Gom july:aug '14 issue 08

‘My sport. My life.’

ISSUE 08, JULY/AUGUST 2014

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

The only sports magazine for South African youth

EASTERN PROVINCE CRAVEN WEEK CHAMPIONS

AFTER 39 YEARS

+

THE RISE & RISE

OF JEAN-PAUL

DUMINY

EBEN ETZEBETH & CURWIN BOSCH

GAME ON TEAM Founders; Dave White | Michael Janse van Rensburg QUARTERBACK (Creative Director) Michael Janse van Rensburg | michael@camouflage.co.za REFEREE (Sales Director) Dave White | white.dave78@gmail.com COACH (Editor) Wilhelm de Swardtt | wilhelm@camouflage.co.za Assistant Coach (Copy Editor) Cecile Kiley | ceenaude@global.co.za GAMEBREAKER (News Editor) Kobus Pretorius | kobus@camouflage.co.za PLAYMAKER (Art & Creative Senior Designer) Raymond Q Nkomo | ray@camouflage.co.za HAWK EYE (Chief Photographer) Reg Caldecott | regpics101@gmail.com Eye In The Sky (Chief Photographer) Dr Henry Kelbrick | medsport@mweb.co.za X’s & O’s (Production Manager) Cherice Liebenberg | cherice@camouflage.co.za BEAN COUNTER (Financial & Office Administrator) Erika Kruger | admin@camouflage.co.za PUBLISHER CAMOUFLAGE VISUAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD APP AVAILABLE ON iTunes | Android Market | Blackberry World HEAD OFFICE 180 Blackwood Road, Clubview, Centurion Gauteng | South Africa Tel | +27 87 980 2266 Fax | +27 86 532 7880 Web | game-on-mag.com DISCLAIMER While every effort is made by TEAM: GAME ON to ensure that the content of our magazine is accurate, CAMOUFLAGE VISUAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD and GAME ON magazine cannot accept any responsibility for errors that may occur, or for any significance of applying the information contained herein. Statements by contributors and media submissions are not always representative of either CAMOUFLAGE VISUAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD or GAME ON magazine’s opinion. No part of the GAME ON magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored without prior written permission from CAMOUFLAGE VISUAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD and/or GAME ON magazine. CAMOUFLAGE VISUAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD and GAME ON magazine supports and encourages responsible practices with regards to all sports, activities and the conservation and protection of our planet and all inhabitants.

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contents IMAGE GALLERY EYE OF THE LENS MONSTER ENERGY 6

COVER FEATURE MAIN STORY CRAVEN WEEK For a while it looked as if Western Province (WP) would dominate every single Youth Rugby Week they participated in...

Words by: Kobus Pretorius | Photos: Provided | Action: Gallo Images 26

FEATURES RUGBY EBEN ETZEBETH ONE ON ONE WITH Question and Answers Words by: Kobus Pretorius | Photos by: Backpage 34 DAMIAN DE ALLENDE TAKING IT EASY Stormers and Western Province centre Damian de Allende (22) is not the type of rugby player who really plans ahead...

Words by: Kobus Pretorius | Photos by: Backpage 36 CRICKET

BENCH (CONTRIBUTORS)

LAWRENCE MAHATLANE NEW GAME FOR AN OLD HAND

Karien Jonckheere Journalist

Now that the dust has settled after the news of his somewhat controversial appointment as coach of the SA Under-19 cricket team...

PHILNA VAN VEIJEREN Journalist Bernard van Tonder Photographer

Words by: Kobus Pretorius | Photos by: SA Cricket 40 and Gallo Images JP DUMINY THE RISE AND RISE

GALLO IMAGES

Times they are a-changing in South African cricket...

SMUGSHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Words by: Kobus Pretorius | Photos by: Kobus Pretorius and Gallo Images

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO BACK PAGE MEDIA

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Issue 08, July/August 2014

FEATURES HOCKEY: TEVIN KOK STRIKING WHILE THE IRON’S HOT Toughing it out on the bumpy pitches of Kokstad, Tevin Kok had never in his life played hockey on Astroturf...

Words by: Karien Jonckheere | Photos by: Smugshots Photography

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QUINITA HOBBS TIME FOR THE BIG LEAGUE There’s little wonder Quanita Bobbs uses a soccer reference when she talks about meeting her hockey idol...

Words by: Karien Jonckheere | Photos by: Matthew Withers

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MENLOPARK: RITA NAUDÉ GOING PLACES At the 2nd African Youth Games, Gaborone, Botswana, held in May 2014, the South African swimmers reigned supreme...

Words by: Philna van Veijeren | Photos by: Bernard van Tonder

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DALEN MMAKO ALWAYS ON THE BALL In 2012, Die Hoërskool Menlopark’s Grade 9 cricket star decided to go to hockey try-outs...

Words by: Philna van Veijeren | Photos by: Bernard van Tonder

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NETBAL: LENIZE POTGIETER AND KEFILOE TSOTSETSI SHOOTING FOR THE MEDALS Coach Elize Kotze has described this as the best-ever prepared South African netball team...

Words by: Karien Jonckheere | Photos by: Reg Caldecott

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EDITORIAL WHERE’S THE S(UP)PORT? Between the two of us we battled to come up with five names and even in their case there is no guarantee that these individuals will still be competing, two years from now. In view of the limited opportunities that are available in South African athletics, two years is a very long time.

Since Athletics South Africa (ASA) made the controversial decision to close down their website at the end of last year, statistics are hard to come by. With the situation as it is, I was forced to use the results for 2013, which showed that the average age of our top female athletes in each discipline was 24.7 years. In 12 events, the top South African athlete was younger than 25, with some athletes being as young as 21. Some of the athletes between the ages of 17 and 19 were ranked second and third in their respective disciplines.

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow prompted me to study the list of South African participants, and to try my hand at predicting who might bring home some medals for South Africa.

On the surface, it appears as if the South Africans should be able to win quite a few gold medals. What concerns me, however, is the neartotal lack of female track and field athletes in the team. There are in fact a grand total of two female athletes on the list. If the 2016 Olympic Games were not merely two years away, one could even consider this list to be some sick prank.

The women on the team are 26-year-old Wenda Nel (400 m hurdles) and 31-year-old Sunette Viljoen (javelin).

The question that begs to be answered is why nearly 80% of South African female athletes quit before they have fulfilled their true potential.

Some time ago I had a discussion with Danie Cornelius, Tuks Athletics Manager. I challenged him to name some female athletes who are older than 25, still actively competing and who could represent South Africa in the Rio Olympics in 2016.

In comparison, the average age of the international female athletes who won gold medals at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow was 28.11 years. Only two of the winners were younger than 25.

I also had a look at this season’s international results. On average the top-ranked athletes in each discipline were 26-years-old, with the secondranked athletes averaging 25 and the third-ranked ones, 28.

These statistics conclusively prove that female athletes – the same actually applies to the male athletes as well – only begin to peak from the age of 25 onwards.

Carina Horn is a classic example of this. Apart from being crowned SA Champion in 2011 (100 m and 200 m), she never really set the track alight when she competed in local events during the past five years. Up to last year her best time in the 100 m was 11.59 s.

Horn, who turned 25 this year, suddenly began to run near-competitive times in the international athletics arena. During the past few weeks she ran times of 11.21 s, 11.17 s and 11.16 s.

Seen from a South African perspective this is brilliant. The last time a local athlete was able to complete the 100 m in a time faster than 11.20 s was in 2005 when Geraldine Pillay ran a time of 11.07 s.

Officially Horn is now jointly the third fastest South African sprinter ever.

Her improvement as a sprinter can be attributed to her hunger to succeed, as well as to her willingness to make sacrifices and to the vision of the major decision makers in South African Sports . She realised that her sprinting career was doomed if she stayed in South Africa and decided to move to Europe where she currently trains in Austria. If she had stayed in South Africa she would undoubtedly still have been a mediocre sprinter, battling to break 11.50 s.

Because it is not possible for every talented female athlete to do what Horn has done, many athletes simply disappear from the scene and are lost to the sport.

There are many reasons why female athletes decide to quit, but not all are insurmountable.

However, study loans that need to be paid back are an important reason why many athletes have to start working immediately after they complete their studies.

If Gideon Sam (Sascoc’s president), Fikile Mbalula (Minister of Sport) and Aleck Skhosana (Athletics South Africa’s president) are serious about South Africa winning medals in 2016, they should stop focusing on irrelevant matters and start working towards a solution to keep female athletes in the sport.

In South Africa the outdated and extremely chauvinistic idea still seems to exist that the only suitable role for females in sport is that of cheerleaders during rugby games wearing skimpy outfits and displaying their legs and cleavages.

And the truth is hurting the future of sport.

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SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: MOTOCROSS

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2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour

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SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: SURFING

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The British Speedway Grand Prix

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SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: Grand Prix

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CELEBRATION

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SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: MONSTER ENERGY

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HOW LOW CAN YOU GO

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SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: MONSTER ENERGY

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GEAR

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SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: MONSTER ENERGY

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The Monsters Pit

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SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: MONSTER ENERGY

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The British Speedway Grand Prix

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SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: Grand Prix

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Craven Week

kobus pretorius

Craven Week Words by Kobus Pretorius, Photos Provided - Action: Gallo

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ATHLETE SPORTING: RUGBY

For a while it looked as if Western Province (WP) would dominate every single Youth Rugby Week they participated in. They had already been successful in the Under-13 Craven Week, the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week as well as the Under-18 Academy Week.

Then the Craven Week kicked off in Middelburg, Mpumalanga and after day two it was clear that this would not be another walk in the park for the men from Cape Town.

They scraped past the Pumas in the final game on opening day, winning 33-32. The next day, Eastern Province (EP) needed a successful goal kick from their fullback Curwin Bosch to clinch a nail-biting 26-25 victory over the Blue Bulls. WP’s luck dried up the next day after losing to South Western Districts (SWD), before EP beat Free State 19-5 to book their place in the unofficial final against SWD. In the end, EP won their first unofficial Craven Week title in 37 years, the last being in 1977.

It was an extraordinary week, not least of all because it was the first Craven Week since 2000 where not one of the so called ‘big five’ rugby unions were involved in the final.

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Craven Week

“The EP has more than enough talent at school level, but it was a surprise for some people to see us being crowned champions.�

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ATHLETE SPORTING: RUGBY

CRAVEN WEEK 2014 Champion: Eastern Province Coach: Louis Gerber Results: Beat Blue Bulls 26-25; beat Free State 19-5; beat South Western Districts 25-7.

“We are a small union whose track record at the Craven Week wasn’t that good in previous years,” says coach Louis Gerber.

“The EP has more than enough talent at school level, but it was a surprise for some people to see us being crowned champions.” Gerber is head of rugby at Framesby High School and also teaches accounting at the school. This was his first year as head coach of the Craven Week team after being an assistant coach on two previous occasions.

“We knew we had to win both our first two games to reach a potential final, which was why we approached our first game against the Blue Bulls effectively as a quarter-final,” says Gerber.

“The players believed we could do it. Curwin Bosch’s winning goal kick before the final whistle against the Blue Bulls was crucial for us. We didn’t play very well against them but sometimes you need a little bit of luck to get you through those types of games,” Gerber smiles.

EP romped to a 19-5 victory over Free State and then faced SWD in the unofficial final after both teams remained unbeaten after two games.

“We won that game in the first half,” recalls Gerber. “We were 20-0 ahead at half time and before I realised it the score was 25-7. The spirit of the team was unbelievable. For me it was our defence that stood out.

We only conceded three tries during the whole week - one against each opponent. It was a privilege to be part of this achievement. We said beforehand that it was time EP won the Craven Week again. We wanted to play in the final even though noone gave us a chance.”

Bosch emerged as one of the star players of the week after kicking that winning goal kick against the Blue Bulls and playing a pivotal role for his team at fly half. He is only 17-years-old, but Gerber expects big things from him in the future.

“Curwin is an unbelievable talent and there is no doubt in my mind that he can one day play for the Springboks.

He has good manners and humility and a lot of character. You need a lot of character to make it far and Curwin has that.”

Coach: Louis Gerber

“It was a big game for us and the players were very nervous beforehand.

We knew the game against the Blue Bulls would, from a mental and physical perspective, be our toughest.

We switched Curwin to fullback for that game and played our regular fullback at outside centre. Our planning for that game was thorough and it paid off. The players were a lot more relaxed for the Free State game.”

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Coach: Elmo Wolfaardt

Craven Week

UNDER-18 ACADEMY WEEK Champion: Western Province Coach: Elmo Wolfaardt Results: beat Free State 435; beat Blue Bulls 17-8; beat KwaZulu-Natal 38-7.

This was Elmo Wolfaardt’s (head of rugby at Paarl Boys High) fourth Academy Week as coach and the third one where he walked away as the unofficial champion.

“The dynamic between the players was great this year,” Wolfaardt tells Game On. According to him, the advantage that schools in the Western Cape have is that they play tough games every week.

“The standard is very high and the competition is unbelievably strong.

What made things easier is that most WP schools play the same type of expansive rugby. We like to show off our skills.

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“The second game of the week is always the most difficult one in my experience,” says Wolfaardt. The players are usually tired after playing the previous day and it’s sometimes difficult to get the players psyched up and to get their bodies right.”

As per the EP’s performance in the Craven Week, WP also only conceded three tries on their way to the title.

“The combinations we had worked.

This bunch of players has big hearts. We gelled nicely; it was one of the most enjoyable Academy Weeks I’ve experienced,” a satisfied Wolfaardt says.

ATHLETE SPORTING: RUGBY

Coach: Oloff Bergh

UNDER-16 GRANT KHOMO WEEK Champion: Western Province Coach: Oloff Bergh Results: beat Border 61-0; beat Lions 24-11; beat Blue Bulls 26-11.

This was WP’s third consecutive triumph at the Under-16 week; all of them coached by Oloff Bergh (Boland Landbou).

“I knew we had a special group of players this year. The players we had came from good schools and were well coached,” says Bergh.

“Then we faced the Blue Bulls in the unofficial final. We took them on at their own game and won the physical battle. It was memorable winning the Under-16 week for a third year running.”

“It was the most talented group I’ve coached at this level and we had a lot of confidence going into the week. We had a bad first half against the Lions in the second game and were 0-11 behind at one stage, but we fought back nicely to win the game.

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Curwin Bosch With special thanks to Union Sports Group

curwin bosch with special thanks to Union Sports Group

Curwin Bosch Words by Union Sports Group, Photos Provided - Action: Gallo

SPORTS GROUP

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ATHLETE SPORTING Q&A: RUGBY

The dust has just settled on one of the most unique Craven Weeks to date. The star of the show? A talented, young and commanding fly half. Curwin Bosch is humble and has kept his head level and his feet on the ground. I spoke to the Craven week star on a huge week in his life...

Tell us about Curwin Bosch’s love for rugby.

I’ve played rugby from a very young age and my love for the game grew over the years.

A pivotal player for Grey High, and now Eastern Province. What do you credit your quality displays to?

If you love the game as much as I do you’ll find a way around any excuses not to train and play the wonderful game. Giving it my best is definitely a big factor in the quality of performance.

What was going through your head in that last minute conversion against the Blue Bulls?

I’ve been in this situation before for my school so I knew that I had the team’s momentum in my hands.

Going through my usual routine as a kicker, made it easy for me to relax and kick as if it’s just another kick.

You’re not the biggest player. Do you feel size is important in the game?

Are small players slowly being excluded from the game?

Well, not really. Rugby is about having a big heart and doesn’t matter how big you are, your heart determines your size.

You’re a 7’s and a 15’s specialist!

What format do you prefer?

My love for the game is enormous, 7’s or 15’s, I don’t mind, but for now I’d like to carry on with 15man rugby.

You have been the best player at this tournament, have led your side to historic wins and you are only 17. Describe how you feeling after Saturday.

Being part of such a great team is a privilege and honour and doesn’t come your way often. We have worked together as a team and chased our goal which we reached! Words can’t describe the way I’m feeling now!!

Who has made the most impact on your playing career?

Family and friends play a big role as they are always supportive of me. My school, Grey High, has also played a role in making me the person I am today.

Grateful!

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I have set myself some goals for the future which I’m working towards. I would like to grow as a player and become a better person in the game.

Standout performances at Craven Week have caught the attention of several Unions. Have you decided on who to connect with?

I’m still only 17 so I’ve still got next year to decide!

Favourite player?

Daniel Carter Favourite movie?

Remember the Titans Favourite quote?

“The most critical decision is made when you feel like giving up”

“If you love the game as much as I do you’ll find a way around any excuses not to train and play the wonderful game.”

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Eben ETZEBETH One On One With Eben

eben etzebeth

ONE ON ONE WITH EBEN ETZEBETH Words by Kobus Pretorius, Photos by BackPage Media

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ATHLETE SPORTING Q&A: RUGBY

What has been the toughest part of being injured for six months?

Training on your own and getting back to full fitness as quickly as possible is the toughest. I’ve sorely missed playing rugby!

It must have been tough sitting on the sideline and watching the Stormers in this year’s Super Rugby Competition. Why do you think the Stormers have struggled this season?

A lot of injuries in key positions have caused us to struggle but I have every confidence that we will come back to our form.

Gert Smal has been appointed Director of Rugby in Western Province. He is a very experienced coach and has a proven track record working with forwards. You must be looking forward to working with him?

Yes he is good at his job so I am looking forward to working with him.

Besides training and rehab, how have you kept busy these past few months?

Rehab was my main focus but besides that I have played a lot of Xbox!

Megarom have been sending me all the latest games so I have been

really enjoying trying all the titles. Otherwise, I have just been relaxing as much as I can because when rugby starts again for me it will be hectic again.

Are there any positives to take out of such a long injury lay-off?

Yes - getting your body back in a good condition is a luxury that a long lay-off can give you. Having the chance to spend quality time with family and friends is also a positive. You also appreciate what you have, more.

Do you think being out of the game for six months has refreshed you mentally and physically with the eye on next year’s World Cup?

Definitely!!!

There’s been a lot of talk in the media about the no. 5 lock position and your possibly moving there to take charge of the line-outs. Do you think that is a realistic option for you, or are you happy to stay at 4?

Right now I am focusing on getting back on the field and that is my main goal.

Time will tell where I play.

Victor Matfield has made his comeback since you have been injured. After playing with Bakkies Botha last year, do you think you could learn anything from a legend like Matfield?

Victor is one of the top lineout specialists in the world so I can definitely learn a thing or two there!

Who has been your toughest opponent on the rugby field?

Ma’a Nonu has been the toughest so far.

Is it true that you only started playing lock in Grade 11 at Tygerberg High School and that before that, you were a centre?

Yes; before Grade 11 I played in the back line at centre, wing and fullback.

“I have just been relaxing as much as I can because when rugby starts again for me it will be hectic again.”

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DAMIAN DE ALLENDE TAKING IT EASY

TAKING IT EASY DAMIAN DE ALLENDE Words by Kobus Pretorius , Photos by BackPage

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ATHLETE SPORTING: RUGBY

Stormers and Western Province centre Damian de Allende (22) is not the type of rugby player who really plans ahead. After making his debut for the Western Province Currie Cup side in 2012 and helping them win the competition, it took Damian less than two years to convince Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer that he was good enough to be a Springbok.

Unfortunately for De Allende, he got injured in the last Super Rugby match before the June break against the Sharks in Durban and wasn’t able to make his Springbok debut against Wales.

“It was quite overwhelming being in the squad,” admits De Allende.

“I was at home when I got an email from Heyneke telling me that I had made the squad. I thought it was a prank at first.

Unfortunately I got injured, but I’m not worried. The Springboks will happen in good time,” he says philosophically.

I started playing for the first team in 2007 when I was in Grade 10 and initially started as an outside centre.”

“I don’t really plan ahead.

I just take things as they come. I just try to be as happy as I can.”

He was also a very avid cricket player.

What makes De Allende’s story even more special is the fact that he never went to a traditional rugby school in the Western Cape. Born and bred in Cape Town, De Allende went to the suburb-based Milnerton High School in Cape Town. But that’s only half the story. Damian started out as a soccer player before he ditched it for rugby.

“I started playing soccer in primary school,” he recalls.

“I actually enjoyed cricket most of all, but I did it too much and pushed myself too hard and eventually I lost my passion for it.”

Damian doesn’t view his not going to a ‘rugby school’ as a disadvantage.

“I think there are many opportunities after school.”

He decided, with the support of his family, to join Alan Zondagh’s Rugby Academy in the Riebeek West region outside Cape Town after matric.

“In Grade 8 some friends convinced me to try playing rugby. It was the physicality of the game that I enjoyed the most.

“I didn’t really feel much pressure before that game. I just train to the best of my ability and don’t really get nervous before games.”

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DAMIAN DE ALLENDE TAKING IT EASY

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ATHLETE SPORTING: RUGBY

“I took a bit of a chance going there, but it paid off.

The academy helped me to rebuild my skills and improve my conditioning. I put all my effort into rugby and was later picked to play for the Western Province Under-19 team and the Under-21 team after that.”

De Allende played Varsity Cup rugby in 2012 for Ikeys and represented Province in the Vodacom Cup. “I prefer playing inside centre as opposed to wing,” he says. “You have a bit more space and there are also more collisions at 12 which I enjoy.”

De Allende says he has grown a lot since he started playing for WP and the Stormers. “I’m communicating much better now, which is important for an inside centre. I was a quiet player when I started and didn’t really talk, but Jean de Villiers and Juan de Jongh have really helped me a lot.”

Some of this player’s favourite memories include winning the 2012 Currie Cup final against the Sharks in Durban and scoring a try in the 2013 Final at Newlands, even though Province lost.

“I was surprised when coach Allister picked me for the 2012 final to be honest,” remembers De Allende.

“I didn’t really feel much pressure before that game.

I just train to the best of my ability and don’t really get nervous before games.”

Damian had a one-onone session with Heyneke Meyer while he was part of the Springbok squad and remembers it fondly. “It gave my self-confidence a boost,” he says.

“Heyneke is very motivating and enthusiastic. The competition for the number 12 jersey is very strong, but that’s good because competition is healthy.”

“I was at home when I got an email from Heyneke telling me that I had made the squad. I thought it was a prank at first...”

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Lawrence Mahatlane New Game For An Old Hand

lawrence mahatlane

NEW GAME FOR AN OLD HAND Words by Kobus Pretorius, Photos by SA Cricket & Gallo

Now that the dust has settled after the news of his somewhat controversial appointment as coach of the SA Under-19 cricket team, Lawrence Mahatlane is ready to start a new phase in his career.

Mahatlane was suddenly cast into the spotlight earlier this year when his appointment as the new coach of the South African Under-19 cricket team was announced. This was just after the team won the World Cup in Dubai. Mahatlane replaced Ray Jennings, the man who coached the juniors to glory. The criticism was understandable, considering that not many knew how well connected Mahatlane was with South African cricket, but it has since subsided.

Mahatlane doesn’t like the spotlight and prefers to do his work behind the scenes. And it is here where the problem lies. Keeping a low profile usually results in eyebrows being lifted when someone is suddenly and unexpectedly thrown into the spotlight. This is not Mahatlane’s first job in cricket. He may be well known for his cricket commentating on Radio 2000, but Mahatlane has been active in the cricket world for 17 years.

He was involved in Under-19 and provincial cricket starting in 1997.

He was head coach of the Under-19 team in 2003 during a tour to India and has also been assistant coach for two separate spells; the first in 2002 and the second in 2004. He has been part of two Under-19 World Cup campaigns in the past and he feels he is well equipped to resume his position at the reigns.

Mahatlane’s first assignment will be a tour to England from 23 July to 23 August. The tour will consist of a two-match Test series and a fivematch ODI series.

Andile Phehlukwayo and captain Sibonelo Makhanya are the only two players from the World Cup squad who will also travel to England.

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Coaching SPORTING Feature: CRICKET

Mahatlane doesn’t like the spotlight and prefers to do his work behind the scenes.

“Sibonelo is a quality youngster. I spent a couple of days with him at Hilton College in KwaZulu-Natal and I expect a lot from him. I’m very excited about the challenge of grooming our youngsters,” says Mahatlane.

“I believe in hard work and doing the little things right.

It’s important that our young players get exposed to touring and building experience. I only get to spend limited time with the players before we leave, but the dust must settle quickly because results are always important. This tour will obviously be important as it will be our first step in setting the groundwork for ultimately defending the World Cup title in 2016. We had a very successful home series against England last year and we want to ensure that we keep our reputation of being a strong cricketing nation intact, come the end of this tour.”

Mahatlane will be assisted by the recently retired bowler Victor Mpitsang. Mpitsang played two ODIs for South Africa back in 1999 against the West Indies and Kenya respectively when he was only 18-years-old and enjoyed a long first-class career when he played for Free State.

“Victor’s strength is obviously bowling,” says Mahatlane, “and his insights will be invaluable going forward. He will be able to teach the bowlers how to build pressure on the batsmen and how to construct an over.

I want to see our youngsters improve and grow and watch them become young men.”

Game On Magazine, July/August: Issue 08, 2014

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Lawrence Mahatlane New Game For An Old Hand

SIDEBAR Goal: “To produce first-class cricketers who can one day represent the Proteas.”

Coaching philosophy: “I’m big on skills and self-awareness.”

England tour itinerary: Date and Time

Match

Fri Aug 1 - Mon Aug 4 10:00 GMT | 11:00 local 12:00 SAST

1st Youth Test England Under-19s v South Africa Under-19s FP Fenner’s Ground, Cambridge

Thu Aug 7 - Sun Aug 10 10:00 GMT | 11:00 local 12:00 SAST

2nd Youth Test England Under-19s v South Africa Under-19s County Ground, Northampton

Fri Aug 15 (50 ovs) 09:30 GMT | 10:30 local 11:30 SAST

1st Youth ODI England Under-19s v South Africa Under-19s Edgbaston, Birmingham

Sun Aug 17 (50 ovs) 09:30 GMT | 10:30 local 11:30 SAST

2nd Youth ODI England Under-19s v South Africa Under-19s Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Mon Aug 18 (50 ovs) 09:30 GMT | 10:30 local 11:30 SAST

3rd Youth ODI England Under-19s v South Africa Under-19s Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Wed Aug 20 (50 ovs) 09:30 GMT | 10:30 local 11:30 SAST

4th Youth ODI England Under-19s v South Africa Under-19s Grace Road, Leicester

Fri Aug 22 (50 ovs) 13:00 GMT | 14:00 local 15:00 SAST

5th Youth ODI England Under-19s v South Africa Under-19s County Ground, Derby

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Game On Magazine, July/August: Issue 08, 2014

43

J P Duminy The Rise And Rise

Times they are a-changing in South African cricket. The legendary trio consisting of Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and captain Graeme Smith has retired over the last two years. With them these three players took years of experience at the highest level.

And that’s not all: they also formed the core leadership of the South African cricket team.

jean-paul duminy

The Rise Words by Kobus Pretorius, Photos by Gallo Images for CSA & Kobus Pretorius

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Athlete SPORTING Feature: Cricket

It is now time for those who have been left behind to soldier on and make their own history; a history without the likes of Kallis, Boucher and Smith. Hashim Amla is the new Test captain, and AB de Villiers continues to lead the ODI side.

Joining them as the leadership core of the Proteas is Faf du Plessis, the T20 captain, fast bowler Dale Steyn, and JP Duminy.

While it was essentially a three-way race between Amla, De Villiers and Du Plessis for the test captaincy, a name that also popped up during the process was that of Duminy.

At 30 years of age Duminy is an experienced player and a senior member of the squad. He is currently regarded as one of the best T20 batsmen in the world after another successful stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and will be one of the key batsmen for the national side going forward.

“There is no doubt that Hashim (Amla) is the best man for the captaincy position,” says Duminy.

“He will do a great job. Captaincy is definitely something that I would like to consider, not necessarily for South Africa, but captaincy is definitely something that I would like to take on; whether it’s for an IPL team or a franchise team. Hopefully in the future I will get that opportunity. I am enjoying being one of the senior guys in the team. It’s a lot more responsibility and I think it’s brought out the best in me. Look, it’s only been a short while, but I definitely see a lot of great things coming, especially from a personal point of view,” Duminy muses optimistically.

Duminy says being thought of as one of the best T20 batsmen in the world is flattering.

“At the end of the day all you try and do is your best and to contribute to a team. As much as I contributed to a team (Delhi Daredevils) in the IPL, it was in a losing cause so it doesn’t really stand out that much, apart from one or two games. It’s always flattering to hear those kinds of things, but you want to make contributions to a winning team.

Hopefully that will fall into place in the near future.”

With Kallis and Smith retiring, Duminy will have an even bigger role to play in the new-look batting line-up of the Test side. He, together with Amla, De Villiers and Du Plessis, will form the backbone of the batting order in both Tests and ODIs.

AND Rise

OF jean-paul duminy Duminy succesfully completed a tour with the Proteas in Sri Lanka, the country where he made his ODI debut 10 years ago, and where he recently helped the national team win both the Test and ODI series.

He says his performances in the IPL have given him confidence which he can hopefully take into the other formats of the game as well. At 30 he is at his peak from a batsman’s point of view and hopefully with a little more responsibility on his shoulders he will become one of the best batsmen in the world.

Game On Magazine, July/August: Issue 08, 2014

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J P Duminy The Rise And Rise

Batting and fielding averages Mat

Inns

NO

Runs

HS

Ave

BF

SR

100

50

4s

6s

Ct

St

Tests

24

38

6

1111

166

34.71

2515

44.17

3

5

128

8

17

0

ODIs

118

109

23

3306

150*

38.44

3953

83.63

3

18

210

47

48

0

T20Is

55

50

14

1342

96*

37.27

1078

124.48

0

7

105

42

22

0

First-class

83

134

22

5435

200*

48.52

11007

49.37

16

27

58

0

List A

176

157

28

4937

150*

38.27

6094

81.01

4

33

61

0

Twenty20

170

161

49

4214

99*

37.62

3462

121.72

0

27

57

0

315

134

SidebarS The new generation of Duminys JP has two younger half brothers, Joffre and Jacques, who excel at both cricket and squash. Jacques was the number 1 ranked Under-11 squash player in South Africa last year and he is looking to reach the same heights at Under-13 level this year.

Joffre says he enjoys cricket a bit more at the moment. “We practise it a lot more. I use squash to better my fitness.”

Jacques prefers squash. “I’ve played it longer. I haven’t really played a lot of cricket.”

Learning from JP “I have learnt a lot about technique, batting-wise, from JP,” says Joffre.

I love to field and I’ve learnt a few tricks from JP in that regard as well.”

JP on his dad John: “My dad motivated us from a young age to give our best on the field and make sure that we prepare well and try and be as professional as possible. He has always taught us to be humble in our approach; not only in cricket or squash but also in life. He has never tried to live his life through us. He just wants the best for us.

“I look back to when I was their (Joffre’s and Jacques’) respective ages and I never believed or thought that I could play professional cricket, but my dad was always the one who knew or rather believed that I could. Only when I received a professional contract in matric did I start believing it. Once that happened it sort of became reality for me. It was a long road. I was probably not the hardest of workers when I was younger; I was very lazy, believe it or not. Only later on in my career did I actually catch on to that professionalism on a personal level.”

Both boys are batsmen and enjoy playing squash against their famous brother. “We make him run a bit,” jokes Joffre. Joffre plays for the Rondebosch Under-15A side and though he will be Under-17 next year, his goal is to make the first team.

Joffre (right) and Jacques Duminy playing squash

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Athlete SPORTING Feature: Cricket

Sidebar

Guiding his brothers “With the Proteas travelling as much as we do I don’t get to see a lot of them. I’ve watched them once or twice. There’s a lot of talent there, that I can say. That’s where my dad is so key. He keeps their feet on the ground, in both cricket and squash. That’s going to be important going forward. There are so many influences as a young boy, especially in terms of the people you surround yourself with. It’s important for them to stay level-headed. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs throughout my career and to share that knowledge with them in going to be vital. Especially from a cricketing perspective. As a batsman you go through more downs than ups. The best in the world only score one out of three times, so there are going to be dark days, no doubt, but sharing those experiences with them is going to be important and how they deal with it.”

Joffre Duminy on life after school: “I would like to be a professional sportsman after school. I take my sport very seriously. I would like to follow in JP’s footsteps, but I also want to make my own as well. I would like some guidance along the way.”

Jacques Duminy on squash: “I like playing with my friends and going on tour. My next goal will be to become the number 1 Under-13 player in the country.”

Game On Magazine, July/August: Issue 08, 2014

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TEVIN KOK STRIKING WHILE THE IRON’S HOT

tevin kok

STRIKING WHILE THE IRON’S HOt Words by Karien Jonckheere, Photos by Smugshots Photography

Toughing it out on the bumpy pitches of Kokstad, Tevin Kok had never in his life played hockey on Astroturf. But such was his skill and raw potential that, while playing on this surface for the very first time, he impressed selectors enough to be picked for the Under-13A KwaZulu-Natal inland team.

That proved to be the start of what’s been a steady climb up the ranks to now making it into the SA Under-18 team set to represent the country at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China in August.

“Coming from a small town and not ever playing on Astroturf, and being selected out of 40 other players, who all went to school in Pietermaritzburg and who were exposed to playing on astro was when I realised I was quite good,” explained Kok, who is in Grade 12 at Maritzburg College.

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Maritzburg College is a school steeped in hockey tradition, having produced 28 senior national players, including the likes of Wade and Taine Paton, Tommy Hammond, Gareth Carr and Marvin Harper. Kok’s two older brothers also attended the school and attribute much of their success to the hugely inspirational Mike Bechet, whom they count among their sporting role models.

“Bechet coached both my brothers and that is what made me decide to conclude my schooling at Maritzburg College, so he’s had a big impact on my career,” said Kok, who first pulled on the green and gold earlier this year for the Youth Olympics qualification tournament in Zambia, which the South African side won.

Fellow Maritzburg College student Tyson Dlungwana was also part of that team.

Speaking about the test that lies ahead in China, 17-year-old Kok pointed out: “It is going to be very challenging and tough and that is why I am putting a lot of extra time into fitness and technical skills.

ATHLETE SPORTING FEATURE: HOCKEY

“We’re not sure yet when the team will have the opportunity of training together again. They will let us know closer to the time, but as an individual I am focusing on my goalscoring opportunities and fitness.”

“Our aim is to end up in the play-offs and come back with a medal,” Kok tells Game On. Supporting him every step of the way will be his family – who were the ones to first place a hockey stick in little Tevin’s hands at the age of just two.

“My dad bought it at the Interprovincial Hockey Tournament in Pretoria where he represented KZN Mynahs,” explained Kok. “My mum, dad and two older brothers have been a major influence as my older brother, Aidan represented South African hockey at Under-16, Under-18 and SA Junior level, as did my brother Hedley. The commitment and dedication they showed to hockey was very inspiring.”

Hockey is also rated as an amateur sport, so my parents have invested a lot of money into my career, all things considered.”

Kok is hoping he won’t be an amateur for much longer, though, as he aims to one day play for an overseas club.

“My long-term goal is to go to Holland to play and coach with the possibility of being able to study there as well and to be selected for the senior men’s side,” said the speedy striker.

That all starts when Kok ventures off the continent for the first time in August. He’s got a pretty impressive record of firsts though, so if he takes to international competition as swiftly as he did to playing on astro, there’s little doubt he’ll soon be included on that illustrious list of Maritzburg College’s senior national team representatives.

“My parents and gran have also been at every game of mine since primary school and even travel to watch me play, no matter where in the country I am playing.

Game On Magazine, July/August: Issue 08, 2014

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Quanita Bobbs Time For The Big League

There’s little wonder Quanita Bobbs uses a soccer reference when she talks about meeting her hockey idol. Her older brother, Shaheem, played professional soccer after all, captaining Hellenic FC in his day and also representing South Africa at youth level.

But it’s on the hockey pitch that the younger Bobbs is making her name.

And one of the highlights of her fledgling career came when she came face-to-face with her hero when South Africa took on Argentina at the recent World Cup in the Netherlands.

quanita bobbs

Time For Words by Karien Jonckheere, Photos by Matthew Withers

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Athlete SPORTING Feature: Hockey

“If you were a big soccer supporter, can you imagine meeting Lionel Messi and the feeling you would get meeting him? That’s exactly what it was like meeting and playing against the world’s best hockey player,” she said of meeting the legendary Luciana Aymar.

“It was an honour to have met and played against her before she retired recently. I admire her ability to make it happen and her elimination skills.”

“I also look up to Marsha Cox, our SA women’s hockey captain,” added Bobbs. The 20-year-old will be joining forces with Cox and hoping some of the Aymar magic has rubbed off on her when the South Africans embark on their Commonwealth Games campaign in Scotland in just a few days’ time.

The Big League Their first match in Glasgow will be against Trinidad and Tobago on 24 July, before they face Canada the following day.

“I am anxious, but very excited to be attending the Commonwealth Games as it is a tournament I want to perform well in for my country,” said Bobbs.

“The feeling in the South African camp at the moment is one of suspense and excitement as we are raring to go and show the world what we made of. We want to medal in Glasgow,” she added excitedly.

Talking about the toughest rivals they’re likely to encounter in Scotland, the talented defender pointed out: “Every team will be tough, however the main team would probably be Australia.”

Bobbs explained that even though she’s competed at the Youth Olympics and Junior World Cup, being part of the SA team for the

Senior World Cup in the Netherlands in June was a vital part of her development as a player.

“Competing at my first World Cup in The Hague was an experience I’ll never forget. I learnt to be tougher mentally and most importantly I grew as a hockey player in observing the necessary skills and tactical awareness I would need in order to compete at such a high level.”

It’s certainly a few levels up from Central Hockey Club in Athlone, Cape Town where Bobbs first picked up a hockey stick – thanks to her dad’s involvement in the club. She gives much credit to her family for her development and rise through the ranks, but also to her school, Wynberg Girls’ High.

and love for the game,” explained Bobbs who is now studying towards a BCom degree (Management Sciences) at Stellenbosch University.

“Also, my family always supports, believes and inspires me through my career, especially my brother who, having been a professional soccer player, knows what it is like to play top sport.”

Asked what the best piece of advice is that she’s received from her brother, Bobbs reckoned:

“To always believe in yourself, no matter how tough it gets.”

“Wynberg Girls had a major influence on my hockey, as I had good coaches and facilities. I was also fortunate to be surrounded by good hockey players, which stimulated my competitiveness

Game On Magazine, July/August: Issue 08, 2014

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RITA NAUDÉ GOING PLACES

rita naudé

GOING PLACES RITA NAUDÉ Words by Philna van Veijeren, Photos by Bernard van Tonder

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ATHLETE SPORTING: Menlopark

At the 2nd African Youth Games, Gaborone, Botswana, held in May 2014, the South African swimmers reigned supreme. Our team – four guys and four girls – walked away with no less than 13 gold medals. An incredible nine of those medals were awarded to students from Die Hoërskool Menlopark, and we’re proud to say that our own Rita Naudé won no less than five golds and two silvers!

A few years ago, Naudé was just an eight-yearold girl who liked to swim.

She started participating in some swimming galas because of her older brothers’ involvement, and has never looked back.

Today, she is a 16-year-old swimming sensation.

She qualified for the South African Junior Swimming Team for the first time in Grade 7.

Since then she broke numerous records set by her icon, Karin Prinsloo, participated in galas all over the world, met the qualifications for the Youth Olympics in China this year (teams to be announced soon!), and, of course, laid waste to the other competitors at this year’s African Youth Games.

On Wednesday they had two practise sessions and on Thursday, the magnificent opening ceremony took place.

With thousands of people in attendance, the 2 500 competitors from 54 African countries entered the stadium, proudly displaying their country colours and flag.

For the 2nd African Youth Games, the chosen team members (all between the ages of 14 and 18, and each member specialising in one of 19 different sports) gathered at a hotel in Boksburg on Monday, 19 May 2014. SASCOC equipped each of them with a suitcase, a backpack, sports gear and clothes, all blazing South African colours and emblems.

The next morning, after a training session at 5 a.m., they boarded buses that would be escorted all the way to the Gaborone University Hostels, seven hours later.

“The fantastic opening ceremony made me feel like I was at the Olympic Games!” Naudé gushed.

The swimming gala held was from Friday through Monday. Naudé took part in the 50 m, the 100m, freestyle, backstroke and butterfly items - six individual items. She was also part of three relay teams: the mixed (that is, two girls and two guys) 4x50 m freestyle relay, mixed 4x100 m freestyle relay and the 4x50 m relay mixed individual medley.

“The fantastic opening ceremony made me feel like I was at the Olympic Games!” Naudé gushed.

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RITA NAUDÉ GOING PLACES

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ATHLETE SPORTING: Menlopark

SASCOC gave each athlete South African brooches, which they could swap with people from all the different countries, giving everybody a great way to approach new people and make friends from across Africa.

On Tuesday afternoon, the swimmers flew back home to OR Tambo International.

The rest of the Games continued for a week.

So far, Naudé has achieved everything she set out to do and her accomplishments have exceeded her wildest dreams, but not everything about swimming is fun and games.

She trains religiously, braving the cold water even at 5.30 a.m. Before school she has two swimming sessions as well as two gym sessions a week. In the afternoon she has cardio ‘land’ exercises twice a week, and she swims from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., six days a week.

Swimming like a professional also interferes with her school attendance.

In 2014 alone, just up until her June exams, she missed almost 6,5 weeks of school, due to swimming competitions in Australia, Cape Town, Durban and Botswana.

Swimming means a lot to her. Going on international tours without her parents for the last four years has taught her to be independent and how to meet new people of all ages and cultures. She has learnt from early on about self-motivation and goal setting in order to improve her personal bests, which she believes will one day make her a better tertiary student.

With her positive attitude and incredible talents, Rita Naudé is sure to be a feature on our televisions in the near future, uniting us as a nation and making us proud.

“To fall behind academically and to have to catch up each time is not fun. Fortunately, the teachers are very supportive.” Yet all the trouble is worth it, Naudé says. “I love being in the water and improving my times! The international exposure I’ve experienced so far was not the reason I started swimming.”

Game On Magazine, July/August: Issue 08, 2014

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DALEN MMAKO ALWAYS ON THE BALL

dalen mmako

ALWAYS ON THE BALL DALEN MMAKO Words by Philna van Veijeren, Photos by Bernard van Tonder

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ATHLETE SPORTING: Menlopark

In 2012, Die Hoërskool Menlopark’s Grade 9 cricket star decided to go to hockey try-outs. He decided on a whim, after a friend suggested it, and showed up ill prepared, wielding a pink hockey stick that he had borrowed at the last minute. That evening, he was sick from over-exerting himself. The next day, his name was on the Under-16 team list.

This was the beginning of great things.

“Hockey is an instinct. You just pick up the stick and jol.” Dalen Mmako believes his ability to play hockey is a God-given talent. His heaven-sent skills have earned him, at the age of 18, a spot in the Under-18 Northerns team. Mmako is also the co-captain of Menlopark’s first hockey team in this, the second year he’s played for Menlo’s prestigious team.

Yet, at heart, Mmako will always be a cricket man.

Success in cricket is the very reason he chose to attend Die Hoërskool Menlopark, after all.

Mmako is a member of the Premiere League cricket club, and plays for the North-Gauteng team, as well as the Menlopark’s cricket squad. For him, cricket is more of a challenge than hockey.

“Cricket is a mental game.

You can’t play with your heart. And, for me, that’s the biggest challenge.”

Despite being faced with this difficulty, Dalen Mmako thrives. He has big dreams for himself in the cricket world. He hopes to be a pro-cricketer and wear the sought-after green and gold – and he’s very realistic about his chances.

“Most of our black cricket players are bowlers. I, on the other hand, am predominantly a batsman.

Having a contract with CSA would be a dream come true,” he tells Game On. In the meantime, Mmako is working hard at school. He believes in the importance of matriculating well, and has aspirations of studying law at the University of Pretoria, while being a member of Sonop Koshuis.

The hostel life seems to suit him, as he was a weekly boarder in Die Hoërskool Menlopark’s hostel since Grade 8. Living away from home taught him to be self-reliant and to make sensible decisions, but his family is still very important to him. It’s not easy for him that he doesn’t see them often. They live far away in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga.

“Cricket is a mental game. You can’t play with your heart. And, for me, that’s the biggest challenge.”

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DALEN MMAKO ALWAYS ON THE BALL

dalen mmako

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ATHLETE SPORTING: Menlopark

Despite his mind-blowing talents, he still believes in maximum input, and spends most of his week training. He plays hockey every day of the week, training two hours a day, as well as participating in matches on Wednesdays and Fridays. Mmako also coaches Laerskool Menlopark’s girls’ 1st hockey team and Under12A cricket team, and is a hockey umpire.

As far as his cricket training goes, he has been ‘taking it slow’ so far this year.

During the finals of the Northerns try-outs, he hurt his back, and has been recovering since. He now spends four hours hitting cricket balls twice a week, as well as doing fitness training every day with a conditioning coach. Come to think of it, ‘taking it slow’ might have a different definition in Mmako’s dictionary than it does in the rest of the world’s!

Playing both cricket and hockey so fervently and with so much success can sometimes take its toll.

The back injury he’s been struggling with is due to the combination of playing two demanding, but very divergent, sports.

Just when you think that it is not possible for Dalen Mmako to have any more talent, he pulls another few rabbits out of the hat. He is proud of having been the Gauteng Under-10 cross country champion, and he also won the title of “Meneer Boerie” at Laerskool Boerefort three times in a row! In Grade 9, Mmako’s drama group won a dance competition overall in North Gauteng. He still has drama as a subject, to ‘develop his cultural side’.

With such a busy schedule, it’s a miracle that he gets any sleep at all. Luckily for the rest of the world, Dalen Mmako does not believe in hiding his abundant talents.

“Most of our black cricket players are bowlers. I, on the other hand, am predominantly a batsman.

Having a contract with CSA would be a dream come true,”

Game On Magazine, July/August: Issue 08, 2014

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Lenize Potgieter & Kefiloe Tsotsetsi Shooting For The Medals

lenize potgieter & kefiloe tsotsetsi

SHOOTING FOR THE MEDALS Words by Karien Jonckheere, Photos by Reg Caldecott

Coach Elize Kotze has described this as the best-ever prepared South African netball team for a Commonwealth Games.

And two of the youngest members of the team are simply thrilled to be a part of the squad that, after a recent convincing Series win over Scotland, believe they have a genuine shot at a medal.

At the ages of 20 and 21 respectively, Lenize Potgieter and Kefiloe Tsotsetsi are considered the ‘babies’ of the team who will begin their Commonwealth campaign by taking on Trinidad and Tobago before facing Barbados, England, Wales and then the mighty Australians in Glasgow.

For Tsotsetsi the experience is particularly special, as she’ll be lining up alongside one of her mentors, Adele Niemand in the SA team.

“My role models in netball are Irene van Dyk and Chrisna Bootha, and when I started playing goalkeeper I started looking up to Adele

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Game On Magazine, July/August: Issue 08, 2014

Niemand,” explained Tsotsetsi, who originally hails from Tweeling in the Free State.

“The best piece of advice that Adele gave me was: ‘I am not going to play for long because I am getting old now and I am challenging you to take my place in the team because I know you can do it.’ So being in the SA team was always my dream.

“I am feeling really excited about the Commonwealth Games and I am looking forward to being on court and representing South Africa. After the series win against Scotland the team is more confident that we have what it takes to come back with a medal. The goal that the team has set is to come back with a medal,” added the former Hoërskool Sentraal (Bloemfontein) student who is now studying Industrial Psychology and Labour Relations Management at North-West University.

As for Potgieter, there are mixed emotions when it comes to the imminent Games. “I feel stressed and excited at the same time, but a good kind of stress,” she smiled.

ATHLETE SPORTING FEATURE: Netball

Lenize Potgieter

Kefiloe Tsotsetsi

“I know our team is going to reach new heights this Commonwealths because everyone is in top shape. I am also looking forward to watching all the legends in action and gaining maximum experience.”

More importantly she also caught the eye of national coach, Kotze, who has gone as far as saying that Potgieter reminds her of former Proteas and New Zealand superstar Irene van Dyk.

“The feeling is great but there are always some improvements to be done, especially in terms of me,” she tells Game On. “But I’m confident that we’re going to come home with a medal after these Games,” said the girl who began playing at the age of seven and never looked back.

“That is one of the greatest compliments anyone has ever given me! I feel honoured for being even an inch closer to being like Irene van Dyk because she is one of the world’s best shooters,” gushed Potgieter, who has made it her mission to live up to her coach’s praise.

“My parents and the coaches wanted me involved because of my ‘abnormal’ length at that time ... I was 1,28 m tall at the tender age of seven! The netball bug bit, because I just kept on playing throughout my school and university career,” explained the now 1,87 m tall Potgieter. She was soon a standout performer and, having completed most of her high school career at Hoërskool Pietersburg was invited to complete her matric year at Die Hoërskool Menlopark and to be part of their team.

Speaking about her squad ahead of the Games, coach Kotze reckoned: “I have a lot of faith in this team. When we started out Australia, New Zealand and England were 30 or 40 goals ahead of us and we’ve managed to close the gap with England and with Jamaica too and I think these girls are ready to take the next step.”

“The preparation and build-up have been crucial for these girls.

I think the belief in themselves is there that we can take it to the next level.”

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