Gom february 14' issue 04

‘My sport. My life.’

ISSUE 04, FEBRUARY 2014

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

The only sports magazine for South African youth

no guts no glory

FAF DU PLESSIS BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ARNO BOTHa

Focus on St Alban’s Cricket FESTIVAL 20 teams in action

What now for Bafana Bafana?

Give blisters the boot!

Get your GAME ON! see inside for details

COVER PHOTO: BACK PAGE MEDIA

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BENCH BENCH (CONTRIBUTORS) (CONTRIBUTORS) Issue 4, Issue February 4, February 2014 2014

KOBUSKOBUS PRETORIUS PRETORIUS Journalist Journalist

ANDRIES ANDRIES VAN DER VAN MERWE DER MERWE AthleteAthlete Diary Diary

OCKERT DE VILLIERS OCKERT DE VILLIERS Journalist Journalist

ILZE HATTINGH ILZE HATTINGH Tennis Tennis Diary Diary

JANE BRAMLEY JANE BRAMLEY Journalist Journalist

GERHARD GERHARD DE BEER DE BEER JavelinJavelin / American / American Football Football Diary Diary

KARIENKARIEN JONCKHEERE JONCKHEERE Journalist Journalist

WIAN SULLWALD WIAN SULLWALD Triathlon Triathlon Diary Diary

WESLEY BOTTON WESLEY BOTTON Journalist Journalist

SASPA SASPA (South (South AfricanAfrican Sports Sports PicturePicture Agency) Agency)

LUNGILE LUNGILE MDLADLA MDLADLA Journalist Journalist

THE BLD THE GROUP BLD GROUP

CECILECECILE KILEY KILEY Sports Sports Writer Writer DR HENRY KELBRICK DR HENRY KELBRICK Photographer Photographer GRANTGRANT JOHNSON JOHNSON & SHAUN & SHAUN DAFEL DAFEL Columnists Columnists ARNAUD ARNAUD MALHERBE MALHERBE Columnist Columnist MARC MUNDELL MARC MUNDELL Columnist Columnist LYNETTE LYNETTE BURGER BURGER Columnist Columnist

HIGH PERFORMANCE HIGH PERFORMANCE CENTRE-HATFIELD CENTRE-HATFIELD (hpc) (hpc) HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SPORTS MAGAZINE MAGAZINE SPECIAL THANK SPECIAL THANK YOU TO BACK YOU TO BACK PAGE MEDIA PAGE MEDIA

contents Issue 4, February 2014

COVER FEATURE

TENNIS LUCAS SITHOLE: FEEDING ON ADVERSITY

MAIN STORY FAF DU PLESSIS:

When Lucas Sithole first picked up a tennis racquet, he was far from sold on the sport. In fact, at that point he’d far rather have been on a wheelchair rugby field or a basketball court.

Words by: Karien Jonckheere; Photos by: Reg Caldecott

no guts no glory Australia’s cricketers are known for their ability to sledge opposition batsmen during international games, trying to intimidate them to make mistakes.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt; Photos by: Gallo Images

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CRICKET SPECIAL PROTEAS VS AUSSIES GAME PANEL: ST ALBAN’S: CRICKET FESTIVAL

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RIVALDO MOONSAMMY:

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Christiaan le Grange: Advantage

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Janneman Malan: Good Batter Best

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(rugby) It is widely suspected that Pieter-Steph du Toit’s red blood cells are shaped like miniature rugby balls. Rugby is an integral part of his family’s genes.

Words by: Christel Raubenheimer and Kobus Pretorius; Photos: Back Page Media

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SOCCER

(SOCCER): When South Africa bombed out of the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in the first round after a crushing 3-1 defeat to Nigeria, it signalled a new low for our nation’s football.

Words by: Graeme Jackson; Photos by: Back Page Media

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(SOCCER): 17-year-old aspiring soccer star, Josh Gounden, has his roots deep seated for the beautiful game of football.

Josh started playing at the tender age of five and hasn’t looked back.

Words by: Lungelo Mdladla; Photos: Supplied

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SWIMMING

RYAN COETZEE: STROKES OF GENIUS

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

Justin Geduld: MADIBA MAGIC IN THE MIX

JOSH GOUnDEN: Focus, Fitness, Football

Driaan Bruwer: THE GOLDEN AFFIES THREAD IN A RICH PROTEA HERITAGE

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Bafana Bafana: A review OF THEIR DISMISSAL

FOCUS ON AFFIES

Ryan Coetzee is undoubtedly a talented young man. Whether he is swimming or studying, success is virtually guaranteed.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt; Photos: Supplied

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PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT: IT’S IN THE DU TOIT BLOOD

HOËRSKOOL WATERKLOOF

(CRICKET) Former Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) cricket players will have their work cut out during the next few weeks when they will defend South Africa’s cricket honour.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swart; Photos by: Name Surname

(RUGBY) Disappointed and dejected Springbok loose forward Arno Botha has to come to grips with yet another six months on the sidelines after he suffered the same injury that kept him out of the game previously.

Words by: Ockert de Villiers; Photos by: Johan Rynners

(rugby sevens) It was 8 December 2013. Having lost the father of the nation, Nelson Mandela, just days before, the entire country was in mourning.

Words by: Karien Jonckheere; Photos: Supplied

FEATURES

(CRICKET): Scoring a century in cricket is a huge milestone in any batsman’s career and a double century is obviously an even more impressive ‘wow’ moment.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt; Photos by: Colleen Naude

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rugby

(RUGBY) The Du Plessis brothers Willie, Michael and Carel are all rugby legends in South Africa.

Words by: Words by Kobus Pretorius; Photos by: Luke Walker, Stefan van Hansen

TWEETERverse: TWEETS from around the world

“For me tennis is the ultimate game. That is why I don’t mind putting in long hours and making big sacrifices, even if I realise that there are no guarantees.”

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt; Photos by: Colleen Naude

Even staunch South African tennis supporters can be forgiven if they have abandoned all hope of ever seeing a local player contesting a singles semifinal or final in a Grand Slam Tournament.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt; Photos by: Reg Caldecott

The Du Plessis Boys: Try on these genes for size

SOCIAL MEDIA Promoted by Game On. Tweets by: Chris Froome, Ilze Hattingh, Louis Meintjes, AB de Villiers

SA’S DAVIS CUP RISING TENNIS STARS: NET PROFITS

Arno Botha: BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS...

WICKET GAME (CRICKET) Soccer used to be the sport Rivaldo Moonsammy loved best. He dreamt about becoming a professional soccer player after school. With nifty footwork he could, and actually still can, dribble the ball past any defender to score goals…

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt; Photos: Supplied

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Emily Gray (Paralympic): No Wallflower

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(PARALYMPIC SWIMMING): Discussing the merits of beautiful girls who excel in sports is a favourite pastime among avid male fans.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt; Photos by: Reg Caldecott

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contents Issue 4, February 2014 Jarred Crous: WADING UP THE RANKS (SWIMMING): South African swimming has experienced a revival since Cameron van der Burgh and Chad le Clos’ successes in the pool at the 2012 London Olympics, and even more stars are emerging from the doldrums..

Words and Photos by: Ockert de Villiers

112

Athletics Anaso Jobodwana: rewriting the record books (Athletics): One of only a few South African sprinters who have adapted successfully to the collegiate structures in the United States, Anaso Jobodwana believes anyone can thrive by following the same route, provided they approach the American system with the right attitude.

Words by: Wesley Botton ; Photos by: Back Page Media

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TEBEGO MAMATHU: GREASED LIGHTNING (Athletics): Looks can be deceiving. Tebego Mamathu, who matriculated at Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp last year, is a good example of this.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt; Photos: Danie Cornelius

118

NETBALL Spar National Netball Team: READY, STEADY, GLASGOW (Netball): 2014 promises to be an exciting year for netball in South Africa, particularly for members of the SPAR national netball team.

Words by: Jane Bramley

122

ENDURO RACING Wade Young: Making Molehills out of Mountains (ENDURO RACING): How did the youngest winner of The Roof of Africa do this time around? Let’s take a look.

Words by: Cecile Kiley; Photos by: Elza Thiart-Botes, YOUNG Family

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

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contents Issue 4, February 2014

PERSONAL ATHLETE JOURNALS (TRIATHLON) Wian Sullwald: the TOUGH GET GOING

132

(AMERICAN FOOTBALL) Gerhard De Beer: American Football? Or simply Football?

134

(TENNIS) Ilze Hattingh: ANOTHER FASCINATING PEEK INTO THE TENNIS ACE’S GLOBETROTTING ADVENTURES! Photos by: Henry Kelbrick

136

(Athletics) ANDRIES VAN DER MERWE: RUNNING LINES

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REGULARS “OFF THE BALL!” – with Grant Johnson & Shaun Dafel (SOCCER)

“PUMPED-UP KICKS: cycling” – with Lynette Burger (Cycling)

“WALKING THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED” – with MARC MUNDELL (Cycling): SELF DISCIPLINE

143 144 146

ADVICE COLUMN hpc - Nicki de Villiers: FAT AS FUEL FOR PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE

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hpc - Nicki de Villiers: There is more to injury management than ice

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

EDITORIAL Issue 4, February 2014

CR!CKET

BACK TO THE USUAL PROBLEMS IN ATHLETICS

Cricket, cricket and even more cricket! For a variety of reasons the February issue of Game On is almost entirely dedicated to cricket.

One of the most important, and probably most exciting, sporting contests from a South African point of view this year, will be the test series between the Proteas and Australia. It started on 12 February at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

The Proteas will be defending their status as the number one team in test cricket.

It is interesting to note that, since South Africa’s readmission to international cricket in 1991/92, Australia was victorious on 19 occasions while South Africa could win only nine times. But it seems as if South Africa has been able to turn the tables on the Aussies since 2008/09. They won two of the last four test series and drew one. The last time the Aussies managed to beat South Africa was in 2008/09 in what was a home series for them.

The Australians have arrived in South Africa on an absolute high, having whitewashed England (5-0) in the recent Ashes series. However, Faf du Plessis is quietly confident that the Proteas will prevail this time, citing South Africa’s consistency as the deciding factor.

And he certainly has a point. Since 2009/10 South Africa won eight and drew six of the fourteen test series they played.

In an in-depth interview with Du Plessis (see page 44) he mentions the probability of himself taking over the number four batting position from Jacques Kallis, he talks about the team’s reputation as ‘chokers’ and also about his reputation of being the ‘glam guru’ for his Protea teammates.

Those in the know predict that the series will boil down to a contest between the Aussie bowlers and the South African batsmen. It is well known that the Aussies claim to have the best bowling attack in the world.

Our panel of experts, consisting of high school cricketers, give their views on the upcoming clash between the teams of South Africa and Australia (see page 50).

We also focus on the St Alban’s College Independent Cricket Festival (see page 21) in which 20 schools, including England’s Eton College, will participate. A ‘fun fact’ worth mentioning is that Eton College had already started playing cricket as far back as in 1706. To put this in context locally, it should be remembered that Jan van Riebeeck only arrived at the Cape in 1652.

And that’s not all as far as cricket stories in our February issue are concerned. Read about Janneman Malan’s (Hoërskool Waterkloof) batting exploits the article on page 108.

A last word on cricket: Good luck to the SA Under-19 team who are competing in the ICC World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

In the January edition I commented on some egotistical administrators who seem to be determined to destroy South African athletics with their constant in-house fighting and bickering.

I had no intention of referring to this issue again, but after reading a press release by LJ van Zyl, one of our most respected senior athletes, I changed my mind. It should be remembered that the most important people in athletics should be the athletes and Van Zyl was sending out an SOS on behalf of them.

“Being a full-time athlete is difficult at the best of times. Being an athlete in South Africa right now is almost impossible. The conflicting media reports are damaging the sport and our profession to such a degree, that we are finding it even harder than normal to stay in the sport. Sponsors no longer have confidence in the sport and are not staying involved or are being scared off,” Van Zyl wrote.

“For this reason we, the athletes, beseech all parties to stay calm and level-headed and keep the interests of the sport and athletes at heart.“ With apologies to Mark Twain: “Looking for an honest and true athletics administrator in South Africa at the moment is like looking for an ethical burglar.”

Enough said. The best thing that could happen to South African athletics at the moment would be if the IAAF should demand that a new ASA Board should be elected and that no former ASA board member should be nominated for election. A totally clean slate is the only way forward. Hopefully, the next time I comment on athletics it will be to applaud the world-class achievements by our athletes.

Wouldn’t that be great?

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

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AFFIES ATHLETICS

SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: SHOT PUT

Wanzel Breytenbach (Affies - Under-19) Photo by Henry Kelbrick

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STUDENT IMAGE GALLERY: ATHLETICS

Photo by Ulene de Kock (Hoërskool Waterkloof - Grade 9) Location: Hoërskool Waterkloof

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GAME ON TWITTER FEED FROM AROUND THE WORLD

tweets from around the world Tweets Tweets

Chris Froome @chrisfroome • 30 Jan 2014 Not often you come across a sign like this while out training! pic.twitter.com/wmdEZt4tiW

Louis @LouisMeintjes • 6 Feb 2014 Nice way to start the season. . . And thanks for all the support at the race today. pic.twitter.com/evGE1LhVNE

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Promoted by Game-On-Magazine. REASON: In the under-23 individual time trial of the South African Championships which was held in and around the Moses Mabhida Stadium, KwaZulu-Natal, Louis Meintjes retained the title he had won last year with an exceptional ride. The South African Road Race Championships saw Louis Meintjes come away with the national jersey. Daryl Impey (Orica-GreenEdge) took the silver with defending champion, Jay Thomson taking the bronze medal. Meintjes won the silver medal in the Under-23 road race at the UCI World Championships in Italy.

Ilze Hattingh @IlzeHattingh • Jan 21 2014 WOW! So awesome to see @RavenKlaasen after their match!! What an inspiration!! Gives me even more… instagram.com/p/jbIsAZvLa6/

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AB de Villiers @ABdeVilliers17 • 6 Feb 2014 Good luck to the SA U/19 team leaving for the World Cup today. Bring the Cup home boys!

Promoted by Game-On-Magazine. REASON: The South African Under-19 team will compete in the ICC Under-19 World Cup (14 February – 1 March) in the United Arab Emirates. South Africa’s first match will be against the West Indies on 14 February. Their remaining Pools Games will be against Canada (16 February) and Zimbabwe (18 February).

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Promoted by Game-On-Magazine. REASON: Klaasen and his American partner, Eric Butorac, made it all the way to the final of this year’s first Grand Slam in Melbourne, before losing (6-3, 6-3) to Poland’s Lukasz Kubot and Sweden’s Robert Lindstedt.

HATTINGH’S OWN PERFORMANCE: Hattingh impressed during the Australian Junior Open Tournament by beating Serbia’s 8th seed, Nina Stojanovik, in the first round. Stojanovik is the 20th-ranked junior in the world and was earmarked as one of the favourites. Hattingh lost in the third round against Russia’s Anastasiya Komardina (6-4, 6-4).

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PROTEAS VS AUSSIES game panel

aussies vs PROTEAS Willie Ludick The battle between Australia and South Africa has always been the most exciting clash on the cricket calendar.

(Hoërskool Waterkloof)

The bowlers took the game away from England and I expect the team with the best bowl attack will win in South Africa.

With two bowlers in the SA side like Steyn and Philander a player

like Mitchell Johnson will have to deliver a similar performance as in the Ashes to give Australia the advantage.

With Shane Watson injured Michael Clark and his fellow batsman such as the inform David Warner needs to deliver a class batting performance to neutralise the bowl attack of South Africa. On the other hand South Africa without Jacques Kallis needs a class performance

from players like Faf du Plessis and AB De Villiers.

I think that the two sides are well balanced and equally strong but Australia had very good preparation during the Ashes. South Africa however has home ground advantage. Based on this analysis I am convinced that we will see a test series that is a draw.

Janneman Malan I think that the upcoming series between South Africa and Australia will be one of the best ever.

As two of the top three test-playing countries in the world, it promises to be a contest of the big guns.

A lot has been said about the bowling attacks from both sides of the ocean and my feeling is that this will definitely play a major role in the outcome of the series. That this will be a titanic battle with bat and ball is a given, but the bowling attack that can hold their nerves will definitely be the victorious team.

My heart is fully behind South Africa as I think we have the superior depth in bowling.

Australia’s Michael Clarke (batsman) and South Africa’s Vernon Philander (bowler) might be the two key players throughout the series. I am disappointed in the fact that Quinton de Kock is not part of the test squad. As far as I am concerned, he is one of South Africa’s best wicketkeepers at the moment.

It’s going to be interesting to see who will take over from Jacques Kallis batting at number four. I hope Faf du Plessis can do it, but he will be under a lot of pressure throughout the series.

(Hoërskool Waterkloof)

Konrad Fleischhauer I think South Africa will win the test series but they certainly will have their work cut out for them. In the end the Proteas might win two tests and the Aussies one.

(Hoërskool Menlopark)

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

SCHOOL TEAMFEATURE: PROFILE:Cricket CRICKET school panel

GAME PANEL Charl Minnaar It’s going to be a tough series, the outcome of which will only be decided on the day of the final test at Cape Town (1-5 March).

I personally am interested to

(Hoërskool Menlopark)

see how Australia’s Mitchell Johnson will adapt to the South African conditions. He has been brilliant in the Ashes

Series taking 37 wickets but it’s not going to be easy for him to be bowling in front of 20 000 fanatical South African supporters. I am not a big fan of Australia’s arrogant batting wicketkeeper, Brad Haddin, but one has to give credit where credit is due. He is brilliant batting at number seven. When on form he definitely is able to swing the outcome of any test.

The big shortcoming in the South African bowling attack is the fact that we don’t have a quality spin bowler who is consistently able to make that vital breakthrough. I think Imran Tahir deserves another chance to play for South Africa.

backed up by Chris Rogers at the top of the order. These two have the ability to give great opening stands to the Australian team. Michael Clarke is probably the kingpin in their line-up and I believe that he will again have good solid series with bat in hand.

On the other hand the Proteas also have a batting line-up full of match winners and guys with BMT (Big Match Temperament).

Hasim Amla is sure to be up for some runs and I believe that he will be back in form for the series. Amla, together with AB de Villiers can be considered as the Proteas’ kingpins. Mitchell Johnson is the visitors’ key bowler.

Uli Boezaart

(Affies)

The upcoming test series between the Proteas and the Aussies will be just as entertaining as the previous ones.

Leading up to the series the Proteas will certainly be considered as the favourites as they have home ground advantage and are anchored at the top of the Test rankings.

Both teams have solid batting line-ups, but if I have to pick the best one at the moment it will certainly be the Australian team with David Warner in good form,

I however believe the Protea bowling attack will take care of the Aussie batsmen as the likes of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel never disappoint. Personally I think that Vernon Philander will prove his worth again with new ball, and that Robin Peterson will also play a massive role with ball in hand.

In summary, I back the captaincy skills of Graeme Smith and the well-balanced Proteas team to come out on top. My prediction is that the Proteas will win the three-match series 2-0.

Francois Marais It’s definitely going to be an interesting test series because both teams are on a high – Australia after whitewashing England in the Ashes series, and South Africa after its heroic comeback against India.

(Affies)

Australia’s captain, is boasting that his team has got the best bowling attack in the world at the moment and it remains to be seen whether Mitchell

Johnson will be as effective and fast as he was during the recent Ashes series.

The Aussie players to watch are Clarke who has got a good batting record against South Africa; as a recognised spin bowler Nathan Lyon can have a big influence on the outcome of the test series; I have mentioned Mitchell Johnson and then there is David Warner.

I believe Warner is capable of destroying any bowling attack.

The South Africans to watch are: AB de Villiers as batsman and

wicketkeeper. Robin Peterson might again be the surprise package with his spin bowling.

He was quite effective against India in keeping the run rate down. Dale Steyn is going to be the team’s key bowler.

Hashim Amla has proved time and again why he is considered as one of the best in the world.

I predict that South Africa are going to prove to the Aussies why they are the best testplaying cricket team in the world.

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

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St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

SCHOOL TEAM PROFILE: CRICKET

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CRICKET FESTIVAL Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

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St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

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St Alban’s College

SCHOOL HISTORY St Alban’s College is a young, vibrant Anglican boys’ school. It came into existence on 1st February 1963 with a total strength of 37 boys and 3 masters. We now number 540 boys and 60 staff, plus an array of support staff. From its inception, St Alban’s has been a school that loves a challenge.

The founder headmaster, Anton Murray, was a South African cricketer who sought to maintain the best traditions of liberal education, exemplified in the British public school. So games - especially cricket, rugby, and hockey - have always figured prominently in our history.

Having said that, the youth of the school fortunately enabled us to escape the shackles of tradition and

2014 CRICKET SIDE 1. M. Jonker 2. J. van heerden 3. R. Moonsamy 4. A. HULME 5. C. ROBERTS 6. H. SYMMONDS 7. S. VAN VOLLENHOVEN 8. D. WALLER 9. A. MULLER 10. S. LEHABE 11. R. MURISON 12. C. VAN DER MERWE

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

St Alban’s has made a name for itself as an innovator, rather than as a preserver of the past.

St Alban’s has pioneered the way in many important areas: opening its doors to boys of colour long before it was legal, providing educational upliftment programmes for disadvantaged members of the community, embracing the benefits of technology and its application in education, revising the curriculum and exploring innovative teaching methods. It is an exciting school.

Fifty years old, St Alban’s College has survived perilous infancy and turbulent adolescence and has now embarked on confident manhood.

National Representation: Gerald Dros (Northerns Captain), Deon Kruis, James Mokonyama and Matthew Arnold, Joshua Richards, David Bunn, Ryan Cartwright.

COACH: C. HOYER ASSISTANT COACH: R. ANDERSON

SCHOOL TEAM PROFILE: CRICKET

Woodridge College & Preparatory School St ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY Since its inception as a Preparatory School in 1936, Woodridge has fostered the game of cricket as one of its major sports. The contribution of the Preparatory School to Eastern Province cricket has been substantial, with no fewer than 50 boys representing the Province at Under-13 level since 1975.

Many of these players moved on to College, which was started as a fledgling institution in 1967. Among the more illustrious players to hone their skills here, Mark Rushmere and Colin Ingram both captained South African Schools, and Lionel Vaaltyn represented SA Schools in 2010. Others include Rikki Wessels (Northamptonshire) and David Ferrant (Free State), whilst many others represented Eastern Province at various age levels.

Currently Woodridge 1st XI cricket are riding the wave of success and in 2010 were crowned the Warriors Champions that participated in the National 20/20 championship. One of the School’s greatest victories was over St David’s at ISCF. Chasing down 300 runs in 50 overs Woodridge passed the score with Shaun Du Randt scoring the highest score at Woodridge of 169 n.o..

2014 CRICKET SIDE 1. daniel biggs (Captain) 2. brandon phillips (V-Captain) 3. bevan mandy 4. walter melville 5. william lilford 6. dylan ryan 7. staunton goliath 8. willem myburgh

Players to watch

9. jade de klerk

Daniel Biggs: Top order bat/ Wicket-keeper

10. patrick bailey

Dylan Ryan: Bowling all-rounder, picked up 10 wickets last year in two day match.

11. darren brown

Jade De Klerk: Young left arm spinner.

12. heinrich cox 13. angus teeton

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St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

Eton College ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY • 1706 First written record of a game of cricket at Eton College – In Certamen Pilae, by William Godwin • 1751 Old Etonians play against ‘The Rest of England’ in a three match series on which more than £20,000 was reportedly bet.

• 1792 Old Etonians play against Calcutta Cricket Club in Calcutta.

• 1831 Eton reported to be wearing light blue caps.

• 1840 Sam Redgate appointed as first professional coach at Eton.

• 1880 Lord Harris captains England vs. first visiting Australia XI. The Hon. Alfred Lyttelton is also in the England side.

• 1882 The Hon. Ivo Bligh, C.T. Studd and G.B. Studd tour Australia with England. Bligh receives the ashes of a bail.

2014 CRICKET SIDE 1. jamie gnodde (Captain) 2. harry blake 3. james watt 4. al russel (w-keeper) 5. ed collins (w-keeper) 6. ed fenwick 7. louis strong 8. charles griffin 9. sam oppenheimer 10. charles yerburgh 11. archie sale 12. will gordon lennox 13. alex bouchier 14. rory macmillan

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• 1897 B.J.T. Bosanquet allegedly invents the googly.

• 1899 Lord Hawke captains England vs. South Africa.

• 1921 The Hon. Lionel Tennyson captains England • 1928 G.O. Allen represents England in Australia (he refuses to bowl bodyline).

• 1936 G.O. Allen captains England in Australia.

• 1948 George Mann captains England in South Africa.

• 1987/8 First school tour to Australia.

• 1997/8 Matthew Fleming represents England in 11 ODIs. • 2000 Alex Loudon captains England Under-19.

• 2006 Alex Loudon represents England in one ODI. Eton cricket is known to most people for the annual Eton versus Harrow match at Lord’s. This lastremaining schools fixture at the ‘Home of Cricket’ has a history longer than any other cricket match, dating back to 1805. Even until recent years Eton versus Harrow was one of the highlights of ‘The Season’. In 1999 it was decided that the match should be played in a limited-overs format and there have subsequently been some close wins for both schools.

But Eton cricket is far more than one match. In the Summer Half there are 25 School teams: seven selected from the senior blocks, four under-sixteen teams, six under-fifteen and eight under-fourteen.

This means that many boys have the chance to represent the School against other schools. Due to the strength and depth of the competition for places, on many Saturdays Eton plays against two or more schools simultaneously. This greatly strengthens our fixtures list and ensures that all boys of whatever ability are involved in exciting and closely-fought matches.

In the past few years there have been winter tours to Australia and the Caribbean. In addition to school matches, there are four internal House Competitions that run during the Summer Half.

scorer: james jarvis, goerge st quinton Accompanying masters: john rice, richard montgomerie, Dr tim beard

SCHOOL TEAM PROFILE: CRICKET

ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY Players to watch John Smit top order batsman with highest score of 140 runs; Juan Allen fast bowler – best bowling figures 5/10 in 12 overs.

The Captain Jamie Gnodde is an experienced 1st team player and bats and bowls left-handed. Charles Griffin is our fast bowler, and can slam dunk a basketball.

Al Russell is the youngest member of the team for the second year in a row, Alex Bouchier and Louis Strong are experienced actors, Sam Oppenheimer is a national level fives player, Harry Blake plays golf off a low handicap, James Watt is a good squash player, Ed Collins, George St Quinton and Ed Fenwick are all keen rugby players. John Rice played with Barry Richards, Gordon Greenidge and Malcolm Marshall at Hampshire. Richard Montgomerie won the County Championship with Sussex.

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St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

Bishops Diocesan College ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY The Diocesan School of the Diocese of Cape Town for boys was established in 1849 by Bishop Robert Gray, and opened its doors at Maynier’s Cottage in the grounds of the Bishop’s residence, Protea, now called Bishopscourt. Its object was ‘to give a sound Education to the Youth of the Colony’, conducted on the principles of the English Church. Referred to as Bishops, the school currently fields six Under-19 teams, four Under-15 teams and four Under-14 teams - with one or two Under-19 teams dropping out of the leagues in the fourth term because of the withdrawal of matric players and with many Grade 10 boys overseas on exchange. Seven teams (1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, Under15As, Under-15Bs, Under-14As, Under-14Bs) play their cricket on Saturdays and the other teams play midweek fixtures.

2014 CRICKET SIDE

The Prep fields 16 teams, four in each age group from Under-10 to Under-13, all involved in matches every week. In the Under-9 section we have six sides involved in mini-cricket matches on a weekly basis.

Three Bishops old boys are still involved in international cricket (Herschelle Gibbs and Craig Kieswetter as players and Adrian Holdstock as an ICC umpire).

Fun facts Player likeness (matrics only): Daniel Lombard – Kieran Pollard / Justin Kemp Justin Rowe-Roberts – Darryn Smit / Sir Don Bradman Tom van As – Mark Cosgrove / Mohammed Hafeez Jordan Flax – Dane Villas / AB de Villiers James Roche – Piyush Chawla / Aaron Finch

1. Jordan flex (Captain) 2. tim allan 3. daniel lombard 4. james roche 5. justin rowe-roberts 6. robert valbom 7. thomas van as 8. luke burton 9. nick pithey 10. tom richardson 11. matthew rudston 12. cullum diem 13. tyla scarles

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Tim Allan – Kyle Abbott / Ethy Mbahlati Rob Valbom – Peter Siddle / Hardus Viljoen

SCHOOL TEAM PROFILE: CRICKET

Helpmekaar ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY Helpmekaar was the first Afrikaans School in Johannesburg. The school was started by a group of Afrikaners who wanted their children to have an alternative to English schools. The school was officially opened in 1921. The slogan of the school “KOMAAN” was derived from a poem by Jan F. E. Celliers by the same title, which literally translated means ‘come on, help each other’.

Annually a number of boys are selected for the Johannesburg North region side, which takes part during the Gauteng trials week. The school is well represented at provincial school level, but has not delivered a national player yet; watch this space!

Interesting cricket statistics Highest team scores: 50 overs - 342/7 vs. Afrikaans Hoër Germiston T20 - 222/3 vs. Fourways Highest individual score: 174* Johan van Rensburg vs. Dainfern Best Bowling: 8/14 Ulrich Kruger vs. Redhill

Players to watch Batsmen

2014 CRICKET SIDE

Tokkie Underhay - Opening batsman – batting average 40 (highest score - 164 not out).

Shane Dadswell – Wicketkeeper/Batsman – batting average 38 (highest score - 138).

1. danté de wet (Captain)

TOP Bowlers Danté de Wet - 5/7 vs Woodridge

2. tokkie underhay

Jan Labuschagne - 5/14 vs Gauteng Development

3. luan barendrecht 4. Shane dadswell (wk) 5. shaun dadswell 6. michael du plessis 7. jan-gideon labuschagne 8. adriaan van jaarsveld 9. neil kruger 10. jason alberts 11. stian sales 12. thomas sinclair

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St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

Kearsney College ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY Kearsney College was established in 1921 and has a strong cricketing tradition. Kearsney enjoys a healthy rivalry with the other established schools in the KZN schools’ top league and we attend many festivals throughout South Africa, at all age group levels. Our cricketers are privileged to have the opportunity to tour overseas on a regular basis, thereby developing their games and their education.

We have a dedicated professional coach, former SA and Dolphins player Mr Jon Kent, who assists with coaching at an individual and group level in all age groups.

2014 CRICKET SIDE 1. tristan tedder (Captain) 2. dylan griffiths (V-Captain) 3. matthew carlson 4. keegan foss 5. stefan harris 6. ross koekemoer 7. matthew lees 8. sebastian pau 9. keean rencken 10. luke smith 11. james tedder 12. francois vd merwe 13. matthew watts

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Kearsney cricketers regularly make up a large percentage of the provincial teams. In 2013 eight boys from Kearsney College were selected to represent KZN in the three age group teams (Under-15; Under-17 and Under-19), and the KZN 17 and Under-19 Cricketers of the Year were Kearsney boys.

Our facilities are world class, including seven indoor cricket nets with special cushioned run-ups and four bowling machines.

Kearsney’s first international player was Andrew Hudson, who is the currently the convenor of selectors for the Proteas, and more recently Kyle Abbott represented the Proteas in various forms of the game with great success.

Facts about the team The team of 2014 is a very young team with eight boys still available next year and two of them only in Grade 10. They are being nurtured by the current matric boys and will definitely be an asset in years to come.

Players to watch: Tristan Tedder has already represented the Dolphins’ Cub side. A very good all-rounder and Captain.

Matthew Lees is a young up-and-coming left arm spinner and Luke Smith always contributes with the bat and ball.

SCHOOL TEAM PROFILE: CRICKET

St Andrew’s College (Grahamstown) ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY Founded in1855, St Andrew’s College in Grahamstown is an innovative independent school that embraces new frontiers.

This premium Anglican boarding school caters for 470 pupils from across the globe. From Grade 8 to Matric, pupils experience individual attention with a focus on fostering individual talent.

The school is passionate about ensuring that each boy is schooled for life, develops character and strives to reach his full potential. The school motto is Nec Aspera Terrent (Difficulties do not dismay us) - this ideal of fearless acceptance of challenge sums up what the school aims to instil in its pupils as preparation for future life.

Cricket The 1st XI enjoyed tours to Zimbabwe and the UK in 2013. These tours gave opportunities to younger players who’ve performed consistently for the 2nd XI. The 2nd XI had a superb year of cricket under their coach Mr Gerhard Posthumus, recording 15 wins and one loss, which bodes well for 2014.

Recently the St Andrew’s College Cricket Club was extremely fortunate to have input from Eric Simons and Adrian Birrell. The coaching staff thoroughly enjoyed the experience with them and benefited immensely.

2014 CRICKET SIDE 1. nicholas embling 2. anthony dakin 3. gordon everard 4. brendan owen 5. andrew mills 6. benjamin dovey 7. camran macfarlane 8. zach melvill 9. timothy leppan 10. brian ferguson 11. christopher mccarthy 12. steven green 13. grant dixie 14. simon taylor

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St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

Hilton College ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY Cricket at Hilton College has been an integral part of the school since its inception. Only a matter of weeks after the arrival of Hilton’s first boys, a match was played at Hilton, against the team from Pietermaritzburg Boys High, thus beginning an unbroken rivalry with the school now known as Maritzburg College.

In April 1872, Hilton’s opponents arrived on the government mule wagon, and left having been defeated by an innings, in a fairly low-scoring game.

Hilton’s pioneering Headmaster was Rev. William Orde Newnham. In the robust environment of a distant colony in the 19th Century, Newnham apparently favoured cricket as much for the principles it taught as for any athletic appeal the game had.

2014 CRICKET SIDE

“Cricket teaches a boy to play with a straight bat, to build up a solid defence by patience and perseverance, and to respect the rules of the game.”

The records show that cricket was played enthusiastically, but accompanied by very little coaching, until after World War I. The earliest Hiltonians to represent their country at cricket were CFW Hime, who played a match against Lord Hawke’s England side in the 1895/6 tour; Rev. Cyril Robinson, a highly regarded Natal player who was the wicket-keeper in the South African side that played England in 1905/6; and Roly Beaumont, who played in England in a triangular tournament, against England and Australia, in 1912, and again when England toured South Africa in the summer of 1913/14. The 1920s saw Hilton College emerge as a force amongst South African cricketing schools, aided considerably by the appointment of cricket professional George Beet to the staff. Legend has it that Hilton was the first school with a turf facility in the Province; only Kingsmead in Durban achieved this distinction before the Hilton Oval.

1. armagh cook 2. stephen reeves

Hilton’s Internationals

3. angus curtis

A total of 15 cricketers have represented South Africa at the highest level.

4. jarryd edy 5. gavin morris 6. chris trenchard 7. matthew lovatt 8. ethan bosch 9. kieran hayne 10. michael dedekind 11. ross talmage 12. jonty jewels 13. nicholas beal

The first of Hilton’s great cricketing personalities was Jock Cameron, a wicket-keeper batsman who played in 26 tests between 1927 and 1935, beginning an era which lasted nearly 40 years, during which the Springboks were exclusively served by three Old Hiltonian wicket keepers: Cameron, Billy Wade and Johnny Waite.

Cameron was a remarkable keeper who stood up to nearly everything, gifted with lightning speed, and a calm approach when appealing to the umpire. Clearly a highly principled man who approached the game with great seriousness, he captained the Springboks in Australia and New Zealand, and played a major part in South Africa’s historic and series-winning victory at Lord’s in 1935. In an extraordinary turn of events, he contracted enteric fever on the boat back to South Africa and died shortly after arriving home.

Coach: Neil Johnson Assistant Coach: Sean Carlisle

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SCHOOL TEAM PROFILE: CRICKET

St Benedict’s College ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY St Benedict’s competes against all the top boys’ schools in Gauteng, as well as competing in various festivals across the country allowing the ‘Bennies’ boys the opportunity to play against the cream of schoolboy cricketers in the country. St Benedict’s cricket has certainly grown since the first game of cricket was played at St Benedict’s way back in 1962. St Benedict’s played against Maryvale Altar Boys and narrowly lost.

Father Jimmy Towell was the first cricket coach at St Benedict’s during the sixties and he later served as Headmaster from 1969 to 1970. The College currently boasts 16 cricket teams (four per age group).

The facilities match those of all the top schools in the country: four fields with turf wickets. Turf practice nets are also available for use during practices and

integrated days. St Benedict’s also owns Ravens Park in Linbro Park that has an additional three cricket fields with turf wickets. The College 1st team emerged as the winners of the John Waite B Section in 2007. Andrew Hipkiss was the College’s first double centurion scoring 200 runs not out in a match against Potchefstroom Boys in 2007.

In 2010, a state-of-the-art indoor cricket centre was opened. The cricket centre boasts seven cricket nets with 18 metre run-ups and excellent lighting. The boys are exposed to the latest coaching techniques needed in the modern game.

Players to watch

2014 CRICKET SIDE

Batting Travis Watson – Travis is Captain and opens the batting. His average in 2013 was 28.68, with a highest total of 89.

1. travis watson (captain)

Kegan McCullough: Bats at no: 4. Average for 2013 was 30.47 with a highest total of 81 not out.

2. brandon lane

Lorenzo Machado: Selected for Gauteng Under-15A in December 2013.

3. kegan mccullogh

Top bowlers Timothy Whitehead: Opening bowler who was selected for Gauteng Under-17B in December 2013.

Took 31 wickets last term with an average of 20.32.

4. lorenzo machado 5. wesley swart (v-captain) 6. slade mitrovich 7. timothy whitehead 8. joshua hall 9. kyle Norrie (w-keeper) 10. liam oosthuizen 11. grant cunningham 12. nelson de bastos 13. mohammed saloojee

Brandon Lane: Opening bat with an average of 23.87 and a top score of 51. Also bowls right/Arm off-spin.

Broke school record last year by taking 42 wickets in the season.

Mohammed Saloojee: Right/Arm leg-spinner, selected for Gauteng Under-17B in 2013. Average for 2013 was 13.46, with best bowling figures of 6 for 24.

Wesley Swart: Right /Arm medium pace bowler with an average of 16.79 and best figures 5 for 21 in 2013.

Head Coach: Craig Norris Assistant Coach: Godfrey Mbangeni

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St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

Kingswood College ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY Right now Kingswood College, a well-known independent school in Grahamstown, is in the process of taking the cricket offered to its learners to another level with the introduction of a Cricket High Performance Programme which will be housed in the magnificent new Indoor Sports Centre.

How far removed this feat of Kingswood-related cricket is from the first excursions way back in 1894. It was then that Kingswood played its first, and probably worst, match of cricket. BA Tindall (who later became a Judge in the Appellate Division) opened the batting for Kingswood. He scored an unintentional four from a snick through the slip cordon and was bowled next ball.

This boundary, together with three extras, was the sum

2014 CRICKET SIDE

total mustered by Kingswood – 7 all out and they no doubt lost the match in quick time!

It was from these humble beginnings that Kingswood has, over the course of the next 118 years, become a force to be reckoned with within the ranks of South African Schools cricket. Kingswood’s cricket captain in 1913, HW Chapman, will go down in history as being the first Kingswoodian to represent the Springboks when he was selected in 1914.

Other Kingswoodians who have represented South Africa with distinction in recent times are Meyrick Pringle and Brett Schultz. Neil Johnson represented Zimbabwe for a number of seasons. Another member of the Kingswood 1st X1 during this era was the current Proteas coach, Russell Domingo.

Dennis Carlstein, who was recently awarded an internationally acclaimed award for service to cricket, matriculated from Kingswood in 1948. Dennis has dedicated his life to cricket in South Africa.

1. Brad haller (captain) 2. shane potgieter 3. jordan williams 4. ryan victor 5. jimmy sholto-douglas 6. tony pedro 7. lutho nomoyi 8. michael braans 9. stuart thomas 10. diane kruger 11. marco lombard (V-captain) 12. joshua shelley 13. cameron hertz

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Players to watch Brad Haller and Marco Lombard were in the EP Under-17 side last. Both have been in prolific form as batsmen. Both have also contributed significantly with the ball as well.

Jimmy Sholto-Douglas and Lutho Nomoyi made the EP Under-15 side. These youngsters are stepping up brilliantly, and making a significant impact in the 1st XI already.

SCHOOL TEAM PROFILE: CRICKET

St Andrew’s School (Bloemfontein) ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY One thing of which we continually remind ourselves is that, by comparison with most other schools in South Africa, Saints is a small school. This, in turn, means that the ‘material’ (for want of a better term) upon which we call for participation in all extra-mural activities is far more limited than would be the case in a bigger school.

At Saints, therefore, the emphasis in all extra-mural activities falls on participation rather than achievement in terms of match results, awards gained etc. A team that loses a match is as worthy of applause as a team that wins, provided that that team has given of its best and played to the highest standards of sportsmanship.

2014 CRICKET SIDE 1. koot pienaar 2. dilivio ridgard 3. ryan du plessis

It is expected of every boy to participate in some or other extra-mural activity and that he should participate to the full. If a boy wishes to play hockey as a winter team sport, he commits himself to playing that sport for the whole season. To do any less is neither fair upon members of staff who give up much of their valuable time to coach and administer activities, nor upon other boys who participate.

Why we play sport: Primarily, of course, we play sport for healthy recreation and enjoyment. As educators, however, we believe that sport is a necessary part of a balanced educational programme, not only because it promotes physical fitness and fellowship, but also because it encourages the development of such character-building traits as self-control, cooperation, loyalty, unselfishness, determination and leadership.

Competition is an essential part of sport, but competition should produce enjoyment and a sense of achievement, never bad feeling. Matches are not worth playing if they engender hostility and ill-will.

Recent Cricket Success St Andrew’s has produced five SA representatives (SA School/SA Under-19) in the recent past including 2010 SA Schools Captain Keagan Rafferty.

4. michael stannard

Nine players in the current 2014 team played in Free State teams in 2013.

5. marno van greuning

The 1st XI hasn’t lost a match at their home ground (Vossie’s Field) since September 2012.

6. kevin pretorius 7. sean whitehead 8. lyle heilbron 9. frankl damons 10. carl fitzpatrick 11. matthew ramos 12. j.r. de bruin

Players to watch Batting Batsmen: Ryan du Plessis (Free State Coke Week and Knights Cubs 2013) Michael Stannard (Free State Coke Week and SA Under-17 Invitation Team at Cubs 2013), Koot Pienaar (Free State Under-17 2013) Top bowlers Sean Whitehead left arm orthodox bowler (Free State Coke Week and Knights Cubs 2013), Lyle Heilbron right arm off spin (Free State Coke Week 2013), Marno van Greuning left arm seamer (Free State Under-17 2013) Carl Fitzpatrick right arm off spin (Free State Under-17 2013).

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St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

Clifton College ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY Clifton College has only been around for 11 years and, in that short space, has notched up some impressive victories including some major wins over Michaelhouse earlier this year, DHS (2013), St Stithians and Hilton (2012) to name a few. The current First XI at this present moment is unbeaten from seven outings so far this year. Currently, two players (namely Kushen Kishun and Senuran Muthusamy) represent the KwaZulu-Natal Amateur Team who both made the SA Colts XI when they were in school.

The School’s highest ever First XI total was 399-6 against Repton College of the UAE in 40 overs in 2012.

The highest ever individual score was made by Kushen Kishun in 2009 against George Campbell where he made 140*.

2014 CRICKET SIDE 1. joshua niemand (captain) 2. warrick cryer 3. callum scott 4. jason furniss 5. zak paruk 6. sean may 7. william thatcher (w-keeper) 8. bradley wheal 9. chad scott 10. thierry rossler 11. cayden porter 12. aaron paul 13. hayden burmister

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Players to watch Two players to keep your eye on are Joshua Niemand, a hard-hitting left-handed batsman, who is averaging 43 this season. He is also a handy left arm spinner, averaging 11 with the ball.

Bradley Wheal is the other player to look out for.

He is participating in his third Independent Schools week. Bradley, a right arm fast bowler, achieved the schools best bowling figures back in 2012 against St Benedict’s at this festival of 6-11, including a hattrick!

SCHOOL TEAM PROFILE: CRICKET

St John’s College (Zimbabwe) ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY St John’s College was unbeaten in the local season of 2013, first time in the College’s history, and was still unbeaten as at the end of January 2014.

A famous player from St Johns is Brendan Taylor, who was selected for the Zimbabwe team at 18 years old, and has also captained the national side. There are a number of players that are playing in the provincial setup here in Zimbabwe at the moment, mainly for the Mash Eagles, and Mid-West Rhinos.

St Johns College has eight boys from 2013 selected for the national Under-18 Zimbabwe cricket team, of which all eight are still playing at the College now; the most we have ever had at the College.

2014 CRICKET SIDE

On average the College will get between nine and 15 boys in the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 national sides every year.

Players to watch Batting • Gary King – bats at number three. His average in 2013 was 44.7. Highest total was 125* against St Andrews GH • Edward Byrom – opens the batting. Average in 2013 was 27.9.

• Nick Welch – opens 15 last year. Ave in 2013 was 41.7. Highest 90* vs. St Benedict’s.

Top bowlers • Brad Evans – best figures are 5-41-10 • Shane Snater – best figures vs. Churchill 2014 – 6-13-8.4 • Kyle Hopper – best figures 5-22-16 vs.

Peterhouse 2013

1. gary king (Captain) 2. eli snyman 3. shane snater 4. edward byrom 5. kyle hopper 6. brad evans 7. michael rossi 8. james waller 9. nick welch 10. ryan murray 11. michael belfour 12. jayden schadendorf

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St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

Cornwall Hill College ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY Cornwall is a young school at 16 years old, but has grown in stature and we certainly enjoy playing with the “big” schools.

We offer one-on-one coaching sessions and have a proud record in our Prep school having a number of Standard Bank players representing the school.

Tshiamo Lebeloane captained the Northerns Standard Bank Under-13 team in 2012 and was selected for the Northerns Under-15 team in 2013.

Craig Williams, past pupil, current captain the Namibia national team, and Aiden Markram (current SA Under-19 World Cup captain) who attended Cornwall until the end of Grade 9, are two of our success stories.

2014 CRICKET SIDE 1. kyle van schalkwyk (captain) 2. reece mowatt 3. phillip langenhoven 4. jacques porter 5. chris van niekerk 6. aiden beukes 7. thomas wilson 8. surprise lebeloane 9. michael hesse 10. byron williamson 11. neil fourie 12. ruan venter

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An interesting fact: Surprise Lebeloane took 1 for 4 runs in 10 overs, including a wide, against St Andrews College, Bloemfontein in 2013.

SCHOOL TEAM PROFILE: CRICKET

St Charles College ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY St Charles College was established on 26 July 1875 by Bishop Charles Jolivet in Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg as St Charles Grammar School for Boys.

The School was later sold to the Marist Brothers in 1912 who renamed it St Charles College. Today, the College is home to over 800 boys.

The College has followed the University of Cambridge International Curriculum for the past 12 years and offers IGCSE, AS Level and A Level examinations.

Besides a strong academic programme, the College is fortunate to have outstanding facilities and competes at the highest level in all traditional sporting codes.

St Charles College is a small school but the boys are known for their tenacity and competitive spirit.

Players to watch Batting Eric De Rauville – 63 against Clifton this year Mark Ortmann – 53 against Maritzburg College this year Brent Kenendy – 53 against Clifton this year Top bowlers Blake Mingay – 4/15 against Clifton this year William Squires – 4/23 against Pretoria Boys High this year Kylan Naidoo – has represented KZN Inland U17 and the KZN Inland senior side.

2014 CRICKET SIDE 1. brent kennedy (captain) 2. mark ortmann 3. zac kourtsoris 4. eric de rauville 5. marc knoble (v-captain) 6. jody saayman 7. ferdie luttig 8. kylan naidoo 9. luke barnard (w-Keeper) 10. william squires 11. blake mingay 12. charl van lingen 13. michael darroch

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St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

St David’s Marist Inanda ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY St David’s Marist Inanda forms part of the legacy of St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Order in rural France in the 8th Century. Today St David’s is one of hundreds of international Marist schools, youth institutions and universities that strive to live the values of humility, modesty and simplicity as espoused by our founder.

This success can be credited in no small part to some of the finest coaching staff and facilities in the country: 18 turf nets and six astro-turf nets to cater for the school’s 15 teams.

Situated in Sandton, St David’s has a proud 72-year history. In this time we have established ourselves as a premier cricketing school and we continue to be a breeding ground for Gauteng Schools’ representatives at all levels. In the last few years alone St David’s has produced provincial representatives such as Dominic Hendricks, Themba Bavuma and Pumelela Matshikwe.

Asher is Vice-captain and opening batsman for the St David’s 1st XI Cricket Team. He played his first game for the 1st team in Grade 8 against St John’s batting at number 5, and subsequently went on tour with them to Sri Lanka the next year. He will have reached the milestone of 100 caps during the Independent Schools’ Cricket Festival to be held at St Alban’s College in February.

2014 CRICKET SIDE 1. Mitchell Hawley (Captain) 2. Asher binder 3. mark wyatt 4. daniel weisz

Players to watch

During the first part of the 2013/2014 season from September to November, Asher scored 938 runs for St David’s at an average of 46.9 which included scores of 135 against Grey College, 114 against St John’s and six 50s.

He plays club cricket for Old Edwardians and fluctuates between the President’s League and Premier League.

His other main interest is Judo where he has achieved Under-20 Protea Colours.

5. Asad Boomgaard 6. Ben Rayner 7. Michael Symmonds 8. Richard White 9. Michael Steere 10. Akshay Manchanda 11. Chad Classen 12. Kieran Frost

42

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

Coach: Mr Amarinder Bhinder Assistant Coach: Mr Sizwe Masondo Fitness trainer: Mr Dave Shanley Scorer: Mrs Nicola Goemans

SCHOOL TEAM PROFILE: CRICKET

Michaelhouse ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY St Michael’s Diocesan College was founded in Pietermaritzburg in 1896 by James Cameron Todd, an Anglican canon. The school was established as a private venture with fifteen boys in two small houses in Loop Street.

James Cameron Todd had a clear idea of what he wanted the school to be. He wrote: “A man’s tone, moral and spiritual, as well as intellectual, is largely determined for life by his school.”

Within a few years, Michaelhouse became the Diocesan College of Natal, governed by a permanent trust deed and administered by a board of governors.

In 1901 the school relocated to Balgowan, when some 77 boys took up residence in the buildings which

2014 CRICKET SIDE

remain the core to the school to this day. Its name was later changed to Michaelhouse. The school adopted the 9th century chorale Stars of the Morning as its official school hymn.

Motto: The Latin school motto, Quis ut Deus translates to ‘Who like God?’, or, less literally, ‘Who is like God?’ This motto is derived from the name of the school whose origin stems from the Hebrew Mikha’el which translates to the same.

Cricket Cricket always been a big part of the school. Cricket culture is healthy at the moment with high numbers playing and hopefully boys carrying on into club, university, academy, franchise and national structures.

Dale Benkenstein is a recent international while Greg Oldfield is currently representing South Africa at the Under-19 World Cup.

1. jason marshall

Players to watch

2. brandon tattam

Jason Marshall – Captain - top order bat

3. bradley roberts

Brandon Tattam - 138* recently – batting at 3

4. james dechastelain

Bradley Roberts - opening bat

5. dale beckley 6. nicholas glassock 7. nick elliot 8. cameron oldfield

Dale Beckley - opening bat Nick Elliot - seamer Nicholas Glassock- seamer David Geard - leg spinner Brendan Bergs - wicket- keeper

9. brendan bergs 10. david geard 11. gareth macaskill 12. marc conlon

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

43

St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

St John’s College (Johannesburg) ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HISTORY Cricket was played from the school’s inception. In 1902 the school moved to Kaiser Wilhelm Street in Joubert Park and a net was used in the back yard of the premises. Of the net in the back yard, a staff member, CT Elliot, wrote: “As there was some difficulty about the net, we built one of wire netting in the school grounds.

It served its purpose admirably, but as there was no room to get out of the way, a hard drive back to the bowling stump occasionally lamed one of those lesser nimbleness”.

The Union grounds were used as the school cricket field. The first match was against the No 13 Military Hospital at Norse Mines in 1902 and the first Old Johannian match was played at the Wanderers in 1906.

2014 CRICKET SIDE 1. Martyn Strydom (Captain)

Coaches The early history refers to “Atfield of Lord’s”, a coach employed from the early times of 1914 and remunerated by Sir Abe Bailey, members of the academic staff and old boys such as J Zulch assisted, but in 1935, Major HMW Yates joined the staff.

Since that time eminent cricketers such as “Dickiei Bird”, John Waite, Richard Lumb and Richard Reid (New Zealand) have coached the first eleven.

The Mitchell Field Originally known as the “A Field”, the main field was a sloping ground surrounded by a golf course. It was renamed in 1978 in honour of Bruce Mitchell, the great South African cricketer who played in 42 tests, scoring 3421 runs and taking 27 wickets.

Famous Old Boys, South Africa John Zulch

1910-1921

Neville Lindsay

1921-1925

3. farhaan sayanvala

Bruce Mitchell

1929-1949

4. tyrone dial

Ronnie Grievson

1939

5. ndumiso mvelase

Russell Endean

1950-1958

Clive Rice

1970-1992

Michael Rindell

1992

2. Lorenzo Masselli

6. jake alfred 7. cameron thompson 8. oliver gnodde 9. calvin smith 10. conor mc kerr 11. morgan gairbairn (w-keeper) 12. matthew haselton

44

Of interest is the fact that many of the sides played by St John’s no longer exist.

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

SCHOOL TEAM PROFILE: CRICKET

St George (Zimbabwe) ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

St Stithians ST ALBAN’S CRICKET FESTIVAL

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

45

St Alban’s College CrickET FESTIVAL

St Alban’s College 50th Cricket Festival

Fixtures 2014 Day 1 and 2 (2 DAY GAME) TEAM 1

VS

TEAM 2

FIELD

St Alban's College

Eton

St Alban’s College Oval

Bishops

Kingswood

St Alban’s College Baloyi

St Andrew's Bloem

Hilton

St Alban’s College Murray

St John's (JHB)

St Andrew's College (GHT)

TUKS 1

St David's

Kearsney

TUKS 2

St Stithian's

Michaelhouse

TUKS 3

St Benedict’s

St Charles

TUKS 4

Cornwall Hill

Woodridge

Cornwall Hill Oval

Helpmakaar

St George

Cornwall Hill A

St John's (Harare)

Clifton

Cornwall Hill B

St Alban's College

St John's (Harare)

St Alban’s College Oval

St Benedict’s

Clifton

St Alban’s College Baloyi

St Andrew's College (GHT)

Bishops

St Alban’s College Murray

St David's

Woodridge

St David's 1

St John's (JHB)

Michaelhouse

St David's 2

St Stithian's

St George

St David's 3

Helpmakaar

St Charles

Menlo Park

Cornwall Hill

Kearsney

Cornwall Hill Oval

St Andrew's Bloem

Eton

Cornwall Hill A

Kingswood

Hilton

Cornwall Hill B

DAY 4 (Sunday)

St Alban's College

Bishops

St Alban’s College Oval

Woodridge

Michaelhouse

St Alban’s College Baloyi

Hilton

Helpmakaar

St Alban’s College Murray

St David's

St Charles

St David's 1

St John's

St John's (Harare)

St David's 2

St Benedict's

St Andrew's College (GHT)

St David's 3

Eton

St Stithian's

St Stithian's

Cornwall Hill

Clifton

Cornwall Hill Oval

Kearsney

Kingswood

PBHS – Abernethy

St Andrew's Bloem

St George

Menlo Park

DAY 3 (Saturday)

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

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WICKET GAME RIVALDO MOONSAMY Words By Wilhelm de Swardt

Soccer used to be the sport Rivaldo Moonsamy loved best. He dreamt about becoming a professional soccer player after school. With nifty footwork he could, and actually still can, dribble the ball past any defender to score goals‌ lots of goals.

But everything changed when his older brother, Ricardo, advised him to forget about soccer and rather focus on cricket, because cricket offers more opportunities.

Although Moonsamy still plays soccer, and still scores goals, he has become a fully converted cricketer who knows how to send bad deliveries to the boundary.

In December Moonsamy represented Northerns at the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket week (Under-19) in Durban as wicket-keeper batsman. Although the conditions were tough, he managed to notch up two useful scores – 40 against Border, and 56 against Western Province.

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

beginning, when I started to keep, I certainly did not stop every ball or take every catch. I think it is only natural for a novice keeper to be beaten by deliveries or to be caught off guard. It is mainly because your concentration is not yet what it should be. Nowadays it is almost second nature for me to be totally focused.”

The St Alban’s College learner was also selected to play for the SA Schools Colts XI against the KZN Academy XI. He scored 45 runs in this game.

He started representing his school’s first cricket team when he was in Grade 9. According to Moonsamy, last year’s team was probably one the best in the history of the school.

“We finished the season in 7th position on the national ranking for schools,” he proudly tells Game On.

Last year Rivaldo scored 1231 runs in 32 matches at a batting average of 43.54 runs. His highest score was 147 runs against St John’s.

Moonsamy remembers how, when he started out as a wicket-keeper, his coach sometimes made him wear a blindfold during a training session. The coach then threw balls at him, challenging him to pre-empt where the ball was likely to go.

Moonsamy considers AB de Villiers to be his role model. “I like the way he bats, his confidence and the way he behaves off the field,” he says. “I met AB once.

He is genuinely passionate about cricket. His advice to me was not to try and force things, but to play my natural game.”

When asked about what he considered to be his shortcomings as a cricketer Moonsamy replied that, for the moment, he was happy with his batting technique.

“However as a keeper my footwork behind the stumps is not yet up to scratch. I still need to work on that.”

Moonsamy loves the challenge of batting and wicket-keeping.

Moonsamy is reluctant to discuss the contribution his batting made to the team’s success.

A fascinating ability of wicketkeepers is to stay focused ball after ball during an entire innings.

Moonsamy’s sporting talents are not restricted to playing cricket or kicking soccer balls. He is quite an adept hockey player, having represented Northerns at school level.

However Craig Hoyer, director sport at St Albans, has no hesitation in stating that Moonsamy is currently the school’s best cricket player.

“When I started out as a keeper, I battled to remain focused throughout the innings. There is definitely truth in the saying that practice makes perfect. In the

Not surprisingly, when he plays hockey, he plays wing or forward.

Regardless of what the sport is Moonsamy will always be in the thick of things.

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

49

faf du plessis No Guts No Glory

no guts no glory

FAF DU PLESSIS Australia’s cricketers are known for their ability to sledge opposition batsmen during international games, trying to intimidate them to make mistakes.

Words by Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Gallo Images

H

owever, of one thing there can be no doubt. When Faf du Plessis walks out to bat in the first test at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Michael Clarke, the Aussie captain, will know who he is.

The former pupil of Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) smiles when he thinks back to his first encounter with Clarke and the Aussies. It happened in November 2012, during his test debut at the Adelaide Oval. When he came out to bat, Clarke asked a teammate who this Du Plessis was. “Is he even listed on Cricinfo.com,” Clarke wanted to know.

With one of the gutsiest performances ever seen in test cricket, Du Plessis not only managed to rescue the Proteas from the jaws of defeat, but he also made quite certain that Clarke will forever remember who Francois du Plessis is.

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

Cricket

Du Plessis batted for seven hours and faced 376 balls for his unbeaten 110.

He scattered his 14 boundaries into a gritty defensive knock to ensure that the test was drawn. In the first innings he scored an impressive 78 runs.

In a ‘delicate’ finishing touch, Du Plessis walked up to Clarke after the test was completed and introduced himself properly by saying: “Hi. I’m Faf.”

Cricinfo statistics Full name: Francois du Plessis Born: July 13, 1984, Pretoria Current age: 29 years Major teams: South Africa, Chennai Super Kings, Lancashire, Northerns, South Africa A, South Africa Under-19s, Titans Playing role: All-rounder Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Legbreak Height: 1,80 m Education: Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, Pretoria Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

51

faf du plessis No Guts No Glory

52

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: Cricket

According to Du Plessis he will always treasure his first test century.

South Africa’s upcoming clash with the Aussies will undoubtedly be one of the most thrilling contests in test cricket this year.

Having won eight tests during the 2012/2013 season and losing only one, South Africa is currently the top-ranked team in test cricket. In comparison, the Aussies have been on a roller coaster ride during the same season, winning eight tests and losing eight.

However, they are on an absolute high at the moment after demolishing England 5-0 in the recent Ashes series, as well as winning the one-day series (50 overs) 4-1.

Du Plessis is not overly worried about playing against the Aussies.

“It stands to reason that the Aussies will, as always, be supremely confident about beating us. But don’t forget that we have been the most consistent team during the past few years. That is why we are ranked number one.”

In the build-up to the test series, one of the main points of discussion was whether Du Plessis should bat at number four now that Jacques Kallis has retired.

“It will be difficult for AB (De Villiers) to bat at four and keep wicket as well and I think JP (Duminy) feels more comfortable when batting at six,” Du Plessis explained. “So it stands to reason that I should bat at four. It will be a natural progression for my test career. You start off batting lower down the order, but as you gain more confidence you move up the order. But, having said this, I will bat wherever I am needed.”

During the recent test series against India, Du Plessis (134) and De Villiers (103) shared a 5th wicket partnership of 205. It was a world record for a 5th wicket stand in the 4th innings of a Test match.

Grade 8 and together they moved up the ranks, Northerns Under-15, Northerns Under-17, Northerns Under-19 and South Africa Under-19.

“We had an awesome team when we played for Affies.

When we were in Grade 11 and Grade 12 our team was ranked as the best high school team in the country,” Du Plessis

reminisces.

This was not the first time that Du Plessis and De Villiers were involved in a heroic stand on a cricket pitch.

Their cricket careers have been entwined since when they were 13 years old. They both started off playing for the first cricket team of Affies when they were still in

“We lost only one game, against King Edward High School. That game still haunts AB. King Edward needed two runs from the last ball.

The batsman played the ball up into the air and AB ran back to try and catch it, but he dropped the ball and we lost. AB remembers the incident as if it happened yesterday.”

known to make mistakes at crucial times.

match-winning innings of 69 from 47 balls.”

“It happens every week. It’s part and parcel of playing cricket.

Remember how England recently lost a limited-overs game against Australia who were at 244/9 and still needed 57 runs to win? England was simply blown apart by James Faulkner who hit five sixes (all of them off Ben Stokes) in a superb

“But I am realistic. I know that during the T20 World Cup there will be speculation about when we will start to choke right from the moment we start playing our first game. It will definitely put more pressure on us and will be like an extra weapon in the arsenal of our rivals.”

FAF ON CHOKING Du Plessis will be captaining the Proteas when they compete in the ICC T20 World Cup in Bangladesh (16 March to 6 April).

Because of the Proteas’ dismal record when it comes to playing World Cup Tournaments, they were dubbed ‘chokers’ by the media.

However, Du Plessis reckons that the Proteas are not the only international cricket team who are

“As captain, I hope that I will be able to help my team and myself to remain calm and not make silly mistakes when it comes to the crunch.”

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

53

faf du plessis No Guts No Glory

FAF’s ADVICE TO YOUNGSTERS

FAF ON BEING THE PROTEAS STYLIST

“Any young player who hopes to make a career by playing cricket should be prepared to work very hard and to be patient. There are definitely no quick fix solutions for success in international cricket.”

Many of the Proteas players will tell you that when they need some tips about what to wear when, they ask Faf for advice.

Apparently he is the team’s ‘Glam Guru’.

“You start off by playing school cricket and go on to play club cricket. If you are lucky you will get the opportunity to play provincial cricket and from then on it will depend on what you make of your opportunities.”

Du Plessis just laughed when asked about it. “I am comfortable with being trendy and I am not ashamed to admit that I always try to keep abreast with the latest fashions. In the beginning Graeme Smith joked about my combover hairstyle, but now he has a big comb-over hairstyle himself!”

“AB was an exception. He had the opportunity to play for South Africa as a youngster and he made the most of it.”

Has he given some of his teammates fashion tips?

“I have certainly spoken to some of them about the way they dress. I have also taken Ryan Mclaren, Dean Elgar and JP Duminy to go shopping, but I don’t come cheaply,” Du Plessis grins mischievously. “If you want me to help you dress properly you must be prepared to spend some serious money.”

“The rest of us have to take the ’long haul’. I only really began to understand the intricacies of being an international batsman when I was 26. Spin bowlers reach their peak when they are nearing their thirties.”

Batting and fielding averages Mat Tests ODI’s T20’s First-class List A Twenty20

Inns

NO

Runs

HS

Ave

BF

SR

100

50

4s

6s

Ct

St

11

16

3

782

137

60.15

1845 42.38

3

2

95

3

7

0

47

45

5

1102

72

27.55

1319

83.54

0

7

97

13

27

0

15

15

3

426

85

35.50

357

119.32

0

4

38

11

4

0

89

143

15

5187

176

40.52

11

31

82

0

163

150

27

4945

120*

40.20

5545

89.17

9

27

90

0

94

86

10

1924

85

25.31

1608 119.65

0

12

27

0

164

53

Bowling averages Mat Tests ODI’s T20’s First-class List A Twenty20

54

Inns

Balls Runs Wkts

BBI

BBM

Ave

Econ

SR

4w

5w

10

11

5

78

69

0

-

-

-

5.30

-

0

0

0

47

9

150

142

2

1/8

1/8

71.00

5.68

75.0

0

0

0

15

2

-

89 163 94

52

8

3

0

-

2558

1477

41

4/39

2196

1983

54

4/47

4/47

790

917

50

5/19

5/19

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

-

2.25

-

0

0

0

36.02

3.46

62.3

3

0

0

36.72

5.41

40.6

1

0

0

18.34

6.96

15.8

1

2

0

Cricket

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

55

Christiaan le Grange Advantage

“For me tennis is the ultimate game. That is why I don’t mind putting in long hours and making big sacrifices, even if I realise that there are no guarantees.”

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: Tennis

O

n the Hoërskool Waterkloof social calendar, the annual Valentine’s Ball is one of the most popular events.

Christiaan le Grange would not have minded to be there, but it was not meant to be. He was in Stellenbosch, representing Waterkloof in a tennis clash against Paul Roos Gimnasium.

But Le Grange does not complain. He knows what he wants out of life. He reasons that in future there will be ample social events that he will be able to attend, but right now the only thing that really matters to him is to succeed at tennis.

“For me tennis is the ultimate game. That is why I don’t mind putting in long hours and making big sacrifices, even if I realise that there are no guarantees.”

Alberts (Affies) in the final. This victory means that Le Grange is now Gauteng North’s top-ranked Under-19 player.

In international tennis much attention is given to the ongoing rivalries between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and also Nadal versus Novak Djokovic. According to Le Grange his toughest rival up to now has been Alberts. “Whenever I play against him I know that I will be in for a tough game.

We just know how to push each other to the limit.”

To put the matter into perspective, it should be mentioned that Alberts is the current South African Under-18 champion.

Le Grange considers both Nadal and Federer to be his tennis role models, but he has a slight preference for the Spaniard.

Le Grange was on a high when we interviewed him. He had just won the Gauteng North Under-19 Championships by beating Ruben

ADVANTAGE:

CHRISTIAAN If you’re a young tennis player hoping to make a career of playing professional tennis, life can sometimes become very lonesome.

Words by Wilhelm de Swardt Photos Colleen Naude

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

57

Christiaan le Grange Advantage

Le Grange is full of praise for the role that JohnLaffnie de Jager, who was a world-class doubles player.

“John-Laffnie really opened my eyes to what international tennis is all about, I will be forever grateful for that, as well as for the opportunities to play internationally he has afforded me.”

Le Grange is now being coached by Gerrie Dippenaar.

“In my opinion, Nadal is very close to being the ultimate tennis player. What I admire most about him is that every time he plays he is prepared to fight right until the end.

His performance in the recent Australian Open final proves it. In spite of a serious back injury he refused to quit and even managed to win a set against Stanislas Wawrinka, before losing in four sets.”

Le Grange has been playing tennis ever since he can remember. He used to be quite an avid cricket player but in Grade 8 he was forced to choose between the two sports.

“There was just not enough time to properly train in both sports. The reason I chose tennis instead of cricket was because I was ranked 5th in my age group at the time.”

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

“It is exciting to be working with a new coach.

In the past I used to rely on my backhand to win important points. Over the past few weeks Gerrie has worked hard on improving my forehand and serve, making me much more of an all-rounder. In fact I think my forehand and serve are now my strong points.”

The only regret Le Grange has is that he had been taught to play right-handed.

“I am a natural lefty. Unfortunately my first coach did not realise that I was left-handed and he taught me to play with my right hand. Playing left-handed might have been an advantage.”

Le Grange hopes to study in the USA next year and play first division college tennis.

“This is basically the only option for me if I want to continue playing competitive tennis. Turning pro after school is definitely not a viable option.

Being a professional tennis player goes hand in hand with hours and hours of training. It’s all very well when you are one of the top-ranked players who earn good money, but very few new pros have the money to fly all over the world, trying to qualify for tournaments.”

“A positive spinoff about playing college tennis is that I will have a good qualification to fall back on should I decide not to play professional tennis.”

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: Tennis

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

59

JANNEMAN MALAN Good, Batter, best

Good Batter best

JANNEMAN MALAN

Scoring a century in cricket is a huge milestone in any batsman’s career and a double century is obviously an even more impressive ‘wow’ moment. But the ultimate achievement will certainly be to score more than 200 runs while batting from the very first ball of the innings right up to the last.

Words by Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Colleen Naude

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: Cricket

Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

61

JANNEMAN MALAN Good, Batter, best

N

ot many batsmen can claim to have done this, but Janneman Malan, matriculant from Hoërskool Waterkloof, is one of the few who can.

During the National Under-17 Cricket Week held in Stellenbosch over the December holidays, Malan, who opened the batting for his team, scored an unbeaten 214 runs (213 balls; 25 x 4; 5 x 6) for Northerns against Border.

Malan admits that it was a very special innings. “I started off quite conservatively, just to play myself in, but as my confidence grew I began to attack the bowlers. The net result was that I ended up scoring on average a run per ball.”

Surprisingly enough Malan does not consider his innings against Border to be his best.

“The innings that I really treasure is the 128 runs I scored at the ubs week against the Dolphins earlier this year. As a batsman I was challenged by a very good bowling attack.”

Scoring centuries seems to be the norm rather than the exception for Malan. Last season, when playing for the first cricket team of Hoërskool Waterkloof, he managed on six occasions to reach three figures and beyond while batting.

Japie Claassens, who coached Malan from when he was still Under-15, has no hesitation in predicting that if nothing unforeseen happens his protégé will go far as a cricketer.

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Game On Magazine, February: Issue 04, 2014

“Do you know that in his Under-15 year Janneman amassed nearly 2 500 runs in the 40-odd games he played?” Claassens beams with pride.

Claassens reckons that the foundation for Malan’s solid batting technique was laid when he took cricket as an official school subject in Grades 8 and 9.

“The fact that he had cricket as a school subject gave him the opportunity to hit hundreds of balls while practising in the cricket nets during school time.”

There was actually never any doubt about what Malan’s favourite sport would be. He was influenced from a young age by his two older cricket-playing brothers, André and Pieter.

“They

were absolute cricket fanatics and

I was led to believe that cricket was the only sport that really mattered.”

Despite the fact that his brothers were respectively five and seven years older than Janneman, he joined in their fanatical backyard cricket encounters. He remembers being hit on the head by one of his brothers’ bowling deliveries on quite a number of occasions, but that did not scare him off. In fact it had the exact opposite effect of motivating him to work on his batting technique.

Malan does not hesitate to say that up to now his parents have had the dominant influence on his cricket career.

“They have made many sacrifices over the years to help my brothers and me to succeed as cricketers and I am very grateful for their support.”

When asked whether his dad was also an avid cricketer, Malan shakes his head.

Janneman Malan is the youngest of three cricket-playing brothers.

The oldest, Pieter Malan, represented NorthernTitans in the past.

Andre Malan, the middle child, is currently in the Northern Amateur group.

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: Cricket

“My

dad grew up in Keimoes. I don’t think they ever had a cricket team. My dad often said jokingly that he had never lost his wicket, but that was only because he had never played any cricket.”

Malan’s eldest brother, Pieter, currently plays for Western Province and André plays for Northerns.

Although Malan relishes the challenge of frustrating bowlers as a batsman, he wants to start bowling again.

“I used to be a seam bowler, but after I sustained a leg injury while competing as a javelin thrower I switched to bowling leg spin. I didn’t do too badly. My best bowling figure, playing as an Under-15 leg spinner, was 5/20. However my injury is now something of the past and I want to bowl seam again.”

Malan stood in the front row when sporting talents were handed out.

He is an avid tennis player who has played provincially and when he has a rugby ball in hand it takes some doing to stop him.

When he played for Waterkloof’s third team last year, he scored five tries against Hoërskool Menlopark.

SIDE BAR: Coach’s view on Janneman Malan Janneman Malan is an enthusiastic young cricket player with great moral values and a keen cricket brain. I saw Janneman for the first time as a 12-year-old slogging batsman taking each and every primary school bowling attack apart with his furious hitting. At first I perceived him to be a basher with no technique, but as he grew up, I saw a player with potential. He had the uncanny ability to make a good delivery disappear to the fence. He had his own technique, “the Janneman technique”. I lost track of him in his Under-14 year as I was still involved with primary school cricket in general.

I was appointed as coach at Hoërskool Waterkloof in 2011 with the Under-15 A side. Here I met up with most of the young players I had worked with at primary school. The only difference now was that they were all a foot or two taller and had been working hard at their individual games. Thanks to a wonderful cricket academy programme at Hoërskool Waterkloof where students can take sport (cricket, rugby, etc.) as a subject, these young men excelled. They had four cricket periods in a seven day cycle in which he did technical work on all aspects of the game.

These students have the privilege of learning about umpiring, coaching and playing cricket.

Janneman stood out as one of the main players in the 2011 Under-15 side as he produced 2 150 runs at an average of 71.1 that included a 218 off 149

balls as his best. He made five innings above 150 and an additional three above 100. He also took 42 wickets at an average of 12.7 runs per wicket.

And all of this while captaining the side.

In the process of working with Janneman during this time, I saw in him something one doesn’t encounter too often. He had the ability to stay very calm under pressure and is very humble of his achievements.

Janneman was immediately taken up into the first team on entering Grade 10 and for the last two or so years has been the anchor of the Waterkloof First IX. I am currently the cricket coordinator at Hoërskool Waterkloof and as the second team coach am involved with all the senior players on a daily basis. Janneman is still the humble, calm and collected young man I learned to know with the ability to take any bowling attack apart at will, as he has done as a youngster. He can be compared to great cricket players like Hansie Cronje and Quinton de Kok, as they had the calmness within with the skills to match.

Japie Claassens Cricket Coordinator Hoërskool Waterkloof

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Driaan Bruwer The Golden AFfies thread in a rich protea heritage

THE

GOLDEN AFFIES thread IN A RICH PROTEA HERITAGE Former Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) cricket players will have their work cut out during the next few weeks when they will defend South Africa’s cricket honour.

Words: Wilhelm de Swardt

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Focus on Affies: Cricket

“It is special when you, as bowler, are able to take that crucial wicket or when you are able to put the batsmen under pressure so that they cannot score at the required run rate.�

Photo: Big pic photography

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Driaan Bruwer The Golden AFfies thread in a rich protea heritage

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he Proteas will, with good reason, rely heavily on the batting abilities of AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis in the test series against Australia.

Statistics confirm that De Villiers, when on song, is capable of destroying any bowling attack. In his 89 tests so far, De Villiers has scored 6827 runs (18 centuries and 34 fifties) at an average of 51.71 runs.

Du Plessis, on the other hand, is a classic example of ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’.

With his true grit and determination, he has twice managed to save South Africa from certain defeat in the 10 tests that he has played to date. The first time he did this was in November 2012, in Brisbane, when he batted for seven hours, facing 376 balls, for his unbeaten 110 runs, sprinkling 14 boundaries into a gritty defensive knock.

Last December, at the Wanderers, Du Plessis (134) and De Villiers (103) shared a fifth wicket partnership of 205 in the fourth innings of a test match, which was a world record for a fifth wicket stand. Their defiance led to another draw against all odds in the first test against India.

De Villiers and Du Plessis are not the only Affie old boys who will represent South Africa during the next few weeks. Driaan Bruwer will be in action in the 10th edition of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup that will take place in the United Arab Emirates from 14 February to 1 March this year.

Some of the best young cricketers from 16 countries will be there to display their talents, while India will defend the title they won in Australia in 2012. If they succeed in doing this, India will become the only team to have won the title four times, as well as the second team after Pakistan to have won back-toback titles.

It should be no surprise that the 18-year-old Bruwer, who matriculated last year, considers De Villiers to be his role model. “Don’t get me wrong. I also have huge admiration for Faf’s achievements, but there is something really special about the way AB can dominate a bowling attack,” Bruwer said.

As a player Bruwer has much more in common with Du Plessis. He is a batsman who also bowls off spin.

Bruwer is also a fan of Michael Clarke who captains Photo: Marissa Bruwer

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Focus on Affies: Cricket

“I actually consider myself to be a spin bowler who also bats well. I love the challenge of spin bowling because there is no margin for error. In every over that you bowl you have to consistently put six balls in the right area. It is like a chess game between you and the batsman.”

the Australian cricket team. “As far as I am concerned Clarke is a brilliant player.”

Bruwer gives an honest reply when asked about his expectations for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup.

“It will be totally unknown territory for me. I must admit that I am slightly nervous because I don’t know what to expect, but I am also looking forward to the challenge.”

As is the case with countless other talented cricketers, it all started for Bruwer in the back garden of his childhood house.

“MJ, my brother, and I played a lot of cricket in the garden when we were ‘laaities’. It was through his passion for the sport that I got hooked.

We are very similar players. We are both spin bowlers, but the only difference is that I am a lefthanded batsman whereas MJ bats right-handed. I am looking forward to playing on the same team as him.”

Both brothers are studying at the University of the Free State.

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Ryan Coetzee Strokes of Genius

O S E K

O R E E T Z S ET O C N A Y R

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: S U I N Focus on Affies: Swimming

E G F O

her t e h W man. g n u teed. n o a y r d a lente irtually gu a t a y tedl s is v b s u e o c c d u e is un tudying, s ardt | Photos: Supplied e z t e Co g or s Words: Wilhelm de Sw n i Ryan m wim he is s To begin with, this former pupil of the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) matriculated with seven distinctions last year and his accomplishments as a swimmer are equally impressive.

He competed in the finals of the 50 m and 100 m butterfly events at the Junior World Championships in Dubai. He finished seventh in both races with times of 24.19 and 53.75 respectively, and left with a bronze medal in the 400 medley relay. Even though this was not an Olympic event, Coetzee can still celebrate his top-50 global ranking in the 50 m butterfly. The fact that he swam 23.81 in preliminaries of the Junior World Championships put him in 35th position.

Coetzee is currently the second-fastest sprint butterfly swimmer in South Africa, but he still has a long way to go to catch up with the reigning king, Chad Le Clos. Coetzee swam a 55.02 to place second in the 100 m butterfly at the South African nationals last year.

His talents did not go unnoticed. He was offered a bursary to study in Tennessee, USA to swim for the Tennessee Volunteers.

There is a long, ongoing debate about whether South African swimmers really benefit from training in the USA. The amazing results achieved by Le Clos, who is coached by Graham Hill, are seen by many as proof that South African swimmers do not have to go abroad to become world beaters.

“I had a long discussion with my coach, Emile de Bruin, about the pros and cons of continuing my swimming career in the USA and we eventually agreed that I should give it a go,” Coetzee said.

“The coaches at Tennessee seem to be very passionate and they have great things planned for the future.

They have assured me that they will help me to fulfil my Olympic dreams. It is also exciting that I will get the opportunity to train and compete against some of the world’s best butterfly swimmers,” he added enthusiastically.

If it had not been for a slight coordination problem when he was young, Coetzee might never have taken up swimming as a sport.

“My mom was told that swimming or judo would help me to overcome the problem. Because she could not stand the thought of her little boy being thrown around on some mat, she decided that I should rather take up swimming,” Coetzee grins.

The rest, as the saying goes, is history. Coetzee won quite a few national titles during the past few years.

He considers Usain Bolt, Olympic and World sprint champion, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who was crowned last month as the world’s best footballer (Ballon d’Or trophy), as his role models.

Bolt and Ronaldo are both perfectionists when it comes to their respective sports and that is something that Coetzee greatly admires. When talking about his goals, it quickly becomes apparent that he will always be striving for perfection himself.

“Many people perceive Bolt and Ronaldo to be arrogant, but those who criticise them have no idea of how much effort they had to put in to become, and remain, the world’s best.

From what I understand Ronaldo is always one of the first to arrive at a soccer practice and the last to go.

Apparently his dedication is such that he won’t leave until he has mastered whatever he had set out to do.

This is something to which I can certainly relate.”

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LUCAS SITHOLE FEEDING ON ADVERSITY

LUCAS

By Karien Jonckheere Photos by Reg Caldecott

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PARALYMPIC PROFILE FEATURE: TENNIS

SITHOLE FEEDING ON ADVERSITY When Lucas Sithole first picked up a tennis racquet, he was far from sold on the sport. In fact, at that point he’d much rather have been on a wheelchair rugby field or a basketball court.

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LUCAS SITHOLE FEEDING ON ADVERSITY

LUCAS SITHOLE It didn’t take long before Sithole experienced his first taste of success, and the Pretoria star played his way into the consciousness of South Africans late last year by becoming the first African to win the US Open.

But slowly the sport started to get the talented 27-year-old in its grip. “Wheelchair Tennis South Africa (WTSA) came to my alma mater school, Filadelfia, and I was duly invited to partake,” explained Sithole, who lost both legs and an arm in a train accident.

“At first I was an ardent quad rugby and wheelchair basketball player. But with time and also being selected to play at camps overseas, and because of a good structure in the federation, I was bitten by the tennis bug from then onwards – right up to this very day.”

It was his initial local success that put him firmly on that path

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It was his initial local success that put him firmly on that path. “After clinching a few titles locally and also the advent of representing my country at international events, there was no doubt in my mind that the individualism and acute problem solving on court would lead to my success,” he said.

It’s this individual aspect of the sport that was particularly appealing to Sithole. “I have been involved in team sports before, and was always the stand out guy in terms of going out of my way to assist fellow team mates, but in tennis you are on your own once the match is called. I love the ups and downs, but most importantly the downs since they define your character.”

That US Open was far from one of those downs, however, and it was significant in that it was the first time that Sithole beat American David Wagner, to take the title. Wagner has become something of a nemesis for the South African, with Wagner ranked number one in the world and Sithole having been ranked second.

PARALYMPIC PROFILE FEATURE: TENNIS

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LUCAS SITHOLE FEEDING ON ADVERSITY

At the Australian Open at the beginning of this year, it was once again Wagner’s turn, as Sithole succumbed to the American in the final.

“He has been in the game for a long time and has dominated in that time so he definitely has the experience, but his time is marching on for him,” reckoned Sithole.

“We definitely will meet a lot based on both our form on the circuit and that is a healthy rivalry to usher in the new era.”

When asked what area of his own game is stronger than that of his number one rival, the South African star said: “My

mobility is swift and groundstrokes efficient and this bodes well for my future results against him. I will be focusing more on the mental edge this year to ensure preparedness for big matches.”

Perfecting those ground strokes takes plenty of work, though and on an average day, Sithole trains for eight hours – two sessions of four hours each.

“During the passive stage I do a lot of mobility and tactical patterns. The active stage is characterised by match play and integration of the mental aspects to get ready for the big stage,” he explained.

And always keeping him motivated through those gruelling hours on court is one thought:

“My family and my rise amidst adversity are always lingering in the background and this assists me as I can tap into that for some positive energy,” he said.

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As for what lies ahead for the SA champion, Sithole added:

“I would like to ideally continue posting good results and be injury free. Defence of all titles won in 2013 is high on my agenda, and reaching the number 1 spot goes without saying.”

SIDE BAR Sithole is just one of several South African stars to feature in the world wheelchair tennis rankings.

Kgothatso Montjane is currently seventh in the women’s singles rankings while South Africa is represented by no less than four players in the boys’ world ranking.

Thato Tsomole is third, Xolelani Nyandeni is seventh, Sean Hilster is eighth and Bonga Mbehle is in 10th spot. Not to be outdone, heading the girls’ world top 10 is South Africa’s Mariska Venter.

Thondalwethu Hlatswayo is fourth and Dudu Mokokonyane is eighth.

PARALYMPIC PROFILE FEATURE: TENNIS

And the ultimate goal?

“All these are goals that will ensure I

get to the podium in 2016 Paralympics, with a gold medal around my neck.”

LUCAS SITHOLE

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DAVIS CUP RISING STARS NET PROFITS

NET PROFITS SA’S RISING TENNIS STARS

By Wilhelm de Swardt Photos Reg Caldecott

Even staunch South African tennis supporters can be forgiven if they have abandoned all hope of ever seeing a local player contesting a singles semifinal or final in a Grand Slam Tournament.

Ruben Alberts

Lloyd Harris

Brandon Laubser

The last time this happened was in 2003 when Wayne Ferreira played against Andre Agassi (USA) in the semi-final of the Australian Open. Agassi was the better player on the day, winning 6-2, 6-2 and 6-3.

Ferreira’s defeat turned out to be the end of the golden era of South African tennis that started off with Johan Kriek’s consecutive victories in the Australian Open (1981 and 1982).

When Kriek was at his peak he was ranked seventh in the world. Kevin Curren, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, was ranked fifth in his prime and Ferreira’s top-ranking was sixth. But petite Amanda Coetzer put the cherry on top as far as South African tennis players are concerned. Her best ranking in the women’s singles was third.

In recent years Kevin Anderson, who is currently ranked 22nd in the world, has been the only South African player who was able to achieve any noteworthy results.

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Next generation SA Tennis players

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The demise of South African international tennis can be blamed on certain former tennis administrators.

The rot started when some of the really clever ones sold off South Africa’s international tournaments in an effort to cover up the mismanagement of funds.

But this is another story.

John-Laffnie de Jager, South Africa’s Davis Cup captain, is one of a few die-hards who have not yet given up on South African tennis. He firmly believes that there are enough talented young players in the country who will succeed if they receive the right kind of support and opportunities.

With this in mind, De Jager has decided to use some of the promising young players to act as training partners for the Davis Cup players. Ruben Alberts (Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool – Affies), Brandon Laubser (home schooling), Lloyd Harris (Curro Durbanville) and Richard Thongoane (St Stithians) were brought in as hitters during South Africa’s clash with Monaco at Irene.

These youngsters made no secret of the fact that they felt honoured to train with established players such as Rik de Voest and Raven Klaassen, two of the stalwarts of the Davis Cup Team, and that they had learnt quite a bit from the older players. Who knows, maybe some of these players will eventually bring about the revival of tennis in South Africa.

Richard Thongoane

SA’S RISING TENNIS STARS

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SIDE BAR Ruben Alberts He is 17 and a matriculant at Affies. At last year’s South African Junior Championships he won the Under-18 singles title. Another highlight for him was winning the Wanderers ITF Tournament.

Alberts admits that he will have to tone down on his tennis commitments this year, because he wants to focus on his studies.

He plans to study in the USA next year where he will play colleges tennis. He considers this to be a good way of bridging the gap from junior tennis to senior tennis.

Brandon Laubser He is 16 and based in Johannesburg. He considers himself to be an aggressive baseline player with good ground strokes.

“To improve my ITF rankings I will have to improve my movement on court. I think I could also improve on volleying.”

He considers Roger Federer, winner of 17 Grand Slams, as a role model.

“Roger is a class act as far as I am concerned. He is so natural in everything he does.”

Lloyd Harris Aged 16, he is a student at Curro Durbanville.

Last year he won ITF Tournaments in Kenya and Namibia. He is also a former SA Under-16 champion, as well as a SA Under-14 champion. He is proud of having being part of the Junior Davis Cup Team that finished 10th in Mexico.

Harris considers his serve and forehand to be his strong points.

“I love to dictate points with my forehand. One of my weaknesses is that I sometimes try to go too big too early during a point.”

He considers Switzerland’s Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka as his role models.

“Roger is an absolute legend and Wawrinka has proven that patience is a virtue. He has been playing for years but only managed to make his first major breakthrough at the recent Australian Open when he beat Rafael Nadal in the final.”

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SIDE BAR Richard Thongoane This 14-year-old is studying at St Stithians in Johannesburg.

A definite highlight for Thongoane was when he beat the number two seed in the third round of the Nike Junior Tournament in the USA in December last year.

“Beating a top seed in an international tournament was a real confidence booster. It was one of those games in which I could do nothing wrong and it proved to me that I am capable of beating anybody if I can stay focused and believe in my own abilities.”

Thongoane admits that he has to work on his fitness and movement on the court.

“I also think it is important to be mentally strong because that enables you to stay ahead in a game.”

Rafael Nadal (Spain) and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) are Thongoane’s two favourite players.

“In spite of his success, Nadal is one of the most humble players.

What I admire most about him is that he always gives a 100%. The recent Australian Open proved it. Even though he was injured he refused to give up and eventually lost in four sets to Stanislas Wawrinka.”

“My playing style is more similar to that of Tsonga. He is an explosive player with a big forehand, like I am.”

Next generation SA Tennis players

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B

ARNO BOTHA BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS

otha’s return to the field in the Bulls’ pre-season warmup match against the Stormers again ended in pain for the ambitious flanker when he suffered another knee injury earlier this month.

The 22-year-old has learned the hard way that adversity builds strength following his heartbreaking injury in only his second match for the Springboks in 2013.

He had just completed intensive rehabilitation and was raring to go, hopeful that he would remain injury free before he suffered another setback.

“It is one of the worst things that have happened in my life so far and I won’t say it’s easy, although you have to pick yourself up and come to terms with the fact that you will have some difficult days to get through,” Botha says.

“There are inspiring words to pick you up but it is another thing to actually put them into action.”

The Modimolle player experienced a dream 2013 in which he made his Super Rugby debut for the Bulls while he also earned his first Test cap for the Springboks when a knee injury in the match against Scotland in Nelspruit brought his season to an abrupt halt.

Botha, who is highly regarded by the Springbok coach and has aspirations to one day lead South Africa into battle, has vowed to come through a stronger and better player.

“This kind of thing happened to guys like Schalk Burger, Jean de Villiers and Pierre Spies. They came out stronger, so watch me I will make it,” a determined Botha says.

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BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS ...

ARNO BOTHa

Disappointed and dejected Springbok loose forward Arno Botha has to come to grips with yet another six months on the sidelines after he suffered the same injury that kept him out of the game previously.

Words by Ockert de Villiers | Photos: Johan Rynners

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ARNO BOTHA BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS

Before Botha suffered his second debilitating injury he drew inspiration from the likes of De Villiers and Spies, who both missed out of the Rugby World Cup in 2007 due to injury.

While Botha’s rise in the senior ranks has been nothing short of spectacular, it was blood, sweat and tears that brought him to this point.

Botha featured for Tuks in the Varsity Cup, while he also captained the South African Under-20 team at the Junior World Championship in Italy in 2011 where he got onto Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer’s radar.

The following year the youngster trained with the national squad as one of six promising players Meyer wanted to expose to the Springbok setup.

While Botha possesses an impressive skill set coupled with equally imposing strength, he doesn’t think his rise in the ranks was due to raw talent but rather hard work.

His seven-month hiatus from the game gave him some perspective on life and he offers some of his new-found wisdom to aspiring rugby players.

“Heyneke told me that hard work trumps talent and I’ve held onto that. I knew I had to work hard and when you receive a setback you should not let it influence you.”

“I’ve realised how easy it (a rugby career) can be over, so you have to be open-minded and think of what could possibly lie ahead but you should not give up after one setback.”

Botha says while the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England was fast approaching he could not allow himself to look too far into the future.

“You can’t look that far ahead – you will not get to the 2015 World Cup if you do not perform in your next game.”

The injury setbacks would no doubt strengthen his resolve to fulfil a leadership role not only at the Bulls, but also for the Springboks.

“Last year was good for me where I earned my first start in Super Rugby and I played a couple of good games ... it was awesome being with the Springboks,” he recalls.

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Try on these genes for size du plessis boys

Words by Kobus Pretorius

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: Rugby

The Du Plessis brothers Willie, Michael and Carel are all rugby legends in South Africa.

T

he three brothers played together for the Western Province team that won five consecutive Currie Cup finals starting in 1982: Michael at fly half, Willie at centre and Carel, the ‘prince of wings’, on the wing. In addition, all three played for the Springboks: Willie in 14 tests, Michael in eight and Carel in 12.

Willie moved to Australia about five years ago, but his son, also Willie, continued his rugby career Down Under.

Carel’s son Jean-Luc matriculated from Paarl Boys High in 2012 and has since joined the Sharks academy in Durban, while his nephew Daniel, Michael’s son, matriculated last year from Paul Roos Gymnasium and has since joined WP’s rugby institute in Stellenbosch.

Both Jean-Luc and Daniel excelled in other sports as well while still at school, with Jean-Luc having to decide between rugby and cricket in his matric year.

Jean-Luc Du Plessis Photo by Stefan van Hansen

He was part of the Boishaai Under-19 cricket team that won the national T20 Championship in 2012, and ended up taking two wickets in the final.

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Try on these genes for size du plessis boys

“I think Jean-Luc followed his heart when he chose rugby,” says dad Carel. “He feels his style of play will fit in nicely at the Sharks.”

necessary. It’s important to have a balance in life.

You have to be open to learn. We talk regularly over the phone.”

Jean-Luc played fly half at the Under-18 Academy Week for WP in 2012, and competed against the schoolboy wonder Handré Pollard who is currently contracted at the Bulls.

Michael says he never encouraged Daniel to play rugby and never coached him in any way.

Jean-Luc is an exciting player, and according to his father he is a late developer. He will play Under-21 rugby for the Sharks this year and may also represent the Vodacom Cup team.

Carel says his son has a natural talent and love for sport, not just rugby. “He has a feel for sport.

My job is to guide him and give him advice where

“I never put pressure on him to play any sport.

I never even tried to nurture his talent. I left him, because I knew he had talent. Daniel loves sport. It’s a big part of his life, and he enjoys it,” Michael explains.

“There are expectations from people when they hear who your dad is, but that has never fazed me,” says Jean-Luc. “My dad supports me in what I do and doesn’t put pressure on me.”

Daniel Du Plessis Photo by School of Rugby (Luke Walker)

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“It’s not just about talent though,” he continues.

“It’s also about character, discipline, attitude, self- belief and how you handle disappointment.

Daniel chose to go to the WP’s rugby institute.

He will start studying through Unisa later in the year, probably something in business.”

Daniel plays centre like his father did, but unfortunately missed most of last year’s rugby season due to injury. He only ended up playing about five games for the Paul Roos first team,

but managed to get selected for the WP Craven Week team that were crowned the unofficial champions of 2013.

Daniel was also picked for the SA Schools team that played three tests against England, Wales and France towards the end of last year.

His coach at Paul Roos and Craven Week, Hein Kriek, speaks glowingly of the young man.

“Daniel is a special rugby player,” says Kriek. “He knows how to attack, creates space and has good vision. Everything happens around him.”

“He is close to a complete rugby player and has all the attributes to succeed. He is one of the best players I have ever coached. He has been injury-prone in the past, but if he can stay injuryfree there is no doubt in my mind that he can become a great player in the future.”

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JUSTIN GEDULD MADIBA MAGIC IN THE MIX

MADIBA MAGIC IN THE MIX JUSTIN GEDULD

By Karien Jonckheere

It was 8 December 2013. Having lost the father of the nation, Nelson Mandela, just days before, the entire country was in mourning. Then, at a tournament that simply could not have been scripted any better on such an emotionally-charged weekend, a scenario reminiscent of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final began to unfold as the SA Sevens team were set to take on New Zealand in the final of the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens.

Tears flowed across the country as, even though he was gone, spurred on by that extraordinary Madiba magic, the South Africans clawed their way back from a 14-0 deficit to claim the title for Tata.

“It was a very emotional day. We lost our country’s icon,” explained one of the newcomers to SA’s Sevens set-up, Justin Geduld. “Everyone wanted to go out there and play their heart out for him. Nobody on the team cared about the result.

We just wanted to give our all for Madiba.”

That they certainly did, and that poignant victory in Port Elizabeth seemed to add an extra air of confidence to the South African side, who promptly went on to once again defeat the All Blacks, this time in the final of the Las Vegas Sevens, to take top spot in the overall IRB Sevens World Series standings.

Playing a crucial part in those victories, alongside the likes of Seabelo Senatla and Branco du Preez, was Geduld who is proving to be one of the rising stars of the SA side.

Having played Craven Week rugby for Western Province and then representing the country at the Junior World Championships in 2013, the Cape Town star joined the senior Sevens squad for the first time in New Zealand last year.

“I didn’t even expect to play at the top level. I really enjoyed the game,” admitted the former Tygerberg High School student.

“It’s an incredibly special feeling and something that I’ll never forget. I felt really proud and happy to wear the green and gold for the first time. I worked hard to get the privilege and wanted to take my chance.”

Speaking about the secret behind the success of the current Sevens setup, Geduld explained: “We have a great vibe at the moment. The team is doing well. We are a special group of players. We’ve been a settled squad training and touring together, so it’s easy for us to get along.”

“There are also no personal agendas and every person in the squad wants the team to be successful. We are doing the basics really well and we all know our roles and so we’re executing our responsibilities,” added the speedy centre.

“In Sevens, everyone plays for each other. The player group is much smaller than 15s, so the players really bond and play for each other.”

At just 20 years old, there’s likely to be plenty more to come from Geduld. But, while Springbok 15s aspirations are in the pipeline, for now the Olympic dream is the one on which the former triple jump champion is focusing.

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: RUGBY SEVENS

“Every young South African boy’s goal is to be a 15-man Springbok. I’m enjoying playing Sevens for now though and would like to represent South Africa at the Olympics. I’m not looking any further than that,” he said.

“I’d really like to be part of the South African Olympic team. Winning an Olympic gold medal would be amazing and that success would create lots of opportunities for me. I’ll be 23 after the Rio Olympics with a long career still ahead of me.”

Photos supplied

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PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT IT’S IN THE DU TOIT BLOOD

It is widely suspected that Pieter-Steph du Toit’s red blood cells are shaped like miniature rugby balls. Rugby is an integral part of his family’s genes.

Words by Christel Raubenheimer and Kobus Pretorius Photos by Back Page Media

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: RUGBY

Despite being born to an established Western Cape family, Du Toit chose the Sharks as the home for his provincial career.

And he has already made his mark – especially during the Currie Cup Final, where his monumental performance helped carry the Durbanites to rugby glory last year.

He is described as “a giant in the making”, and is being groomed as a Springbok stalwart.

Many believe Du Toit, alongside Eben Etsebeth, should be Meyer’s starting lock in every Test between now and the Rugby World Cup in 2015. They are seen as two of the most promising forwards to emerge in the last few years, and could possibly rival the deadly combination comprising Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield sometime soon.

The Bok rookie knows he has much to learn, and is humble about the seasoned men he’ll hopefully meet head-on on the field. But he won’t shrink from the challenge.

“I always respect my opponents. But we analyse them and look at their strong and weak points. On the field you always have to try and outsmart them. I set goals for myself, and I want to be the best number five in the world. But you take it step by step and every time you reach a goal, you set the bar higher.”

“Rugby is a temporary game, and that’s why I enjoy it as much as I possibly can.”

His second career of choice is farming, but that will have to wait. For now, a new rugby legend is still in the making.

What few people know is that he is not the only Du Toit with a talent for rugby.

Du Toit has three younger brothers - Johan (18, also a lock), Anton (15, flyhalf) and Daniel (14, loose forward).

Johan recently joined his older brother in Durban where he attends the union’s rugby institution.

“It’s always nice to have family close by,” said the older Du Toit when asked about his brother’s arrival.

Du Toit also knows that in this cut-throat sport there is not a ‘forever’ opportunity…

IT’S IN THE

DU TOIT

BLOOD

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PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT IT’S IN THE DU TOIT BLOOD

“It’s great to see a familiar face. The four of us have a very strong bond. My biggest advice to Johan would be to follow all the advice he receives from his coaches. I will help him where I can, but he also has to learn to stand on his own two feet.”

Du Toit made his debut for the Springboks in November last year against Wales in Cardiff. He followed in the footsteps of his famous grandfather, Piet ‘Spiere’ du Toit, who played 14 tests at prop for the Springboks between 1958 and 1961.

He was four years old when his grandfather died, but he still remembers him.

“He used to carry me on his shoulders and play with me. I think he would have been proud of me if he was still alive.”

Weighing in at around 116 kg, Du Toit could probably have donated some ‘spiere’ (muscles) to his late granddad, who weighed in at a mere 95 kg and yet was often described as one of the strongest men ever to wear a Springbok jersey.

But rugby has changed significantly since granddad Spiere played – and the professional rugby arena is a completely different ball game.

Pieter-Steph’s father, Pieter, was also a rugby player and played provincial rugby for Boland.

He currently farms on the renowned Du Toit Farm called Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate in the Riebeek Valley close to Malmesbury. Pieter is a wine maker and his wife, Annalene grows olives and makes olive oil.

“I didn’t play rugby for long,” says Pieter. “I focused more on the farm because someone had to come and do it. The farm was more important to me than rugby.”

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: RUGBY

Like their father, all the Du Toit brothers went to Swardtland High School instead of a more traditional High School well known for its rugby.

“We never had a reason to put Pieter-Steph in another school. I was in Swardtland while my father went to Boishaai.”

A trademark of the Du Toit boys is their big hands.

“The Du Toit men all have very big hands. The boys got it from their grandfather,” says Pieter.

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PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT IT’S IN THE DU TOIT BLOOD

IT’S IN THE

DU TOIT

BLOOD

“Pieter-Steph looks a lot like his

grandfather. Like his grandfather, he was also good at tennis at school. The boys have their mother’s determination. We never made a big deal about rugby and we never put pressure on Pieter-Steph to play rugby.

We encouraged him in everything he did.”

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: RUGBY

Pieter-Steph admits he still misses the farm life.

“I miss the freedom and being in nature all the time. I miss helping out where I can and playing with the dogs.”

He also says it’s a big dream for him to play with at least one of his brothers in the same team, like Bismarck and Jannie Du Plessis.

“It will definitely be a big milestone in my career and something very special that I would treasure forever,” he says.

Father Pieter says Pieter-Steph handled all the attention with the Springboks last year well, even though it complicated things.

“He won’t get a big ego because his family keeps his feet firmly on the ground,” insists his dad. We try to fly up to Durban as often as possible to see him play.”

Du Toit will be working with winning World Cup coach Jake White at the Sharks, something that he is very grateful for.

“Learning from my coach is great. I learn something new every day.”

His father believes PieterSteph is going to surprise us all in the future, but for now all he wants to do is play well for the Sharks and hopefully nail down a starting place in the Sharks XV for the Super Rugby season.

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BAFANA BAFANA WHAT NOW?

When South Africa bombed out of the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in the first round after a crushing 3-1 defeat to Nigeria, it signalled a new low for our nation’s football.

By Graeme Jackson | Photos by Back Page Media

In what was effectively a second-rate tournament in which only locally-based players were allowed to participate; it was expected that the host nation would be strong competitors, one of the favourites to land the trophy. After all, Bafana Bafana draws most of its national team players from the domestic league anyway, and could boast the likes of Bernard Parker, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Itumeleng Khune in its CHAN squad (the trio have a combined cap count of over 200).

To put it into perspective, the Nigerian team that beat South Africa had a total combined cap count of no more than 40!

Instead of winning, total embarrassment was the order of the day. On home soil, coach Gordon Igesund’s side didn’t even make it out of the group phase. It was the same story in the 2010 FIFA World Cup when Bafana became the first host team to fail to advance beyond the first round, but at least on that occasion we could console ourselves with the thought that it was the very pinnacle of world football and our team was out of its depth anyway.

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NATIONAL TEAM FEATURE: SOCCER

NIGERIA 3 : 0 SOUTH AFRICA

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BAFANA BAFANA WHAT NOW?

To learn that the same scenario applies when the lowly CHAN rolls into town is incredibly depressing. The failure sparked an astonishing barrage of criticism from Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula, who, among other insults, labelled the team a “useless bunch of losers”.

While the Minister touched on the emotions of most South African football fans, his criticism shouldn’t be taken seriously. This is a man who oversees a Ministry that spends more on galas and award ceremonies than supporting our Olympic athletes.

Besides, the Sport and Recreation Department is arguably the least significant Ministry in government.

Being appointed head of it is not so much an honour as it is a sign that you’re not trusted with anything vaguely important.

Mbalula’s passionate but foolish outburst achieved nothing other than grabbing headlines and scoring political points in an election year. What South African football should be doing is to take a long, hard and unemotional look at itself in the mirror. The first and inevitable question is whether Igesund should be retained or fired. There is no doubt that the coach is wholly accountable for the team’s results and, on that basis alone, dismissing him would be neither unfair nor unjust.

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NATIONAL TEAM FEATURE: SOCCER

Yet the declining performance of Bafana Bafana since they were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions in 1996 is a manifestation of a football system that is inherently ineffectual. It is these difficult circumstances that all Bafana coaches must attempt to overcome, and Igesund, like so many before him, has been unable to transcend the difficulties he has faced.

An argument could be made that Bafana should follow in the footsteps of the Springboks, who showed the value of consistency and continuity by sticking with Jake White through hard times before the coach guided them to glory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

However, such a comparison is misguided. South Africa is one of the pre-eminent rugby nations and even when the Boks are ‘bad’ they’re still good enough to be ranked as one of the top five or six teams on the planet. The same cannot be said for our football; we’re not even a powerhouse on our own continent, let alone in the world.

Yet blaming Igesund for the state of our football is also way off the mark. Our soccer’s sickness is more endemic and deep-rooted than a change of coach can truly affect. Only a complete overhaul of the foundations of the game in this country will bring about a marked and sustained improvement, and even then it will take years before we see the benefits of such a revolution.

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BAFANA BAFANA WHAT NOW?

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NATIONAL TEAM FEATURE: SOCCER

So what has to be done to turn the situation around?

South Africa is hardly the first soccer-mad nation to fall from grace and we should look to the example set by others who have overcome similar troubles. UEFA Euro 2000 saw once-mighty Germany’s football nadir, as they finished bottom of a group that included Portugal, Romania and England.

A decade later, a youthful and exciting German side swept to third place in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, having been achingly close to defeating eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals. How, in just 10 years, did Germany go from chumps to near-champs? The charisma and leadership of coach Joachim Low was important, but the key factor in their turnaround was a dramatic renovation of their development structures, turning their football system into one which churned out technically- and tactically-advanced players who were equipped physically and psychologically to cope with the high demands of top professional football.

SAFA President Danny Jordaan, in the aftermath of the CHAN debacle, declared that he would begin a new era for South African football, starting with a ground-up overhaul of the systems. “Big changes are underway at SAFA, not just at the national team level, but at grassroots. If we want to build a winning team for the future, we have to have efficient structures in place right from school level,” said Jordaan.

Those are very promising words, but the time has come to put them into action. Too often we have heard the top dogs at SAFA rattle on about development and how they will improve the system, but no actual plan is ever devised and debated, let alone implemented. It may take a decade or more, but let’s hope that Jordaan’s words turn into action and Bafana Bafana one day return to being a team we can all be proud of.

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JG

JOSH GOUnDEN Focus, Fitness, Football

focus fitness football

FOR TALENTED JOSH GOUNDEN Words by By Lungelo Mdladla | Photos: Supplied

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SOCCER

17-year-old aspiring soccer star, Josh Gounden, has his roots deep seated for the beautiful game of football. Josh started playing at the tender age of five and hasn’t looked back. Josh’s passion was clear when at the age of nine he started racking up accolades for his achievements. Football is a clearly a major part of his life.

Josh hails from the home of the green machine, Glenwood High School, where he started as the youngest player to play for the first team side at 15. Josh currently is doing his last year at Glenwood this year and his third year in the first Football team.

His promotion to the Golden Arrows reserve team comes as no surprise as the central defence midfielder is quickly adapting to higher levels of football.

“Josh’s main attribute is going forward and attacking... he’s got a great left foot.” - Steve Howard Glenwood 1st XI Coach.

What are your earliest footballing memories and when did you start taking football seriously?

JG: I started playing soccer since I was 5, and I guess it all started when I scored my first goal when I was playing Under-6.

What are your short-term goals for this year (2014) and your long-term goals going forward after high school?

JG: My short-term goal for this year is to get fitter and work on my weaker areas of the game.

My long-term goal is to do well this year and maybe move to England to play football there and perhaps live there.

Who is your mentor in the game of football and who do you look up to when it comes to your personal life and why?

JG: I really look up to Andrea Pirlo because he has great vision for the game and I can learn a lot from him as he plays in my position. My role model from Man United would be someone who’s just moved there, Juan Mata, because I find that I play similarly to him and I just look up to him and wish to play like him in the future.

What have been your highlights in your career thus far?

JG: I’ve had many highlights including being scouted for Bloem Celtic and got the privilege to play with TUKS first team when I was chosen for the Engen High Performance Camp. Five players were selected from around South Africa and I was privileged to go on this experience.

What do you think of the level of soccer in our country and what would you like to see in terms of improvement?

JG: I feel there’s lots of potential in our country I just feel in the schoolboy level they need to go further with trials and not just stop at KZN and so forth. I think South African selectors must be more organised and alert as there’s a lot of hidden talent in the country and if things are more structured then we can do better.

What team do you play for now?

JG: I play for the Golden Arrows reserve team - I got promoted a few weeks ago.

Which team do you think will be your toughest opponent this year at Glenwood?

JG: There are two main rivals: I think Westville is always a tough game as they’ve won a lot of tournaments last year and Durban High School will also be tough.

What would you like to improve in your game?

JG: My fitness levels will have to increase and I have to do more work in the gym so I can get bigger, like now I’m playing with bigger people, it’s quite tough on the ball so I need to get stronger.

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JOSH GOUnDEN Focus, Fitness, Football

Achievements •

Josh made many if not all KZN teams since being chosen for the Under-11 age group and achieved many honours and awards during primary school.

•

2011: KZN High Schools Under-15 Football team. Captained Under-13 football team (Young Crusaders – Chatsworth SAFA League) to the knockout cup final. He was named player of the tournament and player of the year for his club.

•

2011: Captained Under-13 team Crusaders – under SAFA Chatsworth

•

2012: – In Grade 10 Josh was the youngest boy in the Glenwood first team.

•

2012: Was awarded Junior Player of the year by Glenwood High School.

•

2012: Selected for the KZN high schools Under-16 football team.

•

2012: Selected to play for the Under-15 Golden arrows team.

of

Young

• 2012: (14-years-old) played for Parktown Football club which falls under the Chatsworth Football Association - Senior Division 1 League.

• 2012: Received an achievement award from Parktown Football Club for being selected to play for Golden Arrows.

•

2013: Promoted to the Under-17 Golden Arrows team.

•

2013: Was awarded the midfielder of the annual Engen Knockout Challenge while playing in it for Golden Arrows.

•

2013: Was selected by Engen scouts (five players selected from around South Africa) to go to a high performance camp at TUKS university and received a certificate on completion of the camp.

•

2013: Selected as a member of the Festival “A” team at the pre-season festival held at Kloof High School.

•

2013: Named senior player of the year by Glenwood High School and was awarded half colours for football.

• 2013: Selected for the KZN Athletics Youth team and awarded the Under-16 Blankbys Memorial Cup by Glenwood High school.

• 2014: Promoted to the Golden Arrows Reserve team where he has played two matches and scored one goal.

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Emily Gray No Wallflower

No

wallflower Emily Gray

Discussing the merits of beautiful girls who excel in sports is a favourite pastime among avid male fans.

Words by Wilhelm de Swardt Photos: Reg Caldecott

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: Swimming

T

here cannot be many men, even those who don’t follow tennis, who will not remember the former Russian tennis player, Anna Kournikova. Though she was not such a great tennis player, even the Russian President, Boris Yeltsin, counted among her many admirers. She won more hearts off court than points on court.

Older fans will remember with nostalgia the time when Chris Evert and Gabriela Sabatini graced the tennis courts.

Nowadays there is a seemingly neverending supply of players, of whom Maria Sharapova deserves special mentioning, from the East-European countries and Russia who capture male attention.

As far as local sporting beauties are concerned the name Charlene Wittstock, a former South African Olympian swimmer who is currently the Princess of Monaco, immediately comes to mind.

At the moment Emily Gray (22), from the Tuks High Performance Centre (hpc), is undoubtedly one of the true beauties in South African sport. What sets her apart from any other sports beauty is that she is also a symbol of true grit and determination.

When Gray was only 10 years old she was diagnosed with bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and at the age of 11 her right leg was amputated at the hip.

“I could have gone for just a hip replacement but there was a risk that the cancer could spread down my leg, so it was decided that my leg should be amputated.”

To lose a leg when you are just 11 was a truly traumatic experience. The easy option would have been to quit on life and fall into self-pity, but that was never an option for Gray.

As part of her rehabilitation Gray started to swim. She soon realised that she was not half bad as a swimmer.

“What I love about swimming is the feeling of freedom that I experience in the water.

When I swim I tend to forget about crutches and artificial limbs,” she says.

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Emily Gray No Wallflower

“I also tried playing wheelchair basketball and rowing but it was not as rewarding as swimming,” Gray tells GAME ON. “What I love about swimming is the feeling of freedom that I experience in the water.

When I swim I tend to forget about crutches and artificial limbs,” she says.

One thing led to another.

Gray has already represented South Africa twice at the

Paralympic Games (2008 in Beijing and 2012 in London).

Definite highlights were finishing 7th in both the 100 m freestyle and 100 m backstroke finals in London.

After her the success at the London 2012 Olympics, and also because of the prominent role South Africa plays on the international Paralympic scene, Gray has become one of the role models for the sport in South Africa.

She starred in a television advertisement, which was nominated for an award at the SA Sports Industry Awards and also hopes to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“This means that I will have to focus on qualifying in a different category, which will mean stiffer competition. But I love a challenge,” she grins.

“The problem is that the number of disabled sport categories that will be allowed to compete at the Games is limited. I am not sure whether my category (S9) will be one of those selected. I somehow doubt it,” Gray continues.

Natalie du Toit, an absolute legend in Paralympic sports and receiver of an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) is one of Gray’s role models.

Another of Gray’s role models is the Paralympic legend of the USA, Jessica Long, who has won 12 gold medals at three Paralympic Games.

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: Swimming

“It is actually quite weird. When I started swimming Natalie was my hero but a few years later we were competing against each other in the same category. She is an amazing person, in and out of the pool.”

Gray firmly believes that she and every other Paralympic athlete have a responsibility to the sport.

“We must ensure that the image of disabled sports keeps growing and that it continues to tell a positive and inspiring message. Our responsibility is not merely to compete, but to develop the sport as well,” Gray said.

When she was asked whether she has any advice for youngsters who have to overcome a similar setback in life, Gray said: “The most important advice I can give to anybody in such a position is to believe in his own abilities. If you believe in yourself, everybody else will also believe in you.”

“Don’t worry about what other people think of you. In the beginning I was so selfconscious that I swam with shorts because I did not want people to stare at my stump. I now realise that people simply don’t care.”

“The most important pearl of wisdom I can give has actually become somewhat of a cliché by now: ‘Never give up’.”

“The support I continue to receive from my family and friends, and the fact that I have coaches who really want me to succeed as a swimmer, are what keep me going.”

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Jarred Crous WADING UP THE RANKS

P

retoria teenager Jarred Crous is fast establishing himself as a future talent in the breaststroke where he has world record holder and Olympic champion Van der Burgh to inspire him.

The 17-year-old matric student at Crawford College has been making serious waves in the last year, claiming the South African 100 m breaststroke title in Port Elizabeth in absence of Van der Burgh.

In that final he beat off a challenge from 50 m breaststroke world bronze medallist Giulio Zorzi to claim the national title as a 16-year-old.

“It was quite a shocker of a race: I was placed fourth going into the final because I had quite a terrible swim in the morning; but I didn’t let that get to me,” says Crous. “I kept my hopes high and I didn’t let it crush my spirits and I went in giving my best and it was good enough to win!”

In December 2013 the youngster made further promising strides where he triumphed over Van der Burgh and Zorzi at the Northern Tigers Championships in the 100 m breaststroke.

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While the times were slow by his more esteemed opponents’ lofty standards, it was nevertheless a confidence boosting victory for the teenager.

“It is a huge learning experience for me especially with all the experience they have had, having been with the SA team and going to the Olympic Games, and Giulio getting bronze at the world championships,” he says.

However, Crous will not allow the victory to go to his head as he is well aware that he still has a long way to go before he can truly be mentioned in the same company as the likes of Van der Burgh.

“Beating these big names means a lot to me as a swimmer because I am still young but I know that I still have to give my best every time I race, in order to get better,” he reflects.

“I would like to swim against Cameron and Giulio when they are in top form to see where I am, compared to them.”

At the recent Aquatics Super Series – a fivenation competition between South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Japan and China – Crous demonstrated his potential against worldclass swimmers.

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: Swimming

WADING UP THE RANKS: JARRED CROUS South African swimming has experienced a revival since Cameron van der Burgh and Chad le Clos’ successes in the pool at the 2012 London Olympics, and even more stars are emerging from the doldrums.

Words by Ockert de Villiers | Photo: Supplied

In the 100 m breaststroke he finished in fifth place shaving 0.40 seconds off his personal best while he claimed sixth place in the 200 m breaststroke event, improving his personal best by almost two seconds.

Crous started swimming in Grade 2 at Selborne College in East London and when he won a gold medal in his first ever gala the swimming bug took hold of him.

He says he was further inspired by an interview he saw of Olympic gold medallist Ryk Neethling which fed his desire for the sport.

Crous, who trains with the Champions Swimming Club in Centurion under the guidance of coach Michelle Vlasakova, has set his sights on performing on the international stage where he will be targeting both the 100 m and 200 m breaststroke events.

“I would like to get to the Olympic Games in 2016 in both events because that will give me more exposure of international racing,” he says.

In the meantime he is looking to improve on his times and gain valuable experience against some of the best swimmers in the world.

“In the build-up to the Olympic Games I would like to get to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year, hopefully medal before that at Mara Nostrum which is in Monaco and Barcelona,” Crous says.

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Anaso Jobodwana Focused and DETERMINED

O

ne of only a few South African sprinters who have adapted successfully to the collegiate structures in the United States, Anaso Jobodwana believes anyone can thrive by following the same route, provided they approach the American system with the right attitude.

Having risen to prominence during a twoyear stint at Jackson State, Jobodwana opted to forgo his last two years of eligibility with the university’s Tigers track team by turning professional this season.

While Jobodwana will continue his studies in the United States, the doors have now been opened for the 21-year-old speedster to compete on the international circuit, and make some money in the process.

“Education is the key, so anyone who wants to be successful in collegiate athletics must study hard. Their working habits must start now,” Jobodwana says.

“They need to be able to manage their time between studying and training, and it’s also important to prepare mentally for the level of competition they will face.”

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: ATHLETICS

“Education is the key, so anyone who wants to be successful in collegiate athletics must study hard.

Their working habits must start now,” Jobodwana says.

FOCUSED AND DETERMINED:

BODWANA Words by Wesley Botton | Photos supplied by Backpage

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Anaso Jobodwana Focused and DETERMINED

“They need to be able to manage their time between studying and training, and it’s also important to prepare mentally for the level of competition they will face.”

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: ATHLETICS

It’s no ride in the park, Jobodwana admits, but by putting his head down and focusing his time on studying, training, and racing hard against world-class competition in collegiate meetings, he has become South Africa’s top sprinter.

While many others have disappeared on the gruelling collegiate circuit, never to reach their full potential, Jobodwana has made it work, despite living in a foreign environment, thousands of kilometres from his family in the Eastern Cape.

He came close to breaking the national 100 m and 200 m records on numerous occasions last season, and reached the 200 m final at the IAAF World Championships, repeating his surprise feat from the London Olympics the year before.

Jobodwana missed the SA 100 m mark of 10.06s, jointly held by Simon Magakwe and Johan Rossouw, by just 0.04 seconds, and he fell only 0.02 seconds shy of the 200 m record held by Morne Nagel (20.11).

He clocked the top four 200 m times in the SA rankings in 2013, and the two fastest times in the 100 m event, and he also flaunted his tremendous consistency at the global championships.

During a two-day period in Moscow, through the three rounds of the 200 m event, Jobodwana clocked 20.17, 20.13 and 20.14.

However, while he can now chase even faster times in the international campaign, as he embarks on his professional career, he is more eager to build on his medal tally at major global events.

Jobodwana, who won the sprint double at last year’s World Student Games in Kazan, hopes to add some more bling to his cabinet this season.

“My major goals in 2014 are the Commonwealth Games and the African Championships,” he says. “I also want to work hard to start my first pro season on a good note.”

Without the pressures of competing week in and week out for his university team, Jobodwana is confident he can take his career to another level this year, with a group of experts helping him prepare to the best of his ability.

“I am learning every day about what it takes to make it to the next level.”

Well aware that he will not always be the fastest in the field, as he looks to climb the international ranks, Jobodwana hopes to learn as much from his failures as he does from his successes.

“Turning professional has helped me because I am surrounded by the greatest people, including my coach, physio, masseuse, chiropractor, and my teammates, who make it easier to train.”

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TEBEGO MAMATHU GREASED LIGHTNING

Greased Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt Photos: Danie Cornelius

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Lightn

d

ning

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: ATHLETICS

Looks can be deceiving. Tebego Mamathu, who matriculated at Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp last year, is a good example of this. Although many people will realise at first glance that she is an athlete, many will be wrong if they should try to guess what her speciality on the track is.

Because she is small, lean and muscular it can easily be assumed that she specialises in running the 800 m and 1 500 m. But Mamathu is much, much faster.

She couldn’t contain her laughter on hearing that she was mistaken for a middle-distance runner.

“Really? People often tell me that there is no semblance of an intimidating sprinter in me. In fact, there are people who think I cannot run at all,” Mamathu said.

Sceptics who underestimate Mamathu’s running abilities are in for a rude awakening.

She dominated the junior sprint races last year by winning gold at both the South African Junior Championships and the African Junior Championships. She has in fact won at least one national sprinting title during each of the past four years, demonstrating that dynamite indeed comes in small packages.

Not surprisingly, she idolises Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who is aptly nicknamed the ‘pocket rocket’ because of her petite frame (she stands 1.52 m tall), and her explosive start. She is ranked fourth on the list of the fastest 100 m female sprinters of all time, with a personal best of 10.70s clocked in Kingston, Jamaica in 2012.

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TEBEGO MAMATHU GREASED LIGHTNING

Fraser-Pryce, who won gold in the 100 m at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, is a sprinting legend. At last year’s World Championships in Moscow she became the first female sprinter who was able to win gold medals, in a single world championship, in the 100 m, 200 m and 4 x 100 m relay.

Mamathu is quick to point out that she still has a long way to go before there can be any real comparisons between her and the ‘legend’.

“At the moment my best time for the 100 m is a modest 11.73s. I will be happy if I can consistently run times of round about 11.5 s this season.

It will be a difficult year because I have switched coaches. Danie Lindeque coached me at Monument and now, at Tuks, I am being coached by Jaun Strydom.

Their training programmes are quite different. My body will have to adapt to doing more short and fast repetitions during training. For the first time I will also do some serious work in the gymnasium to become stronger.

Hopefully, in a year or two from now, I will look like a proper sprinter.”

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: ATHLETICS

Mamathu admits that the 200 m is the weaker of her two sprints.

“I have to work on my endurance. Sometimes I feel as if I am dying after the first 60 metres and that is not good enough.”

According to Mamathu there was never any doubt about in which sport she was going to specialise.

“Don’t ask me to hit a ball with a stick or a racket or to catch it. I am absolute rubbish when it comes to hitting or catching balls. As the saying goes, I was born to be a runner.”

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Spar National Netball Team READY, STEADY, GLASGOW

READY, STEADY, GLASGOW 2014 promises to be an exciting year for netball in South Africa, particularly for members of the SPAR national netball team. “Our main focus for this year will be the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July,” said national head coach, Elize Kotze. “We are definitely aiming for a position in the top four, and we firmly believe we can achieve that. We actually believe we can bring home a medal this time.”

Since finishing in sixth position at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, South African netball has steadily been moving upwards. The SPAR Proteas beat their eternal rivals, Malawi, to finish fifth at the world championships in Singapore the following year and they have since managed wins against fourth-ranked Jamaica and third-ranked England.

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Kotze believes those teams are there for the taking in Glasgow. “We used to lose to them by 30 or 40 goals, but we have brought the goal difference right down, and we are confident that we can beat them,” she said. “We have played them all before and we know what to expect, and what we need to do to beat them.” She said plans were afoot for possible matches against England, Jamaica and Malawi before the Commonwealth Games, as part of preparations for the Games. Netball England has invited South Africa to participate in a Quad Series in April against Jamaica, Malawi and England, in Dubai. “This is an opportunity to prove that our past victories were not just luck, but absolute competency” said Netball South Africa vicepresident, Blanche de la Guerre.

TEAM PROFILE FEATURES: NETBALL

“We will also be having regular training camps, where we will be able to monitor the progress of the players and see whether they are sticking to the fitness and skills programmes that have been worked out for them. Our first camp will be in Potchefstroom in February, and we have invited a number of Under 21 players to attend that camp.

We will be able to see how they measure up against the senior players and whether any of them are ready to take the step up. Some of the senior players may have to look to their laurels – there is no room for anyone to become complacent about their position in the team. I’m very excited that our pool of players is growing and there is enough depth to give us viable options.” Kotze said she was also very happy that several players were fit again after struggling with injury last year.

Meanwhile, Netball South Africa (NSA) Vice President Blanche de la Guerre has confirmed that the muchanticipated Netball Premier League (NPL) is expected to get under way in May. The professional franchise-based professional league will feature 10 teams from around the country. “We have had a lot of support from the Department of Sport and Recreation, and the fixtures are being worked out now,” said De la Guerre.

“The NPL will help us in our efforts to become one of the world’s top netball teams.”

Kotze said the NPL will play a major role in helping the SPAR Proteas prepare for the Commonwealth Games.

“The NPL will mean that the top players are getting regular game time, and that is the most important thing of all. You can have as many training camps as you like, but nothing helps you prepare for big competitions as well as regular match time. The NPL will be very competitive and I am very excited about it. The players are also very excited about the prospect of being paid to play the game they love.”

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Wade Young MAKING MOLEHILLS OUT OF MOUNTAINS

By Cecile Kiley

MAKING MOLEHILLS OUT OF MOUNTAINS

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: ENDURO RACING

The last time we reported on celebrated enduro rider Wade Young, he was about to take part in the Roof of Africa Rally in November 2013. We’re taking a moment to catch up with him and get some feedback on how it went.

Photo by Elza Thiart-Botes

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Wade Young MAKING MOLEHILLS OUT OF MOUNTAINS

But before we hear from Wade, we’d like to tell you why the Roof of Africa Rally attracts competitors from all over the world.

Not only is the Roof challenging and dangerous; the setting in Africa’s Mountain Kingdom: Lesotho, makes it a magical experience. The physical terrain conditions, coupled with unpredictable weather, are daunting. One minute the sun happily beats down; the next minute you could experience snow covering the mountain tops like a picturesque blanket.

This time around, Young left the starting line alongside previous winners Graham Jarvis and Chris Birch, as well as Austrian rider Andreas Lettenbichler. Justin Carter, from the United Kingdom, has lots of experience racing in Africa. Then there was enduro champion Lars Enkoekl from Austria, who joined the best of the best for his first time in Lesotho.

As the youngest ever winner of the Roof (Young came first in 2012), and a South African to boot, all eyes were on Young this year.

He had fierce local competition as well, with the likes of Altus de Wet, Kenny Gilbert, Riaan van Niekerk and Darryl Curtis; the latter being dubbed ‘the Terrible Twins’.

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: ENDURO RACING

Wade at the Pilgrim’s Rest National Enduro

WADE YOUNG E N D U R O

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Wade Young MAKING MOLEHILLS OUT OF MOUNTAINS

SO HOW DID IT GO???!

WADE YOUNG

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The Roof started out with a ride through the streets of Maseru, for what is known as the “Round the Houses” stage. Next up, the riders headed up to the top of Bushman’s Pass for the Time Trial and the first real racing stage. Altus De Wet (Husqvarna) crossed in the number one spot, and his team-mate, Graham Jarvis, only 13 seconds behind. Young sat in third position, only 48 seconds off the pace.

Young’s KTM team mate, Chris Birch, ended in fourth position just six seconds behind him. Kenny Gilbert (Yamaha) took the fifth spot.

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: ENDURO RACING

On the first day of the two-day race, Birch and Jarvis led the field, with a host of South Africa’s top riders were fighting the battle about an hour back.

This included Altus de Wet, Kenny Gilbert, Scott Bouverie, Travis Teasdale, Blake Gutzeit and Wade Young.

On day two, Young’s chances of winning ... let alone finishing ... crashed to the ground.

“Well the 2013 Roof of Africa has come and gone but unfortunately it was not a good one for me,” the

disappointed youngster reports.

“My KTM Brother Broadlink bike was set up and running great - thanks to Chris and his team at KTM. On Friday I was going really well when I had a small crash and damaged my fan. I thought I would be able to push through to the top of the hill but didn’t make it and damaged my motor. Really bummed but will definitely be back this year!!”

Englishman Graham Jarvis, ranked the top off-road racing motorcyclist in the World, won the Roof, with New Zealander Chris Birch coming second.

Wade and Nigel at a WFO race

Father and son

E N D U R O

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Wade Young MAKING MOLEHILLS OUT OF MOUNTAINS

SO WHAT’S ON THE MENU FOR 2014, WADE? Young continues home schooling this year, which enables him to compete in the National Endure Series here in South Africa. Then he’ll be heading for Romania to compete in the Red Bull Romaniacs. (Last year only 21 PRO Class competitors actually managed to finish this gruelling event, and out of them, Young finished an astounding eighth.)

Then there’s the Erzberg Rodeo in Austria, in which Young finished in 11th place in 2013 ... and only 14 out of a whopping 500 competitors made it to the finish line in that event! Young can’t wait to see how he will do this year.

The ‘King of the Hill’ Enduro, also held in Romania, is another item on Young’s ‘to-do’ list for 2014.

A surprise entry for Young’s diary is the inclusion of the 2014 FIM SuperEnduro series. Young’s dad, Nigel (pictured with him on the previous page) said his son is keen on yet another challenge, and this is what SuperEnduro holds for him. SuperEnduro is a hybrid motorcycle competition offering a mixure of supercross, trials and enduro racing. The entire race is held indoors and includes riding over obstacles that resemble a trials track. Young is hoping to get clearance to compete in the SuperEnduro in Barcelona, Spain, in February. We’re holding thumbs!

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: ENDURO RACING

On the Podium at Roof of Africa 2012 (2nd place Altus De Wet 3rd place Graham Jarvis)

E N D U R O

WADE YOUNG R A C I N G

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Wian Sullwald The tough get going

I have also very recently finalised my partnership with Puma and I am very pleased to be running in the best and coolest shoes!

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INTERNATIONAL SPORTING JOURNAL: TRIATHLON

the TOUGH

GET GOING So I eventually made it back to Pretoria and the High Performance Centre (hpc) and it’s really good to be training with my excellent training partners Eddie van Heerden and Wikus Webber.

The past week was very busy for me... I was very involved with Specialized at their three concept store launches in the Johannesburg area which was just awesome. I was at ‘Test the Best’ over the weekend ... this is where Specialized have all their top-end bikes out on display and anyone is welcome to come and ride them, hence the name ‘Test the Best’.

I also received my mountain bike from Specialized recently, and WOW! what a bike it is. I’m riding the Specialized Epic and it just is really an amazing bike. I took it out for the first time on the Groenkloof trails which are really hard and technical but the bike was superb. I am fairly new to mountain bike riding but I am very excited to hone my skills this year and go into some Xterra racing in 2015. I will still put most of my work into International Triathlon Union (ITU) racing and it will be my number one priority; I am just looking for something different and I am really enjoying the mountain biking although I have a lot to learn still.

I also realised this past week how fortunate I am too be part of such a wonderful company like Specialized they really are an incredible group of people.

I have also very recently finalised my partnership with Puma and I am very pleased to be running in the best and coolest shoes! Their technology is simply mind-blowing when it comes to both their running gear and shoes! Today I will be running my hills in a pair of Puma tights that has kinisio tape in it to help keep your legs fresh, how cool is that?

And I am very excited to get the season going with our first race of the year being around the corner…

ITU Sprint Cup Cape Town - taking place on 16 February.

Have a good one! Chow!

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Gerhard De Beer AMERICAN FOOTBALL

ATHLETE

DIARY & JOURNAL

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INTERNATIONAL SPORTING JOURNAL: AMERICAN FOOTBALL

A

fter the 42-19 win over Boston College in the Advocare V100 Independence Bowl that took place in Shreveport, Louisiana, I flew home (which is in Pretoria, South Africa) on the first day of the new year. I was greeted by my parents with my Mom (René) and my sister (Hanri), both in tears. My dad (Johan) was just as happy to see me.

As much as I had hoped to have been surprised by my friends, they never disappoint. Two of my best friends (Ivan Coleman and Gavin Vogel) were hiding in the parking lot of the airport to welcome me home. I talked a lot about all of my recent experiences in the US.

The next morning, I left with my family and Gavin to Umtentweni (about 115 km south of Durban) to meet up with the van Niekerk family. We tried to go deep-sea diving, but the ocean had its own plans. Apparently there was a cyclone close by which really made the see rough. I witnessed something amazing!

A wave broke in the middle of the ocean. We only dived once but had a bad dive because of poor visibility. At least the boat ride was really fun (thank goodness for motion sickness pills).

I took the two weeks at home off since I felt my body needed the rest after five gruelling months of doing football and track with no rest.

So I spent most of my time at home with my family and friends. The day before I left, my dad took me to a lunch where I wanted to eat a 1 kg (2.2 lb) T-bone, but unfortunately, they were out of stock.

I came back to the US on the 14th of January with classes starting on the 15th. I’ll be redshirting my track season (meaning I will not compete for the University of Arizona this season but the year after). Now that I know what’s in store for me, I am aiming for a 4.0 GPA this semester with 16 credits whilst still participating in two sports.

In closing, just a reminder: Success is a result of hard work, not luck that fell into your lap while sitting on a couch.

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Ilze Hattingh’s DIARY OF A WINNER ATHLETE

DIARY & JOURNAL

AUSTRALIA! My third year in a row, always nice to be here. The only thing that’s not so nice is that this is the third New Year’s in a row that I haven’t been with my family! However the fireworks display in Melbourne makes up for it.

I left for Oz on the 28th of December, arrived on the 29th at 2 a.m. and was on the court training by 9 a.m. that morning. I had a great week’s training in Melbourne and stayed with very good friends of ours whose son Marc Polmans plays tennis for Australia.

I left for Traralgon on the 9th of January to play in a Grade 1 event before Australian Junior Open Championships.

WHERE my have adventures taken me lately?

Ilze Hatting

THE DIARY OF A

WINNER

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INTERNATIONAL SPORTING JOURNAL: TENNIS

I did not have the best tournament unfortunately, and lost in the first round main draw to the number 28 in the world, who also happens to be my doubles partner from Great Britain. The two of us lost 8-10 in the third set of the second round of the doubles.

I felt something was not quite right with my forearm, and I could not figure out what it was.

This is why it’s so difficult to travel on your own without a coach... I just needed someone to watch me and tell me what I was doing wrong.

Fortunately my coach John-Laffnie de Jager was in Melbourne with the Polish doubles couple that he also coaches. I met up with him after Traralgon and he worked on my forearm and sorted it out immediately. Wow, what a relief!! I was hitting the ball so so well! I was really looking forward to Australian Open and feeling very confident.

I was hoping to at least get through the first round of the main draw, but believe it or not I drew the number 8 seed in the world, 15-year-old Serbian, Nina Stojanovic, in the first round!!!!

I just said to myself I have nothing to lose, she is the one that doesn’t want to lose against me, placed 79th in the world!

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Ilze Hattingh’s DIARY OF A WINNER

I went out and played my heart out and thrashed her 6-1, 6-2.

I was over the moon!!!!! What a feeling, making it through the first round of a grand slam and knocking out a seed.

That same day I also went and watched Raven Klaasen and his partner win their Quarter Final match.

That was amazing! Raven inspired me even more!

In my second round match, I played against Yukina Saigo from China, and I knew I had a chance. I won the match 6-3, 6-3.

Through to the third round of the Australian Junior Open! I couldn’t believe it, it was the most amazing feeling.

My third round match was against the number 10 seed Anastasiya Komardina from Russia, 33rd in the world, a lefthander. I knew this was going to be tough, and it was tough, I lost the match 4-6, 4-6.

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It was so close and I had so many break points that I couldn’t convert, but she was the better player on the day, and I accepted that although I was very disappointed!

I still had a great run and great start to my 2014 journey! My world ranking jumped from 79 to 64, and I’m getting closer to top 50, to be able to be considered for the Youth Olympics in China in August!

THIS IS THE WORLD I WANT TO BE IN! THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO! AND I CAN!

I had the privilege of seeing the pros in action and I was in the gym with Lleyton Hewitt, Venus Williams and walked past Rafa Nadal.

Home sweet home for a few days!

Next up 5 February - African Junior Championships, Morocco!

DREAM, BELIEVE, ACHIEVE!!!

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ANDRIES VAN DER MERWE RUNNING LINES

ATHLETE

DIARY & JOURNAL

ANDRIES VAN DER MERWE

RUNNING LINES I never before experienced such a hectically busy time in my life as the first two weeks of January 2014. I arrived at Texas A&M well rested and charged up, after a few weeks back in South Africa with my family and friends. My wonderful trip to the white beaches of Mozambique was forgotten within the first week back in the US. Getting settled into my new apartment, registering for all the classes, going for the medical check-ups, settling into my new routine, new training partners, new environment, new language, new, new, new. I hardly had time to think about athletics in the first few days.

Texas is not known for severe cold winters, but January 2014 proved to be really cold. Sitting alone in my apartment I had the opportunity to appreciate a little of what was happening around me. I have always believed that the most important external factors for success in sport are 1) the best coaches and support staff, 2) the best training facilities and 3) the best opportunities to train with and compete against great sportsmen.

What struck me during my first few weeks at Texas A&M was the unbelievable facilities. I know I will have the opportunity in future editions of Game On to write about my coaches, but decided to share a little about the facilities at Texas A&M in this edition.

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INTERNATIONAL SPORTING JOURNAL: ATHLETICS

When the weather is fair we train on a normal outdoor synthetic track (Tartan), which we share with only a few other athletes. The coaches’ offices are situated at the outdoors track, as are the medical support facilities where the physios and the biokineticists have their rooms. There is a large conference room where the video analysis is done after the training sessions and meetings.

What is really impressive is the room where all the sponsored gear is kept. Everything an athlete may desire is available from the Texas A&M Track and Field sponsors.

A few hundred meters from the outdoor track is the new indoor track. We use this impressive climatic-controlled facility for practice when the weather is bad. The interesting thing about this track is that the 200 m circular track is banked at the corners which allows for higher speed around the tight corners. It also boasts a 60 m sprint track which runs alongside the circular track which means that distance and sprint athletes can train simultaneously.

The gymnasium is as good as I have ever seen and has every piece of equipment you can think of. On the second floor of the gym is a juice/supplement bar. All supplements are strictly controlled and supplied free of charge by our sponsors.

We have a beautifully equipped academic centre where tutors are available almost 24 hours per day to help with the very tough academic programmes.

Add to that the Nutrition Centre where food is served according to your dietician’s prescription and you have a picture of what Texas A&M offers their athletes, to ensure that we perform at our best.

As far as facilities are concerned I could not have asked for more. Training at such a place, in such a professional environment, just serves to inspire me more to achieve my dreams.

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REGULAR: SOCCER

OFF THE BALL! With Grant Johnson

Welcome to the fourth issue of our monthly soccer forum, where we will be discussing current soccer developments, whether they are good initiatives or problems in the game. I am Grant Johnson and I have 20 years of experience in South African soccer as a player and a coach with Club and Country.

Well it seems all is back to normal in South African soccer … coaches resigning or being fired. The latest is the resignation of Roger De Sa from Orlando Pirates. I wonder what was happening in the background. Roger has been a great servant of South African soccer and he did a good job at Pirates, getting them to the Champions League Final. Only one other coach in South Africa has ever achieved this. Then there are the rumours about the firing of Gordon Igesund from Bafana Bafana. (By the time this has been published it may have already happened – let’s hope not). I think that Gordon has done a very good job so far with the team and we could see some progress.

The Chan Tournament was not the full-strength squad and was made up of just local players.

The problem I can see from this is that our PSL League and teams are not producing the players required to play at international

level. This could be blamed on a few factors. Too many foreigners playing in the league, so not enough youngsters are getting game time. No developmental league underneath the PSL to groom players. Failure of our youth national teams to achieve any significant success. In my opinion, you can keep changing coaches, but if the players are not good enough, there is no point.

It’s time to look long and hard at our local football and some tough decisions need to be made.

This is from our development structures up to the so-called ‘big teams’. Heads need to roll; not in the coaching department, but at the Head of Management and Administration. Too much money has been spent and wasted on the fat cats of football, who just seem to be getting richer and richer.

Not enough emphasis is put on development. And I’m not just talking about PSL clubs having development teams; I’m talking

about getting proper coaches to work at schools and communities.

There are hundreds of ex-players who could fulfil these coaching positions. SAFA needs to pay to get these coaches certified and pay them a salary to uplift the soccer in all the regions in South Africa.

I am hoping that the structures and the way things are done change soon. Instead of the Sports Minister blaming individuals in the team, he must rather investigate the structures and Management within football. Until this is done, there will be no progress.

Yours in football.

GRANT

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Lynette Burger Pumped Up Kicks

PUMPED-UP KICKS CYCLING WITH LYNETTE BURGER

Cycling in South Africa and also abroad must be one of the most popular sports amongst young and old; from riding your first bike as a toddler to a racing bike when you get older. It bonds so many people and cultures, it’s a time to just be you and enjoy a day out with friends and family on a social and on a professional level.

Going back to my cycling, when I just started, I remember all the spectators on the side of the road; moms, dads, uncles, aunts, cousins, brothers and sisters all cheering for their family members or friends.

The smell of “braaivleis” early in the morning and some fresh coffee just got you in the mood for a fun day out.

The Pick n Pay Cape Argus must be one of the biggest races in South Africa and many local and international riders love to take part as it is hosted in one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa. The surroundings of the big “Tabel Mountain”, the ocean, wine and scenery make Cape Town a traveller’s paradise.

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I will never forget my first Cape Argus, wanting to finish in time under 3:30h, I really never thought that it would be so tough. Getting up, hearing the music from the starting line, seeing thousands of cyclists all excited and nervous just like me. I started in a group very far back; I think it was the L bunch. Not really knowing what to expect or knowing the route, I just wanted to start and see what all the fuss was about.

“WOW” was my first impression and I was just in awe seeing all the people, cyclists, and spectators. Starting with almost 200 riders in my bunch, it soon came to mind that you just get on your bike and ride. Along I went passed hundreds of people and up a couple of hills, but then I got to the famous “Ou Kaapse Weg”.

I still went passed other cyclists but much, much slower. Almost all the cyclists who take part in the Cape Argus go up “Chapmans Peak” and I must be honest; having the opportunity to do both, Ou Kaapse Weg is not for the faint-hearted. It felt like the climb was never going to end and it was very hot.

Nevertheless I managed to get to the top, but I suffered all the way home and then still had to get up “Hospital Hill” before the finish.

REGULAR: Cycling

I never managed to win the race, my best was 2nd and 3rd but with that I’ve seen some of the most horrific accidents, leaving people lying on the road, waiting for ambulances, ending up in hospital with loads of broken bones. I know with any sport you get injuries but why not have a men and ladies separate race?

I eventually made it to the finish in a time of 3:20h, I managed to ride under my goal time but it was almost not good enough; yes I managed to ride within my goal time but I wanted to do better, I wanted to go faster, I wanted to win the race!!!

When I started my cycling career, I started doing a lot of races throughout South Africa and for the first time in 2006, I could race with the Elite Ladies in this prestige event in Cape Town: the Pick n Pay Cape Argus! Most of the races we do we have a ladies’ separate race, which makes it fair for each person and it’s good because team tactics play a big role.

The aim was always to get the sprinter to the line in the best way possible and not having to do too much throughout the race. Unfortunately during the race it was not the case. We started with the 40+ Veteran men, so the lady that would ride away with the men would be the one that could, and most likely would win. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to race with the men as it improves general road skills and makes for very hard racing, but there’s always the danger of crashing. I’ve managed to do the Cape Argus five times in my career and not once did it go smoothly.

Everyone wants to be in the front, everyone wants to win, and everyone is on the edge, taking chances so they can be the best on the day.

Sponsors spend loads of money getting all their riders to race but the cost after crashing and not being able to participate for months after because of serious injury is tipping the scale to hundreds of thousands of rand.

This is one of the most popular races in South Africa and coverage is huge for sponsors but it comes to a point that you have to look at what the costs are and what is best for the team and riders in the long run. Organisers will have to separate the start for men and Elite ladies, like we have with all the other one-day classic races, to secure safety. Hopefully this will be achieved this year, as promised for so many years, otherwise it will make for less numbers, and especially professional riders, as it is just not worth the risk.

Now with two racing categories joined into one, men and women, it meant chaos from start to finish; the group of around 250 riders trying to race through narrow streets and most of the riders making it together to the finish line.

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MARC MUNDELL LESSONS FROM MADIBA

SELF DISCIPLINE COLUMN: WALKING THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED SERIES TITLE: DREAM BELIEVE ACHIEVE REPEAT ARTICLE REFERENCE: LESSONS FROM MADIBA AUTHOR: MARC MUNDELL

“Do not waste a moment of your time while you are at Yale, or you will regret for the rest of your life not having taken advantage of all this university has to offer. A fool leaves Yale with only a degree, a wise man with enough knowledge to face whatever life throws at him. Seize every opportunity that is offered to you.

Do not be frightened of any new challenge, and should you fail, there is no reason to be ashamed. You will learn far more from your mistakes than from your triumphs. Do not be afraid of your destiny. Be afraid of nothing. Challenge every writ, and let it not be said of you, I walked a path but never left an imprint.”

This passage, an address by the President of Yale to the new first year students is extracted from Jeffrey Archer’s Sons of Fortune. This passage served as a beacon for me during my years at the University of Pretoria and ever since in my working career. It has inspired me to challenge my comfort zones and to embrace new working environments, cultures and relationships.

With the dawn of 2014, we are all motivated to pursue New Year’s Resolutions and to strive towards achieving goals that we set for ourselves. These

resolutions, whether in sport, academics, working career, personal finance or relationships, will challenge our belief of what we are capable of, and redefine our limits.

Fully embrace your pursuit, your shining star and pursue it to the very best of your abilities. You will encounter many obstacles and challenges on your journey and you will often want to quit or give up.

Paul Bear Bryant, the storied football coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, said of quitting:

“The first time you quit, it’s hard. The second time, it gets easier.

The third time, you don’t even have to think about it.”

Wherever possible, associate yourself with likeminded, goal-driven, aspiring personalities that want to grow as people by experiencing life to the fullest. Establish your own personal library of personalities that you admire and learn valuable life

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lessons from all of them. Draw from their words of wisdom and encouragement and do not be afraid of making sacrifices or working hard to achieve your goals.

REGULAR: ATHLETICS

“A great musician once admitted that if he missed three days of practice, his fans noticed it. If he missed two days of practice music critics were aware. If he only missed one day of practice, he himself could hear and feel the difference. When we LOVE something, we must embrace it completely in order to experience the fullness of the gift” Your ability to believe in yourself, to remain determined and to pursue your personal dreams will ultimately allow you to realise your goals and to know yourself. When you know yourself, you give other people a chance to truly get to know the REAL you.

My challenge to you this month is to set 2014 resolutions to embrace your life and challenge your comfort zones. Take heed of the opening passage and this message (a variation of which is inscribed on my 21st birthday glass) from H, Jackson Brown, Jr .

“When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did”

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Nicki de Villiers (hpc) FAT AS FUEL FOR PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE

FAT AS FUEL

FOR PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE Should we change from carbohydrate?

Dietary manipulation is a common ergogenic strategy used in attempt to improve performance.

No single strategy can be accepted for all athletes in all sports, however convincing support for a moderate to high carbohydrate diet.

The use of high fat diets in contrast to a high carbohydrate intake are usually not well accepted by athletes due to reported negative consequences such as a slower gastric emptying, higher ratings of perceived exertion during exercise and an inability to sustain high intensity training regimes.

Attempting to clarify whether high-fat or high carbohydrate diets improve performance one must consider a range of factors such as the nutritional status of the athlete, the period of diet manipulation, the conditioning of the athlete as well as the type of activity engaged in to name a few.

The question:

“What is the best source of energy that would prevent fatigue and prolong performance?�

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ADVICE COLUMN: SPORTS PERFROMANCE

FAT vs CARBOHYDRATES Carbohydrates in an athlete’s diet are important because they replace muscle glycogen used during training as well as maintain steady blood glucose levels to prevent fatigue.

If blood glucose levels are not maintained steady and within the norms, the athlete’s intensity of exercise will decrease.

Fat does contribute to the athlete’s energy pool over a large range of exercise intensities. The fat is metabolized at more or less the same absolute rate irrespective of the exercise intensity but the proportion of the energy contributed by fat decreases as exercise intensity increases and therefore, the contribution from carbohydrates increases.

The current recommendation therefore is that an athlete’s snack or meal prior to exercise should:

1

Provide enough fluid to prevent dehydration

2

Be low in fat and fiber in order to facilitate gastric emptying and minimize gastric discomfort during training

3

Be high in carbohydrates to maximize maintenance of blood glucose

4

Be moderate in protein content

5

Consist of foods that are familiar to the athlete as well as well tolerated by the athlete

After exercise it is recommended that an athlete consume a mixed meal that provides protein, carbohydrates and fat.

In summary, consumption of excessively large quantities of protein and fat in an athlete’s diet should not be encouraged because they may displace the carbohydrate rich foods within the athlete’s energy requirements.

High amounts of fats and proteins in the diet may also lead to gastric discomfort and may indirectly interfere with the glycogen storage of the athlete by preventing sufficient intake of carbohydrate rich foods.

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Nicki de Villiers (hpc) FAT AS FUEL FOR PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE

FAT LOADING As endogenous carbohydrate reserves are limited, glycogen depletion often coincides with fatigue during endurance and team sports. Due to glycogen depletion there has been a recent surge of interest in several nutritional practices which in theory could promote fatty acid oxidation to spare glycogen stores and result in improved exercise capacity.

These theories include ingestion of fat and caffeine before exercise, chronic adaptation to high-fat diets and L-carnitine supplementation to name a few.

Caffeine Ingestion before Exercise Caffeine is a pharmacological agent used by many athletes to improve short high-intensity and prolonged moderateintensity exercise performance.

Caffeine has direct effects on the central nervous system resulting in a decreased perception of effort. Caffeine also poses a theoretical possibility of increased mobilization of free fatty acids with subsequent increased fatty acid oxidation and a sparing effect on muscle glycogen level. Results of various studies indicate that this glycogen sparing effect of caffeine is a variable response, but seems most likely to occur with larger caffeine doses and power outputs eliciting greater than 70% VO2max.

Fat Feeding before Exercise Several studies have investigated the effects of fat feeding before exercise. It seems that fat feeding, in combination with intravenous heparin increases lipolysis with a greater availability of free fatty acids and a possible glycogen sparing effect.

Most of the differences in substrate metabolism after fat feeding were although only evident in the early stages of exercise and did not result in an improved performance. One also has to question the practicality and ethics of intravenous heparin together with fat intake.

Adaptation to High-fat, Low-carbohydrate Diets Modification of an individual’s habitual diet can significantly alter the subsequent patterns of substrate utilization during aerobic exercise and ultimately performance. A high fat intake over a period of one to three days markedly reduces muscle glycogen and increased fatty acid oxidation during sub maximal exercise. This shift in substrate utilization is although associated with impairment in exercise capacity. There is although some evidence to suggest that a longer period of adaptation to a high-fat diet may result in adaptive responses to increase the capacity for fatty acid oxidation. These adaptations suggest that sub maximal exercise capacity can be preserved in spite of low preexercise muscle glycogen content when trained individuals are adapted to a high-fat diet. Adherence to such a high fat diet for a prolonged period may be impractical and could also pose health problems.

Short-term exposure to high-fat diets is also associated with insulin resistance resulting in a decreased hepatic glucose output and liver glycogen synthesis. There may be extreme and unconventional events in which performance requires only a prolonged ability to work at low intensities. Athletes in these events might find it useful to experiment with fat adaptation strategies.

However, for the typical range of activity which combines periods of high intensity with lower intensity activities, there seems no justification to recommend fat adaptation and glycogen restoration strategies. Athletes in these events would be attempting a protocol that is difficult and sometimes unpleasant to complete with the possibility of sabotaging their efforts.

References: 1. Burke, L. 2007. Practical Sports Nutrition. Human Kinetics.

2. Burke, L & Deakin, V. 2006. Clinical Sports Nutrition. McGraw Hill.

3. Williams, MH. 2007. Nutrition for Health, Fitness and Sport. McGraw Hill.

4. Burke, L, Kiens B & Ivy JL. 2004. Carbohydrate and Fat for Training and Recovery. J of Sports Sciences.

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ADVICE COLUMN: INJURY MANAGEMENT & NUTRITION

There is more to

injury management than ice While ice, rest and physical therapy are significant in the treatment of injuries, researchers are discovering that what an athlete consumes after being injured and during treatment can either delay healing or promote recovery.

The healing response is illustrated in three stages:

1. Inflammation starts at the time of injury and continues for 4 – 6 days and is in place to clear out injured tissue debris.

2. Proliferation starts 3 – 4 days post injury and lasts up to 2 weeks.

During this stage there is synthesis of epithelial cells and collagen to form temporary replacement tissues.

3. Remodelling starts in the second or third week and can continue for over a year. During this stage there is formation of new tissues nearly as strong as the original tissues.

By understanding the process of injury and injury repair, different nutritional angles can be implemented to support injury recovery as follows:

1. Nutritional strategies that promote, yet manage, acute inflammation and pain.

2. Nutritional strategies for supporting immune function.

3. Nutritional strategies that support long term tissue healing and regeneration.

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Nicki de Villiers (hpc) There is more to injury management than ice

Deficiencies of key nutrients will impair the above mentioned critical healing functions, e.g. Vitamin C and collagen formation Vitamin A and epithelialisation Zinc and cell proliferation Mild protein deficiency impairs healing process.

NUTRIENTS INVOLVED IN HEALING ENERGY Tissue repair requires cellular functions of protein synthesis, macromolecule synthesis and nucleic acid synthesis. For all of these processes the provision of energy is essential and a steady supply of raw material is required for cellular energy production. Energy intake also triggers hormonal responses, especially insulin, glucagon, somatotropin and intestinal neuropeptides which all play a role in the healing process as well as homeostasis.

Major injury alters an individual’s nutritional requirements. Studies suggest, for example that athletes who have broken their femur may experience an increase in resting energy requirement of around 20 per cent. Comparatively speaking, an athlete will have to eat less during injury recovery than during training and competition. Yet the recommended intake during injury will still be higher than the resting energy recommendation as illustrated in the table below.

Calculated Basal Metabolic Rate

6 770 kJ

Energy needs when Sedentary

8 100 kJ

Energy needs with Daily Training / Competition

11 500 kJ

Energy needs during Injury Recovery

9 700 kJ

Although energy need during injury is less than during training, it is still more than when sedentary

PROTEIN One of the metabolic responses after injury or surgery is a net loss of body protein. The duration of protein loss is 3 to 6 weeks when protein intakes are usual (0.8 g/kg/day).

Thus, it is important to ensure adequate protein intake during times of stress or injury.

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Amino acids, the breakdown constituents of protein, are basic building blocks for the construction of proteins, especially collagen, elastin, proteoglycan core proteins and non-collagenous matrix proteins. Other proteins with specific effects on musculoskeletal healing include hormones and amino acid neurotransmitters that regulate hormone synthesis and release.

ADVICE COLUMN: INJURY MANAGEMENT & NUTRITION

Apart from its function as energy substrate, fats are dietary and metabolic precursors for steroid hormones and eicosanoids.

Eicosanoids are powerful hormones that mediate many cellular and tissue functions. Much has been said about omega-3 fatty acids and the role it plays in musculoskeletal healing. The rationale for the use of fatty acids is to modulate eicosanoid synthesis to enhance production of antiinflammatory eicosanoids and reduce production of proinflammatory eicosanoids. Therefore, a diet high in trans-fats, omega-6 rich vegetable oils, and saturated fat will be pro-inflammatory whilst a diet high in monounsaturated Medalist 47 fats and omega-3 fats will be antiinflammatory.

To achieve a diet with optimal fat balance, increase the intake of olive oil, mixed nuts, avocados, flax oil, ground flax and other seeds to include some of these fats daily. Add 3 – 9 g of fish oil each day whilst reducing omega-6 fats, e.g. vegetables oils, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, etc. Even if the modulation of eicosanoids is a possibility, the slow turnover of cell membrane phospholipid fatty acids will delay clinical responses and therefore the make the use of fat modulation in short-lived or acute situations unsuccessful.

CARBOHYDRATE Carbohydrates are critical in sports injuries for their caloric value - supplying the energy needed to support healing - and the micronutrients they bring with them in food sources. They although do not usually directly repair tissues, as they are not part of the structures of cells the way proteins and fats are. However, carbohydrates are the preferred fuel source used during exercise.

MICRONUTRIENTS When it comes to injury, vitamins A, B, C, and D as well as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc can all play important roles.

Vitamin E may slow the healing process and therefore it is not recommended to take vitamin E supplements during injury. Vitamin A support epithelial and bone tissue development and stimulate the immune response. Vitamin C plays a critical role in collagen formation and acts as an

Magnesium plays a key role in protein synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Manganese is extremely important for the synthesis of proteoglycans, which are essential for the repair of connective tissue.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR ATHLETES NURTURING INJURIES 1. Maintain adequate energy intake 2. Decrease the intake of highly refined or processed foods 3. Increase the intake of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains 4. Avoid fried and greasy foods 5. Maintain protein intake of 1 – 1.5 g/ kg body weight/day 6. Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement every day 7. Maintain a good hydration status 8. Try to get back on a regular eating schedule as soon as possible 9. When you are up to it, try to achieve: Provides Protein, Zinc and Calcium

1. Prolonging the inflammatory phase 2. By inhibiting fibroblast, collagen and proteoglycan synthesis 3. Inhibiting wound remodelling FAT

anti-oxidant. Zinc is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division d protein synthesis, all necessary events for tissue repair.

Provides Carbohydrates, Vitamin A, B and C

Protein depletion appears to delay wound healing by:

2 – 3 servings Meat, fish and poultry per day

3 servings Milk or mild products per day

6 + servings whole grains per day

6 servings fruit and vegetables per day

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