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School rugby fans in KwaZulu-Natal are in for a treat, with Hilton College hosting the KwaZulu-Natal High Schools’ Rugby Day, bringing 10 of the top teams together at one venue.

But there is a catch. The matches take place on Friday, 16 May. Blasting on Saturday, along the N3, will close the highway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, which has led to the event being brought forward.

If you’re one of the lucky ones, who is able to get away from work early, there are few finer settings than Hilton College in May, and the weather forecast is mild, with the temperature topping out at 25 degrees Celcius. Be aware, though. There is an entry fee.

St Charles College vs Clifton College

The action kicks off at 09:30, with St Charles College facing Clifton College.

After an impressive showing last time out against Maritzburg College, Saints will be favoured to defeat their Durban rivals, who have endured a challenging season.

Coming off the back of a big defeat to Hilton, an inspired performance from Saints against College was a big boost for their morale and cause for optimism about the potential of the team.

There are some changes to the starting fifteen that took on their Pietermaritzburg rivals, mostly interestingly at number eight, where Eben Crafford starts, with Raphael Ajibade moving to the bench. Another change to the loose trio has Lethokuhle Nyawo taking over from Thomas Borgen at seven. With Crafford moving to eighthman, Josh Milne wears the six jumper.

Besides the changes to the loose forwards, St Charles runs out the same team that faced College, and why not? They rose to the occasion of their Old Boys’ Day, in their 150th year, and, even in defeat, gave their supporters plenty to cheer.

Clifton celebrated their Founders Weekend and faced St Alban’s College on the same day. Unfortunately for the Durban boys, they failed to fire, and they’ll look upon Friday’s match as an opportunity to show that they’re capable of better things.

Northwood School vs Michaelhouse

There is one rematch on the card, at 11:00, and it’s between Northwood and Michaelhouse. They met in the opening match of the season, with the Knights snatching a come-from-behind 15-13 victory right at the death in Durban. It’s likely to be another tight clash on Friday.

The Knights are coming off a 24-30 defeat to Jeppe, in Johannesburg. No doubt, despite the close result, they’ll be disappointed by that loss. There were surely some mitigating circumstances, including playing at altitude, but their recent schedule was, more likely, an influence. Their showdown with Jeppe was preceded by matches against DHS, Paarl Gimnasium, and HTS Drostdy. That’s tough sledding.

Coach Jacques Deen leads a team with strong character, however, and they’ll be eager to stitch together a bounce-back performance. What they have on their side, despite the big recent challenges, is a settled line-up, and even with some changes they’ve made for the ‘House match, those players coming into the side have already run out for the Knights in 2025.

There are two changes up front, with Janco Visagie starting at tighthead prop and Omari Mabuza cracking the nod on the left flank. Behind them, Jaydon Smith wears the number 14 jersey.

Special mention needs to be made here of their eighthman Jamie Wimble who showed, when Northwood met Paarl Gim, that he can raise his game to meet the stiffest of challenges. He’s an exciting skilful and physical ball player. Another player who caught the eye in that game was Bongane Khumalo, who matched up with Markus Muller, arguably the player of the season in South African schoolboy rugby thus far. Khumalo held his own, which not many have been able to do.

Michaelhouse played an awful lot of rugby for not much reward when the teams met on Reece-Edwards Field and they made a stuttering start to the season, being competitive in every match, but results didn’t go their way.

They’re a team that’s loaded with quality players, however, and they truly pulled their game together last time out against Kearsney College, racing into an early 19-0 lead before allowing Kearsney to close to within 17-24. ‘House’s response was outstanding, however, and they scored the last 26 points of the contest to run away to a 50-17 victory.

Coach James Fleming has made one change to the backline, bringing in Laird Hamilton-Brown on the right wing, while the pack remains unchanged. That’s good news for the Balgowan boys, who will be raring to have another crack at the formidable Northwood lineup.

Kearsney College vs Durban High School

At 12:30, Kearsney College takes on Durban High School (DHS). Despite the big defeat at Michaelhouse, the One-Stripe has been playing some good rugby, and that have certainly made strides this season. In DHS, though, they face a daunting challenge.

The Horseflies have won nine of their 10 matches, going down only to Paarl Gimnasium, rated by most as the best team in South Africa in 2025. They’ve since had a week’s break, which should serve them well.

School‘s success has been built on their teamwork more than individual brilliance, and that is credit to their coaching and team-first attitude.

They’re a solid unit all-round with their physicality being one of their calling cards. In many instances when facing DHS, it’s a case of knowing what’s coming but not being able to do anything about it.

For most of the season, Jordan van Wyk has run out at flyhalf for DHS, but on Friday he’ll be at fullback, with the creative Cilermo Carlos taking over at number 10. Amo Mataboge is in at right-wing, while Marcwin Nero gets the start at scrumhalf.

Dexter Mkhencele plays eighthman, with Bradley La Grange shifting from the back of the scrum to the number seven jersey. Josè Lottering, who wore seven against Paarl Gim, joins Zion Smith in the second row. The props change, too, with Omphile Kola starting at tighthead and Elvino Witbooi at loosehead.

Kearsney’s starting 15 has a familiar look to it. Coach Grant Bashford has shown his belief in his players, even after their loss last Friday. With six wins from nine starts, including victories over Pretoria Boys High and Glenwood, that looks like a sound call.

No doubt, though, the odds are stacked against the One-Stripe.

Maritzburg College vs Westville Boys’ High

At 14:00, Maritzburg College takes on Westville Boys’ High. That could be very interesting. Last year, at the KZN High Schools’ Rugby Day, College charged out of the gate and overwhelmed the Griffin, powering their way to a 41-10 victory. It was one of their better performances of the season, if not their best.

There’ll be a good number of Westville players who were part of last year’s game who will be eager to give the Red, Black, and White a taste of their own medicine, and that’s not beyond the realm of possibility. Westville, now under the guidance of coach Zander Erasmus, has been very impressive this season, and they sport a perfect record of eight wins from eight matches.

Last time out, they won 55-31 against KES, in Johannesburg. With a rugged pack and some exciting backline players, they have all the ingredients necessary to run up the score on an opponent if that team is not on its game.

Fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya has deservedly captured the spotlight, but he’s been far from a lone standout, and the return of flyhalf Jade-Will Koopman has further boosted Westville’s prospects. It all starts up front, however, and they have a strong pack, which lays a sound foundation.

A measure of Westville’s success can be found in their run-on XV, which is unchanged from the side that did duty against KES.

College heads into the clash off the back of a very physical, hard-fought 26-16 victory over St Charles.

They’ve been through an up-and-down season, with some good performances being interspersed with some puzzling showings. Which version of College will we see on Friday? Which version of College will Westville allow?

College showed in their win over St Charles that they have the ability to raise their intensity when the chips are down, but, if they don’t fire from the start, it will be too late against the Griffin.

Like Westville, they’ll have one of their best counterattacking players wearing the fullback’s number 15, with Amahle Hadebe, who played centre earlier in the season, at the back. He’ll have more opportunities to exploit space if Westville’s kicking isn’t on point.

Up front, it’s fantastic to see Rory Stanton playing flank. He suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the season that looked as if it would sideline him for a long time. He has, however, made a remarkable recovery and his availability is a big boost for College.

Hilton College vs Glenwood High

The last game of the day kicks off at 15:30 and it features the hosts, Hilton College, against Glenwood.

Hilton is another of those teams where it is difficult to identify weaknesses. They’re settled – unchanged from a 38-24 win over Pretoria Boys High – well-drilled, and have a bit of flair about them. They’re going to give Glenwood a stern examination.

One of the most impressive aspects of Hilton’s success has been how well their combinations have worked together. From the back three, to the midfield, the halfbacks, the loose trio, the second row, and the front row, it has been a combined effort, and when they’re on song Hilton is a dangerous side, capable of overwhelming the opposition.

Glenwood is a better side in 2025 than in 2024. They’re not the dominant Green Machine that once, not too long ago, ruled KZN rugby, but there is no doubt that their trajectory is up.

They have played some marvellous rugby, yet in the same game have also allowed the opposition back into the contest, and it’s that inconsistency that coach Derek Heiberg will want to see eliminated.

Glenwood’s opening against Milnerton at the Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, which saw them power their way into a 29-0 lead with some breathtaking play was followed by a drop in intensity and accuracy, which allowed Milnerton all the way back into the game. It was at 34-34 before a late penalty by Joshua Kopp won it for the Durban school.

Against Kearsney, they let slip their lead late in the game and went down by a point, and they also lost a squeaker to Nico Malan by only two points at the Absa Wildeklawer tournament, with the Humansdorp boys coming from behind to win with a try late in the game.

Glenwood needs to learn how to close out games. They’ll be hoping for just such an opportunity against a strong opponent on Friday.

TEAMS

St Charles College vs Clifton College at 09:30

St Charles College: 15 Phiwe-Junior Dlamini, 14 Likuthi Mbalana, 13 Carl Chekera, 12 Athenkosi Qumo, 11 Mathew Ludick, 10 AJ Bosman, 9 Thandokuhle Nyawo, 8 Eben Crafford, 7 Lethokuhle Zimu, 6 Joshua Milne, 5 Joshua Harris, 4 Matthew Naudé, 3 Silindokuhle Nciza, Dresden Coetzee, 1 Braydon Joese.

Clifton College: 15 Tor Mclean, 14 Troy Rencken, 13 Devan Schwartz, 12 Dhilan Bhoola, 11 Kwadokuhle Sokhela, 10 Adam Selikow, 9 Matthew van Blerk, 8 Danyaal Motala, 7 Nathan Burger, 6 Jack Woollatt, 5 Lukhanyiso Nala, 4 Cole Nienhauser, 3 Trent Bam, 2 Asabonga Jiyane, 1 Kegomoditswe Maseko.

Michaelhouse vs Northwood School at 11:00

Michaelhouse: 15 Alex Jankowitz, 14 Laird Hamilton-Brown, 13 Rourke O’Sullivan, 12 William Ridl, 11 Jack Carmody, 10 Stefan Moolman, 9 Nicholas Baker, 8 Dom Sesink-Clee, 7 Luke Mitchell, 6 Oliver Davis, 5 Daniel Carr, 4 Alex Ardé, 3 Nicolas Salamousas, 2 Max Oliva, 1 Koketso Bopape.

Northwood: 15 Trevor von Volenstee, 14 Jaydon Smith, 13 Bongane Khumalo, 12 Tristan Parkinson, 11 Aphiwe Mapisa, 10 Savio Stevens, 9 Jed Mun-Gavin, 8 Jamie Wimble, 7 Lusanda Mabizela, 6 Omari Mabuza, 5 Chad Howe, 4 Lian Terblanche, 3 Janco Visagie, 2 Ayavuya Makula, 1 Sphephelo Ntshangase.

Durban High School vs Kearsney College at 12:30

Durban High School – 15 Jordan van Wyk, 14 Amo Mataboge, 13 Nathan Aneke, 12 Zingce Simka, 11 Zinkosi Mthiyane, 10 Cilermo Carolus, 9 Marcwin Nero, 8 Dexter Mkhencele, 7 Bradley La Grange, 6 Daniel Ikotela, 5 Zion Smith, 4 José Lottering, 3 Omphile Kola, 2 Okuhle Mbanjwa, 1 Elvino Witbooi.

Kearsney College – 15 Lwazi Mbebe, 14 Valentino Lenge, 13 Doan Nel, 12 Keanu Williamson, 11 Lwandle Mkhize, 10 Jayden Jonsson, 9 Fynn Verbaan, 8 Nhlanhla Ndlovu, 7 Oliver Ludwig, 6 Simanye Mlakalaka, 5 Joseph Roylance, 4 Thomas Francke, 3 Azania Thela, 2 Micah van Wyk, 1 Luke Faure.

Maritzburg College vs Westville Boys’ High at 14:00

Maritzburg College – 15 Amahle Hadebe, 14 Caleb Scheepers, 13 Olwethu Kosani, 12 Jordan Thackeray, 11 Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein, 10 Liyema Tsoko, 9 Dom du Toit, 8 Wasi Vyambwera, 7 Rory Stanton, 6 David Colenbrander, 5 Elethu Mabanga, 4 Mian Pretorius, 3 Alanda Ngubane, 2 Theo Boshoff, 1 Indiphile Mlotshwa.

Westville Boys’ High – 15 – Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Phumula Xulu, 13 Jadrian Afrikaner, 12 Sean McGough, 11 Avumile Lisa, 10 Jade-Will Koopman, 9 Liam Simpkins, 8 Lwandile Simelane, 7 Lwandle Makhanya, 6 Brandon Eke, 5 Lwandile Mlaba, 4 Moustapher Gcina, 3 Bandile Mncwango, 2 Ross Calvert, 1 Sibusiso Hlongwa.

Hilton College vs Glenwood High at 15:30

Hilton College – 15 James Peattie, 14 Guy Fender, 13 Khazimla Makali, 12 Tristan Uys, 11 Ricky Adonis, 10 Liyema Nela, 9 Zander Vorster, 8 Zander Muller, 7 Emmanuel Dankwah, 6 Stewart Falconer, 5 Andrew Schnell, 4 Andre Boschoff, 3 Mholi Khuzwayo, 2 Josh Grant, 1 Khanya Jekwa.

Glenwood High: N/A

Hoërskool Zwartkop is oorgehaal om dit Saterdag twee uit twee te maak teen Hoërskool Eldoraigne op Eldos se tuisveld.

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

Dié derby het oor die jare ‘n taamlike armdruk tussen die Zwarries en Drake afgegee, met ‘n paar onvergeetlike oomblikke, soos in 2012, toe die Zwarries ‘n droogte van vyf jaar teen die Eldos beëindig het, met ‘n strafdoel in die doodsnikke. Die Drake het egter net die volgende jaar teruggeslaan met ‘n wegholsege van 85-0.

Die mededinging tussen die twee spanne van Centurion was die afgelope paar jaar meer gelykop. Zwartkop het die laaste hou geland deur verlede jaar, op tuisbodem, met 22-16 te seëvier, maar in 2023 het die Drake met 23-19 die pyp gerook. Dit is egter geen geheim dat Zwarries hierdie Saterdag se groot stryd as gunsteling betree nie.

Die besoekers se jong span, bestaande uit 11 Graad 11’s en vier Matrieks, geniet tot dusver nog ‘n oorwonne seisoen, terwyl die Eldos, alhoewel teen sterker opposisie, gemengde welslae behaal het. Hulle behoort nietemin steeds, volgens tendens, moeilik tuis getem word, soos wat die geval onlangs was teen Hoërskool Jeugland in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Bowl-afdeling.

Hulle moes verwoed terugveg met 22 punte in die laaste 10 minute om die span van Kempton Park te troef, maar dié sege het teen ‘n prys gekom. Die beseringspook het by die Drake kom draai, met skrumskakel en kaptein, Darren Bruwer, wat onbeskikbaar is vir die stryd teen Zwartkop.

Binnesenter, Kevin Earle, is ook buite aksie en word deur Ethan Beyers vervang, met Damian Elferink wat van losskakel na skrumskakel skuif in die plek van Bruwer en Tsepang Motsomane wat Elferink se plek in die nr 10-trui inneem.

“Hoewel ons ‘n paar beserings in sleutelposisies opgedoen het, bestaan daar geen twyfel dat dié span steeds oor die nodige skietgoed beskik om die wa deur die drif te trek nie,” het Deon Anderson, die baasbrein agter die Eldos se agterlyn, gesê.

“Die terugvegpoging teen Jeugland verlede naweek het die selfvetroue opgejaag. Boonop speel ons tuis, wat ‘n rapsie ekstra motivering bied.”

Zwartkop, daarenteen, verwelkom twee van sy groot kanonne terug. Die span se twee voorste driedrukkers, Luan Issacks, en Zulu Mona, keer op net die regte tyd terug, maar albei speel vanaf die plaasvervangerbank.

David Gouws, die Zwarries se hoofafriger, het stil en beskeie gesê dat hy nóg ‘n titaniese stryd verwag.

“Enige derby tussen ons twee skole is taai, en boonop geniet hulle tuisveldvoordeel. Maar, soos almal weet, die rugbybal is nie rond nie en kan enige kant toe spring.

“Ons fokus daarop om so vinnig as moontlik in struktuur te kom en fases af te dwing. Hierdie is ‘n jong span, maar het reeds gewys dat hulle, wanneer dit saak maak, hul beste kan lewer.”

Indien die Eldos kan voortbou op die laaste 10 minute van verlede week én die Zwarries hul aanskoulike hardlooprugby kan voortsit, kan Centurion hom regskuif vir 70 minute van aksiebelaaide vermaak.

Die spanne: 

Eldoraigne t. Zwartkop om 13:45 in Centurion: 

Eldoraigne: 15 Manie Buitendag, 14 Tristan Lee, 13 Hugo Theron, 12 Ethan Beyers, 11 Hanno Jacobs, 10 Tsepang Motsomane, 9 Damian Elferink, 8 Esdee Kotze, 7 Justin Meintjies, 6 Cameron Killian, 5 MC Scheepers, 4 Juawan Pieterse, 3 Chase Wessels, 2 Jean de Villiers, 1 Wian White.

Zwartkop: 15 Shayden Botha, 14 André Marx, 13 Luan Williams, 12 David van Jaarsveld, 11 Stiaan Botha, 10 Tilon Baron, 9 Luan Janse van Rensburg, 8 Wihan Roux, 7 Luan Wepener, 6 Brian Smith, 5 Jethro le Roux, 4 Ettienne van Niekerk, 3 AJ Hendriks, 2 Regan Blignaut, 1 Christiaan de Vries.

Ander spanne: 

12:10 – o.16
11:00 – Tweede span
10:00 – o.15
09:00 – Derde span
08:00 – o.14.

While the Boland powerhouses, Paul Roos Gimnasium and Paarl Gimnasium, will enjoy a rest this weekend, many of the Western Cape’s top hockey teams will be in action on Friday night.

After some scintillating derby action last week, this weekend’s action should be filled with fireworks, based on a mouth-watering fixture list.

Parel Vallei, which was scheduled to face Reddam House Constantia last week, had that clash postponed, but they will return to action against Somerset College on Friday at 19:45.

Coach Michael van Rensburg‘s side last did duty at the Standard Bank Hibbert Shield earlier this month, where they showed off their pedigree against a tough field.

The boys from Somerset West have compiled a strong record thus far and are proving to the hockey community that they’re a team to be reckoned with.

Apart from their 1-4 loss against an outstanding South African College High School (SACS) team, PV has held their own and has regularly captured the spotlight with their eye-pleasing performances.

Captained by JP van der Walt, the boys in blue and white have several standout players who have been raising their hands for provincial selection.

Stephan Malan, Luca Jordan, and, of course, Luka Meets are some of the players one can expect to cause trouble for Somerset College on Friday afternoon.

Van der Walt, and others, including Liyema Jijana and Sashin Pillay, will be keen to make statements with the Boland u18A side for the SASHOC National Week yet to be finalised.

In Somerset College, they’ll go up against a side that’s struggled to find form this season and is desperate for a win.

While that clash takes place in Somerset West, Rondebosch Boys’ High will make the short trip to the Brewery AstroTurf to take on SACS.

‘Bosch and SACS have been the standout teams in the southern suburbs so far this season, with Bishops and Wynberg still trying to find their feet, but rounding into form.

Last weekend, Rondebosch, led by coach Waseem Domingo, defeated Stellenberg High 5-2, while the week before that they beat Paarl Boys’ High 5-1. That was an impressive result against a team that has put together a solid season.

‘Bosch is a team that’s flown under the radar, and they’ll be confident they can take on a high-flying SACS side that posted a 4-1 win over Bishops last week.

In other matches, Wynberg Boys’ High will welcome Paarl Boys’ High to the Astro of Dreams, while Bishops tackles Stellenberg in a league fixture.

Worcester Gimnasium, celebrating their annual reunion, faces Robertson High, while Outeniqua takes on Langenhoven Gimnasium. Curro Durbanville meets Westerford, while the only match on Saturday features Reddam House Constantia in action against DF Malan.

FIXTURES

Friday, 16 May

17:15 – Curro Durbanville vs Westerford High School
19:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High vs Paarl Boys’ High
19:00 – Bishops vs Stellenberg
19:20 – Worcester Gimnasium vs Robertson High
19:45 – Parel Vallei vs Somerset College
20:00 – SACS vs Rondebosch

Saturday, 17 May

10:10 – Reddam House Constantia vs DF Malan

Unsurprisingly, the selectors for the South Western Districts have picked an Oakdale Landbou heavy Craven Week side for the 60th edition of this prestigious tournament later this year.

The annual tournament will be hosted from 7 to 12 July at Middelburg High School.

No less than 14 players from the team from Riversdale have been picked to represent the union in Middelburg. Only four schools are represented within the squad, with Outeniqua (6), Sao Bras (2) and Langenhoven Gimnasium (1) also contributing towards the Craven Week team.

South Western Districts will face the Free State in their opening match in Middleburg on the Monday. The selectors picked five players Kai Pratt (prop), Ruan Swart (lock), Lee-Winn Pretorius (wing), Sine Madlenkomo (hooker), and Reinhardt Viljoen (fullback) who represented the union in Krugersdorp during last year’s edition.

Another seven players who represented SWD at the Academy Week in Johannesburg last year – Jade Petersen (fullback), Christiaan Vorster (centre), Jandrian Goosen (scrumhalf), Chrizano Botha (loose forward), Tyrese Plaatjies (scrumhalf), Virgil Pockpas (flyhalf) and Liam Lightley (flanker) have been promoted to the Craven Week side.

Last year, South Western Districts only won one of their three matches in Krugersdorp. They defeated the Valke by 41-34 on the opening day. Defeats against Sharks (19-28) and hosts, Golden Lions (40-45) followed.

The Ostrich Farmers will be coached by Adriaan Jansen (head coach) and Lorenzo van der Westhuizen (assistant coach). The team manager will be Willmero Freeks.

The teams:

u18 Craven Week: 15 Reinhardt Viljoen (Oakdale Landbou), 14 Lee-Winn Pretorius (Oakdale Landbou), 13 Reshaan Damons (Outeniqua), 12 Christiaan Vorster (Oakdale Landbou), 11 Devino Bernardo (Outeniqua), 10 Virgil Pockpas (Outeniqua), 9 Jandrian Goosen (Oakdale Landbou), 8 Jacobus de Villiers (Oakdale Landbou), 7 Liam Lightley (Oakdale Landbou), 6 Jannes Snyman (Oakdale Landbou), 5 Ruan Swart (Oakdale Landbou), 4 Diaan Augustyn (Oakdale Landbou), 3 Matthew Prins (Oakdale Landbou), 2 Keenan Myners (Outeniqua), 1 Kai Pratt (Oakdale Landbou). Replacements: 16 Sine Madlenkomo (Oakdale Landbou), 17 Rezandre Gelderbloem (Sao Bras), 18 Francois le Roux (Oakdale Landbou), 19 Chrizano Botha (Sao Bras), 20 Ethan Schoeman (Langenhoven Gimnasium), 21 Tyrese Plaatjies (Oakdale Landbou), 22 Anrich Scheffer (Oakdale Landbou), 23 Jade Petersen (Outeniqua).

14 Oakdale Landbou | 6 Outeniqua | 2 Sao Bras | 1 Langenhoven Gimnasium 

Academy Week: 15 Hayden Luiters (Outeniqua), 14 Rozano Stander (HTS Eden), 13 Farrell-Lee Dido (Langenhoven Gimnasium), 12 André van der Merwe (Oakdale Landbou), 11 Wayne Ganniwa (Oakdale Landbou), 10 CT Vosloo (Oakdale Landbou), 9 Cee-Jay Arends (Outeniqua), 8 Henru Nell (Outeniqua), 7 Liam van den Berg (Oakdale Landbou), 6 Jordan Kannemeyer (Sao Bras), 5 Rico Ferreira (Oakdale Landbou), 4 Jean Coetzee (Oakdale Landbou), 3 Zivan Grobbelaar (Oakdale Landbou), 2 Adrian Smith (Oakdale Landbou), 1 Kyle Burger (Oakdale Landbou). Replacements: 16 Jayden Jansen (Hoërskool Punt), 17 Ethan Kiewiet (HTS Eden), 18 Zack Meyer (Outeniqua), 19 Kane du Plessis (Oakdale Landbou), 20 Sirr Lourens (Outeniqua), 21 Caleb Williams (Oakdale Landbou), 22 Camden van Rooyen (York High), 23 Grante Savage (Outeniqua).

11 Oakdale Landbou | 6 Outeniqua | 2 HTS Eden | 1 Sao Bras | 1 Langenhoven Gimnasium | 1 York High | 1 Hoërskool Punt 

St Anne’s marched to a 4-1 win over Durban Girls College (DGC) when the schools crossed swords at DGC on Wednesday.

Coach Morne Odendaal’s charges are enjoying a rich vein of form. They headed into the match on the back of an emphatic 7-1 thrashing of Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School (PGHS) on Tuesday.

In that win, Tori Pearson ran riot, scoring four sensational goals. The Grade 10 learner has been prolific in the circle and has been on the scoresheet in almost every match that she has played. In their previous outing, against Witteberg, Pearson scored one of St Anne’s goals in their 2-0 victory.

She’s the Hilton school’s leading scorer, with 11 goals to her name, and it was no surprise when her name showed up on the scoresheet in their triumph over DGC.

In Wednesday’s first half, St Anne’s and DGC appeared evenly matched They made forays into the opposition half, but both failed to convert chances. The match turned in the third chukka, though.

The visitors had been probing down DGC’s left flank with enterprising runs for most of the match and they finally succeeded when Belle Hofmeyer took advantage of a good build-up by her side to break the line and set up Georgie Davies, who made no mistake. St Anne’s made it 2-0 when Jasmine Kelly drilled the ball past the DGC defensive wall off a short corner a short while later.

Those two goals rattled DGC, and they were aware that if they didn’t find a prompt reply, St Anne’s might run away with the contest. DGC amped up their attack in the final quarter, but their efforts were met by a well-organised defence.

However, DGC’s attacking efforts also left them open to a counterattack and they paid the price when Pearson converted her 11th goal of the season off a counter. The home team, courageously, kept attacking, however, and they were rewarded with a goal to reduce the deficit to two goals.

St Anne’s, in turn, refused to sit on their lead and defend. They kept taking it to DGC and one of their excursions into the home team’s half brought them a penalty corner. When Iminati Ngxola deflected the ball into the back of the net to make it 4-1, she had driven the final nail into the coffin.

It’s been a busy time for St Anne’s. The DGC clash was their second in three days, and they face a third in five days when they take on The Wykeham Collegiate (TWC), in Pietermaritzburg, on Friday. It will be brother against brother when they meet, with Emile Odendaal in charge of TWC and Morné coaching St Anne’s.

The busy run of matches will also serve as good preparation for the the hosts of the annual St Anne’s Cup, which features a strong 12-team field and kicks off on 22 May.

Die Bosveld Interskole, voorheen die Bosveld Intervarsity, is sedert 1977 ‘n rooiletterdag op rugbyliefhebbers in die hoofstad van Limpopo, Polokwane, se rugbykalender.

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

Dit is ‘n jaarlikse instelling wat die ganse stad tot stilstand bring en vanjaar se groot stryd tussen Hoërskool Pietersburg en Hoër Tegniese Skool Tom Naudé behoort Saterdag, op die Pieties se veld, weer ‘n aksiebelaaide skouspel op te lewer.

Sedert die hervatting van dié dag, in 2016, het Pieties die botoon gevoer. Die afgelope twee jaar alleen het Saterdag se tuisspan met 54-3 (2024) en 43-7 (2023) die septer geswaai.

Vroeër jare het die Tiere egter die hef in die hand gehad. Van 1977 tot 1997 het die spanne 27 keer ontmoet, met Tom Naudé wat 14 keer baas was teenoor die Pieties se 11 oorwinnings, terwyl twee kragmetings gelykop geëindig het.

Die Tiere is vanjaar weer netjies op dreef met ‘n onlangse oorwinning van 29-15 oor Hoërskool Ellisras, en behoort oorgehaal te wees om Saterdag die bordjies oplaas te verhang. Dit sal nietemin steeds ‘n tamaaie poging verg om vir PHS op sy tuisveld te troef.

Die Pieties het oor die jare gewys dat hulle ‘n perd van ‘n ander kleur is met die tuisskare wat hulle luidkeels aanspoor en hulle het onlangs opnuut lekker momentum gebou. Hulle spog nie verniet met nege spelers in die Limpopo Blou Bulle se Cravenweekgroep nie.

Heelagter, Ryno Mienie, is een van dié nege en hou groot gevaar in vir die Tiere. Hy is nie alleen goed op dreef met die skopstewel nie, maar kan ook die verdediging aan flarde ruk as hy op loop sit met die bal. Mienie en Tom Naudé se Tshenello Nwkana behoort altwee vir opwindende hardlooprugby te sorg.

Nwkana, wat in die Limpopo Bulle se oefengroep ingesluit is as heelagter, sal Saterdag egter op loskakel vir die Tiere diens doen en het die taak om vir buitsenter, Fortune Sehlabane, op die voervoet te plaas in sy tweestryd in die middeveld met Siya Mahlangu.

Hoewel albei spanne oor gevaarlike agterlyne beskik, sal die platform steeds voor gelê moet word. In die opsig, sal PHS hewig staatmaak op sy woelige haker, Ziahn Lombaard, wat met sy Tommies-eweknie, Khatu Sikhetha, die pap dik sal aanmaak. Agsteman, Ludke Pienaar, en vaskopstut, Stephan Jansen van Rensburg, is ook sleutelfigure in die Pieties se pak.

Die spanne: 

Hoërskool Pietersburg t. Hoër Tegniese Skool Tom Naudé om 13:45 in Polokwane: 

Pietersburg: 15 Ryno Mienie, 14 Armand Venter, 13 Basson Wolmarans, 12 Siya Mahlangu, 11 Keanu Potgieter, 10 Juan Randall, 9 Celliers van der Merwe, 9 Ludke Pienaar, 7 Juan Jansen van Vuuren, 6 FC Smith, 5 Henco Venter, 4 Brent Vorster, 3 Stephan Jansen van Rensburg, 2 Ziahn Lombaard, 1 Krissie Swanepoel.

Tom Naudé: 15 Mokibelo Matlhabaseletsi, 14 Lebogang Aphane, 13 Fortune Sehlabane, 12 Mahlatse Kekana, 11 Elvis Monokoane, 10 Tshenello Nkwana, 9 Lu-hann Pieterse, 8 Druan Venter, 7 Jayden Viljoen, 6 Kamogelo Molepo, 5 Tiaan Bezuidenhout, 4 Dean Viljoen, 3 Tiaan Russouw, 2 Khatu Sikhetha, 1 Jayden Lewis.

Ander spanne: 

11:10 – o.16
10:00 – Tweede span
09:00 – o.15
08:00 – o.14.

Jeppe High School for Boys‘ hockey captain Ethan Kapanda says his side is ready and eager to defend the Aitken Cup. 

The Kensington boys will take to the turf on Thursday with one mission in mind – to defend their crown.

Last year, they beat Parktown Boys’ High 2-0 in the final, with a well-drilled performance helping them lift the coveted silverware.

In 2025, they’re enjoying a far better season than 2024 and they have serious momentum on their side. As the defending champion and the team that has dominated the season thus far, they will, no doubt, have a target on their backs.

Leading the charge, Kapanda, who played an instrumental role in last year’s success, fondly recalled the 2024 final.

“The most vivid memory for me was lifting the trophy after all the hard work we put in,” he recalled. “To see us get the job done left a memory I won’t forget.”

Kapanda, who took on the captaincy last year already, is in charge of a close-knit unit that has stacked win after win this season. The side has presented a unified front and no small measure of resilience. They’ve grown stronger as the season has progressed.

Reflecting on lessons he took from leading the team last year, Kapanda said: “It made me want to make this year’s team a more cohesive group, one that works together and builds each other up, no matter what mistakes are made.

“Our key success factor last year was setting one clear goal, and every player was determined to achieve it. It’s the same for this year. We know what we want.”

Being at the helm of Jeppe’s 1st XI, a team that has built up a deserved reputation for excellence over many years, is a stern test of leadership. However, the tall, skilful skipper said there is less pressure this year than last year because of the lessons he learnt in 2024, which have helped him grow into the role.

“It’s a great honour being captain of a school like Jeppe, which always comes with pressure,” Kapanda admitted. “But being my second year, the pressure isn’t as bad. We all know every team is strong this year, with top players, so every match will be competitive.”

As the defending champion, one of Gauteng’s traditional powerhouses, and a team that has proved itself to be one of the best in South Africa this year, every team will be eager to lower Jeppe’s flag, but that is a challenge the boys in black and white are fully prepared for, the captain said.

“Jeppe has always been a school that everyone wants to beat. As a team, we know that, and we’re ready for it,” he confidently told SuperSport Schools Plus.

And while the mission is about defending the title, for Kapanda, there is also a personal achievement that is tied to the title defence, which he is hoping to realise. “Lifting this trophy again will mean the world to me. Not many people can say they’ve won Aitken twice as captain,” he said. “But, most importantly, it would mean everything for the school. This is a special trophy for Jeppe.”

Coach Siya Sityana’s charges begin their title defence against Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge on Thursday afternoon at the University of the Witwatersrand.

On Friday morning, they face a potential banana skin when they tackle an in-form and dangerous St Stithians College side. Later in the day, they take on HeronBridge College.

The Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal and Inland  Second Term A-Leagues have reached an exciting mid-season phase and Tuesday’s matches threw up some interesting results to add further intrigue to the standings.

Coastal A

At Queensburgh High School, Westville Boys’ High defeated the newly promoted Empangeni High 2-0.

That was Empangeni’s third defeat in the league, following a 0-1 loss to Glenwood in their most recent match a week earlier.

Dayyan Fudu excelled for the Griffin, scoring both of their goals. The victory propelled Westville to 10 points after four matches and to first place in the standings.

In a highly anticipated match, Glenwood took on Port Shepstone High. Entering the match, Port Shepstone had won all three of their previous matches, and without conceding a goal. As the defending champion, Glenwood was eager to make a statement about the pretenders to their crown.

The Green Machine‘s coach, Khaya Mgwengwe, told SuperSport Schools Plus that his team needed to deliver a significant performance, and they did just that.

Nkosi Mkwane opened the scoring for Glenwood, after a bit of a defensive muddle, as they swept to a 3-1 victory. Jude Mavana netted the second goal, a remarkable strike from just short of the halfway line, out wide on the right, from a free kick, and Mbuso Gumede, who has been instrumental for Glenwood this season, completed the scoring for the Durban school.

Hillcrest High, meanwhile, received a 3-0 win and three points after Pinetown Boys’ High failed to show up. That elevated Hillcrest High up to second place, just above Glenwood.

Northwood School and Bechet, who have both struggled for wins this season, and who occupy the bottom two rungs of the ladder, shared a goalless draw.

Nothing has yet been decided at the opposite end of the log, where Westville leads on 10 points, but is only one clear of Hillcrest, Glenwood, and Port Shepstone, who all have nine.

Empangeni, in fifth, will be eager to improve their log position, while Pinetown Boys’ High and Bechet, in sixth and seventh places, with two points each, have work to do. Northwood, at the bottom, is in danger of relegation and needs to engineer a turnaround strategy.

Inland A

In the Inland A League, the league leaders, Maritzburg College, secured a crucial last-minute victory over Edendale Technical High School. Malachi Momple, a consistent scorer for College with his educated left boot, netted the decisive goal to secure a 1-0 win for the Red, Black, and White.

Maritzburg College and Carter High School are in a tight competition for first place in the standings, with College just ahead on 10 points, and Carter on eight.

On Tuesday, Carter comfortably beat Newton 4-0. Babalwa Ntlasana was on fire, scoring a hattrick, and Pellucid Nxumalo scored the fourth. Bayanda Msomi was also in good form providing assists for all four goals.

Linpark, in third place with seven points, scored a 1-0 win over Haythorne Secondary School.

Alexandra High School, who have had a season of mixed results – one win, two draws, and one loss – played to a 2-2 draw against Ixopo Secondary School.

RESULTS

Coastal A

Glenwood 3-1 Port Shepstone
Westville Boys’ High 2-0 Empangeni High School
Bechet 0-0 Northwood
Hillcrest High 2-0 Pinetown

Inland A 

Maritzburg College A Team 1-0 Edendale Technical High School
Alexandra High School A Team 2-2 Ixopo Secondary School
Carter High 4-0 Newton
Linpark 1-0 Haythorne Secondary School

FIXTURES 

Thursday, 15 May: Coastal B 

Queensburgh High School

Field 1

15:10 – Amanzimtoti vs New Forest
16:15 – Redwood vs Durban High School

Field 2

15:10 – Queensburgh High School
16:15 – Sastri vs Ashton Ballito A Team

Friday, 16 May: Coastal C

Queensburgh High School

Field 1

George Campbell vs Birdswood

Field 2

15:10 – Durban Academy vs Brettonwood
16:15 – Ashton Ballito B Team vs Canaan College

Thursday, 15 May: Inland B

Alexandra High School 

Field 1

15:00 – Alexandra High School B Team vs ML Sultan

Field 2

15:00 – Northbury vs Maritzburg Christian School
16:05 – Thornhill vs Heritage Academy

Friday, 16 May: Inland B 

Barns Field (Maritzburg College)

15:00 – Riverwood vs Maritzburg College B Team

Friday, 16 May: Inland C

AB Jackson

15:00 – Newton B Team vs Umvuzo
16:05 – Michaelhouse vs Maritzburg College C Team

Helpmekaar Kollege‘s first-team hockey side will enter the Aitken Cup with a statement to make and a point to prove following a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Hoërskool Noordheuwel on the past weekend.

In that clash against their rivals, the Helpies dominated ball possession, controlled the tempo of the game, and used their chances to full effect.

That big win was a much-needed confidence booster heading into the Aitken Cup, which takes place from 16 to 18 May at the University of Johannesburg, Wits University, King Edward VII, and St John’s College.

Led by coach Bryan Longbottom, and captained by Juandré Verwey, Helpmekaar will face St John’s College, Noordheuwel, and Northcliff High School in Pool C.

They’ve produced a mixed bag of results this season, but a tournament of the magnitude of the Aitken Cup gives them an opportunity to right their wrongs, said Verwey.

“We’ve had an up-and-down season so far, with a slow start at the Independent Schools Festival and a few disappointing results, especially at KES Fest,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“We would’ve liked to get the momentum going earlier. But the important thing is to stay positive with Aitken and Noordvaal coming up.”

Under coach Longbottom, who is also the school’s Director of Hockey, the Helpies’ programme has gone from strength to strength in recent years.

They’ve pulled off some impressive results and shocks, and their captain had been a part of that journey. An experienced campaigner, he has played over 85 matches for Helpmekaar.

He shared the recipe that’s made them a teams not to be underestimated in Gauteng: “I think the most important thing is that the guys in charge are passionate about hockey and about the school,” he explained.

“In previous years, we didn’t see as much effort put into hockey from directors and coaches.”

Verwey will be assisted with the leadership duties this weekend by Etienne Scott and Henno Steyn.

He said they’ll be taking the tournament one step at a time: “We’re breaking it down into group stages and playoffs. The first objective is to secure our spot in the top eight, then we reassess and go from there.”

Helpmekaar’s campaign begins on Thursday at 16:00 when they face St John’s College at King Edward VII.

TEAM

Ilan Van Wyk, Dian Prinsloo, Alec Brink, Kyle Swanepoel, Alexander Turner, Daniël Roos Henno Steyn (vc), Etienne Scott (vc), Nicholas Hutton, Juandré Verwey (c), Tiaan Van der Merwe, Rogan Van den Berg, Eben van Graan, Kevin Van Zyl, Ewald Haasbroek, Sebastian Kloek, Jean Lubbe, Keanu Nel.

Helpmekaar Fixtures at the Aitken Cup

Thursday, 15 May

16:00 – Helpmekaar vs St John’s College

Friday, 16 May

12:00 – Helpmekaar vs Northcliff
18:00 – Helpmekaar vs Noordheuwel