Gom october issue 10

ISSUE 10, OCTOBER 2014

The ultimate online Sports Magazine!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

GEZELLE MAGERMAN

SAVES SA’S HONOUR

YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES GOLD MEDALLIST

MEET SIYOLI

WATERS

FLYING THE SA

FLAG HIGH

NAAS BOTHA

PAUL BOSHOFF A RISING STAR

ON MISSING THE BIGGER PICTURE

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

© Camouflage Visual Solutions (Pty) Ltd and Game On

contents Image Gallery EYE OF THE LENS IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER Photos by Monster Energy

Cover Feature MAIN STORY Gezelle MaGerMan SavES Sa’S HONOuR wITH gold medal at Youth olYmpic games “One swallow does not make a summer,” or so they say.

Words by Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos Provided

Karien Jonckheere Journalist PHILNA VAN VEIJEREN Journalist (Junior) Bernard van Tonder Photographer GALLO IMAGES | SASPA SMUGSHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO BACK PAGE MEDIA

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FOCUS: SCHOOL SPORTS RUGBY HEIN KRIEK BACK TO THE TOP Words by Kobus Pretorius | Photos by Saspa and Provided

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Tinus De Beer’s way of play excites Springbok legend Words by Kobus Pretorius | Photos by Saspa and Provided

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Naas Botha MISSIng thE BIggER pICtuRE Words by Kobus Pretorius | Photos by Saspa and Provided

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Oscar Schuld The Oscar-Winning Strategy To Winning The Beeld Trophy Words by Philna Van Veijeren | Photos Provided

BENCH (CONTRIBUTORS)

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Wessel du Plessis Aiming for perfection Words by Philna Van Veijeren | Photos Provided

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Juan de Jongh Leading from the front Words by Karien Jonckheere | Photos by Reg Caldecott

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EDITORIAL 05 Talking Point with Kobus Pretorius

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Issue 09, September 2014

Sporting Features CRICKET dane piedt HIT OR MISS?

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Words by Kobus Pretorius | Photos by Cricket South Africa

Grant Roelofsen “TEST CENTURY” PROVES HARD WORK PAYS OFF

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Words by Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos by Cricket South Africa and Provided

Cycling Daryl Impey Cleared Of Doping Words by wilhelm De Swardt | Photos Backpage Media

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MOUNTAIN BIKING Lebo Pebane INSPIRES ON HER MOuNTAIN BIKE AND AT SCHOOL Words by wilhelm De Swardt | Photos Provided

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Squash: Q&A

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Siyoli Waters Flies Sa Flag For Squash Words by Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos Provided

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NETBALL Affies Dominate Netball Tournaments Words by Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos Provided

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Jeanté Strydom More Than Passionate About Netball Words by Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos Provided

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Hockey Waterkloof Hoërskool 1St Hockey Team Wins Noordvaal Trophy Words by Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos Provided

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rOwING Dan Watkins Rugby Injury Was A Blessing In Disguise For Watkins Words by Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos Provided

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GOLf: Q&A

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Paul Boshoff Rising Star Words by Kobus Pretorius | Photos by Dale Boyce, SAGA, Roger Sedres

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EDITORIAL This month two extraordinary young female sports stars steal the spotlight.

There was definitely a great sense of relief when Gezelle Magerman won the 400-hurdles at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.

Until Magerman’s final race it seemed as if the South African Team was not going to win any medals, which would have been catastrophic especially because South Africa has failed, for the first time, to win a medal at the IAAF Junior World Championships in Oregon, Eugene.

Magerman, a Grade 11 pupil at La Rochelle Girls High School in Paarl, was quite modest when asked how it felt to be the one who saved South Africa’s sporting honour at the Youth Games. (Read article on page 16).

SA shines bright thanks to YOUTH athletes giving their all Dan Watkins (St Albans College) could not have imagined just how lucky he was to injure his knee in a schools rugby game. After the initial desperate disappointment, there are now indications that his niggly knee has set him on a completely different course which could, hopefully, lead to Olympic glory for him.

Lebo Pebane (Kwena Molapo School in Diepsloot) is another heroine in her own right.

Although Watkins has only been rowing for less than four years, he has worked hard to rise rapidly through the ranks. In August he made a major breakthrough when he returned home from the World Rowing Junior Championships in Germany with a bronze medal. (Read article on page 70)

There can certainly not be many 17-year-old Grade 12 pupils who can claim to be an international mountain biker, a motivational speaker, as well as a mom.

In his column, Talking Point, Kobus Pretorius highlights five lessons we have learned from the cricket tours in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. (Read on page 78)

An inspiring story is told by Molapo, a mountain biker from the Absa Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy (Read article on page 50) of how she did not allow herself to be deterred when she unexpectedly became a mom. She went on to win a silver medal at the African Youth Games in Gaborone and followed this up by representing South Africa at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.

After two years in the international rugby wilderness, Stormers centre, Juan de Jongh, was made captain of the Western Province rugby team for the 2014 Currie Cup. Although this announcement may have surprised some fans, De Jongh has been vicecaptain in the past and he certainly has the necessary experience to captain a talented group of players.

(Read article on page 34)

We stay with cycling. The announcement that Daryl Impey was cleared of using banned substances was certainly good news for South African cycling, especially because true heroes in this sport are becoming an endangered species.

One can only hope that Impey, a former wearer of the coveted yellow jersey during last year’s Tour de France, was not serious when he said that he was not sure whether he would race in South Africa again.

(Read article on page 46)

South African cricket supporters have learned not to become too excited every time a new spin bowler appears on the domestic scene, attempting to be the country’s next spin hero. We have had our disappointments over the years.

Although not many of them have been particularly bad, none of them have been particularly good either. South Africans have watched with envy when countries such as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have produced world class, wicket-taking spinners.

The Proteas have always had spin bowlers at their disposal, but none of them came close to being match winners. Hopefully the Cape Cobras spinner, Dane Piedt (24), will change this situation. Piedt is the latest in a long line of spinners who apparently have the potential to become match winners for South Africa. He follows in the footsteps of guys such as Imran Tahir, Robin Peterson, Paul Harris, Nicky Boje, etc. (Read article on page 38) Lastly, the time has come for me to say goodbye as editor of Game On. I have decided to move on to new challenges. The past 12 months have had its moments of excitement as well as its fair share of frustration. It was a privilege for me to have been involved with Game On as editor but, as the saying goes, a change is as good as a holiday.

Kobus Pretorius will be taking over as editor from next month. I will still be involved as a freelance reporter for a few months.

I want to extend my best wishes for the future to Kobus and his team, as well as to Game On magazine.

RIDERS ON THE STORM

IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

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Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: MONSTER ENERGY

by Monster Energy

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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RIDERS ON THE STORM

IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

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Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: MONSTER ENERGY

by Monster Energy

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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RIDERS ON THE STORM

IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

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Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: MONSTER ENERGY

by Monster Energy

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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RIDERS ON THE STORM

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Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: MONSTER ENERGY

by Monster Energy

IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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RIDERS ON THE STORM

IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

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Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

SPLASH IMAGE GALLERY: MONSTER ENERGY

by Monster Energy

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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Gezelle Magerman Saves SA’s honour with gold medal at Youth Olympic Games

gezelle magerman

Magerman Saves SA’s honour with gold medal at Youth Olympic Games “One swallow does not make a summer.” Fortunately, this wellknown English idiom is not always true. There are times when only one little swallow is needed to bring summer to an entire country.

W

hen Gezelle Magerman recently won the 400-hurdles at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, there was a sense of great relief in South Africa. Up to Magerman’s final race it looked as if the South African Team was not going to win any medals.

Especially after South Africa’s failure, for the first time, to win a medal at the IAAF Junior World Championships in Oregon, Eugene, this would have been catastrophic.

Magerman, a Grade 11 pupil at La Rochelle Girls High School in Paarl, was quite modest when asked how she felt about saving the sporting honour of South Africa at the Youth Games.

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Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

“When our team was still without a medal on the ninth day of competition at the Games, there was definitely a bit of anxiety,” Magerman said.

“Although Coach Chris [White] just told me to go out and have fun before the race, I was fully aware of the fact that if I could run a good race it could be the first medal for South Africa.

FEATURE: Athletics Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Provided

“If I am totally honest, I have to admit that my first thought after realizing that I had won was: ‘Whow! I just broke Helen Swanepoel’s South African Youth Record’.

This was an amazing feeling.

“When it dawned on me that I had won a medal for our team, my reaction was: ‘Oh my word… I have won a medal!’ I was number one at last, which was something I had been working towards throughout the season.

It was a huge moment for me.”

The Paarl athlete ran an extremely clever race to win the girls’ 400m hurdles final in fine style.

Her time of 57.91 seconds was a personal best – and a SA Youth Record.

Mark Etheridge, Editor of the Olympic magazine, Road to Rio, was at the Games and he described Magerman’s ‘golden’ performance as follows: “As for the race itself, she gave everyone more than just a little bit of stress as she bounced up out of her blocks and virtually crawled around the opening 100m. Going through the last bend and into the home straight she was lying seventh and then fifth.

“But then the afterburners kicked in and it looked as if the rest of the field was frozen still in the glow of the Olympic flame as she blasted past her rivals for what was eventually a pretty easy win.

Runner-up Michaela Perskova of Slovakia was clocked at 58.26, meaning that the pearl from Paarl was 0.35sec clear at the line.”

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Gezelle Magerman Saves SA’s honour with gold medal at Youth Olympic Games

This is how Magerman remembers her race: “I did have a slow start but I don’t really know why,” she said.

“I lengthened my strides from about 300m, probably because I didn’t want to fall over a hurdle and then, going around the final bend, I kept remembering how many times I had practised that final bend in Nanjing and then I just pushed hard for the line.

“To be honest, although I knew I was quite far back in terms of position, I never thought I would not be able to catch them.”

There is a good reason why Magerman’s first thoughts, immediately after she had won, were about Helene Swanepoel and the national record.

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Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

“Helene has been my role model ever since she won the 400-hurdles at last year’s IAAF World Youth Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine, especially because she is also from Paarl.

She proved to me that the sky is the limit if you really put your mind to it.”

As a matter of interest, Swanepoel’s winning time of 58.05s was a national record.

According to Magerman, Swanepoel had beaten her in a race last year, but they have not raced against each other since then. However, she is looking forward to resuming their rivalry in the time to come.

FEATURE: Athletics Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Provided

Netball used to be Magerman’s other great sporting passion, but she has ‘sort of retired’ from netball for the moment to be able to focus only on athletics.

Looking at her racing CV she should not have any regrets.

At the South African Junior and Youth Championships at Coetzenburg she won the 400-hurdles and was second in the long jump. Three months ago she won the 400-hurdles at the African Youth Games in Gaborone, Botswana.

According to Magerman she a ‘sports nut’.

“I am thinking of studying BSc sports science after school, because I should love to make a contribution to the betterment of sports in South Africa.”

But right now her focus is on winning another medal for South Africa at a major championship.

She is full of praise for the role her coaches, Marna van der Burgh and Ronya Bosch, play in her success.

SIDE BAR The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) is an international multi-sport event organized by the International Olympic Committee. The games are held every four years in staggered summer and winter events consistent with the current Olympic Games format. The first summer version was held in Singapore from 14 to 26 August 2010 whereas the first winter version was held in Innsbruck, Austria from 13 to 22 January 2012.

The age limitation of the athletes is 14 to 18.

The idea of such an event was introduced by Johann Rosenzopf from Austria in 1998. On 6 July 2007, International Olympic Committee (IOC) members at the 119th IOC session in Guatemala City approved the creation of a youth version of the Olympic Games. The costs of hosting the event will be shared by the IOC and the host city, while the travel costs of athletes and coaches will be paid by the IOC.

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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HEIN KRIEK BACK TO THE TOP

Back to the

Top Hein Kriek

It’s been a hectic few months for Hein Kriek, first team coach of Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch. Not only was he under pressure to improve his team’s results after a disappointing season in 2013, but he also coached the Western Province Cravenweek for the second year in a row before taking the reigns of the SA Schools team for their international series involving England, Wales and France.

The first team coach of Paul Roos Gymnasium, has taken his team back to the top of the SA School Like in 2013, Kriek was assisted by rankings after a former Springbok Dawie Snyman, as well as Brendan Venter who difficult season acted as a consultant. in 2013 “The focus is never really on me when you have guys like oom Dawie and Brendan coaching with you. I think the three of us complement each other very well in terms of what we bring to the team. The first year we took over (2013) was always going to be a tough year because you inherit things that aren’t yours and you have to implement your style of play and your beliefs onto the team.

We knew we had a good team this year but we didn’t expect the results that we achieved.”

“To be among the top 10 schools at the end of the season would have been a realistic goal for us, but to play for number one and two was great.”

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FEATURE: RUGBY Words: Kobus Pretorius | Photos: Provided

“We had a great group of players.

In total I only used 30 players this season whereas last year it was closer to 40. This time around we didn’t have any big injuries. We shocked a few people by using a squad system this year of 23 players. In the long run, if you play 18 to 20 games a season and you don’t use a squad you will always come second. We implemented that and managed the players game time carefully. Our planning was more detailed in terms of what we wanted to do and how we wanted to do it. We also started our pre-season very early (middle October last year),” says Kriek.

Paul Roos finished the season as the second best rugby team in the country after Grey College of Bloemfontein. They managed to beat some big schools, including Paarl Gymnasium (16-10) and Boishaai (17-13). Paul Roos Gymnasium turns 150 years old next year, so the pressure will be on to repeat those types of performances.

“The focus was always going to be on next year’s team in a three year cycle, but now we have already done very well this year. It reminds you of that old saying that it’s easier to get to the top than to stay there. We will have to work twice as hard with the next first team.

“The current team hasn’t done next year’s side any favours by doing so well,” says Kriek.

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HEIN KRIEK BACK TO THE TOP

Biggest lesson learned in 2014?

“Patience. A lot of patience! The effort that you put in is the effort you will get out.”

Comeback of the year?

“Rondebosch. We were 0-14 behind and played against a strong wind.

We didn’t expect to trail them by 14 points. We showed guts in that game and eventually won 31-21.”

Most difficult game of 2014?

“Grey PE. It was the first game that we introduced the squad system to the public. It was difficult from a coaching perspective to stick to your guns when you have a lead of 26-0 after 52 minutes, but then you lose the game 20 minutes later. Our season could have gone either way, but it went the right way.”

Most special win?

“Paarl Boys High. By far. We managed to beat Paarl Gym in Paarl for the first time since 2006 so that was also special from a stats point of view. Against Boishaai we were out of it, but we had the patience to pull out the win. It was a big game for us at home to show people that we can beat a big school in Stellenbosch.”

Cravenweek

SA Schools

Western Province didn’t manage to reach the unofficial final of the Cravenweek like they did in 2013 when they beat the Golden Lions. Kriek’s team won their opening game by staging a comeback to narrowly beat the Pumas 3332. They then lost badly against South Western Districts (23-38) before beating Free State in their third and final game.

“Coaching the SA Schools team was always one of my goals. It was a great feeling when I got it. It was a tough process, but a good feeling when it came off. The SA Schools team were undefeated for the last four years against Wales, France and England, so there was definitely a lot of pressure. On that level it doesn’t matter how you play, as long as you win.”

“All-out attack was the flavour of this year’s Cravenweek,” says Kriek. “I knew it was going to be a tough week. Everything that could go wrong against SWD did. We just told the boys to go out and enjoy the last game against the Free State and we actually played our best rugby in that game.”

The team lost their last game against England, but as Kriek explains there was a bigger goal they wanted to achieve.

“Our ultimate goal at the end of the day is to prepare the players to win a World Cup with the Junior Springboks at under 20 level. That’s why Dawie Theron is involved with the SA Schools team. We have a long term plan that we needed to implement and that is the most important thing.”

“All-out attack was the flavour of this year’s Cravenweek,” says Kriek.

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Tinus De Beer De Beer’s way of play excites Springbok legend

tinus de beer

De Beer’s way of play excites Springbok legend 24

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

FEATURE: RUGBY Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Provided and Saspa

The dream of every young rugby player is to play for the Springboks one day.

But when Naas Botha, one of the greatest fly-halves ever to have played for the Springboks, gets excited about the way you play, you have reason to be confident that you are on track to achieve this goal.

Actually, Botha might just be oh so slightly biased, because he has been involved in De Beer’s coaching, helping him with his tactical kicking. However, the fact that Botha has helped De Beer does not mean that any credit should be taken away from the young fly-half. De Beer should receive full credit for the success he has achieved so far.

He started his high school rugby career by playing for the Under-14C team of the Hoërskool Waterkloof. Far from being despondent that he had to play for the C team, it only motivated him to work harder than his teammates to keep on improving. In the end he reaped the rewards, because he was selected to play for the 2014 South African High Schools Team.

At the Craven Week for High Schools in Middelburg he was the third most prolific point scorer.

De Beer is full of praise for the way Botha has helped him to improve as a fly-half.

“Naas should receive credit for the fact that I don’t have nerve problems when kicking for post; that I am able to kick with my left as well as right foot and that I am able to dictate a game when needed.”

According to Botha he was impressed by De Beer’s ability to read the game and to pre-empt in a split second what might happen next.

When De Beer said that Botha is not a coach who puts pressure on a player to do things his way, Botha reacted as follows – “Hansie Brewis, who is also regarded to be one of the best fly-halves ever to have played for the Springboks, was my mentor in my playing days.

“Hansie never forced me to do anything. His way was to make a suggestion and then he told me to think it over. If I liked it I tried to implement it in my game plan. I try to use the same principle when I work with young players.”

Botha becomes quite agitated about the approach of some of the current coaches towards the game.

“Everything hinges on a ‘game plan’. Don’t get me wrong.

There is nothing wrong with a team planning for a specific game, but what bothers me is the fact that very often players are not allowed to play according to their respective abilities. This can be detrimental to the player’s game as well as to the success of the team.

“I can name a list of players whose careers have been spiralling downwards because of being limited in what they are allowed to do.

“I should like to know what the game plan of the South African team is at the moment. If they are expected to play the way the Blue Bulls are currently playing, it will be a battle to get anybody excited about it.”

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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naas botha School Sports: Missing the bigger picture

naas botha School Sports

Missing the bigger picture Naas Botha, one of the greatest legends of Springbok rugby, is of the opinion that too much is being made of who wins what in school sports and that this is to the detriment of sport in South Africa.

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FEATURE: RUGBY Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Provided and Saspa

“

As far as I am concerned there are only two events that should matter when South African sport is being discussed. One is the Rugby World Cup and the other the Olympic Games.

“Who cares whether School A has beaten School B to win some trophy of another? In the bigger scheme of things it is irrelevant. The same applies to a top junior athlete at a school.

Who knows about it or really cares? Perhaps the athlete’s mom and dad and maybe the few friends they phoned to tell them about it.

“But when a player is selected to play for the Springboks at a World Cup the whole country, in fact the whole world, will know about it. It is the same with the Olympic Games.

“South Africa has lost so many talented athletes at school level. During this year’s Craven Week much was made of the fact that about 261 players who represented their respective provinces at the Week went on to play for the Springboks.

“It may sound impressive but actually it is not. The first Craven Week was played in 1964. If one works with a rough estimate that about 20 teams (of 22 players each) participated every year, it means that there were already 22 000 players at the Week, of whom only 261 advanced to become Springboks. It is not such an impressive statistic at all.

“I am a firm believer that school sports should be just a stepping stone to make it easier for youngsters to move on to better opportunities.

“A concerning matter in South African sports is the fact that there are no structures in place to help the late bloomers.

“In rugby the Craven Week is basically the be all and end all for school players who hope to make a career by playing rugby, because all the scouts for big franchise teams are there. Once he is selected for the South African Schools team a player is almost guaranteed to go on to play in the big league. He really has to mess up things to fall by the wayside.

“But what are the chances for talented players who had missed out on the Craven Week to attract attention?

“Or consider this. What is the chance of a talented fly-half who plays for one of the smaller schools to ever go on to play for the Springboks? In any city the Craven Week selectors will tend to go for the fly-half of one of the larger schools, even if the player from the smaller school is more talented.

“I see nothing wrong with a talented player from a smaller school being scouted by one of the bigger schools. In my opinion the bigger school is not buying the player. I see it as a young player getting a fair opportunity to make the most of his talents. So what if somebody chooses to pay his school fees?”

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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Oscar Schuld The Oscar-Winning Strategy to winning the Beeld Trophy

The Oscar-Winning Strategy to winning the Beeld Trophy

OSCAR SCHULD

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FEATURE: RUGBY Written by Philna Van Veijeren | Photos Provided

The Oscar-Winning Strategy to winning the Beeld Trophy

OSCAR SCHULD This year, Hoërskool Nelspruit’s boys proudly brought the Beeld school rugby trophy to their home in the Lowveld.

At the head of this triumphant group of guys are their trainers, Gerhard Holtzhausen and Chris Mans, but their leader on the field is captain Oscar Schuld.

Oscar Schuld is just a normal Lowveld guy with oom-entannie manners, but don’t be fooled by his modesty – he is absolutely brimming with talents.

“We’re just 26 normal guys, playing for each other and for God. We’ve been together since the 8th grade and we excel because we train hard,” Schuld comments on the secret to their success.

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Oscar Schuld The Oscar-Winning Strategy to winning the Beeld Trophy Most of the guys on Nelspruit’s team, along with Schuld, are in their koshuis – Huis Hermann Davin – which means that they spend most of their time together.

They are not only teammates, but close friends.

The White Rhinos, as their first team is known, train every day of the week, switching between gym, agility and field sessions. On game days they can wear their special Rhino uniform to school, and will probably sing their team’s traditional song.

Yet all this sporting glory is relatively new for Schuld. When he first arrived in Nelspruit, coming from the small Laerskool Numbi in Hazyview, Schuld played for the Under-14B or C teams. Schuld describes his 14 year old self as “short and fat,” but in the 11th grade, everything changed. He started developing, training and persevering, and soon was a vital part of the victorious White Rhinos.

It was his brother who inspired him to start training, who (along with their sister) had been in Hoërskool Nelspruit before him, and with whom he is very close. Along with family and training, Schuld loves to spend his free time fishing, hunting and playing golf – he prides himself in being a typical Lowveld guy.

Schuld plays rugby because there is no other sport like it. It’s great exercise, he’s surrounded by friends, and of course school spirit reigns supreme at rugby games. Not to mention that the game has taught him responsibility and discipline on his way to graduating school.

The future is looking bright for Oscar Schuld. He wants to study BSc Construction Studies and has already been granted access to the Universities of Pretoria and the Free State.

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FEATURE: RUGBY Written by Philna Van Veijeren | Photos Provided

Not to mention, he has been offered a rugby contract with the Pukke (Northwest University).

A big decision lies ahead of Schuld – whether or not he will continue playing rugby while at university.

The choice he makes will most likely play a big part in where he goes to study. Schuld’s hesitance about continuing his rugby career is a testament of his diversity. He is so much more than just a rugby player – albeit a highly talented one – running about after a ball without much else on his mind.

No, Schuld has a range of abilities, including academics, judging by the universities that are competing for his attention.

Taking a look at Schuld’s track record, he has made a success of everything he set out to do, and we can be assured that he will be triumphant, no matter what he takes on.

At the moment, Schuld is trapped between piles of books in preparation for his record and final matric examinations. When he finally walks out of his school a free man, he will have a bright future ahead of him – supported by strong values, thanks to his family and school, and the life skills he gained through hard work on the rugby field.

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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Wessel du Plessis Aiming for perfection

Grey College first team

Aiming for perfection

Wessel du Plessis The pressure is always on when you coach the first team of Grey College in Bloemfontein. Just ask Wessel du Plessis, director of rugby at Grey who also coaches the first team. Grey finished the 2014 rugby season as the number one team in the country. They lost only once (20-27 against Grey PE) and also drew against Monument (10-10). In a season where they played 23 games, only four of which were played on their home turf, this is a truly impressive record. What makes it even more remarkable, is the fact that this was Du Plessis’s first season in charge of the first team.

“13 or 14 of the schools we played against fall under the top 20 schools in the country,” says Du Plessis.

Having said that, Du Plessis feels that schools are playing too much rugby in the year.

“We had many injuries this season. That is one of the reasons we lost against Grey PE. We are definitely going to play fewer games next season. It’s difficult to calculate how many games would be ideal, but 18 to 20 games would be an improvement with more time between games.

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“There aren’t really easy games.

We had a good team this year.

There were more grade 12’s than grade 11’s. I think we played more as a team this year, although we probably did have a more talented group in 2013.”

Du Plessis is aided by a very good support staff. Former Cheetahs and Free State scrum half Tewis de Bruyn is the backline coach, while Hein Vosloo handles the defense and conditioning of the players.

Henry Theron is the team manager.

FEATURE: RUGBY Written by Philna Van Veijeren | Photos Provided

Du Plessis considers their games against Paarl Gym, Boishaai and Paul Roos to be the toughest of their season. Grey beat Paarl Gym 15-14 in a nail biting encounter and also managed to defeat Boishaai 15-10.

Their last game of the season, against bitter rivals Paul Roos in Bloemfontein, was won 25-20.

“We didn’t always play well. I thought some of our best rugby came against Menlopark (whom they beat 68-15). We were disrupted by injuries, but the players who came into the team played well and we managed to keep on winning,” says Du Plessis.

He was an assistant coach of the first team in 2013, and before that he coached the under 16’s for a couple of years.

“It definitely helped being an assistant coach first,” says Du Plessis. “I got to know the system and also learned which mistakes not to make, although it does’t always work out that way. My coaching philosophy is hard work, character and defense. I work well together with my management team and they also know and understand our systems well.”

They say winning isn’t everything, but at Grey College it kind of is.

“Grey has a very proud history and winning culture that you don’t want to lose. Politics off the field is one of my biggest challenges, but it’s part of the game and you can’t do anything about it. My biggest goal going

forward is to continue the good traditions and winning culture at Grey.”

Du Plessis likes to switch off from the pressures of the job by listening to gospel music, while he also enjoys hunting, cycling and working out. He would like to coach at a higher level and in a professional setup, but for now he is happy in Bloemfontein.

Sidebar: Results in 2014 Sidebar: Results in 2014

GREY COLLEGE (BLOEM) - RUGBY 1ST TEAM

The ultimate online sports magazine

DATE

OPPONENT

SCORE

RESULT

Mar 08

Potch Gim

53 - 0

WON

Mar 15

Hentie Cilliers

60 - 14

WON

Mar 17

Klerksdorp

85 - 0

WON

Mar 22

Menlopark

68 - 15

WON

Apr 12

HTS Louis Botha

44 - 27

WON

Apr 17

EG Jansen

26 - 08

WON

Apr 19

Westville

32 - 20

WON

Api 21

Monument

10 - 10

DRAW

Apr 28

Outeniqua

25 - 07

WON

Apr 30

Paarl Gim

15 - 14

WON

May 10

Affies

42 - 31

WON

May 13

Sentraal

34 - 0

WON

May 17

Selborne

34 - 16

WON

May 24

Paarl Boys High

15 - 10

WON

Jul 26

Glenwood

29 - 12

WON

Jul 29

Fichardtpark

63 - 12

WON

Aug 02

Grey PE

20 - 27

LOST

Aug 05

Jim Fouche

59 - 07

WON

Aug 07

Sand du Plessis

66 - 13

WON

Aug 16

Maritzburg College

46 - 20

WON

Aug 23

Paul Roos

25 - 20

WON

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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Juan de Jongh Leading from the front

Leading from the front: J ua n After two years in the international rugby wilderness, Stormers centre Juan de Jongh was made captain of the Western Province rugby team for the 2014 Currie Cup. Although the announcement may have surprised some, De Jongh has been a vice-captain in the past and possesses the necessary experience to captain a talented group of players.

It has paid off as well. At the time of writing Western Province were unbeaten and at the top of the Currie Cup log. De Jongh is one of most talented centers in the country, but can’t seem to settle himself in the Springbok team.

The biggest reason for this is Bok coach Heyneke Meyer’s preference for big, strong centers like Jean de Villiers, Jan Serfontein and Damian de Allende. In the past De Jongh has also had to compete with Jaque Fourie and Frans Steyn for a place in the team, and he has always come out second.

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d e

J o n g h

He has great ability and everything you want in a centre - pace, step, pass, and defense. De Jongh arguably has the best side-step in South Africa, while also being one of the most defensively sound centers around. The only thing that counts against him, is his height more than his size. He is about 10 to 13 centimeters too short for Meyer’s liking.

“It’s a privilege to lead such a talented group of players. We have done very well thus far, but if we don’t win the cup it won’t mean anything,” says De Jongh.

FEATURE: RUGBY Written by Kobus Pretorius | Photos by Hpc

J

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Juan de Jongh Leading from the front

Hi s career has been given a timel y boost as captain of Western Province, something De Jongh considers a great honour.

“It’s a privilege to lead such a talented group of players. We have done very well thus far, but if we don’t win the cup it won’t mean anything,” says De Jongh.

Being handed the captaincy reigns hasn’t affected De Jongh’s form on the field at all, after he scored two tries against the EP Kings at Newlands.

“There comes more responsibility with being the captain of the team.

I won’t say I’ve mastered it because I am still learning, but there has to be respect and buy-in from the players. I’m really enjoying my rugby at the moment while also leading the team. And at the end of the day it’s all about the journey and not just winning the Currie Cup. It’s about the memories as well.”

De Jongh relies on other experienced players in the group to help him form the leadership core. “It doesn’t look like it, but we have five Springboks in the team. Me, Jaco Taute, Pat Cilliers, Siya Kolisi and Scarra Ntubeni. There are also other senior players like Nizaam Carr, Nic Groom and Brok Harris who help me out. I’m not the type of captain that takes too much control. Everyone has a buy-in and must lead their departments,” says De Jongh.

The biggest adjustment for him has been the added responsibility.

“You have to fill a lot of roles, with the media and on game day as well. At the end of the day I have to lead the team and make sure our mindset is right. You are not always going to be at the same level for every game. My job is to sum things up and and determine in which zone the team is so I can say the right thing to get them at their best.”

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De Jongh wasn’t really surprised when he was asked to captain the side, seeing that he served as vicecaptain in last year’s tournament and also led the team when Jean de Villiers, Peter Grant and Deon Fourie weren’t available.

“Being captain was one of my goals and now it’s important for me to be successful.

I’ve played under some good captains over the years; guys like Luke Watson, Schalk Burger, Duane Vermeuelen and Deon Fourie, and everyone has their own way of doing things. My way is to make sure everyone is in a good mindset and enjoy what they do.”

De Jongh has his eye on next year’s World Cup in England, but he’s approaching the goal a bit different than one might expect.

“My biggest focus is to play my best whenever I play; whether I play for 8 minutes or one minute, I want to use the talent that God has given me. What happens after that will depend on Him. He will open that door for me when he feels the time is right. I don’t force anything. The only thing that will get me back in the Springbok squad is to play good rugby, week in and week out.”

FEATURE: RUGBY Written by Kobus Pretorius | Photos by Hpc

“My biggest focus is to play my best whenever I play; whether I play for 8 minutes or one minute, I want to use the talent that God has given me. What happens after that will depend on Him.

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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Dane Piedt Hit or Miss

Hit or Miss Is Dane Piedt South Africa’s

new spin hero or will he bite the dust like so many before him?

South African cricket supporters have learned not to get too excited every time a new spin bowler rises from the domestic scene and attempts to be the country’s next spin hero. We’ve had our disappointments over the years. Not many of them have been particularly bad, but then none of them were particularly good either. It’s been with envy that we as South Africans have watched countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka produce world class, wicket-taking spinners for years now.

That’s the catch isn’t it. Wickettaking. Sounds quite strange when you say it out loud. The Proteas have always had spin bowlers at their disposal, but none of them came close to being a match winner. We have always relied on our fast bowlers to do the job for us; and why not, with players like Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander in your team, who needs a spin bowler?

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FEATURE: CRICKET Written by Kobus Pretorius | Photos by Cricket South Africa

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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Dane Piedt Hit or Miss

“I spun the ball and I loved it.

Spin bowling is an art and a skill and it grew on me ever since,” says Piedt.

Tahir was finally the one who would take wickets, but he too has struggled in test cricket, especially on home soil where the pitches provide little to no assistance to the spinners. Tahir is also inconsistent, but probably still has a role to play in test matches played abroad.

Enter Dane Piedt. He made his breakthrough in the 2013/14 season for the Cobras, claiming 45 wickets in eight matches. Four five-wicket hauls including a hat-trick makes this statistic even more impressive.

In a first class career that spans 42 matches, Piedt has taken 160 wickets with an average of 24.01 and a strike rate of 46. He seems to be the real deal, but his second full season with the Cobras will provide a better assessment of his abilities and consistency.

Piedt started out as a number 3 batsman at Kenridge Primary. He started bowling spin after his coach asked him to do a job for the team because “there was no-one else”.

“I spun the ball and I loved it. Spin bowling is an art and a skill and it grew on me ever since,” says Piedt.

He played for the SACS first team for three or four years where he continued to be a top-order batsman. He also captained the team for two years.

“I really wanted to continue as a top-order batsman, but then my eyes started fading and I didn’t want to go to an optometrist. I started wearing contact lenses and even though it’s gotten better I love bowling too much. I still focus on my batting so I can bat.”

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FEATURE: CRICKET Written by Kobus Pretorius | Photos by Cricket South Africa

Piedt recently made his test debut in a once-off test match against Zimbabwe in Harare where he took eight wickets in the match and was named Man of the Match.

His first innings figures of 4-90 was the best debut figures by a South African spinner since Aubrey Faulkner’s 4-26 in 1906.

“Making my debut was a fantastic experience. It was a good opportunity in Zimbabwe for me to see what it’s all about and show my skill off which I really enjoyed.

I want to stay in the test team for as long as possible and create a legacy of spin again in South African since Paul Adams created one for us many years ago. I want to tell South Africans that spin is in a really good place in South Africa.

It’s not only me.”

Like Piedt is well aware, there is always a lot of scrutiny on spin bowlers in South Africa, especially when it comes to the national team. How does he handle that pressure and expectation?

“It’s difficult, but you have a lot of senior guys in the team who are there to help you along the way.

You are not alone when you are standing at the top of your mark.

There are 10 other guys and the support staff that support you in what you do. There is always going to be advice given to you on the field and it’s how you deal with it and how you implement it into your game.

Experienced players like Robin Peterson has played a big part in Dane’s cricket.

“He is a legend, on and off the field.

We don’t speak about bowling the cricket ball, but we speak about life in general and what the pressure of test cricket and international cricket has. He has helped me so much with variations and things like that. But it’s not only him, coach Paul Adams has helped me a lot as well. He has helped me for six years since High School and knows my game better than anyone else in the country. There is also Claude Henderson who I played with when I first made my debut for the Cobras and now he’s my bowling mentor,” says Piedt.

His goal for the season ahead is to do well.

“I want to continue to put pressure on myself to perform on that level that I created for myself last season. It was a tough road to get there and i’m happy to be there, but I have to remain level-headed and do well for the teams that I play for. I don’t want to put any pressure on myself to bowl magic deliveries. I just want to stick to what I did to get where I am.

“I want to at least play 50 test matches for South Africa. That’s my dream. I want to become consistent in my performances.”

“I love pressure. It takes me to another level in my game. You feed off the pressure. I try to play a smile on my face as much as I can.

It relaxes me so when I’m in that environment I just want to do well and enjoy the experience and play every test match like it’s my last.”

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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Grant Roelofsen “test century”against England IS PROOF THAT HARD work does pay ofF

ROELOFSEN’S “TEST CENTURY” AGAINST ENGLAND IS PROOF THAT HARD WORK DOES PAY OFF

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”

It’s a quote KES cricketers are all familiar with and one which their first team captain, Grant Roelofsen, has taken to heart.

And with the inspiration of years of incredible cricketers having forged the path to national glory before him, there’s no knowing just how powerful the talented wicketkeeper-batsman might one day become.

While he’s worked hard to get where he is, Roelofsen couldn’t have imagined a better start to his national career, having recently returned from an SA Under-19 tour to England where he scored 149 in the first test – on debut.

But it hasn’t always been easy.

“I’m sure I started playing cricket before I could walk. My dad has had a massive influence and been a great coach. It’s been my life, but I can’t say that I was successful straight away. I wasn’t. I had to work for where I am now,” explained the matric student.

“I’m still not yet at the top. But this far it hasn’t come easily so obviously I’ve got a lot of people to thank for that. I’ve

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been through good and tough times with my cricket as I’m sure everyone has.”

Without a doubt, one of the good times was when he got the call earlier this year to say he’d made the SA under-19 team.

“I wasn’t quite sure what my coach meant. It hadn’t quite sunk in. It’s a strange feeling.

It’s almost surreal. You’ve been working towards it your whole life – even though it’s under-19 and not the Proteas yet (hopefully) – to get the call that you’re going to a different country to play against them and represent your country. It’s a bit of a surreal feeling. You know you’ve achieved,” he explained.

“It’s a privilege and an honour – but also kind of a reward for all the hard things you’ve gone through, all the tough times.

Then to put the cap on and see your name on the back of your shirt is something you dream of your whole life and when it happens it’s almost a fantasy.”

As for getting that 149 on debut: “Obviously it’s one thing playing for your country but it’s another

thing performing, and it was also on debut so again, it was a special moment. It’s a dream come true –it really is.”

FEATURE: CRICKET Written by Karien Jonckheere | Photos by King Edward VII School

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Grant Roelofsen “test century”against England IS PROOF THAT HARD work does pay ofF

SA drew the test series with England and unfortunately lost the one-day series, but Roelofsen believes the experience was invaluable.

“On the cricket field, I think that every guy on the tour can honestly say that he learnt something out of the tour, whether it be cricket or not.

“In terms of skills I would definitely back our country over them. I think we were the better skilled team but they managed to put all three elements together – they fielded, batted and bowled well and I don’t think we quite did that so obviously they deserved to win.

“But I take nothing away from our guys. We had a great fighting spirit.

We never rolled over. We learnt as we went along. We learnt a little bit late unfortunately but nonetheless we learnt and hopefully the guys can take that into their careers.”

Two of Roelofsen’s teammates on tour were part of the victorious SA Under-19 World Cup squad and are now going on to play in the Champions League with the Dolphins. Roelofsen is, of course, hoping to play franchise cricket once he leaves school and then ultimately represent the country at senior level. He believes being both a wicketkeeper and batsman might just work in his favour.

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FEATURE: CRICKET Written by Karien Jonckheere | Photos by King Edward VII School

“Obviously I want to play for the Proteas. It’s a tough one because Quinton de Kock (KES Old Boy) just came in, but there’s always a path. There’s always another role so, I’ll keep up my keeping and batting – you never know which one they’ll need. I’m thankful for doing two roles. I’ll keep on working on both and take it as it comes.”

Should Roelofsen make the Proteas side, he’ll join an illustrious list of cricketers that have been produced by KES, including the likes of former captain Graeme Smith and Neil Mackenzie.

“Obviously the school’s got a long list of players who’ve represented South Africa and the Lions – or franchise cricket whoever it might be. So to be known as a KES captain is pretty special.” Roelofsen took over as KES captain from the star of SA’s victorious under 19 World Cup team, Yaseen Valli.

Roelofsen says the combination of having those players as role models and the ethos of the school has played a massive part in inspiring him and his teammates.

“It’s huge. Every day you go to school you’re walking in the same halls that they did. I’m sure we’ll look back in a few years and see we were probably just as good as them. So you see them, not just as cricketers but as guys who have gone through the ranks at KES in all sports – and academics.

“Our school produces a lot of top guys. It’s a lot to do with the leadership of the school, the coaches [he pointed to former coach Ryan Cook in particular] and the staff and the boys themselves so obviously it’s a great school. I’m sure they’ll keep on producing.”

SIDEBAR NATIONAL CRICKETERS FROM KES Bacher, Adam Bacher, Ali Barnard, L Begbie, D Briscoe, A (Dooley) Brown, L Cochran, J De Kock, Q Huddleston, D (Scotland) Jennings, R Langton, A Nupen, E

Mckenzie, K Mckenzie, N Page, H Pegler, S Pothas, N Smith, G Taylor, A Van der Merwe, E Van Jaarsveld, V Vilas, D Winslow, Paul

SIDEBAR “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

The full quote – from Marianne Williamson’s A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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Daryl Impey cleared of doping

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FEATURE: CYCLING Written by Wilhelm De Swardt | Photos By Backpage Media

Impey cleared of

doping and back to his winning ways

Daryl Impey (Orica-GreenEdge), the only South African who has ever had the privilege of wearing the Tour de France’s coveted yellow jersey, might never race in South Africa again, because he is upset about the way his case was handled by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS).

Last month Impey was exonerated from the allegation that he had committed a doping violation by using a diuretic called Probenecid.

This substance is used for the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia, but it is banned in cycling because it can be used as a masking agent. The 1988 Tour de France winner, the Spaniard, Pedro Delgado, tested positive for Probenecid but was later cleared and kept his title.

Impey is quite upset about the way his case dragged on. He tested positive in February during the South African Road Championships in Durban, but the results of an anti-doping test were only announced on July 2, on the eve of the Tour de France. This meant that he was removed from Orica’s nine-man Tour team before the race began.

“This is something that should have been handled quicker. An athlete’s

rights are as important as anyone else’s,” Impey said in an interview with Velonews.

“It was a huge disappointment for me to miss out on the Tour de France and the Vuelta. This matter should have been sorted out in April or May so that I could have gone on with my career. There have been massive repercussions for my family and myself. My name has been dragged through the mud.

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Daryl Impey cleared of doping

“

I think the standard by which athletes are tested elsewhere in the world is better than it is in South Africa.

“This episode has even made me question the feasibility of coming back to race in South Africa,” said Impey in an interview with SuperCycling.

“I don’t think it is really worth my while. Don’t get me wrong; I love racing in South Africa but when you are treated like I was you begin to have second thoughts about it.

While I never disputed the lab results and the findings, and after already having to go back five months to try to find out how this could have happened, I was finally able to prove that this was a case of cross-contamination. I was also cleared of any fault or negligence on my part,” Impey said.

“It has definitely been the hardest two months of my life. It has been a huge financial loss and was tough on my whole family as well. But I was determined to show that I am clean and that I would never cheat in an effort to get an advantage over my competitors.”

Impey’s defence focused on a pharmacy in Durban.

A report in The Star newspaper explained that the pharmacist gave Probenecid to another customer and afterwards sold the empty 48

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

”

gel capsules to Impey, using his contaminated hands. The Durban pharmacist took the blame and produced cash register receipts that showed the times of the purchases.

Impey explained that he needed the gel capsules to fill them with bicarbonate of soda in order to fight against lactic acid in the championship race. He said he went to buy the capsules early in the morning, but the pharmacy did not have any. Later, the pharmacist called Impey to say that he had found some and Impey returned in the afternoon to buy them.

According to Impey he would urge all South African athletes to take dope testing seriously.

FEATURE: CYCLING Written by Wilhelm De Swardt | Photos By Backpage Media

“Athletes should take serious note of the procedures. I would even suggest that athletes read through the doping control manual. What has happened to me should be a wake-up call for every athlete to double check whatever is being done by SAIDS.

“In my case it was something that could not be foreseen. It was what can be called ‘exceptional circumstances’.”

“

At the time of writing Impey was back on his bike competing for Orica-GreenEdge in the Tour of Alberta in Canada.

“Hopefully I will also be able to compete at the World Championships in September.

I want to reiterate my stance against doping. I will continue to race clean throughout my career.

Right now, I am just really happy that I can be a bike rider again, because this is what I most like to do.”

I don’t think it is really worth my while.

SIDEBAR In his first race back Daryl Impey (Orica-GreenEdge) won the final stage and took the overall by one second at the Tour of Alberta in Canada.

Impey survived a rain-soaked urban circuit in downtown Edmonton on the last day to finish the stage ahead of Optum Pro Cycling’s Ryan Anderson and Garmin-Sharp’s Ramunas Navardauskas.

Impey benefited from having the bulk of his team in the final lead group of about 40 riders, and he got a long leadout that catapulted him to the front, where he held off a fast charge from Anderson at the line.

“We always knew that it was going to be difficult to win the stage.” Impey said in an interview with cyclingnews.com.

“I’m not known as the world’s best sprinter. I don’t win a lot of races per year, but the team did such a great leadout and put me in such a great position that I was able to win. Sometimes when you gamble the way we did, things pay off for you.”

” Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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Lebo Pebane inspires on her mountain bike and at school

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FEATURE: MOUNTAIN BIKING Written By Wilhelm De Swardt | Photos Provided

PEBANE INSPIRES ON HER MOUNTAIN BIKE AND AT SCHOOL Her motto is never quit There can certainly not be many 17-year-old Grade 12 pupils who can claim to be international mountain bikers, motivational speakers and moms as well.

Lebo Pebane (Kwena Molapo School in Diepsloot) is such a person.

This mountain biker of the Absa Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy tells an inspiring story of how she, after unexpectedly becoming a mom, went on to win a silver medal at the African Youth Games in Gaborone, and then proceeded to represent South Africa at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.

Pebane cannot help feeling proud of what she has achieved during the past 12 months. “Unfortunately most girls drop out of school when they fall pregnant and from then on their lives just continue to spiral downwards, mostly because they are depressed about what had happened to them. “I will admit that I was also quite depressed. What saved me was my passion for mountain biking and the support I received from my family and everybody at the mountain-bike academy. I was also driven by my desire to make my mom proud of me again.

The day I told her I was pregnant it was painful to see the disappointment on her face.

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Lebo Pebane inspires on her mountain bike and at school

“Nobody could believe it, but three weeks after giving birth I was back at school. I was anxious to get back to studying.

I surprised myself and some of the teachers by receiving a certificate for history at the end of that year.

“After three months I was back on my bike again. I must admit that I really suffered at first and even the slowest girls dropped me during our training rides. But I never contemplated to quit.”

To Pebane’s surprise and delight she was selected for the African Youth Games.

“I could not understand how anybody could think I was good enough to represent my country, but I guess that knowledgeable people must have seen something in me that I was not aware of.

“The race itself was very hard. It was as if I was racing against boys.

Even though I suffered I was not going to give up. I wanted to come home with something that would make the people of South Africa proud.

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“And then I finished second at the Games and won a silver medal. It was just amazing and I felt so proud.

Everything just got better when I came home. My mom was also very proud of what I had achieved and that made winning the medal even more special. At school I became an instant celebrity.

“The principal and teachers encouraged me to speak to other girls who also became pregnant and to encourage them not to give up on life.

“My message to the girls and my fellow pupils is basically always the same. I encourage them to never give up, no matter what happens. I have learned through my own experiences that you can achieve anything as long as you believe in yourself and are prepared to work hard.”

Pebane says without hesitation that the Youth Olympic Games was an exciting adventure from which she had learned a lot.

FEATURE: MOUNTAIN BIKING Written By Wilhelm De Swardt | Photos Provided

“I did not even know that there was a country called Iceland. And did you know that there are people who eat octopus? I certainly did not. In fact I was amazed to see what the people in other countries actually eat.

“I hope I am wrong, but I even saw people selling packets with what looked like dried flies in it as food.

At first glance I thought they were selling raisins, but it turned out to be some insect that looked very much like a fly.

At the moment the most important goal for Pebane is to finish her matric. She hopes to get an opportunity next year to study for a degree in sports management or, preferably, sports science. And yes she still has some unfinished business as far as mountain biking is concerned.

“I really want to win another medal for South Africa at a major event.

That would be very special.”

“When some of us made use of the underground railway system for the first time, it was quite funny. We were totally caught off-guard by the Chinese stampede every time the train doors opened. During the few seconds the people were boarding everything was in total chaos. It was a case of the survival of the fittest.”

Race day brought its own adventure.

“I was really intimidated by the other girls. I could not believe how muscular they all were. I thought by myself that they must surely live on their bikes to become so muscular. And then there was me, this skinny, dark skinned girl from Africa. I was poked quite a few times before the race. It seemed as if the other girls could not believe that my skin was really black. They also wanted to touch my hair.

“The race itself was very hard. It was as if I was racing against boys. Even though I suffered I was not going to give up. I wanted to come home with something that would make the people of South Africa proud.

“But I realized during the race that winning was not always the only important thing. Sometimes what you learn from an experience and are able to take away with you is equally important, as long as you know afterwards that you had given it your all.”

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Siyoli Waters Siyoli flies SA flag for squash

Siyoli

flies SA flag for squash South Africa’s number one female squash player is Siyoli Waters who travels the globe all year long playing against the world’s best as she aims to break into the world top 20.

SIYOLI, YOU RECENTLY WON THE INTER PROVINCIALS TOURNAMENT HOSTED IN CAPE TOWN AND ALSO PLAYED IN THE BRITISH OPEN, TELL US ABOUT THAT? It was great to play in my home base town of Cape Town and for our Western Province team to win the event. It is always a great honour to take part in this event.

It’s one of the tournaments that you want to play in and do well in.

I got as far as my ranking could get me. I am not disappointed that I lost to world number four. I am not happy with how I lost. But a player that good will not let you off the hook if you are off your game.

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These are two major events on the WSA calendar with all the best players in the world participating.

I was a qualifier in both events, fighting for 8 spots to get into the main draw of Top 32. I did not make it far in the events, but it helps you to play against the best.

Every month the world rankings get revised. Each tournament you play you get points according to the round you reach. So I need to get some points to help my ranking move in the right direction.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SHORT AND LONG TERMS GOALS YOU HAVE SET YOURSELF? Short term: Top 30 world ranking, Medium Term: Top 20 and Long Term: Top 10.

WHAT DOES YOUR SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE AFTER THESE TOURS AND GOING INTO LATE 2014?

In September and October, I will be playing in the USA. First up is the Equinox Orange County Open 2014, Los Angeles followed by the Abeirto Mexicano De Raquetas 2014, Toluca, Mexico. Then I play in the Carol Weymuller Open 2014, New York and finally the Delaware Investments US Open 2014, Philadelphia.

&A

Q

The British Open is often called the Wimbledon of squash. It was a priviledge to play there. It is a great tournament and it was hosted in Hull City. Next year it might move to Manchester.

YOU RECENTLY PLAYED IN THE MALAYSIA OPEN AND HONG KONG OPEN. WHAT DOES THIS DO TO HELP YOUR WORLD RANKING?

Q & A: SQUASH Written By Game On Staff Reporter | Photos By Backpage MediaMedia

DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL COACH? I have a coach and his name is Rowan Smith. He was a former provincial champion and was always in the top 5 in South Africa. I’ve often struggled with coaches in the past so it’s great to have someone of his calibre training me. It was always a struggle with finances … I was not that kid who always had a personal coach. I think right through school when we were sent to coaching camps, that’s where I would get proper coaching. I would use those opportunities to learn and ask for information. So, last year was the first time in my life that I had a consistent coach, somebody who I would see and work with every week. The results have been absolutely fantastic and he was recently with me on tour in the East, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

DID YOU EVER MISS PLAYING IN A TEAM SPORT AT SCHOOL OR WERE YOU ALWAYS AN INDIVIDUAL SPORTS PERSON? A lot of my friends stuck with hockey at school, but I enjoyed being able to go and practice on my own when I wanted to. I was in a boarding school in East London so I could get up early and train. I stayed at boarding school even in high school and I enjoyed it because I could practise squash and I could play piano, which I also really enjoy, and I did not have these opportunities at home.

AT WHAT STAGE DID SOMEBODY NOTICE YOUR TALENT AND REALISE THAT YOU COULD ACHIEVE SOMETHING IN SQUASH? From the word go … from about age ten or eleven. I had played tennis and one day it was raining so our coach took us all indoors to the squash courts to keep busy, and then they realised I had the co-ordination and ability to play squash. Then one of the teachers started taking me to play squash at lunch breaks and then they entered me into a tournament. Not long afterwards I played a tournament and won my first ever squash racket.

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&A

Siyoli Waters Siyoli flies SA flag for squash

Q

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FEATURE: SQUASH Written By Game On Staff Reporter | Photos By Backpage Media

BESIDES BEING A CHAMPION, YOU ARE ALSO VERY INVOLVED IN RAISING AWARENESS FOR SQUASH IN SA… Yes, squash needs to be re-awakened is schools that have facilities.

Squash needs to be taken to previously disadvantaged communities.

Private clubs need to shake up some of their coaching policies and ask themselves what they are doing to keep squash alive in their communities. I believe that some health clubs with squash courts are also key in taking squash to the general public. I would love to share some ideas with them in how to use their underutilized courts to benefit them, as well as raise the profile of squash.

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING, REST AND DIET PLAN DO YOU FOLLOW WHILE ON TOUR IN A FAR AWAY COUNTRY? You still need to be careful how you eat on tour, since you still need to eat enough to keep up your energy, but you are doing less training.

Generally, I arrive to have two whole days to train before the event day. I train in the morning and late afternoon with the coach; I choose lunch or supper to be the big pasta meal - then the other meal must be high protein and vegetables.

I always take vitamin C and supplements for added nutrients every morning. I drink a protein shake after each training session.

DO YOU SEE YOURSELF COACHING IN THE FUTURE? I am already involved in coaching.

I see that as part of my giving back as a professional squash player.

However, I think I would like to pursue other interests, when I choose to retire as a professional squash player.

I train a few elite juniors in Cape Town. I am also enjoying coaching kids who come from different socio-economic backgrounds – who have no squash courts in their immediate community. They are such stars.

YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN SA WANTING TO TAKE UP SQUASH AS A PROFESSION? Be committed to training hard and smart. Then you will play matches hard and smart. Lack of finances can be a big hurdle into the professional world. Don’t let that stop you, but instead learn ways to find money to reach your goals.

HOW CAN PEOPLE IN SOUTH AFRICA FOLLOW YOUR RESULTS? The best is to follow me on twitter @ siyolisquash or see my website www. siyoli.com and also check www. squashsite.co.uk for our results.

IT WAS GREAT TO PLAY IN MY HOME BASE TOWN OF CAPE TOWN AND FOR OUR WESTERN PROVINCE TEAM TO WIN THE EVENT.

Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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Affies

AFFIES DOMINATE NETBALL TOURNAMENTS

dominate SA high school

netball tournaments Unbeaten in 116 consecutive games

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FEATURE: NETBALL Written by Wilhelm De Swardt | Photos: Provided

“Affies is kampioen van Coke toernooi…”

“Affies wen 5de netbalkroon…”

“Affies netbalspan wen 84 keer…”

“Span is weer op die wenpad…”

“Affies netbalspan oorheers steeds…”

The above are headlines that appeared in the newspapers, Beeld and Rekord, together with reports on the success of Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool’s 1st netball team.

To say that Affies dominated high school netball during the past two seasons will be an understatement, but to find suitable adjectives to accurately describe what they have achieved is rather difficult.

Enough to say that they have won 58 games on the trot in this season alone.

The team also won 58 games last year, which means that they have been unbeaten in 116 consecutive games. This was one better than the 115 consecutive victories of the 2009/2010 Affies team.

In fact, the last time the 1st netball team of Affies lost a game in South Africa was in 2012 in the quarterfinals of the Gauteng Tournament.

Menlopark then beat them by 25-20.

This season the team won the SA High Schools Tournament for the second consecutive year.

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AFFIES DOMINATE NETBALL TOURNAMENTS

They were also victorious at the Wildeklawer Tournament, the Pretoria High School League, the Tshwane Championships and the Coca Cola Tournament.

Bertus de Klerk, who is the manager of the 1st team, reckons that part of his wife’s success can be ascribed to the fact that she is a firm believer in discipline.

Since 2008 Affies has been crowned national champions on four occasions.

The one consistent factor throughout all these achievements was their head coach, René de Klerk. However, to persuade De Klerk to talk about her success is a tough challenge. Early in our interview she made it clear that she did not like to talk about herself or her success as a netball coach.

For her it is all about the players and the school. She sees the role of the coach as a means to a goal.

However, during the conversation it slips out that one of the reasons for Affies’ netball success is the depth of quality players at the school.

“I am involved with the coaching of all the A and B sides. I begin the practice by letting the players of all the teams warm up together. I then demonstrate to all the players some techniques that I want them to master on the day. Afterwards I send the different teams to practise what they had just been taught.

This is how I ensure that there is depth in the school’s netball.”

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“She expects players to be on time for practice sessions on court and she also expects a 100% commitment from every player.”

“René has also installed a mind-set in each and every player to never give up. She teaches them that if you don’t succeed the first time in mastering some technique, you keep on practising until you get it right.”

FEATURE: NETBALL Written by Wilhelm De Swardt | Photos: Provided

“What I really admire about René as a coach is her ability to read a game within minutes, after which she finds a game plan that neutralizes the tactics of the opposition team.”

In her younger days, De Klerk used to be a provincial track and field athlete as well as a provincial netball player.

“My athletics background certainly helped me to become a better coach.”

“I tried to implement quite a few things in netball that I had learned as an athlete, the most important being speed. Speed is, in fact, of the essence when it comes to playing good netball. The faster a player is, the better she plays. If you are fast it is possible to dominate every facet of the game, defence as well as attack.

“Naturally, technique is also very important if you want to become a good netball player.”

SIDEBAR De Klerk’s Coaching CV

She has been coaching for the past 30 years. During this period 25 of the teams with which she was involved, went on to win their respective leagues; 20 of the teams she coached won either the Gauteng or Gauteng North Tournaments. She had coached 15 teams to victory in the former Transvaal league; won the national championships in 2001, 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014 and the Wildeklawer Tournament three times in five years.

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Jeanté Strydom More than passionate about netball

Jeanté Strydom more than passionate about netball Much has changed since nine years ago when a small girl clung to her dad’s leg, refusing to join her little friends for a game of netball.

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Nowadays Jeanté Strydom (Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool) has exactly the opposite problem.

She finds it difficult to stop playing netball. While the season was in full swing, Strydom was the one who let her teammates know on WhatsApp that she was going to do some extra training.

Naturally this motivated them to walk the extra mile with her.

FEATURE: NETBALL No wonder, therefore, that the Affies 1st netball team has dominated high school netball during the past two years by winning 116 games on the trot.

What’s more, some of these victories were against teams from Australia and New Zealand, who are considered to be the world leaders in international netball.

Not surprisingly, Affies also won the national high school tournament for the second consecutive year by beating Hoërskool Waterkloof in the final (25-13).

Strydom laughs when she recounts her initial reluctance to play netball.

“When I was in Grade 3 my parents forced me to start playing netball because they wanted me to make some friends. At first I really hated it.

That is why I did not want to let go of my dad’s leg, but I am glad that my parents persisted because netball has really changed my life for the better.

“I would encourage any young girl to play netball because I consider it to be the ultimate team sport. The fact that the team is so small makes it easy for the players to gel with one another. They form a true ‘sussiehood’, which is something very special.”

When asked to name her three main highlights for the season, Strydom immediately referred to the game in which Affies beat Waterkloof to win the national tournament for a second consecutive year.

Written by Wilhelm De Swardt | Photos: Provided

“I think it was one of the best games I have ever played as goal keeper. It was definitely the game in which I pulled off the interceptions. I think I left my heart on the court.

“Another personal highlight for me was when I received the Affies netball player of the year award, and it was also special for me to be selected for the SA Top 35 squad.”

Unfortunately there is a possibility that Strydom might soon be lost for South African netball. She is seriously considering moving to Australia to further her career there.

“I have thought about the matter long and hard. Australia and New Zealand are the only two countries where a living can be made by playing netball, and that is what I should like to do.

I don’t think I will go as soon as next year. I will probably first complete my studies at either the Northwest University or the University of Pretoria. My studies will have something to do with sports, because it is my passion.”

Side Bar Advice to young aspirant goal keepers “Any player who wants to play as a goal keeper should, first and foremost, work on her speed.

You have to be fast and have good ball handling skills.

“It is also important that you should be able to ‘read’ the opposition defence players. The quicker you learn to know their way of thinking on court the better.

“Communication between you as goal keeper and the goal defender is also of cardinal importance.”

According to Strydom the opportunity to play in Australia earlier this season was a real eye opener.

“The speed with which they do things on court quite amazed me. A very special aspect of the way the Aussies play is that to them everything is about the team. For instance, when the goal keeper intercepts a pass it is considered as an effort by the entire team, to which every player contributed.”

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Waterkloof HOËRSKOOL 1st hockey team wins Noordvaal Trophy

waterkloof hoërskool

1st hockey team wins Noordvaal Trophy

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FEATURE: Hockey Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Provided

Naudé is true artist on the field and with paintbrush Lynn-Mari Naudé (Hoërskool Waterkloof) is an artist in the true sense of the word.

Whether she is in front of her easel, trying to capture on canvas the fine details and emotions of a pianist, or on the hockey field, trying to create a goal opportunity, she remains an artist.

With dedication and passion such as this, it should not be surprising that Naudé also captained Waterkloof’s 1st hockey team to victory in the Noordvaal competition.

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Waterkloof HOËRSKOOL 1st hockey team wins Noordvaal Trophy

The way Naudé and her teammates performed throughout the season was quite impressive. They played a total of 38 games of which they won 29, lost 8 and drew 1. This gave them a winning percentage of 76.32 for the season. The team scored a total of 140 goals, while only 35 goals were scored against them.

Beating Hoërskool Menlopark (defending champions) 5-2 in the Noordvaal final was a definite highlight, especially considering what happened in the first two games. In the first league game Waterkloof beat Menlopark 1-0, but in the Stadsbeker (City Cup) final it was Menlo’s turn to triumph 1-0.

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FEATURE: Hockey Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Provided

When Naudé was asked how it felt to win the one game that really mattered, she replied: “Before the game I had a feeling that something special was going to happen on the field because we had an unbelievably positive vibe in the dressing room.

What are the challenges of being a captain?

“I don’t consider myself to be a bossy captain, but it is important to know when it is time to step in to keep your teammates motivated and focussed on the goals we had set for ourselves.”

“I think the Noordvaal final was a just conclusion to a fantastic season. As captain I could certainly not have hoped for a better ending.”

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Waterkloof HOËRSKOOL 1st hockey team wins Noordvaal Trophy

The team’s coach, Gregg Hesom, attributes the success of his team to the depth of experience and the quality of the available players.

“I had a squad of 20 players to choose from for the first team and none of these players would let the team down. A situation such as this certainly makes a coach’s job easier.”

Hesom, who had coached the Northerns senior women’s hockey side for eight years, is a firm believer in progressing step by step.

“Once the girls began to master the different processes through which I put them, I knew that any team who played against them would battle to beat them. I derived great satisfaction from seeing them gel as a team and also to see how the players began to play for one another.

“Another aspect that contributed to our success was the fact that five of the players in our 1st team had played club hockey as well, four of them for premier league teams. Because these players were used to playing at a higher intensity, it rubbed off on the rest of the team.”

SIDEBAR Naudé intends to continue playing hockey next year, but she is not sure at what level.

“I am planning to study visual arts at the University of Stellenbosch next year, and I hope that I will be selected to play for the Varsity team. What happens after that remains to be seen. However, my studies will be my main priority.”

Naudé is quite passionate about art. “I love doing portrait studies. I recently did a painting of a pianist while he was playing. The challenge for me was to also capture his emotions on the canvas. This achievement gave me a totally different kind of thrill than, for instance, scoring a goal for our team.”

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FEATURE: Hockey Words: Wilhelm de Swardt | Photos: Provided

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DAN WATKINS Rugby injury was a blessing in disguise for Watkins

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St Alban’s College

RUGBY INJURY WAS A BLESSING IN DISGUISE FOR

WATKINS Dan Watkins could never have imagined just how lucky he was to injure his knee in a school rugby game. While he may have been desperately disappointed at the time, that niggly knee is what set him on a completely different path; one which he hopes will one day end in Olympic glory.

“I had a knee injury from rugby in grade nine and in my rehab programme I was doing exercises on the rowing machine.

My personal trainer recognised that I was quite strong and should give rowing a try. I then decided to begin my journey with the upcoming pre-season camp,” explained the matric student at St Alban’s in Pretoria.

“But my biggest influence to start rowing was actually my best mate Chris Mittendorf. He always spoke about his sport like it was above all other sports.

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FEATURE: ROWING Written by Karien Jonckheere | Photos by Karien Jonckheere & Provided

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DAN WATKINS Rugby injury was a blessing in disguise for Watkins

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St Alban’s College

”I played waterpolo and rugby for my first two years at school before I started rowing. But as my career got more serious my rowing consumed all my time.”

“

Considering he’s only been in the boat for less than four years, Watkins has worked hard to make a rapid rise through the ranks and made another breakthrough in August when he returned home from the World Rowing Junior Championships in Germany with a bronze medal.

The junior champs in Germany were absolutely incredible and I was so privileged to be there.

I was representing my country in the single scull which has always been my coach Tiago Loureiro and my dream,

”

said the 6ft4, 18-year-old.

“The actual experience was crazy.

You never really know how fast you are until you’ve actually raced your first race. I won my heat, then went on to winning my quarter, then went on to winning my semifinal and then won the bronze medal in the final.

“To be absolutely honest I wasn’t even a bit disappointed. I was so proud with what we had accomplished and knew that this is only the beginning to a very exciting career ahead.”

The German event wasn’t the first time that Watkins had represented his country. Having won a gold medal at the SA School Championships and then gone through a gruelling selection process, he first pulled on the green and gold at a junior national quad event in Lithuania last year.

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FEATURE: ROWING Written by Karien Jonckheere | Photos by Karien Jonckheere & Provided

“I can honestly say that I’ve never had a more exciting and privileged feeling. I felt absolutely honoured and proud when I pulled up my trisuit [rowing kit] over my shoulders and looked down to see the SA Protea stuck to my chest.”

By the sounds of things, there’ll be plenty more of that in the future, and Watkins believes he has had the best possible grounding for what lies ahead at St Alban’s. “w has been absolutely vital for my rowing career. My school has given me an opportunity that I never dreamed of. The staff here understand what I’m about and how heavy my commitment to rowing is and therefore they are always ready to help me and make changes in order to comply with my busy rowing schedule.

“Also I believe that St Alban’s has the best structure and rowing coaches when competing at school level and national level. Coach Tiago has coached me for the past three years at school level and the past two years at national level so St Albans has unbelievable depth and knowledge about the sport.”

That was evidenced when a St Alban’s old boy, John Smith, powered to an Olympic gold medal with James Thompson, Matthew Brittain and Sizwe Ndlovu in the lightweight coxless four in London a couple of years ago. Needless to say, Smith remains Watkins’s role model and someone he is working towards emulating.

“Right now I need to concentrate on my academics so that’s what I’ll be doing in the next couple of months.

But as the year comes to an end I will start preparing myself for trials to try and get a spot on the senior national team and then hopefully get the chance to race U23 World Championships next year.

“At the moment I don’t really know what university I will be attending next year but wherever I go will be to give myself a better chance to achieve an Olympic gold medal one day.”

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PAUL BOSHOFF RISING STAR

RISING STAR PAUL BOSHOFF

Following a fifth place finish in the Stroke Play Championship at Umhlali Country Club, the 18-yearold The Serengeti golfer defeated top ranked Hennie du Plessis at the last hole of a humdinger 36-hole final to lift the prestigious Match Play title.

The lead changed hands no less than seven times and the two opponents were still at all square as they headed to the 18th hole at Umhlali Country Club for the second time.

It looked as if the battle for supremacy could head to a playoff decider, however, only the Ekurhuleni golfer’s tee shot stood up in the gusting wind. Two putts later, Boshoff added his name to an impressive list of past champions, including Trevor Immelman, Richard Sterne and Dylan Frittelli.

Boshoff followed with more success at the Nomads Coastal Order of Merit event at St Francis Links in May and rose to the number one spot on the South African Golf Association Junior Rankings.

He also rose to 14th in the Open Amateur rankings following a tie for fourth at the Northern Amateur Stroke Play in June.

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Q

South Africa’s top ranked junior, Paul Boshoff, appeared on the national golfing radar after a fourth place finish at the Sanlam Cape Province Open, but it was during the Nomads SA Boys Under-19 Championship that Boshoff grabbed the headlines in April.

Q & A: GOLF Written By Kobus Pretorius | Photos By Dale Boyce, Saga, Roger Sedres

A &

Boshoff tied for 21st at the Limpopo Open in July before he embarked on a trip to Europe with Nomads SA Boys U-19 Stroke Play champion, Tristen Strydom. The pair competed in several Amateur championships in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.

We caught up with Boshoff after his return from the World Junior Golf Series RB German Junior in Germany, where he claimed a seventh place finish.

Q: Are you the sort of golfer who sets yearly goals? If so, what goals did you set for yourself to achieve in 2014? What are your long term goals and how do you hope to achieve them?

PB: Yes, I do set myself goals. My goal for 2014 was to transition out of junior golf as the country’s number one and to break into the top 10 on the Open Amateur circuit. I also wanted to gain some experience by competing in Europe. Eventually, I want to compete on the PGA Tour. It’s going to take blood, sweat, a lot of hard work and all my dad’s money.

Q: We have been told that it can be tough to transition between the junior and senior amateur circuits.

Tell us a little about the differences between the two circuits.

PB: Yes, it is quite challenging. I started playing on the amateur circuit at 15 and in the beginning, it was difficult purely because of the physical difference between myself and the older players. However, as I grew older and stronger, it became easier. The standard is definitely higher on the Open Amateur circuit.

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PAUL BOSHOFF RISING STAR

FACT FILE DATE OF BIRTH:

15 August 1996

BIRTH PLACE: Pretoria RESIDENCE: Pretoria GOLF CLUB:

Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate

GOLF UNION: Ekurhuleni HANDICAP: +2 SCHOOL AND GRADE:

Impak - Grade 12

SAGA JUNIOR RANKING: 1 SAGA OPEN RANKING: 14 Q: What are the most difficult obstacles to overcome and how are things going as you head into the second half of the season?

PB: My biggest obstacle is to keep fit and injury free for the whole season. I had some trouble with my back during the first part of the year, but that has been sorted.

I feel confident about the second half of the season and just have to stay in survival mode.

Q: Please give us a brief look at your career highlights.

PB: Obviously, my greatest highlight was winning the Nomads SA Boys U-19 Match Play. Although I play in international events, it is important to support and perform in the local events and this event is the flagship tournament of the SA Junior Circuit.

I also competed against some of the top amateurs in Europe and reached the quarter final at the 2013 Italian Amateur.

Q: What are the strengths of your game and what would you describe as the weaknesses of your game, or aspects that you still have to give attention to?

PB: I would say my short game is definitely my biggest strength and I hit my driver pretty straight (on the good days). My game is pretty sorted, but I need to work on my physical strength.

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Q: What part of your game do you think has shown the most growth in the last 12 months?

PB: My coach, Gavan Levenson, worked hard with me on the technical aspects of my game, and I have seen a definite improvement in my overall game.

Q: How do you balance golf with your other obligations, like school work, if applicable?

PB: To be honest, I don’t have any balance in my life… it’s all about golf. I believe that’s what you have to do if you want to be the best.

Q: Take us down memory lane and tell us how you started playing golf.

PB: I was actually a pretty decent tennis player, until I broke my arm in grade three. I took up golf after that and began playing with my dad and granddad. I played my first round of golf at the Gary Player course at Sun City when I was 10 years old and I was hooked for life.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

PB: What spare time? If I find any spare time, I sleep!

Q: What is your go-to club in your bag and why?

PB: That would be my lob wedge.

When in doubt, chip it out.

Q & A: GOLF Written By Kobus Pretorius | Photos By Dale Boyce, Saga, Roger Sedres

Q: What has been the best moment of your career and why?

PB: Winning Nomads SA Boys U19 was undoubtedly my career highlight. I have a lot of respect for Hennie, because he is one of our best players. To compete against him and come out on top, was a huge achievement for me.

Q: Do you think the future of golf in South Africa is promising? Who among the crew of top senior amateurs looking to turn pro out there at the moment do you think will be our future Major winners?

PB: I definitely think we have amazing players in South Africa and the competition is healthy and fierce. I think Christiaan Bezuidenhout is someone to watch. I love the way he plays golf.

Q: What advice would you give youngsters just starting in the game?

PB: Get a box of tissues because there is a lot of crying in this game.

Seriously, though, be prepared for a lot of hard work and a lot of patience.

Q: WOW moment of your career?

PB: The best moment of my career was winning the Nomads SA Boys U-19 Match Play at the 36th hole.

I competed and beat some of the best players in this country and it was a huge achievement for me.

Q: We’ve heard you are a Candy Crush addict. What other secrets are you hiding?

PB: My favourite food is braaivleis, my favourite season is summer, the weirdest thing I’ve ever eaten is crocodile, the one thing I can’t live without is practicing and the thing I hate the most is reading - it takes too much time. I’m far too impatient, and most of the books these days are available on disc.

I’m very disciplined when it comes to training. This doesn’t come naturally, you have to force yourself in the beginning, but after a while it becomes second nature.

I’m enjoying life and I can roll with the punches.

Q: What did you dream of becoming as a young kid?

PB: I wanted to become a motocross rider.

Q: What player has influenced you the most and why?

PB: Adam Scott plays golf like a master, no mistakes. He does everything the way it is supposed to be done. He is a technical and physical genius.

Q: Which three people would you pick for your Fantasy Fourball and why?

PB: Ben Hogan, because he changed the way the game is played, Adam Scott to learn from and Rodger Federer, because he is my ultimate sports hero Q: If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

PB: Richard Branson, because he lives life to the fullest, he is a clever businessman and entrepreneur.

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Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

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Kobus Pretorius Talking Point: Moving On

Hashim Amla has guided the team to a first ever test series triumph in Sri Lanka by beating them 1-0 as well as a victory in the one-off test against Zimbabwe.

kobus pretorius

Talking Point: Moving On Words by Kobus Pretorius

The South African cricket team have performed well after the retirement of Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis.

After successful tours to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, the Proteas seem to be coping well with the loss of former captain Graeme Smith and all rounder Jacques Kallis through retirement.

Hashim Amla has guided the team to a first ever test series triumph in Sri Lanka by beating them 1-0 as well as a victory in the one-off test against Zimbabwe. Under the leadership of the ODI captain, AB de Villiers, the Proteas have gone on to win series in Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, including the Triangular series involving Australia.

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Game On Magazine, October: Issue 10, 2014

While many fans have feared the possible negative impact that Smith and Kallis’ retirement would have on the national setup, the team have performed remarkably well considering the amount of experience and leadership they have lost over a short period of time.

Here are five things we have learned from the tours in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe: Quinton de Kock is here to stay De Kock took over the wicket keeping duties on both tours from AB de Villiers and excelled, especially in the three ODI series. He hasn’t quite found his feet at test level, but there are some encouraging signs.

He got going in a few innings, but failed to convert that to a big score. He still has to learn how to build a test innings, but with the guidance of Amla, De Villiers and Faf du Plessis, he’ll get there. With De Villiers possibly giving up the big gloves for good, it will change the dynamic of the test team. Only time will tell if the change will be a good or a bad one. De Kock has had no trouble slotting into the ODI side, becoming the second fastest player to reach 1 000 ODI runs after Jonathan Trott. His future in the shorter format of the game looks more secure, and he’ll just keep on getting better and better.

COLUMN: CRICKET

Awesome Faf Faf du Plessis cemented his number three spot in the ODI batting line-up by scoring 464 with an average of 92.8 in the Triangular series against Zimbabwe and Australia. This included three hundreds and a fifty, including hundreds in back-to-back games against Zimbabwe and Australia. Du Plessis is still settling into the number three spot in the test side, but should continue to bat there. He has the technique and patience to be successful high up in the order. It would have been tempting to move him to number five, with Amla slotting back in at number three and De Villiers moving to four. This may still happen if Du Plessis fails to make the position his own, but for now he’ll probably stay at three.

Petersen’s time is running out Alviro Petersen is under pressure to keep his place in the test team. He scored just 117 runs in six innings in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for a poor average of 19.5. It simply isn’t good enough. Petersen has struggled for consistency throughout his test career, and with the likes of Stiaan van Zyl knocking on the door, it might only be a matter of time before he makes way for the Cape Cobras batsman.

Petersen turns 34 in November, and should he lose his place in the side it could signal the end of his international career. His opening partner Dean Elgar, on the other hand, managed to score a hundred in the first innings of the first test against Sri Lanka and looks as if he might have what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

South Africa’s next test outing is against the West Indies at home in December. That might prove to be a make or break series for Petersen to prove that he still belongs in the team.

Steyn Remover Where would the Proteas be without Dale Steyn? It’s a legitimate question, considering Steyn’s performances in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. He took 13 wickets in the two tests against Sri Lanka and was well supported

by Morne Morkel who chipped in with 12 wickets of his own. Steyn, along with debutant spinner Dane Piedt, claimed 8 wickets in the test against Zimbabwe.

He was rested for the ODI series against our neighbours, but returned for the Triangular series against Zimbabwe and Australia, claiming 10 wickets at an average of 21.2. Steyn is the backbone of the South African pace attack and is quite comfortably our best bowler. While Morkel also had a good tour of Sri Lanka, he still struggles with his consistency while Vernon Philander had a very poor tour by his high standards. Is it a stretch to think where the wickets would come from should Steyn be unable to play a test? Probably not.

Triumph or Failure?

That is the question that surrounds South Africa’s latest spin hope, Dane Piedt. Piedt toured to Sri Lanka but didn’t manage to get any game time. Instead, he made his debut in the test against Zimbabwe where he took 8 wickets in the match - four in each innings, to help the Proteas win by 9 wickets. It’s still early days for Piedt, but his first class record is impressive and he looks like the type of spinner who can take wickets and win matches rather than just dry up the runs at one end while the fast bowlers strike at the other end. Hopefully he can continue the good form he showed for the Cape Cobras last year. If that happens, he should get another opportunity to play for the test side and challenge Imran Tahir to be South Africa’s first choice spinner.

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