Gom march 14' issue 05

‘My sport. My life.’

ISSUE 05, MARCH 2014

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The only sports magazine for South African youth

Victor & his family’s secret to good health

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FOUNDERS Dave White | Michael Janse van Rensburg | Charl Kruger

Cover Photo: Gallo

QUARTERBACK (Creative Director) Michael Janse van Rensburg | michael@camouflage.co.za REFEREE (Sales Director) Dave White | white.dave78@gmail.com GOALKEEPER (Director) Charl Kruger | charl@camouflage.co.za COACH (Editor) Wilhelm de Swardt | wilhelm@camouflage.co.za Assistant Coach (Copy Editor) Cecile Kiley | ceenaude@global.co.za PLAYMAKER (Art & Creative Senior Designer) Raymond Q Nkomo | ray@camouflage.co.za LINEBACKER (Senior Designer) Carli Jansen van Rensburg | carli@camouflage.co.za TIGHT END (Freelance Designer) Debbie van de Merwe | debbievandemerwe@gmail.com SUBSTITUTE (Graphic Designer) Kerry Kruger | kerry@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 IRON Sky (Award Winning Photographer) Herman Verwey | herman.verwey@gmail.com MASCOT (Illustrator) Jakes van Vuuren | vanvuurenjb@gmail.com X’s & O’s (Production Manager) Cherice Liebenberg | cherice@camouflage.co.za BEAN COUNTER (Financial & Office Administrator)

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

BENCH (CONTRIBUTORS) Issue 5, March 2014

KOBUS PRETORIUS Journalist

ANDRIES VAN DER MERWE Athlete Diary

Ockert de Villiers Journalist

Ilze Hattingh Tennis Diary

Karien Jonckheere Journalist

Gerhard De Beer Javelin / American Football Diary

LUNGILE MDLADLA Journalist

Wian Sullwald Triathlon Diary

Graeme Jackson Journalist

SASPA (South African Sports Picture Agency)

A B Basson Journalist

The BLD GROUP

Ben Crouse Columnists GRANT Johnson & Shaun Dafel Columnist

HIGH PERFORMANCE CENTRE-HATFIELD (hpc) High School Sports Magazine SPECIAL THANK YOU TO BACK PAGE MEDIA

MARC MUNDELL Columnist Kate Roberts Columnist

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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contents Issue 5, March 2014

IMAGE GALLERY (EYE OF THE LENSE) ST ALBAN’S CRICKET WEEK

TUNET TRUMPIE: JUGGLING SPORTS & ACADEMICS

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(GOLF) Sometimes a small and seemingly insignificant incident can have a major impact on a person’s life. This is exactly what happened to Danielle du Toit, a Grade 9 pupil at Hoërskool Menlopark.

Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Supplied

TWEETERverse: WHAT IS CHEATING AT THE hpc AND AROUND THE WORLD!

GAME PANEL Super Rugby series

game quiz: ARE YOU ON TOP OF YOUR T20 GAME?

26

28 30

Aiden Kyle Markram: HIS WORLD CUP RUNNETH OVER

34

KAGISO RABADA:

37

Focus on Waterkloof Hoërskool WILLIE LUDICK: HOT YOUNG TALENT KEEPS HIS COOL

(ATHLETICS) Nadine de Klerk doesn’t take any prisoners.

When she steps onto a sports field, no half measures should be expected. Regardless of whether she is throwing a javelin, batting or bowling as a cricketer, or playing hockey, she commits 110%.

Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Supplied

40

(REFEREEING) Hoërskool Waterkloof is one of only a few schools that can boast with a worldclass ‘whistleblower’ in their midst.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Supplied

(rugby) When Jan Serfontein and Piet van Zyl made their debuts for the Springboks in 2013 they became the most recent players in a long line of former Grey College students to play for the national rugby side.

Words by: Ockert de Villiers – Photos: Johan Rynners

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(SOCCER): Tshegofatso Mabaso (Grey College in Bloemfontein) has a talent for scoring goals … lots of goals.

When he played for Grey’s first soccer team last year he scored a total of 54 goals.

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

FOCUS ON HOËRSKOOL MENLOPARK

SOCCER

BRIAN GRAY: WINNING ATTITUDE

BONGANI ZUNGU, RONWEN WILLIAMS, ABBUBAKER MOBARA: THE POWER OF THREE

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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76

TSHEGO MABASO: GOAL: BAFANA!

MIGNON DU PREEZ: SHE DOESN’T JUST LIKE CRICKET

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JAN SERFONTEIN & PIET VAN ZYL: SPORTING SUCCESS IN SHADES OF ‘GREY’

DUSI CANOE MARATHON: DUSI 2014 ROUNDUP

(SWIMMING) “Hard work beats talent if talent does not work hard.”

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos supplied

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FOCUS ON GREY COLLEGE

FEATURES

(CRICKET): S“I say, I don’t like cricket, oh no, I love it. I don’t like cricket, no no, I love it!”

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos by: Rebecca Hearfield (RM photography), Big Pic Photography

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BEN CROUSE: BLOWING THE WHISTLE

BOWLED OVER BY THE WORLD CUP WIN

(CANOEING): All the action and all the winners of the DUSI 2014, including Robyn Kime, Abbey Ulansky, Andrew Birkett and Sbonelo Zondi.

Words by: Karien Jonckeheere | Photos by: Gameplan Media

(TENNIS) The only way to beat Mila Hartig on a tennis court is to outwit her mentally. If you can’t get that right, she will wear you down.

Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Supplied

NADINE DE KLERK: A STONE’S THROW TO SUCCESS

MAIN STORY

He’s been hailed as South African cricket’s next Makhaya Ntini, but at 18 years of age Kagiso Rabada wants to be his own man.

Words by: Kobus Pretorius | Photos by: Gallo

60

MILA HARTIG: SERVICE WITH A SMILE

(CRICKET) Captain Cool’… a most appropriate nickname for Willie Ludick, captain of Hoërskool Waterkloof’s first cricket team. Indeed; Ludick keeps his cool, no matter what..

Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Supplied

COVER FEATURE It took South Africa 22 years to do it, but they finally managed to win a Cricket World Cup trophy.

Words by: Kobus Pretorius | Photos by: Gallo

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DANIELLE DU TOIT: A GREEN FUTURE

SOCIAL MEDIA Promoted by Game On. Tweets by: Check Tweets This Time It Is By Faf Du Plessis, Kate Roberts, Lj Van Zyl, John Smit!

(ATHLETICS) Of one thing there can be no doubt. When talents were handed out Tunet Trumpie was standing in front.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos by: Supplied

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(SOCCER): In the wake of Andile Jali’s move to Belgium club KV Oostende, Game On takes a look at three youngsters who could soon follow the former Orlando Pirates midfielder to Europe.

Words by: A B Basson | Photos: BackPage Media

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88

contents Issue 5, March 2014 Graeme Jackson HOW TO ‘FIX’ SA’S FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT

91

Athletics NICOLA DE BRUYN: SHE DOES IT AGAIN (Athletics): Fast, faster, fastest: apparently this is what happens every time Nicola de Bruyn, the Under-15 athlete from Hoërskool Eldoraigne, blasts out of her starting blocks for the 100 m race.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Henry Kelbrick

84

KATE ROBERTS: IN SEARCH OF THAT PERFECT RACE (Athletics): Kate Roberts’ search for that one ultimate race is the reason why, after nearly 14 years of being a competitive triathlete, she is still as motivated today as she was on the first day she started out.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt – Photos: Supplied

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SAILING WYNBERG TEAM: HOISTS THE SAILS (SAILING): A quick glance at the recently announced team to represent South Africa at the upcoming Byte C2 World Championships at Lake Garda in Italy, and one thing becomes immediately apparent. Wynberg must be doing something right when it comes to promoting the sport of sailing.

By Karien Jonckheere | Photos: Supplied

93

hpc SPECIAL Toby Sutcliffe: BACKING FUTURE WINNERS Mediocrity is the one thing the decision makers of the Tuks High Performance Centre (hpc) will never be accused of.

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

Wian Sullwald: KARIN PRINSLOO: 2014 ATHLETE accomplishements: 2016 SPONSORED ATHLETES:

104 106 108 110 112

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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contents Issue 5, March 2014

REGULAR COLUMNS

CYCLING CHERISE STANDER: CONQUERING THOSE MOUNTAINS (CYCLING): Cherise Stander (Team RECM)’s victory on Sunday (9 March) in the women’s race of the Cape Argus Cycle Tour was remarkable. It is hailed one of the greatest comebacks in South African sport.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Supplied

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

114

ROURKE CROESER: EAT, SLEEP, TRAIN, REPEATS (CYCLING): It wasn’t until his dad read about Rourke Croeser’s success in a newspaper that he actually believed his son had won a race. Then again, he was just 10 years old and it was his first ever bike race.

Words by: Karien Jonckeheere – Photos: Supplied

118

SURFING MIKEY FEBRUARY: MAKING WAVES (SURFING): This month, Game On chats to SA’s top youth surfer from Kommetjie, Mikey February.

Words by: Lungelo Mdladla | Photos: Supplied

122

CRICKET GRAEME SMITH: FAREWELL TO AN UNSUNG HERO (SURFING): He is revered by those who played with him and those who coached him, but Graeme Smith will sadly be remembered as the most unappreciated cricket captain in the history of the game.

Words by: Kobus Pretorius | Photos: BackPage

126

Mixed Martial Arts GIDEON DROTSCHIE: FIGHTING TO LIVE, LIVING TO FIGHT (mixed martial arts): The Mixed Martial Arts scene in South Africa is exploding and it’s also one of the fastestgrowing sports in the world.

Words by: Kobus Pretorius | Photos: Ruby Wolff

130

CELEBRITY PROFILE SCHALK JOUBERT: A PLAYER OF NOTE (ATHLETICS): I used to be a keen runner but then running began to feel like a sport without any purpose to me. Every time I surf there seems to be purpose to it.

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Supplied

134

PERSONAL ATHLETE JOURNALS (Athletics) ANDRIES VAN DER MERWE: RUNNING LINES

140

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

144

(TENNIS) Ilze Hattingh: dream, believe and achieve Photos by: Henry Kelbrick

146

(TRIATHLON) Wian Sullwald: the TOUGH GET GOING

148

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

151

“EVERY SUPER WOMAN” – WITH KATE ROBERTS (SPORT PERFORMANCE): RAISING THE PROFILE OF WOMEN IN SPORT

154

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

158

“WHISTLE BLOWING” – WITH BEN CROUSE (REFEREEING): BLOW THE WHISTLE OR HANG IT UP?

160

ADVICE COLUMNS hpc – RYAN HODIERNE: 6 POINT CHECK OF TRAIL RUNNING

163

hpc – MARY ANN DOVE: HAS SCHOOL SPORT LOST ITS WAY?

164

Regular: athletics

Jus t resi when gne w the do e Afri fact th urselv e c a will an cri t no S s to c Cup ever w ket te outh a Und Tourn in a W m o ‘jin er-19 ament rld x , t in t ’ by be eam b the S A he r a o t i W the orld ng Pa ke the U And nited Cup kista per what Arab final i n E fo n a wic rman n awe mirate som ce t ket s. sw as! his vic e tor The yb y si Und fact th x a e t r it w tha 1 9 tw t a e s am on Afri , a the n a c Thi an cri World nd no ation a s t c nev team ket, is Cup f the P l rote or S er s was n o any t im out eem as so und match ed in domin portan h see efeate on th dange ant th t. e r a m d was s to b Worl ir way of los t they dC ing t e i o n m and gl u th Pak is cas ore im p cam ory. A e, t paig n p ista r e o s na re o p team sive w n alwa The n th h y s S e lis such en, as s lite outh it as A t of rall A f rica y le run cas u ualt stralia d s n pro at an from capt ies. ain ve av th

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nal b a i O cric p from ada w cket S ne c l at Pol a out itic ket ill b j u . ally the nio e m h Af n only r ri h inte ana bla oppor it is im ged ca hav ope rna ck p tun p t e o p i o ro a re pl laye ity t rtan nal cric perly ans in reti gular b r has o play t that t k e r R p t to o hel Afri ed.Re asis si layed test c abad sen p r a c a n ior suc an Un d all a ce Ma for th icket b shou e l ces b d d k e o e P h c s r u r a 32 a o s fr om -19 te t the S ya Nt oteas use n on ge ini o on pag am’s out t h e

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

7

editorial

The (Tea victor y Tou m REC of Ch e r is M trul ) in th rise St ya a fee e wom nder l-go e od n’s Ca At t sto h pe A com e beg r y . i rg n pl n

in e us C Sta nde te turm g of la ycle hap r, w s as k oil. He t year pen r S il ed l ess led by husba tander n ’ tha n n a taxi w d, the s life w ine mo hile o world as une nth x u s af t on a class m pecte dl t er t t It to hey rainin ounta y thro in wn g got ma ride. T biker B into get ok true rrie bac d. he tra urry g u gic k on ts a acc n ide dd her nt e

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te . Re rmina ti ad a bou on for S t it on tande pag r e 11 to 4

wee the ks an oth Duri S wh en outh er m ng th reti a e G rem raem Africa jor e p n e S ven ast fe ent t m c f r r i o i Eve c th sho w mi ann ket ok nte by n thou w rna oun orld gh h t i c i s ona e Gra coa fel l cr d his e icke the ches, h low p me S m l t. in t most u e will s ayers ith w as r adl he a n s a eve ppr eno y be hist we r e res ugh, S ory o ciate remem ll as ed f th d cr pec t mit h as eg hd icke bered e h t an i a t ca as wo e did d adm d not r me. rld.

Stra ptain ece in t irat i i he n res on in S ve the gely to s o a me f th uth A ec rick frica etin g

8

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

Regular: athletics

Dur ma ing th jo e cric r eve past n k e ann t w t sho few w o inte ounce rld w ok the eeks d rna a h tion his en G South nothe r a r A a l cr Eve icke retire eme frican n th m S t. by oug mit ent h h coa is fe h Grae f r om llow c m h es, as pla e Sm h cap the m e will yers ith wa s s a Stra tain in ost u adly b s we rever l n l e n a as ed re p rec gely the th hist precia mem eive e nou ber e adm ory ted e t g d o h, c the iratio he Sm f the ricket s n res ith gam t of in So ame di e. the uth r But cric Afric espec d no w t t k a h etin Sm en a i a g w s he d and boo th sho ll is s o rld. id in a leg ks as uld go id and end a S dow don . n in e, G out r h His Afr the h aeme l o ican isto is u ngev n cric ry gam prece ity as ket cap d e e . n in t 109 Smith ted in ain of cap the the tes ca the tain. H ts, th ptaine histo Prote ry a e m dS y so we most e also out of th s o a s ll a t t h e e h e s o e s A diti pbox t cap l v o tain for th wins ds the er by frica w inn that n is a comm (8 6 e mo as ca rec any ing bec bou o 5 ent p st r 9).

Visi . om uns tain ( rd for t t p f L s a 5 o s eo Kirs 3), sco age tm me or this B a r v o t s e ee ernt db Kal en, S 126 obs schoo ya Joh ld, ab h I rea l h o l ess con is ha aun to re a d u Ran nnes t a s an a P ad ed s trib ve b c d r wh t utio to ollock h w u i ‘ c an o ith at sa n to imp stole’ org clai ol in le in t a he orta ne min the Sou y ab nd Ja Gary cqu nt m of th g tha Wes news th A out It b es fric ogg eet eir t t a s t Ran pap an Smith p e ing op c rinc les cric ’s . ath hool d of r, t h i sup pals em ket l i e n tes . just the Ea play posed , the v ind th e a , bef st t r t goo coul o tea y sam tea ore che d c d e h s r do t e r p y o s s o e o u a the their j lt on p so loungste ople w nd sc a o h m h r w b s s The to s s pr por in o the o are ool t any sad t teal o operly s field rder t value r s sch body uth is ther sc , ther . If sch o obta of fa ir ew ool will tha i o h o o ols’ ill b l co n a had care t in e a a t , a c wo Don n w or eve few ye lente no ne hes ed da hat n a r r be ’t get s eve eme ’ tim thle for te r co m e Wincoach me w mp ber, hard s. e w r e n titio hic ly Ho ing d to ong. h n. we ha tro Yo

M

ver, the phi ve a u es i c i win ngste n h wit a t s h l rs n le im e h sou scho nge to bigge port ing m shou ent l ena nd fou ol spo ever r sche ant. alit d y y b r m . eo Wo le th ndati ts sh body f th o o e r i l n n u m d v l Gam Cu ing db for olv to s will es. T p Tou perfo young e to c ed r r r h n m e be rem ose ar amen at th athlet ate a es t em e th ts o eir o b ber r ed e achi the O est at eve for l yea me ympic n rs t o c ts tha om t e.

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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st alban’s cricket festival

10

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

splash image gallery: cricket

stephan van vollenhoven st alban’s college

by Henry Kelbrick

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

11

jason marshall michaelhouse captain

st alban’s cricket festival

12

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

Lyle Heilbron – 5/8 (St Andrew’s Bloem v Eton) Zach Melville – 5/20 (St Andrew’s G-Town v Bishops) Bradley Wheal – 5/21 (Clifton v Cornwall Hill) Matthew Rudston – 5/25 (Bishops v St Alban’s) Shaun Dadswell – 5/40 (Helpmekaar v Hilton)

Five or more wicket in an innings (one day cricket):

splash image gallery: cricket

by Henry Kelbrick

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

13

st alban’s cricket festival

staunton goliath woodridge

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

splash image gallery: cricket

by Henry Kelbrick

Century scores in the two day games: Josh van Heerden 136 (St Alban’s v Eton) Michael Jonker 139 (St Alban’s v Eton) Jason Marshall 126 (Michaelhouse v St Stithian’s) James Watt 121 (Eton UK v St Alban’s) Asher Binder 103 (St David’s v Kearsney)

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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st alban’s cricket festival

by Henry Kelbrick

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

taylor scorbes bishops

splash image gallery: cricket

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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st alban’s cricket festival

by Henry Kelbrick

18

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

luan barendracht helpmekaar

splash image gallery: cricket

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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st alban’s cricket festival

by Henry Kelbrick

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

Batsman from bishops

splash image gallery: cricket

Centuries (one day games) Jason Marshall 129* (Michaelhouse v St John’s JHB) Koot Pienaar 125 (St Andrew’s Bloem v St George’s Zim) Tristan Tedder 109* (Kearsney v Kingswood) Marco Lombard 109 (Kingswood v Kearsney) Morgan Fairbairn 101* (St John’s JHB v Michaelhouse) Jake Alfred 100* (St John’s JHB v St John’s Harare)

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

21

st alban’s cricket festival

by Henry Kelbrick

stephan van vollenhoven st alban’s college

22

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

splash image gallery: cricket

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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st alban’s cricket festival

by Henry Kelbrick

Five or more wickets in the two day games: Jade de Klerk 6/51 (Woodridge v Cornwall Hill) Chad Classen 5/37 (St David’s v Kearsney) Keean Rencken 6/51 (Kearsney v St David’s) Michael Belfour 5/41 (St John’s Harare v Clifton) Ndumiso Mvelase 5/79 (St John’s JHB v St Andrew’s G-Town)

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

splash image gallery: cricket

luan barendracht helpmekaar Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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GAME ON TWITTER FEED FROM HPC & AROUND THE WORLD

tweeterverse

Tweets

Tweets John Smith @John_bean_Smith • 21 Feb 2014

DJ le Grange @DJjudo • 27 Feb 2014 @ljvanzyl I’m no expert. Maar ek dink ‘n hekkies atleet kan sy been verder as dit strek he he. pic.twitter.com/ qtIEGZEI0

181 Batman and Robin nubered up and Ready to ROCK! pic.twitter.com/akR6HiCLOv

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Tweets Lee-Ann Perse @leepersse • 7 Mar 2014 @hpcRSA @John_bean_Smith @jmtrow @naydene12 @ Bemelmoose just conquered the Lesotho Mountains, training like beasts! instagram.com/DF1dQSmje3

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athlete Tweets

Tweets

Tweets DJ le Grange @DJjudo • 16 Mar 2014 Some #MondayMotivation for everyone. pic.twitter.com/ HNFcQ9ZGUp

Faf Du Plessis @faf1307 • 12 Mar 2014 Hahahah. like this picture, our 20 20 series against the Aussies should be played like this...#underwater pic.twitter.com/uYAxCNUD0e

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Tweets Kate Roberts @katiepure • 16 Mar 2014 I can often complain about early morning & hard sets but the truth is: if I spend part of my day swimming, cycling & running, that’s a lucky day Promoted by Game-On-Magazine Expand

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

27

Super rugby series

Super Rugby series Alex jordaan

(Grey college)

“I think the SuperRugby Series is going to be dominated by the New Zealand teams. In my opinion the Chiefs are the team to watch especially since they have won it the previous two years.

Judging by the way they have played so far, a third title is certainly not out of the question.”

“Liam Messam and Aron Cruden are two of the Chiefs’s key players. I predicat that Messam will be the most outstanding player in the tournament.”

“The Waratahs might just be Australia’s best team in the SuperSeries. Kurtley Beale, their inside centre, is really dangerous on the attack.”

“From a South African perspective there can be no argument that the Sharks are the in-form team. They certainly have one of the most exciting centre combinations in Frans Steyn and Paul Jordaan.”

dian badenhorst “I think the four teams to watch will be the Chiefs, Sharks, Waratahs and the Crusaders with Frans Steyn (Sharks) and Israel Folau (Waratahs) being the two most exciting players of the series.”

cj de wet

28

“The Waratahs have a dangerous backline with players like Folay and Ashley Cooper who are capable of creating something special on the attack at any given moment.”

“The Crusaders are usually slow

(grey college)

(Hoërskool Menlopark)

“The Chiefs play fast and clever rugby. Their pack forwards are among the best and their backline is always dangerous on the attack.”

“I think the Sharks are able to dominate the game due to their strong pack of forwards which enables them to excel at scrums and line-outs. Their backline players know how to score tries and don’t forget the Jake White factor. He coached the Springboks to a World Cup victory in 2007.”

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

off the mark but towards the end of the series they play their best rugby.”

“What makes the Sharks an exciting team to watch is the fact that they are one of the most balanced teams, with the forwards and backline combining perfectly.” **Badenhorst is the son of the former Springbok, Chris Badenhorst.

school panel feature: rugby

GAME PANEL jacques oosthuizen “I tip the Crusaders to win especially since they are the most successful team in the history of the series and know what it takes to win.”

is the experience of their coach, Todd Blackadder.”

“Even with some of their key backline players missing I still think they will qualify for the semi-final.”

(Hoërskool Menlopark)

“What also counts in their favour

ruan ackermann “I predict that the Sharks and the Chiefs will be the two teams contesting the final which will be played in Durban.”

(garsfontein)

“But there are going to be quite a few surprises in the build-up to the final. I think the Lions are still going to surprise a lot of people, and I am not only saying that because my dad is coaching them.”

Ackermann predicts that the Sharks, Chiefs, Brumbies, Lions, Waratahs and Crusaders will be the top six teams.

“I think the Sharks will play against the Crusaders and the Chiefs against the Lions in the semi-finals.”

He is the son of Johan Ackermann who coaches the Lions.

franco naude He predicts that the Chiefs will win the Series for a third consecutive time. Naude bases it on the fact that the Chiefs have a formidable pack of forwards.

(garsfontein)

“Other teams to watch will be the Bulls, Crusaders and Waratahs.”

“The Crusaders and the Bulls are teams who play their best rugby towards the end of any Series.”

“In their backline there are quite a few ‘game breakers’ who know how to combine to set up scoring opportunities.”

“If nothing unforeseen happens the Chiefs will play the Sharks in the final.”

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

29

QUiz QUESTIONS

What is the highest successful run 1 chase in T20 World Cup game?

Which country was officially the first 2 to play Twenty20 cricket and when did they start playing?

When and where was the first official 3 international Twenty20 Game played and who were the teams?

Who was the player of the 4 tournament at the 2010 T20 World Cup? When and where was the first ICC 5 Twenty20 World Cup held and who won?

Who scored the most sixes during 6 the 2012 ICC Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka?

Which teams won the 2009, 2010 7 and 2012 ICC Twenty20 World Cup tournaments respectively?

What is South Africa’s best 8 performance at an ICC Twenty20 World Cup? Who scored the highest number 9 of runs from fours and sixes in an innings?

Who took the first hat trick in T20 10 World Cup match and against whom?

Who has the dubious record of winning by the biggest margin in 11 terms of runs and losing by the biggest margin in terms of wickets?

12

What is the highest team total in World Cup T20?

Who is the only player to score a 13 century in T20 World Cup Match and against whom?

Against whom did Australia lose 14 their opening game of the 2007 T20 World Cup?

15

Who took the most catches during a T20 World Cup Tournament?

30

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

ARE YOU ON TOP OF YOUR T20 GAME?

Eduard Venter

Simon Oberholzer

(Menlopark)

(Menlopark)

205 – (1 point)

205 – (1 point)

England in 2003 – (2 points)

England in 2004 – (1 point)

2005: Australia vs New Zealand in Australia – (1.5 points)

England vs Australia in 2004 – (0 points)

Kevin Pietersen – (1 point)

Kevin Pietersen – (1 point)

England – (0 points)

2007 in SA; India won – (2 points)

Chris Gayle – (1 point)

----– (0 points)

2009 ??; 2010 – England; 2012 – West Indians – (2 points)

2009 -??; 2010 – England; 2012 – West Indians – (2 points)

Semi-final in 2009 – (1 point)

Semi-final in 2009 – (1 point)

Aaron Finch – (0 points)

Chris Gayle – (1 point)

Brett Lee (Australia) against Bangladesh – (2 points)

Brett Lee – (1 point)

Sri Lanka – (1 point)

Sri Lanka – (1 point)

206 runs – (0 points)

260/6 by Sri Lanka – (1 point)

Chris Gayle against SA – (2 points)

Chris Gayle against SA – (2 points)

----– (0 points)

Zimbabwe – (1 point)

AB de Villiers – (1 point)

AB de Villiers – (1 point)

TOTAL: 15.5 points

TOTAL: 16 points

QUiz

WINNER Hendrik van der Poll

Wynand Marais

(Waterkloof)

(Garsfontein)

211/4 by India – (0 points)

205 – (1 point)

England in 2003 – (2 points)

England – (1 point)

answers

Australia vs New Zealand in Auckland Park – (1.5 points)

17/02/2005: Australia vs New Zealand in Auckland Park– (2 points)

1

Highest successful run chase in the World Cup T20 was by South Africa against West Indies – chased the target of 205 runs

Paul Collingwood – (0 points)

Kevin Pietersen – (1 point)

2

The first official Twenty20 matches were played on 13 June 2003 between the English counties in the Twenty20 Cup.

South Africa; India won – (1.5 points)

2007 in South Africa; India won – (2 points)

3

On 17 February 2005 Australia defeated New Zealand in the first men’s full international Twenty20 match, played at Eden Park in Auckland.

Shane Watson – (0 points)

Chris Gayle (West Indians) – (1 point)

4

England’s Kevin Pietersen, who scored 248 runs during the tournament at 62.00, was the player of the tournament.

2009 – Pakistan; 2010 – England; 2012 – West Indians – (3 points)

2009 – Pakistan; 2010 – England; 2012 – West Indians – (3 points)

5

Semi-final in 2009 – (1 point)

Semi-final in 2009 – (1 point)

The inaugural event, the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, was staged in South Africa from 11–24 September 2007. The tournament was won by India.

6

Chris Gayle (West Indies) 16 followed

by Shane Watson (Australia) with 15 and Marlon Samues (West Indies), also 15.

7

Pakistan (2009), England (2010) and West Indies (2012).

8

Semi-final in 2009.

9

Chris Gayle scored 88 runs (7 fours and 10 sixes) against South Africa.

10

The first hat-trick of World Cup was taken by Brett lee against Bangladesh.

11

Sri Lanka won against Kenya by 172 runs, and lost to Australia by 10 wickets.

12

260/6 by Sri Lanka against Kenya.

13

Chris Gayle, West Indies (117 runs) is the only person to score a century in a T20 World Cup match. This was against South Africa.

14

Zimbabwe

15

AB de Villiers (South Africa) and Younis Khan (Pakistan) took the most number of catches in the series (6 catches each).

Brendan McCullum – (0 points)

Aaron Finch (0 points)

Umar Gul – (0 points)

Brett Lee (Australia) against Bangladesh – (2 points)

Sri Lanka – (1 point)

Sri Lanka – (1 point)

214/5 – (0 points)

260 runs – (1 point)

Chris Gayle against SA – (2 points)

Chris Gayle against SA – (2 points)

Zimbabwe – (1 point)

Zimbabwe – (1 point)

AB de Villiers – (1 point)

AB de Villiers – (1 point)

TOTAL: 14 points

TOTAL: 19 points Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

31

Aiden Markram HIS WORLD CUP RUNNETH OVER

It took South Africa 22 years to do it, but they finally managed to win a Cricket World Cup trophy

By Kobus Pretorius | Photo by: Gallo

AIDEN MARKRAM HIS WORLD CUP RUNNETH OVER

34

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

MAIN STORY COVER FEATURE: CRICKET

The fact that it was the national Under-19 team won’t matter, because this team was so dominant that they never really looked like they’d be losing at any stage on their way to World Cup glory.

An undefeated World Cup campaign always looks more impressive when teams like Australia and Pakistan are on your list of casualties.

Aiden Kyle Markram (19) is the young but immensely talented man who led the South African Under-19 team to a World Cup trophy, and he did it as one of the leading run scorers of the tournament.

Markram was born and raised in Centurion, Pretoria, and matriculated at Pretoria Boys High. He started playing cricket at a young age.

“Sport has always been in my family. My dad and uncle introduced me to cricket when I was probably two years old. I started taking it seriously at Under-10 and Under-11-level. It was my obsession ever since.”

“I’ve always had a passion for the game and it grew with me the older I got. To this day it just keeps on growing and hopefully it never goes away,” Markram tells

Game On.

“It was a tough decision to pursue cricket after school because I didn’t make provincial sides at school. I only played first team cricket. After that I went to Tuks

academy and just focused on cricket.”

As captain he led from the front in the World Cup and was the only batsman in the tournament who scored two hundreds – both of them undefeated.

“Being captain and performing well was a challenge that we identified before we left. I spoke to coach Ray and he said I should take on every challenge in my life and not see it as a threat. I actually think it helped my performance, just taking responsibility for the side and being the one that’s always there at the end.”

“I’m trying to learn how to handle pressure. I think everyone feels pressure; it’s just about how you control your emotions round it. Kagiso (Rabada, the team’s fast bowler) always says to us don’t let the pressure take over the enjoyment of the game. We must keep enjoying what we do, because it’s a blessing being where we are.”

“Looking back at the tournament as a whole, I was the most nervous before the semi-final against Australia. It was just about the rivalry and the fact that you want to make the final.”

Markram wants to obtain a degree from Tuks and will be studying BCom Recreation and Sports Management. He wants to keep on playing cricket at club level and see where it takes him in the franchise system. Incredulous as it may seem, at the time of writing this article, Markram didn’t have any sort of contract with a franchise team, but hopefully that will change soon.

He reckons his 66 not out in the final against Pakistan was the most special of all his knocks and stands out the most.

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

35

Aiden Markram HIS WORLD CUP RUNNETH OVER

“I was never worried in the final that we wouldn’t get there. We always had enough overs and enough balls. We didn’t want to lose quick wickets and have two new batsmen at the crease, something can happen. The crowd was very intimidating and very loud. It’s the small things that you can’t pick up when you’re watching a game on TV, but it really affected us because we haven’t been exposed to that type of thing. We needed to conquer that,” Markram says.

“The final definitely had a different atmosphere compared to the rest of the tournament. Pakistan has avid and very loud supporters so it was tough for us. Fortunately it went our way, but anything can happen in a final and we kept telling ourselves that. We focused on finishing the game off and celebrating afterwards.”

AIDEN MARKRAM

Aiden’s favourites: Food:

Mom’s macaroni and cheese

Drink:

Southern Comfort with lime and lemonade

Away from the game: I spend a lot of time with my family and friends. I enjoy a braai and watching some rugby.

Sports team:

Proteas, Titans and the Bulls.

Sportsman:

AB de Villiers. He’s from Pretoria and my cricket role model.

Aiden Markram on the cris with Kirwin Christoffels. | Photo by: Cricket South Africa

Aiden’s tournament stats: Most runs Mat

Inns

NO

Runs

HS

Ave

BF

SR

100

50

0

4s

6s

Shadman Islam (BD19)

6

6

2

406

126*

101.50

538

75.46

1

2

0

40

1

Imam-ul-Haq (Pak19)

6

6

0

382

133

63.66

491

77.80

1

2

0

37

2

AK Markram (SAf19)

6

6

3

370

120*

123.33

475

77.89

2

1

0

37

1

Player

36

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

MAIN STORY COVER FEATURE: CRICKET

He’s been hailed as South African cricket’s next Makhaya Ntini, but at 18 years of age Kagiso Rabada wants to be his own man

Words by: Kobus Pretorius | Photo by: Gallo

Kagiso RABADA BOWLED OVER BY THE WORLD CUP WIN

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

37

Kagiso Rabada BOWLED OVER BY THE WORLD CUP WIN

“My role model is actually Dale Steyn,”

Rabada, the country’s new young fast bowling sensation, says.

He was one of the stars in the South African Under-19 cricket team who recently won the World Cup in Dubai and finished the tournament as the bowler with second-most wickets (14) after Anuk Fernando of Sri Lanka.

“The team and I had set goals for the tournament,” he tells Game On. “I wanted to be the best bowler, but unfortunately I missed out by one wicket. We did achieve our overall goal of winning the World Cup, however.”

“My personal overall goal is to become the best bowler in the world. It’s a goal I’ve had since I was young. Those types of goals stay with you and hopefully you will fulfil them at some point.”

Rabada played a Man-of-the-Match performance against Australia in the semi-final where he took 6-25 and bowled at 140 km/h to help his team progress to the final where they beat Pakistan by 6 wickets.

“The semi-final against the Aussies where I took 6 wickets is probably my biggest highlight of the tournament. Beating the Aussies and beating them convincingly is one of the moments that I will cherish forever.”

“My passion for the game was always there.”

We were wondering what it was about Dale Steyn that inspired Rabada.

“When I was younger I heard everyone say Dale Steyn is doing well and that he is the best bowler in the world,” Rabada explains.

“The older I got the more it began to sink in – sheesh, this guy is the best bowler in the world! He is better than everyone else. The older you get the more you admire these players.”

Rabada takes it game by game, but his ultimate goal is to play for the Proteas.

“I give myself two years, but if it happens before that I will be over the moon. If you keep on performing they will notice you and then they’ll have to pick you!” he grins.

Although the success of the team was primarily built around Rabada and the captain, Aiden Markram, they had good support from a whole range of players.

The spinning all-rounder Yaseen Valli was ’n key player for South Africa and as a former captain he also brought a lot of calm and composure to the side. He scored 240 runs in the tournament at an average of 80 and a highest score of 102*.

Valli also took 11 wickets in six matches at an incredible average of 10.81; one that is only bettered by Rabada’s 10.28.

The seamer Justin Dill was another important bowler who took 12 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 12.5.

Corbin Bosch, son of the former Protea Tertius Bosch, made a telling contribution in the final where he took 4-15 to help restrict Pakistan to 131 runs.

Rabada started playing cricket in Grade 3 when he was 9-yearsold. He matriculated last year at St. Stithians Boys College in Johannesburg.

Sidebar: World Cup Final Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Corbin Bosch bowled brilliantly and took 4-15 to help restrict Pakistan to 131 in 44.3 overs. Bosch was well supported by seamer Justin Dill (229) and spinner Yaseen Valli (2-19).

South Africa were a bit wobbly in their chase when they were 28/2, but the captain, Aiden Markram (66*) and Greg Oldfield (40) steadied the ship and took South Africa to 99 before two quick wickets fell. Markram kept his composure and together with Bradley Dial managed to guide South Africa to 134/4 to win the final and lift the country’s first World Cup trophy since readmission in 1992.

38

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

MAIN STORY COVER FEATURE: CRICKET

Kagiso’s Favourites: Sports team:

Arsenal

Sportsmen:

Ronaldo or Ibrahimovich. In cricket – Dale Steyn.

Food: Pizza Drink: Coke Away from the game: Spending time with friends and family. “Going out and just chilling.

I’m a very chilled guy.”

Top 10 Wicket Takers at the World Cup: Most wickets Mat

Inns

Overs

Mdns

Runs

Wkts

BBI

Ave

Econ

SR

4

5

SANJ Fernando (Sri19)

6

6

54.0

5

331

15

4/50

22.06

6.12

21.6

1

0

K Rabada (SAf19)

5

5

46.2

5

144

14

6/25

10.28

3.10

19.8

0

1

Kuldeep Yadav (Ind19)

6

6

55.3

2

230

14

4/10

16.42

4.14

23.7

2

0

JB Wessells (Nam19)

6

6

56.3

1

299

14

4/50

21.35

5.29

24.2

2

0

Karamat Ali (Pak19)

6

6

52.5

1

188

13

5/36

14.46

3.55

24.3

0

1

JG Dill (SAf19)

5

5

42.5

9

150

12

4/35

12.50

3.50

21.4

2

0

ROO Jordan (WI19)

5

5

46.2

3

199

12

3/32

16.58

4.29

23.1

0

0

Y Valli (SAf19)

6

5

36.2

3

119

11

4/43

10.81

3.27

19.8

1

0

Mosaddek Hossain (BD19)

6

5

48.0

5

155

11

4/23

14.09

3.22

26.1

1

0

DJ Hooda (Ind19)

6

5

44.0

2

184

11

5/41

16.72

4.18

24.0

0

1

Player

Kagiso RABADA

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

39

DUSI 2014 ROUNDUP

An adventure of a different kind has lured 2014 Dusi Canoe Marathon winner Robyn Kime away from her canoe for the next 12 months as she embarks on a year of international travel with her boyfriend, Mike.

But the 23-yearold, five-time winner of the iconic race has not ruled out a defence of her title in 2015.

Robyn Kime and Abbey Ulansky win Dusi Canoe Marathon, 2014

DUSI 2014

By Karien Jonckheere

40

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: CANOEING

Kime teamed up with now nine-time winner Abbey Ulansky in what turned out to be one of the most hotly contested women’s races in recent Dusi history, with the pair winning the 119 km race from Ana Adamova and Abby Adie by a margin of just over one minute.

“This was the first Dusi either Abbey or I have won that has been a fairly close race. In a race like the Dusi you push as hard as you can all the way and try to ‘race your own race’ but having such strong competition definitely made it more intense and upped the pressure,” explained Kime who has now won the K2 title alongside Ulansky, three times.

ROUNDUP Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

41

DUSI 2014 ROUNDUP

Robyn Kime and Abbey Ulansky, Dusi Canoe Marathon 2014

Explaining what makes them such a good combination, Kime said: “We’ve got a lot of experience on the Dusi, similar strengths, similar competitive natures and a similar attitude towards the race. For both of us our paddling strength was not quite up to scratch this year, but our running was strong. We knew the river well and we kept calm under the pressure of racing.”

But despite the incredible number of Dusi titles between them, the duo took nothing for granted coming into the race.

“We knew the competition would be much stronger this year and that we would struggle to keep up on the water so we weren’t very confident of a win. Abby and Ana were very strong and we definitely wouldn’t have been correct to be over-confident.”

“We both had an alternative focus this year. For Abbey it was her two little kids, and for me it was finishing off my studies (a Masters degree at Stellenbosch University), so our Dusi training had to fit in with the rest of our lives. We gave it everything in the time that we had, but we both understood that it wasn’t the be-all and endall and that helped ease the pressure that we put on ourselves.”

42

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: CANOEING

Canada-based Ulansky announced her retirement from competitive racing after their victory, and speaking about her own plans, Kime reckoned: “I doubt I’ll be doing much canoeing in the next year but we’re travelling on a very casual itinerary so who knows what we’ll be drawn to. And the Dusi seems to be quite a powerful magnet so I may well be back for the 2015 race.”

“It is a unique and iconic race with a rich history and great atmosphere surrounding it.

The paddling, running and adventure aspects of the race seem to captivate the imagination of thousands of people and there is an incredible amount of energy surrounding the event.”

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

43

DUSI 2014 ROUNDUP

Andrew Birkett and Sbonelo Zondi, Dusi Canoe Marathon 2014

Meanwhile, it was Andy Birkett and Sbonelo Zondi who overcame the stifling heat to take top honours in the men’s race after a near-perfect performance over the three days. Both paddlers had disappointing races in 2013 and were thrilled to have bounced back for what was Birkett’s fourth win and Zondi’s first.

44

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: CANOEING

Radio Soundbite “I was so very happy and I couldn’t believe that I actually made it this year,” said Zondi, who a few weeks later also went on to win the Non-stop Dusi Canoe Marathon with Hank McGregor.

Sbonelo Zondi Non-Stop Dusi Canoe Marathon radio interview

Mp3

Play Soundbite

“Andy and I only started paddling together last year but we did all the Dusi pre-races together. Being a three-time winner, I trusted him very much. The moment we joined forces, I was convinced that we could make it to the win.”

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

45

DUSI 2014 ROUNDUP

“I think we understand and trust each other. During our training sessions we planned ahead and agreed on the same things,� added Zondi who now has his sights set on the Berg River Canoe Marathon later this year.

46

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: CANOEING

Andrew Birkett and Sbonelo Zondi win Dusi Canoe Marathon, 2014

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

47

DUSI 2014 ROUNDUP

Overall men’s results after the third and final stage of the Dusi Canoe Marathon: 1. Andy Birkett/Sbonelo Zondi 7 hours, 43 minutes and 50 seconds 2. Hank McGregor/Jasper Mocke 7:53.59 3. Cam Schoeman/Adam Jakub 8:10.09 4. Lance Kime/Thulani Mbanjwa 8:15.34 5. Kwanda Mhlophe/Zonele Nzuza 8:17.59 6. Craig Turton/Simon van Gysen 8:24.20 7. Siseko Ntondini/Piers Cruickshanks 8:26.23 8. Loveday Zondi/Thando Ngamalana 8:26.29 9. Andrew Houston/Ivan Kruger 8:29.19 10. David Wood/Kelvin Trautman 8:29.46 Overall women’s results after the third and final stage of the Dusi Canoe Marathon: 1. Robyn Kime/Abbey Ulansky 8 hours, 50 minutes and 59 seconds 2. Ana Adamova/Abby Adie 8:52.06 3. Tamika/Bianca Haw 9:36.35 4. Hilary Bruss/Alex Adie 9:43.20 5. Jen Theron/Jane Swarbreck 9:46.12 6. Jenna Ward/Kerry Segal 10:00.03 7. Carmen Donald/Debbie Germiquet 10:06.08 8. Jordan Peek/Brittany Petersen 10:07.04 9. Susan Carter-Brown/Kelly Howe 10:18.37 10. Camilla Pennefather/Cana Peek 10:36.47

Andrew Birkett and Sbonelo Zondi with their Dusi Canoe Marathon medals, 2014

48

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: CRICKET

Mignon du Preez SHE

DOESN’T JUST LIKE

CRICKET

Words by Wilhelm de Swardt

“I say, I don’t like cricket, oh no, I love it.

I don’t like cricket, no no, I love it!”

According to Mignon du Preez, captain of South Africa’s women’s cricket team, these lyrics by 10CC accurately describe her feelings about the game of cricket.

“I’m truly passionate about cricket,” she reiterates.

“It’s definitely changed my life for the better. It has enabled me to go to interesting places and meet extraordinary people. Through my travels I have learnt to appreciate what we have in South Africa. It is very easy to complain all the time, but South Africa is certainly not the only country with problems.”

You only have to be in Du Preez’s company for a few minutes to realise that she is the ultimate optimist. For her, the proverbial ‘glass’ will always be half-full rather than half-empty.

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

49

Mignon du Preez SHE DOESN’T JUST LIKE CRICKET

Consequently her conviction that South Africa’s women’s cricket team will be able to qualify for the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup Tournament in Bangladesh (16 March to 6 April) doesn’t come as much of a surprise.

“It will certainly not be easy.

We are in the same group as Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Pakistan and a team has to win three of the four matches to go through to the semi-final. We recently played against Ireland and Pakistan in a tournament in Doha. We managed to beat Ireland, and against Pakistan we won one game and lost one. Australia are the defending champions and New Zealand always have a good team.”

50

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: CRICKET

“I really look forward to playing in the World Cup because women’s cricket in South Africa has improved by leaps and bounds during the past two years, especially since Cricket South Africa (CSA) decided to become more actively involved. We get more opportunities to play nowadays and because of that our players are beginning to feature in the top ten of the ICC rankings,” Du Preez tells Game On.

“Marizanne Kapp, for example, is currently eighth on the ICC bowling rankings for one-day cricket (50 overs) and as an all-rounder she is ranked fourth. Dané van Niekerk is ranked fifth. In T20 Cricket Kapp is ranked as the fourth best bowler. So we certainly have players in our team who are capable of changing the outcome of a game.”

Du Preez, who is a former pupil of Hoërskool Zwartkop, bats number three for South Africa.

“On Cricinfo it says that I am also a wicket-keeper but that is wrong. The last time I played wicket-keeper was when I played with the boys for Laerskool Doringkloof’s first team. I am actually just a specialised batsman,” she sets the record straight.

The biggest compliment Du Preez has ever received was when someone compared her batting style to that of AB de Villiers.

“According to the person my batting style is very similar to that of AB. For me it was a huge compliment, but I cannot help wondering what AB would think if he should know that he was being compared with me.

He might not be all that chuffed,” the cricketer says with a twinkle in her eye.

Du Preez has certainly come a long way from the four-year-old who was asked by her dad to help out in a mini-cricket game when one of the players didn’t arrive on time. She ended up being the best batsman on the day. Since then she has not stopped playing cricket.

She was so passionate about cricket that she sometimes made collect calls to her dad, asking him to fetch her at school so that she could watch cricket at SuperSport Park. There were times when she slipped out on her own to go and watch cricket.

Du Preez was a big fan of the late Hansie Cronje, a former Proteas captain. “He always took time

off to come and greet me whenever he saw me, no matter how hectic things were for him at the time.”

Du Preez played for Laerskool Doringkloof’s first cricket team up to Grade 7 but at high school she switched to just playing women’s cricket.

One of the highlights while she was playing for the Northerns women’s team was scoring 258 against Gauteng when she was only 13.

In 2007 she was selected to play for the South African team against Pakistan.

“At first I had to withdraw because the series was at the end of the year in the midst of my matric exams.

Luckily for me the tour was postponed until January and I was able to play. I scored my first 50 runs for South Africa in my third game.”

Last year in September Du Preez scored an unbeaten 100 runs against Bangladesh. It was her first century in international cricket.

♥ Mignon du Preez CRICKET

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

51

Brian Gray Winning attitude (Focus on HoĂŤrskool Menlopark)

WINNING ATTITUDE

BRIAN GRAY 52

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

Athlete PROFILE FEATURE: Swimming

I do admire the attitude of Ryan Lochte (USA) to competitive swimming. He is relaxed and easy-going during events and even socialises with the other swimmers. I am striving to be the same.

“Hard work beats talent if talent does not work hard.”

B

rian Gray (Hoërskool Menlopark) will never forget these words of wisdom spoken

by Ryk Neethling, the South African Olympic swimming medallist, some years ago.

Last year in July, while he was in a training camp in Hungary, Gray was again reminded of the importance of these words when he saw for himself the intensity with which Chad le Clos trained.

By Wilhelm de Swardt

Gray was privileged to share a lane with Le Clos during one of the sessions and this gave him an opportunity to get to know South Africa’s swimming sensation. His contact with Le Clos served as extra motivation for Gray who is now beginning to reap the rewards of his increased hours of training.

At the recent A-division Inter-High Swimming Gala he won three gold medals and was awarded the Senior Victor Ludorum award for a third time.

But Grey’s own performance at the gala is not the only thing that excites him. It is when he starts talking about the performance of the Menlopark team that he really becomes excited.

“Menlopark did not only win overall. Both our girls’ and boys’ teams were victorious.

It was the first time in the history of the event that the Menlopark boys’ team managed to win the team competition and I am proud that I could be part of their success in my matric year.

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

53

BRIAN GRAY Winning attitude (Focus on Hoërskool Menlopark)

It was an awesome day. Of the seven trophies on offer Menlopark won six.”

At last year’s South African age-group gala Gray won four gold medals, but his fourth place finish in the 200 m individual medley at the South African Senior Championships gave him even more satisfaction. He was, after all, competing against the ‘big boys’ and it was a confidence booster for him to be able to hold his own against them.

Gray is not obsessed with fast times and records. “I swim to enjoy myself. The only thing that matters to me when I compete is to give my best and if I manage to do that, I am happy. Nobody could ask for more.”

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“I do admire the attitude of Ryan Lochte (USA) to competitive swimming. He is relaxed and easy-going during events and even socialises with the other swimmers. I am striving to be the same.”

Gray grins when he recalls how his swimming career began.

“I have an older sister who is also a swimmer. I tagged along when she trained or competed and ended up irritating my mom with my complaints about being bored. Eventually my mom could no longer endure my whining and decided that I should also start swimming.”

“The turning point for me came when I competed at

the national championships as a 10-year-old and won six gold medals. It made me realise that swimming might just be the sport for me.”

Gray admits that last year’s training camp in Hungary was a real eye-opener for him. “It was definitely the hardest I have ever trained for two weeks. I think we swam about 136 km in total.”

“It was a definite highlight for me to get to know Chad le Clos. We shared the same lane on day one and I was pleasantly surprised to see how humble he is. He constantly wanted to know whether I was OK and he gave me some helpful tips all the time.”

“I also admired the way Chad

Athlete PROFILE FEATURE: Swimming

The turning point for me came when I competed at the national championships as a 10-year-old and won six gold medals. It made me realise that swimming might just be the sport for me.

“Last year, at the World Championships in Barcelona, Giullio Zorzi proved that it is possible to make a comeback after completing your studies by winning a bronze medal in the 50 m breaststroke.

Perhaps I can do the same.”

made time for his fans. There were about 50 small kids who all wanted photos taken of themselves with Chad and he obliged every time without complaining once.

He is actually willing to talk to anybody about anything.”

Gray faces a bit of a dilemma because he is so multi-talented.

“I should love to continue swimming competitively but I am not sure if it would be possible. I am planning to study to become a chartered accountant and it might be difficult to put in the long hours of studying as well as swimming.”

“If I would find that I am not able to cope I might have to tone down on my swimming until I have completed my

Gray is also a talented sketch artist who loves to do portraits with a difference.

studies, but it will certainly not mean that I am quitting swimming for good. I will still train and compete but maybe not at such a high level.”

“As an artist I don’t believe in doing the usual ordinary sketches. I was actually quite tempted to rather study art, but I realised that there was no real money to be made as an artist. I decided that it would be better to just sketch as a hobby. It relaxes me.”

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

55

Tunet Trumpie JUGGLING SPORTS & ACADEMICS (Focus on Hoërskool Menlopark)

Of one thing there can be no doubt.

When talents were handed out Tunet Trumpie was standing in front.

N

Words: Wilhelm de Swardt

ame the sport, and chances are good that the 13-year-old Trumpie from Hoërskool Menlopark will have excelled in it. And what’s more, her talents are not restricted only to activities that get the heart racing. Academically she averages 80%.

“It’s important for me to lead a balanced life. I just love to participate in sports but I have to be realistic. You never know when your sports career could be curtailed by an injury and you may need something to fall back on. This is why my studies are just as important,” Trumpie smiles.

However, having said this, Trumpie wasted no time making an impact in her first season as a high school athlete.

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In the space of only about six weeks she raked in the awards. At Menlo’s interhouse meeting she received the Junior Victrix Ludorum award and the same happened at the 27th Menlo Invitation Meeting. At the Florida Prestige Meeting she received the award for best junior athlete and at the Inter-High A-School Athletics Meetings she set a new meeting record of 13.47 s in the 90 m hurdles.

And these are just a few of her highlights.

Trumpie is not one to boast about her sports achievements, but after having been inundated with questions, she admitted that she had not been beaten once this season in the 100 m, 200 m and the 90 m hurdles. Roughly estimated this means that she had won about 15 races on the trot. »

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: athletics

If you want to keep on winning, you simply have to put in the hours and make the sacrifices.

Photo by Anike Stander

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

57

Tunet Trumpie JUGGLING SPORTS & ACADEMICS (Focus on Hoërskool Menlopark)

It is not surprising, therefore, that she considers the Aussie and Olympian 100 m hurdles champion, Sally Pearson, to be her hero. In the build-up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London Pearson won 32 out of 34 races.

Trumpie realistically points out that there are no shortcuts to sporting success.

“If you want to keep on winning, you simply have to put in the hours and make the sacrifices. I am very grateful for the help and support I receive from my coaches, Riana Raath and Wimpie Nel.”

Nel emphasised that, notwithstanding Trumpie’s success in athletics, it is still early days for her.

“Tunet is without any doubt very talented, but all of us who are involved with her should remember that she is still young and that much could change during the next few years. It is certainly too early to tell whether she will eventually be a hurdler or a sprinter,” Nel continued.

“What excites me about her is her explosive power.”

It could be said that, for a short while, Trumpie has finished running, but actually this will not be quite true. Although she will

Photo by Bernard van Tonder

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

still run, her challenge will not be the stopwatch, but rather to get hold of the hockey ball before one of the other players does. As a defender in hockey she will certainly be up to it.

Trumpie proudly tells that she and many of her hockey teammates have been playing sport together ever since they were in Grade 4 at Laerskool Menlopark.

“We played netball and hockey. As a netball team we were never beaten in the three years leading up to Grade 7. Last year we also never lost a hockey game.”

“The wonderful thing about our team is that we are all still good friends and most of us will be playing in the same hockey team.”

Trumpie was selected to play for the Northerns Under-13 hockey team last year.

TUNET TRUMPIE Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

59

DANIELLE DU TOIT A GREEN FUTURE (Focus on HoĂŤrskool Menlopark)

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: GOLF

A GREEN

FUTURE DANIELLE DU TOIT

Sometimes a small and seemingly insignificant incident can have a major impact on a person’s life. This is exactly what happened to Danielle du Toit, a Grade 9 pupil at Hoërskool Menlopark.

Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Provided

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

61

DANIELLE DU TOIT A GREEN FUTURE (Focus on Hoërskool Menlopark)

A

About 10 years ago Danielle and her family went to a game farm for some downtime. During one of their walks Mauritz Stander, a friend of her dad’s, started hitting small stones down the mountain with a stick and he invited the five-year-old Danielle to join in the fun.

Much has happened since this stone-hitting incident.

To begin with, her dad, Dirk, bought her a small golf club and some plastic balls to enable her to continue hitting. When Danielle was nine, her dad came to the conclusion that his daughter has real golfing talents and he entered her in the Little Kids Tournaments (now called SA Kids).

Du Toit soon began to win tournaments and, more importantly, she consistently managed to play a good round of golf.

She has since developed into an avid golfer who plays from a two handicap.

A definite highlight for her was when she finished third during last year’s South African Amateur Stroke Play championships at the Pretoria Country Club.

What made finishing third exciting for Du Toit was that she succeeded in keeping her cool against all odds.

“After the first 18 holes I was only 13th overall, but then I surprised myself by playing a round of 71, just one over par, to tie for third overall,” she smiles.

I was pleasantly surprised to finish third at last year’s SA Amateur Stroke Play Champs!

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: GOLF

Earlier this year Du Toit do so but I am working on it.” condition your muscles so finished third in the Boland How important is fitness that, even when you get Junior Championships at in becoming a good golfer? tired during a tournament, Kuils River and again she Du Toit responded your body will go into auto impressed with her neverjokingly by saying that mode and help you to still say-die attitude. until now she has been play good shots.”

“I played a horrible somewhat lazy when it Du Toit’s most important second round, finishing comes to serious fitness goal at the moment is to with 79 strokes, but again training, but this is going to qualify to play for South I was able to recover and change.

Africa.

I finished the last 18 holes “It is certainly not playing only 67 strokes, going to be easy. To be which was a personal best considered for selection for me. What made it you need to win “I have even more special was tournaments and I approached a qualified that I managed to do have not been able so in horrific weather to do so yet.” fitness trainer to help me conditions. It was Du Toit is quite raining and the realistic about her with more constructive training. wind was blowing golfing future.

To play good golf your body core strongly, so it “Naturally I was definitely not would like to play is the be-all and end-all and I need a good day to professionally to work on that. In layman’s be out on a golf one day, but course.” before doing that terms it basically boils down to She was also I need to get a strengthening your stomach a member of the good qualification, Gauteng North something to fall back muscles.” women’s B-team that on. Maybe I will study in finished fourth overall in the USA. I have met Sally the Senior Inter-provincial Little, one of the greats of Tournament.

South African women’s golf, When asked what “But to get back to the and she said that I should she considers to be her question, you don’t need contact her if I should strengths and weaknesses to be running fit to be a wish to go to the USA. She as a golfer, Du Toit good golfer but you must might be able to organise responded by saying that be able to walk for a long something for me.” she is actually a kind of golf time. Actually golf is very Du Toit’s talents are not ‘freak’. much like chess. The fitter restricted only to playing “I am a very good driver you are the longer you are golf. She is also an avid of the ball and can handle able to remain focused and hockey player who played myself on the putting greens. the fewer mistakes you tend as sweeper in Menlopark’s I also have no problem to make, especially towards Under-15A side last year. playing out of the rough or the end of each round.”

But, more importantly, she bunkers. My main weakness “Golf is a very demanding averages 87% academically. at the moment is my game, mentally. Therefore approach shot to the green it is important to spend using an iron. I still have not long hours training on a mastered the technique to golf course. The idea is to

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

63

Mila Hartig A tenacious fighteR (Focus on Hoërskool Menlopark)

Mila Hartig SERVICE WITH A SMILE The only way to beat Mila Hartig (Hoërskool Menlopark) on a tennis court is to outwit her mentally. If you can’t get that right, she will wear you down.

Her coach, Hendrik Coertzen, admits that Hartig’s greatest asset as a tennis player is her fleet-footedness. If a rival does not have the ability to outthink her, Mila will simply chase down ball after ball to win the vital points.

This tenacity of hers is the reason why the Grade 9 Hoërskool Menlopark learner is currently ranked South Africa’s third-best Under-14 player.

She is also in eighth position on the Under-16 rankings.

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: TENNIS

Hartig was selected for the South African Schools team last year which meant that she had the opportunity of seeing some of the world’s best tennis players in action at Wimbledon.

“Just to be at Wimbledon as a spectator was an amazing experience. I was privileged to see top players such as Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal in action.”

“It was very special to see Sharapova playing and it also served as an extra motivation for me because I am a big fan of the way she plays. She never seems to give up and that is a quality I admire.”

But Hartig and her South African teammates were not merely spectators

on the tour. They also had the opportunity to test themselves on court.

A personal highlight for Hartig was to beat her rival in a game against Scotland’s national team.

“I also learned a lot while training at the Sutton Tennis Academy in England.”

Hartig started playing tennis when she was five years old and she says she has never regretted it.

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

65

Mila Hartig A tenacious fighteR (Focus on Hoërskool Menlopark)

Mila Hartig Hartig is also an avid hockey player who has represented Northern Gauteng in her age group.

“The past eight years of training and playing certainly made me realise that there are no shortcuts to succeeding as a tennis player. You simply have to put in the long hours and be prepared to make personal sacrifices when necessary. But I do not want to have it any other way.”

Hartig describes herself as a baseline player with good ground strokes.

“I still have to work on my serve because I know it is not as good as it should be.”

Two definite highlights for Hartig last year were winning the Gauteng

East Keyhealth Under-16 tournament and being runner-up in the SANDF Open.

“My main goal for this season is to improve my Under-14 ranking and, hopefully, my Under-16 ranking as well.”

According to Hartig her main rivals in the Under-14 category are the Barnard twins, Zanie and Lee.

“I have managed to beat Zani on two occasions, but victory over Lee still evades me.”

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: CRICKET

HOT YOUNG TALENT KEEPS HIS COOL

WILLIE LUDICK ‘Captain Cool’ … a most appropriate nickname for Willie Ludick, captain of Hoërskool Waterkloof’s first cricket team. Indeed; Ludick keeps his cool, no matter what.

By Wilhelm de Swardt

A

n excellent example of his ability to keep his nerve even when the odds are solidly stacked against him was when he had to bowl the last over in a warm-up game earlier this season. The opposition needed only three runs to win and one would have expected Ludick to merely go through the motions. It was, after all, a friendly game and nobody really cared about who would win or lose.

But he is simply not that kind of bowler. No matter how bad the situation might be, when Ludick

has a ball in hand he bowls with only one purpose in mind, and that is to win. That was exactly what he did. He took three wickets, leaving the opposition still three runs short of a victory.

It is because of his never-say-die attitude that Ludick, who is still in Grade 11, was elected to captain Waterkloof’s 1st XI. “Being the captain comes with a big responsibility, especially because five of my older teammates are provincial players. But I enjoy the challenge,” Ludick tells Game On.

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

67

WILLIE LUDICK HOT YOUNG TALENT KEEPS HIS COOL (Focus on Waterkloof Hoërskool)

What makes a good captain?

“There are different types of captains. While some captains choose to lead by example, others prefer to motivate their teammates to raise their game to a higher notch.

As captain I like to be a combination of the two.

When I have a good day I like to score runs and take wickets to ensure that we keep to our game plan,” he explains.

“A good captain also has to be in tune with the emotional state of mind of each of his teammates.

This helps him to know who needs that extra bit of encouragement, especially when things are tough on the field. You also need to be able to quickly sum up the playing conditions to ensure that you make the right decisions and give the right advice to the players.”

Ludick is not one to shy away from responsibilities.

In fact he likes nothing more than a good challenge.

“I absolutely love to bowl the last over, especially if the game could still be won or lost during the last six balls.

I don’t want to saddle one of my teammates with such a responsibility. I would prefer to lose a game knowing that I,

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

personally, had done everything in my power to prevent it, rather than leaving the outcome in the hands of a teammate.”

When he attended the Australia Cricket Experience Academy (ACE) in Perth for two weeks in January this year, Ludick was reassured that he is still on the right track as a cricketer. Apparently some of the coaches were so impressed with the young South African’s bowling performance that he received an unofficial invitation to further his cricket career in another country should things not work out for him locally.

“It’s good to know that they are impressed with my bowling, but for the time being I have no plans to leave. My ambition is to play for South Africa.”

Until last year Ludick was an equally talented rugby player who played inside centre for the Bulls’ Under-16 side at the Coca Cola Grant Khomo week.

However, he decided to hang up his rugby togs.

“If you try to play rugby as well cricket, you will lose out on opportunities in both sports. I have already made up my mind that I want to try to make a career of playing cricket and that is why I stopped playing rugby,” Ludick says with a determined look.

“This winter will be the first time that I will be able to follow an intensive cricket rehabilitation programme to make me stronger and fitter. I am also going to ask our bowling coach, Johan Muller, to help me work on my bowling action.

I might even try to get some advice from the experts at the new hitech cricket training facility at the Tuks hpc.”

Ludick is a great admirer of the Australian cricket captain, Michael Clarke.

“Already as a young player Clarke had been identified as a leader and he never allowed pressure to affect him. I also have much respect for AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis, but in the long run I hope to emulate Jacques Kallis as a player by batting at number four and being the first change bowler.”

Ludick is realistic about his shortcomings as a cricketer. “Last year I often batted quite well, easily getting up to 80 runs, only to lose my wicket to a spin bowler. But I am getting better at playing spin.”

At the moment he is a medium-fast bowler. “I know I am capable of bowling faster deliveries but, seeing that I am still young, I don’t want to force matters.”

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: CRICKET

Cricket Waterkloof 1A - 2014 DATE

COMPETITION

OPPONENTS

RESULT

18/1

Derby

KES 1A

Won by 167 runs

25/1

Super series

Monument 1

Won by 215 runs

28/1

30 overs

Menlopark 1

Won by 6 wickets

30/1

T20 Friendly

PBHS 1

Won by 6 wickets

1/2

Super series

Dr EG Jansen

Won by 81 runs

4/2

30 overs

Centurion

Won by 7 wickets

7/2

SA schools T20 Regional Quarter-final

Garsfontein

Won by 9 wickets

8/2

Super series

Potch Gimnasium

9/2

SA schools T20 Regional Semi-final

AHS 1

Won by 7 wickets

11/2

Super series

Garsfontein 1

Won by 102 runs

12/2

SA schools T20 Regional Final

Centurion

Won by 7 wickets

15/2

Super series

Garsfontein 1

Won by 7 wickets

18/2

30 overs

20/2

SA schools T20 Provincial Semi-final

22/2

07/03

Super series

SA schools T20 Provincial Final

AHS 1

Pietersburg

Centurion 1

EG Jansen

Won by 138 runs

Won by 8 wickets

Won by 95 runs

Won by 18 runs

Won by 72 runs

WATERKLOOF 337 (50) 333 (50) 98/4 (18.2) 143/4 (17.5) 278/4 (50) 143/3 (23) 154/1 (12.3) 266 (49)

160/3 (19) 256/8 (50) 148/3 (19.4) 137/3 (17.4) 161/2 (19.1)

OPPONENT

BEST BATTERS

BEST BOWLERS

170

Evan Jones 127

Quinton Bayards 4/23/8

Evan Jones 111

Willie Ludick 3/4/7

118/10

97/10

Janneman Malan 48

142

Michael Strauss 67 Janneman Malan 62

197/10

Janneman Malan 91 Ruben Hermann 72

137/9

128/10

158/7

154/7 147/8

136/10

160/10

118/9

(20)

(20)

(50)

Michael Strauss 49 Evan Jones 26 Michael Strauss 91*

153/7

213/3

240/7

Janneman Malan 98

222/10

Janneman Malan 60* Janneman Malan 87 Evan Jones 52

Janneman Malan 91*

Janneman Malan 84* Rubin Hermann 78

Alex Kok 1/4/7 -

Alex Kok 3/23/5 Christopher Grobler 3/13/5 Quintin Bayards 2/21/3 Christopher Grobler 3/22/4 Johan Terblanche 2/8/3 Janneman Malan 2/6/4 Christopher Grobler 2/25/4 Willie Ludick 2/23/3 Quintin Bayards 2/9/4

Janneman Malan 67

Christopher Gorbler 4/26

Janneman Malan 46

Willie Ludick 3/3/8

Rubin Hermann 29 Evan Jones 56*

2/15/8

Janneman Malan 51

Evan Jones 3/27/6

Janneman Malan 132*

Johan Terblanche 2/10/2

Evan Jones 54

Janneman Malan 72 Evan Jones 49

109/3

37/10

Janneman Malan 59*

(10)

(8.3)

Willie Ludick 31

Willie Ludick 1/13/3 Johan Terblanche 4/31/7 Henco Vorstman 2/28/9 Christopher Grobler 4/4/2

HOĂ‹RSKOOL WATERKLOOF CRICKET STATS: FIRST TERM 2014 Best Batter: Janneman Malan, 16 matches, 1119 runs, 5 times not out at a strike rate of 126 and average of 101,7

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

69

Nadine de Klerk A stone’s throw to success (Focus on Waterkloof Hoërskool)

AS

N

E IN

E N O T

D A

H T ’S

S O T W RO

SS E C UC

E D

E L K

K R

Nadine de Klerk (Hoërskool Waterkloof) doesn’t take any prisoners. When she steps onto a sports field, no half measures should be expected. Regardless of whether she is throwing a javelin, batting or bowling as a cricketer, or playing hockey, she commits 110%.

H

er controlled aggression has started to pay dividends. During the first eight weeks of 2014 she made her presence felt on the athletics field as well as on the cricket pitches.

At the recent Waterkloof Prestige Athletics meeting the Grade 8 pupil (13-years-old) let rip with a javelin throw of 40.40 m. According to the experts that’s not half bad! In 2012 only four Under-16 athletes managed to throw farther.

De Klerk’s cricket heroics did not go unnoticed either. She was selected to play

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

for the Northerns Senior Women’s cricket team against Zimbabwe. She rose to the challenge of being the youngest player in the team.

“Unfortunately I didn’t really get an opportunity to bat. I scored 2 not out in the first game and 3 not out in the second.

My bowling wasn’t too bad but I was unable to take any wickets,” is how she remembers her big league debut.

De Klerk is also planning to play hockey, but why hockey and not netball?

“I was told in primary school that I was too rough when I played netball.

Apparently I injured the other players with my aggressive playing style. I was told

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: ATHLETICS

that my diving all over the court to get to the ball was a big no-no. That was why I decided to play hockey and I quite enjoy it,” she grins.

Not surprisingly, De Klerk’s sports career started on a farm near Rayton where she played cricket with her brother, a devoted cricket nut.

“My brother wanted to play cricket whenever when we had a free moment.

The turnaround in my sports career happened when my dad, Sakkie, decided that I was too good at cricket to be a mere backyard player. He contacted the Northerns Cricket Union to find out what options there were for me and the result was that I began to play provincial age group girls’ cricket. I was in Grade 5 at the time.”

De Klerk immediately made an impact and she was soon selected to play in the older age groups. A highlight for her was when she was selected to play for the school’s 1st XI team while she was still a pupil at Laerskool Rayton. She took seven wickets, denting many young male egos in the process.

De Klerk describes herself as an allrounder who can bat as well as bowl. She is a medium fast bowler and her best score as a batsman is 90 runs.

Without giving it a moment’s thought, De Klerk declared that the South African cricket icon, Jacques Kallis, is her hero.

“There is no need for me to explain why I admire him because his cricket statistics speak for themselves,” she says.

De Klerk’s dad was the person who realised that his daughter might have some athletics talent.

“While my dad was watching me throwing cricket balls, he concluded that I should be able to throw the javelin as well. He therefore found a coach to teach me how to throw the javelin. If I am quite honest I have to admit that at the moment I enjoy throwing the javelin slightly more than playing cricket, but I am not ready yet to choose between the two sports. I want to keep going in both sports for as long as possible. I certainly want to play at least a few games for the South African Senior Women’s cricket team.”

It is interesting to note the similarities between the budding sports career of the young De Klerk and the career of Sunette Viljoen, one of South Africa’s best-ever female athletes.

Alongside the javelin, Viljoen’s passion was also cricket. She was a brilliant all-rounder who played provincial women’s cricket for North West at the age of 13. Her highest score was 185 against Griquas and her best bowling figure was 5/8, also against Griquas.

In 2000, at the age of 16, she was selected to represent South Africa in a Test match against England, as well as in the team that took part in the Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. After the World Cup she was named as the best fielder of the tournament. She ended up playing 17 oneday games for South Africa.

There is a strong possibility that, if De Klerk continues to improve as a cricketer, she might also be selected to play cricket for South Africa in the next two to three years.

With Dreyer Campbell coaching her, chances are good that she might win a medal in javelin throwing at the IAAF World Youth or Junior World Championships as well.

I want to keep going in both sports for as long as possible. I certainly want to play at least a few games for the South African Senior Women’s cricket team.

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

71

Ben Crouse Blowing the whistle (Focus on Waterkloof Hoërskool)

BLOWING THE

WHISTLE ON

BEN CROUSE

Hoërskool Waterkloof is one of only a few schools that can boast with a worldclass ‘whistleblower’ in their midst.

Words: Wilhelm de Swardt

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Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: RUGBY

T

he word ‘whistleblower’ may have negative connotations for many people because it is normally associated with large-scale corruption but this does not apply to Ben Crouse, who is a teacher at the school. He is in fact a talented rugby referee who was appointed by the International Rugby Board (IRB) to officiate in the last four tournaments of the Sevens World Series.

“It is every referee’s dream to get the opportunity to officiate in one of the major international tournaments, but a referee can never be sure that he will get a chance to do so. Therefore it is a huge honour for me,” said Crouse.

“Twickenham is one of the bastions of international rugby. Any South African player will tell you that there is something special about playing in this stadium. Even to be just a spectator there is a great experience.

For me to get an opportunity not only to be at Twickenham, but to be in the midst of all the action as well, will be a huge privilege. It will certainly be an unforgettable experience.”

To be a referee at the Sevens World Series means that Crouse will fulfil the second of the long-term goals he had set for himself. He was able to tick off the first one last year when he officiated in the Currie Cup game between the Sharks and the Lions.

Crouse is quick to point out that refereeing a Currie Cup game is a mentally draining experience. “The last thing you want to do is to make mistakes. I firmly believe that any referee is only as good as his last

game. This means that you can never afford to rest on your laurels, especially nowadays when there is so much at stake. Rugby has become a million-rand industry; one wrong decision by a referee can be costly to players as well as coaches and I want to avoid that.”

Crouse fully supports the idea that referees should not hesitate to make use of modern technology when they are uncertain of what really happened on the field.

In Sevens Rugby, for example, I can ask for a replay on the big screen if I want to check out something before making my decision.”

According to Crouse the South African Rugby Union (SARU) go out of their way to ensure that South Africa’s top referees are kept abreast of changes in the rules, as well as the latest developments in rugby.

“I have already been to one training camp and an IRB testing procedure.

Much emphasis is placed on fitness.

After the IRB tests I was so stiff that I was hardly able to walk for two days.”

“The basic requirements for being a good referee are fitness and a sound knowledge of the rules. If you fall behind on one of these you will definitely not be able to be a good referee. Being good at people management also helps.”

Crouse became involved with refereeing through his dad, Ben. “My dad used to be an avid club rugby player but after breaking his collarbone for the third time at the age of >>

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Ben Crouse Blowing the whistle (Focus on Waterkloof Hoërskool)

32, he was told that he should seriously consider retiring as a player. He then decided to take up refereeing. I tagged along when he went to the refereeing courses and it was not long before I joined in.”

Crouse played scrumhalf for Hoërskool Otto du Plessis’ first team and even captained the team.

“The turning point in my career came about when I was appointed to referee an Under-21 game in Port Elizabeth. They did not realise that I was also playing for one of the teams and I had to make a quick decision about what I wanted to do, referee or play. I have never regretted for one moment my decision to referee.”

“I think the fact that I had played in the scrumhalf position helped me when I became a referee. As scrumhalf you also always have to be where the ball is.”

To prove that rugby referees are not the evil spoilsports they are made out to be, it has been decided that some referees should ride in the Cape Argus Cycle Tour.

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According to Crouse it was great fun. He did it for the first time last year.

“We ride with our whistles and our yellow and red cards and because we are not serious cyclists we quite often stop for a break and to chat to the spectators.

The idea is that people should get the opportunity to meet us and so realise that we are, after all, just human. No referee goes onto the field with the intention to purposely do one team in. This year we will kill the two proverbial birds with one stone because we will also be riding for Reach for a Dream,” Crouse tells Game On.

I think the fact that I had played in the scrumhalf position helped me when I became a referee. As scrumhalf you also always have to be where the ball is.

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: RUGBY

Sevens Rugby vs. the XV Man Code “I enjoy refereeing in both formats of the game but at the moment my focus is slightly more on Sevens because that was where I made my first international breakthrough.”

“Refereeing Sevens is quite challenging because the game is played at a much faster pace and also at a higher intensity. This means that the referee must have a totally different mindset.

For example, if I should allow two minutes of advantage to be played, I should realise that it is nearly a quarter of one half of the game.”

Two referees at the Varsity Cup games Varsity Cup Rugby has become synonymous with exciting new innovations. This year for example it has been decided to experiment with two referees officiating during a game.

Crouse has officiated in three Varsity Cup games together with Jaco van Heerden, an old ‘Klofie, and he feels that there is some merit in having two referees at a game.

“I think this leads to fewer penalties and more tries and, therefore, more exciting rugby.”

“According to André Watson, 10 years ago when he was refereeing there were on average 150 tackle situations and breakdowns during one game. Nowadays, with the game so much faster, there could be anything from 220 to 300 during a game. It will certainly be easier to make the right decisions with two referees on the field.”

“One of the main problems with being the only referee is that the play shifts from the left-hand side of the field to the opposite side within moments. At times it is almost impossible for a referee to get there in time. It will certainly help if there is a referee on the opposite side as well.”

“During a breakdown it also helps to have two referees because one can watch what is happening with the ball while the other one watches the off-side. Naturally it is also easier with scrums it there is a ref at each side to see what is happening.”

Crouse said what helps when he and Van Heerden are refereeing together is that they know and understand each other.

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JAN SERFONTEIN & PIET VAN ZYL SPORTING SUCCESS (Focus on Grey College)

SPORTING SUCCESS

IN SHADES OF

‘ Grey’ JAN SERFONTEIN AND PIET VAN ZYL

By Ockert de Villiers When Jan Serfontein and Piet van Zyl made their debuts for the Springboks in 2013 they became the most recent players in a long line of former Grey College students to play for the national rugby side.

The Bloemfontein high school is undoubtedly one of the country’s biggest producers of rugby talent and contributors to the Springbok team.

At the Bulls alone there are four former Grey College students: Van Zyl, Serfontein, captain Flip van der Merwe and Deon Stegmann.

Serfontein experienced a magnificent rise into the top ranks after he first caught national attention as a member of the triumphant Under-20 South African team at the 2012 Junior World Championships.

His stellar performances in the championships earned him the Player of the Tournament accolade.

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: rugby

Later that year Serfontein featured for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup before he made his senior debut as a 20-year-old against Italy in Durban playing off the bench.

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JAN SERFONTEIN & PIET VAN ZYL SPORTING SUCCESS (Focus on Grey College)

The players attribute their successes to the culture of excellence that is embedded at Grey College and instilled in each student.

“Every weekend is a big challenge as it is the biggest game of the year for the other teams and they are therefore playing at their best and you have to give your everything,” Serfontein said.

“

The school has such a rich tradition, the word ‘lose’ is not in the dictionary at Grey and you have the mindset that you will win the match.

”

Van Zyl says students are taught to never look for excuses when they lose but to rather find a solution following defeat.

“It is not only relevant to sport but also in business where you will have to be the best at what you do,” Van Zyl explains.

“At Grey you are on your own and you learn how to take care of yourself because your family is far away.”

Serfontein has shown maturity that belies his years and the Springbok centre believes it is thanks to learned experience that makes him seem calm under severe pressure.

“It comes with experience, the more you play in those kinds of situations the more you learn how to handle them,” he says.

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: rugby

“You can’t go onto the field and not be sure of yourself because it is important to remain cool and calm.”

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JAN SERFONTEIN & PIET VAN ZYL SPORTING SUCCESS (Focus on Grey College)

While Van Zyl plays second fiddle to Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard at the Bulls, Serfontein is vying for possibly the most tightly contested position in the national side.

Ahead of the pack is Springbok captain Jean de Villiers, while Sharks centre Frans Steyn has made a return to the field following a long injury lay-off.

“Jean is a very good captain and I’ve learnt a lot from him, so I respect him and competition is good as you have to push for a place,” Serfontein says.

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: rugby

“At the moment there is a lot of competition at inside centre and even Francois Venter, who left the Bulls for the Cheetahs, is playing good rugby.”

“If you aren’t at your best in every game you will come second, so it is important that you are in the right frame of mind every weekend.”

Both players will have to be patient in their pursuit of claiming their respective desired positions as their own with the incumbent players regarded as legends of South African rugby.

They have, however, been well equipped to deal with the challenges ahead, thanks to the winning attitude they developed at Grey College.

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TSHEGO MABASO GOAL: BAFANA! (Focus on Grey College)

GOAL: BAFANA! TSHEGO MABASO

By Wilhelm de Swardt

Tshegofatso Mabaso (Grey College in Bloemfontein) has a talent for scoring goals … lots of goals. When he played for Grey’s first soccer team last year he scored a total of 54 goals.

“Actually I have been averaging about 50 goals per season over the past few years.

I am in the lucky position that my team mates totally trust my ability to outsmart the defenders. That’s why they try to set me up to score all the time and I don’t want to disappoint them.”

According to Mabaso he still gets an adrenaline rush every time he manages to put the ball away in the nets of the opposition’s goal box.

“I don’t think I will ever grow tired of scoring goals,” he grins.

Needless to say, the Grade 12 Grey learner’s hunger for scoring has not gone unnoticed. During the past few years he has repeatedly received the Striker of the Tournament award.

Mabaso claims that his passion for soccer comes from an early age.

“I think I played my first game when I was just seven. I fell in love with the game about the first time my foot made contact with the ball.”

“At first I also played a bit of cricket but I quickly realised that I would never really achieve anything big with bat or ball in hand.”

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“Without sounding arrogant I think I will be able to make a living by playing professional soccer.”

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: Football

When he was invited to the UK Bolton Wanderers Football Club last year to take part in the trials for a bursary to study in the United Kingdom (UK) and train with the Bolton Wanderers FC Development side, as well as prize money of £25 000.00, Mabaso moved one step closer to realising his dream.

The trials took place in the UK at the prestigious Reebok Stadium, home to the Bolton Wanderers FC, from 23 – 30 October 2013. Participants from all over the world took part in various activities such as testing speed, endurance and dribbling, among other things.

Several matches were played against clubs from the surrounding area, and 20 players were selected to take part in the second round of trials, from which eight players were chosen to take part in the final trials to win the bursary and prize money. From the eight players selected for the finals, Mabaso ended in fifth place; a great achievement considering that the participants came from all over the world.

“It was definitely the most exciting experience I had ever had, but playing soccer in the UK was also a rude awakening.

You could say that for me it was a classic example of switching from being a big fish in a small pond to becoming a small fish in a big pond,” he admits.

“It took me a while to adapt to the international playing style and conditions. The players from the other countries seemed to be mentally stronger than the players I was used to playing against. I was also amazed by the skills of some of the players. I would love the challenge of playing against such quality players on a more regular basis. Only then will I be able to improve as a soccer player.”

Mabaso has not made any definite decision about what he will do after completing matric.

“I am hoping that I will get an opportunity to play in Europe. There is nothing wrong with playing in the local leagues but I now realise that if I want to make it internationally I will need a bigger challenge.”

Like many other young players, Mabaso also hopes to play for Bafana one day.

“This is another reason why I need to play overseas next year. I will be able to use the skills I learn in international football to help Bafana to qualify for a World Cup Tournament.”

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NICOLA DE BRUYN DOES IT AGAIN

NICOLA DE BRUYN DO E S

IT

AG AI N

By Wilhelm de Swardt

Fast, faster, fastest: apparently this is what happens every time Nicola de Bruyn, the Under-15 athlete from Hoërskool Eldoraigne, blasts out of her starting blocks for the 100 m race.

She caused quite a stir when she won the 100 m at a meeting organised by Hoërskool Menlopark in a manually-determined time of 11.6 s. This was a remarkable feat considering that she managed to break a 30-year-old meeting record (11.8 s) that was held by Claudie van Straaten, one of our South African athletics legends.

At a Hoërskool Noordheuwel Top-Ten meeting at the University of Johannesburg, De Bruyn won the 100 m in an impressive electronicallydetermined time of 11.66 s.

Although her winning times have not yet been ratified by the official athletics statisticians, chances are good that the 14-year-old athlete is the fastest female athlete in South Africa as at the end of February, 2014.

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Her coach, Wimpie Nel, who has been involved in athletics for nearly 40 years as both athlete and coach, gets very excited when he talks about De Bruyn’s speedy exploits on the track.

He predicts without hesitation that, if managed correctly, De Bruyn could become the next real deal in international sprinting. He even hints that she could become the Usain Bolt of female athletics if everything goes according to plan.

With the help of Neels Liebel, biokineticist, and her dad, Theuns, a five-year plan to help De Bruyn to succeed is already in place.

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: ATHLETICS

Nicola De Bruyn doing what she does best

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NICOLA DE BRUYN DOES IT AGAIN

“It is the dream of every coach to get an opportunity at least once in a lifetime, to coach somebody really special and I have no doubt that Nicola is that athlete. I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on her by making bold predictions but, as they say, watch this space. She is getting faster and faster and with a little bit of luck and lots of hard work she might even qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. If this should happen, she will be the youngest sprinter ever to represent South Africa at the Games. She will then be Under-17,” Nel excitedly tells Game On.

It embarrasses De Bruyn to be confronted with such praise.

It is not only Nel who gets excited about her running heroics at the moment. Quite a few other coaches have taken note of the times she has been running so far this season and they, too, can’t resist having great expectations about her future in athletics.

“I have tried to form a mental picture of being as fast as everybody says I am supposed to be, but for now it’s difficult for me to conjure up such grand dreams,”

De Bruyn said.

A fascinating statistic that was mentioned by Nel, not by De Bruyn herself, is that she has never ever been beaten in the 100 m and 200 m events since Grade 1!

When asked why she didn’t tell us about this, a modest De Bruyn replied that she didn’t think it was such a big deal.

“Actually I don’t like to talk about my running achievements because I am worried that it might sound as if I am boasting.”

De Bruyn’s athletics career nearly came to an end in

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Bloemfontein two years ago when she was running the 200 m.

“Going into the bend I hit a ‘speed wobble’.

As a result I spiked myself, tore all my ligaments and broke my foot. My injury was so bad that the surgeon at first refused to operate on me because he was worried that it could be the end of my athletics career.

Eventually he did operate.”

“Afterwards I was told that I would never be able to run again. A doctor in Pretoria was of the same opinion.

That was not what I wanted to hear and I was depressed about that news, for ages.

I think the fact that I am back on the track and running again is due to a Higher Hand and I want to make the most of this second opportunity.”

De Bruyn is, to use her own words, an athletics nut.

“I try to watch whenever athletics is being broadcast on television. I watch everything: the 1 500 m… triple jump, javelin, etc. Naturally I am more appreciative of the sprinters’ performances, especially those of Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.”

For those who don’t know, the two Jamaicans are the current Olympic and World champions over 100 m.

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: ATHLETICS

NICOLA DE BRUYN De Bruyn has a slight dilemma this year. It has to do with the issue of whether or not she should play netball after the South African Athletics Championships.

“I dearly want to play, especially because I doubt whether my coach will allow me to play netball again next year. I just want to play for my school this once. I know there is a risk involved in playing netball, so I will give it careful consideration before I make any decision.”

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Bongani Zungu, Ronwen Williams, Abbubaker Mobara The Power of three

The power of

three 1

1

Bongani Zungu

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu’s career has exploded in the past year with the 21-year-old jumping from the Castle League (fourth division) to the National First Division to the Absa Premiership and into the national team setup within two years.

Zungu featured for National First Division side Dynamos before moving to the Absa Premiership outfit, The University of Pretoria and on to Tshwane rivals Mamelodi Sundowns. Shortly thereafter the Duduza-born playmaker was called up to the national side and made his Bafana Bafana debut >>

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AthleteS PROFILE FEATURE: soccer

In the wake of Andile Jali’s move to Belgium club KV Oostende, Game On takes a look at three youngsters who could soon follow the former Orlando Pirates midfielder to Europe.

Words: AB Basson Photos: BackPage Media

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Bongani Zungu, Ronwen Williams, Abbubaker Mobara The Power of three

against Burkina Faso in August last year. Zungu received much acclaim from Tuks mentor Steve Barker, Pitso Mosimane and national team coach Gordon Igesund.

The former AmaTuks midfielder can occupy various positions in midfield and was used by the Pretoria team as a second striker.

Mosimane, however, has used him as a deep lying midfielder, a position which he has looked comfortable in.

“Every year he has taken big steps, I just hope he keeps his feet firmly on the ground and that the management don’t push him too early because I believe he can be a big asset for the country in years to come,” Barker reckons.

Steve Barker who was responsible for bringing Zungu to the Absa Premiership with AmaTuks, believes the youngster will be a massive asset to South African football if he is managed well.

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2

Ronwen Williams

SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old, making his debut against Free State Stars in August 2011 after starring for South Africa’s Under-17 and Under-20 teams.

Williams has been one of the outstanding keepers in the Absa Premiership this season and has been added to the Bafana Bafana squad that will face Brazil in an international friendly on March 5.

The Matsatsantsa shot stopper who turned 22 in January has been superb for the Tshwane side this season.

Williams’ shot stopping is immense while his quality on the ball is unrivalled. The Port Elizabeth-born keeper has drawn criticism for his often arrogant way on the ball, or sometimes odd positioning between the sticks, something that has landed him in hot water.

He is still young and his youth and exuberance are qualities that add to his game and make him who he is.

“His style never makes me nervous because when a player stays on the ball I get an African feeling. He does do that (remain calm on the ball), and for that we have to compliment him,” said his coach, Cavin Johnson.

There is no doubt that Williams has the quality to play in Europe in the near future.

“A lot of people will say he is too easy on the ball but I think that is the way he calms his nerves, that is the way he calms the team and that is the way the team will go forward.”

3

Abbubaker Mobara

Another player to keep an eye on is 20-year-old Abbubaker Mobara who has been a regular in the Ajax Cape Town side the season.

The deep-lying midfielder who can also play in defence is very intelligent and possesses the ability to break up any defence in the Absa Premiership.

Having already gone on trial in Europe, Mobara - who is one of the fittest players in the Urban Warriors team - certainly has the potential to be a star in the future.

He has been on trial in Europe before, having the caught the eye of South African agent Rob Moore who is based in Barcelona these days and he is likely to get an opportunity abroad again in future.

SPORT DEVELOPMENT FEATURE: soccer

HOW TO ‘FIX’ SA’S FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT

There’s no lack of football talent in South Africa. Yet because of a shortage of proper development and grass root structures, the national team Bafana Bafana is nowhere near reaching its potential.

Graeme Jackson reports on the way forward.

Bafana Bafana’s calamitous exit from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this year was a low point for our country’s football and forced SAFA president Danny Jordaan to admit that a continuing lack of effective development was crippling the sport in South Africa. Here are eight basic (and by no means exhaustive) suggestions that, if properly applied, would go a long way toward addressing the problem and ultimately make Bafana Bafana a force to be reckoned with, internationally

1

Make the leagues and clubs play their part

Development shouldn’t just be a SAFA (South African Football Association) initiative; it should encompass all stakeholders in South African football.

To that end, it should be a compulsory requirement for all clubs in the PSL (that’s Absa Premiership and the National First Division) to have professionally-run development structures that are geared toward producing first team players. The default place for a club to look when it needs to bolster its senior squad should be its youth structures, not the transfer market.

Youth coaches need to be paid a proper wage so that coaches do not have to look for other jobs too, and instead can focus solely on coaching youth and be paid well

for their efforts. It is no good that PSL first team coaches earn between R250 000 and R600 000 per month and a youth coach, who actually holds the keys to the future, earns between R6 000 and R15 000, which has been the case in the past at many clubs.

2

Promote schools football

Part of the reason that the Springboks and Proteas are world class is that South Africa boasts incredibly strong school rugby and cricket.

School football, by comparison, is far less organised and competitive, a crippling weakness in the chain of development which eventually manifests itself at senior level, where Bafana Bafana are nowhere

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Graeme Jackson HOW TO ‘FIX’ SA’S FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT

near as strong in their respective field as the Boks or Proteas are in theirs. Improving the organisation and quality of schools football would both broaden the pool of youth players and enhance the process of talent identification.

players is an imperative to raise the level of football both at professional club and international level. A young player at a PSL team should not have to be coached in proper technique – it should have been absorbed as he progressed through the youth ranks of his club and be second nature by the time he reached the pro ranks.

3

6

4

7 8

Improve scouting and talent identification

Too many Bafana Bafana players first represented their country at the senior level. Look at someone like Siphiwe Tshabalala, a top Bafana player who has almost 90 caps under his belt but didn’t represent the country at Under-17, Under-20 or Under-23 level. A player of his talent should have been identified as a teenager and groomed for senior international football rather than learning ‘on the fly’ as he will have done early in his Bafana career.

Spotting these exceptional players early and ensuring they become complete players long before putting on a Bafana jersey will make the national teams stronger.

Impart tailor-made scientific approaches

The mental and physiological demands placed upon a teenager are different to that of a mature, adult player and the training, planning and management surrounding them need to be specifically and scientifically tailored. In education, primary school is not the same as high school, is not the same as varsity – it’s a progression in difficulty and demands that prepares a person for professional life. Developing young footballers should follow the same path of increasing intensity; merely repeating the methods used for senior players at a development level would be inappropriate.

5

Improve coaching at youth level

Perhaps the most critical element of improving the development of South African football is to ensure that young players are given top-class coaching, whether this is in school football or the youth ranks of a club. Imparting the technical and tactical basics on young

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Set up permanent reserve/ junior league(s)

To give the PSL and its clubs their due, they have set up reserve leagues which allows for fringe and youth players to experience something akin to first team football, but these competitions tend to be too short or appear sporadically. A permanent, well-organised and compulsory reserve/junior league (perhaps based on geographic rather than league divides) should be created and used as the stepping stone to PSL football.

Emphasise an ethic of continuity and consistency

Once a ‘generation’ of talented players is identified, whether this is at club youth or junior international level, an ethic of continuity and consistency should be encouraged. This should apply to the players themselves, their coaches and the ‘style’ of football that has been identified as an ideal to strive for.

Focus on education

Not all young players will ‘make it’ in the big leagues and the objective of development structures should not be to merely produce better football players, but well-rounded people. The key to this is education, ensuring that graduates of a development programme have the off-field skills and knowledge to take up another career if that is their choice. It would also ensure that those who do break into the top professional ranks have the ability to better handle their newfound fame and fortune and do not suffer from the indiscipline and naivety that has blighted so many young football stars.

TEAM PROFILE FEATURE: SAILING

WYNBERG HOISTS THE SAILS

By Karien Jonckheere

A quick glance at the recently announced team to represent South Africa at the upcoming Byte C2 World Championships at Lake Garda in Italy, and one thing becomes immediately apparent. Wynberg must be doing something right when it comes to promoting the sport of sailing.

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WYNBERG HOISTS THE SAILS

Three of the four members of the South African team hail from the Wynberg campus – with Sonia Stock currently at Wynberg Girls and Calvin Gibbs and Dylan Long at Wynberg Boys High.

Sailing hasn’t always been the most obvious choice when it comes to school sports, but over the years, Wynberg Boys in particular has managed to produce several national competitors who have appeared on some of the world’s greatest sporting stages.

“Wynberg has a long history of sailing with many inter-school plaques on the Western Cape inter-school trophies with 11 wins since 1986 and seven straight wins from 1986 to 1992,” explained Damian Gibbs, father of Calvin who is part of the SA team.

“Although these are impressive results, the real value is in the many recreational and amateur sailors participating in this lifelong sport at all ages who were introduced to the sport at Wynberg.”

Gibbs explained that currently the budding school sailors get to train at least twice a week. “Wynberg Boys take part in the SailPro dingy sailing coaching programme run from Zeekoevlei twice a week.”

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TEAM PROFILE FEATURE: SAILING

“The boys train on 420s twice a week. Some of the sailors also take part in the Royal Cape Sailing Junior Academy where they sail on L26 keelboats on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays.”

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WYNBERG HOISTS THE SAILS

While it’s not one of their official sports, the school’s sailing programme dates back to the early 1970s and since then has produced some of the country’s finest. Gareth Blankenberg is one such sailor – having represented the country twice at the Olympic Games (finishing ninth overall in Sydney and 17th in Athens) in the Laser Class.

Other Wynberg Boys to have represented South Africa include Greg Davis and John Martin. But for now the focus is on Gibbs and Long, who with Stock and Megan Robertson will aim to secure one of just two places up for grabs to compete at the Youth Olympic Games in China later this year.

“I feel privileged to be one of the four to make the team,” said Gibbs junior, who first became involved in the sport after seeing a poster about it on a notice board at his junior school.

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TEAM PROFILE FEATURE: SAILING

Last year he claimed the African Optimist title on home waters – in Langebaan. But he has bigger dreams in mind. “It would mean a lot being one of the first South Africans to make it to the Youth Olympic Games,” said the 14-year-old, who also competes in water polo and hockey.

Explaining what he particularly enjoys about sailing, he said:

“Sailing is a sport which requires intense concentration and the ability to read and understand weather. I love sailing as I enjoy the water and the wind and the everyday life of it.”

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WYNBERG HOISTS THE SAILS

At any other school, that everyday aspect might not be quite so easy. And as Gibbs senior put it:

“Wynberg Boys’ encourages the boys to be independent, self-motivated and take on challenges.”

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TEAM PROFILE FEATURE: SAILING

“Sailing enables boys to do all of these and the school supports activities which foster these attributes.

Time on the water is critical to developing good sailing skills

and the opportunity to sail as a sport during the week has helped raise the standard of sailing.�

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Kate Roberts IN SEARCH OF THAT PERFECT RACE

IN SEARCH OF THAT

PERFECT RACE

Kate Roberts Kate Roberts’ search for that one ultimate race is the reason why, after nearly 14 years of being a competitive triathlete, she is still as motivated today as she was on the first day she started out.

Words: Wilhelm de Swardt

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Athlete PROFILE FEATURE: Triathlon

I can’t quit knowing that afterwards I might be haunted by phrases such as ‘could have’ or ‘should have’.

T

he 2012 Olympic Games in London was intended to be Roberts’ swan song but in one instant it all went horribly wrong when she crashed during the cycle leg. To make matters worse, the accident wasn’t even as the result of a mistake she herself made.

While they were racing into a corner at Buckingham Palace the wheels of the rider in front of Roberts slid from underneath her. As a result the rider crashed and the South African inevitably went down with her.

“The London Games was a heart-breaking experience for me. I was in the best shape of my life and if I had not crashed that day I certainly would have had a top-ten finish. I was in the lead pack on the bike and my run time was the 7th fastest,” Roberts explains.

“For me, the Games was definitely a case of unfinished business. I am still in search of that perfect race and the result I know

I deserve. By this I mean that when I cross the finish line I must be able to say to myself that this is the best I am ever going to be.”

“I can’t quit knowing that afterwards I might be haunted by phrases such as ‘could have’ or ‘should have’. It will certainly be a challenge to regain the form I had during the London Games. Some athletes get only one chance to do their perfect race. I can only hope that I will get a second chance,” said Roberts, who turns 31 this year.

Roberts has targeted two races in which she hopes to be at her best. The first is the ITU World Series event in Cape Town in April and the second is the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“After these two races I will have to reassess my future as a tri-athlete. It will boil down to a decision about whether I should try to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. It will be an important decision for me because at some stage I also want to start doing the normal things that women of my age do.” >>

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TRIATHLOn Kate Roberts

Training with the ‘boys’ certainly also forces me out of my comfort zone.

>> Ever since the age of nine it has been Roberts’ dream to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games. This dream was conceived when South Africa was allowed back into international sporting competitions after being in isolation for 32 years due to politics. After watching on television how the South African athlete, Elana Meyer, took the silver medal in the 10 000 m at the Barcelona Olympics behind Ethiopia’s Derartu Tulu, it dawned on Roberts that this was what she wished to accomplish in her life more than anything else.

At first she considered competing at an Olympic Games as a track athlete, but when the sport of triathlon made its debut at the Sydney Olympic Games, she realised that all she needed to do to become a triathlon athlete was to add cycling training to her swimming and running combination. Perhaps then, she could fulfil her Olympic dream by becoming an Olympian triathlete.

She has never looked back since her decision to change to triathlon. After matriculating at Eunice Girls’ School in

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2001, she studied for a BCom Human Resources Management degree at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. She continued to compete in national races during her studies but only became a professional triathlete after obtaining her BCom degree in 2005.

Roberts has been training abroad during the past few years but, as she put it, she became tired of living out of a suitcase for nine months out of every year. She therefore decided to move to Pretoria to join up with the triathlon squad of the Tuks High Perfomance Centre (hpc).

“It was definitely the best decision I could have made because Lindsey Parry is one of best triathlon coaches in the world. It is also good to train with a squad of people who all have the same goal, namely to be the best. Training with the ‘boys’ certainly also forces me out of my comfort zone.”

Roberts is realistic about what she needs to improve in her quest for that perfect race.

“My running time needs to improve by more than a minute. It will take some very hard work, but I am up for the challenge!”

®

www.btgames.co.za

IN STORES NOW

© 2013 Electronic Arts Inc. EA, EA SPORTS, and the EA SPORTS logo are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Official FIFA licensed product. © The FIFA name and OLP Logo are copyright or trademark protected by FIFA. All rights reserved. Manufactured under license by Electronic Arts Inc. The Premier League Logo © The Football Association Premier League Limited 2006. The Premier League Logo is a trade mark of the Football Association Premier League Limited which is registered in the UK and other jurisdictions. The Premier League Club logos are copyright works and registered trademarks of the respective Clubs. All are used with the kind permission of their respective owners. Manufactured under licence from the Football Association Premier League Limited. No association with nor endorsement of this product by any player is intended or implied by the licence granted by the Football Association Premier League Limited to Electronic Arts. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Toby Sutcliffe BACKING FUTURE WINNERS

SPONSORED ATHLETES Mediocrity is the one thing the decision makers of the Tuks High Performance Centre (hpc) will never be accused of.

In fact Toby Sutcliffe, CEO of hpc, and his team are firm believers in the Olympic motto: Citius - Altius - Fortius. These words mean Faster - Higher Stronger.

At the 2012 Olympic Games in London the hpc-sponsored athletes won three of South Africa’s five medals but now Sutcliffe has raised the bar. He wants the hpc athletes to win at least seven medals at the 2016 Games in Rio.

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“On a trip to the US Olympic training centre in Colorado Springs some years back I was struck by the simple yet powerful message that was emblazoned around the facility.

It read: ‘IT IS NOT

EVERY FOUR YEARS… IT IS EVERY DAY!’”

“This epitomises what the hpc at the University of Pretoria stands for and what we impress upon our athletes every day and is the major reason why we delivered 50% of South Africa’s medals at the 2012 Games,” Sutcliffe said.

“The high performance environment that we wish to create is merely the skeleton on which to hang a winning culture. To be successful in sport you need two things: the high performance environment which provides the opportunity to perform to high standard, and a winning culture which drives the standards and behaviours.”

hpc SPECIAL: ATHLETE SPONSORSHIP

Words by: Wilhelm de Swardt

“If one looks in the dictionary at the meaning of the word ‘Sport’ then you will see that it is: ‘An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.’“

“The last thing a high performance athlete would think when competing in sport would be that it was merely for entertainment as at the hpc the meaning of sport is so much more. We believe it is imperative to continue building on the winning culture that we have been endeavouring to create for the past 11 years, if we want to win those seven medals in Rio in 2016.

For the athletes, sport is about winning, achieving, their goals but most importantly it’s about testing the limits of their body, mind and soul, and persevering when the body says no.”

“This year, in conjunction with TuksSport, we are very proud to announce that we have selected 57 athletes whom we will assist in their preparation for the 2016 and 2020 0lympic Games. As we all know the Olympics is deemed the ‘ultimate of the ultimate’ events but it is imperative that we also recognise the building blocks along the way and set these as benchmarks to ascertain just where our athletes are in comparison with the best in the World.”

“I would like to challenge Corporate South Africa out there to get behind the hpc athletes and in so doing assist these talented and professional athletes so that they can follow in the footsteps of Bridgette Hartley, Caster Semenya and our Oarsome Foursome in owning their spot on the podium and making South Africa proud by coming back with a well-earned medal.”

Side Bar Sutcliffe’s favourite motivational sports quotes: **The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination – Tommy Lasorda.

**Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision – Muhammed Ali. **You will never change your life until you change something you do daily – Mike Murdoch.

**Sport has the power to change the world…it has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers – Nelson Mandela

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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Wian Sullwald BACKING FUTURE WINNERS

It is often said that to finish second in a race is similar to being the first loser. But there are exceptions to this rule.

Sometimes finishing second means that an athlete has achieved the breakthrough that he was striving for.

In Cape Town Wian Sullwald finished second at the African Sprint Cup Triathlon (700 m swim, 20 km cycle and 5 km run).

Up to 2 km from the finish Wian was in the lead, but he was then passed by South Africa’s Richard Murray, currently one of the best tri-athletes in the world. At the end of 2013 Murray was 5th on the World Triathlon Series rankings.

Therefore Sullwald has good reason to use the word ‘chuffed’ when referring to the way his race played out.

“I surprised myself during the run. Actually I could not believe how much I have improved since last year.”

Kate Roberts, another hpc-sponsored athlete, finished second in the women’s event as indicated on page 78

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hpc SPECIAL: ATHLETE SPONSORSHIP

Photo by: Reg Caldecott

wiAn sUllwald

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KARIN PRINSLOO BACKING FUTURE WINNERS

KARIN PRINSLOO

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hpc SPECIAL: ATHLETE SPONSORSHIP

Karin Prinsloo distinguished herself as South Africa’s queen of the pool as she continued her magnificent form at the Aquatic Super Series in Perth, Australia.

She set three national records and won the 200 m freestyle gold medal adding to the bronze and silver she won in the 100 m and 400 m freestyle respectively.

The 24-year-old also claimed the bronze medal with Rene Warnes, Marlies Ross and Kyna Perreira in the 4 x 200 m freestyle relay.

Prinsloo earned her fifth medal of the gala when the women’s 4 x 100 mfreestyle relay team finished third behind Australia and China respectively.

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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hpc ATHLETES ACCOMPLISHEMENTS BY CATEGORY IN 2014 UNDER THE RADAR

ATHLETE Athletics: 1

Willem de Beer, competed in the Waterkloof Prestige Meet the ‘Eagles Club Classic Shootout’ on Friday, 31 January and finished second in the 600 m event in a PB time of 1.16.86. Willem’s previous best was 1.19s.

2

Kurt Couto, Resident from Mozambiqu and hpc sponsored athlete came 1st in the men’s 400 m H with a time of 51.97 at the 2014 Lusophony Games, held from 18 – 29 January in the Indian State of Goagia

3

Lebogang Shange, hpc sponsored Race Walker continue on a high when won the 10km Men’s Walk in a time of 42:35 at the BestMed Race held on 15 February.

4

Jacques de Swardt competed in the New Balance Tuks 1 hour Meet on Wednesday, 5 February at the ABSA Tuks Stadium and finished his race in a PB time of 20.99 in the men’s 200m.

Golf: 1 2 110

Zander Lombard, hpc sponsored athlete finished in third place with a total of 284, while Jason Smith took the sixth place with 285 and Philip Kruze, sharing the eighth place with a score of 287 at the Gauteng North Union Open Strokeplay from 24 – 26 January at Silver Lakes.

Kim Williams led by one after an opening 70 in the Sunshine Ladies Tour’s launch event and carded a 73 to edge out fellow rookie Nicole Garcia for a one stroke victory on one-under-par 143.

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

Triathlon: IRON MAN 70.3, Buffalo City, PE 25 January 2014 Rudolf Naude, hpc sponsored athlete finished in overall 15th place in men’s event in a time of 4:23:11 while Lynette vd Merwe finished seventh in women’s category with a time of 05:00:01.

TOTAL SPORT XTERRA, Buffelspoort, 25 January 2014 Nico Sterk (M 25 – 29) finished in second place in a time of 02:37:37, with Markus van Niekerk (M30 – 34) in ninth overall place in time of 02:53:18, while Marlette Smith (W – 19), finished in a time of 04:31:14.

SHANDUKA GOAL 5-IN-1 RACE Charne Prinsloo, claimed 2nd place in the Shanduka Coal 5-in-1 Race held in Middelburg on 25 January.

Vanderbilj Prestige Ultra Markus van Niekerk finished in 1st place in the Senior Men (19 – 39) in a time of 04:16:22 2014 Cape Town ATU Sprint Triathlon African Cup Wian Sullwald and Kate Roberts both hpc sponsored triathletes finished second in their respective events.

Men’s Elite race In the men’s Elite race Wikus Weber came sixth.

WOMen’s Elite race In the Ladies Elite race Kerryn Grenfell finished in 14th place while Charne Prinsloo took 19th position

hpc SPECIAL: ATHLETE SPONSORSHIP

SIDE BAR: Kim Williams Anybody who should Google ‘Kim Williams South African golfer’ would quickly learn that this lady is no stranger to winning tournaments and receiving awards.

On the very first Google page on which her name appears can be read: “Kim Williams picks up second Compleat Golfer award; Williams claims victory in SA’s Women’s Amateur Championship; Kim Williams is WGSA Golfer of the Year.”

However, at the end of last year the 27-year-old Williams realised that it was time for her to move on. Encouraged by the success she had achieved as an amateur player, she decided to turn professional.

Williams seemingly adjusted easily to her new golfing status, because she won at Houghton, which was the first competition in which she played as a professional.

THLETE radar Judo:

Rowing:

Congratulations to the judokas

127th annual Buffalo Regatta

DJ Le Grange, Jacques van Zyl, Zack Piontek, RuanTobie Snyman, Vaughn du Preez, Dale Whittaker, Christiaan Boshoff , Geronay Whitebooi, Sinotande Mva and Desire Blake with their excellent performance.

Senior Men Double Sculls

The athletes will represent SA at the following international events:

1

Lawrence Ndlovu

2

Shaun Keeling

3

Lawrence Brittain

21 – 23 March 2014: Cadets & Junior Africa Championships, Tunisia (No 1 at the Trials), in Protea Colours

2 Senior Men A Pair Oar

25 – 29 June 2014: Snr Africa Championships, Chad (No 1 at the Trials) in Protea Colours

3 Senior Women A Double Sculls

Swimming: 1 BHP Billiton Series 2 Karin Prinsloo claimed 5 medals (2 PB and 1 SA record)

3

David Hunt

1

Kirsten McCann

2

Kate Johnstone

4 Senior Men A Sculls 1

Lloyd Bemelman

2

James Thompson

5 Senior Men A Coxless Fours 1

Ndlovu, John Smith, James Thompson, Gareth Maybery

2

Lawrence Brittain, Lloyd Bemelman, David Hunt, Shaun Keeling

3

Voerman

6 Senior Women A Sculls 1

Kirsten McCann

2

Naydene Smith

3

Kate Johnstone

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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hpc ATHLETES UNDER THE 2016 SPONSORSHIP RADAR

ATHLETICS

17

Duwayne Boer

1

Jacques de Swardt

18

Reabetswe Moloi

2

Charne Bosman

19

Jubilant Mothlhake

3

Willem de Beer

20

Thando Roto

4

Cornel Fredericks

21

Shadrack Hoff

5

LJ van Zyl

RACE WALKING

6

Wenda Nel

22

Marc Mundell

7

Caster Semenya

23

Lebogang Shange

8

Khotso Mokoena

24

CANOEING

9

PC Beneke

25

Bridgitte Hartley

10

Henricho Bruintjies

26

GOLF

11

Anneri Ebershon

27

Kim Williams

12

Tshepo Lefete

28

Zander Lombard

13

Kurt Couto

JUDO

14

Irvette van Zyl

29

Dale Whittaker

15

Lynique Prinsloo

30

DJ le Grange

16

Carla Marais

31

Geronay Whitebooi

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hpc SPECIAL: ATHLETE SPONSORSHIP

The hpc's sponsored athletes for 2016 and beyond...

32

Jacques van Zyl

SWIMMING

33

Zack Piontek

48

Darren Murray

34

Christiaan Boshoff

49

Emily Gray

ROWING

50

Karin Prinsloo

35

David Hunt

51

Nico Meyer

36

James Thompson

52

Rita Naude

37

John Smith

53

Marlies Ross

38

Kate Johnstone

54

David de Villiers

39

Lawrence Brittain

TRIATHLON

40

Lawrence Ndlovu

55

Rudolf Naude'

41

Lee-Ann Persse

56

Wian Sullwald

42

Lloyd Bemelman

57

Wikus Weber

43

Michael Voerman

58

Kate Roberts

44

Naydene Smith

MOUNTAIN BIKING

45

Shaun Keeling

59

46

Ursula Grobler

47

Kirsten McCann

Philip Buys

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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CHERISE STANDER CONQUERING THOSE MOUNTAINS

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: CYCLING

CHERISE ST NDER CONQUERING THOSE MOUNTAINS

By Wilhelm de Swardt

Cherise Stander (Team RECM)’s victory on Sunday (9 March) in the women’s race of the Cape Argus Cycle Tour was remarkable.

It is hailed one of the greatest comebacks in South African sport.

At the beginning of last year Stander’s life was unexpectedly thrown into complete turmoil.

Her husband, the world-class mountain biker Burry Stander, was killed by a taxi while out on a training ride. The tragic accident happened less than nine months after they got married.

Cherise explains that her husband and grandmother were not only two of the pillars in her life; they were also the two staunchest supporters of her cycling career.

Later in the same year Stander’s beloved grandmother passed away.

Her grandmother kept a scrapbook of all the articles she could lay her hands on, detailing her granddaughter’s cycling achievements. When Cherise

competed in her first Argus at the age of nine, her grandmother was there to support her. According to Stander the Argus was the only race that really mattered to her grandmother.

Burry, on the other hand, was the one who made her believe that nothing was impossible if you really put your mind to it. It was also Burry who ‘fuelled the fire’ that kept her passionate about the ‘lore’ of cycling.

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115

CHERISE STANDER CONQUERING THOSE MOUNTAINS

During the one or two occasions that I was able to speak to Cherise last year, she made no secret of her feelings. According to her the whole of last year was just one big ‘blur’ to her.

“Going over Suikerbossie I kept thinking about Burry and my grandma and how much I wanted to win for both of them.”

“I take each day as it comes.

If I feel like going for a training ride I will do it, but there are still days when I just want to lie in bed and cry. I really miss Burry. I fully realise that I need to get on with my life again, but I will do so in my own time,” she

According to Stander there are still times when she experiences a roller coaster of emotions.

said.

Consequently it was great to see Stander smiling and talking excitedly about cycling after winning the Argus. It was the third time in seven years that she was victorious. She also won the Argus in 2008 and 2011.

She set up her third Argus victory in a business-like manner. In spite of a gale-force wind, Stander did not hesitate to take the early lead and from then on she was in total control throughout the race. She even managed to avoid a crash when one of the male riders in front of her fell just before the line.

Stander dedicated her victory to her husband and grandmother.

CHERISE ST NDER

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“After being in a daze for almost the whole of last year it feels as if reality is only now beginning to kick in.

There are days when I still battle to make peace with what has happened. To be quite honest, each day holds its own challenges for me.

Luckily, I have an amazing support structure around me, people who make me laugh and feel good about life. I owe them so much.”

Last month, during the South African Road Championships in KwaZulu-Natal, the first indication that Stander was on a comeback trail became apparent. She finished second in the road race and placed fourth in the individual time trial.

The fact that the decision makers of Cycling South Africa

still haven’t told Stander what the criteria for selection for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are, is disconcerting.

According to Cherise she would love to represent South Africa at the Games but she is completely in the dark about what is expected of her to qualify.

Ironically, it’s not as if there is an abundance of good female riders in South Africa at the moment.

The reality is that women’s cycling in South Africa is currently in dire straits.

Stander is hoping to be at her best at the South African Marathon Mountain Bike Championship and the UCI World Marathon (29 June) in Pietermaritzburg.

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: CYCLING

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

117

Rourke Croeser EAT, SLEEP, TRAIN, REPEAT

EAT TRAIN

SLEEP REPEAT

Rourke Croeser

By Karien Jonckheere

It wasn’t until his dad read about Rourke Croeser’s success in a newspaper that he actually believed his son had won a race. Then again, he was just 10 years old and it was his first ever bike race.

“I borrowed my dad’s bike and won the race overall.

My dad didn’t believe me until he saw it in the paper the next day. And I have been competing ever since,” explained Croeser who at the age of 22 is currently considered one of the hottest rising stars in South African mountain biking.

“I have loved bikes ever since I can remember.”

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Croeser quickly climbed up the ranks from those impressive early outings on his borrowed bike on the streets of Empangeni, where he grew up and first got to represent the country in 2009, alongside the man whose name is synonymous with mountain biking in South Africa – the late Burry Stander.

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: MOUNTAIN BIKING

“I’ll never forget the first time I represented my country. It was World Champs 2009 in Italy. I remember it clearly – Burry got a silver medal in the Under-23 race. As for my race, I expected a lot more.

“You could say I was thrown in the deep end, I was winning everything in South Africa at that stage. Some would say I was arrogant. I went to the race expecting a top 10 and I finished 28th.

Even though I was young, having just turned 16, it was a major turning point in my career, realising the importance of staying grounded.”

“One thing never changed though, and that was the need to be the best. I became even more hungry to achieve,” Croeser tells Game On. That attitude has certainly stayed with the former Empangeni High School student who recently joined the ranks of the Kargo Pro MTB team.

Among the achievements he counts as his greatest so far was a podium finish in Europe.

“I lived in Europe for three years and had many awesome results, but one that stands out for me was a Belgium Cup where I finished third in the elite race.

Climbing on the podium with double Olympic gold medallist, Julian Absalon, is something I will never forget.”

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

119

Rourke Croeser EAT, SLEEP, TRAIN, REPEAT

This year has seen Croeser stepping up from Under-23 to elite level, and he has set his sights on qualifying for and competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“The purpose of the Under-23 category is to prepare you for elite racing. My final year of Under-23 did just that. I left confident and have the conviction that I can compete at world level.”

“Commonwealth Games is in my plans and making selection is really important. A top 10 result there would make me a very happy man,” Croeser grins.

“Burry influenced me in a big way. Ninety-nine point nine per cent of South Africans will never truly understand how great he was,” Croeser added.

“Also being on the first ever South African UCI team has opened a lot of doors for me, and I will be competing in all seven of the World Cups with Kargo Pro MTB.”

He also attributes much of his success to his parents. “My dad is one of

With his capacity for hard work and a steely determination combined with phenomenal talent on the bike, some have dubbed Croeser as the next Burry Stander. He’s all too aware those are very large shoes to fill, after Stander’s tragic death just over a year ago.

“To be mentioned in the same sentence as him is a great honour. No one will ever fill his shoes, but I will give it a good shot.”

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the most honest people I know and he’s given me the freedom to think for myself and follow my dreams. Not many parents would let their kid leave home at the age of 16 to pursue a career in sport.”

As for what else keeps him at top level, the Ballito-based rider points to a gruelling training regime. “It varies so much, but to give you some idea, the first 12 weeks of the training season averages about 30 hours a week. Once you get down to the business end of the race season that drops to roughly half but the intensity triples. Eat sleep train, eat sleep train.

“I feel privileged to be able to do what I do. Discipline is just choosing between what you want now and what you want most.”

For Croeser, that’s a spot in the top 10 of the world rankings, and maybe, just maybe, following his mentor and role model Stander’s footsteps to the Olympic stage on day.

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: MOUNTAIN BIKING

ROURKE CROESER

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

121

M i k e y

F ebruar y

This month, Game On chats to SA’s top youth surfer from Kommetjie, Mikey February.

February started surfing at the tender age of seven and has not looked back since. He constantly outdoes himself on the international circuit and has made a clear name for himself locally. We find out what his short-term and long-term goals are, and what advice he has for aspiring young surfers.

By Lungelo Mdladla

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How did you get into surfing and what are your earliest memories?

When I was seven, a friend and I decided to give surfing a go. We went to Gary’s Surf School in Muizenberg and I ended up standing on my first wave. For the next year or so we spent every week at Gary’s, surfing. One of my fondest and earliest memories was definitely spending every Wednesday and all weekend surfing with all of my friends at Gary’s.

How did you get into competitive surfing?

I started competing when I was nine. Gary was always at the events and my dad was pretty involved as well, so I guess there came a point when they chatted and decided that I was ready, and entered me into a few events for fun to see if it was something I would enjoy doing.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Competing internationally and representing South Africa five times has definitely been a highlight for me. We won the ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES in PANAMA last year, which was definitely a huge achievement. Also winning four South African Championship Titles has been a huge milestone.

Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

123

Have you started prepping for the World Qualifying series?

At the moment I am competing in my first event for the year, which is a part of the World Qualifying series. But prior to this trip I spent a lot of time training in and out of the water, as well as spending a lot of time with my coach and board shaper to make sure everything is well prepared for this year.

Do you plan on breaking into the World Championship tour?

Yes, right now my goal is to make the top 100 by July, which takes me one step closer to that main objective of qualifying for the World Championship Tour.

Do you have anything to say to the aspiring surfers out there?

For all of you young hopefuls, whether you are in it for the competition, or just a free surfer, make sure you keep having fun doing it! In my opinion it is one of the most unique and amazing sports out there. And yeah, if you are having fun then you can’t go wrong.

“Keep having fun doing it!”

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R ecent A chie v ements •

Billabong SA Champs 2012 – 1st Place

•

Billabong Pro Junior 2012 – 1st Place Red Bull Air Show

•

RVCA Junior Surf Series 2013 – 1st Place

•

ISA World Surfing Titles in Panama 2013 – Won Title with SA team

•

Cool Shoe South African Surfing CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013 – 1st Place

•

Billabong Junior Series 2013 – 3rd Place

•

Billabong Junior Series 2013 – 1st Place Under-20 age group

•

Western Province Surfing Championships 2013 – Won Men’s Open and Under-20 titles and Western Province Male Surfer of the Year

•

SA Champs – 4 time title holder

M I K E Y

F E B R U A R Y Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

125

GRAEME SMITH FAREWELL TO AN UNSUNG HERO

FAREWELL TO AN

UNSUNG HERO

GRAEME SMITH Words By Kobus Pretorius

Graeme Smith captained SA to 54 test wins in 109 tests during his career

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: CRICKET

He is revered by those who played with him and those who coached him, but Graeme Smith will sadly be remembered as the most unappreciated cricket captain in the history of the game.

Particularly in South Africa, where Smith didn’t get nearly as much respect and admiration as in the rest of the cricketing world.

Let’s say it from the outset: Graeme Smith is a legend of South African cricket. His longevity as captain is unprecedented in the history of the game.

It came as a shock when Smith announced his retirement midway through the third and final test match against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town. Although most people were surprised by the sudden decision to call it a day, it has been a long time coming.

Smith captained South Africa in 109 tests, the most ever by any captain. He also holds the record for the most test wins as captain (53) and most runs as a captain (8 659).

His contribution was massive, proven by the fact that he captained South Africa during our most successful period in history and leading the team to the no. 1 ranking for test teams.

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127

GRAEME SMITH FAREWELL TO AN UNSUNG HERO

Perhaps the fact that Smith was appointed captain at the young age of 22 (another record) meant it was always going to be difficult for the public to accept him and support him. He was arguably the cricketer who divided fans the most.

Gary Kirsten has described Smith as a “natural born leader” and “the greatest test captain ever” and when it comes to his statistics they most certainly back up the latter statement.

Jacques Kallis on Graeme Smith: “Graeme was very strong in culture and tradition. He had a presence when he walked into a room or onto a cricket field. I hope South Africans appreciate what Graeme has done for South African cricket ... where he took it from when he took over, to where we are now.”

“He’s done an unbelievable job. He’s probably yet another South African sportsman who hasn’t got the credit he deserved. Hopefully we can give him the due respect he deserves. I think a lot of our sportsmen are under-appreciated. Maybe it’s a South African thing.”

Shaun Pollock: “People perceived him as rather brash when he started because he made big statements. He has really come to the fore in the last five to six years. He had a settled team and he knew how to get the best out of his players.”

“If you had to sum up his career, it would probably be the fact that the runs he got in the second innings and in tough situations when the team really needed it. He liked to lead from the front and often got out there and set the tone.”

Robin Jackman: “Graeme has had to work hard to prove himself.

He had a lot of critics when he was first appointed captain. He should very, very proud of what he has achieved.”

“The team will miss his leadership qualities hugely.”

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURES: CRICKET

GRAEME SMITH CRICKET CAREEER H

I

G

H

L

I

G

H

T

S

Most Tests won by a captain Â

Overall

Away

Captain

Tests

W/ L

Ratio

Tests

W/ L

Ratio

Graeme Smith

109

53/ 29

1.82

56

23/ 14

1.64

Ricky Ponting

77

48/ 16

3.00

38

19/ 11

1.72

Steve Waugh

57

41/ 9

4.55

28

19/ 7

2.71

Clive Lloyd

74

36/ 12

3.00

50

23/ 10

2.30

Allan Border

93

32/ 22

1.45

42

13/ 11

1.18

Stephen Fleming

80

28/ 27

1.03

42

10/ 16

0.62

Hansie Cronje

53

27/ 11

2.45

23

9/ 6

1.50

Viv Richards

50

27/ 8

3.37

26

12/ 6

2.00

Most Test runs as captain Player

Tests

Runs

Average

100s/ 50s

Graeme Smith

109

8659

47.83

25/ 36

Allan Border

93

6623

50.94

15/ 36

Ricky Ponting

77

6542

51.51

19/ 35

Clive Lloyd

74

5233

51.30

14/ 27

Stephen Fleming

80

5156

40.59

8/ 31

Brian Lara

47

4685

57.83

14/ 19

Greg Chappell

48

4209

55.38

13/ 19

Batsman

Innings

Runs

Average

100s/ 50s

Graeme Smith

22

1141

87.76

4/ 6

Matthew Hayden

27

913

57.06

1/ 6

Ricky Ponting

24

911

82.81

3/ 4

Gordon Greenidge

23

850

65.38

1/ 4

Justin Langer

23

849

49.94

2/ 5

Desmond Haynes

30

809

67.41

1/ 4

100s/ 50s

Most runs in fourth-innings wins

Most runs scored in 4th innings of Tests Batsman

Innings

Runs

Average

Sachin Tendulkar

60

1625

36.93

3/ 7

Graeme Smith

41

1611

51.96

4/ 9

Rahul Dravid

57

1575

40.38

1/ 9

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

45

1518

44.64

2/ 11

Ricky Ponting

43

1462

50.41

4/ 6

Brian Lara

46

1440

35.12

2/ 7

Sunil Gavaskar

33

1398

58.25

4/ 8

Gordon Greenidge

38

1383

53.19

3/ 6

These Cricinfo statistics speak volumes

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Gideon Drotschie FIGHTING TO LIVE, LIVING TO FIGHT

FIGHTING TO LIVE, LIVING TO FIGHT

Gideon Drotschie at the weigh-in of his fight against Fraser Opie from England

The Mixed Martial Arts scene in South Africa is exploding and it’s also one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

The sport has further been boosted by the live broadcasting of the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) matches on DSTV.

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ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: mixed martial arts

Gideon Drotschie (26) from Parow, in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, is the current Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) Light Heavyweight champion.

He won the title when he beat Danie van Heerden at EFC Africa 20 in June 2013 with a submission (keylock).

Drotschie started MMA training in 2010 and joined Rico Hattingh’s MMA Academy. Hattingh is considered a legend of MMA in South Africa and was the EFC Heavyweight champion before he decided to retire in 2011 for medical reasons. In 12 MMA fights he only lost twice.

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Gideon Drotschie FIGHTING TO LIVE, LIVING TO FIGHT

He still runs his own MMA academy in Bellville and is also Drotschie’s full-time trainer.

Drotschie has had five fights as a professional fighter and has yet to taste his first defeat.

MMA is often misunderstood, with some people considering it to be ‘barbaric’. It is an extremely physical sport and it takes a lot of dedication to become a professional fighter.

“I started doing MMA because it meant I could fight without being arrested,” says Gideon. It sounds like a joke, and it is funny, but he is being serious.

He adds: “I also liked the idea

that you could make money out of doing it.”

Gideon says he was a fighter at school.

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“I never really lost any street fights. So I decided to try out MMA because it’s more professional and perhaps I could make a living out of it. Luckily it’s worked until now.”

Drotschie turned pro about two years ago. He has had five fights as a pro and five as an amateur and has won all of them.

“I remember all my fights, but not the whole fight, only parts of it.”

As far as eating goes, it depends on how much a fighter weighs before he has to fight. Because EFC is divided into weight categories, fighters need to weigh a certain amount before they can go into action.

The more out of shape you are, the more you have to alter your eating plan.

ATHLETE PROFILE FEATURE: mixed martial arts

“I try to eat properly.

Vegetables, chicken, red meat; all the things that are important for my body.”

Gideon says he gets into the zone right before a fight while he is warming up.

“I train about two months before a fight specifically for that fight where I think about the different possible outcomes - good and bad. I try to play everything out in my head.

“I like to have at least two months to prepare for a fight, but we are going to change that now to give me more time.”

Rest is a key part of the week leading up to fight for Gideon.

“I still train, but not as hard.

I take it easy, go through the motions. I usually do a few interviews for EFC in the week before the fight,” says Gideon.

His first fight on TV was against Lance Ceronio at EFC Africa 17 which Drotschie won in the first round by submission with the Rear-Naked Choke.

“I wasn’t nervous at all. I just focused on what I was there to for and what I wanted out of it.

It went really well.”

Tae Kwan Do Karate Kickboxing Boxing Wrestling Judo Ju-Jitsu

Mixed Martial Arts is a combination of Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay-Thai, Kickboxing, amateur wrestling and western Boxing. At Rico Hattingh’s MMA Academy, the essence of every style is drawn from, to create the optimal fighting combination.

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Schalk Joubert A PLAYER OF NOTE

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CELEBRITY PROFILE FEATURE: ATHLETICS

PLAYER OF NOTE:

Schalk

Joubert I used to be a keen runner but then running began to feel like a sport without any purpose to me. Every time I surf there seems to be purpose to it.

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Schalk Joubert A PLAYER OF NOTE

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CELEBRITY PROFILE FEATURE: ATHLETICS

H

e is a truly seasoned musician who has been working as a solo artist, freelance bass player, composer, arranger, producer and musical director with some of the most popular and revered artists in the South African music industry as well as some top international artists.

Last month he won the Kyknet Fiesta Award for ‘Beste Prestasie in ‘n Musikale Produksie’ for the show ‘Die Wêreld is my Woning’.

Joubert is also passionate about sport, but the former pupil of Hoërskool Waterkloof is the first to admit that he is no world ace when it comes to sports. He just loves a good physical challenge.

Nowadays he mostly surfs and swims.

According to Joubert, to become a good guitarist the challenge you have to face is very similar to the challenge faced by any young athlete who aspires to become a world champion.

“They say that to succeed in a sport takes about 10 000 hours of hard work, real dedication and many sacrifices. It helps to be talented but one can’t sidestep the long hours of hard work and dedication. For aspiring musicians it is exactly the same.”

“When I started out as a guitarist I sometimes had to practise up to six hours per day. It is easier nowadays.

Because of my regular performances I can get by with only two hours of practising per day. Constant performances help to keep me in shape as guitarist.”

Joubert has fond memories of his sporting days at school.

“I was honoured to play with Louis Koen (former Springbok fly half) for Laerskool Panorama’s first

team. Back in those days Louis was a real terror, especially because of his kicking abilities. He was deadly accurate with his drop kicks and had no problem in scoring penalty goals from the halfway line.”

“At primary school I was quite a good athlete. My favourite distance was the 1 000 m and I still have a photo of me winning a race.

Throughout my school career I tried to participate in as many sports as possible.”

One of Joubert’s funniest rugby memories relates to his matric year when he played for his school’s ‘Kaas-en-Wyn’ team.

“I will never forget our game against Tuine Tegnies. Those guys were big. To me they all looked as if they were 20 years or older.”

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Schalk Joubert A PLAYER OF NOTE

“My opposing number at wing was a realy tough-looking guy who had cut off the sleeves of his rugby jersey to show off his muscles. I couldn’t resist calling him ‘Rambo’ to his face which, in hindsight, turned out to be a big mistake. He promised that he would ‘bliksem’ me and it was no idle threat. He never stopped punishing me for my silly remark all through the game!”

Matters were not much easier for my teammates. We were drilled in every aspect.

Back in those days we

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had only one rugby ball per game and we reverted to the tactic of kicking the ball over the fence.

This way we gave ourselves a little breather while one of the Tuine Tegnies players rushed off to fetch the ball.”

Much has changed since 1993. In our playing days we didn’t do any serious gym training and certainly didn’t use substances like Creatine to get bigger and stronger.

Today school rugby players are huge.

They look as if they stepped out of designer gyms.”

As an electric bassist, Joubert rose through the ranks of the South African music scene pretty swiftly.

He made his debut in 1995 as a 19-year-old studio bassist for the debut album of the singer/songwriter Valiant Swart, ‘Die Mystic Boer’.

He is hailed as a musician with a very distinct and powerful ‘voice’ on his instrument.

Joubert made such an impression with his bass playing on the popular crime fiction writer, Deon Meyer, that Meyer made him a real-life character in three of his books.

Ts & Cs apply.

ANDRIES VAN DER MERWE RUNNING LINES

Apart from training and studying, college life is treating me well. The Texans are known for their hospitality and passionate support of each other.

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INTERNATIONAL SPORTING JOURNAL: ATHLETICS

South African sprinters are not at all familiar with the ‘Indoor 60 m dash’ and ‘60 m hurdles’ events. After only three weeks of training with my new team and coaches, I had my first 60 m hurdles race. To be quite honest, I was extremely nervous, but contrary to everyone’s belief, including my own, I did pretty well. I made the finals and ran the 60 m hurdles in a time of 8.2 seconds. This was my first race over the senior height, and as I found out, there is still a lot of work to be done.

ATHLETE

DIARY & JOURNAL

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ANDRIES VAN DER MERWE RUNNING LINES

The Texas A&M Track team is known for great performances and it was no surprise to me when I saw the depth of their talent.

In every event there are more than enough athletes to fill two teams, and the difference between these athletes is negligible.

I chose Texas A&M because of their impeccable history, and while I knew that it wouldn’t be easy to make my way to the top, I had no idea that it would be this competitive.

My first race was a great experience, as well as a crucial step in understanding how good you have to be in order to win just an average indoor college race. Most of the gold medal winners are junior or senior athletes with many years of experience.

The hurdles event is dominated by older athletes.

As a freshman, there is no pressure on me to win.

This gave me the chance to relax and have fun.

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INTERNATIONAL SPORTING JOURNAL: ATHLETICS

Training is a fun and interesting part of the track life. Most of my afternoons are spent on the track doing workouts that are close to impossible.

The other part of my afternoon is spent bouncing around ice tubs and having massages. All of this is to stay injury-free and to keep my body in one piece.

The manner in which our team goes about its training sessions is quite impressive. There is a never-ending stream of inside jokes between the guys. Then right before we run, everybody is quiet and very competitive, until after the run, then everybody is joking around again. It is truly a great experience.

For all freshman athletes on a scholarship, there is a mandatory ‘study hall’ session from 7 - 9 p.m.

If you consider the amount of work we put in throughout the day, in the weight room and on the track, it is really hard work staying on top of your schoolwork. But so far everything is going well and my choice to sign up at a US college is really turning out to be what I expected.

The not-so-fun part of my day is after training.

After every hard session on the track, there is an even harder session behind the books.

Apart from training and studying, college life is treating me well. The Texans are known for their hospitality and passionate support of each other.

It is common to hear a Texas guy say that the USA is the greatest nation on this planet, and then they would also remind you that Texas is the greatest State in America. I don’t fully agree with this statement but it is definitely not far from the truth!

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GERHARD DE BEER AMERICAN FOOTBALL

I WILL BE THE BEST ATHLETE, STUDENT AND PERSON I CAN BE.

I

remember when I first arrived here. I was lost amidst the strange roads and even stranger culture that is considered normal here. For most of the first semester, I became distanced from many things from South Africa and all that I was used to.

This desert that I lived in was hotter than anything I had ever experienced.

I adjusted and adapted to many things, but I still find there are some things in myself (and about myself) that I will not change.

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INTERNATIONAL SPORTING JOURNAL: AMERICAN FOOTBALL

I was developing into a new person. I

wanted to become someone that was better than who I was back then. I decided that I would dedicate my

life to all that God had in store for me. I will be the best athlete, student and person I can be. I decided to honour my parents and what they taught me through the years.

These last few days have been fantastic since I started this semester with this newfound dedication.

I have improved my strength, my grades, my throwing and I’m improving my football too! I’m really excited for what the future has in store for me. I found an apartment that I will live in while I’m off campus.

I might redshirt this track season. Some of it is still undecided because of the current distances I’m throwing. I want to compete at the highest level possible.

Since I only have three years of eligibility left in the United States to compete as a track & field athlete, I want to redshirt this season to have an extra year to compete.

I look forward to coming home soon. I will be in South Africa for a short (undefined) period of time. It’s better than nothing. I

ATHLETE

DIARY & JOURNAL

miss the residence life I had back home. I

miss Maroela, and all my brothers there. I miss my brothers who live around the corner. But I have learned to be a stronger person being in the US.

Some really exciting news: My parents will be visiting me in Tucson, mid-March. They will be here for our first meet at home, which is scheduled for the 21st and 22nd of March.

I felt at home for the first time in Tucson when I went to church this past Sunday.

My life changed on the 9th of March. I felt at home where I was invited with an open heart into Faith Christian Church down Stone avenue. The church is at a middle school (of which I don’t know the name).

All in all, I am very blessed and I count my blessings still. I am a proud Wildcat of the University of Arizona.

Your friend,

Gerhard de Beer Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

145

ilze hattingh dream, believe and achieve

The ups and downs of being a sportsman! You have to take care of your body at all times! The best players in the world get injured and have to rest.

African Junior Championships Under-18 in Morocco ... what should have been a great trip for me ended up being a not-so-great trip!

What I realised on this adventure was that plans don’t always pan out as you intend them to, when an injury rears its head!

I left South Africa with a niggling right shoulder (which I brought back from Australia), but nothing serious, or so I thought! I also thought I would work through it and manage it. I couldn’t let my team down at this crucial stage!

The SA Under-18 team left for Morocco on the 5th of February.

We first played a Grade 1 ITF tournament as a warm-up for the African Junior Championships (AJC). That wasn’t too bad.

I worked through the pain, iced the shoulder , rubbed it and had it treated every night.

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I managed to make it to the quarter-finals of the single and the semi-final round of the doubles. Not really what I planned or aimed for, but under the circumstances it was fine for me.

By the end of the week I at least achieved one of my goals for the year – I moved up to top 50 on the world junior ranking list.

The AJC started the following week, and I could feel my shoulder was getting worse and worse. I worked through the semi-finals of singles and doubles and was then in severe pain!

Needless to say I lost both singles and doubles in the semi-finals.

I once again learnt a huge lesson on this trip, and that is to listen to my body and not to try and please others despite my body begging me to stop. I played to please and now I regret it! I cannot play tennis for at least five weeks and am now recovering from a thoracic vertebrae injury, which I mistook for a shoulder injury!

Hard lesson learnt on this trip!

For now I am focusing on my recovery/rehab, and to get back on track with my original plans for the year, and I refuse to stop DREAMING , BELIEVING AND ACHIEVING!

Next up trip to Europe for the Junior French Open and Junior Wimbledon!

INTERNATIONAL REGULAR: SPORTING JOURNAL JOURNAL: TENNIS

I have come to realise that one’s plans for the year can so easily not materialise , thanks to injury!

ATHLETE

DIARY & JOURNAL

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wian sullwald tough, really tough

TOUGH DIARY REALLY TOUGH ATHLETE

& JOURNAL

I’ve come to the conclusion that we are on track as far as my training programme is concerned. I still have to get faster on the run to be on the same level as Richard and I am confident that I will be able to do so.

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INTERNATIONAL SPORTING JOURNAL: TRIATHLON

February turned out to be a really good month for me … we started our racing season on the 15th of February with the African Sprint Cup in Cape Town and trust me was I eager to get racing!

Before I give you the low-down, I’d like to point something valuable out: it is often said that to finish second in a race is similar to being the first loser.

But there are exceptions to this rule. Sometimes finishing second means that an athlete has achieved the breakthrough that he was striving for.

A good example of this is the Aussie swimmer, Brooke Hanson, who won both a silver and a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Her success prompted her to write an autobiography titled: ‘When Silver is Gold’. It’s an inspiring story about a woman who refused to give up and realised that to come second at the Olympic Games was as good as gold.

Okay, back to the African Sprint Cup! I came second in this triathlon, which consisted of a 700 m swim, a 20 km cycle and a 5 km run. Up to 2 km from the finish I was in the lead, but was then passed by South Africa’s Richard Murray, currently one of the best tri-athletes in the world.

(At the end of 2013 Murray was fifth on the World Triathlon Series rankings.)

Henri Schoeman (South Africa) and Lukasz Michalak (Poland) set the fastest times in the swim.

I was the third fastest.

The bike ride was tough. We were giving it our all on the bikes. What made matters difficult was that we were riding in a strong wind.

All of us in the lead group made a slight error of judgement during the transition period when we changed from cycling to running.

This enabled Richard Murray to immediately gain 19 seconds on us.

Murray ended up winning in 1 hour 1 minute and 26 seconds. I came second with a time of 1:02:09, and Jonas Schomburg (ITU) placed third with a time of 1:02:34.

ATHLETE

DIARY & JOURNAL

So I believe I had good reason to use the word ‘chuffed’ in terms of how my race played out.

I surprised myself during the run.

Actually I couldn’t believe how much I have improved since last year.

When Richard passed me I didn’t panic. I kept the gap he made on me for quite some time. After a while I had a quick look around and, when I realised that I would definitely finish second, I just ‘cruised’ the last 1.5 km to the finish.

I’ve come to the conclusion that we are on track as far as my training programme is concerned.

TOUGH REALLY TOUGH Game On Magazine, March: Issue 05, 2014

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wian sullwald tough, really tough

I still have to get faster on the run to be on the same level as Richard and I am confident that I will be able to do so. I’m going to start training with Stephen Mokoka and his training partners and they will certainly force me to run faster. (For those who don’t know, Mokoka is a marathon athlete with a best time of 2:08:33.) This training block is set to be pretty intense.

“

My next goal is to achieve good results at the African Cup, to be held on the 23rd of March in East London, followed by the SA Triathlon Championships on the 26th of March.

I’m sure there’ll be fireworks; let’s see what happens!!

“

And besides the same old same old of a professional athlete life’s good for me at the moment, I am enjoying every day, making the most of life and having good times with my family and friends, whenever I can!

Ciao!

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Regular: SOCCER Column

I don’t like to compare today’s football with that of bygone days, but back then the players seemed to play for the love of the game and put their heart and soul into entertaining the crowd. Unfortunately I don’t see that these days and it seems to have become more about the money that the game itself.

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grant johnson off the ball

Welcome to the fifth 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.

We haven’t qualified for an African Cup of Nations or a World Cup for a number of years now. Surely SAFA and the PSL and whoever else runs South African football, need to explain to the football-loving public as to why our National team has performed so poorly over the years. We have one of the best leagues in Africa, but yet we cannot produce the players to perform at National level.

Well as I write this article this week Bafana Bafana are going to take on one of the top teams in the World, Brazil. With it being a friendly match as part of Brazil’s World Cup preparations, it brings home a reality that our own National football team will not be taking part in the World Cup yet again.

We are becoming known in football circles as a country that can only take part in competitive completions when we are the hosts.

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Their only answer to the problems is to fire the coach.

When is someone in charge of football ever going to take any responsibility?

I wish Gordon and the boys well, and hope we get a positive result. This will help our World rankings and might help us be seeded for qualifications going forward.

Looking at the current PSL standings it would seem the title is for Kaizer Chiefs to lose. They are nine points ahead, and I can’t really see any team catching up to them.

The only two teams in with a realistic chance are Sundowns or Wits, but this would mean that Chiefs would have to lose a few games.

Highly unlikely and my prediction is that they will be crowned league champions. In the coaching saga, Pirates’ new coach Vladimir Vermezovic will be under immense pressure to collect some silverware.

Regular: SOCCER Column

Foreign coaches have not always done well with South African teams. It is difficult for an outsider to understand the mentality and culture of our players. This is needed to get the best out of a player, and if you don’t understand them individually you will not be able to get them to play as a team.

Pirates being a former team of mine, I wish the new coach well and hope he proves me wrong.

I don’t like to compare football in the days gone by, but the players then seemed to play for the love of the game and put their heart and soul into entertaining the crowd.

Unfortunately I don’t see that these days and seems to have become more about the money that the game itself.

Yours in football.

GRANT

As we head into the last quarter of the season, I hope to see good positive football from all of the teams. Those fighting relegation will be pulling out all the stops to maximise their points and this could prove to make for some interesting games. As football lovers we need to see entertaining football, and for our National team to play with pride and passion.

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kate roberts raising the profile of women in sport

“Sport taught me the value of commitment, perseverance, discipline and resilience ... invaluable tools I’ve used in all areas of my life.”

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Regular: SPORT PERFORMANCE Column

During my school days, I was very fortunate that my parents always encouraged me to take part in extracurricular activities. I absolutely loved participating in all different kinds of sports - tennis, hockey, swimming, athletics and even ballet.

“I participated not because I was particularly any good at them, but simply because I found it fun.”

It was only much later during the end of my high school career and towards the beginning of my university days, that I started to focus my efforts on triathlon, in the hope of representing South Africa at an Olympic Games.

At school, I wasn’t always aware of the many health benefits of exercise as I am today, but there were so many other reasons why I loved sport so much. I adored the feeling of being part of a team; the camaraderie and the sense of belonging I got from working towards the same goal.

I always felt so energised when I could exercise regularly and I got to meet likeminded people and made everlasting friendships. It also made me think more positively about life and I was able to keep fit doing something I really enjoyed.

Sport also taught me so many other skills that became a vital part of my everyday life today such as commitment, perseverance, resilience, discipline and a true sense of joy and satisfaction when hard work pays off.

Unfortunately in today’s world, very few girls feel the same way I did about sport. The reasons for this stretch far and wide and range from girls suggesting that sweating isn’t cool or feminine, to the common bad experience of physical education in schools. However, ultimately I just don’t think that there are enough role models for our girls to admire and look up to.

girls. In actual fact there are so many sportswomen to look up to today but sadly they are just not given the same level of coverage as their male counterparts.

On average women only receive a very small percentage (± 5%) of the total sponsorship money spent, and this is no surprise to me, when you look at the lack of media attention they receive.

This is one of the many reasons why I feel it so important that the media try and showcase the many amazing female sporting role models that we have in South Africa and hopefully educate young girls, that sport is about being fit and healthy and not thin and hungry. And that, regardless of their age, size or ability, there is a sport out there for everyone. Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio for example, is like any other young woman, except that she happens to be exceptionally good at cycling.

I can’t do anything about the former, but I can try to help change the opinions of those who don’t feel that there are enough sporting role models for

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kate roberts raising the profile of women in sport

Ashleigh has been one of the breakthrough stars during the past two years on the UCI circuit and yet most of our mainstream media still continue to ignore her achievements and women’s sport in general.

Ignoring the many positive stories of remarkable women in South African sport such as

Ashleigh MoolmanPasio (cycling) Karin Prinsloo (swimming) Rene Kalmer (marathon running) Marsha Merescia (hockey) Siyoli Waters (squash) Amanda ‘toki’ Dlamini (soccer) and Bridgette Hartley (canoeing), we continue to

bombard our youngsters with photoshopped images of models that are false, unrealistic and completely unattainable. Respected magazines print every fad diet that crosses their path, without addressing the more important issue of how simple it can be to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

You don’t need to deprive yourself of all treats, it’s just about having them in moderation and exercising on a regular basis.

For a nation of sport lovers, it is ironic that we only seem to offer substantial coverage of our male athletes and yet we wonder why our young girls are shying away from physical activity at depressing and unprecedented levels. One would think that, as more women advance in the workplace and become empowered members of society, these trends would get better. But we’re not seeing much improvement.

The only time when female athletes seem to get more media attention, is every four years, for two weeks during the Olympic Games.

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It shouldn’t be about one gender being better than the other but rather about fairness and equality.

Don’t get me wrong, I am a big fan of our mainstream sports such as rugby, cricket and soccer and my intention is not to change the culture of these sports in South Africa, but it would be fantastic for women to be recognised for the hard work, sacrifice and dedication that they have to deliver day in and day out.

We need to respect our female athletes, as right now we are in danger of creating a generation of young girls that feel that they have no place in the world of sport. This is indeed sad because I believe that we have so many talented young women in South Africa, who could easily be of world-class stature.

Regular: SPORT PERFORMANCE Column

We need to instil a culture that nurtures this talent and that creates an awareness that girls can be seen as role models, and that they matter within South African sporting circles.

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Marc mundell the pursuit

So r ke oad bu me ep a lbs ti . i t 6 a me t h a nd s ap .m c , it pe ., he ha ns wit eri pp in h a ng en cr s fan s i ow to s n de ma . o fro d ch r it nt gy c c of m ram an a n s an p hap au d an pe di ou d n enc a ev td s on e, er oo ch a w yw r c ed n ith he ou ule em fl re r t t pt as . s o y h

It

at

ha

pp

hl

et W es h gr a ere ea ch d tn iev o es e s?

en ex s ce ev ed er y th pl ei ac r pe e a rs nd on t al im bo e a un th da let rie es s.

Regular: WALKING THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED SERIES TITLE: DREAM BELIEVE ACHIEVE REPEAT ARTICLE REFERENCE: THE PURSUIT WORDS BY: MARC MUNDELL PICTURES PROVIDED

Every aspiring athlete dreams of achieving success in their chosen field and pursuing medals, trophies and awards, and the lifestyle of the crème de la crème and world elite. They aspire to be part of a supersport montage and to hand out awards at glitzy awards dinners and events and deliver motivational speeches and talks to adoring fans.

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Regular: athletics Column

The quest to achieve greatness is often an inner conflict between personal achievement and the desire for recognition from the community at large, and your peer group. Each and every athlete sets goals for themselves relevant to their position in the pecking order and their place on the ladder of performance.

This Runners World extraction is a personal favourite:

We set goals for ourselves and create the self-discipline to get there, and when we achieve them, they rarely make much difference to anyone but ourselves.

From the debutant completing their first 5 km fun run/walk, the cogs are set in place to buildup to a 10 km, a half marathon (21.1 km) and then a marathon (42.2 km). For the hardened few, the New Year’s resolution and challenge of an ultra-marathon like the Two Oceans (56 km) or the Comrades (89 km) seem to be appealing, where the Comrades questions the selfworth of a South African runner – can you call yourself a runner if you haven’t run the Comrades?

Similarly, the ever-increasing participation progression in triathlon sports, building up from the sprint distance (600 m/20 km/5 km) to the

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ben crouse blow the whistle or hang it up?

REFEREEING IN SOUTH AFRICA Many spectators and supporters probably don’t know that in about 60% of school and club games there is a ‘performance reviewer’ that is appointed by the local union to assess the referee.

By now school rugby is underway across the country. Over the last couple of years, schools rugby has taken its rightful place and it has become very popular.

The school-based structures, in conjunction with the local rugby unions which serve under SARU (South African Rugby Union), are the main reason for these successes.

The competition for trophies, positions in provincial sides and contracts has resulted in the intensity and aggression on the field rising to an all-time high.

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Regular: Referee Column

All referees in South Africa take up refereeing to give back to the game.

Referees in most cases are the people who then need to deal with these situations and, often, take the flak for certain teams’ losses. I have been a rugby referee for 15 years now, and never in my career have I seen or heard of a referee that scored a try, or kicked the match-winning penalty.

Let me be honest; every referee has been in a game-changing situation, and I am pretty sure that all referees have made a mistake and changed the outcome of a game. It is then that some parents and even players start abusing refs and call them all sorts of names.

All of them are also fully amateur. We take up refereeing because we love the game and still want to be a part of it, even if it is only in the capacity as a referee. We don’t get paid millions of rands to referee; in many cases our expenses as refs outweigh the travel allowances we get paid.

With all of this taken in to account, along with all the abuse referees have to endure week in and week out from parents and supporters, it is no wonder that many referees hang up the whistle.

As part of my extramural activities at school, I coach the fifth side, and I too get frustrated with referees at times, but I firmly believe that there is a place and time to deal with it.

Let’s take a step back and look at the facts.

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I must admit that many a time I have been proven wrong by the referee after quietly consulting with him afterwards.

Referees are trained to position themselves on the field to see as many transgressions as possible, however, we only have two eyes and it is impossible to see everything.

Many spectators and supporters probably don’t know that in about 60% of school and club games there is a ‘performance reviewer’ that is appointed by the local union to assess the referee. After the game the

performance of the referee will be discussed and he will be shown his mistakes and given suggestions on where and how to fix them.

Consistently good performances will be rewarded with being promoted to a next level or league.

It might take a referee up to seven years from the start to get to first team at school level, and some referees will never get to that level, simply because they are not equipped and skilled enough to handle such games.

I think for all those readers that might get a bit hot under the collar in the 2014 season, take

a step back and channel your frustration through the school/club’s rugby organiser. By doing this, the organiser can then channel any queries to the referee.

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REGULAR: ADVISE column

Words by Ryan Hodierne, Sport scientist & New Balance footwear specialist

1

Relax the hands, ankles and the feet Go with the flow of the trail, being too rigid will lead to a very mechanical type of movement and add to the tension through the entire body.

2

Maintain good posture With a good upright trunk position and forward lean, it will require less effort to move quicker as one utilises the pull of gravity in forward motion.

3

Keep the core activated This forms the foundation of power and balance in movement.

4

Take shorter strides More contact with the ground will lead to better traction and control along the trail, i.e. a better feel for the terrain.

Point check

of trail running

Maintain a quicker cadence (stride rate) This will create the sensation of floating through the trail instead of plodding along.

Make ground contact underneath the body Creates efficiency and will reduce the risk of injury as there is less jarring through the joints.

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mary ann dove has school sport lost its way?

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Words by Mary Ann Dove – Performance Coach and Co-founder of Positive Sport Parent | Images sourced

REGULAR: ADVISE column

Each young individual’s development is as unique as they themselves are. Children under 18 do not need additional supplementation if their diets are balanced.

They need to be taught that ‘quick fixes’ don’t replace hard work, discipline, skills development and a positive attitude.

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mary ann dove has school sport lost its way?

It would seem that the pressures put on school boys in particular to perform at an early age has spiralled out of control forcing them to engage in any activity necessary to enhance performance, whether that be taking perceived performance-enhancing substances, arguing with officials to achieve a better outcome in a match or lying about their age amongst other behaviours. Unfortunately, these behaviours

seem to be endorsed by parents, coaches and the schools themselves.

It would be good to remember that only 24% of boys who play provincial rugby at Under-13 level, go on to play at the Craven Week Under-18 tournament (Durandt et al. SA Journal of Sports Medicine, 2011) and only one player per Under-19 provincial intake will go on to play franchise cricket.

So what can be done to assist all stakeholders in managing the challenges that our youngsters face without destroying their dreams? Education of parents, coaches, teachers, schools and players is a key factor in encouraging teenagers to play by the rules.

It is well recognised that development into a competent sportsman or sportswoman is a process that takes time and patience to master the skills necessary to succeed either as a participant or a competitive athlete.

Each child is unique and will develop at his or her own pace. There is no quick fix. Children under the age of 18 do not need any form of supplementation if they are provided with a balanced diet consisting of three meals and two snacks per day of a variety of healthy foods. In the long term, “magic” drinks and pills cannot replace the consistency of hard work, discipline, skills development and a positive attitude.

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Parents should communicate with their children about their goals, their feelings and reason for playing sport.

How often do we encounter parents who are living their own failed dreams through their children’s success? Recognise and reward your child’s progress and efforts and not just the results, because there is no correlation between winning at an early age and later success. Research has shown that kids with a balanced approach to their sport, school work, family, friendships and other activities perform more effectively in all spheres of their lives.

Sport at school is part of the educational journey that children are embarking upon and the lessons they learn from both winning and losing are an extension of the classroom and a window into understanding the challenges of life.

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