inaugural event during Clifton’s Centenary – Clifton, Durban High School (DHS), Glenwood High, Hilton College, Maritzburg College, Michaelhouse, Northwood, and St Charles College – plus St John’s College, of Harare.

The Zimbabweans are part of the event because Clifton has been a regular part of their St John’s Rams T20 for over a decade now, and the Clifton T20 format is based on that of the St John’s tournament.

Last year, St John’s won their home tournament, which also featured three KZN schools in action: Clifton, Maritzburg College, and Kearsney College.

The additions to the Clifton T20 this time around, which have increased the field from 10 to 12 teams, are Kearsney College, who had a scheduling clash last year, and Hoërskool Waterkloof, a side that many consider to be one of the favourites to hoist the magnificent Centenary Cup on Sunday.

Catch the action LIVE on DStv Channel 216 or watch it on the SuperSport Schools app

There is, though a common question being asked about Klofies, and that is whether they can adapt their T20 game to Durban’s wickets. If they can pull that off, their T20 pedigree, which includes winning the Westvaal North/South T20 in 2022 and 2023, should stand them in good stead.

There is, though, no clear-cut favourite. The form of many of KZN’s teams has been unpredictable, and that has had plenty to do with the dominance of bowlers this season. Thus far, no 1^st XI centuries have been scored by any of the big guns in the province. Maybe the Clifton T20 will see that surprising stat ended.

Last year’s event was highlighted by an astonishing innings by St Charles College’s Cian Fortmann on the opening day. He pounded a remarkable 153 not out against Hilton College from only 76 balls, which helped Saints to 211/1, and on to a 51-run victory.

The Pietermaritzburg school used that win as a springboard to secure a spot in the semi-finals where they were joined by Glenwood, Maritzburg College, and DHS.

Unfortunately, rain on the second day played a role in determining which positions teams would play for and Saturday’s forecast, on day two again, looks a little iffy. But fingers are being crossed.

In last year’s semi-finals, Maritzburg College came back from the dead to take down Glenwood, while St Charles found their risky, big-hitting approach punished by a disciplined bowling performance from DHS.

School went on to score a five-wicket win over College in the title decider. They return many of the players that took them to the title last year, but they no longer have one of the key cogs from that win, captain Semal Pillay, who was included in the SA u19 squad that played three Youth ODIs against England u19 in January.

On the evidence of the opinions and insights shared by the 12 captains on Thursday night, there is a healthy respect for their opposition, with the understanding that anything is possible, especially in a shorter format like T20 cricket. At one point, when the four captains on the stage were asked if their sides made the final who they thought their opposition would be, they each chose a different opponent.

The Clifton T20 will be played on five grounds, two of them at the Crusaders Club, with the matches on the main oval being broadcast live on DStv Channel 216, while Northwood, DHS, and the Kingsmead Oval, just behind the famous test ground, are also being used.

A festive atmosphere, one of the hallmarks of the St John’s Rams T20 is expected, and Clifton, in hosting the event for the first time last year, did an outstanding job of mimicking the fun and traditional warmth of the Zimbabweans.

Therein lies one of the secrets of the Clifton T20. It brings together renowned cricket schools and while there is plenty on the field to keep the players busy, there is also plenty surrounding the fields to keep spectators – cricket fans and those with only a passing interest in the game – entertained, too.

If you can, don’t miss out and get down to the games and enjoy the entertainment. If you can’t make it, turn on DStv Channel 216 to watch the action from Crusaders Club or, if your favourite team is playing at a different venue, watch them in action on the SuperSport Schools app.

GROUPS

Group A: Clifton, Kearsney, Maritzburg College, and Michaelhouse.
Group B: DHS, Glenwood, Waterkloof, and St Charles.
Group C: Hilton College, Northwood, St John’s (Harare), and Westville Boys’ High

FIXTURES

Friday, 14 February

08:30 – St John’s vs Westville, Crusaders Main Oval

09:00 – DHS vs Glenwood, DHS
09:00 – Northwood vs Hilton Northwood

11:30 – Clifton vs Maritzburg College, Crusaders Main Oval

14:00 – Westville vs Hilton, DHS
14:00 – Northwood vs St John’s, Northwood
14:00 – St Charles vs Glenwood, Kingsmead Oval
14:00 – Kearsney vs Michaelhouse, Crusaders 2

14:30 – DHS vs Waterkloof, Crusaders Main Oval

Saturday, 15 February

08:30 – Clifton vs Michaelhouse, Crusaders Main Oval

09:00 – Waterkloof vs St Charles, DHS
09:00 – St John’s vs Hilton, Northwood
09:00 – Maritzburg College vs Kearsney, Kingsmead Oval

11:30 – Northwood vs Westville, Crusaders Main Oval

14:00 – DHS vs St Charles, DHS
14:00 – Maritzburg College vs Michaelhouse, Northwood
14:00 – Waterkloof vs Glenwood, Crusaders 2

14:30 – Clifton vs Kearsney, Crusaders Main Oval

Sunday, 16 February

08:30 – Eliminator 1, Crusaders Main Oval

09:00 – 7th Place, DHS
09:00 – 9th Place, Northwood
09:00 – 11th Place, Kingsmead Oval

11:30 – Semi-final 1, Crusaders Main Oval
11:30 – Semi-final 2, Crusaders 2

14:30 – Final, Crusaders Main Oval

A total of 139 goals were scored on the opening day of the Vides Water Polo Tournament in East London on Thursday.

The event, which welcomed 16 schools from across the country, will run from 13-15 February.

Matches are being played at the Selborne College Pool as well as at Clarendon High School for Girls’ Harrison Aquatic Centre.

Watch the action on SuperSport Schools.

Day one’s action kicked off with the defending champions, Clifton College, taking on Gqeberha’s Grey High School.

It was a dominant display from coach Pierre Le Roux’s troops who dismantled Grey 11-6 to begin their title defence in style.

Paul Roos Gimnasium, 2024’s runner-up, roared to a convincing 18-3 victory over Grey College.

The boys from Stellenbosch entered the clash on the back of a narrow 5-6 loss against Wynberg Boys’ High at the SACS Nite Series on Wednesday.

They seemed to have put that defeat behind them and fired on all cylinders, scoring freely as they overwhelmed Grey.

It was a valiant team effort from PRG who enjoyed standout performances from Migael Terblanche, James Swart, and Andrew Reynolds.

Two other Western Cape sides, Wynberg Boys’ High and Reddam House Constantia, also made ticks in the win column.

Wynberg scored a comfortable 10-4 victory over Stirling High, while Reddam breezed past Paarl Boys’ High 16-6.

Woodridge College and St Andrew’s College were also among the winners, beating Selborne Collegians and Michaelhouse, respectively.

In one of the most highly anticipated matches of the day, the hosts, Selborne College, took on St Alban’s College.

Coach Storm Siebert’s charges came out guns blazing and delivered an almost perfect performance in front of their supporters, recording a 10-4 victory.

Talisman Liam Hansen scored a hat-trick while there were also goal-scoring contributions from Dominic Stegmann (2), Connor Maree (2), Samuel van der Venter, Daniel Woodin, and Michael Russel.

Day two offers up some mouthwatering fixtures and a full schedule of games, starting at 08:00, with the last match beginning at 18:50.

RESULTS

DAY 1

St David’s Marist Inanda 19-3 Pearson High School
Clifton College 11-6 Grey High School
St Andrew’s College 8-6 Michaelhouse
Woodridge College 8-7 Selborne Collegians
Paul Roos Gimnasium 18-3 Grey College
Wynberg Boys’ High 10-4 Stirling High
Reddam House Constantia 16-6 Paarl Boys High
Selborne College 10-4 St Alban’s College

FIXTURES

Friday, 14 February

Selborne College Pool

08:00 – St Andrew’s College vs Wynberg Boys’ High;  08:50 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Pearson High School; 09:40 – Reddam House Constantia vs Selborne College;  10:30 – Selborne Collegians vs Clifton College;  11:20 – Stirling High vs St Andrew’s College; 12:10 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs St David’s Marist Inanda; 13:00 – Selborne College vs Paarl Boys’ High; 13:50 – Woodridge College vs Clifton College; 15:30 – 3rd Pool A vs 4th Pool B (Plate quarterfinal 1); 16:20 – 1st Pool A vs 2nd Pool B (Cup quarterfinal 1); 17:10 – 1st Pool B vs 2nd Pool A (Cup quarterfinal 2); 18:00 – 1st Pool C vs 2nd Pool D (Cup quarterfinal 3); 18:50 – 1st Pool D vs 2nd Pool C (Cup quarterfinal 4).

Clarendon Aquatic Centre

08:00 – Michaelhouse vs Stirling High; 08:50 – St David’s Marist Inanda vs Grey College; 09:40 – St Alban’s College vs Paarl Boys’ High; 10:30 – Woodridge College vs Grey High; 11:20 – Michaelhouse vs Wynberg Boys’ High; 12:10 – Grey College vs Pearson High; 13:00 – Reddam House Constantia vs St Alban’s College; 13:50 – Selborne College vs Grey High School; 15:30 – Plate quarterfinal 2; 16:20 – Plater quarterfinal 3; 17:10 – Plate quarterfinal 4.

The draw for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) u17 Tournament and u20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) was held in Egypt on Thursday.

At the event, South Africa’s u17 and u20 national teams learned who they will face in their groups at the continental showpieces.

South Africa, the u20 Cosafa champions, known as Amajita, will face a tough challenge at the forthcoming u20 Afcon, which will be played in Côte d’Ivoire from 26 April to 18 May.

Amajita sealed their place at the tournament by putting together a clean record at the u20 Cosafa Championship in Maputo last October, where they finished a decisive 2-0 victory over Zambia in the final.

South Africa has been drawn in what has been termed “The Group of Death”, Group B. It also includes Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria, all established powers of the game in Africa.

Raymond Mdaka, the Head Coach of Amajita, after seeing the draw, said he is confident that South Africa is ready to confront their group opponents.

“We long waited for the draw, just for us to know where we are, who we’re playing. We knew the teams that had already qualified for Afcon, but we wanted to check where we are, and we’ve seen the draw,” Mdaka said.

“I think all the teams, because they’ve qualified, need respect of some kind. We are fine with the group that we have. We’ll prepare ourselves and be ready to play.”

Group A features the hosts, Côte d’Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and the winner of the Central African Football Federations’ Union 2 (UNIFFAC) tournament, which is currently underway.  Group C includes Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, and Sierra Leone.

Vela Khumalo, the Head Coach of the South African u17 National Team, said his side had been drawn in a “very interesting group” for Afcon. South Africa is in Group B, where Amajimbos will tackle Burkina Faso, Egypt, and the winners of the ongoing UNIFFAC tournament in Central Africa.

The u17 Afcon tournament will be held in Morocco from 30 March to 19 April. It’s a competition that carries with it important consequences, with places at the 2025 FIFA u17 World Cup, which takes place in Qatar later this year, up for grabs.

Group A’s line-up includes Morocco, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia, while Group C is made up of Senegal, The Gambia, Somalia, and Tunisia.

The Gauteng Development League (GDL), Africa’s largest development football competition, returns to the park, to our television screens, and the SuperSport Schools app, this weekend with the Top Eight knockout competition set for an explosive start on Saturday.

Having fought hard in the GDL for 10 months, last year, Highlands Park, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, TS Galaxy, Tuks, the School of Excellence, and Jomo Cosmos finished in the top eight in the league standings, in that order.

Their reward is an opportunity to play for the Top Eight trophy from 15 to 23 February.

SuperSport United is the defending champion. They beat their Pretoria rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, 2-0 in last year’s final, courtesy of goals from Lucky Muthewi and Kabelo Selowa.

Coach Tumelo Ndaba‘s SuperSport u19 team will have to get past TS Galaxy at their home, Eskom Megawatt Park, on Sunday to reach next week’s semi-finals.

Mamelodi Sundowns, under coach Surprise Moriri, will lock horns with Tuks in another big showdown of Pretoria clubs at Clapham High School, in Queenswood, Pretoria. Coach David Mathebula‘s Kaizer Chiefs welcomes Jomo Cosmos at the Kaizer Chiefs Village on Saturday.

Highland Parks, the reigning and back-to-back league champions, will be focussed on making a good start to the season when they take on School of Excellence at Balfour Park on Saturday. With coach Sifiso Mnguni masterminding their challenge, the Lions of the North will fancy their chances.

Quarterfinals Fixtures

Saturday
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Tuks
Kaizer Chiefs vs Jomo Cosmos
Highlands Park vs School of Excellence

Sunday
SuperSport United vs TS Galaxy

Hoërskool Middelburg wag nou net om te sien wie van die C-afdeling in die Finsbury-reeks hy sal moet aandurf om promosie te probeer verwerf.

Herleef en volg al die aksie op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Die Middies het Woensdag reeds hul plek in die promosie-relegasie-stryd bespreek deur vir Heidelberg Volkskool, in Heidelberg, met 52 lopies te verslaan. Die wedstryd is vervroeg vanweë die Middelburgers se deelname aan die interhoër-atletiekkampioenskap eerskomende Saterdag.

Die Middies moes slegs die eerstespan- of o. 15-wedstryd wen om deur te dring, maar het sommer in albei die kitaar geslaan. Hoewel dit ‘n ruk vir Gavin Genis geneem het om aan die gang te kom was die Volkies uiteindelik die slagoffer van die veelsydige Middelburger se kolfvernuf.

Indien dit nie vir sy beurt was nie, sou die besoekers ietwat in die knyp gewees het. Genis het op die kop 100 gemoker om sy span tot ‘n totaal van 198 te neem voor die laaste paaltjie geval het. Hy het slegs 96 aflewerings nodig gehad en die bal nege keer, waarvan vyf anderkant die tou grond gevat het, grens toe gestuur.

Die res van die Middies se kolflys kon gesamentlik slegs 98 lopies aanteken, waarvan 21 van Hendre Nel se kolf gekom het. Volkies se Jaco Botha het die meeste skade aangerig met drie paaltjies vir 34 lopies in sy 6.4 beurte.

Met die wete dat die tuisspan oor ‘n sterk kolflys beskik, het Eduan Strydom sy hand opgesteek met die bal. Die tuisspan se Dave Pelzer (46) en Marco Botha (33) was netjes op dreef totdat die bal vir Strydom gegooi is. Nes Genis met die kolf uitgeblink het, het Strydom kop en skouers bo die res van die boulers uitgetroon.

In die nege beurte wat hy afgestuur het, het hy 47 leë balle (87%) geboul. Die druk het doodeenvoudig te veel geraak vir die tuisspan en Strydom is uiteindelik met vyf paaltjies vir net nege lopies beloon. Dit het die Volkies geknak en tot slegs 146 bereik.

Die ander bepalings in die afdeling vind steeds Saterdag plaas. Die ander Middelburgse span, HTS Middelburg, verwelkom die sukkelende Uplands College in sy agterplaas. Hoërskool Ben Vorster se Black Caps, steeds segeloos en op die rand van relegasie, reis na Meyerton waar hulle teen die gevaarlike Luka Pretorius en die res van Hoërskool Dr Malan te staan kom.

Beknopte telkaart:

Hoërskool Middelburg 198 (Gavin Genis 100; Jaco Botha 3/34, Rico Swart 2/22, Dave Pelzer 2/33); Heidelberg Volkskool 146 (Dave Pelzer 46, Marco Botha 33; Eduan Strydom 5/9). Hoërskool Middelburg wen met 52 lopies.

Ander bepalings

Week 5:
HTS Middelburg t. Uplands College
Dr Malan t. Ben Vorster

Round four of the SACS Nite Series produced huge dollops of entertainment, suspense, and drama as Bishops Diocesan College and Wynberg Boys’ High picked up wins in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, South African College High School (SACS) and Rondebosch Boys’ High played to a thrilling 10-10 draw.

The action at the SACS Aquatics Centre began with the meeting between SACS and ‘Bosch, a showdown between teams that had endured contrasting fortunes in the lead-up to the match.

‘Bosch was unbeaten in the competition while SACS was coming off an 8-9 loss against Bishops the previous week.

It was, by far, the most entertaining game of the series as both teams went blow-for-blow throughout all four chukkas.

The first half produced a total of 10 goals, with Rondebosch taking a 6-4 lead into half-time.

Their attack was spearheaded by the dangerous Noah Reiback, who netted a hattrick, before Jack Robinson, Kieran Bennewith, and Luke Burger joined the scoring party.

For SACS, the deadly Jandro Rojo-Roos found the back of the net before Aidan Turrell, Harry Oldham, and skipper Matt Forbes also made their way onto the score sheet.

In the third chukka, the hosts came out reinvigorated. Bosch mustered two goals, through Reiback, while SACS pulled within one of the visitors with Turrell striking twice, and Rojo-Ross netting, too.

The sides entered the fourth and final chukka with ‘Bosch holding a fragile one-goal lead at 8-7.

Turrell, who had led the SACS’ charge all game long, levelled matters early in the fourth chukka before Robinson responded by firing in two quick goals to help Rondebosch retake the lead.

With only two minutes left, SACS trailed by two, and it looked as if ‘Bosch were on their way to a fourth win on the trot in the Nite Series.

SACS, however, kept pushing and when Matt Robinson pulled one back the crowd sensed there could be a comeback. And that’s exactly what happened when Rojo-Roos scored again to complete his hat-trick to make the final score 10-10 after a thrilling contest.

The draw means SACS have kept their hopes of a semifinal spot alive while Rondebosch remained atop the standings with three wins from their four matches.

SACS will face Reddam House Constantia in round five while ‘Bosch tackles Wynberg.

Following Wednesday’s cracking opener, Wynberg and Bishops collected maximum points.

Wynberg edged out Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) 6-5, and Bishops thumped Reddam House Constantia 14-4.

Scorers

Rondebosch Boys’ High 10: Noah Reiback (5), Jack Robinson (3), Kieran Bennewith, Luke Burger. SACS 10: Aidan Turrell (4), Jandro Rojo-Roos (3), Matt Forbes, Harry Oldham, Matt Robinson.

Wynberg Boys’ High 6: Timothy Belcher (2), Riley Clarke (2), Sebastian Kastern, James McPetrie. Paul Roos Gimnasium 5: James Swart (2), Sven Flatten, Aiden Laubser, Andrew Reynolds.

Bishops Diocesan College 14: Matt Fenn (3), Owen Cross (2), Harry Ford (2), Noah Edmunds (2), Milo Letschert (2), Jack Grout (2), James Malan. Reddam House Constantia 4: Blake Brown (3), Struan Valentine.

Clifton College welcomed Glenwood High to the Riverside Sports Club on Wednesday, just two days before the start of the Clifton T20 Tournament, for a final dress rehearsal in a W100 match.

With captain Tim Saulez leading the way, Clifton scored a narrow seven-run win.

Saulez won the coin flip and opted to bat first, but Clifton suffered a big blow when Lawson Dinsdale fell victim to the off-spinner Kyle Bryan, and one run later Byron Ward was run out by Kressan Pillai. Just 11 balls into their innings, the hosts had stumbled to 6/2.

That left Hayden Drieselmann and Tim Saulez to clean up the messy start. They spent 33 balls together and added 22 runs at a run a ball before Drieselmann was caught by Kenzo Mchunu off the bowling of Akhil Maharaj for 18 from 15 deliveries.

That brought Zach Williamson out to the middle and he and his captain turned the tide with an outstanding partnership that delivered 89 runs from just 49 balls. Williamson fed most of the strike to Saulez and he took the game to the Glenwood bowlers, cracking 58 off 27 while Williamson scored 22 off 22 in their big stand.

It was Bryan who struck again to get rid of Williamson, but, unusually, he came in for a bit of stick, picking up 2/33 from his 20 balls.

Saulez finally fell 10 balls from the end of the innings for a superb 69 from 41 deliveries, which included five fours and three sixes.

Eventually, Clifton finished on 136/7. SA u19 star Bandile Mbatha picked up 1/17 from 20 deliveries for Glenwood, while Kressan Pillai bowled only 10 balls but did a fine job, nabbing 1/5.

In their reply, The Green Machine lost Karabo Ntsieng early, caught by Cristiano Borrageiro off Saulez for seven, and Kressan Pillai joined him back alongside the field after being stumped by Lawson Dinsdale off the leg-spin of Shiraz Perumal for nine, which left Glenwood on 33/2 after 27 balls.

Krian Jugoo and Bandile Mbatha, then, did their best to emulate Clifton’s vital third-wicket partnership, which had produced 89 runs. They combined for 72 from 47, with Jugoo scoring 44 of those and Mbatha 23. Caleb Naicker ended their stand when he bowled Jugoo for 55 from only 39 balls. His innings had included four fours and two sixes.

The very next ball, Naicker struck again when he had Kyle Bryan caught behind. With 25 balls left, Glenwood needed 32 to win.

Then, after 12 runs had been added from 13 balls, Donte van Wyk became the second Glenwood batsman to be stumped by Dinsdale off the bowling of Shiraz Perumal. That left the visiting team on 117/5, with 11 balls to go.

Bowling the second last over, Caleb Naicker rose to the occasion for Clifton. His first four balls went for only four runs. On his fifth, he had Bandile Mbatha caught by Blake Johnson for 32. The all-rounder had spent 31 balls at the crease and struck two fours and a six.

Glenwood was on 121/6, with five balls remaining. Clifton held the edge.

Captain Tim Saulez took on the responsibility of sending down the last five deliveries. Glenwood scored two and a wide off the first ball, but Saulez conceded only four more runs off the next five balls to limit the Green Machine’s reply to 128/6, which sealed victory for the home side.

Caleb Naicker led the Clifton bowlers with a haul of 3/28 from 20 deliveries, while Shiraz Perumal snared 2/18 from his 20, and left-arm spinner Blake Johnson kept a lid on the Glenwood scoring, conceding only 15 runs from his 20 balls.

Also on Wednesday, a couple of one-sided W100 matches took place in the Tuskers region, with St Charles College and Hilton College waltzing to easy wins.

St Charles College vs Imbali Hub

Saints hosted the Imbali Hub on the St Charles Oval and, batting first, powered their way to 186/6 from their 100 balls.

Skipper Rico Honiball led the assault on the Hub’s bowlers, smashing six fours and two sixes in a blistering 25-ball 59. Connor Simpson was almost as brutal, lashing three fours and three sixes in his 49, which came from only 24 balls. Both Thando Zama and Ryan Clarke weighed in with 20 as St Charles batted at 9.3 runs per over.

The Imbali Hub was unable to mount a challenge, compiling only 74/9 in their reply. Opener Smelokuhle Gumede, Siphosethu Ngcobo, and Lwazi Mabaso made it into double figures.

Keegan Vermaak led the Saints’ attack, knocking over 4 for 15 from his 20 balls. Ryan Clarke excelled, returning 1/6 from 15 deliveries, while Caleb Sharp was almost as miserly, picking up 1/8 from his 15.

Hilton College vs Northdale Hub

Hilton College trotted out a youthful lineup for their game against the Northdale Hub. They dominated, nonetheless.

Batting first, Northdale lasted 86 balls before being bowled out for only 47 runs. Mickaylan Ramsamy‘s eight runs were double that of Northdale’s next-highest run scorer, but they were assisted by 24 extras, which made up more than half of their total.

Luke Wilson captured 3/7 from 15 balls, Sean Burman picked up 2/3 from 10, Sange Qangule 2/7 from 20, and Daniel Christie 2/8 from 15.

Chasing a modest total, Hilton didn’t hurry. They used up 44 balls on their way to 49/0 and a 10-wicket victory.

Matthew Bezuidenhout finished with 26 from 28 balls, while Barack Munawa scored 20 from 16, with three fours.

Summarised scorecards

Clifton College 136/7 (Tim Saulez 69, Zach Williamson 22, Kyle Bryan 2/33); Glenwood High School 128/6 (Krian Jugoo 55, Bandile Mbatha 32, Caleb Naicker 3/28, Shiraz Perumal 2/18). Clifton won by seven runs.

St Charles College 186/6 (Rico Honiball 59, Connor Simpson 49, Thando Zama 20, Ryan Clarke 20, Sandiso Dzanibe 2/44); Imbali Hub 74/9 (Smelokuhle Gumede 14, Keegan Vermaak 4/15, Ryan Clarke 1/6, Caleb Sharp 1/8). St Charles won by 112 runs.

Northdale Hub 47/10 (Extras 24, Mickaylan Ramsamy 8, Luke Wilson 3/7, Sean Burman 2/3, Sange Qangule 2/7, Daniel Christie 2/8); Hilton College 49/0 (Matthew Bezuidenhout 26, Barack Munawa 20). Hilton won by 10 wickets.