Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Is your team up for a Challege? Durban: Sunday 23 June

Clubs, organisations, schools or corporates keen to walk or run in the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge still have time to enter a team for this year’s event that takes place on Sunday 23 June, finishing on the Hollywood Bets Kings Park Stadium’s outer fields.

Bulk entries for the challenge close at midnight on Friday 7 June, with individual online entries closing as the clock strikes 12 on Sunday 16 June. Teams entering 10 or more people, will need to touch base with the Race Office to get instructions by emailing the Race Office on kzn@spar.run.

There is a special day organised specifically for bulk entry collections where the "head prefect" or team leader can go along and collect their crews race packs on Thursday 20 June.

For more info visit the race’s website, www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban

ENDS

Dates Announced for Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Sunday 23 June

Entries are open for the 34th running of the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place in and around the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Sunday 23 June. 

The success of South Africa’s Most Beautiful Road Race strides ahead, with entries for 2024 capped at 12000. The uplifting theme for this year’s race is #ChooseYou with the underlying message of motivating oneself, encouraging women to prioritize self-care, both for their mental and physical well-being. 

Sharing moments: Revealing the colour and theme for the 2024 Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Durban on Sunday 23 June. The theme, #ChooseYou encourages self-empowerment. Wearing this year’s race shirts at an intimate function at the Grand Exotic are SPAR KZN Retail Ops Advisor, Cindy Watridge with 2024 Race Ambassadors Former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu and Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist, Dr Marise Subrayan.

"Our theme “Choose You” amplifies our commitment to inspire a healthier community,” says Menelisi Luthuli, Marketing Executive, SPAR KZN. “In a world where external pressures often overshadow personal well-being, we encourage women to embark on a journey of self-care and self-discovery. SPAR advocates a balanced lifestyle where individuals prioritize their own needs alongside external demands, finding fulfillment in both. Ultimately, our theme this year emphasizes that self-care isn't selfish but rather crucial for lasting well-being and happiness.”

Two phenomenal strong local women are the 2024 Race Ambassadors. Inspiring youth wherever she goes, sporting star and role model Precious Mthembu is the current Baby Proteas Coach, she is an educator at Danville Park Girls’ High School and was a Protea Netball player, notching up 97 caps for South Africa. Joining her is Dr Marise Subrayan, an award-winning Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist based at Durban’s St Augustine’s Hospital, who is passionate about educating and empowering women and girls about female-related health.

The Challenge route remains unchanged from the 2023 event, with the fast and flat ‘out-and-back’ course starting under the shadow of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishing on the outer fields of this iconic Durban landmark. The 10km race begins at 8am and the 5km race at 9am. 

Entries for the 2024 edition of the Durban event are online at https://www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban/. Online entries close at midnight on 16 June. The online entry for the 10km run is R180, with a KZN Athletics licence, or R230 with a temporary licence, and for the 5km is R180. Entries at race registration are R200 (with licence) and R250 (without licence) for the 10km and R200 for the 5km. Bulk entry collections are also available.

At this Durban Challenge, a field of highly competitive runners will compete in the national SPAR Grand Prix Series that travels around South Africa. The total Series Prize Purse is sitting at over R1,68 million this year.

Prize money for the first female athlete crossing the line in Durban is R33,000 with the runner-up earning R25,000 and third place winning R20,000. The first South African woman across the line will also earn R10,000. There are also prizes for top age category runners.

A variety of lucky draw prizes will be awarded at prize giving, including a chance to win a car. All participants (18 plus and T&C’s apply) can enter the lucky draw where one race number will advance to the main draw for a Proton X50 valued at R449,000. Seven ladies from the seven races around the country must attend the glitzy SPAR Grand Prix prize-giving to qualify to win this car.

For more information visit the race website, like the SPAR Women’s Race KZN Facebook page (SPARWomens10and5kmRace), or follow on Instagram (sparwomenskzn) or Twitter (sparladiesrace).

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SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Ten Teams in Grand Finals 22 & 23 July

After ten hotly contested regionals around KZN, the finalists from each area head to the main event of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG on 22 and 23 July. 

This year’s Grand Finals welcomes a fantastic mix of challengers. The tournament that began in 2011 has a handful of teams with an expansive history of appearances, and adding to the line-up this year, several fresh new contenders. 

Snap! Pictured at the tournament announcement for the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge are Danville Park Girls’ High School’s captain, Anqobile Nkayi; Durban Girls’ College’s Jenna Reardon; Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School’s keeper, Kelly Willson with her captain Sisikelelwe Sopiseka and St Mary’s DSG’s captain, Kelly Jansens ter laeck. The action packed weekend of hockey will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 22 and 23 July. Pic by Val Adamson

Two travelling teams will be competing for the very first time: the challenge welcomes Suid Natal Hoërskool representing the Sisonke and uGu Region and St Dominics Newcastle, the winner of the Northern KZN Region. 

Two teams will be making their second appearance, having both last competed at the Grand Finals in 2012. The Wykeham Collegiate will be waving the flag for the Pietermaritzburg North Regional and on behalf of the uMvoti and oThukela Regional, Ladysmith High School are back too. In their first run at the finals, Wykeham got to the medal round, finishing an impressive fourth overall, while Ladysmith earned a seventh place eleven years ago. 

Back for a third time, Danville Park Girls’ High School will be keen to better their consistent sixth places in 2012 and 2014. Kuswag Hoërskool will also take to the turf for their third outing. They competed in the inaugural tournament in 2011 where they finished ninth and then last year, they took the tenth spot. 

North Coast Regional winner, Grantleigh College head to the finals for their fifth time. Last year they finished seventh and in 2011, 2016 and 2017 they ended eighth overall. 

After several years’ sabbatical, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School make a welcome return for the seventh time as the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional winners. In their six previous runs, they have featured in the medal games every year with three silvers in 2011, 2013 and 2015, two bronze medals in 2012 and 2014 and a fourth in 2016. 

Host school St Mary’s DSG will be eager to continue their success at the Grand Finals, they have dominated the Highway Regional, representing the area for the tenth time this year. Saints have hoisted the trophy five times in 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, taken silver in last year’s finals, won bronze in 2011 and 2013 and finished fourth in 2015. 

The only team with a 100% record at the Grand Finals, Durban Girls’ College are the defending champions. The Durban Central Regional winners have a fantastic history at the Grand Finals, winning gold four times in 2013, 2014, 2015 and last year. They have also won silver in 2012, 2016 and 2017, one bronze in 2019 and two fourth places in 2011 and 2018. 

The weekend’s action will all be livestreamed on the SuperSport School’s mobile app and website.  

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparKZNSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

Eleventh Appearance

Durban Girls’ College - Durban Central Regional Winner - Gold (2013, 2014, 2015, 2022), Silver (2012, 2016, 2017), Bronze (2019), Fourth (2011, 2018)

Tenth Appearance

St Mary’s D.S.G. – Highway Regional Winner - Gold (2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), Silver (2022), Bronze (2011, 2013), Fourth (2015)

 Seventh Appearance

Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High – Pietermaritzburg Central Regional Winner - Silver (2011, 2013, 2015), Bronze (2012, 2014), Fourth (2016)

 Fifth Appearance

Grantleigh College – North Coast Regional Winner – Seventh (2022), Eighth (2011, 2016, 2017)

 Third Appearance

Danville Park Girls’ High School – Durban North Regional Winner – Sixth (2012, 2014) 

Kuswag Hoërskool – Durban South Regional Winner – Ninth (2011), Tenth (2022)

 Second Appearance

The Wykeham Collegiate – Pietermaritzburg North Regional Winner - Fourth (2012)

Ladysmith High School - uMvoti and oThukela Regional – Seventh (2012)

 First Appearance

Suid Natal Hoërskool - Sisonke and uGu Regional Winner

St Dominics Newcastle – Northern KZN Regional Winner 

 ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban Central Regional Sunday 16 April

Continuing on their phenomenal winning streak, Durban Girls’ College hoisted the Durban Central Regional trophy of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge for the thirteenth time at 3 Schools Trust on Sunday 16 April. 

The only team in the KZN Challenge to have won 100% of their regionals, College took on host school, Durban Girls’ High School in a magnificently action-packed final that flowed all around the field from the first whistle. 

College got out of the starting blocks quickly with a reverse stick attempt in the first minute on the Girls’ High’s goals that sailed wide. Their next probe two minutes later was an attack down the right, with play being run quickly along the baseline but Girls’ High’s sturdy marking stopped the flashy maneuver, giving themselves a breather by clearing the ball. 

Less than a minute later, College was on the prowl again, with a free hit outside the circle. Swiftly College surged forward but the hosts stood firm and again did not allow the visitors any gaps to get off a shot. 

Just under 5 minutes, College earned their first short corner, the ball rocketed to the second castle and then bolted goalwards where a vigilant Divine Arinze, who was having a grand day in goals, firmly booted the shot out of danger. College’s attack pounced on the loose ball and pushed play back into the circle but Girls’ High’s defense prevented any success. 

For the next four minutes, the defending champs continuously put pressure on the Girls High goals with determined, orchestrated advances. Still the local team didn’t falter, turning away each endeavor. Girls High worked hard giving their backline a reprieve as they took the game up to College’s end penetrating into the uncharted waters of College’s circle with a stab of an effort.  

Growing in confidence, Girls High started to weave some magical movements together taking play up into Colleges half. An undeterred College attack replied earning their second short corner of the game just after 12 minutes. In a carbon copy of the first corner, the ball was injected to the second castle, and Emily Macquet sent in a low flying flick that was stopped on the line but in a lapse of concentration by the Girls’ High’s last line, the balls momentum from the flick saw it trickle over the line notching up College’s first goal. 

Seconds later, College took full advantage of Girls’ High being on the back foot after having conceded a goal, with a blitz down the middle netting their second. Hannah Hargroves achieved a superb goal, slapping the ball out of the defenders reach. 

With less than five minutes remaining College got into some space on the left, as they dashed down the sideline. In a well-choreographed crusade, first goal scorer, Macquet had a rare moment of freedom in the Girls’ High circle as she fired off a shot. The missile whizzed towards the box, Arinze managed to get a nick on the ball that ricocheted off her pads into the goals, taking the final score now to 3 nil victory. 

College join three other regional finalists who have already secured their place at the Grand Finals. Making their eleventh appearance at the main event of the Challenge, they are the defending champs having won gold last year and on four previous occasions. They join Danville Park Girls High School (Durban North Regional); St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional) and Kuswag Hoërskool (Durban South Regional). 

The tournament heads to St Anne’s School on Saturday 22 April for the Pietermaritzburg North Regional, followed by the uGu and Sisonke Regional at Creston College on Sunday 23 April.

All remaining regionals and the Grand Finals will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools’ mobile app or website. 

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey)

Round Robin Results

1 Durban Girls’ College 24pts; 2 Durban Girls’ High School 17pts; 3 Maris Stella 14pts; 4 St Henry’s 13pts; 5 Inanda Seminary School 8pts; 6 INK Schools 4pts; 7 Port Natal School 0pts

Regional Final Result 

Durban Girls College 3 vs Durban Girls’ High School 0

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban South Regional 15 April Results

Kuswag Hoërskool defended their title in a gutsy display where they met a determined Kingsway High School team in the final of the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at 3 Schools Trust on Saturday 15 April. 

It took the hosts, Kuswag, a few minutes to settle into their stride in an action packed Toti derby. Kingsway got off to a cracker of a start pushing play up to Kuswag’s defence almost immediately after the whistle but were unable to find their players to finish off their attacks with Kuswag’s players marking well at the back. 

After 4 minutes of play, Kuswag had a glimmer of hope as they broke into the Kingsway circle, but it didn’t last long as the Kingsway defence turned play around quickly, fizzling out Kuswag’s first real attempt.

With their momentum building, Kuswag managed to turn possession in their favour, with more threatening runs down into Kingsway’s territory but the last line of Kingsway’s defence stood firm through every surge, not allowing the ball into their box. Kuswag earned two short corners in quick succession mid-way through the final but both golden opportunities sputtered allowing Kingsway time to compose themselves and continue persevering at the other end. 

Kingsway in turn found space as they stretched their legs with beautiful runs up the side lines but were just missing the magical conclusion as they got nearer the Kuswag goal line.

The final whistle blasted with both teams been unable to net any chances during the twenty minutes. The game progressed to a penalty shoot out with three players from each team stepping up to the spot with the objective of outsmarting the oppositions goalie. 

Kuswag got the ball rolling, with captain Maya Pretorius setting off first charging in and firing off her attempt that was confidently blocked by Kingsway’s Ayanda Mpila. Siphokazi Ndutshungu was first to go for Kingsway, in her attempt she also entered the circle and sent the ball goalwards but the shot was skilfully stopped and ushered away by Kuswag’s Diante Cremer’s outstretched stick. 

In the second round, Shyloh van Zyl met the boisterous advances of Mpila as she ran the ball into the circle for Kuswag but didn’t get far as the fearless keeper snubbed out her effort as soon as she got into the D. Kingsway’s second round was taken by a focused Keiyona Achary who speedily fired off her shot that agonisingly shaved past the right upright. 

An assertive Kingsway’s Mpila again bolted out of goals at the start of the third round, hindering Kuswag’s Zahnre de Beer’s attack and not allowing play to advance beyond the top of the D. Lauren Schoeman stepped up for Kingsway’s third penalty shot and similar to Achary, rolled the ball into the circle and sent the ball flying, with the same result as Achary as the ball blasted right of goal. 

The regional final moved to sudden death, Achary bravely went first and opted to change up her strategy, running play to the left as she drew Cremer off her line. With time dwindling fast, Achary now alongside the baseline, snuck the ball past Cremer. With centimeters to go before the ball crossed over the goal line, the dreaded 8 second whistle blew ending Kingsway glimmer of the all-important goal. 

Captain courageous was first to go for her team, savvy to Mpila’s enthusiasm a calm Pretorius rounded the keepers advances and continued running the ball firmly into the back of Kingsway box, clinching the game and the final in spectacular fashion. 

At the conclusion of the round robin games, both Kuswag and Kingsway were neck and neck, ending level on 14 points each. In their five games, both teams drew two and won three, with their round robin game concluding in a nil nil draw. Kuswag took pole position having scored eight goals to Kingsway’s seven in their five games. 

Two umpires were acknowledged for their hard work with the whistle, Chris Clark from Kingsway earned the title of Umpire of the Day award while New Forest High Schools Nonhlanhla Shezi was recognised as the Most Promising Umpire at the challenge.

Kuswag joins two other teams who have already secured their berth at the Grand Finals that will take place on the weekend of the 22 and 23 July at St Mary’s DSG. Danville Park Girls High School (Durban North Regional) and St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional) were the first two teams to earn their spot out of the ten regions in this challenge. 

All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools’ mobile app or website. 

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey)

Round Robin Results

1 Kuswag Hoërskool 14pts; 2 Kingsway High School 14pts; 3 Amanzimtoti High School 10pts; 4 New Forest High School 7pts; 5 Werda School 5pts; 6 Queensburgh Girls’ High School 0pts

Regional Final Result

Kuswag Hoërskool 0 (1) vs Kingsway High School 0 (0)

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Sisonke and Ugu Regional Creston College: Sunday 23 April

Passing halfway in the ten regional KZN contest, the sixth tournament of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge gets underway at Creston College which hosts schools for the Sisonke and Ugu Regional on Sunday 23 April.

Ten schools will be participating in this regional, with host school Creston leading five teams in Pool A. Joining them are St Patrick’s College, Scottburgh High School, King Edward High School and Kokstad High School. In Pool B Southcity Christian School takes on Port Shepstone High School, Ixopo High School, Suid Natal Hoërskool and Bergview College. 

Exciting news for this Southern KZN regional is that the teams will be stepping onto the recently installed astro turf at Creston College. Since the inception of the tournament in 2011, the growth of schoolgirls’ hockey has boomed in all the regions of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge. With the unveiling of Creston College’s new turf, this means that all ten regions in the Challenge now have access to an astro, giving them all opportunities to play a faster and more accurate game, in line with international standards.

Games get underway at 8am where Creston will take on defending champs, King Edward High School. Scores will be calculated with the winning team notching up 4 points, a draw with equal goals netting 2 points, a goalless draw only 1 point and a loss zero points. 

Once the pool games are completed, the competitive cross pool playoffs will reveal the placings in this region. The gold silver game concludes a fun filled hockey day at just before 3pm. 

The Sisonke and Ugu Regional has had three winners since the tournament’s inception in 2011. Creston College has raised the trophy twice in 2021 and 2013, while Kokstad College has represented the region three times in 2011, 2014 and 2019 and the defending champs, King Edward College has won the tournament five times in the years 2015 – 2018 and 2022. 

Five teams would have confirmed their spots at the Grand Finals that will be taking place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 22 and 23 July. The winner of the Southern KZN Regional will meet Danville Park Girls’ High School (DBN North Regional Winner), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional Winner), the Durban South Regional winner, the Durban Central Regional Winner, and the victorious team from the PMB North Regional that takes place the day before the Creston Clash. 

All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools’ mobile app or website. 

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey)

-ends

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge Durban South - Saturday 15 April

Hockey teams participating in the Durban South Regional will head to 3 Schools’ Trust for the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 15 April.

Hosted by defending champions, Kuswag Hoërskool, five other teams will join them on the astro. Amanzimtoti, who have hoisted the trophy a handful of times, will be leading the charge to reclaim the title, together with a highly competitive line up including Kingsway High School, New Forest High School, Queensburgh Girls’ High School and Werda Skool. 

Ready to bounce into the third regional, Kuswag players Silke Bester and Maya Pretorious look forward to welcoming teams at the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that they will host at 3 Schools Trust Astro on Saturday 15 April. Pic by Val Adamson

The format for the day has the six teams squaring off in a round robin tournament, with the games lasting 25 minutes one way. The winning team will notch up 4 points for their efforts. In a case where the teams drew with goals, they will both earn 2 points, while a goalless draw sees their scores increase by one point. A loss will register zero point on the scorecard. 

Getting the tournament underway, New Forest will take on Amanzimtoti who have represented this region five times (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), in the first game of the day at 8am. Followed by Queensburgh versus Kingsway. Host school, Kuswag have won the title twice in 2011 and 2022 take on Werda in their third round of the tournament. The top two performing teams will meet each other in the regional final just before 2pm. 

The winner of the Durban South Regional will join Danville Park Girls’ High School (DBN North Regional) and St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional) at the Grand Finals that will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on the 22nd and 23rd of July.

All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools app or on their website. 

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey)

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban Centrals Sunday 16 April

A full day of hockey gets underway at the Durban Central Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge at 3 Schools’ Trust Astro on Sunday 16 April.

Durban Girls’ High School will host the regional that features seven schools, including the hosts. The programme tips off at 8am, with 21 action packed games expected in a round robin format. Games will last 18 minutes one way, with a win netting the victorious team 4 points, a draw with goals ups their scorecard by 2 points, a goalless draw increases their tally by 1 point and a loss registering zero points. 

Eye firmly on the ball, Durban Girls’ College players Georgina Stephenson and Jenna Reardon are eager to participate in the upcoming Durban Central Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that Durban Girls’ High School will be hosting at 3 Schools Trust Astro on Sunday 16 April.

This region has been dominated by one school, Durban Girls’ College, which is the only team in the ten regions and in the history of the tournament to have a 100% regional winning streak. Not only is College the defending regional champions, but they also hoisted the trophy at the Grand Finals last year. They will come up against tough competition in this regional where they will face host Durban Girls’ High School.

In the quest for the title, joining the two Durban Girls’ teams are Inanda Seminary School; INK Schools; Maris Stella College; Port Natal School and St Henry’s Marist College. 

The winner of the Durban Central Regional will join Danville Park Girls’ High School (DBN North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional) and the winner of the Durban South Regional that is being played the day before the Durban Central Regional, at the Grand Finals that will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on the 22nd and 23rd of July.

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey)

 ENDS

Luthayi High wins SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge Highway Regional

A sparkling performance by Luthayi High School saw them claim victory in the penultimate netball challenge at the Highway Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge that took place at Hillcrest High School on Saturday 17 September.

In the regional final, Luthayi took on Durban Girls’ High School, where they dominated from the get-go. It took 11 seconds for Luthayi to register their first goal, and with a goal a minute, they concluded the game at 16 – 6.

Luthayi gave no room to Girls’ High in the first half, not letting them settle at all. An alert Luthayi defence and midfield were on the ball, intercepting countless times and sending play up to Miss Consistent, the power house Goal Shooter and captain AphiweThusini , who was camped out directly under the goals and who netted majority of her teams points throughout the day.

After 8 minutes of play, the scoreline was 8 – 3 at half time. Durban Girls’ High School worked valiantly in the second half, battling to get into their stride and try and find some rhythm as they forced their way into the Luthayi circle but were just unable to capitalise on these opportunities. As they tried to claw their way back into the mix, Girls’ High had to navigate around a livewire Luthayi centre, Sisanda Ngubo who drifted all over the court, surprising Girls’ High with some magical pounces as she halted their advances several times.

Luthayi concluded their day with a marvelous 16 – 6 win. After the game, Captain for Luthayi High, Aphiwe Thusini said, “It was a really great tournament, the other teams gave us a lot of pressure throughout the day. We are delighted that we managed to win the nail-biter against Curro. They were a hard team to beat.”

Former Luthayi High School graduate, and captain for the SPAR Proteas Netball team, Bongiwe Msomie, was announced as the Telkom Woman of the Year at the recent Momentum G-Sports Awards ceremony. Inspired by her hero Msomie, a young Thusini shared, “We are so proud of her and her ongoing achievements. We are raising this trophy up today in her honour.”

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the eventual winners, in their semi-final, Luthayi had to grind their way to victory against Curro Hillcrest in an action-packed game that flowed rapidly from side to side. The score was level on 13 each at full time, so the game went to one minute decider in extra time. Luthayi earned two 1 pointers, while Curro Hillcrest Goal Attack, Taylor Adlam floated in a fantastic 2 point equaliser. After 60 seconds of play, the game was still all tied up at 15 all. Another minute of play gave Luthayi the edge and saw them score the all-important 1 point allowing them the golden ticket to the regional final.

In the bronze medal game, Curro Hillcrest who had left everything on the court in their semi, met Gelofte High School who were firing on all cylinders. Gelofte opened up the scoring and for majority of the game, had the advantage but a late surge by the local team saw Curro come back to a 15 – 14 victory, taking a well-deserved third place.

Rounding off the 2022 challenge is the midlands’ schools meeting at Voortrekker Hoërskool for the Pietermaritzburg Regional on Saturday 15 October.

All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools mobile app or website. For more info like the challenges Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

Medal Games

1 Luthayi High School; 2 Durban Girls’ High School; 3 Curro Hillcrest; 4 Gelofte High School

Pool A Results

1 Durban Girls High School 12 points; 2 Curro Hillcrest 9 points; 3 Westville Girls High School 6 points; 4 Indlovukazi Invitational; 5 Ridge Park College 3 points

Pool B Results

1 Luthayi High School 12 points; 2 Gelofte High School 9 points; 3 St Henry’s Marist College 6 points; 4 Hillcrest High School 3 points

ENDS

Durban SPAR Women’s 5km Challenge - back in action!

Durban SPAR Women’s 5km Challenge

Beachfront: Saturday 3 September

Back in action. A sea of teal took to the streets and the promenade around the beachfront in Durban for the Durban SPAR Women’s 5km Challenge, and to various routes throughout South Africa for the SPAR Virtual Challenge on Saturday 3 September.

Thousands of women relished being able to join other like-minded participants in the annual SPAR Women’s event. For the past two years, SPAR hosted two very successful Virtual Challenges nationally. With the announcement of the Covid19 restrictions being lifted, SPAR KZN organised an In-Person event to celebrate being able to participate together again, with a fun 5km loop around the Suncoast precinct and beachfront.

Thousands of virtual runners also competed en-mass, or individually, with athletes from outlying areas like Uvongo, Hluhluwe, and Newcastle organising small running groups to tackle familiar routes in their areas.

As an incentive for the more serious runners taking part in the In-Person race, the top five runners each received SPAR vouchers for their fantastic times in the shorter distance. The top five were 1. Nwabisa Mjoli 17.27, 2. Lisha van Onselen 18.05, 3. Silindile Hlatshwayo 18.43, 4. Nokuthula Ntshangase 20.14, 5. Mbali Mashaba 21.03

With life returning to normal, SPAR KZN is looking forward to hosting its most beautiful race, the annual Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge next year in winter.

ENDS

Grantleigh College wins North Coast Regional of SPAR Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge

North Coast Regional

Grantleigh College: Saturday 21 May

For the fifth consecutive regional final, host school Grantleigh College met Felixton College in the North Coast Regional, the last of the ten KZN regionals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge held on Saturday 21 May at Grantleigh’s astro.

In their previous clashes since 2017, both teams have raised the trophy twice. In their fifth regional final bout, Grantleigh managed a hard-earned victory. It was their second meeting of the day against the determined visitors, the top two teams met in the opening game of the tournament, when the heavens opened dumping bucket loads of water on the field. In a drenched start, the first round went in favour of Grantleigh.

Games were reduced to fifteen minutes each with the deluge threatening for the entire day to be postponed. Fortunately for the seven teams, the rain didn’t stop play and the weather cleared up.

After a cautious start by both teams in the tense final, Grantleigh started to build pressure on Felixton after 8 minutes of play. The home team got into their stride taking the game up towards the Felixton goal.

Grantleigh had been taking runs at the Felixton defense for a couple of minutes, sending play down their favoured right-hand side. A break through saw Kelly Braithwaite being in the right spot at the right time as she was left unmarked in the middle of the Felixton circle. Camping out on the penalty spot, Braithwaite received a gift of an opportunity when the ball rolled straight to her from one of her team’s advances. Calmly balancing herself and not hesitating, she slapped the ball in for Grantleigh’s first goal.

In a steadfast and unwavering display, not giving up - the visiting team had a fantastic passage of play going on the offensive. Three minutes after Grantleigh scored, Felixton were awarded a short corner. The ball was pushed short to the first player on the D, stopping it cleanly and quickly, Chanel Naidoo let off her attempt from just inside the circle. Grantleigh’s keeper, Zime Maxase didn’t have any problems stopping the shot, and not wasting any time, she efficiently got the ball away from the goal mouth. Unfortunately, the swift clearance found a Felixton attacker who got the second phase of play underway, moving the ball smoothly to her player on the post. In a decisive deflection, Amanda Mthembu helped the precise pass in, earning the all-important leveller. The score now was 1 all with just under 9 minutes left of play.

As time slipped away, both teams persevered in their quest for the regional winning goal but as the final whistle blew, the score was still level with both teams netting only the one goal each. The regional final moved to a penalty shoot-out where three players from each team would individually have a chance against the opposition’s keeper.

In the six rounds of the penalty shoot-outs, the scoreboard remained unchanged with all six attempts either going wide or being well defended by the alert keepers. The game then went to the next level, sudden death. Felixton led the charge with Naidoo making her way goalwards, as she neared Grantleigh’s keeper, she craftily tried to slip in her attempt, but her shot was fired directly at the keeper, Maxase, who neatly cleared it out of the danger zone.

Next to go, with home turf and home crowd advantage, Grantleigh’s Braithwaite cruised up with the ball. As she entered the circle, she veered right and after a couple of paces, knocked in a rocket that was just out of reach of Felixton’s keeper, Sena Mhlaba, her goal claiming victory for her beloved team.

Chatting after the game, Captain for Grantleigh College, Kayla Hassard shared, “We had a very good tournament, and played well throughout the day. Our structure was good, and everything that we have been working on we were able to achieve, and we proved what we are capable of. Felixton are our main rivals in this area and in today’s game they made us work hard for our win. I am extremely proud of our shoot out and how well Zime and Kelly did in the sudden death.”

Sisanda Juqu from Grantleigh College was awarded Umpire of the Day.

Hoisting the trophy for the fifth time, Grantleigh have earned the final ticket to the Grand Finals where they will meet nine other KZN regional winners at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof on 23 and 24 July.

North Coast Regional winner, Grantleigh College join Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Kuswag Hoërskool (DBN South Regional); King Edward High School (Ugu and Sisonke Regional); Domino Servite (uMvoti and oThukela Regional) and Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional) at the Grand Finals.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

Results

1 Grantleigh College 24 points; 2 Felixton College 20 points; 3 Empangeni High School 10 points; 4 St Catherine’s School 6 points; 5 Eshowe High School 4 points; = 6 John Ross College 3 points; = 6 Richards Bay Christian School 3 points

Scores

Felixton 0 vs Grantleigh 1

St Catherine’s 0 vs Eshowe 0

Empangeni 0 vs Richards Bay Christian School 0

Felixton 3 vs John Ross 0

Eshowe 0 vs Empangeni 0

Grantleigh 2 vs St Catherine’s 0

Felixton 2 vs Empangeni 0

John Ross 0 vs Grantleigh 4

Richards Bay Christian School 1 vs Eshowe 1

Felixton 3 vs St Catherine’s 0

Empangeni 0 vs Grantleigh 1

John Ross 0 vs Richards Bay Christian School 0

Felixton 2 vs Eshowe 1

Richards Bay Christian School 0 vs Grantleigh 5

St Catherine’s 0 vs John Ross 0

Eshowe 0 vs Grantleigh 5

John Ross 0 vs Empangeni 1

Richards Bay Christian School 0 vs St Catherine’s 2

Eshowe 0 vs John Ross 0

Felixton 2 vs Richards Bay Christian School 0

St Catherine’s 0 vs Empangeni 1

Final: Grantleigh 1 (1) vs Felixton 0 (1)

ENDS

The SPAR Women’s Challenge builds on the runaway success of their previous virtual challenges

The SPAR Women’s Challenge builds on the runaway success of their previous virtual challenges.

Celebrating its third year, the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge 2022 will return to the annual road-running calendar serving as a symbol of the country’s rise out of the ashes of the pandemic. 

The 2022 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge will build on the runaway success of last year’s race when entries were open nationwide, taking the most beautiful race to all corners of the country (and abroad). As a virtual event, there are no geographic boundaries to the race,  participants get to decide on their route, be it in the Berg, Bush or along the Beach. Participants can set their own pace, and choose whether to do it alone, with friends, family or as a community.

This year’s theme, captured through the hashtag, #IRise, is a celebration of how South African women conquer their challenges. The 2022 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge encourages all participants to harness their power, adopt the #IRise philosophy and become part of a collaborative community that collectively rises above their challenges. 

The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge was launched in 2020 as a homage to South African women’s resilience and strength amid the uncertainty and strife brought on by the CoViD-19 pandemic. Although the government has lifted the state of disaster, the pandemic remains in our midst, which prompted SPAR once again to take the beautiful road race into the virtual space.

“For the safety of our participants, based on the fluctuating CoViD-19 regulations and the unprecedented times we find ourselves in, we have gone virtual again this year,” said Charlene Subbarayan, SPAR Group Sponsorship & Events Manager. “However, that does not mean we have compromised on the fun. Get your friends together, work out a route in your local community and share all the fun by tagging us in your pictures #IRise #YourRaceYourPace.”

Online entries are now open for the 2022 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge. SPAR invites women in KwaZulu Natal, across the country and beyond to join in on Saturday 3 September, anytime between 06h00 and 18h00 (subject to government lockdown regulations). Participants can run, jog, or walk their virtual challenge at their own pace anywhere in South Africa.

The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is more than a race, it is a celebration of female camaraderie and is a social compact aimed at improving the lives of our fellow humans. Each year the Virtual Challenge adopts a charitable cause that addresses a broader societal issue.

By entering this year’s SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, participants will make a meaningful contribution to the lives of young girls. For every entry, a pack of sanitary pads will be donated to help keep a girl in school through the SPAR Petals Project. The Project advocates for a shame-free education for all young women, and through their contributions, participants will help these girls rise above their challenges. 

“The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge has grown beyond the boundaries of racecourses or geographical areas. It is a movement that celebrates the resilience of women across the breadth and width of the country,” said Mike Prentice, SPAR Group Marketing Executive. “The sight of women from different walks of life taking to the streets and trails around South Africa has filled us with immense pride. SPAR looks forward to the thousands of posts to light up social media platforms.” 

The Virtual Challenge also boasts a dedicated group of brand ambassadors who help spread the #IRise message and promote the causes that we support. The list includes familiar fan favourites and some new ambassadors eager to get SA excited about the challenge. 

Entry to the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is R120, and as part of the entry fee, every participant will receive a virtual challenge pack. The pack includes an official virtual challenge t-shirt, access to the My Virtual Challenge digital magazine, a face buff and a medal.

This year there are even more ways to join in the fun online. Participants can visit the official race website, www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za to generate their race number and finish line certificate – perfect for pre and post-race selfies! Use #IRise and #SPARVirtualChallenge when posting to join the challenge community online!

For more information and to find out how to enter, visit www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za. Entries are limited to 60 000 participants – enter now to avoid disappointment. 

The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge and Theme:

Difficulty calls us to rise, and in that rising, we learn what we are capable of. The theme the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge 2022 is built on the concept of rising despite difficulty, like a phoenix from the ashes, which the Virtual Challenge

itself has done amidst a global pandemic. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity, and there is a plethora of opportunity for creativity amidst the current challenges that we face.

This year we anticipate rising again as the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge 2022, in celebration of a South African stalwart, accompanied by a powerful digital strategy and virtual challenge, to become the most inclusive challenge South Africa has seen.

Over the years, the challenge has brought women from all walks of life together, to make a difference in our communities and once again, this year will be no different,

as we rise to the challenge as a nation, leaving no woman (or man) behind. While the challenge is still fully focused on women, we encourage women to bring their families, friends and animals, and welcome everyone, irrespective of gender, for this inclusive challenge.

EVENT DIARY DETAILS: 

Date: 3 September 2022

Time: 06h00 – 18h00 (subject to current lockdown restrictions) 

Location: Virtual Event (participants can select own route and distance) 

Entries+Website: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/

 -ends

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge - Durban Central Regional hosted by Durban Girls’ College: Sunday 15 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban Central Regional

Durban Girls’ College: Sunday 15 May

Tournament number nine gets underway at Durban Girls’ College on Sunday 15 May where teams from the Durban Central Regional will be eager to hit the turf at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.

Six schools join hosts, Durban Girls’ College on their turf to play in a full round robin programme of 18 minute quick fire games. Raring to get the ball rolling alongside College are first teams from Durban Girls’ High School, Inanda Seminary School, INK, Port Natal Skool, Maris Stella and St Henry’s Marist College.

After the 21 scheduled games, the top two teams will meet each other in the deciding regional final. Following the pattern of previous tournaments, a win puts 4 points on the board for your team, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw only 1 point and a loss zero points.

The only team in the history of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge with the proud statistics of a 100% record, winning all their regionals is Durban Girls’ College. College have been crowned regional champions since the tournament’s inception in 2011 and they will be keen to continue their domination at this competitive region.

At the conclusion of the ten KZN regionals, the top team representing their area heads to the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. The winner of this region will join eight victorious teams that have already earned their spot, they are Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Kuswag Hoërskool (DBN South Regional); King Edward High School (Ugu and Sisonke Regional) and most recently crowned team Domino Servite from the uMvoti and oThukela Regional this weekend (7 May).

Following this tournament, the challenge heads to Grantleigh College in Richards Bay next Saturday 21 May for the conclusion of the 2022 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge regionals.

If you are unable to support the tournament at the games, you can watch all the action on the SuperSport Schools mobile App or on their website.

For more info like the tournaments Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Westville Girls to host Highway Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Highway Regional

Westville Girls’ High School: Sunday 13 March

Nearing midway in the 2020 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, the fifth tournament takes place at Westville Girls’ High School where first teams will meet for the Highway Regional on Sunday 13 March.

Joining host school, Westville are Curro Hillcrest, Gelofte High School, Hillcrest High School, Kloof High School, St Mary’s DSG Kloof and Thomas More College.

The seven teams will have 18 minutes of turf time to create some magic on the field. The programme for the day has Westville meeting Thomas More in the first game at 8am. The format for the day is a round robin, where a win earns the team 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and zero points for a loss. 

In the event of teams being equal on points at the end of the round robin, the positions will be determined by goal difference or goals for or goals against and should there still be a tie, then a penalty shootout will take place between three players from those teams. After the round robin, the top two teams with the highest scores will play in the final to determine first and second place. Should the game end in a draw, the final heads to the penalty shootout for the regional decider. 

Over the years, St Mary’s DSG have dominated this regional with appearances in all but one Grand Final. In 2014, a courageous team from Westville Girls managed to topple Saints in the regional and make their first appearance at the Grand Finals. After 22 games in this round robin, the 2022 winner will be revealed. 

The Grand Finals features each of the ten regional winners over two days of action-packed hockey. The victorious team from the Highway Regional will join teams already through to the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof in July. Teams that have secured their berth at the finals are newcomer Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional) and St Anne’s (PMB North Regional). The fourth tournament, the DBN North Regional, takes place the day before the Highway Regional. 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge tournaments will be live streamed by Supersport Schools on their app or website. 

ENDS

Results Durban Central Regionals - Durban Girls' College wins 16 May

Media Release

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban Girls’ High School: Sunday 16 May

Continuing their legendary record, Durban Girls’ College defended their tenth title in the Durban Central Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday 16 May at 3 Schools Trust.

College is the only team in the history of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge to have won this regional every year since the tournament’s inception in 2011. In this year’s final, they met age old opponents Durban Girls’ High School.

Manager for Durban Girls’ College, Bell Meek who has been part of every victory, stated simply after the win, “The girls played beautiful hockey today.”

In their first encounter during the Round Robin, Girls’ High held College for 18 and a half minutes, defending like trojans, before letting College get in the first goal. With the seconds counting down, College managed to knock in a shot from the top of the circle, beyond the valiant attempt from Girls’ High’s keeper. The dress rehearsal for the final ended on 2-0 to College.

In the main game of the day, 70 seconds into the final, College were awarded their first short corner. In their set piece, the ball travelled quickly from the top of the D to Julia Burnett, situated on the penalty spot. She tried to turn and flick but Akum Mkhwanazi, keeper for Girls’ High was savvy to her intentions and was right behind her not allowing her any room.  College continued to persevere, with their next attempt hitting the right post and in the flurry in the goals, Girls’ High calmly cleared the ball over the baseline, allowing for College to earn another short corner.

In their second set play, College tried the traditional, uncomplicated pass to the castle with the ball then being fired in. First wave, Cortney Whitfield from Girls High was bravely charging down the rocket, putting her body on the line and saving her team from the second attempt. 

With just under 5 minutes of play, College got into some free space, dashing into the circle with a beautifully timed reverse stick shot that went clanging into the right post and rebounding back into play. Erin Watson who was on hand in support, was gifted the rebound ball and neatly took her chance slotting in College’s tournament-winning goal. 

Girls’ High worked nobly at the back defending four more short corners. But the hosts also took the game right up into the visitor’s circle with several well-crafted attacks. Here they met a strong back line who quickly worked the ball out of their danger zone and returned the play up to the midfield. 

Three quarters of the way through the final, the small, dynamite package of Burnett ignited play as she bolted down the sideline, zipped along the baseline and balanced herself to let off a cracker but was met by Mkhwanazi who continued her sterling performance, and booted out the attempt. 

In the final short corner, College tried yet another creative set piece but were unable to pierce through solid defense of the home team who really put their hearts, and their bodies on the line. The game ended with only the one goal being netted, and a well-deserved victory to the visitors. 

College join four other teams who have been crowned regional winners in the Take Two of the milestone celebratory tenth year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge. Danville Park Girls’ High won the Durban Central Regional, Wembley College took the title in the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional, St Mary’s D.S.G. from the Highway Regional, and most recently Grantleigh College won the North Coast Regional. 

For more info, like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

Results

1 Durban Girls’ College, 2 Durban Girls’ High School, 3 Maris Stella, 4 St Henry’s Marist College, 5 INK Team, 6 Inanda Seminary 

Fixtures for the Durban Central Regional Durban Girls’ High School Sunday 16 May

Fixtures for the Durban Central Regional

Durban Girls’ High School Sunday 16 May

Coming up to midway in the fixtures of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Durban Girls’ High School host the Durban Central Regional at their 3 Schools Astro on Sunday 16 May.

Girls High welcomes five teams from in and around the CBD, including Inanda Seminary, the INK team, St Henry’s Marist College, Maris Stella and Durban Girls’ College.

Getting the day underway, St Henry’s will meet the INK team in the first game of the regional. All games will have a duration of 20 minutes, with play going only one way. A win notches up four points, a draw with goals earns two points and a goalless draw adding one point. 

Concluding the round robin tournament, the two top teams will meet each other in the regional final. If, by the end of the 20 minutes, the teams are all level, then the game will move to an exciting 8 second penalty shoot out to decide the overall winner.

One team has completely dominated this area, the only team to have a 100% record in the ten years of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Challenge. Durban Girls’ College is the solitary name to have been engraved on the trophy since the tournament’s inception in 2011. In the take two of the tournament’s milestone celebratory ‘tenth’ year, five schools will be keen to change this history, and see their name included. 

The winner of the Durban Central Regional joins Danville Park Girls’ High, winners of the Durban North Regional, Wembley College from the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional, and St Mary’s D.S.G. from the Highway Regional.

Please note, no supporters are allowed pitch-side under the current government regulations.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Fixtures for the North Coast Regional Grantleigh College: Saturday 15 May

Fixtures for the North Coast Regional Grantleigh College: Saturday 15 May

The fourth regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge heads to the picturesque pitch of Grantleigh College for the North Coast Regional on Saturday 15 May. 

With hometown advantage, Grantleigh hopes to reclaim their title in this regional that sees six schools taking to the turf. Joining them on the day are defending champs, Felixton College, John Ross College, Richards Bay Christian School, St Catherine’s and Empangeni High School.

Half of the teams taking to the astro have been crowned in this region. Empangeni High School have four wins to their name in the early days of the tournament, with hosts Grantleigh winning three times and most recently, Felixton College lifting the trophy twice. 

Each school will get a good run after a year’s break, with five games in total in the round robin format. After the fifteen games, the two teams topping the leaderboard will get a chance to play for the honour of regional champion in the Take Two of the tournament’s milestone celebratory ‘tenth’ year.  

The games will be 20 minutes long, with play running one way only. Successful teams will earn themselves 4 points for a win, if teams draw with both teams slotting goals, they will get 2 points, and for a goalless draw only 1 point will be added to their scorecard. In the final, if the games are level, both teams will head to the spot for a three player penalty shoot out. 

So far, three tournaments have rolled out in quick succession with Danville Park Girls’ High taking the first win in the Durban North Regional. Wembley College from took the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional, St Mary’s D.S.G. from the Highway Regional. The following day Durban Girls’ High School hosts schools for the Durban Central Regional. The remaining tournaments all play out in the next month.

Please note, no supporters are allowed pitch-side under the current government regulations.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Results Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Wembley College: Saturday 8 May

Media Release

Wrap Up for the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional

Wembley College: Saturday 8 May

A joyous performance by host school, Wembley College saw them winning the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 8 May.

Photo by Rogan Ward

Wembley College’s Captain Sarah Barber (right) takes a shot at goals as Wartburg Kirchdorf is Lisa Lea Engelbrecht defends, during the finals of the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Wembley College in Greytown on Saturday 8 May. Wembley claimed their 1-0 victory in an exciting penalty shootout.

Wembley College won the inaugural tournament in 2011 but have since not managed to top the podium. In the regional final they took on the 2019 Defending Champs, a young Wartburg Kirchdorf team. Wartburg who have dominated this region with six wins, were luckily to have advanced through to the regional final after a spectacular performance by Domino Servite on the turf, the Tech Officials did the counting for goal differences to see who would be the team to feature against Wembley.

At the whistle, Wembley showed their intention as they charged from the middle into Wartubrg territory. A revitalised and focused Wartburg then got into gear and turned over the play and took the game straight down to Wembley’s circle. 40 seconds into the game, and the umpire blew the first short corner, for Wartburg. Wartburg’s first attack was not successful, with the keeper booting out a soft attempt. Two minutes later, Wartburg had their second short corner, but again were unable to capitalise. 

Play pivoted Wembley’s way with a few chances up at the Wartburg goals, but a Wartburg solid defence, and missed Wembley opportunities meant the scoreline was still on zero each. Nearing ten minutes of play, a fast solo-break by Ncuthukazi Dlatu from Wartburg chasing towards the Wembley keeper, with only one player to beat, agonising watched as the ball got away from her and shot out of play over the line. 

The remainder of play bounced between the two teams 22s, with Wembley claiming more possession than Wartburg. Both teams were unable to net any of their chances in their opponent’s circles until Wembley desperately knocked the ball from close to the 22 and managed to find a Wartburg foot. As the clock ticked to zero, the umpire signalled a Wembley short corner. With pressure mounting, Wembley pushed the ball out to the top of the D and fired off a hurried flick that was easily defended and cleared. Full time with the scoreboard not having moved.

The game moved to a three-person penalty shootout. First to go was Dlatu for Wartburg who fired off her shot as soon as she set foot into the circle, with the ball whizzing past the right post not giving much work for Wembley’s keeper, Sinegugu ‘Sne’ Ngcobo. Next to go was Wembley’s Vice Captain, Leah Tedder who tried valiantly but was unable to shake Wartburg’s Marissa van der Spuy defence.  Wartburg’s Lise-Lea Engelbrecht was unable to bypass the brave charge of Ngcobo who determinedly booted the ball well out of play. Kristen Steyn kept her ball close to her as she advanced for Wembley, just managing to skirt around van der Spuy and with a tight angle tapped the ball into the Wartburg goal, giving her team the big break. Wartburg’s Khanya Mhlophe’s attempt went much the way of Dlatu, as she stepped into the circle, fired off a shot that was easily deflected by a waiting Ngcobo. 

“The girls came into the tournament with the desire to win today, and they did it. It is a really good feeling. And this is the first time since 2011, so makes it very special for us!” said a delighted Wembley coach, Gareth Larkan. 

Wembley earning the win, 1-0 and the Regional Title for the second time in the Take Two of the Milestone celebratory tenth year. They are the second team this year to be crowned, joining Danville Park Girls’ High School from the Durban North Regional. 

The highly contested Highway Regional followed the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional on Sunday at Curro Hillcrest where St Mary’s D.S.G. took the honours, with another five more regionals rolling out in May, and the final two taking place in early June. 

For more info on the tournament, like the Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Results for SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge

Umvoti 

Wembley College: Saturday 8 May

1 Wembley College, 2 Wartburg High School, 3 Domino Servite 4 Greytown High School

Fixtures: uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Media Release

Fixtures for Second SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Wembley College; Greytown: Saturday 8 May

Fixtures for the second tournament of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge have been announced for the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional on Saturday 8 May.

A fabulous four teams will take to the turf at host school, Wembley College this year. Joining Wembley are Domino Servite and previous regional winners Greytown High School and Wartburg Kirchdorf School.

A round robin format sees six games being played, each game lasting 30 minutes with a five minute break between matches. Following on from the round robin, the top two teams will meet to reveal the overall regional winner.

Of the four teams featured on the day, three have ventured to the Grand Finals in previous years with Wartburg Kirchdorf dominating this area in the ten year history of this SPAR KZN hockey tournament. Greytown High School technically are the defending champs, having lifted the trophy in 2019. 

In an action-filled month of hockey, Danville Park Girls’ High from the Durban North Regional took the top honours in the first tournament this past weekend, and teams from the Highway area take to the turf on Sunday 9 May. Five more tournaments take place around KZN on the remaining weekends in May, and the final two of the ten regions rolling out in early June.

For more info on the tournament, like the Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS