The tournament hosts, Oranje, have been the most dominant team in the history of the Fairtree Super 12 and adding another title to their remarkable record is the goal for the 2024 event.
C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje put the finishing touches on their Fairtree Super 12 tournament preparations with a 5-1 win over their neighbours Eunice in the Southern Free State League final on Tuesday evening.
Carolien Wessels, Karla van der Westhuizen, Xylia Choene, Marlene du Plessis, and Chanette Jansen van Vuuren found the back of the net as Gyster vanSchalkwyk‘s charges fed themselves a big boost ahead of their challenge for the Fairtree Super 12 title.
“The Super 12 is a major tournament and we have been using our league matches as part of our preparation for it,” Van Schalkwyk said.
The elite event runs from 8-12 August at Oranje, who will be chasing their seventh Super 12 title in nine editions of the tournament.
Van Schalkwyk’s side has been drawn in Pool A with Paarl Gimnasium, St Mary’s DSG (Kloof), Garsfontein, Bloemhof, and Waterkloof. The Anriette Otto-captained team’s campaign begins with a tie against Waterkloof on the first morning of the tournament.
Oranje’s record at the Super 12 is impeccable. They’ve won 49 of their 60 matches, lost only eight, and drawn three. They enter the event as the top seed, intent on emulating their title-winning performances of 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022.
Last year, Oranje finished third after losing 1-2 to Eunice in the semifinals. They, then, beat Rhenish 2-1 in the third and fourth place playoff.
Despite the outstanding achievements of past Oranje teams, Van Schalkwyk’s side won’t let history and expectations weigh them down as they seek to add to the school’s dominant run.
“The accomplishments of past teams do not concern me or the girls because we can’t do anything about that but take the lessons that came along with it,” Van Schalkwyk said. “This is an elite tournament that will most definitely come with pressure and excitement.”
Spectators can expect an attacking brand of play from Oranje and, if their goal tally against Eunice in the league final is anything to go by, they will score a lot of goals as they challenge for top honours. The Fairtree Super 12 title is always the school’s goal, never anything less.
HMS Bloemhof and Boland u18A keeper Bianca de Guisti in action for the provincial side at the 2024 SASHOC National Week. Photo: TeamPhoto SA
Forwards and strikers, particularly, often receive the most attention and recognition when teams perform well and start winning hockey matches. On the flipside, it’s goalkeepers that often go unnoticed.
They rarely receive recognition, but they are expected to deliver for their teams when it is most needed.
Criticism for strikers, most of the time, is toned down. However, being the last line of defence comes with its pressures. A mistake can result in a goal for the opposition. Errors are magnified. Goalkeepers find themselves having to put in mistake-free performances to contribute to their team’s successes.
One player who has consistently managed to meet those expectations is Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof’s vice-captain and goalkeeper, Bianca de Guisti. For the past three years, she has been a force for her school between the goalposts.
Since making her debut in 2021 against DF Malan in a match where she touched the ball once, the 18-year-old has gone from strength to strength and has regularly pulled off crucial saves for the Stellenbosch school.
She’s been in the 1st XI so long; it feels as if she is part of the furniture. This coming weekend Bloemhof will rely on their prolific shot-stopper to bring her A-game to the Fairtree Super 12 Tournament in Bloemfontein.
Ahead of the prestigious event, which features the elite of South Africa’s hockey-playing schools, De Guisti chatted with SuperSport Schools Plus hockey journalist Avuyile Sawula about her love for the game, representing Boland u18A, her achievements on the turf, and her future endeavours.
It all began at De Hoop
When her family made a bold decision to pack up and leave Johannesburg to move to Cape Town, little did they know how much of a positive impact that move would have on their child.
She arrived in the Western Cape in grade one and attended Laerskool De Hoop Primary, in Somerset West. The school boasted a strong sporting programme.
At De Hoop, De Guisti picked up a hockey stick for the first time. Then, in grade five, she began her career as a goalkeeper.
“In grade five, there wasn’t anyone who signed up for goalkeeping, and I thought I should try something new and different.” she told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“In my earlier years at the school, I started as a striker, but it became too boring for me. I needed more adrenaline, and I fell in love with goalkeeping around 2017.”
She finished primary school in 2019 and the following year she stepped into the corridors of Bloemhof where she hoped to elevate her game at one of the country’s top hockey-playing schools.
At only 14 years of age, De Guisti’s talent was recognised when she was thrown into the deep end and asked to play for the u16A side.
She represented the team in grades eight and nine. Then, in 2021, she made her first team debut. As the saying goes, the rest is history.
De Guisti reaches out to make a crucial save for her side at the SASHOC National Week. Photo: TeamPhoto SA
From Regionals to SA Selection
During her early high school years, De Guisti never set foot on the AstroTurf for the fun of it.
She was intentional about hockey and had set herself serious goals. One of those was to represent the Boland u18A side at the SASHOC National Week.
Before achieving that milestone, she had to pay her dues in regional tournaments. This year, though, her dream became a reality when she was named in the Boland squad to do battle in Bloemfontein.
It was a long-awaited selection for De Guisti, who had always punched above her weight but was overlooked several times. Her hard work had finally paid off.
She said she was in disbelief when she received the news. “I was very shocked. I thought it was a fake letter,” she laughed.
“I remember getting home after training at school and I took a shower. After that, I looked at my phone and I saw the list, and I couldn’t believe it.
“I just couldn’t put into words how I went from regionals to u18A. It was an amazing feeling to see that I had accomplished my goal, and all my hard work was paying off.”
During the tournament in Bloemfontein, Boland was unable to replicate their 2023 form, which took them to a runner-up finish, and they had to settle for fifth spot.
De Guisti was, however, rewarded for her impressive performances during the week, earning selection for the SA u18B team.
She credited SA women’s player, Mishka Ellis, and the Booyens sisters, Isabella and Cassidy, for helping her to improve her game by leaps and bounds over the past year. “They have played a massive role in helping me,” De Guisti revealed.
“I started training with Mishka last year, and the Booyens sisters trained me in one-on-ones to ensure that I’m ready for shootouts.
“Since I’ve started with them and Mishka, it’s been so much fun. They’ve helped me a lot.”
De Guisti has been capped over 100 times for the Bloemhof first team.
“They’ve pushed me to reach my full potential”
Apart from putting in the extra hours with goalkeeping coaches, further credit for De Guisti’s success must be given to her coaches at Bloemhof.
When she started playing for the u16A side, she was coached by Illse Davids.
Davids, who has been the Head of Hockey at the school since 2018, is also a former professional player. She represented South Africa at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and earned 176 caps during her international career.
Another coach who has played a massive role in De Guisti’s career at the school is the current first team coach, Jenny King.
King is a former SA women’s national coach, who attended two Olympic Games, two World Cups and two Commonwealth Games. Locally, she has also coached Maties.
De Gusti spoke enthusiastically about the contributions of Davids and King. “In u16s, I was coached by Illse Davids, and she changed the way I saw the game,” she explained. “She started me off very young and introduced me to the high intensity of high school hockey, and I enjoyed it a lot.
“I was young, making some mistakes, but she was positive and built me up as a player.
“The following year, I was coached by Jenny King. She pulled us up for the u17 Top Schools, and I played the tournament with her.
“Since then, she’s supported me, backed me all the time, made sure I played to my absolute best, and I honestly thank both of them for everything.”
Achievements and supportive structure
Photo: TeamPhoto SA
In the past year, De Guisti has continued to tick off the goals she set herself on her vision board.
In August of last year, she reached a century of caps for her school. This year, at the St Mary’s Waverley Hockey Tournament, she was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament after a series of outstanding performances.
As she has racked up the accolades, her family has been her most ardent supporter, cheering her on at games, attending tournaments, and being there to watch her fulfil her dreams.
“I’m so happy to have them behind me. They’ve been amazing,” De Guisti said. “There have been so many times they’ve been with me at training, at night, through the rain, going on tours, driving my kit around, and my sister and mom staying at home, watching [the games] on TV nervously. It’s been a journey.
“My dad is just something else, and I appreciate him. It’s so nice to have a strong support system behind me. I wouldn’t have made it without them,” she concluded.
De Guisti’s plan for 2025 is to attend one of the stronger hockey-playing universities and to continue playing while pursuing either international business studies or wine making. However, that will have to wait for a while. She remains focussed on ending her hockey career at Bloemhof on a high.
For the Fairtree Super 12, her side has been drawn in Pool A alongside their Western Cape rivals, Paarl Gimnasium, Oranje, Gauteng’s Garsfontein and Waterkloof, and St Mary’s DSG (Kloof).
The tournament runs from 8-10 August at C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje in Bloemfontein.
Bloemhof’s campaign begins in the tournament’s first game at 07:30 on Thursday against Paarl Gim.
Bianca De Guisti, Liela Van Zyl, Mari Steyn, Elré Oosthuizen, Lise De Villiers, Monet van der Merwe, Logan Marthinus, Sabine Reuter, Simone van der Merwe, Emmerie Walters, Nina Stanich, Isabella Visser, Daniela Viljoen, Therina de Bruin, Janke Voges.
The Diamond Cup, which was launched by the JVW Girls Schools League last year, takes place for a second time this coming weekend, 9 and 10 August, at the University of Johannesburg.
The school is part of the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools‘ programme, which provides top coaches who work to enhance the skills of players from the age of seven. Curro Meridian Cosmo City is in Group G of the JVW Diamond Cup, where they will face tough competition from Hillview, Parktown High School for Girls, and Mondeor High School.
Edenvale High School won the inaugural edition of the Diamond Cup in 2023 at Waterstone College, defeating Steyn City High School in the final. Their group opponents include Germiston High School, Roosevelt High School, and Ashton International College (Benoni).
Steyn City High School has been included in Group E, along with Norkem Park High School, Krugersdorp High School, and Reddam House Helderfontein.
The inaugural JVW Diamond Cup was inspired by the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, and it featured top talents like Amukelani Masonganyi, from John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation (SOS), who competes in the Gauteng Sasol League for Springs Home Sweepers, under the guidance of Joseph Mkhonza, the former coach of Banyana Banyana, who led South Africa women’s national team to its first Olympic Games appearance in 2012.
Another standout was Munashe Mugwara, from Steyn City High School, who was named the Player of the Tournament, while Tanna Hollis, of Edenvale High School, a prolific striker for JVW, was the event’s top goal scorer. Recently, Hollis was the joint-top goal scorer in the Gauteng Engen Cup.
St Catherine’s School claimed the Diamond Cup Plate in 2023. After finishing top of their group, they advanced to the Elite Eight where they scored a win over the eventual runners-up, Steyn City High School.
Then, in the Plate Tournament, St Catherine’s secured victories against Pretoria High School for Girls in the final four and Hoërskool F.H Odendaal in the final. F. H Odendaal, the runners-up, also topped their group, and progressed to the round of 16, whether they took on Pinnacle College Founders Hill, before a showdown with Edenvale High School in the Elite Eight.
Third place in last year’s event went to John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation.
FIXTURES
(All matches are 25 minutes in duration)
Group A
08:30 – Field A: Curro Aurora vs Waterstone College
09:30 – Field C: Hoërskool F.H Odendaal vs Ferndale High School
11:00 – Field B: Curro Aurora vs Hoërskool F.H Odendaal
12:30 – Field A: Ferndale High School vs Waterstone College
13:30 – Field C: Waterstone College vs Hoërskool F.H Odendaal
15:00 – Field B: Ferndale High School vs Curro Aurora
Group B
08:30 – Field B: St Francis College vs Trinityhouse Glenvista
10:00 – Field A: Randfontein High School vs Pretoria High School for Girls
11:00 – Field C: St Francis College vs Randfontein High School
12:30 – Field B: Pretoria High School for Girls vs Trinityhouse Glenvista
14:00 – Field A: Trinityhouse Glenvista vs Randfontein High School
15:00 – Field C: Pretoria High School for Girls vs St Francis College
Group C
08:30 – Field C: Edenvale High School vs Germiston High School
10:00 – Field B: Ashton International College Benoni vs Roosevelt High School
11;30 – Field A: Edenvale High School vs Ashton International College Benoni
12:30 – Field C: Roosevelt High School vs Germiston High School
14:00 – Field B: Germiston High School vs Ashton International College Benoni
15:30 – Field A: Roosevelt High School vs Edenvale High School
Group D
09:00 – Field A: Midrand High School vs Curro Academy Pretoria
10:00 – Field C: Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge vs Curro Thatchfield
11:30 – Field B: Midrand High School vs Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge
13:00 – Field A: Curro Thatchfield vs Curro Academy Pretoria
14:00 – Field C: Curro Academy Pretoria vs Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge
15:30 – Field B: Curro Thatchfield vs Midrand High School
Group E
09:30 – Field B: Norkem Park High School vs Krugersdorp High School
11:00 – Field A: Steyn City High School vs Reddam House Helderfontein
12:00 – Field C: Norkem Park High School vs Steyn City High School
13:30 – Field B: Reddam House Helderfontein vs Krugersdorp High School
15:00 – Field A: Krugersdorp High School vs Steyn City High School
16:00 – Field C: Reddam House Helderfontein vs Norkem Park High School
Group F
09:30 – Field A: Clapham High School vs St Catherine School
10:30 – Field C: Redhill School vs Lyttelton Manor High School
12:00 – Field B: Clapham High School vs Redhill School
12:30 – Field A: Lyttelton Manor High School vs St Catherine School
14:30 – Field C: St Catherine School vs Redhill School
16:00 – Field B: Lyttelton Manor High School vs Clapham High School
Group G
09:00 – Field C: Parktown Girls High School vs Mondeor High School
10:30 – Field B: Meridian Cosmo City vs Hillview School
12:00 – Field A: Parktown Girls High School vs Meridian Cosmo City
13:00 – Field C: Hillview High School vs Mondeor High School
14:30 – Field B: Mondeor High School vs Meridian Cosmo City
16:00 – Field A: Hillview High School vs Parktown Girls School
Group H
09:00 – Field B: Rand Girls High School vs John Orr ESS
10:30 – Field A: The Kings School Linbro Park vs The Kings School West Rand
11:30 – Field C: Rand Girls High School vs The Kings School Linbro Park
13:00 – Field B: The Kings School West Rand vs John Orr ESS
14:30 – Field A: John Orr ESS vs The Kings School Linbro Park
15:30 – Field C: The Kings School West Rand vs Rand Girls High School
Westville Boys’ High went back-to-back after following up their win in the Clifton Sevens with the Saints Sevens title.
Score one for SuperSport Schools Plus! In a preview, it was suggested that the hosts, St Charles College, would challenge Westville Boys’ High for the title in the u19 section of the Saints Sevens on Saturday, and that is exactly what happened.
In a fitting finale, which produced seven tries, Westville came from behind to record a thrilling 28-21 victory.
Saints started the title-decider well, opening up a 14-0 lead, with Matthew Ludick turning on the afterburners to finish off a length of the field effort before a sharp break from Ukhanyo Ntsangani brought the home side another seven points.
The Griffin levelled by half-time, striking twice within a minute, with both tries being long-range efforts. Michael Satade scored the second, which was his first of a brace.
In the second half, St Charles edged in front again when Okuhle Peti barrelled over while handing off a couple of would-be tacklers. They had an opportunity to extend their lead, but Westville stole a Saints’ lineout and were in under the uprights to make it 21-21.
With just over a minute remaining, Satade made St Charles pay for an ill-considered kick and he dived over beneath the posts to snatch victory for his school.
u15
The u15 competition proved to be fascinating. No team finished unbeaten.
Michaelhouse A lifted the title with a 14-7 victory over Westville in the final, but ‘House, after winning their first three games, was dominated in their last pool match, going down 0-29 to Clifton College.
The Durban school also beat Hilton B and St Charles B, but a 7-26 loss to Kearsney A kept them out of the final.
Westville, meanwhile, lost to St Charles A in their opening game, but followed up with wins over Kearsney B, Hilton A and Michaelhouse B to earn their spot in the final.
St Charles began their challenge with a big win over Clifton and very nearly went all the way. Westville, though, finally took them down.
U19 RESULTS
Round 1
St Charles A 54-0 Clifton
Michaelhouse A 33-5 St Charles B
Kearsney A 5-12 Michaelhouse B
Kearsney B 38-0 Hilton B
Round 2
Michaelhouse B 12-40 St Charles A
Hilton 0-73 Michaelhouse A
Clifton 7-36 Hilton A
St Charles B 0-39 Westville
Round 3
Hilton A 24-26 Michaelhouse B
Westville 61-0 Hilton B
St Charles A 40-7 Kearsney A
Michaelhouse A 27-0 Kearsney B
Round 4
Kearsney A 27-0 Hilton A
Kearsney B 0-47 Westville
Michaelhouse B 36-12 Clifton
Hilton B 0-42 Charles B
Round 5
Hilton A 0-29 St Charles A
Clifton vs Kearsney A
Westville 10-0 Michaelhouse A
St Charles 19- 14 vs Kearsney B
Final
Westville 28-21 St Charles A
U15 RESULTS
Round 1
St Charles B 0-36 Michaelhouse A
Westville 12-26 St Charles A
Clifton 21-10 Hilton B
Hilton A 31-5 Kearsney B
Round 2
Hilton B 19-14 St Charles B
Kearsney B 0-33 Westville
Michaelhouse A 10-7 Kearsney A
St Charles A 35-0 Michaelhouse B
Round 3
Kearsney A 12-5 Hilton B
Michaelhouse B 21-19 Kearsney B
St Charles B 0-29 Clifton
Westville 19-7 Hilton A
Round 4
Clifton 7-24 Kearsney A
Hilton A 41-0 Michaelhouse B
Hilton B 7-26 Michaelhouse A
Kearsney B 7-26 St Charles A
Round 5
Clifton 26-0 Michaelhouse A (Pool A)
St Charles A 14-35 Hilton A (Pool B)
Kearsney A 42-0 St Charles B (Pool A)
Michaelhouse B 0-70 Westville (Pool B)
The Parktown Boys’ High School 1st XI, under the coaching of Kyle Reddy, aided by his assistant coach Tristan Le Forestier, recently completed a resurgent season, which has raised optimism about the school’s hockey programme.
They claimed some good wins along the way, tasted some defeats, too, but they always battled hard, sometimes rescuing seemingly lost causes to grab a draw.
In their last home fixture, they trashed Northcliff 6-1, with the team’s captain Ryan Venter leading by example and scoring a hattrick. Job done, he stated simply: “I think I played well. I did what I needed to do.”
After that game, they visited Garsfontein and returned home with an impressive 4-1 win over the Hibbert Shield semi-finalists, thanks to a double from Khanyisa Kraai and further goals by Zeyad Davids and Wade Jacobs.
The clearest evidence of Parktown’s upturn in performances and results came in the Aitken Cup, where they reached the final for a first time since 2010. A late goal earned Jeppe a 2-0 winover Parktown in the final, but it was clear the team was back in the conversation as one of the top sides in Gauteng.
Another highlight was a victory in May over a strong St Benedict’s side. Parktown edged a five-goal thriller 3-2, with Ryan Venter, Miles Makudo and Robert Bailey scoring. What made that win especially memorable was the achievement of Venter and Nicholas Townsend, who both earned their 100th capsin the match.
The team’s gritty character was on display in a June clash with St David’s Marist Inanda. After trailing 0-2, Parktown clawed their way back to come away with a 2-2 draw.
It took a never-say-die attitude to grab a share of the spoils. With only five minutes to go, Robert Bailey pulled one back with a penalty stroke. Then, with two minutes left, captain Ryan Venter converted a penalty corner to complete the comeback.
Reflecting on his team’s achievements, Reddy said: “It was a long and challenging 34-game season. The boys saw immense growth both on and off the field.
“I think one of the highlights was our Aitken run. Although it ended in disappointment, it was a fantastic and special team effort,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
Parktown went down 1-3 to Jeppe in their last match of the season. That left their record as 19 wins, nine losses, and six draws, with 103 goals scored and 63 conceded.
Reddy commented: “It’s a pity to end on a loss but Jeppe took the chances that fell to them, and we, unfortunately, struggled to convert, albeit having more opportunities on goal than them.
“I’m incredibly proud of this group of boys. Thirteen of them are in matric, so it’s a proud moment to see them finish off their schooling hockey careers. I have every confidence that they are ready if they go on to play hockey after school at a high performance or social level.”
PARKTOWN SEASON RESULTS
Pre-season
Parktown 3-3 St Alban’s College
Parktown 6-3 Old Boys
Parktown 12-0 CBC Boksburg
Founders Festival
Parktown 0-5 Paul Roos
Parktown 1-7 SACS
Parktown 2-1 Queen’s College
Parktown 0-4 Kearsney College
Parktown 7-1 Dale College
KES Easter Festival
Parktown 4-1 Eldoraigne
Parktown 1-1 Grey College
Parktown 1-3 Selborne College
Parktown 0-3 Maritzburg College
Parktown 2-1 St Charles College
Gauteng Fixtures
Parktown 3-1 Northcliff
Parktown 2-2 KES
Parktown 4-0 Linden
Parktown 12-0 Springs Boys’ high
Parktown 0-3 Pretoria Boys High
Parktown 1-1 Glenwood
Parktown 4-1 Helpmekaar
Parktown 3-5 St Stithians College
Aitken Cup
Parktown 6-0 Rand Park High
Parktown 2-2 St Stithians College
Parktown 2-1 Helpmekaar
Parktown 2-1 St David’s Marist Inanda
Parktown 5-3 St John’s College
Parktown 0-2 Jeppe
Gauteng Fixtures
Parktown 3-2 St Benedict’s College
Parktown 2-2 St David’s Marist Inanda
Parktown 3-2 Waterkloof
Parktown 2-0 Krugersdorp High
Parktown 6-1 Northcliff
Parktown 4-1 Garsfontein
Parktown 1-3 Jeppe
Stirling High School forward Hisharm Pillay on the charge for his side. Photo: Stirling High School
Stirling High School concluded their hockey season with a commanding 3-1 win over Merrifield College in East London on Friday night.
Those three goals – scored by Keegan Matheus, Chad Clark-Evans and Hisharm Pillay – ensured Stirling ended their campaign on a high.
In an encouraging season, Stirling played an attractive brand of hockey which earned them a place in the conversation as one of the Eastern Cape’s top contenders.
In their home city, East London, they lost only to Selborne College and Hudson Park once. In recent weeks, though, they beat Cambridge High 2-1, Woodridge College 3-0, and avenged their earlier defeat to Hudson Park, winning their return fixture 3-1.
Earlier in the season, the side showed its character when it fought back from a 0-2 deficit to draw 2-2 with Queen’s College.
Throughout the season, striker Hisharm Pillay was a standout performer, regularly appearing on the score sheet.
He led the Stirling attack, contributing crucial goals to lead the side to victory and to rescue it from defeat.
Have you always been at Stirling from primary up until high school, and if so, how’s your time been at the school?
I have been with Stirling my entire school career, starting from pre-primary, and I can say I have thoroughly enjoyed being at the school.
I was lucky in that a lot of my friends from primary school went through the same high school as me, which made it a lot more enjoyable going through the years.
The variety of sports provided at Stirling was another reason I stayed with the school, as they also offer golf, which I play competitively and socially.
When did you make your first team debut? And how many caps do you have?
I began playing in the first team in 2022, grade 10. As far as I can remember, I think my debut was against Outeniqua, a match we lost narrowly. I didn’t score but I had one assist.
The game against Merrifield was my 69th cap.
You’ve had a decent season, picking up some big wins, and contributing a lot of goals. What would you say are your highlights?
My favourite highlight would be my goal against Selborne College, as I hadn’t scored against them since primary school.
Another highlight was going on tour to the Belgotex Tournament that was held at Cape Town in March, where we were 0-3 down against Middelburg. I scored a hattrick to save us a draw, and we finished in 24th place out of 40 teams.
We recently also played Dale, where I struggled to put one away the whole match, until Dale got the game back to 2-2 and I scored a bullet of a goal at the end of the game to secure the win.
You also represented Border at the SASHOC National Week. How was that experience?
I’ve represented Border from the age of 12, played u16A, and narrowly missed out on the u18 side last year, and worked hard to make this year’s team.
This year’s u18 selection was somewhat of a different experience for me, where I was selected to represent my province, but sadly feel I was not given enough playing time to showcase my skills as best I could.
I was not selected for the starting lineup once throughout the entire tournament and, although I was a bit disappointed with the time afforded myself to play, I still managed to score two goals for my team and assisted with one further goal.
I felt that all my hard work and training for this season was wasted at the u18 IPT and it’s very sad to note that Border has been relegated due to our poor performance. My feeling is, that for Border to gain promotion back into the A division, they will need a better coaching programme and stronger management, and preparations should start sooner in the year to prepare adequately for a tournament of that magnitude.
Who are the people that have helped you along your schoolboy hockey career?
My biggest supporter would be my mother, who’s come alongside me to watch almost all my games and tours throughout my schoolboy career and help me through injuries and the mental side.
My father has been there to help me through the process of dealing with racial struggles in sport and he keeps me in check when it comes to reality, which allows me to perform the best I can.
He set the sporting bar for me as a young boy as he played hockey at a provincial and national level, including national level as a schoolboy (SASSA) and provincial level at men’s, at the age of 19.
His achievements drive me to be better. He hasn’t been able to be with me through the last season that much due to work commitments, but I know he’d be there if he could.
My brother, who’s my best friend, is also another person who has my back. Whenever I believe I can’t, he tells me I can and hearing it from a sibling can sometimes be more meaningful to you than anyone else.
Mr Brett Stirk was my primary school coach initially in u13 and returned this year as our first team coach, thus completing my hockey career at a school level on a high note. Playing for him has taught me a lot and I regard him as one of the best coaches I’ve played for.
Our manager, Mr Faheem Hendricks, has also supported me on my first team journey, and I have always done my best to do him proud.
How would you sum up your hockey career at Stirling?
Playing hockey for a co-ed school isn’t the same as playing for a college. However, through my years, I’ve played some good hockey and some not-so-good hockey, but my final year will, for sure, be the best I’ve had so far in my sporting life at a school level.
The support you get playing for Stirling High School is something one needs to experience.
Plans for 2025? Do you plan on continuing with hockey?
I would like to study Sports Science at Nelson Mandela University and while there persevere in my hockey until entering a national team.
Favourite food?
⁃Nando’s pulled chicken sandwich
Favourite movie?
⁃Fast and Furious
Any other hobbies and interests?
Golfing and fishing, mainly fishing, as much as possible.
This year’s annual clash between Boland Landbou and Oakdale Landbou has even more to play for as Kynoch Fertilizer partnered with SuperSport Schools to present the Kynoch Cup.
The winner of the Kynoch Cup will also receive ten tons of fertilizer from the main sponsor. All the rugby matches during the interschools will be weighted with even the result of the u14B match counting towards the big prize.
The result of golf and mountain biking will also count towards securing some fertilizer.
This clash between the first teams is also a Premier Interschools match.
SuperSport Schools is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Kynoch Fertilizer to launch the Kynoch Cup, a premier rugby fixture between two of South Africa’s top agricultural schools: Boland Landbou and Oakdale Landbou.
This partnership promises to bring an exciting new dimension to school sports, fostering both athletic excellence and agricultural advancement.
The inaugural Kynoch Cup will see Boland Landbou and Oakdale Landbou competing fiercely on the rugby field for the prestigious title on 10 August 2024.
The stakes are high, as the winning team will receive 10 tons of premium fertilizer from Kynoch, a valuable prize that underscores the importance of both sports and agriculture in these communities. In addition to the Kynoch Cup, Kynoch Fertilizer will also be a sponsor for a series of fixtures involving various schools which will be put on SuperSport Schools fixture posters.
This commitment highlights Kynoch’s dedication to supporting youth sports and the agricultural sector, fosters growth and development both on and off the field.
“Kynoch Fertilizer is committed to nurturing growth and development in agriculture and sports. Our partnership with SuperSport Schools enables us to support young talent and foster a culture of excellence, dedication, and teamwork. We look forward to a thrilling Kynoch Cup and a lasting legacy in the world of agriculture and sports,” said Niren Murugan, head of RSA from Kynoch Fertilizer.
The inaugural Kynoch Cup promises to be an event to remember, showcasing top-tier school sports and the vital role of agriculture in our communities. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting fixture and a possible expansion in 2025. We at SuperSport Schools are dedicated to bringing you the sport you care about most.
For more information, visit supersportschools.com or follow us on social media for updates
Grey High School delivered an impeccable display of rugby, with hooker Jon Hobson picking up a hattrick of tries, to help his side to an impressive 21-point victory over East London’s Selborne College on Saturday in Gqeberha.
The final score read 48-27 to the hosts, who enjoyed playing in front of a packed home crowd on Kolisi Field.
After last year’s close encounter, which Selborne edged 12-10, Grey was not going to be left wondering on the field named after the two-time World Cup-winning Springbok captain and old boy. They delivered a clinical performance to put the result beyond doubt.
At half-time, Grey led 33-17 after stringing together some impressive offensive plays. Selborne, too, had their moments, but the home team enjoyed a sizeable advantage heading into the second stanza.
Three try-scorer Hobson was well supported by flyhalf Meyer Prinsloo and Luke de Villiers, who went over twice each for five-pointers, and Prinsloo added four conversions for a personal match haul of 18 points.
Selborne’s scrumhalf Page Fennell partnered well with inside centre Siya Sakhele as the duo excelled for the visitors. Throughout the match, they worked well in tandem to challenge Grey’s defences. Fennell also converted three out of his five opportunities at poles, which included one penalty.
Meanwhile, Hudson Park High School handed Dale College a 24-17 loss. The visitors from Qonce came close to edging past Hudson, but the hosts held their nerve and clung on to claim victory.
The first half of the match was dominated by the home team, who crossed for three tries in quick succession to take a commanding 17-5 lead into the break.
Graeme College hurtled to a 19-point win over Muir College Boys’ High School, winning 38-19. Muir showed good fighting spirit, but Graeme led for most of the match and ultimately won convincingly.
Lock Ayola Mali picked up two tries for Graeme and was a force at the breakdowns, clearing out defenders with ferocious determination.
Muir bounced back well after half-time to score an additional 14 points, but Graeme was always in the driver’s seat and controlled the pace and tempo of the match. Their second half haul was an additional 21 points, with their forward pack spearheading that effort.
Point Scorers
Grey High School 48 (33) – Tries: Jon Hobson (3), Meyer Prinsloo (2), Luke de Villiers (2), Ross Atkinson. Conversions: Meyer Prinsloo (4). Selborne College 27 (17) – Tries: Siyamthanda Sakhela, Anjolauluwa Sogbanmu, Luke McGregor, Joshua Cloete. Conversions: Page Fennell (2). Penalties: Page Fennell.
Hudson Park High School 24 (17) – Tries: Dante Mey (2), Linamandla Sonjani, Siyamthanda Klass. Conversions: Landile Gidi (2). Dale College 17 (3) – Tries: Ebenezer Sarpong, Lakhanya Mbewu. Conversions: Angalakha Makwabe (2). Penalties: Angalakha Makwabe.
Graeme College 38 (17) – Tries: Ayola Mali (2), Fumani Baloyi, Ayamila Bill, Xolisa Mdyesha, Inathi Planga. Conversions: Cameron Doyle (4). Muir College Boys’ High School 19 (5) – Tries: Tyler Jansen, Chuma Bloouw, Rirhandzo Wagener. Conversions: Bulumko Kilani (2).
Potchefstroom Gimnasium het sy onoorwonne segetog in dié afdeling voortgesit deur vir Hoërskool Eldoraigne se Drake in ‘n taai stryd in Centurion met 44-37 te troef. Dié twee spanne het voor die afgelope naweek se aksie ook die eerste en tweede plekke op die Bowl-puntelys beklee.
Dit het as geen verrassing gekom dat die Gimmies se heelagter en Cravenweek-verteenwoordiger, David Ndala, in ‘n wedstryd waar hardlooprugby hoogty gevier het, uitgeblink het nie. Hoewel Ndala die doellyn self net eenkeer oorgesteek, het hy ‘n noemenswaardige aandeel in die ander ses drieë gehad.
Binnesenter, Elrich Bosch, het ook sy fisieke baldravermoë tentoongestel, dikwels die voordeellyn met mening aangeval en oorgebars vir ‘n indrukwekkende tweekuns. Voorlangs het Gimmies se slotpaar, Tobias van Dyk en Bart du Plooy, uitgetroon, vernaam op die verdediging.
Die Drake se vaskopstut en grootste uitblinker, Jaco Fourie, het nietemin sy man deeglik gestaan en die Potchefstroomse pak vir die volle 70 minute besig gehou met sy dryfspel, wat vir hom ook twee drieë besorg het. Agsteman en kaptein, Jayden Niehaus, het sy terugkeer laat geld om, nes Fourie, dikwels inbreuk te maak op die verdediging.
Met dié twee se vurige vertoning voorlangs, asook binnesenter, Kevin Earle, se kragspel in die middeveld het Eldoraigne, in antwoord op hul rustydagterstand van 10-24, daarin geslaag om 27 punte in die tweede helfte op te stapel wat amper genoeg was om die wa deur die drif te trek, maar Gimmies was uiteindelik nét te sterk.
Merensky Landbou Akademie se senterpaar, Maritz Meintjies en Jens Bezuidenhout, het albei teruggekeer van beserings en ‘n onmiddelike impak gemaak in die Plasies se sege van 27-24 oor Hoërskool Piet Retief.
Om die besoekers van Mpumalanga te tem was egter allermins ‘n maklike taak vir die ligbloues. Selfs met slegs 14 man op die veld het die Pieties se agterlyn deurgaans gevaarlik gelyk, met die grondslag daarvoor wat deur, Sfundo Mayisa, wat van stut na agsteman moes skuif, gelê was.
Die Plasies se skrumskakel, JD Boshoff, het sy imponerende spelpeil voortgesit en nie alleen beïndruk met sy flink diens aan die agterlyn nie, maar was ook in die kol met drie doelskoppe en twee strafdoele vir 12 uiters waardevolle punte. Die Pieties se loskakel, Owethu Shabalala, het self met ál drie doelskoppe en ‘n strafdoel geslaag.
Potchefstroom Volkskool het in Meyerton vasgebyt om ‘n begeesterde Dr. Malan met 33-28 te klop. Volkies se binnesenter, Christoff Nel, en Dokkies-losskakel, Dian van den Berg, het elk ‘n driekuns behaal. Laasgenoemde het ook drie doelskoppe oorgesit vir ‘n persoonlike bydrae van 21 punte.
Nel en sy Volkies-sentermaat, Hennie Pretorius, was in ‘n klas van hul eie, met Pretorius wat oorgegaan het vir ‘n kritieke vyfpunter, wat waarskynlik die verskil tussen die twee spanne beteken het.
In Randburg was ‘n strafdoel deur buitesenter, Quintin Fillies, die deurslaggewende faktor tussen Hoërskool Randburg en Hoërskool Alberton. Die Randburgers, met agsteman en kaptein, Duncan Beaven, wat van voor gelei het, het uiteindelik met 18-17 deurgeskuur.
Die Allies het hardnekkig geweier om te gaan lê en meedoënloos bly aanval, met vernaam hul agterlyn wat uiters gevaarlik vertoon het en buitsenter, Nathan Reichardt, wat dikwels moeilik was om plat te trek.
Puntemakers:
Potchefstroom Gimnasium 44 (24) – Drieë: Elrich Bosch (2), David Ndala, Bart du Plooy, Toks Becker, Tobias van Dyk, Tiardt Vorster. Doelskoppe: David Ndala (2), Elrich Bosch. Strafdoel: Bosch. Eldoraigne 37 (10) – Drieë: Jaco Fourie (2), Kevin Earle, Darren Bruwer, Jayden Niehaus. Doelskoppe: JP Meyer (3). Strafdoele: Meyer (2).
Potchefstroom Volkskool 33 (21) – Drieë: Christoff Nel (3), Dewald Groenewald, Hennie Pretorius. Doelskoppe: Johandre Maree (4). Dr. Malan 28 (16) – Drieë: Dian van den Berg (3), Andreas Botha. Doelskoppe: Van den Berg (3), Luka Pretorius.
The Parktown Boys’ High School 1st XI, under the coaching of 
Grey High School delivered an impeccable display of rugby, with hooker Jon Hobson picking up a hattrick of tries, to help his side to an impressive 21-point victory over East London’s Selborne College on Saturday in Gqeberha.