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Rondebosch Boys’ High has a lethal weapon in the form of their left-arm spinner, Timothy Short. He returns for a second year for the Western Province Khaya Majola squad, which will contest the inter-provincial week in Bloemfontein from 16-21 December.

Short, who often shares the new ball, has continued to turn the ball and has positively impacted the fortunes of ‘Bosch with his excellence.

His ability to deliver influential bowling spells was on display when Rondebosch faced Wynberg Boys’ High in a 50-over clash early in November. Short dismantled the Wynberg chase in the middle overs, snaring 4/39 in nine overs.

With Rondebosch defending 225/9, it was mainly due to the spinner’s persistence that the Wynberg score collapsed from 163/5 to 188 all out. In the same game, he also showed that he’s a more than useful middle order batsman, scoring an unbeaten 49.

‘Bosch Head Coach, Rob Dalrymple, told SuperSport Schools that Short’s contributions extend beyond batting and bowling. “He is a natural leader and a strong academic, which saw Tim being elected as Deputy Head Boy of the school for 2026,” Dalrymple explained.

“He has a high EQ, coupled with a strong competitive spirit. His excellent cricket awareness makes him a great asset both on and off the field.”

Short’s passion for cricket began at a young age. He shared some of his fondest cricket-related memories, going back to his earliest recollections of the game: “My earliest memory of cricket would be going to watch my dad play club cricket, and throwing a ball around on the side of the field.

Cricket has run in the family. My grandpa played many years of first-class cricket, and my dad has always been super keen on cricket, so my passion for the game has always been there.

“Lots of backyard cricket with my two brothers when I was younger ignited my competitive spirit and love for a good battle.”

That’s the past. What about his future cricket ambitions? Short said he has a simple objective: “The only cricketing milestone in the near future that I am chasing is my first century for the Rondebosch 1st XI. Otherwise, I try not to think too far ahead and take each day as it comes.

“One thing I want for my future in cricket is to remain assured of how I want to play the game, who I want to be, and what I want to represent.

“Wherever I play, I want to make a positive impact on the people around me and, hopefully, step into more leadership roles down the line.

“In my personal life, I want to continue to grow in my faith and my relationship with the Lord. I really want to strive to be grateful for every opportunity that He gives me, and I hope to share His truth by living my life.

“Otherwise, I just want to stay true to myself and keep appreciating everything that people do for me.”

While Timothy Short is an outstanding all-round player, he didn’t hesitate to identify areas of his game that he’s aiming to improve: “If I had to pinpoint something that needs work, it would be my agility and pace in the field, and my fielding while bowling,” he said candidly.

Cricket South Africa has taken note of Short’s excellence. It earned him an invitation to the CSA National u17 Camp, which was held in Pretoria in September.

With his honest nature, strong leadership qualities, and all-round game, and his experience of winning the Khaya Majola Week in 2024, Western Province will look to Timothy Short to be one of their team leaders in Bloemfontein when they aim for back-to-back provincial titles.

A new and promising chapter has started for the School of Excellence and, perhaps, with it a return to prominence.

Chipcor Developers, a subsidiary of Chippa Holdings and its founder, Siviwe Mpengesi, also known as Chippa, a businessman and the owner of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, Chippa United, have been designated as the new guardians of the historic Transnet School of Excellence.

The announcement was made in a press statement on Tuesday.

The School of Excellence stands as one of South Africa’s most esteemed development football institutions, having cultivated numerous players who have gone on to successful careers, both locally and internationally.

Their outstanding alumni includes Steven Pienaar, a former captain of Bafana Bafana, who enjoyed a lengthy and successful career abroad with Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Sunderland.

Another distinguished graduate is Daine Klate, one of the most decorated players in the South African PSL, who enjoyed a 15-year playing career with SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits, and Chippa United.

Recent alumni include Relebohile Mofokeng, Kutlwano Lethlaku, Siyabonga Mabena, Boitumelo Radiopane, and Emile Witbooi, who moved to Cape Town City in January 2024. Later that same year, Witbooi was named in the SuperSport Schools Class of 2024.

All of those young and exciting footballers have not only emerged as standout players at PSL clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, but they have also formed the core of South Africa’s national development teams, at u17 and u20 level. Both sides represented the country on the world stage this year at the u17 and u20 FIFA World Cups.

Despite its recording of unearthing and developing talented players, the School of Excellence has struggled for the past two seasons

In the 2025 Gauteng Development League (GDL), the u19 team finished 15th and the u17 team 17th, just above Elspark United, who were relegated. The u15 team performed better, securing fourth place, while the u14 team finished 14th, and the u13 team was last, in 16th place.

Now, the School of Excellence could be poised for a revival. Mpengesi has a successful history with Chippa United. His commitment to restoring public sports infrastructure was also seen with his revitalisation of the Philippi Stadium in Cape Town, which turned it into a vibrant football venue in a township community, the birthplace of his club, Chippa United.

Since then, Mpengesi has engaged in various business activities, fostering football culture and pride in neglected areas.

Earlier this year, Transet ended its 30-year partnership with the SAFA School of Excellence.

The school was established with a goal of providing quality education and football training for gifted youths from underprivileged backgrounds. However, financial pressures had long troubled the institution. When Transnet announced its withdrawal as the school’s trustee, it also took with it the R20-million it provided to the school annually.

Following Mpengesi’s departure, the Philippi Stadium fell into disrepair, but he has since established operations at the Buffalo City Stadium, in East London. Restored from deterioration and vandalism, it now hosts most of Chippa United’s home games, with a few still taking place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, in Gqeberha.

Chippa Mpengesi’s committment to football is clear, although fans of Chippa United often worry about frequent changes to the coaching staff at the club. This season has been particularly turbulent, with the club appointing several coaches, including Sinethembea Badela, Musa Nyatam, Luc Eymael, and Vusumzi “Kanu” Vilakazi.

Many young talented footballers in the Eastern Cape have benefitted from Mpengesi’s influence. A versatile forward from Selborne College, Blake Synman is the latest to receive a professional contract from Chippa United.

Snyman helped lead the Selborne College 1st XI to the title in the East London High Schools Football League in September. Other young players at the club include the Urban Academy alumni, Musa Festile, Qhamani Gubevu, Oyisa Ngeni, and Avuzwa Mbembe, who are all part of the Chippa United DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) Team.

Given Mpengesi’s stellar record, one hopes to see a revival of the fortunes of the School of Excellence. They could, once again, become one of the more interesting and entertaining teams to watch on SuperSport Schools Channel 216 on DStv during the broadcast of the GDL’s weekend football matches.

In a recent press release, Chipcor Developers stated: “The appointment at the School of Excellence now extends this restoration mandate onto a national platform.

“The school’s revival plan encompasses the enhancement of its training facilities, academic resources, living accommodations, maintenance systems, security infrastructure, and operational model.”

The objective of Chipcor Developers is to re-establish the institution as a national centre of excellence by attracting young players, both boys and girls, from across the country, and to provide them with elite football training, robust academic foundations, life skills, and personal development support.

The School of Excellence serves grades eight to 12.

Chipcor Developers and the Chippa Mpengesi Foundation intend to partner with key national and regional stakeholders, including the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the Departments of Sport, Arts and Culture, Basic and Higher Education, the Ekurhuleni Municipality, SAFA, the Premier Soccer League, and corporate sponsors through Corporate Social Investments (CSI) initiatives.

In their press release, Chipcor Developers said their goal is to also equip young people with practical, employable skills that prepare them for opportunities beyond the realm of sports.

“The institution will also broaden its scope to include more sporting codes, such as rugby, athletics, cricket, netball, and boxing, thereby evolving into a genuine multi-sport development centre that fosters a variety of South African talent,” the press release stated.

“We thank God for this opportunity, and for trusting us with a school that has shaped giants of South African football,” Mpengesi said.

“This is more than a project. It is a calling to serve the youth and uplift communities. We will do everything in our power to restore, protect, and elevate this great institution for the next generation,” he concluded.

Mpengesi has also founded a secondary school with its own academy in the Eastern Cape, known as the Chippa College, which further expands his influence on youth education and athlete development.

The Western Province (WP) u19 girls’ water polo teams will be out to impress at the Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT), which kicks off in Johannesburg early next month.

The annual tournament runs from 6-10 December, and the girls’ u19 fixtures will be contested at St Stithians College‘s Olympic Pool.

Coach Connor Whiting will guide the Western Province u19A team’s challenge, while Ruby Versfeld will coach the u19B side.

The experienced Nicola Plasket will act as the assistant to both sides, while Kate Meintjes will have her hands full with managerial duties.

Whiting was involved in last year’s campaign as coach of the u19B team, which finished in fourth place. The A-team, meanwhile, was coached by Etienne Le Roux. They picked up the silver medals after going down to Central Gauteng A 4-9 in the final. Le Roux is in charge of the u16A boys’ team this year.

“I’m definitely excited. I think the IPT is a tournament coaches always look forward to at the end of the year. It’s an exciting time, and it comes with different challenges,” Whiting told SuperSport Schools Plus ahead of the tournament.

“Coaching the A-team this year has a different level of pressure compared to last year when I was coaching the B-team.

“Last year was one of my best coaching experiences in the provincial setup. We had a great bunch of girls, super motivated and eager to punch above their weight.

“I learnt a lot, but I’m looking forward to this year, as we have a great team.”

The Western Province A-team will have some continuity, with several experienced players from year’s squad returning and in the final year of their schools’ water polo careers. There’s also young blood coming through in both teams, and Whiting is optimistic they’ll fit right in.

“We have a lot of girls that stayed in the system, and those in the B-team moved to the A-side, and some u16 girls have moved up.

“The new ones have fitted in nicely. I’m also excited for the B-team. They are a very talented side, and I believe they will give teams a good run for their money.”

Preparing for the inter-provincial tournament is a challenge. The squads are made up of players from different schools, among them several who are in matric and who have had to manage busy exam schedules while also putting in the hours in the pool.

“The overall preparation has been good. We’ve had to balance finals and grade 11 exams, but we’ve done a good job with that,” Whiting reckoned.

“The girls have committed nicely to the schedules and programmes. There have been times when life happens, and we’ve got finals and the girls are stressed, so they can come down for only half the practice.

“It’s been a good understanding, and we’ve always made it a point that we train hard and also study hard.”

When asked about the type of water polo that can be expected from his side, Whiting said: “Simplicity is key for us. The goal is always to do the basics really well.

“We want to play at a high tempo and have a little bit of unpredictability, which is key. We have a few players in both the A and B sides that are unpredictable, and that’s the balance we are looking for.

“The goal for the last couple of weeks in training has been to nail down the basics, and hopefully that’s what spectators will see.”

The WP u19A team has been drawn in Pool B and will open their campaign against Central Gauteng B on Sunday, 7 December, at 10:05.

The B-team will compete in Pool A and faces the defending champion, Central Gauteng A, in their opener at 14:25.

 All matches will be streamed live on SuperSport Schools.

TEAMS

u19A 

Kirsten Bottger (Herschel Girls School), Kelly Cadiz (Herschel Girls School), Jade Jarvis (Rustenburg Girls), Carla Lampe (Herschel Girls School), Julia Luckhoff (Reddam House Constantia), Bella Murray (Rhenish Girls School), Iviwe Odoure (Reddam House Constantia), Sarah Palframan (Reddam House Constantia), Emma Stevens (Herschel Girls School), Holly Strydom (Reddam House Constantia), Sophie Vickers (Herschel Girls School), Summer-Lee Wain (Reddam House Constantia), Sofia Walker (Rhenish Girls School), Charlotte Wiltshire (Herschel Girls School).

u19B

Tess Anderson (Herschel Girls School), Holly Binneman (Reddam House Constantia), Olivia Figaji (Rustenburg Girls School), Lauren Helm (Reddam House Constantia), Sophie Maurel (Herschel Girls School), Samantha Miller (Herschel Girls School), Aman Moonda (Reddam House Constantia), Samantha Nimb (Herschel Girls School), Jemma Pearse (Herschel Girls School), Anna van Aarde (Herschel Girls School), Abigail Weatherall (Reddam House Constantia), Nina Wides (Herschel Girls School).

Eastern Province will travel to Bloemfontein for the annual Khaya Majola Week with high ambitions. They intend to challenge for the provincial title, and they have identified consistency as the key to those ambitions.

The tournament runs from 16-21 December.

“Our approach for this year’s Khaya Majola Week is to build on our strengths, stay consistent, and play an assertive brand of cricket that reflects the EP fighting spirit,” Somila Seyibokwe, the Eastern Province coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

Eastern Province’s side will be led by a core of four players – Cayden Wilson, Randy Syce, Dawid Vermaak, and Luphelo Mdyesha – who were part of their Khaya Majola Week team last year.

Wilson, who led Pearson High to the national finals of the Schools SA20 at the start of the year, is the most experienced member of the team, having also represented the province at the 2023 and 2024 Khaya Majola weeks.

All-rounder, Sulaymaan Gangat, also from Pearson, will be aiming to achieve what his brother, Esa, was unable to do in three visits to the national week, which was win the national title.

St Andrew’s College has the most representatives in the squad, with a complement of four players: William Beamish, Myles Sansom, Samuel Scheckter, and Rhys Wiblin. That quartet has been in good form and helped St Andrew’s reach the final of the Eastern Province leg of the Switch Schools SA20 – Volume Two tournament.

Daniel Pienaar will be cheering loudly for Tylo Maleiba, Owam Malika, and Daveric Petersen‘s exploits at the competition. They have the second-most representatives in the side.

Luphelo Mdyesha and Lisekho Zinyane will fly the flag for Graeme College, who will also have Enqrique Strydom and Corbin Tidbury at the week but representing the CSA Invitational XI. A lot will be expected of Mdyesha, who has been one of Graeme College’s leading lights with the bat this year.

Dawid Vermaak and Randy Syce are the lone representatives from Nico Malan and Woodridge College, respectively. Besides their talents with the bat, the pair also offers the side valuable experience.

“The squad comprises a strong group of talented all-rounders, giving us good balance across all departments,” Seyibokwe said.

Eastern Province u19 Squad

William Beamish (St Andrew’s College), Myles Sansom (St Andrew’s College), Samuel Scheckter (St Andrew’s College), Rhys Wiblin (St Andrew’s College), Sulaymaan Gangat (Pearson High), Cayden Wilson (Pearson High), Tylo Maleiba (Daniel Pienaar), Owam Malika (Daniel Pienaar), Daveric Petersen (Daniel Pienaar), Luphelo Mdyesha (Graeme College), Lisekho Zinyane (Graeme College), Dawid Vermaak (Nico Malan), Randy Syce (Woodridge College).

Cricket South Africa has announced their Invitational XI for the 2025 Khaya Majola Week, which takes place in Bloemfontein from 16-21 December.

The squad features the best players from around the country who weren’t selected for their unions’ sides.

Hoërskool Waterkloof star Riley Miller gets his chance to attend the week after all and will also captain the side, which will compete in Division Two alongside the smaller unions.

Miller put together an exceptional year for Klofies, scoring 1 695 runs, which included four centuries and six half-centuries.

Eight of the 13 players are from either the Central Gauteng Lions‘ or Titans‘ regions, with each region contributing four players each.

Two players from Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Affies) have been included, with JP Botha, a noteworthy talent at the top of the order, and fast bowler Armin Snyman, a graduate from last year’s u16 National Week in Pretoria, cracking the nod.

Jalen Mannikam completes the Titans’ quartet and flies the flag for Sutherland High School in the City of Roses.

The four Central Gauteng Lions’ players are Munib Ayob, from Jeppe High School for Boys; Gomolemo Sibi, from Hoërskool Noordheuwel; Nkosana Sibiya, of St John’s College, and Bulumko Magatya, from the Dobsonville Hub.

Western Province and Eastern Province provide two players each. Wynberg Boys’ High‘s Michail Tarentaal and Noah Heath, of Rondebosch, represent the Western Cape, while the Eastern Cape’s duo is from Graeme College, Enrique Strydom and Corbin Tidbury.

The squad is completed by Northwood‘s Ryan van Zyl.

CSA Invitational XI Squad

Munib Ayod (Jeppe High School for Boys), JP Botha (Affies), Bulumko Magatya (Dobsonville), Noah Heath (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Jalen Mannikam (Sutherland High School), Riley Miller (Waterkloof), Gomolemo Sibi (Noordheuwel), Nkosana Sibiya (St John’s College), Armin Snyman (Affies), Enrique Strydom (Graeme College), Michail Tarentaal (Wynberg Boys’ High), Corbin Tidbury (Graeme College), Ryan van Zyl (Northwood)

Management 

Head Coach – Mornantau Hayward
Assistant Coach – Odwa Xonxa
Manager – Colin Gxowa

After finishing in fourth place at last year’s Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) in East London, the Buffalo City u19 boys’ water polo team has set its sights on, at least, matching that achievement in 2025.

Guided by coach Storm Siebert, the Eastern Cape outfit will be aiming to spring a couple of surprises when the tournament kicks off in Johannesburg next month.

The 2025 event marks the 50th edition of the Schools Water Polo South Africa IPT. It runs from 6-10 December, with the u19 boys’ matches taking place at St David’s Marist Inanda.

With less than a month to go before the first blast of the whistle, SuperSport Schools Plus caught up with coach Siebert to discuss his team and the tournament.

“The prep has been good so far,” he said. “We’ve managed to start pretty early as a team and got lots of hard work done early.

“There is still a lot to get done in this last month leading up to IPT. I’d say our goal would definitely be a top four finish, and anything else, we wouldn’t be happy with.”

It’s a fairly young and inexperienced side that will take to the pool for Buffalo City. Only SA Schools’ player, Thomas Caswell, and Samuel van der Venter featured in last year’s team.

Siebert, however, isn’t too concerned about his charges’ lack of experience, and he believes the young players will deliver a fresh and exciting challenge.

“We only have two players in the team who played in the tournament last year. There’s a lot of young and new blood coming in,” he said. “That brings some excitement and energy into the team for IPT.”

Buffalo City have been drawn into a tough Pool A alongside Central Gauteng A and B and their Eastern Cape provincial rivals, Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB).

Depending on where they finish in their pool, they could face either KwaZulu-Natal or Western Province in the cross-pool playoffs. That’s a possibility that coach Siebert isn’t ruling out.

“The top provinces, such as KZN, Gauteng and Western Province, will always be tough to beat at any age group, as well as NMB, who have a good team this year.

“I’m expecting well-drilled opposition across the board. We’re going to have to stick to our own game plan rather than letting our opponents dictate how we play.

“We must be prepared and be strong enough when we get pressed and stay calm on our attack.

“I’m excited to see how this group of players goes, and we will once again happily wear that underdog tag with pride,” he concluded.

Buffalo City Team

Thomas Caswell, Aaron James, Joshua Lentz, Cullen Mortlock, Samuel van der Venter, Daniel Woodin (all Selborne College), David Emslie, Thando Frans, Daniel Stead (all Merrifield College), Lutho Mbiza, Matthew Wiseman (both Stirling High School).

Non-travelling reserves

Gino De Ascencao, Michael Oliver (both Stirling High School), Abakhe Ngamlana (Merrifield College).

Coach: Storm Siebert
Manager: Jaco Jacobs

On Sunday, the weather cast a shadow over the Gauteng Women’s Soccer League (GWSL) and put the semi-finals and final on hold after Saturday’s last 16 and quarterfinals delivered both excitement and disappointment on the fields at the Rovers Football Club, in Alberton.

In the last 16, the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, were stretched by United Ladies, but came away with a 2-1 victory to set up a showdown against a determined Kempton Park in the quarterfinals.

Again, Banyana Ba Style’s limits were thoroughly tested by their resilient opposition, but Sundowns eventually scraped a narrow 1-0 win through a penalty conversion late in the match.

With the win, Sundowns remains on track to become the first team to successfully defend the title.

Before their quarterfinal clash with the Brazilians, Kempton Park had also recorded a 2-1 victory in the last 16, beating Thandabantu United.

Reflecting on her side’s hard-fought wins, Sundowns’ coach, Asa Rabalao, told SuperSport Schools Plus that fielding younger players, primarily from Downs‘ Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) team, presented challenges against some of the GWSL opposition, as many of those clubs compete in the Gauteng Sasol League and have more experience than the youthful Sundowns’ squad.

Rabalo said their quarterfinal opponents, Kempton Park, brought a wealth of experience to their clash, and they made it difficult for Sundowns to maintain possession or feel comfortable in their preferred style of play, which emphasises ball control and dictating the pace of the game.

In the end, though, Rabalo said Kempton Park was unable to handle the intensity of Sundowns and that led to the handball, which resulted in the penalty, which Sundowns converted, to claim the win and reach the semifinals.

The defending champions will face Diepkloof Ladies, the champions of the inaugural GWSL tournament in 2022, when it was known as the Gauteng Women’s Soccer Tournament, for a place in the final.

Diepkloof Ladies have impressed with their high-pressure tactics, which has made them a tough challenge for their opposition.

In a key round of 16 clash, they defeated Raycon Ladies, the 2023 GWSL champions, who beat Diepkloof Ladies in the final that year.

In 2022, Diepkloof Ladies had beaten Raycon Ladies to lift the title.

Ahead of Saturday’s showdown, it was one win apiece between the rivals in the competition, but Diepkloof Ladies progressed to the quarterfinals and made it two wins to one with a narrow 2-1 victory.

Then, in the quarterfinals, Diepkloof Ladies took on JVW2, who were supported by a formidable fan base that made their presence known on the sidelines. Earlier, JVW2 had beaten Revelations in a gripping penalty shootout, winning 8-7 from the spot after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

There was little to separate the sides in their quarterfinal clash, but Diepkloof Ladies grabbed the contest’s only goal to reach the final four with a 1-0 win.

In other matches, Springs Home Sweepers sneaked by Mito Stars 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time. In the quarterfinals, though, Springs Home Sweepers had their journey ended by Blue Birds, who won 1-0. Blue Birds had defeated Future Stars 1-0 in the round of 16.

Electrical Ladies won 2-0 against Asijiki in the round of 16 and they repeated that scoreline in a win over Royal Lions in the quarterfinals.

That leaves Sundowns to tackle Diepkloof Ladies for a place in the final, while Blue Birds go up against Electrical Ladies knowing that the winner will face a former champion for the title.

After each match of the GWSL, the Player of the Match receives football boots. The following players were awarded their football boots after intense battles in the last 16 and in the quarterfinals:

Atlegang Mogale – Thandabantu United (Centre Back)
Tshiamo Segwatle – Blue Birds (Left Wing) in the last 16 and after the quarterfinals
Sethobile Komwande – Mamelodi Sundowns (Right Back)
Nomfundo Motaung – Springs Home Sweepers (Left Centre Back)
Thubelihle Shamase – Electrical Ladies (Right Wing)
Nkamogeleng Tshoke – Diepkloof Ladies (Midfielder)
Atlegang Masemola – JVW (Midfielder)
Mabuza Lehlogonolo – Revelations (Goalkeeper)
Tshiamo Segwatle – Blue Birds (Left winger)
Naledi Motaung – Kempton Park (Right back)
Nonhlanhla Maci – Diepkloof Ladies (Right wing)
Sbongakonke – Electrical Ladies (Midfielder)

RESULTS

Last 16

Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 United Ladies
Spring Home Sweepers (6) 0-0 (5) Mito Stars
Blue Birds 1-0 Future Stars
Diepkloof Ladies 2-1 Raycon Ladies
Royal Lions 2-0 JVW1
Electrical Ladies 2-0 Asijiki
JVW2 (8) 1-1 (7) Revelations
Kempton Park 2-1 Thandabantu United

Quarterfinals 

Diepkloof Ladies 1-0 JVW2
Electrical Ladies 2-0 Royal Lions
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Kempton Park
Blue Birds 1-0 Spring Home Sweepers

FIXTURES 

Semifinals 

Date and Time: TBC

Blue Birds vs Electrical Ladies
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Diepkloof Ladies

Remarkable, memorable, and utterly destructive are some of the descriptions one could use about Xavier van Biljon’s match-winning innings in the Easterns’ final of the Switch Schools SA20 – Volume Two competition.

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

With defending champions Hoërskool Kempton Park already eliminated, a new champion waited to be crowned when Hoërskool Hans Moore took on the unpredictable Hoërskool Marais Viljoen at St Benedict’s College on Friday afternoon.

Thanks to Van Biljon’s batting heroics, it was the Moories who lifted the trophy after an emphatic 10-wicket victory.

They took to the field first and their spin-heavy bowling attack restricted Marais Viljoen to just 123 all out. Seamer Isaac Aube led the way, though, snaring 2/15. He was well supported by Jack Bevolo, who returned 2/22, and Kearan Weyers, who picked up 2/28.

Jared Mentz was the top scorer for Marais Viljoen, with 29, while Rieshaeel Hashim chipped in with 25 and Hendré Cilliers tallied 21, which helped the Alberton side to a moderate total, but one that they might have felt was enough to defend. It wasn’t.

Van Biljon was in a destructive mood. In just 29 balls, he blasted an astonishing 10 sixes and four fours, rocketing to an unbeaten 83, with 76 of his runs coming from boundaries.

His opening partner, Kearan Weyers, followed up his good bowling performance with a solid batting effort. He wasn’t as explosive as Van Biljon – he didn’t need to be – but he was, nonetheless, dominant, bounding along to 35 from 23 balls as the Marais Viljoen bowlers were put to the sword.

With clean ball-striking and power-hitting, the Hans Moore openers flew along at almost 15 runs per over, securing victory when they reached 125 without loss after only 8.3 overs.

Summarised scorecard

Marais Viljoen 123 (Jared Mentz 29, Rieshaeel Hashim 25, Hendré Cilliers 21; Issac Aube 2/15, Jake Bevolo 2/22, Kearan Weyers 2/28; Hans Moore 125/0 (Xavier van Biljon 83*, Kearan Weyers 35*; Daymian Coetzee 0/12). Hans Moore won by 10 wickets. 

Hoërskool Ben Vorster came out on top in a Tzaneen derby to dethrone Merensky Landbou Akademie as the champion of the Limpopo region in the Switch Schools SA20 – Volume Two competition on Saturday, at Stanford Lake College.

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

Heavy rain was forecast for Saturday after wet conditions on Friday, but the semi-finals were, nonetheless, able to be played on Saturday morning.

Across the three matches – semi-finals and final – batting proved to be a difficult challenge. Only in one of them was the 100-run mark topped, with both Stanford Lake College and Merensky Landbou reaching three figures in their semi-final showdown.

The hosts posted 109/7 in their 20 overs, led by Joshua Doolabh, who top-scored with 25. Topher Elphinstone starred for the Plasies, returning an economical 2/13. Vir Patel, with 2/16, and Waldo Mouton, with 2/26, also chipped in with useful spells.

In the challenging batting conditions, 110 looked a tough target. However, Muhammed Khan controlled the chase superbly, striking an unbeaten 30, to guide Merensky to an eight-wicket victory and into the final.

Ben Vorster faced the Mohodi Hub in the other semi-final. The Hub XI batted first and struggled to contain the Vossies‘ Talent Ndlovu and Sontag Ramatsona. Ndlovu captured 3/20, while Ramatsona snapped up 2/10 as Mohodi was restricted to just 77/9 in their 20 overs.

Vossies came under some pressure, chasing only 80 for victory, when Mahlodi Sekuba knocked over 3/16, but Ramatsona followed up his strong bowling performance with a match-winning 26 to see Ben Vorster to a five-wicket win.

That set up a third meeting between Ben Vorster and Merensky this season. In the previous matches between the rivals, the Plasies had dominated, securing a comfortable win in the 50-over league and a 12-run victory in the round-robin stage of the Schools SA20.

This time, however, the tables were turned. Ramatsona, full of confidence, produced a match-defining spell, grabbing a telling 3/8. Ndlovu, reliable as ever, claimed 2/11 as Merensky was limited to only 79/9 from their 20 overs.

Once again, Ben Vorster’s run chase began shakily, with an early run out upsetting their progress. Dirk Nortman, promoted from the u15 ranks, rose to the occasion, however, demonstrating impressive maturity in scoring 37 not out to see Vossies to victory by seven wickets.

At the other end of the pitch, Ruben Pohl finished with 14 not out.

Summarised scorecards

Final 

Merensky Landbou Akademie 79/9 (JP Botha 14; Sontag Ramatsona 3/8, Talent Ndlovu 2/11); Ben Vorster 82/3 (Dirk Nortman 37*; Topher Elphinstone 1/14). Ben Vorster won by seven wickets. 

Semi-Final 1 

Mohodi Hub 77 (Sello Mabitsela 12; Talent Ndlovu 3/20, Sontag Ramatsona 2/10); Ben Vorster 78/5 (Sontag Ramatsona 26; Mahlodi Sekuba 3/16). Ben Vorster won by five wickets. 

Semi Final 2

Stanford Lake College 109/7 (Joshua Doolabh 25; Topher Elphinstone 2/13, Vir Patel 2/16, Waldo Mouton 2/26); Merensky Landbou Akademie 110/2 (Muhammed Khan 30*, Logan Janse van Rensburg 25, Waldo Mouton 23; Thatego Molokomme 1/16). Merensky Landbou Akademie won by eight wickets.

Coach Vela Khumalo and the Amamjimbos reached the end of the road at the u17 FIFA World Cup on Saturday after going down 0-3 to Japan in a round of 32 match played at the Aspire Zone, in Doha City, Qatar.

It was goalless at the break, although both sides squandered opportunities to score.

South Africa’s Neo Bohloko and Selwyn Stevens came close to netting, but they were denied by Japan’s goalkeeper, Ethan Scally.

Japan came even closer to breaking the deadlock when they struck a goalpost, and they caused the South Africans trouble in the air, but neither side was able to conjure up a breakthrough.

In the second half, Amajimbos’ goalkeeper, Lwandiso Radebe, found himself under increased pressure and that led to the Mamelodi Sundowns‘ net-minder being beaten three times.

Only three minutes after the restart, Hiroto Asada fired the Japanese into the lead. Just before the hour-mark, Minato Yoshida extended the East Asian team’s lead and, 13 minutes later, in the 72nd minute, Shota Fuji made it 3-0, all but sealing victory for his side.

Afterwards, Amajimbos’ coach Velo Khumalo said that it had been a contest of two halves. “We were in the game in the first half, and we should have taken the three or four chances that we created, but we take the lessons,” he said.

“The second half was more of a mistake from us, and they scored, and that opened up the game. But then we lost concentration and they scored two more goals,” Khumalo told the media.

Despite his side’s defeat, Khumalo felt his team performed well and demonstrated resilience. He, also, acknowledged the exceptional performance of Japan’s goalkeeper, Scally, who kept South Africa off the scoresheet.

With the loss, South Africa joined their southern African rivals, Zambia, on the sidelines after the Zambians fell 1-3 to Mali.

Tunisia was beaten 2-0 by Austria, Switzerland won 3-1 against Egypt, and Uganda edged out Senegal 1-0.

Morocco advanced 4-3 from the penalty spot after a 1-1 draw with the United States, while Burkina Faso took down Germany, winning 1-0.

Amajimbos are anticipated to arrive back in South Africa on Monday afternoon.

Last 32 Results from the African Nations

Friday, 14 November

Mali 3-1 Zambia
Switzerland 3-1 Egypt
Morocco (3) 1-1 (3) USA

Saturday, 15 November 

Uganda 1-0 Senegal
Japan 3-0 South Africa
Burkina Faso 1-0 Germany
Austria 2-0 Tunisia