SOCCER
Can Hilton College 1sts soccer team do it again?
The 8th annual Pietermaritzburg High Schools’ Football Association Cup will be held this Friday, August 24 to Sunday, August 26 at Howick High School. Established in 2011, the tournament then featured just 8 boys’ schools.
In 2012 a girls’ section was included and the tournament now features a record total of 40 teams (20 boy’ teams, 20 girls’ teams) for this year’s event.
It is believed to be the biggest boys’ and girls’ weekend high schools tournament in the country.
Feature image: WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS MY FRIENDS! 2017 winners Hilton College.
The tournament is primarily for high schools in the PMB and Midlands region, although teams are also invited to the popular tournament from outside this region.
The PMB FA Cup has become synonymous with bringing together boys and girls from various schools, backgrounds and cultures for a 3-day festival of football.
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It has also provided an initial stage for a number of talented players to showcase their skill: Ryan Moon (Maritzburg College and Kaizer Chiefs, Bafana Bafana), Bandile Shandu (Maritzburg College and Maritzburg United), Brylon Petersen (Maritzburg College and Kaizer Chiefs), Ayren Bond (Maritzburg College and Mthatha City), Lungelo Msomi (Alex and Mthatha City), Qiniso Mahlaba (Alex and Mthatha City) have gone onto professional careers after playing in the tournament.
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Maritzburg College Old Boy Ryan Moon of Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs still holds the top goalscorer record of 8 goals, scored in the 2013 edition.
An expectant crowd during the 2017 PMB FA Cup finals at Howick High School.
Of the current crop, Costi Christodoulou (Hilton College & SA under 17 captain and goalkeeper) is expected to feature this year as Hilton attempts to defend the title they won last year.
As far as the cup winners go, the competitive nature of high schools football is evident by the fact that in the 7 years of the tournament, there have been 6 different winners of the boys’ section.
THE BIG SHOW: 2017 Pietermaritzburg Football Association Cup finalists Carter High (left) and Hilton College minutes before the thriller that saw HC win 4-2 on penalty shootout after the teams were locked 1-1 in regulation time.
Only Alexandra High have been able to win the PMB FA Cup twice, back-to-back champs in 2012 and 2013.Interesting as well is the fact that neither the relatively strong Haythorne and Maritzburg College have their names inscribed on the trophy yet.In the girls section, Haythorne dominated a couple of years ago, winning the cup for 3 consecutive years but the last 2 have been won by Edendale Technical College.
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS: 2017 girls’ winners Edendale Tech. After Haythorne Secondary won a trio of titles back to back, ET wrested away ‘their’ coveted trophy with back-to-back wins in 2016 & 17. You can be sure that Haythorne will be determined to re-establish hegemony this weekend!
THE CHAMPIONS
PMB FA Cup Winners (Boys:
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For this year’s tournament, the 20 teams in each boys/girls section have been divided into 4 groups of 5 teams each.
The top 2 in each group will progress to the Cup Division, 3rd and 4th placed teams into the Plate Division and the 5th placed teams into the Bowl Division.
The group stages will be played on Friday and Saturday, with the knockout games being played on Sunday.
The tournament kicks off at 11am on Friday, with the finals scheduled to take place at 3pm on Sunday.
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Michaelhouse’s multifaceted Mubeezi Lubinga
Michaelhouse first team hockey and soccer captain, Head of House… Mubeezi Lubinga has a great personality, people are naturally drawn to him, but he backs that people ease through his deeds. Let’s find out more…
Mubeezi, great to have you on KZN10.com! You have spent your high school years at one of South Africa’s flagship educational institutions. What has your time at Michaelhouse taught you, what have been the biggest takeaways that you feel will stay with you well into the future?
Featured image: Personality and example powers the Mubeezi Lubinga brand of leadership.
“Thank you, Sir, I am honoured and privileged that you asked to interview me. To answer your question, aside from the etiquette – the manner in which one must conduct oneself in society – I have had the pleasure of meeting such incredible people here at Michaelhouse.
“There are many talented boys at Michaelhouse and what I have taken away from them is: If you want to achieve something, it is possible, as long as you truly believe it. It sounds like a cliché – and it is something we all hear – but it is so true, and it was only after meeting and watching extraordinary sportsmen, pupils and musicians that I actually came to believe it.
“In fact, had I learnt this cliché was true earlier in life, my life at this point may well have been very different, in the sense that I would have chased my dreams with more intent, knowing I could actually achieve them.”
Brothers, schoolmates, team-mates – Mubeezi and Mugabi Lubinga.
Well, you have done pretty well as it is Mubeezi, so mark it down to the learning curve that (unfortunately or perhaps fortunately) never ends.
So, as the Michaelhouse first team hockey and soccer captain: What’s it like being the go-to man, the ‘leader of the pack’?
“I like to think that my enthusiasm and passion brings out the best in my team-mates.”
Mubeezi is Head of Farfield House – at Michaelhouse there are 8 Houses so 8 Heads of House, with the Head Prefect above them. Each House has House Prefects as well.
So, one of the school’s leaders, Mubeezi started the hockey season and his role as first team captain at centre link before moving to his preferred position of centre back. “I enjoy centre back because I like the defensive responsibilities the position brings but I know, too, that I can offer value on attack.”
Making it count: Michaelhouse first team soccer captain and left wing-back Mubeezi Lubinga gets the game going in front of the Meadows faithful.
A massive Manchester United fan, on the football field Mubeezi’s role is a little different: “I play left wing-back. It enables me to attack down the wing but I do have to get back and defend. I add value to the team by putting in crosses and being a target in the box for corners and set-pieces.”
Mubeezi has certainly caught the eye of hockey selectors over the years and had he been available for the KZN Inland U18 side this year my gut feel suggests an SA Schools A or B cap would have been a distinct possibility. Mubeezi also wasn’t available for soccer selection – matric preliminary exams take precedence in this young man’s mind.
There has been a steady progression through the ranks. KZN Inland U14A selection was followed by Inland U16A for two years and U18A last year. Mubeezi was also selected for the SA U16B side while playing in that age group.
Recent KZN10.com feature focus Andre Bradford of Maritzburg College is challenged by Michaelhouse skipper Mubeezi Lubinga during the 12-goal Aitken’s Astro thriller. Red Army 7 Michaelhouse 5.
“I loved playing the fast-paced hockey at Interprovincial Nationals and it was always one of the highlights of my hockey season. Unfortunately, I have never won an IPT. In the KZN Inland sides I played in, we finished runners-up in the U14A age group, third and second in my two U16A years and second last year, for the U18As (Inland lost the 2017 final to Western Province on the Kearsney College Astro). When I played for South Africa U16B we played Namibia and two other South African sides.”
In the initial stage of his high school soccer career, Mubeezi represented Midlands and then gained selection for KZN U14 (in football there is no KZN Inland and KZN Coastal but as in rugby the greater Pietermaritzburg and Durban regions are combined for national tournaments).
KZN Inland U14 hockey selection at that time meant that Mubeezi had the rare opportunity to experience both the hockey and soccer vibe at national tournaments – and the hockey experience is the one that sticks more in his mind.
“The soccer experience was much different to that of a hockey IPT and I have to admit I enjoy the whole vibe and experience of a hockey IPT more.”
What a feeling! Mubeezi Lubinga scores during the surprise 2-1 win over Clifton College on Aitken’s.
Midlands U16 selection was the next step on the Mubeezi Lubinga football journey. As with hockey, Mubeezi did not make himself available for selection at a higher level this year.
So how many years and how many matches has Mubeezi played first team hockey at Michaelhouse and does he feel his game has developed since the debut match?
“I’ve played first team hockey for two years, and have played around 36 games if I am not mistaken. My game has evolved almost completely since my debut. I feel I have grown as a player, adding far more value to the team over time, a more complete player.”
Unsurprisingly (I was privileged to be in the right place at the right time – it was a wonderful occasion) there is no hesitation from Mubeezi as to his most memorable hockey game in the Red and White colours of Michaelhouse.
“It has to be this year’s 4-2 victory over Hilton on Aitken’s Astro, for the simple reason that we hadn’t beaten them in two years and it was my last Hilton/MHS on our home Astro.”
Captain Mubeezi Lubinga (back, 5th from left) and the 2018 Michaelhouse first hockey team with coach Richard Snowden.
On the soccer front, at the time of writing Mubeezi had around 21 first team games under the belt in this the second of his two-year stint in the side. “My influence in the team has changed a bit – more a defensive role than previously, while as a senior player there is more accountability.”
And yet again it’s a Hilton/Michaelhouse that stands out. In this case, as Mubeezi’s fondest soccer memory.
“My most memorable game for Michaelhouse would have to in grade 10 be when we (U16A) beat Hilton 7-1 on Meadows. There was a powerful synergy amongst us that day and that was my best performance in a football match… and it was even more significant in that it was against Hilton.”
Having watched quite a few of their matches, I felt that the Michaelhouse first hockey team had a pretty good season but at the same time an uneasy feeling persisted that it could have produced more. Would Mubeezi agree?
“Our season this year was definitely an improvement on last year but I feel we could’ve done a little bit better with the team we had. When we travelled to Uplands for the ISHF (Independent Schools’ Hockey Festival) we did have one or two games which I feel we could’ve done better. But the biggest disappointment was our 5-0 loss to St John’s at Michaelhouse. That just was not our day.”
Unfortunately a chance for KZN10.com to watch the Michaelhouse firsts soccer lads of 2018 hasn’t become a reality as yet. So what sticks out for Mubeezi this year and what will be recalled when he catches up with his soccer schoolmates on Old Boys’ Days in the future?
“We have had a good year so far. The St David’s tour was a disappointment but at the time of our discussion here, we remain unbeaten in KZN after beating, Northwood, Kearsney and Hilton.
Michaelhouse 1st soccer team (skip Mubeezi, back, 3rd player from left) a happy bunch after beating Northwood 2-0 on Meadows.
“We have the Maritzburg Cup coming up after our half-term break (this BIG Weekend in PMB and Midlands soccer takes place at Howick High from Friday, August 24 to the Sunday, August 26 Finals Day) and then we finish the season against Westville, which could well turn out to be our toughest game.”
So who are the Michaelhouse firsts hockey players that Mubeezi feels have had a particularly good year?
“The first name that springs to mind is Ben Rebeck. He had a spectacular season and I cannot wait to watch him play next year in his 3rd year of 1st team hockey. In terms of discipline and determination, Thabang Moephuli and Dom Leslie are two people who displayed these values through and through – and Angus Ferguson, being the top assister, had a memorable final season too.”
As with hockey, I think it’s fair to say that a soccer team is only as good as the team dynamics. Given the aforementioned, as far as firsts soccer is concerned, and granted that the season is by no means over, who – so far – are the players in Mubeezi’s team that he feels are having enterprising seasons?
Euphoria: Michaelhouse football skipper Mubeezi Lubinga (far left) and team congratulate Thabo Dlamini on his goal in the 2-0 victory over Hilton College.
“Levin Kamau and Thabo Dlamini are both having unreal seasons and it is no surprise Thabo was selected for KZN. Our team is much younger this year but the grade 11’s have really stepped up to the plate and that is one of the main reasons we remain unbeaten in KZN.”
Given his love for both, this is a BIG question: Which of hockey and soccer does Mubeezi prefer? Or is that an unfair question – do they each have their own attractions?
“In all honesty I have grown to prefer hockey over soccer. Nevertheless, each sport has its attractions.”
A COMMANDING PRESENCE: Michaelhouse leader Mubeezi Lubinga brings his personality to the fore on the pitch.
Mubeezi, as mentioned, I have yet to see you play soccer but what struck me in the numerous House firsts hockey matches I was privileged to watch this year, you exhibit a remarkably cool, composed temperament – and lead by example. Traits that are inherent in your make-up and no doubt iterated on the soccer pitch.
Further, you possess the calling card of all outstanding players – unhurried, measured in your actions… which, as far as is possible – given the inevitable “unforeseens” that make sport such an attraction – bring about the desired intentions. Have you always had these enviable characteristics in your game or has it been something you’ve worked on, were you once a bit of a hot-head (lol) on the park?
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“I have never been a hot-head but I have played in many teams with hot-heads!” Mubeezi chuckles.
“Seriously, I feel I always had the characteristics within me that you mentioned, but they really came to the fore towards the end of last year. I guess the more I play and train, the more confident I get – and that confidence allows me to play the game at my pace, enables me to take control. It also allows me to keep my cool in difficult situations during games.”
So at what age did Mubeezi start playing soccer? And which coach has had the most influence in growing his game – and how?
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“I have been playing soccer all my life but for the first time competitively when I was about six years old. This was for a football club in Polokwane. The coach that had the most influence in growing my soccer is probably Michaelhouse’s Mr Ian Crawford. Mr Crawford simply gave me the freedom to express myself – and that season with him was my most successful season to date.”
When did the hockey journey begin? “I started playing hockey when I was 10 at Clifton Nottingham Road. “Our Michaelhouse first team coach Mr (Richard) Snowden has had the most influence in developing my game. I think it’s because Mr Snowden was meticulous with his appraisals and he wanted to see my game flourish – and that just encouraged me to get better and improve everywhere I could.”
Mubeezi’s next answer made me smile! “I always felt my worst games happened when my older brother, Edgar, was watching! Simply because I felt under pressure for some weird reason! However, my younger brother (2018 first team and Old Mutual iWYZE Hockey Nationals U16 Player of the Tournament) Mugabi was a massive boost for me, as well as my mother and my U16A coach, Mrs (Tanith) von Mayer. The memorable wins were infinitely better with the support of these people.”
Mubeezi Lubinga, the Head of Farfield House as Michaelhouse, is planning to study at UCT next year. And in terms of sport? “I am undecided on playing soccer competitively, I am leaning towards playing it socially. On the other hand, I do plan on playing Varsity Cup hockey, so my competitive hockey career will continue.”
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It’s been a pleasure talking to you, Mubeezi. Anything else you would like to add?
“Thanks again, Sir. There is a highlights video of our hockey season, which is available on YouTube at the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI9UBFpjt9E if you or anyone reading this interview is interested.”
Thanks Mubeezi, I will make a point of watching it. Best wishes for your grade 12 exams and for what lies ahead in a future that offers you so many possibilities.
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Michaelhouse has done you proud. You have done Michaelhouse proud.
For more about Michaelhouse the school, check out https://www.michaelhouse.org/
Hilton College soccer teams overshadowed by Kearsney College
THE Hilton College first soccer team, as of 21 July 2018 have played 8 won 5 drawn 1 and lost 3.
The season started well with a six-match unbeaten run.
On Saturday, 21 July 2018 at Hilton it was very much Kearsney College’s day.
Kearsney won 15 of the 20 matches against Hilton with the firsts taking the premier encounter 1-0 and the U16A and U15A clashes by the same margin with Kearsney coming out tops 4-1 in the U14A match-up.
Hilton won 2 of the 8 matches in the senior age group – the fifths and sevenths coming out tops and the seconds getting a draw.
Soccer success comes from clear, comfortable vision both on and off the ball.
In the U16s it was four wins from four matches for Kearsney.
In the U15s the Hilton B side won but the three other teams in the age group lost to Kearsney.
In the U14s the Hilton U14D side had a goalless draw but the three teams above them lost.
To ensure a platform for soccer success first take care of your defensive systems.
Next up For Hilton soccer is what should be an entertaining trip to St Charles on Saturday, 28 August.
HILTON COLLEGE SOCCER RESULTS
(to date)
First team
Friendlies
vs Treverton 2-0
vs Linpark 3-0
Festival
vs Empangeni 0-0
vs Brettonwood 1-0
vs Thomas More 1-0
KO round 1-0
KO round 1-4
Sat 21 July
vs Kearsney 0-1
Upcoming
Sat 28 July vs St Charles (A)
Tues 31 July vs Westville (A)
Sat 11 Aug vs Michaelhouse (A)
Sat 1 Sept vs Northwood (H)
Sat 8 Sept vs Kearsney (A)
Saturday 21 July 2018 at home to Kearsney
1sts 0-1
2nds 0-0
3rds 0-1
4ths 0-2
5ths 5-1
6ths 2-4
7ths 4-1
8ths 2-3
U16A 0-1
U16B 0-4
U16C 4-7
U16D 0-5
U15A 0-1
U15B 3-1
U15C 2-3
U15D 2-3
U14A 1-4
U14B 0-1
U14C 1-2
U14D 0-0
Soccer, like life, comes with its fair share of bumps and bruises. Time out to refresh and rejuvenate is a must.
Hilton College first team starting XI vs Kearsney
- William Hoole
- Freddie Steenfeldt-Kristensen
- Michael Makris (capt)
- Lwandilulwazi Ndlovu
- Tanaka Matsa
- Darrel Nkomo
- Kopano Segoale
- Simi Bhembe (vice-capt)
- Sicelo Mahlangu
- Sebego Seabi
- William RawKearsney College firsts soccer team
1 Jethro Strydom
2 Aidan Bossert
3 Luke Gibbon
4 Gcina Gumede (capt)
5 Christopher Kiggen
6 Fin McLean
7 Joshua Barrett
8 Jordan Kellaway (vice-capt)
9 Ayoola Morakinyo
10 Liam Maguire
11 Ben Proctor
12 Jordan Baker (sub)
13 Thobani Xhakaza (sub)
14 Lwazi Gwebu (sub)
15 Cameron Whittaker (sub)
16 Nkateko Khoza (sub)
17 Menzi Mhlungu (sub)
Luyanda a Prince among KZN10 schoolboy sportsmen
11 CONSECUTIVE school terms of first team sport… KZN10.com would love to know if any boys of the KZN10 can beat, match or come close to the feat achieved by Prince Mazeka of St Charles College.
The Prince story is surprising in part and fascinating in many.
Natural talent is not scarce in the Class of 10 KZN schools – never has been nor ever will be – but these fine educational institutions’ primary purpose, as much as we KZN schoolboy sports fans are sometimes forced to admit (rather grudgingly it must be said)… Yes it is primarily about progress in the classroom.
Martin Ashworth feature image: Blessed with natural athleticism… always a thrill to watch… Luyanda ‘Prince’ Mazeka of St Charles College.
So, think for a moment of three or four first team practices every week since the third term of grade 9 (going into – at this moment – Prince’s final term of first team sport)… the off-field gym training, team video analysis sessions, painful injuries that make time spent in the classroom physically difficult to endure… and so on. Undaunted, Prince has soldiered on.
St Charles College’s multi-code first team sports star Prince Mazeka alongside Saint Marcellin Champagnat, founder of Marist Brothers, the statue blessed by Cardinal Wilfred Napier on 15 September 2006. Photo Jono Cook
Luyanda “Prince” Mazeka, born in Kokstad on 25 April 2000 of parents Herbert and Nonzuzo Mazeka and younger sibling of sisters Babalwa and Akhona, has taken this journey and emerged from it with the grace, humbleness and a sincere likeability that draws one to him, yet it’s clear that underneath lies an inner strength of character that has ensured his academics haven’t fallen away.
As mentioned, one of the reasons for this KZN10.com interview with Prince is that he is now embarking on his 11th consecutive term of first team sport – across three codes – firstly soccer, then basketball, then rugby.
It is his 11th and last, as the grade 12 Prince Mazeka isn’t eligible for the fourth term Stayers basketball season.
POETRY IN MOTION: Prince Mazeka vs Clifton – an athlete who excels in football, rugby and basketball.
Photo Martin Ashworth
If you have watched Prince playing any of the three you will have marvelled at his natural balance, agility and – the hallmark of the exceptionally talented – the appearance of having so much time on his hands that he is operating in slow motion compared to his opponents. Yet it is all lightning quick – with those around him scrambling to keep the pace.
The first team appearances started in grade 9 (third term, 2015) when the Prince of KZN10 schoolboy sportsmen made his debut for the Saints firsts soccer team. It was the Pietermaritzburg High Schools Football Association Cup – more commonly known as the Maritzburg Cup.
“I was very nervous, my first time in a first team shirt,” says this quietly spoken, infinitely polite and humble young man.
“It was a key match in the Group stage of the event and every match, every goal, every point counted. We finished second in our Group to qualify for the semi-finals. In the semis we won on penalties to reach the final, against Maritzburg College, which we won.
Clear communication is the foundation of every team’s success.
“I scored the winning goal in that final against Maritzburg College. How did that feel? Nothing can explain the feeling I felt at that moment.” Indeed, no greater thrill could ever be hoped for from a left wing and striker of the Prince pedigree.
Asked to describe how the goal came about, it is clear that Prince remembers it like yesterday. “It was a throw-in deep in the Maritzburg College half. One of my team-mates flicked it on and the ball landed just outside the big box. I hit it on the bounce and goal time it was. I’ve still got my winners’ medal at my family’s home in Pietermaritzburg.”
Time on the ball: Football is The ONE thing for Luyanda Prince Mazeka.
Photo Martin Ashworth
Saints first team coach Gary Ritchie on Prince the soccer talent:
Gary: “Prince has played 1st team football since Maritzburg Cup in grade 9. He is a flair footballer who has the ability to change matches, he can kick equally with both feet and his explosive speed is his greatest attribute. Prince has a superb attitude and even as a youngster in the team, the seniors embraced his drive. He scored the winner against Maritzburg College in the Maritzburg Cup final. There is no doubt that he could play professional football one day.”
Praise indeed.
Next up for Prince was firsts basketball in grade 10. “I started off playing cricket at Saints, in grade 8 and a bit of 9 before switching to basketball. Almost all my Saints friends played basketball on the weekends (Prince is a boarder) and I’d join the other boarders playing socially. My love for the game grew to the point where I wanted to play seriously.”
Poise, fleet of foot and sleight of hand, Prince Mazeka – here vs Maritzburg College – has thrilled basketball fans this year.
And so it was, with Prince lighting up the packed stands at the Saints indoor arena, the epic Alan Paton Hall derbies at Maritzburg College – and theatres of schoolboy basketball further afield with his prowess in the point guard and shooting guard positions.
Saints first team basketball head coach Darren Holcomb, a former national star and St Charles College head of Upper School, reserves high praise for the Prince.
Balance, keeping the ball alive, attacking from deep after fielding errant exit kicks… Prince Mazeka is the complete package, is a joy to watch. In action here against Clifton College on Old Orchards at Saints.
Photo Martin Ashworth
“Luyanda has had an excellent basketball year and is to be commended for his attitude and determination to succeed. He has been a centre-piece in our offence as well as a key component of our defensive structure. He has excellent positioning – and the ability to make the outside shot consistently and get to the hoop. He is deceptively quick and has the ability to put his defensive marker under pressure. As one of the two captains of the team, he has been a pleasure to work with and is a major reason for the 2018 team’s success.”
For no higher praise could a young man wish.
The third leg of the Prince hat-trick was first XV rugby – in his grade 11 year (2017).
(Of great – and surprise – interest to me was the news that Luyanda Prince Mazeka and Maritzburg College head prefect and first team rugby eighthman and captain Ntuthuko Mchunu are childhood friends, best friends and next-door neighbours in the PMB suburb of Napierville).
“We were at Piet Retief Primary School and grew up together, played sports together since we were little kids. He’s a great friend of mine to this day.”
That’s the magic of KZN10 schoolboy sport – it’s about the friends made… the results soon fade.
NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOURS AND LIFELONG FRIENDS are Ntuthuko Mchunu the Maritzburg College head prefect and first XV No 8 and captain, and Prince Mazeka. Photo Martin Ashworth
“Getting back to my rugby at Saints I had played A team through the age groups and count myself blessed to have enjoyed two years of first team rugby at fullback.”
This is the Prince that Jono Cook has seen more of: And Prince is as apt a name I can think of in recalling how the fullback glides over the turf, the perfect balance, the electric acceleration, the inside and outside breaks, the steps cutting the opposition to threads, the beautiful timing of the pass, the wonderful timing in kicking the ball out of hand and from place-kicks. And it’s not just the good stuff on attack – plenty of hard tackles too when the occasion demanded it. Without a shadow of doubt My Prince of KZN10 fullbacks.
As good as the other Saints first XV players were, it was Prince who first came to mind when I looked forward to a match. Prince, of those guys you never tire of watching because, like the opposition, you are never quite sure what the number 15 is going to come up with next – and invariably it was pretty damn good.
A sports match is fraught with uncertainties. Your vision mustn’t be one of them.
Here’s what Saints first XV co-coach and backline specialist, the former Michaelhouse star centre, Nick Jackson, has to say about my KZN10 Prince of fullbacks.
“I have had the pleasure of coaching Prince for the last two years for the first rugby side. Prince is an incredible natural sportsman, if you ask him to learn something new he is able to pick it up almost immediately. A complete attacking force from fullback that can kick the ball a mile or glide his way through would-be tacklers and leave them in his wake. He is defensively solid, and consistently makes correct decisions on the field. His greatest attribute is that he is an upstanding young man who is willing to listen and learn, as well as making others in his team raise their level of play.”
BEYOND PASSIONATE: Euphoric St Charles College basketball fans celebrate victory in the Alan Paton Hall Maritzburg College.
Photo Jono Cook
Wow! That’s way better than I could put it, but then I guess Jacko has spent so much time watching and coaching the Prince he would be in a better position to catch the essence so well.
So with such a range of skill-sets packed into one lithe frame, which is the sport that Prince loves the most?
“I love all three for different reasons, but I have to say that if I had to choose, soccer comes first. I think soccer is my best sport and I’ve accomplished more with it as far as making provincial teams is concerned – I’ve played for KZN teams since grade 8 and this year I hope to be selected for KZN U19.”
* KZN Inland and KZN Coastal are combined under one provincial umbrella in soccer, as is rugby, while hockey and cricket have gone the KZN Inland and KZN Coastal route. And unlike provincial schoolboy rugby, hockey and cricket, soccer is U19.
Every schoolboy sportsman needs support structures and when asked the question Prince pointed to his family in the first instance. “My parents and sisters have been a big help in supporting me, they come to watch me play and it makes me proud to play in front of them.”
Apart from his SCC coaches, a coach in soccer who has had the most influence on Prince is Olwethu Ntlahla .
“When I was in grade 6 at Piet Retief Primary School, Mr Ntlahla taught me the basics of football, how to read the game – he gave me the best foundation I could have hoped for.”
SAFE AS HOUSES: As much as a rugby fullback is an attacking weapon, his first duty is to ensure that team-mates feel secure in their last line of defence.
An influential basketball mentor? “Mr (Darren) Holcomb and his first team assistant coach Mr Ayanda Shange. I didn’t know a lot about basketball, it was the newest of the three first team sports I play, and I didn’t have the solid foundation of the basics in me as I had with soccer and rugby.
“So there was quite a bit to learn, catch-up training and basketball game and skills education to do. Mr Holcomb and Mr Shange always found the time to show me the finer points of the game and were always there to answer my questions about aspects of the game that I wasn’t sure of.”
Prince was pretty specific on the key personnel who piloted his soccer and basketball education to the greatest degree, but when asked about specific coaches on the rugby front it brought a frown of sorts.
A wonderful-to-watch attacking fullback he may be, but when it comes to cross-cover and tackling a flying Northwood Knight, Prince Mazeka answers his team’s call.
Photo Martin Ashworth
“That is a very tough one to answer. A number of rugby coaches have had a big influence on my rugby education. Since I first started, in mini-rugby at the age of 9 or so there were a number of coaches at that stage of my rugby development and I am grateful to all of them, as well as to all the coaches I have had at Saints.”
As to his thoughts on St Charles College, this time the Prince answer evidently doesn’t require the slightest hint of careful thought.
“I love Saints.”
“SCC has taught me how to treat all of our people with the same respect, irrespective of where society might try and categorise them. St Charles College has also taught me to always place others before my own interests while at the same time holding my ground and being my own person when the situation demands that response.
Every sports fan and every sportsman needs to recharge the batteries ahead of the next encounter.
“But most of all it is the sense of brotherhood you get here at Saints that is most precious to me. That sense of a shared bond, a common goal and an ideal that is worth preserving and enhancing is what makes my school so special.”
15 vs 8: Elusive Saints fullback Prince Mazeka and workrate personified Michaelhouse eighthman & captain Christian Opperman were in brilliant form on Meadows 28 April 2018 during a thrilling encounter that eventually went the way of House.
Photo Martin Ashworth
While the Prince of St Charles is a competent, hardworking scholar in the classroom and goes about his duties with a sense of responsibility, he is open-minded about possible career pursuits once his matric year is up in a few very short months’ time.
But, with the flash of a smile, he says, “I would love to go all-out in making a go at professional football.”
KZN10.com extends the best of best wishes to, Prince. May your dreams come true. Nice guys do finish first.
Costi the keeper reserves a special place for his mom
I have learned something by chance about Hilton College’s 16-year-old first team soccer goalkeeper Constandino Christodoulou that has touched me deeply and says a lot about this young man in the making. At the age of 3 Costi lost his mom to cancer. Before each match, grade 10 schoolboy Costi says a prayer in honour of his mother. Her initials are on his goalkeeper gloves.
Clearly Costi lives by the Hilton College motto, Orando et Laborando (by Prayer and Work).
KZN10.com wishes Costi and the South African U17 football team all the best for the COSAFA U17 Cup from this Friday’s opening match to the Sunday 29 July final. Costi and Team SA flew to tournament host country Mauritius Sunday, arrived Monday and had MRI scans in order to ensure age eligibility.
Players born 1 January 2002 or later are eligible to participate in the competition.
Go to the COSAFA website www.cosafa.com for a lot of information on the Council of Southern African Football Associations’ take on the COSAFA U17 Cup – the AFCON 2019 Qualifier tournament, as well as on the SAFA website www.safa.net … there will be constant updates and article on the SAFA website.
LIVE COMMENTARY ON THE SA U17 GAMES on their twitter handle @SAFA_net
2018 COSAFA Under-17 Championship fixtures and SA TIME kick-off:
Friday 20/07: vs Lesotho – 13h30 – Auguste Vollaire Stadium
Sunday 22/07: vs Mozambique – 10h00 – Auguste Vollaire Stadium
Tuesday 24/07: vs Zambia – 13h00 – St Francois Xavier Stadium
Not just a shot-stopper: Modern-day goalkeepers play the role of sweeper and counter-attack launchpad. Non out-of-hand footballing skills – dribbling and passing – add an extra dimension. Constandino Christodoulou, the 16-year-old Hilton College firsts, KZN U19 and SA U17 keeper. Note the perfect balance and technique. The Hilton College firsts soccer keeper also benefits from developing his all-round sports skills by playing U16A rugby and cricket.
So it’s the 12 Southern African countries… 4 per group, so 3 groups… Costi and Team SA in Group B with Lesotho, Mozambique and defending champions Zambia… the winners of each group progress to the semi-finals along with the best-placed 2nd team from the 3 groups.
If SA win they qualify for the African Youth Cup Finals event in Tanzania next year and the champs in Tanzania plus the three other semi-finalists go to The 2019 Big Show – the 18th biennial Fifa U17 World Cup Finals competition in host country Peru from October 5 to 19.
England U17 are the defending world champions.
Last word from Costi: “Thank you so much, Sir, I really appreciate KZN10.com showing such interest in the SA U17 team… it’s all up to us now, we’ve prepared well and have it all going for us.”
SA U17 will be intent on emulating their Cosafa Cup U17 champions predecessors of 1992 and 2004.
You go Costi. KZN10.com says one more time: “Bring it home Team SA we want to see you in Tanzania next year – and in Peru for the Biggest of Big Shows when it comes to U17 world football.”
Notes of interest
* SA U17 won the Cosafa Cup in 1992 and 2004.
* Last time out the SA boys finished fourth.
* South Africa have been the most successful side in COSAFA Under-17 Championship history with two winners medals and runners-up in 2001 and 2016.
* Last year in Mauritius SA lost 2-0 to their hosts and had to settle for fourth place after losing to Malawi in the bronze-medal match.
Success is earned.
* They did make the final two years ago, when the championships were also staged in Mauritius, but were surprise losers to Namibia on penalties in the decider.
* South Africa are one of only two COSAFA nations, the other being Malawi, to reach the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which they managed in 2015 when it was hosted in Chile.
If you can’t see it you can’t stop it.
* They managed just a single point in the pool stages though as they were edged 2-1 by Costa Rica, before drawing 1-1 with North Korea. They then lost 2-0 to Russia to exit at the first stage.
* South Africa’s previous successes in the COSAFA U17 Championship came when they beat Mozambique 2-1 some 24 years ago, before they edged Swaziland into first place in 2001 when the competition was decided on points.
Costi can’t do it on his own. The SA U17 shot-stopper needs to be secure in the support of his team’s defensive system.
* They also have three visits to the African U17 Championship, finished fourth in 2005 and second in 2015.
* The SA side will be coached again by long-time mentor Molefi Ntseki, who also took the side to Chile three years ago.
Hilton College keeper Costi kicks like a Colt 45
THE 16-year-old Hilton College boy Costi Christodoulou further underscored a blossoming reputation in the World of Soccer with his selection less than 24 hours ago for the SA U17 team of 20 to do battle in the COSAFA U17 Cup that takes place in Mauritius from 19 to 29 July, having just completed attending the national camp of 32 players.
Contacted by KZN10.com Thursday, Costi underlined the significance of this event: “The COSAFA U17 Cup tournament is of immense importance as it doubles up as a qualifier for the Continental Cup, with the winners of COSAFA progressing to the Tanzania 2019 African Youth Games.”
Constandino “Costi” Christodoulou was one of the first KZN10.com player features (see Hilton College Page or Soccer Page). My first reaction was, what a modest yet confident and intelligent young man. Constandino understands the difference between the assertive and aggressive personality. Costi is definitely not the latter. He is most definitively the former.
And my initial instinct then – that the sky is too restrictive a limit for this Hilton College Soccer diamond in the making – was reinforced in a number of later (unscheduled) meetings – on a cricket Saturday at Hilton College and a rugby Saturday at Maritzburg College.
Training is something Costi has never been shy of. I watched him in a gruelling workout with outstanding Maritzburg United goalkeeper coach Arthur Bartman a few months ago and he matched – and outperformed – the four considerably older shot-stoppers alongside him.
That memory is still vivid. Just to be in that set-up (beginning last year at the age of 15 for goodness’ sake – a standard 7 boy in us “oldie’s” parlance) as a grade 9 boy in 2017 clearly indicated this was a special talent, but it was the confidence, the “ownership” of the goalmouth that particularly struck me.
I watched Costi for the better part of an hour – having initially intended to pop in to the Maritzburg United training ground adjoining the Harry Gwala Stadium for 5 minutes in order to give Costi a copy of a national magazine, in which lay a feature article I had written on him.
Well, as mentioned above, those 5 minutes extended to the point where, when I next checked the time, I was already late for another appointment. That’s what exceptional talent does to a sports fan – it locks you in.
Over to Costi:
“Thank you Sir, I am once again honoured to be on KZN10.com. My football career continued early this year when I was selected for the SA U17 national team to play against Botswana in 2 international friendly matches. However, this did not happen and we proceeded to play matches locally in South Africa with the camp still being very important and useful in our preparations for the upcoming COSAFA Cup.
Grade 10 Hilton College first team goalkeeper Costi Christodoulou is no stranger to international competition.
“In March, I was granted the opportunity to travel with a KZN Select team to Barcelona and Madrid in Spain. This would prove to be an experience that I will never forget. We played 3 matches, winning 2 and losing one, whilst also having 2 training sessions with local academy coaches. We would visit the Santiago Bernabau as well as the Camp Nou.
(Costi, I said to self: ‘Self, I would give anything to be at those cathedrals of soccer one day – so keep Reaching for the Dream, Self’).
Every goalkeeper will confirm that the aches and pains after a tough match are real. A relaxing massage followed by a great meal and blissful night’s sleep is the answer.
Back to Costi: “Arguably my highlight of the trip was being able to watch Lionel Messi score a hat -trick against Leganes. This was certainly a tour that not only benefited me from a football perspective, but also allowed me to broaden my outlook on the world and explore new cities.”
Costi is also a strong Hilton College U16A centre and opens the U16A bowling too
“I would proceed to jet back to South Africa in order to participate in the annual Independent Schools U16 Rugby Festival hosted by Hilton College. I missed our first game against St John’s which we won comfortably won and proceeded to play the following two matches against St Benedict’s and St Alban’s – scoring over 10 points in each game – to help my team to an unbeaten festival. The domestic season proved to be full of ups, downs and memorable moments. My U16A team managed to do the double over Kearsney, get a huge win on the road against Pretoria Boys’ High and a victory against DHS.
Opponents give away kickable penalties at their peril when Hilton College points machine Costi Christodoulou is on the field.
“My season, however, was cut short with two weeks to go as I received a concussion in the second leg of the Kearsney fixture with 5 minutes to play, bringing an end to what was an enjoyable and memorable 12 weeks of rugby.
“Hilton College have continued to support, help and guide me in my pursuit of becoming a world-renowned goalkeeper. They have continued to give me time off school in the mornings in order to attend all Maritzburg United first team sessions, which has ultimately allowed me to grow in leaps and bounds under the careful guidance of Fadlu and Maahier Davids and goalkeeper coach Arthur Bartman.
Outside the popular Fleur de Lys Club, adjoining Hilton College’s pristine Jack Hart-Davis Cricket Oval: Costi Christodoulou as a grade 9 in November last year about to board the U15A cricket bus to Michaelhouse. Photo Jono Cook
“Mr Tony Shuttleworth the Hilton director of sports, has been 100% behind me in my training and work programmes, ensuring that I don’t fall behind, and ultimately allowing me time off from school sport in order to compete at the highest possible level. This, however, has all been possible due to Mr Paul de Wet, the director of academics at Hilton College, as he has helped ensure that my academics stay at a high standard and my average stays in the 86% to 90% range. He has been instrumental in allowing my growth in football to transpire.
Costi might be a shot-stopper but he’s always on the lookout for turning defence into attack through an accurate throw.
“Then, as already mentioned, I was called up to the national U17 training camp in preparation for the COSAFA U17 Cup in Mauritius from 19-29 July. As I said earlier, this tournament is of immense importance as it doubles up as a qualifier for the Continental Cup, with the winners of COSAFA progressing to the African Youth Games, which take place in Tanzania next year.
“These are steps and goals that must be achieved if we are to qualify for the World Cup, to be held in Peru in December 2019. The squad of 32 is now a team of 20 and we depart for Mauritius on July 15, South Africa being drawn in Group B alongside Zambia, Mozambique and Lesotho.”
Costi, KZN10.com wishes you nothing but the best in this next chapter of your soccer journey.
It’s Soccer Showdown Friday! Maritzburg College vs Haythorne in ABJ final!
A final is like a piece of paper on which every player leaves a mark…
… In its second year of existence, the PMB High Schools’ Football Association second term league has reached the culmination of its 2018 competition.
“In 2017, Haythorne Secondary were crowned champions of the PMB High Schools’ Football Association second term league. Again, in 2018, they find themselves in the A league final, facing off against Maritzburg College,” chairperson of the PMBHSFA Michael Dibben told KZN10.com Thursday afternoon.
Featured image: The Maritzburg College first soccer team… will head coach Daniel Haswell’s boys in Red Black & White have the tactical nous and make-something-from-nothing to wrest the trophy away from reigning champs Haythorne Secondary? We’ll find out on Friday Final Day at the ABJ…
The 2018 A league ran semi-finals, which featured Haythorne (1) vs Carter (4) and Maritzburg College (2) vs Alex High (3).
Haythorne and Maritzburg College both emerged 4-2 victors on penalties after both games ended 1-1 after full time.
The Maritzburg College vs Haythorne A league final takes place on the AB Jackson soccer fields (opposite the Harry Gwala Stadium in Princess Margaret Drive). Kick-off is at 15:30pm.
Says Daniel Haswell, Maritzburg College first team coach and MC High Performance coach: “The introduction of the second term league has been positive for schools’ football in that it has increased the competitiveness and the standard. Even though it is a precursor to the big games and tournaments coming up, the boys have raised their standard.”
It’s set to be a cracker of a soccer set-to as PMB footy supremacy is at stake…
[… well, ahead of the 3rd term soccer season proper… when the likes of ace Hilton College shot-stopper Costi Christodoulou and Co. from the other schools get into action following the conclusion of their rugby/hockey second term commitments…]
Due to the number of teams that had entered the league in 2018, it was split into an A league and a B league, with the winners of the B league being promoted into the A league, seeing the team that places last in the A league, dropping to the B section for 2019.
The B league ran in a format where each team played each other once, from there the top two teams on points, Newton and St Nicholas, face off in a promotion playoff final, which takes place at AB Jacksons on Friday the 1st of June, at 2pm.
KZN10.com wishes the very best of football wishes to the teams!
Uber talent Costi going places
I watched Hilton College 🎓 soccer ⚽ Uber talent Constandino Christodoulou at a Maritzburg United training session recently and was amazed at how he matched the three other goalkeepers drill for drill in what was a gruelling two hours in hot, humid conditions at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
Costi played fullback for the Hilton College 🎓 U15A rugby 🏉 team last year and was the leading points scorer that included 50-metre penalty goals with his booming boot.
Oh yes, he’s also a fast bowler who was in the Hilton College 🎓 U16A cricket side during the first term.
And he’s only in grade 🔟… Two more school years after this one.
SA U17 soccer ⚽ goalkeeper last year at the age of 15, the sky is the limit for Costi and we will watch his progress with interest.
UPDATE:
The Costi Christodoulou article written by Jono Cook appeared in the Saturday Star 🌟 on 10 March 2018 as well as in the SA School Sports Mag and website.
