Gom november 15' issue 22 5

The ultimate online Sports Magazine!

ISSUE 22, NOVEMBER 2015

The ultimate online sports m

Stefan Garlicki 2015 South Africa National Downhill Mountain Bike Champion

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

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SEE hOW SOUTh AFRICAN SPORTS ARE PERFORMING ExCEPTIONALLY:

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SA Hero

BryAn HABAnA read his story in this issue

SA Canoe Polo are African Champs Bodyboarding – Jared Houston is on Top of the World Women’s U/19 Underwater Hockey Team are World Champs Maritzburg College’s Bryce Tullis breaks 152 year record in Cricket Sailing Duo qualify for Olympics SA Surfskiers win Gold in Tahiti Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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GAME ON TEAM Founders; Dave White | Michael Janse van Rensburg GURU (Managing Editor) Dee Hean | deehean@gameonmagazine.co.za QUARTERBACK (Creative Director) Michael Janse van Rensburg | michael@camouflage.co.za REFEREE (Sales Director) Dave White | dave@gameonmagazine.co.za PLAYMAKER (Art & Creative Senior Designer) Raymond Q Nkomo LINEBACKER (Senior Designer) Kerry Kruger Online Guru (Social Media) Dez Erasmus | dez@gameonmagazine.co.za Eye In The Sky (Chief Photographer) Dr Henry Kelbrick PUBLISHER CAMOUFLAGE VISUAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD APP AVAILABLE ON iTunes | Android Market | Windows HEAD OFFICE 180 Blackwood Road, Clubview, Centurion Gauteng | South Africa Tel | +27 82 606 6736 Fax | +27 86 666 0205 Web | gameonmagazine.co.za

The ultimate online sports magazine

contents Cover Feature Stefan Garlicki Hurtling downhill to success Contributed by Neil Greig, Backpage Media | Photos: Investec

Main FeatureS Bryan Habana SA Hero Contributed by: Brian Lee. | Photo credit: BackpagePix

U/19 Women’s Underwater Hockey Team SA Are 2015 World Champs Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photos: Supplied

Raven Klaasen SA’s Doubles Tennis rising star Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photos: Tennis South Africa

Jarod Houston is on top of Bodyboarding World Contributed by Neil Greig | Photo credit: Hello Antonio Photography

DISCLAIMER

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While every effort is made by TEAM: GAME ON to ensure that the content of our magazine is accurate, CAMOUFLAGE VISUAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD and GAME ON magazine cannot accept any responsibility for errors that may occur, or for any significance of applying the information contained herein. Statements by contributors and media submissions are not always representative of either CAMOUFLAGE VISUAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD or GAME ON magazine’s opinion. No part of the GAME ON magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored without prior written permission from CAMOUFLAGE VISUAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD and/or GAME ON magazine.

CAMOUFLAGE VISUAL SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD and GAME ON magazine supports and encourages responsible practices with regards to all sports, activities and the conservation and protection of our planet and all inhabitants.

Juan and Pierre Schoeman brothers

© Camouflage Visual Solutions (Pty) Ltd and Game On Magazine

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo credit: Willem Stighling (Rugby)/ Supplied

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo credit: Provided

South Africa Remains Canoe Polo king of Africa Contributed By Neil Greig | Photo credits: Gameplan Media

Bennie Erasmus Playing rugby from a wheelchair

08 12 16 22 25 30 34

Health Feature Journalism

Photography

Dan Lombard

Gameplan Media

Neil Greig

Investec

Karien Jonckheere

Smugshots Photography

David Horwitz

Tennis South Africa

Brian Lee

GB Jordaan

Phumzile Ngcatshe

Willem Stighling

Graeme Jackson

Wessel Oosthuisen

Hilton College

BackpagePix

Hoerskool Waterkloof

Hello Antonio Photography Ian Thurtell GB Jordaan Sinead Wannenburg SASPA Garth Spencer Hilton College Hoerskool Waterkloof Wessel Oosthuisen BackpagePix Hello Antonio Photography

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

David Horwitz The Importance And Role Of Self-Esteem In Sport Contributed by: David Horwitz | Photos: Stock

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Issue 22, November 2015

YOUTH Features

sporting News

Bryce Tullis Breaks 152 year strong school record

Soccer: UWC Why UWC’s Mkosi is best

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Contributed by Dan Lombard | Credit: Smugshots Photography

Soccer: Ajax Cape Town Win Engen Champ of Champs

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Tatjana Schoenmaker 4 Gold’s at 2015 All Africa Games

Golf: Caleb George Watch this space!

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Soccer: Clapham High School wins 2015 Copa Coca-Cola National Finals

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Surfriding: Cape Town Win SA Junior Champs

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Rugby: Golden Lions’ Rohan Janse van Rensburg Shines in Currie Cup final Finals

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Mountain Biking: Learners seeking out Menlo Park MTB

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Netballs: NWU-Pukke Crowned Queens of Varsity Netball

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Sailing: Sailing duo qualify for Rio Olympics

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Action Cricket: Monique Brummer Represented SA at the U/18 Action Cricket World Cup 2015

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Water Polo: Hilton College hosts Top Schools Water Polo Tournament

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Contributed by Karien Jonckheere | Photos Credit: Wessel Oosthuisen

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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Stefan Garlicki Hurtling downhill to success

2015 South Africa National Downhill Mountain Bike Champion

Stefan

hurtling downhill to success

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Cover Feature: Mountainbiking

Contributed by Neil Greig, Backpage Media | Photos: Investec

Curro Durbanville Private School

This has been the best year ever!

Garlicki Stefan Garlicki (25) is the 2015 South Africa National Downhill Mountain Bike Champion and says this year has been his best ever.

Stefan Garlicki 2015 highlights

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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Stefan Garlicki Hurtling downhill to success

Stefan is from Paarl in the Western Cape and is the Investec-sponsored South African National Downhill Mountain Bike Champion of 2015. He has been supported by Investec since January 2013 and is currently ranked 65th in the world. Currently Stefan is the rising star of the local downhill mountain biking community and is making progress on the international front too.

In July 2015 Stefan wrote his name in lights when he won the SA National Downhill Mountain Bike Championships (SA National DHI Championships 2015). “I am speechless right now, today a dream has come true. After being so close to winning the national title so many times, finally my day has come,” is how Stefan described this major result.

South African bike legend, Greg Minnaar, hardly ever races in South Africa anymore given his global pedigree, which has opened up the way for others to follow in his footsteps.

Garlicki is not the only top South African rider, as Tiaan Odendaal has won the SA National DHI Championships several times, however, in 2015 Garlicki beat Odendaal, who ended in third place.

“There were a lot of mixed emotions as I had been so close for so many years and to finally do it was just unreal. I must give a huge shout out to all my friends, family, supporters, trainer, team and sponsors for believing in me and sticking with me! I could not have done it alone,” says Stefan, who attended Curro Private School in Durbanville.

Since that victory in mid-year, Stefan represented South Africa at the 2015 UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships in Vallnord, Andorra, in September. “The last time I had

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

been in Andorra I crashed in my third run and could not race. It is definitely one of the toughest tracks in the world but this time I felt confident that I could put that out of my mind and have a great result,” said Stefan. “I ended up 71st but regardless of the result I am happy that the speed is there and my head is in the right place.

“After Andorra I needed to get to Ilmenau for a German cup the following weekend.

Ilmenau is a special place to me as it’s where I got my first European podium and I always enjoy going back there. The track was totally new for 2015 and a lot more technical than in the past so it was a new challenge,” Stefan said. “In the finals I managed to have a good run and finished 4th just 0,8 seconds off the podium.

It was bitter sweet for me as I was happy to be up there in the top five, but to be so close to a podium was frustrating too.”

“Soon I was back on the road on route to Leogang, Austria for the European cup finals.

The track was a bit different to normal and a bit more technical I thought but once you got your lines down it was good fun. I ended up 10th and I am absolutely stoked to end off the season with my first top 10 at a European cup and in wet conditions too!”

Stefan is very happy with the way 2015 has gone for him, saying that it has been “a fantastic year” and definitely his breakthrough year. “I managed to reach a lot of goals and also feel my mindset is in the right place going forward. This year was the first year I focused on the world cups and it was the right decision as the results showed,” he said.

“I managed to win my first National this year and also National Champs which was

unreal! I managed to get my first top 10 in the European cups and in wet conditions too, which was just an amazing way to end off.”

Stefan’s advice to young riders “It all starts with having fun and wanting to keep improving every aspect of yourself.

To be a champion you must want it more than anything and you must be prepared to work harder than anyone else. The sport you have chosen must be your way of life and you must also be prepared to make lots of sacrifices along the way. The motivation has to be from within, linked to the goals that you believe you can achieve.

You must always want more.”

Cover Feature: Mountainbiking

Contributed by Neil Greig, Backpage Media | Photos: Investec

TAKE A 3-D DOWNHILL RIDE WITH STEFAN

Q & A with Stefan: You must have plenty of scars?

Do you keep a diary/journal?

Yes! All over, knees, elbows, calves etc…

Ah no, it’s not really my thing

Your favourite reality TV show?

America’s Got Talent

What drives you nuts?

Snoring

If you won the lotto, what would you do with the money?

I’ll do the smart thing and blow it all at once! Just kidding, I would definitely invest it in either property or business and pay my parents back for all their help up to now!

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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Bryan Habana SA Hero

SA Hero

Bryan Habana He may be an international rugby superstar now, but where did Bryan Habana come from? Game On takes a closer look at the Springbok who is yet again setting the world alight at the current 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, and at exactly what high school his rugby knowledge and foundation was laid.

We would be remiss not to start a discussion of Springbok superstars without first mentioning the try scoring winger Bryan Habana.

King Edward VII

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Main Feature: Rugby

Contributed by: Brian Lee. | Photo credit: BackpagePix

try scoring winger Bryan Habana

Born in Benoni, Gauteng in 1983 the speedster has become one of the most deadly finishers in world rugby, and at the time of writing was the second-highest all time test try scorer with a tally of 64. Moreover, his hat-trick of tries in South Africa’s last pool game against USA at the current World Cup saw him equalling Jomo Lomu’s record of 15 tries at the tournament.

Bryan, though, hadn’t touched a rugby ball till he entered the hallowed grounds of the King Edward VII Secondary School, otherwise known as KES. It is here, at one of the country’s oldest schools, dating back to its establishment in 1902, where he was shaped to become the global rugby icon he is today.

Bryan Habana Doing KES War Cry

“I never played rugby at primary school,” explains Bryan. “I played football as a pupil at Meredale Primary School. My love for rugby grew out of watching Francois Pienaar and the World Cup in 1995. I had never played rugby before grade seven at secondary school. I always took part in athletics, as a sprinter.”

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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Bryan Habana SA Hero

“Aged 12, I started off at scrum-half in the ‘G’ side at KES,” continues Bryan. “Rugby was so strong, and popular, we had A, B, C, D and so on to G. I must have played well, as I was then moved up to the D team in my next game, then up to the B side and then the A side.

I later moved from scrum-half to playing out in the line at centre. When I moved to the wing, my career really took off.

“Even though I started in the G team, I immediately felt the great value in the game, in doing something with your mates, getting rough and tough, and achieving something as a group.”

Bryan goes on to touch on the importance of rugby at school and how it teaches the learners life lessons needed for the real world.

“Rugby is a game you play because you love it, not because you want to get paid for it,” says the winger.

“You really can’t put a value on it. The motivation children get from it is incredible. They learn the value of team work, time management, physical skills, committing to others. All clear messages.”

Bryan Habana’s honours Blue Bulls - Currie Cup: 2009 Bulls - Super Rugby: 2007, 2009 Western Province - Currie Cup: 2012 Toulon - Heineken Cup European Champions/ European Rugby Champions Cup: 2014, 2015; Top 14 French League: 2014 South Africa - World Cup: 2007; Tri-Nations: 2009; South Africa Rugby Union Awards; SARU Player Of The Year: 2005, 2007 and 2012; SuperSport Try of the year: 2007, 2012 International Rugby Board Awards - International Rugby Board Player Of The Year: 2007; International Rugby Players’ Association’s Try of the Year: 2012

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

SA Hero

Bryan Habana Top class from KES KES is an exceptional school focused on both on academics and sports. To the right is a list of the most famous sportsman and notable people to come out of the 133-year-old establishment.

Main Feature: Rugby

Contributed by: Brian Lee. | Photo credit: BackpagePix

SPORTSMEN: Bryan Habana, rugby player Joe van Niekerk, rugby player Scarra Ntubeni, rugby player Wandile Mjekevu, rugby player Ali Bacher, cricketer Kevin McKenzie, cricketer Neil McKenzie, cricketer Ray Jennings, cricketer Hugh Page, cricketer Adam Bacher, cricketer Nic Pothas, cricketer Graeme Smith, cricketer Vaughn van Jaarsveld, cricketer Quinton de Kock, cricketer Richard Gough, soccer player Cliff Durandt, soccer player Gary Player, golf

Bryan Habana Playing Career *Stats correct as of 13/10/2015 Provincial Years

Team

Caps

Points

2003–04

Golden Lions

21

85

2005–09

Blue Bulls

14

45

2010–13

Western Province

8

10

Super Rugby Years

Team

Caps

Points

2005–09

Bulls

61

185

2010–13

Stormers

57

95

Caps

Points

29

55

Current Years

Team

2013-

Toulon (France)

National Years

Team

Caps

Points

2004

SA U21

3

15

2004

SA Sevens

2004-

South Africa

114

320

2008-09

Barbarians

3

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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SA U/19 Women’s Underwater Hockey Team are 2015 World Champs

SA U/19 Women’s Underwater Hockey Team are 2015 World Champs South Africa and New Zealand have a sporting rivalry that stretches back to the turn of the 20th century. The athletes from the “Land of the Long White Cloud” have dominated South Africa in most sporting codes over the last two-three decades.

This is surprising as New Zealand’s population is one tenth that of South Africa.

Needless to say it is a feat that is cause for celebration whenever South Africa triumphs over its Southern Hemisphere rivals.

Expresso Sport - Underwater Hockey

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Main Feature: Tennis

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photos: Supplied

The South African Underwater Hockey Under-19 Women’s team did South Africa proud in August when they beat New Zealand 3-2 in the final at the 2015 Underwater Hockey World Championships in Castellon de la Plana, Spain. The team were unbeaten at the tournament and scored a mammoth 66 goals.

Assistant coach Pamela Mackor believes that the girls that went to Spain were some of the best underwater hockey players she has coached but urges girls that are interested in the sport to give it a go.

“The girls had this insatiable desire to win. From the get go they were determined to return as champions. They were incredibly disciplined and I’m very proud of each and every one of them,” said Pamela.

“We had a great team this year but many of them no longer qualify to represent the Under19s. We held an identification camp in Johannesburg in the September holidays and identified a staggering 22 girls with potential and all are very keen to represent South Africa next year because of our success in Spain. We are in good stead with the youngest athletes

only 13 but we will never turn away talent so if you’re interested please join a club and try out for the Under-19’s next year,” she added.

Underwater hockey is not a sport for the faint-hearted. One has to be a gifted swimmer and be incredibly fit. Training as a national squad presents difficulties as the girls are spread throughout the country.

Underwater hockey is not a spectator sport, so sponsorships are scarce, which means parents have to fork out huge amounts of money to get the girls to national training camps.

GO Magazine interview - Zandre Coetzee

SA U/19 Women’s Underwater Hockey Team are 2015 World Champs Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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SA U/19 Women’s Underwater Hockey Team are 2015 World Champs

Captain of the U19 Women’s team, Eleanor de Kock, is adamant that the team’s mindset and preparation were critical in their success. She has an important message to young athletes in South Africa.

“This was my third U19 World Championships and every single time we have lost to New Zealand in either the round robin

or the final. What made this year different was that mentally we went into the tournament knowing we were going to win it. Our preparation was ten times better. We gave up a lot of our social time to train on a Friday night or Saturday morning.

Our experience also played a huge role in our win,” explained Eleanor.

“We didn’t win our first tournament or our second tournament for that matter.

We always knew that we had the ability to be world champs so we kept a positive mental state and trained harder. I think our triumph is a lesson that young athletes can learn from in sticking to your goals even when it is tough. Never give up on your dreams,” she added.

Results at the III World Age

Group Underwater Hockey Championships – Junior U19 and U23 Beat Australia

9-0

Beat Colombia

2-1

Beat Netherlands

12 - 0

Beat France

5-0

Beat Great Britain

7-0

Beat Netherlands

13 - 0 (Quarter-final)

Beat Colombia

4 - 0 (Semi-final)

Beat New Zealand

3 - 2 (Final)

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photos: Supplied

Eleanor de Kock (Captain) and Zandrè Coetzee (Vice-Captain) will attend the Elite Women’s trials next year while Pamela will continue to unearth and train talented young girls that will hopefully go on to perform at the highest level for South Africa. The South African Under-19 Women’s Underwater Hockey team will have to reload and prepare to defend their title next year. After all, it is harder to stay at the top than it is to get there.

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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Raven Klaasen SA’s Doubles Tennis rising star

Tennis SA’s Doubles rising star is Raven Klaasen Raven Klaasen has been flying the South African flag high on the Association of Tennis Professionals doubles circuit since turning professional in 2002. He is currently ranked 27th while his highest rank was 18th which he achieved in November of 2014. Game On Magazine chatted to Raven to find out what makes him tick.

Full name: Raven Klaasen Date of Birth: 16 October 1982 Place of Birth: King Williams Town, SA High school: De Kuilen High Turned professional: 2002 Plays: Right handed (two-handed backhand)

De Kuilen High

Best Points From Shanghai Doubles

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Main Feature: Tennis

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photos: Tennis South Africa

Tennis SA’s Doubles rising star is Raven Klaasen GOM: How did you get into tennis?

RK: My whole family plays tennis. My parents exposed me to the sport from an early age by taking me along to the courts when they played. They are both good tennis players. I enjoyed all sports growing up, but tennis is the one I fell in love with.

GOM: Which schools did you attend?

Were they supportive of you in your tennis career?

RK: I attended Kuilsriver Primary and De Kuilen Primary. Then went to De Kuilen High in Kuilsriver. The schools did follow my tennis, but schools tennis struggles to compete with the bigger sport codes.

I really wasn’t very good at tennis when I was younger. I developed later and just kept working to improve every year and it’s been working well lately.

GOM: Who inspires you both on the tennis court and in life?

RK: I have had many people inspire me over the years. My parents again have always been pillars of strength for me. The support I continually get from my family and friends helps to keep me going. From

a tennis standpoint, Pete Sampras and Wayne Ferreira were guys I looked up to when I was growing up playing tennis.

GOM: You had found success in the doubles arena, why in your opinion has this worked better for you than playing singles?

RK: That is a question I ask myself many times. I think the answer can be very hard to pinpoint. In order to make it singles you need to have many things go right over many years to have a chance. I think that the way the sport is moving, makes it harder for SA tennis players.

Slower conditions and clay are surfaces that we are not exposed to back home very often. Also we are at a geographical disadvantage to the rest of the tennis world. Which makes it hard and expensive to get the amount of high quality tennis exposure you need to improve.

But the flip side is that growing up in SA teaches most of us to play quite an aggressive style of tennis which translates well on the doubles court. My game style and athletism are much better suited for doubles than the singles game today.

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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Raven Klaasen SA’s Doubles Tennis rising star

Tennis SA’s Doubles rising star is Raven Klaasen

“It feels great representing SA on a global platform. To be the highest ranked doubles gives me a great deal of pride.”

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Main Feature: Tennis

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photos: Tennis South Africa

GOM: Talk us through the Australian Open Doubles final? The hype, experience and quality of your opposition?

RK: It is funny how that is my happiest and saddest moment in my career so far. To be that close has opened my mind up to the possibility of winning a Slam one day and made me even hungrier. Our opponents on the day definitely had more experience than we did having been in Grand Slam finals before. I think that played a crucial part on the day as we got off to a slow start and never recovered.

It was amazing to see how the country got behind me during those two weeks.

I really had great support and enjoyed every second.

GOM: You are South Africa’s highest doubles player on the ATP world rankings, how do you feel about achieving this ranking?

RK: It feels great representing SA on a global platform. To be the highest ranked doubles gives me a great deal of pride. We have a great history of good tennis players in SA and I hope to put my name in there someday. But I still have lots of work to do. I feel like my best tennis is still ahead of me.

GOM: Who is the toughest opponents that you’ve played against and why?

RK: I have played against many good teams but I have to say the Bryan brothers are a unique challenge. I have had some success against them but what they have done in the sport is something is special.

They are able to adjust and get better every time you play them.

GOM: Who is your coach?

RK: My coach is Stephan De Kock and we have been working together longer than I can remember. He has been very influential in my career and a huge driving force, helping to keep me motivated. It’s been a long road to get to where I am now but we are always working on ways to improve.

GOM: What does your training programme entail?

RK: My training schedule has changed quite drastically over the last few years. I spend about four hours a day on my tennis.

It’s less during tournament time. My coach, Stehan De Kock and biokineticist, Fayaadh Dhansay have been great over the last few years adjusting my training so that I’m able to maintain a healthy body while improving my game. I have had

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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Raven Klaasen SA’s Doubles Tennis rising star

three knee operations so my workouts are tailored to my needs. Usually my day consists of about 2-3 hours of tennis and 60-90min of training and rehabilitation. I also have a mental coach, Gielie Hoffman. This is an area people take for granted but it is important because the mental side of any sport becomes more important the better you get.

GOM: Do you have a specific eating plan that supports your energy requirements?

RK: I try to be as disciplined as possible as I’m quite dependant on my explosive power to be effective on court. Not only what I eat but also when I eat is important to maintain good energy levels. I try to minimise sugar intake as it spikes energy levels and you need more consistent energy levels for tennis. You can gain a lot of performance by being disciplined with your diet.

GOM: Are you sponsored and if so, by who?

RK: Right now I only have an equipment sponsor.

I’m sponsored by Head. It’s quite difficult to attract sponsors in tennis. It would definitely make the task a little easier with some sponsorship.

GOM:: Are there development structures in place for young tennis players in South Africa?

RK: I think things are starting to look up for tennis in SA. There are some more international events in SA now which is great exposure for our players. Creating a platform for tennis back home will help the numbers and prevent us having to travel so much, which is the hardest part.

GOM:: If you weren’t a professional tennis player, what would you be?

RK: That is a question I struggle to answer. Most likely I would have given another sport a shot. Rugby is my favourite sport but don’t think that was going to happen. I like being outdoors so I figure I’ll always be involved in sport in some capacity.

Just for fun...

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Main Feature: Tennis

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photos: Tennis South Africa

GOM: Where do you call home?

RK: I live in Cape town. It’s my favourite city in the world and will always be home to me.

GOM: What do you do to relax and chill out?

RK: My favourite thing is being back in Cape Town. Just being home relaxes me. Usually my time back home is spent with family and friends I don’t get to see though out the year. My wife travels with me sometimes so that helps.

To chill I like to play golf but I’m certainly not as good at it as I’d like to be.

GOM: What type of food do you like to eat when you go out?

RK: I’m very fortunate to be exposed to many different cuisines because of all the travelling I do. Top of my list is currently Indian food and sushi.

But nothing beats a lamb chop and boerewors roll when I’m home!

Tennis SA’s Doubles rising star is Raven Klaasen

“I try to be as disciplined as possible.”

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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JH

Jarod Houston is on top of Bodyboarding World

Bodyboarding

Jared Houston is on top of the World South African bodyboarder Jared Houston is on top of the world and currently leading the APB World Tour heading into the last event in Puerto Rico.

Bodyboarding star Jared Houston has described his current status as number one on the APB World Tour as being “in the best position of my career right now to realise my career-long dream of the APB Tour World Champion Title�.

Interview with Jared about Nazare Pro

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Main Feature: Body Surfing

Contributed by Neil Greig | Photo credit: Hello Antonio Photography

Jared is currently on 5674 points and ahead of second placed Amaury Lavernhe (from Reunion) on 5638 points. Cape-Town born Jared won the Nazare Pro in Portugal during early October to add to his Arica Chilean Challenge title in July this year.

This is how Jared views his first place in the APB Tour Nazare Pro: “I now find myself leading the APB World Tour heading into the last event in Puerto Rico, the Encanto Pro Cultura 2015. I am so excited for the title battle between Amaury Lavernhe, Pierre-Louis Costes and myself. It’s going to come down to the wire.”

Jared will be in action in this crucial final event during November and had this to say about the world tour in 2015. “This year’s tour has been one of the most fun tours in memory and I’m so stoked and proud to be a part of the group of Pro riders who believed in, and stuck with the APB and now to find myself leading the charge into the last event is just surreal,” Jared said.

Jared’s 2015 Highlights

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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JH

Jarod Houston is on top of Bodyboarding World

“Amaury Lavernhe and Pierre-Louis Costes are, in my opinion, the two most well-rounded bodyboarders in the sport right now, and if I can maintain my lead and win the World Title away from them, I will consider that to be the best possible achievement of my sporting life to date.”

“I just want to thank my sponsors Pride Bodyboards, Emerald Bodyboard Specialists, Reeflex Wetsuits and Vulcan Fins for backing my career and providing me with the best gear possible.”

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Jared Houston wins the Nazare Pro in Portugal

Main Feature: Rugby

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo credit: Provided

Schoeman brothers South African rugby is littered with brothers who have played together and against each other at all levels of the game. There are the old guard such as Akona and Odwa Ndungane; Jannie and Bismarck du Plessis and Robert and Sias Ebersohn. The new generation also includes brothers some in pairs and others in threes with Jesse and Dan Kriel and Jean-Luc, Daniel and Robert du Preez knocking on the door.

Afrikaanse HoĂŤr Seunskool in Pretoria has produced another set of rugby brothers. Juan (24) and Pierre (21) have already achieved success at junior level. The pair have represented the Junior Springboks and the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Under-19 and Under-21 levels with both having won silverware at Loftus Versfeld. Juan is a Varsity Cup winner with UP-Tuks while Pierre has already shown his leadership capabilities when he captained the Blue Bulls Under-18 Craven Week and SA Schools teams in 2012.

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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SB

Juan and Pierre Schoeman brothers

Schoeman brothers As the older of the two, Juan, has provided a mentorship role for Pierre who is eager to learn all he can from his older brother.

Juan moved to Durban before the start of the 2015 Absa Currie Cup in search of more game time which proved to be a wise decision as he made his Sharks debut against the Pumas in Nelspruit

“It was tough being the older brother, I always got blamed when there was trouble. But jokes aside, I decided that it was my job to look after Pierre when my parents got separated.

At that time we were sharing a room and I just told him that everything is going to be okay,” said Juan.

“Now that we are a bit older, Pierre has become my support pillar. We now rely on each other. When he was kept off the rugby field for six months because of a knee injury I got the opportunity to spend time with him. Driving him to check ups, playing Xbox and chatting.

He is never afraid to chat to me about anything.”

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Pierre believes that Juan is an important factor in the success that he has achieved to date. He is more than just a brother.

He is a man that Pierre has the utmost respect for.

“I have always looked up to Juan. He is an honourable man and my inspiration. He’s incredibly loyal and he is dedicated to his faith. I learnt a lot from him as a rugby player especially in how Husky [Juan’s nickname] deals with setbacks,” said Pierre.

“Juan did not get a lot of game time at the Bulls and I really thought he was going to stop playing rugby and start working.

Instead he set off to Durban. He doesn’t let anything get in his way of his dreams. He’s had that mentality since his school days.

I remember when he started at Affies, he was in a wheelchair because of an operation he had to both his legs. He wanted to take part in athletics and ended up throwing the javelin and discus further than his competition. That’s just the type of guy he is,” he added.

Pierre has developed as a young prop in leaps and bounds and Nollis Marais, Blue Bulls Currie Cup head coach, gave him an opportunity to prove his worth during this year’s Currie Cup. He has used both players in various teams and has only good things to say about both brothers.

“The thing that sets these two apart from the crowd is their work rate. They’re determined to make a success of their rugby careers. I think Juan is the more physical of the two. Pierre has come so far in his development as a front rower but he’s still got a lot to learn. He’s only 21 but is already showing signs that greater things are install for him,” explained Nollis.

Their mother, Marí Haywood, had the arduous task of raising her sons.

She has supported her sons in all of their sporting endeavours and believes that water polo gave both of them the ball skills they have today. According to Mari, feeding the two proved to be almost impossible.

Main Feature: Rugby

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo credit: Provided

“When Juan started high school he had casts on both his legs.

He took up water polo to keep fit in the summer and Pierre also played while at Affies. Water polo allowed both of my boys to develop their upper body strength and ball skills. I can see it in the way they pass the ball. Every so often they still throw a polo pass.

I strongly recommend any aspiring rugby player to play polo in the off season. It is a great sport,” said Marí.

“With their busy sporting and school days I struggled to get their lunchboxes right.

I went to see a dietician who helped me to come up with a food plan for Juan and Pierre. An amusing story from the feeding escapades was that Pierre took a Milo energy drink to school every day and one of his classmates ended up asking him if he was sponsored

by Milo. It was definitely quite a task to ensure that my boys didn’t go hungry.”

An avid Blue Bulls supporter Marí had great difficulty in learning to support Juan’s new team. She is also dreading the day her sons run out against each other on the rugby field.

“It was difficult for me to support the Sharks but my unconditional support for my children is a given. Having grown up in a Blue Bulls home it took me almost the entire match of Juan’s debut to whimper out a timid ‘Go Sharks’. The two were set to play against each other in September but Juan was ruled out with a meniscus injury.

Secretly I was relieved. They’ve never played any type of sport against each other. But when the day comes I’ll just support my boys and not the teams.”

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

27

SB

Juan and Pierre Schoeman brothers

Schoeman brothers The duo have achieved so much already but both have higher aspirations both on and off the field.

“My biggest dream is to score the match winning try in a Rugby World Cup final. It is as simple as that and I’m working extremely hard to make my dream a realisation. I also want to live my life with the courage to always do the right thing,” said Juan.

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

“My rugby career has been incredible so far but I still have a desire to achieve more. Super Rugby is the next step and I want to pull the Springbok jersey over my head one day.

I don’t just want to play. I want to build a legacy and reach those milestones through Jesus, my Lord and Saviour,” explained Pierre.

South Africa will soon be in need of new props as the older generation move on with their careers.

Juan and Pierre are still very young for front row forwards with many of their compatriots only maturing as props late into their twenties and some even into their thirties.

There is no doubt that they have the skill set. The only question is, can South Africa accommodate both of them in a talent pool that is quickly becoming overcrowded. Time, as always, will tell.

Main Feature: Rugby

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo credit: Provided

Schoeman brothers Fast Facts Full name

Juan Louw Schoeman

Pierre Schoeman

Date of birth

18 September 1991

7 May 1994

Place of birth

Pretoria, South Africa

Nelspruit, South Africa

High school attended

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool

Tertiary education

University of Pretoria

University of Pretoria

Position

Prop

Prop

Teams represented

Blue Bulls U18 Craven Week

Blue Bulls U16 Grant Khomo Week

SA U18 High Performance

Blue Bulls U18 Craven Week

Blue Bulls U19/21

SA Schools

Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup

SA U20

Blue Bulls Currie Cup

Blue Bulls U19/U21

SA U20

Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup

UP-Tuks

Blue Bulls Currie Cup

Sharks Currie Cup

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

29

SA remains Canoe Polo king of Africa

Canoeing South Africa

SA remain Canoe Polo kings of Africa

Canoe Polo may not be a very well-known sport in South Africa, but spectators at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town recently got a glimpse of the biggest event of the South African Canoe Polo annual calendar when the 2015 Canoe Polo African Championships were recently held at the V&A Waterfront.

Poland vs South Africa (25/09/2014)

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Main Feature: Canoe Polo

Contributed By Neil Greig | Photo credits: Gameplan Media

South Africa dominated the competition, winning the Men’s and Women’s senior events, while the Men’s U-21 team claimed silver after losing the final to their Namibian counterparts.

Chairman of Canoe Polo SA, Kevin Meier, told Game On that the focus for next year is the World Championships in Italy. “There will be the World Champs in Italy next year and we (South Africa) will send a senior men’s side for sure,” Kevin said. “There is a chance that we also send an Under 21 ladies team, but we won’t be sending a senior ladies team. We just don’t

the number one team in Africa, but we have never lost the title either. The competition is getting tougher now as Namibia are getting better at junior development level so we have to continue working hard at our own development. Nigeria and Zimbabwe also play the sport and as far as we are concerned, South Africa is getting better at youth level with a lot of good young talent coming through,” Clive said. “Next year we will play at the world champs in Italy during September and right now, as a squad, we try to get together every three to four weeks for a training period.”

have enough players at the right level yet.”

With regards to the Olympic Games, Meier said that Canoe Polo is expected to be a demonstration sport at the next Olympics after Rio 2016, which could open the doorway for it to become an official Olympic Games sport.

Clive Whitton is the South African men’s senior team captain and also coaches the side. He has been playing the sport since his high school days in the mid-1990s and is excellently placed to share some insight. “We are once again

SA Canoe Polo (Pietamaritzburg)

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

31

SA remains Canoe Polo king of Africa

What is Canoe Polo?

Canoe Polo effectively combines the disciplines of kayaking and water polo. Each Canoe Polo match features two halves of 10 minutes each where two teams of five players battle it out with a water polo ball.

The aim of the game is to throw the ball into your opponent’s goal, which is 1.5 m x 1 m in size and suspended 2m above the water at each end of a rectangular ‘playing pitch’

(measuring 35 m long and 23 m wide). These pitches can be on open water or in a swimming pool.

Canoe Polo boats are a kind of kayak not dissimilar to a slalom boat with the nose and tail cut off.

Players must be able to manoeuvre the boat with paddles, while also have the necessary hand skills to

throw the ball accurately and powerfully for passing and shooting at goal.

It is a contact sport and players are required to wear a helmet with face mask as a precaution against paddle blows, as well as life jackets which serve as body armour in protecting against boats. Boats are also padded at the back and front to protect other players in the event of a collision with the body.

Where is it played Canoe Polo is played all around the globe and has a World Championships every two years, as well as European, Asian, African, North American and South American Championships played in the years in between.

Internationally the sport is organised by the Canoe Polo committee of the International Canoe Federation, as one of the disciplines of the sport of canoeing. The last World Championships were held in Thury-Harcourt in France in 2014 the hosts won the Men’s senior division, while Germany won the Women’s equivalent.

Though it is not yet an Olympic Sport, Canoe Polo is played at the World Games.

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Main Feature: Canoe Polo

Contributed By Neil Greig | Photo credits: Gameplan Media

Canoe Polo in South Africa In South Africa, Canoe Polo is played in KwaZulu-Natal (Durban and Pietermaritzurg), Gauteng, Knysna and Cape Town. South Africa has competed at eight of the last nine World Championships, with a best result of seventh in the Men’s senior category. South Africa has yet to qualify for the World Games, as only the top six from the World Championship qualify for this event.

The 2015/16 South African Canoe Polo Championships will be held in KwaZulu-Natal at the Shongweni Dam on 19-20 March next year.

What if I want to play Canoe Polo Anyone interested in playing Canoe Polo in South Africa can contact the following people:

Durban Kade Burnett Pietermaritzburg Kevin Meier Gauteng Chad Andrews Western Cape Sam Braid ERE TO

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chad@canoeconcepts.co.za

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kevin.meier@umgeni.co.za

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

33

Bennie Erasmus Playing rugby from a wheelchair

Bennie Erasmus

Playing rugby from a wheelchair

HoĂŤrskool Bekker

What was supposed to be a leisurely drive along the river near Parys for Bennie Erasmus and his good friend JP Siegling in 2009 turned into an ordeal that neither of them will forget any time soon. The Land Rover they were driving suddenly rolled and the pair were flung out of the vehicle. They spent the night, motionless as both had broken their necks, until they were discovered early the next morning.

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Main Feature: Wheelchair Rugby

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo credit:: Willem Stighling (rugby)/supplied

Bennie has come a long way since that fateful night. It was not easy for the 25 year old as he had to give up his dream. Little did he know that with the closing of one door another opened, one that would allow him to represent South Africa.

“I was set to leave for Zambia a few weeks after my accident to become a professional hunter. Obviously I had to put the brakes on in terms of my goals as I had to focus on my recovery. I was in ICU at Mediclinic Vereeniging for three weeks before I started my rehabilitation at Mediclinic Muelmed in Pretoria,” said Bennie.

Bennie joined the family business DRH Construction towards the end of 2009 and was thrown into the deep end when he was sent to Swartruggens as a site manager.

The opportunity to be independent coupled with playing wheelchair rugby has allowed Bennie to build up his strength.

“When I left rehab I was still very weak. I couldn’t transfer myself yet.

I decided to play wheelchair rugby so I could get stronger. I joined UPTuks at the end of 2011 and the rest is history.”

Bennie is no stranger to the national wheelchair rugby team but attended his first overseas tournament in the form of the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge in London, England in mid-October.

The Wheel Boks could not register a win against New Zealand, Canada or the USA but Bennie believes that the experience gained is invaluable.

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

35

Bennie Erasmus Playing rugby from a wheelchair

“In countries like the USA and Japan, wheelchair rugby is a paid sport. The athletes make a living from playing so they can afford to train everyday. They attend national camps and have access to the best coaches, equipment and facilities,” explained Bennie.

“We knew it was going to be tough going into the tournament. We learnt a great deal especially with regards to technique. We also got a lot of advice from the Australian team who were impressed with our progression as a team. We are a young squad and we’ll take what we learnt in London to better ourselves.”

Bennie is not only a talented wheelchair rugby player but a keen 4x4 driver as well. His love for Land Rover has not wained since his accident as he refitted the chassis of a Defender, painted it orange and christened her Kruppel 4x4. He has placed third in several events in and around the Highveld. What makes his racing unique is that he competes against able-bodied racers.

Bennie Erasmus 0:04 - 3:43

Playing rugby from a wheelchair

“I decided on the name Kruppel 4x4 so that people can see that just because I’m in a wheelchair does not mean I cannot do the things I love to do. I try to race once a month. It is a great way for me to just get out and relax.”

“I want to start a wheelchair rugby team in Rustenburg as I feel that Tuks is too saturated.

They have no real opposition within South Africa and the majority of the national team is made up of players from the University of Pretoria. Starting a team in Rustenburg means that more people will have access to the sport which bodes well for the future of wheelchair rugby in South Africa.”

Bennie holds fellow UP-Tuks players Clyde Holland and Victor Buitendag in high regard as they took him under their wing when he started wheelchair rugby. He has achieved success with Tuks winning the national title on several occasions but feels the time has come to move on.

Bennie has proved his mettle on the wheelchair rugby court, the 4x4 tracks and in construction. He is a man with colossal aspirations despite being a C5/6 quadriplegic and his tenacious attitude means only one thing. Success in whatever he puts his mind to.

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Main Feature: Wheelchair Rugby

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo credit:: Willem Stighling (rugby)/supplied

Fast facts Full name: Barend Petrus Jacobus Erasmus Date of Birth: 2 July 1990 Place of Birth: enoni, Johannesburg High school attended: Hoërskool Bekker Position: Defence (1 point) Teams represented: UP-Tuks, SA“Wheel Boks”

Wheel Boks squad that participated in the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge 2015: Wheelchair rugby classification: When a player starts playing wheelchair rugby he is assessed and then classified. The assessment includes wheelchair ability and ball handling ability.

The classification runs from 0.5 to 3.5. The lower the classification the more severe the disability. There are four players per team on the court at any given time and their combined classification cannot exceed 8.

Okker Anker

3.5

Clyde Holland (Captain)

2.5

Musa Simelane

2.5

Victor Buitendag

2.0

Koos Jacobs

2.0

Jared McIntyre

2.0

Yolande Oosthuizen

2.0

Bennie Erasmus

1.0

Bennie Dorfling

0.5

Lisa Kirkland

0.5

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

37

Bryce Tullis breaks 152 year strong school record

cricketing prodigy

Bryce Tullis

Martizburg College’s Bryce Tullis breaks 152 year strong school record with his 100th first team appearance School sporting achievements stay with an individual throughout their life. The stories of their feats on the sporting arena becomes stuff of legend and said feats are treasured even more when it is done for the first time.

Contributed by Dan Lombard | Credit: Smugshots Photography

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Youth Feature: Cricket

Bryce Tullis, 1st team cricket Captain of Maritzburg College, did just that at the 56th annual Oppenheimer Michaelmas Cricket Week when the wicketkeeper/batsman lead his team out against St. Stithians in what was his 100th first team appearance. He is the first cricketer to achieve this in the 152 year history of the school.

“I only realised the gravity of the feat after the match. I would be lying if I said it was not an achievement and I’m extremely proud to be the first College player to achieve it.

But I don’t play cricket for the achievements, I play because I enjoy the game.”

Bryce played for the 1st XI in his Grade 9 year and maintained his place in the team until his final year. He is not only the cricket Captain but Head Boy of the school. Bryce is also an accomplished hockey player and has represented the 1st team since Grade 10. It is no surprise that he excels in both these disciplines as his father, Pierre, played cricket for Eastern Province while his Mother, Tookie, is a former South African Women’s hockey player. His family pedigree and school sporting structure helped him to develop as a sportsman.

“Growing up in a household where both parents excelled in sport can be difficult, but it wasn’t for me. My parents have supported me since the get go and never pressured me. It also made me want to make my parents proud so I worked hard.”

“My Dad has been the man I have looked up to since I was little. He is always willing to help me improve my game. I owe him a lot. My Mom has always been just that, my Mom. Always supportive even when I gravitated towards cricket.”

“My parents played a huge role in my development but it was also the coaches I’ve had at College. Looking back at my 100th, it really is down to the structures. College has produced cricketers like David Miller who would have achieved this feat before me if injury had not struck him. I’m grateful for the professional manner the coaches approach cricket at school. I’ll never forget my playing days at College especially our win against Affies at the recent Michaelmas for the first time in 10 years.”

Bryce has plans to study accounting sciences at the University of Pretoria. In December, he will not be following the thousands of school leavers to the coast for matric vacation but rather jetting off to Australia to play a few club games. He is determined to make something of his cricket but wants something to fall back on if cricket goes pear-shaped.

This includes making tough choices.

“I’m going to play club cricket in Melbourne for Keilor Park Cricket Club in December and January before I start my studies at Tuks. I had to make a tough decision because leaving for Australia means I’ll be unavailable for Coke Week [Coca-Cola Khaya Majola U19 week) if I was to be selected.

Coke Week is a huge stepping stone for an aspiring cricketer in terms of being noticed by provincial and national selectors but I feel playing overseas will do wonders for my game.”

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

39

Bryce Tullis breaks 152 year strong school record

“I will be joining the Tuks Cricket Elite squad when I return from Australia on a trial period. Hopefully I can impress the coaches and play a few games for the 1st team. It is not going to be all cricket though. I understand how quickly things can go wrong in sport and I’m going to Tuks to study first and foremost.”

Bryce has been dreaming about representing the Proteas since he first picked up a bat.

His love for the gentlemen’s game echoes through his performances and he is most happy on a pitch in any shape or form. Bryce is yet to step into the cricket world but if his past performances are anything to go by he is just itching to hit it for a six.

ABOUT BRYCE Full name: Bryce John Tullis Date of birth: 25 February 1997 Place of birth: Tzaneen, South Africa High school attended: Maritzburg College Role: Wicketkeeper and opening batsman Teams represented: Cricket - KZN Inland U/15, KZN Inland U/17; Hockey KZN Inland U/16, KZN Inland U/18, SA U/16

Bryce’s father and coach, Pierre Tullis Bryce’s father and coach, Pierre Tullis said:” He can go all the way.

Definitely. But the competition will be much tougher once he leaves school so we can only really judge when that time comes. He makes me so proud, not only in cricket, but his academics and general way of approaching life.”

cricketing prodigy

Bryce Tullis 40

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Youth Feature: Swimming

Teen talent

Contributed by Karien Jonckheere | Photos Credit: Wessel Oosthuisen

Tatjana Schoenmaker

4 Gold’s at 2015 All Africa Games

medals won gold

25

silver

18

bronze

11

Total

54

Having just returned to training after three months out with a shoulder injury, there’s no way Tatjana Schoenmaker could have predicted her impressive haul of medals at the recent All Africa Games in Congo, Brazzaville.

TuksSport HIGH SCHOOL

Tuks Sport

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

41

TuksSport

Tatjana Schoenmaker 4 Gold’s at 2015 All Africa Games

HIGH SCHOOL

0:04 - 3:43

The 18-year-old TuksSport High School student claimed a clean sweep of the three breaststroke events and then promptly added a fourth gold – in the 4x100m medley relay – to her collection.

“I had just got back into the pool and I was told that I was going to African champs so then I had to taper for that and I didn’t get a whole lot of training in so I was quite surprised,” admitted Schoenmaker. “After not a lot of training I just had to try and see what I could do. I don’t think my coach was expecting anything big,” added the talented teenager, who generally prefers the longer events but managed to capture the 50m breaststroke title too.

Another surprise was the standard of the facilities in Brazzaville, but the whole All Africa Games experience proved to be quite a learning curve for the young swimmer. “I was very surprised at the pool – you wouldn’t expect it to look so amazing but it was such a nice pool,” explained Schoenmaker.

“But the spectators at the pool were a bit wild and they were a bit crazy with the females so we all felt a bit violated. We would go to the cool-down pool and I’d stand there with the guy swimmers. They would take their clothes off to change and then the crowd would scream: ‘Take off your clothes’ – so I’d put my towel around me and as soon as I took it off to stand on the blocks and dive in they’d start cheering and taking pictures the whole time so it was very scary.

“But otherwise it was really good and I really enjoyed it. It’s fun because the whole team goes through what you’re going through so when you get back to South Africa it’s just something to laugh about.”

The next big target for all these swimmers with be next year’s national championships, where Olympic qualification will be up for grabs.

Tatjana, who claimed her first national title at this year’s championships, is certainly gunning for a spot on the team to the Rio Games next year. “I think I have the B qualifying time already so I just have to try and get the A time now. The 100 and 200 are both even because in the 100 I have to get a second off and it’s two seconds in the 200,” she explained.

Considering she only took up swimming seriously around four years ago, that’s certainly not too far off. And also taking into account that no female swimmers made the cut for the last Olympic Games in London, there’s plenty of incentive for the likes of Schoenmaker, Prinsloo, Gallagher and Warnes to turn things around.

Tatjana Schoenmaker: gold 200m breast, gold 50m breast, gold 100m breast, gold 4x100m medley relay

SA Swimming team results at the All Africa Games – Congo, Brazzaville

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

The ultimate online sports magazine

INSIDE Tennis SPORTS Hockey Triathlon SquashNEWS Touch Rugby Netball Canoeing Mountain Biking Soccer Cricket Fishing Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

43

UWC Why UWC’s Mkosi is best

SPORTS NEWS

Why UWC’s Mkosi is best Contributed by: Phumzile Ngcatshe, Backpage Media | Photo credit: BackpagePix

University of the Western Cape

The 2015 Varsity Football Tournament is done and dusted with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) emerging as champions, but star player of the event Thulani Mkosi is now in the spotlight.

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h c NE at NLI W WC O

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Thulani Mkosi was crowned as the Varsity Football Player of the Tournament following his consistent performances during the 2015 showpiece.

Mkosi’s coach Salie Adams explains why he is excited for Thulani who has proven how to balance his studies and football. “I’m excited for him (Thulani). Obviously he has a professional approach in the game, he trains very hard and he’s disciplined,” said Salie. “Yes there are challenges for all these players as they’re students having to focus on their school work but when you see their performance on the field, it tells you that they’re determined.”

The hardworking UWC midfielder took part in his second season of the varsity football competition and has garnered an impressive 434 votes from the fans. In winning the fan-voted Player of the Tournament award, Thulani beat University of Pretoria’s (UP Tuks) Jeremiah Nkwana with 315 votes and North West University’s Kagiso Pitso who scored 124 votes.

Coach Salie says that Thulani, a second-year B.Education student, has dreams of reaching the Premier Soccer League.“For Thulani or any of the top Varsity Cup players, professional clubs must first understand where these players come from, understand the environment they’re at and then give them a chance to adapt and settle - I think they need time as some of them will need to adapt to the professional scene.”

Ahead of UWC’s victorious final, Thulani had already received a few personal accolades during the course of the tournament, including Man of the Match against Walter Sisulu University and the Samsung Super Striker Award when UWC secured a 2-1 victory against Vaal University of Technology in round four of the tournament. “I knew what to expect in the tournament, which helped me a lot in terms of my individual performance. In every match I always gave my best and tested myself,” said Thulani.

Sports News: Soccer

SPORTS NEWS

h c at town W x Cape

Aja

Ajax Cape Town win Engen Champ of Champs Ajax Cape Town Contributed by Phumzile Ngcatshe | Photo credits: BackpagePix

The Ajax Cape Town Under-17 squad continued to add silverware to their trophy cabinet after being crowned the 2015 Engen Champ of Champs winners recently in Pretoria The Engen Champ of Champs is where the nine regional winners of the annual Engen Knockout Challenge come together to decide who is the best Under-17 club side in the country. The junior Urban Warriors were in a rampant mood in Pretoria after beating the defending champions and hosts, SuperSport United, 3-0 in the final. Coached by Kosta Scholiadis, the Ajax U17 side added the R15 000 in prize money as well as the trophy and one would say the success of the senior Ajax side in the 2015 MTN8 Cup rubbed off on the kids.

Speaking after the win, Scholiadis said the standard of the tournament was the highest they’ve experienced this year.

“It’s a tournament of all the best teams from around the country, so there was no doubt that we would be challenged,” said Kosta.

“The tournament was played over three days and we needed to rotate 20 players over seven matches, which was always going to be difficult, especially in high altitude and hot conditions. This squad has been training and playing five days a week throughout the year, so I had no worries about being able to compete throughout the tournament.”

The coach praised his charges saying that they rose to the occasion despite his players being overlooked for selection to the South African Under 17 national side going to the U17 FIFA World Cup in Chile in late October. “I’m most proud of our Ajax boys for stepping up to the occasion, because many of them were deprived of the

opportunity to represent their country at the U17 World Cup,” adds Kosta. “The only player to have been called up during the build-up to the World Cup was our captain and Engen Champ of Champs Player of the Tournament, Luthando Mateza, and that was only once in June 2014.”

Ajax’s results ACT 3-0 SuperSport United ACT 6-0 Harmony Academy ACT 2-1 Harmony Academy ACT 5-0 Chippa United ACT 3-0 AmaZulu ACT 1-2 SuperSport United ACT 3-1

Mamelodi Sundowns

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

45

Caleb George Watch this space!

Golf: Caleb George Watch this space!

SPORTS NEWS

Contributed by: Graeme Jackson, Backpage Media | Photo Credit: Supplied by City Press

He is an 11-year-old golfer (in Grade 5) with an eye for the ball and by his own account he wants to win big games in the future. Caleb had his first taste of international exposure in 2010 when he took part in the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championship in Quincy, Illinois, in the United States.

He finished in fourth place. This chance came about after the youngster won the SA Kids Golf Under-5 tournament.

Caleb then took part in the US Kids World Championship in Pinehurst, South Carolina, in 2011, where he finished 11th. The talented youngster further raised his international profile the following year by finishing 12th at the US Kids World Championship.

The 11-year-old hones his skills at the Eagle Canyon Country Club, where he plays for three hours a day after school, where he attends Orion College, under the watchful eye of his father, Dennis.

“I have gained a lot from practising with my dad and top-class coaches here. I want to see myself competing internationally when I reach 16,” Caleb told the City Press.

He hopes to play in the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation tournament in George, Western Cape, in three years’ time.

“This will transform my game and pave the way for me to play overseas. That’s my big dream. I’d like to win big games in future, like Tiger Woods during his prime.”

Caleb’s father is rightly proud of his son, adding: “He is focused on the game and gives his all whenever he’s competing.

His dedication shows itself at the course during practice rounds and tournaments.”

In addition to his golfing achievements, Caleb was also an ambassador for the Gauteng Sports Awards held at Silver Star Casino in Krugersdorp in mid-October.

Orion College Honeydew

aleb

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Watch SA’s youngest golfer in action

Sports News: Soccer

Clapham High School wins 2015 Copa CocaCola National Finals Contributed by: Graeme Jackson | Photo credit: BackpagePix

Clapham High School

O C

h A c COL at CA W A CO

Clapham High School from Gauteng was crowned champions of the 2015 Copa Coca-Cola National Finals after they beat North West team Sol Plaatjie Secondary School in the final in Durban.

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Clapham High School are well known in South African football circles as a feeder school to Premier Soccer League (PSL) club Mamelodi Sundowns. The Pretoria school side, therefore, are often in the headlines and often set the standard in youth tournaments.

In the 2015 Copa Coca-Cola National Finals they made their way into the final by beating the likes of St Francis (KwaZulu-Natal, 3-0), Moroka High School (Free State, 5-0) and Luckhoff Secondary School (Western Cape, 4-2). The final, which was held at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban, saw Clapham edge Sol Plaatjie 1-0 to win the Copa Coca-Cola National title for the second year in a row. Luckhoff finished third, beating St Marks International School from Mpumalanga on penalties after the teams played out a 0-0 draw in the third-place play-off.

HOW COPA COCA COLA STARTED

SPORTS NEWS

The top three schools walked away with R60 000, R30 000 and R25 000 respectively.

Yellow kit - Clapham celebrate their tournament victory

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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Clapham High School wins 2015 Copa Coca-Cola National Finals

Other participants were Stynville Secondary School (Northern Cape), Molly Black Burn High School (Eastern Cape) and Klass Mothapo Secondary School (Limpopo).

Clapham’s HOD in Life Orientation, Life Skills and their Football Coordinator, Johannes Petje, said they are delighted with their achievement. “We are very delighted about this achievement as it is a second time after winning it last year (2014) as well,” said Johannes.

“Our learners showed character and remained disciplined throughout the tournament to ensure that we bring the trophy home. The final was just like any other final; one goal was enough to settle and secure the top spot.”

Although he praised all his players for a great team effort, individuals such as Likhanyile Ndhledhle, Sphamandla Ntuli and skipper Ravaldo Soafala were outstanding. “Ndhledhle got the golden boot award after scoring six goals and he scored in the final as well,” said Johannes. “Our chief striker Ntuli also played a major role in the team by providing assists to most of our goals. And finally our Captain, Sofala, organised the team and maintained the discipline.”

The Copa Coca-Cola is an annual competition for U-15 school teams which takes place all around the world and features over 1.3 million teenagers from 60 countries. It is recognised as the leading grassroots football programme in the world.

Pale Blue kit - Clapham celebrate another goal and show their skill

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Who are Clapham?

Clapham is located in the Pretoria suburb of Queenswood and is an English language Christian-based coeducational school. The school is named after Mr William Beverley Clapham (1878 1949), a prominent citizen of Pretoria, with a strong social conscience. He unstintingly served many causes, in particular education and boys’ clubs. He was a member of the Pretoria School Board for 25 years.

Sports News: Surfing

SPORTS NEWS

Cape Town Surfriders win SA Junior Champs Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo Credit: Ian Thurtell

The Cape Town Surfriders secured the coveted Freedom Cup at the 2015 Billabong SA Junior Surfing Championships held at Lower Point, Jeffreys Bay from 30 September - 4 October.

Results 1

Cape Town

32 576 points

2

Nelson Mandela Bay

27 956 pts

3

eThekweni

25 170 pts

4

Cape Winelands

21 526 pts

5

Buffalo City

18 735 pts

6

Eden

17 620 pts

7

Ugu

16 314 pts

8

SA Development Academy

12 955 pts

9

uThungulu

6 920 pts

The Cape Town team won two of the six individual titles and contributed eight of the 24 finalists. Defending champions eThekweni finished third.

Jordy Maree (U17 Boys) and Max Elkington (U15 Boys) from the Cape Town Surfriders won their divisions. Pippa Jones (U17 Girls), York van Jaarsveldt (U13 Boys) and Summer Sutton (U13 Girls) finished second while Jake Elkington (U17 Boys), Luke Slijpen (U15 Boys) and Manoa Robb (U13 Boys) took third place.

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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Golden Lions’ Rohan Janse van Rensburg Shines in Currie Cup final Finals

SPORTS NEWS

Golden Lions’ Rohan Janse van Rensburg shines in Currie Cup final Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo credits: GB Jordaan

The Golden Lions ensured that the coveted Currie Cup returned to Emirates Airline Park when they beat Western Province in the final of the world’s oldest provincial competition.

Outside centre, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, put in a massive performance in the final and showed exactly why so much was made about him as a schoolboy.

A product of Hoërskool Waterkloof, Rohan played Under-19/21 and Vodacom Cup for the Blue Bulls but left Loftus Versfeld in search of more senior game time.

Golden Lions

“I felt my opportunities were not coming at the Bulls so I looked elsewhere to find more game time. I settled on the Lions after a chat with Coach Ackers (Johan Ackermann) who gave me a detailed rundown of how and when he was going to use me. That is what sold me,” said the former Junior Springbok.

Rohan setup up a try for no.8 Warren Whiteley in the first half of the final and scored a try of his own in the second half. According to Rohan the entire union is overwhelmed by the win and is honoured that Ackermann showed faith in him.

“The win is still sinking in. What makes it more special is that we were unbeaten. That doesn’t happen very often.

Credit has to go to every single player and management member at the Lions. The family environment is a big part of our success. We play for each other,” explained Rohan.

HoërSkool Waterkloof

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

“I was happy to play another year of Under-21. The Lions used me here and there during the Currie Cup but I never expected to start in the final. It was a huge, huge privilege and I’m grateful for the faith that the coaches had in me,” he added.

Sports News: Mountain Biking

Learners seeking out Menlo Park MTB Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo Credit: Sinead Wannenburg

Hoërskool Menlo Park

Hoërskool Menlo Park Mountain Biking did extremely well in the 2015 Spur Schools MTB League where they won the Boys, Girls and Mixed sections at both provincial and national level.

h c at League W MTB

Chris van Blerk, Menlo Park MTB organiser, believes that the hiring of professional coach, Robert Sutton, has allowed the sport to grow exponentially and thus learners are choosing to attend Menlo Park to pursue mountain biking.

Spur

MTB was introduced at the school 10 years ago with only three or four riders. The sport has grown to 76 riders with Menlo Park boasting their own MTB track while also practising in Mooikloof.

“The learners practice five times a week and on Saturday if they are not competing. We are fortunate to have the services of Robert thanks to the generous sponsorship of Rawson The MTB team is only set to lose a handful of school leaving riders so the future bodes well for mountain biking at Menlo Park. Despite the retention of talent Chris has talent recruitment and identification plans in place for 2016.

“We need to get more learners on bicycles and grow the sport into a popular activity at Menlo Park. We hold big recruitment drives at our annual Open Day specifically targeting the primary schools in the area,” explained Chris.

SPORTS NEWS

The future of mountain biking looks bright at Hoërskool Menlo Park and it is safe to say that the Pretoria school is set to dominate the schools league for at least the next few years.

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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NWU-Pukke crowned Queens of Varsity Netball

NWU-Pukke crowned Queens of Varsity Netball Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo credit: SASPA

The North West University (NWU-Pukke) stunned the South African netball fraternity when the ladies from Potchefstroom beat Stellenbosch University (Maties) 50-37 in the Varsity Netball final.

Pukke triumphed as the underdogs after finishing fourth on the overall log. They travelled to Bloemfontein where they beat the University of the Free State (Kovsies) by eight points in the semifinal before trouncing Maties in Stellenbosch.

NWU-Pukke wing attack and captain, Izanna Muller, was part of the Pukke team that lost the inaugural final to Kovsies and is thrilled that they have finally broken the mental block.

“We had a rough start to the competition but we just stuck to our plan and worked really hard,” said Izanna.

“Beating Kovsies in the semifinal was the turning point for us. They had topped the log and were unbeaten until the semifinal. We beat them with virtually no support but we played a brilliant game. After that win we knew we could go all the way,” she added.

Pukke have always been competitive and to finally claim silverware is something that the team worked hard for. Izanna had the added responsibility of leading the team but she believes that her job was made easier because of her team.

“I can truly say that as a team we don’t rely on certain players but the team as a whole. We are not just teammates but friends and we have the utmost respect for each other. It wasn’t hard to lead as it wasn’t about one Captain but a team of seven ladies with leadership abilities,” explained Izanna.

North West University

arsity sports is a conundrum as athletes have to perform both in their sport and in their studies.

This creates added stress for the athletes as they try to juggle their responsibilities.

“Winning the final away from home was the highlight of the season for us. We had a lot of pressure on us to perform but also because of our studies.

Coach Dorette [Badenhorst] places a lot of empathise on achieving good marks so we had our work cut out for ourselves.

The pressure makes winning so much sweeter.”

SPORTS NEWS

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Sports News: Sailing

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Sailing duo qualify for Olympics Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo credit: Supplied

The South African 407 class sailing team of Anesnathi Jim and Roger Hudson have qualified for the 2016 Olympics with an event to spare.

SPORTS NEWS

The duo clinched the 5th qualifying spot at the 407 World Championships in Haifa, Israel in October. This will be their second Olympics if they are granted participation by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

The pressure was on for the South African team as eight countries were still eligible to qualify for the six available spots going into the Israeli race. “The conditions here in Haifa are really shifty and really on and off pressure which made the racing extremely challenging. In the end it was an interesting game and there was a great contest,� said Roger.* A positive in South Africa qualifying so early is that the African continental place is still open when means that another African country will be able to qualify for the Rio Olympics.

Anesnathi and Roger will now join Laser sailor Stefano Marcia as the South African contingent at the Olympics. *First appeared on www.sascoc.co.za

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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Monique Brummer represented SA at the U/18 Action Cricket World Cup 2015

SPORTS NEWS

Waterkloof’s Monique Brummer represented SA at the U/18 Action Cricket World Cup 2015 Contributed by: Hoerskool Waterkloof | Photos: supplied

1. How long have you been playing Action Cricket?

I have been playing for a year now. It started when I was playing with my brother for fun.

2. Which club do you play for?

I am not playing for a club currently. I have been practising at Centurion, and had games and practise on SA camps. I plan on joining the senior league at Centurion now that the SA camps are over.

3. What did you learn from playing in this international tournament?

I have learned so much, but especially the discipline that is needed. Also how

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

important it is to support and uplift your teammates.

Mental strength and team spirit is vital.

4. What was the highlight of the tournament for you?

The highlight was just to be able to play against great teams like Australia and New Zealand. I enjoyed the improvement of the team and also my personal growth.

5. Was there any experience that you really did not enjoy.

There really was no part that I did not enjoy. The only part which none of us enjoyed was having to return home after loving every minute.

HoërSkool Waterkloof

SPORTS NEWS

HIlton College hosts Top Schools Water Polo Tournament Contributed by Dan Lombard | Photo credit: Hilton College

Hilton College held the prestigious KZN Top 10 Water Polo Tournament on the weekend of 16-18 October. Clifton College beat Glenwood High School 6-5 in a penalty shootout to add another water polo to their cabinet.

Lionel Randell, Hilton water polo 1st team coach and tournament organiser, is proud of his team’s performances at the tournament which he credits to the structures at Hilton.

“Overall Hilton came third. Our U14s and U15s finished third. Unfortunately the 1sts lost to Westville Boys on Saturday morning which saw us miss the semifinal,” said Lionel.

“We have 166 boys playing polo at the school which makes it the second most popular sport behind rugby. There is a lot of competition amongst the boys which is great for the sport,” he added.

Hilton College had the opportunity to play against the top KZN schools with Clifton the school of the tournament according to Lionel. “Clifton are always a well oiled machine and I believe that the two best teams made the final. Individually Dylan Cronjé from Glenwood had a great tournament. Hilton’s Charlie Thornton-Dibb made the KZN Under-19 squad after the tournament. As a whole the tournament was a great success.”

Hilton College

Final 1st team standings: 1. Clifton College 2. Glenwood High 3. Northwood 4. Michaelhouse 5. Durban High School 6. Kearsney College 7. Hilton College 8. Westville Boys’ High 9. Thomas More College 10. Maritzburg College

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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David Horwitz THE IMPORTANCE AND ROLE OF SELF-ESTEEM IN SPORT

THE IMPORTANCE AND ROLE OF SELFESTEEM IN SPORT

Who is David Horwitz?

David Horwitz is a professional self-esteem coach (registered with COMENSA) and a soccer coach with many years experience in the football academies of PSL clubs. He is currently the coach of Alex United in the fourth tier of South African football. He is passionate about the role self-esteem plays in life and in sport. He can be contacted via www.selfesteemcoach.co.za

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Health Feature: Self-esteem

Contributed by: David Horwitz | Photos: Stock

In order to understand the importance of self-esteem in sport, we first need to define and understand what selfesteem is. The definition that is increasingly being recognised, is that self-esteem is the value and worth that we attach to ourselves.

The worth we attach to ourselves is defined by the extent to which we enjoy a loving and respectful relationship with ourselves. As human beings, it is noticed that we find it easier to demonstrate our loving care and understanding towards others in difficulty, but do we ever question or look at whether we do the same for ourselves in a crisis?

The value we attach to ourselves is defined by how competent we feel to deal with situations that we may encounter on a regular basis. If, for example, we get lost whilst driving, how confident will we be in our competence to be able to deal with that situation? Using a cricketing theme, how competent do we feel to open the batting, or bowling, or to bowl in the final overs when the pressure is at its highest?

It is interesting to note that in both cases, our value and our worth may be defined more by the way others have interacted with us than by reality (e.g. we may be effective under pressure – bowling in the final overs - but if rare failures were constantly highlighted by important people in our life and regular successes not acknowledged then a perception of being a failure may be our reality).

Now that we understand what self-esteem is, we can apply it to the realm of sporting activity, where there are two “games” taking place. In a game of cricket for example there is the “inner game” and the “outer game”.

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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David Horwitz THE IMPORTANCE AND ROLE OF SELF-ESTEEM IN SPORT

The outer game refers to the game as we know it. If you are a good batsman or a good bowler then you will typically be known as a good cricketer. However the inner game is what goes on in your head while you are playing cricket. This inner game becomes increasingly important as one rises through the levels towards international cricket.

Anyone that has coached at a competitive level in sport will understand that this inner game is more likely to differentiate players at the highest level than the outer game. Self-esteem, as defined above, will play an important role in the ability of a player to win at the inner game.

Remarkably there has been little focus on self-esteem concepts in the ongoing discussion around the South African cricket teams’ inability to perform to their potential when the pressure is on. In my opinion it plays a pivotal role.

In stark contrast is Australia’s record in one day international world cups.

They have won four out of the last five tournaments. South Africa on the other hand have yet to qualify for a final.

It seems strange that two teams of similar strength should have such vastly different records at world cups. Could it be that Australian society has a different approach to children and self-esteem?

Could it be that South Africa, with our troubled history, has not yet recognised the value of living with self-esteem? And could it be that this difference is affecting both teams ability to play the inner game, Australia in a positive way, and South Africa in a negative way?

Unless, and until, our sports people learn how to build and maintain a loving relationship with themselves this seems unlikely to change. When we make a mistake we need to be able to show ourselves love and forgiveness, much as we would do for others.

A term often used in sport is to learn how to “shake it off”, in other words, realise that poor performance or losses, do not set the tone for every other sporting performance in your life.

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Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

Health Feature: Self-esteem

Contributed by: David Horwitz | Photos: Stock

When the pressure is on we need to be able to show ourselves love by trusting ourselves, trusting in our competence. In the heat of battle we need to be able to show ourselves love and support, much as we would do for others; rather than self-destruct by blaming ourselves if things are not going according to plan. While I have used a cricketing theme, this applies to all sporting codes but also to life itself. Sport is merely an element of life.

If we are not able to do this then we will continue to unravel in pressure situations. We will also continue to deny that this phenomenon even exists.

But when we are able to acknowledge that self-esteem is at the root of the problem then we can begin to fix the problem.

questionnaire Below is a questionnaire that will help create awareness of the role self-esteem plays in sport:

1) When I find myself in a pressure situation: a) I prefer to step aside and allow others take responsibility b) I am able to trust myself and willing to take on the responsibility myself

2) When I make a mistake: a) I beat myself up inside, lose focus and find that my performance level drops b) I forgive myself and put it behind me – nobody is perfect and mistakes do happen

3) In a game situation, or in life: a) I require constant support from others, without which I really struggle b) It is always helpful to have the support of others but if this is not available I am able to provide sufficient support for myself to help me meet my challenges

4) In a game situation, or in life: a) When I need to make decisions I tend to be riddled in self-doubt and this affects me b) I am able to trust myself to make decisions in the knowledge that I am doing the best I can You may find that the answers to the questions may be similar in sport as in life.

Game On Magazine, November: Issue 22, 2015

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