TOP STORY
SA and Australia Schoolboys it’s up for the taking
Feature image by Terry Lewis: SA keeper Taine Bird of Northwood and Aussie Josh Brooks pure focus during the second international.
SA’s Peter Jarvis and Craig Marais of Australia compete for the ball.
Photo Terry Lewis
SA first wave Cody Posthumus gets out the starting blocks at pace.
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.
13 Questions and 20 Seconds with Jared ‘Jazza’ Campbell
SA Schools hockey midfield dynamo and KZN U19 cricketer Jared Campbell has a hectic couple of international sporting weeks ahead. The SA vs Australia U17 Schoolboys hockey series July 9-11 and then the Africa Youth Games. Jared, the electric-heeled cover fielder and 10-metre burst Astro champion, prolific opening bat, useful off-spinner and dedicated Maritzburg College deputy head prefect, prefers to do his talking by deed rather than word but, as always, he met the challenge and then some.
HUNTER GATHERER: Jared Jazza Campbell on the Red Army’s Fortress Pape’s Astro at Maritzburg College.
(Matt Marshall Photography Feature Foto)
So here’s Jared’s response to the interview challenge:
1) I feel that I perform best under pressure. Yes this year has been a very demanding year in terms of responsibilities, but instead I see it as an opportunity to thrive. On a cricketing front, the responsibility has accounted for the successful patch I had opening the batting for the 1st XI. As a senior player, the onus is on me to produce the goods.
2) I found it hard to balance my time in the first few weeks of the school year, but I’ve developed a routine which is working for me. I do work late on some nights and I do return home exhausted but that’s what it’s all about. You reap what you sow. I find myself prioritising and organising my calendar months before an event to ensure I’m always on the ball. Leisure time I make time for because you always need an outlet from a hard day’s training.
3) I play mainly as a link, preferably on the right. I also play striker occasionally. I enjoy playing link because you get to control the game; you determine the pace of the game. I enjoy creating opportunities for my team-mates and if I find myself in the D [strike zone], I can get the odd goal or two. I believe my hockey game is all about speed, and with me operating on the flanks of the field, it allows the team to counter with pace and flair.
4) I’ve been fortunate to represent my province from U12 all the way to U18 in both Hockey and Cricket. The two teams I am the most grateful for making is the SA U18 hockey team [2017 & 2018 says Jono] and the KZN U19 cricket side.
5) My journey in the Red Army [Maritzburg College first hockey team] began in 2016, so I’ve been playing for 3 years. I’m currently on 60 caps and I still remember my debut vividly. In my first year, I had the ability to play 1st XI but not the belief. I found myself playing off the bench, but in hindsight I learnt a lot about myself and the game in that year. Now I feel more assured on the ball, and most importantly I play with more belief.
6) My first XI cricket career also began in 2016, but my journey was a lot more like a rollercoaster. I was dropped many times from the 1st XI… I still enjoyed my cricket but essentially lost my passion for it. I began not worrying about results and selections, and the reward was a better performance. I’m on 49 caps and I feel that I’m enjoying my cricket a lot more because I don’t put as much pressure on myself.
Jared Campbell and friends on one of the most famous days in Maritzburg College first XI history. A Goldstones innings defeat (in the first term 2018) of the quality Michaelhouse side.
Photo Jono Cook
7) My most memorable Red Army hockey game would be our 3rd match at Nomads 2016, against Rondebosch in Cape Town. The setting was iconic, a hockey match under lights with Table Mountain in the background and a setting sun. We were being dominated and our backs were against the wall. Coach [Devon] van der Merwe threw me on as a striker and in the last 5 minutes I scored the winning goal. It was a big moment for the team and I as Rondebosch were considered the top team at the time.
The 2017 men of the Maritzburg College Red Army captained by U18 Hockey Nationals 2017 edition Player of the Tournament Brad Sherwood (with mascot).
8) For cricket, it would have to be beating St Stithians on Goldstones last year at the 2017 Oppenheimer Michaelmas Week. Saints were regarded as the best side in the country and our performance on Goldstones was on par with some of the best cricket Goldstones has ever seen. It was a great game to be a part of. We bowled Saints out for 149 on an overcast morning and in reply we won by 6 wickets. The convincing manner in which we won highlights the brand of cricket we were playing last year.
9) At last week’s Iwyze [Old Mutual] U18 Hockey Nationals (June 24-29 on Pape’s Astro, Maritzburg College and AB Jackson Greenfields Astro], my most memorable game was without a doubt our [June 28] semi-final victory over rivals Western Province [the defending champions, who beat KZN Inland in the 2017 final at Kearsney College, KZN Inland winning the 2016 title]. We dominated proceedings from beginning to end, and I feel we put on an entertaining show for the supporters. We executed the game plan perfectly. It was our day and everything worked out as planned. We ran out eventual winners 3-1.
AND THEN THERE WERE FIVE: Maritzburg College’s Famous Five (from left) centre back Andre Bradford; left-side midfielder Mphumulelo Maphumulo; right-side (here, there and just about everywhere) attacking midfielder and striker Jared Campbell (2nd successive year), striker Angelo ‘Mitie Dynamitie’ [my nickname] Walstroom and ‘The Rock’ (my nickname) in goalkeeper Sihle Ngcongo are in the 2018 SA Schools Hockey team to face Australia U17 Schoolboys on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday July 9, 10 and 11 under lights on the UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus Greenfields Astro.
10) I hope to add my strengths to the SA U18 team because the series against Australia U17 Schoolboys is a showcase event for hockey in our schools. [June 9, 10 and 11 at UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus Greenfields Astro – see poster for details].
Plenty thrills, skills and spills in store.
I hope to create as many chances as I can for the talented strikers we have at our disposal and be influential at PC [penalty corner] time. For the SA U18 Hockey Fives team [Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games Africa Qualifier in Algiers, Algeria this month] I hope to contribute to the team with my physicality and pace.
11) I started playing hockey when I was 5 years old. I’ve been fortunate to have been coached by really good coaches. Mr [Brandon] Swart was my U14A coach and many a Maritzburg College hockey player will tell you a similar story of how he develops your basics. I learnt the most in U14 and Mr Swart had a lot to do with it. Mr [Devon] van der Merwe taught me how to play hockey at a higher level, he essentially taught me how to play with a hockey brain. He also taught me life skills, some of which I use today.
Jared Campbell in grade 6 and the 2012 Cordwalles first hockey team that included his then fellow grade 6 Cordie and now 2018 KZN Inland team-mate Duncan Fyvie of Hilton College.
12) I started playing cricket also in 2005. The two coaches that have stood out for me would be Mr Mbasa Gqadushe and Mr [Doug] Watson. Mbasa really pushed me and made me believe in myself. We used to train almost every single day in the December holidays. Mr Watson, albeit for a short time, had the biggest impact on my cricket. He is a straightforward man with strong values and these values were instilled into my game. I enjoyed his coaching methods and generally his personality on and off the field.
13) Yes, I believe the success of any sportsman is not an individual effort but rather a team effort. I’ve been blessed to have people around me who are interested in my life and also care a lot about me. My Mom and Dad give a lot of their time and effort towards me and they sacrifice so I can do well. My brother Landon trained me to become a better hockey player and we still train to this day.
FATHER AND SONS: Michael, Jared and Landon Campbell.
I would like to thank them for their continued support. Mr Garth Oliver from EAP is an unsung hero, he tends to all my aches and pains from hockey. Mr Nic Gonsalves from Dita hockey, I thank all you guys for your support. Lastly, the friends that help through the high and lows, I would like to mention [Maritzburg College Red Army and KZN Inland team-mate] Adrian Greaves, who has been a good friend of mine on and off the field. Thanks for your support, Adrian.
“And thank you for this opportunity Mr Cook!
“KZN10.com is great and wish you everything of the best with it.”
KZN10.com says: Jazza, I have watched you play since primary school days and it has always been a pleasure to see a young sportsman who respects and values the correct manner in which these two great sports must be played. Go well, Jarry, you are a credit to Maritzburg College and it’s wonderful to watch your growing self-belief being added to your modest nature. Coupled together, they form a winning Jared Campbell combination.
And now for the fun part!
A 20-second Jazza Campbell sprint (he finished this part with customary Astro speed)
20 SECONDS WITH JARED CAMPBELL
Favourite food: Sushi
Actor: Miles Teller
Actress: Mila Kunis
TV Show: Chicago Med
Holiday Destination: Amsterdam
Board Game: 30 seconds
Car: Audi R8
Nickname: Jarry or Jazza
Jazza in One: Motivated
Breakfast: scrambled eggs with cheese
3 Desert Island Must-Haves: JBL speaker, my phone, a couple of mates
4 Things Jarry can’t live without: WiFi, hockey, family and God
Favourite Jazza quote: “The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do” (Anonymous)
Sports event: The Olympic Games
Down time – watching TV and chilling with friends and family
Screensaver – Gigi Hadid
Jared Campbell for KZN Inland vs WP U16 Hockey Nationals 2016 Final at St John’s College in Johannesburg. WP won that one, as well as U18 Nationals at Kearsney College last year before the Lads of Inland disturbed the trend in magnificent fashion on Pape’s Astro, Maritzburg College last Thursday.
Remember when… The 2007 KZN10 hockey season in review
I’ve thrown in a number of bits and pieces from my memories of that year.
Featured image: 2007 Kearsney College captain & SA Schools defender Greg Last who went on to represent SA and play for numerous seasons in KZN Raiders title-winning teams and in Europe for his Belgian club.
Maritzburg College were the top-rated KZN team, having played 17 games won 14 lost 3.
Living Legend: Mike Bechet… an incredible record as a schoolboy hockey coach in SA.
Next up with 15 goals were the penalty corner drag-flick guided missiles of the exceptionally strong powerfully-built left ⬅ half Tyron Mingard who wasn’t the sort of guy a striker looked forward to playing against.
Nine Maritzburg College first team players represented KZN Midlands at the Interprovincial Nationals in Port Elizabeth.
The Willowton, Pietermaritzburg based Greenfields team are now the biggest players in the synthetic sports turf market with prominent names in the SA hockey fraternity such as the legend that is Tommy Hammond among the staff led by former outstanding player and current international umpire Ayden Shrives.
Thomas More College had their first player selected for SA Schools – current Kearsney College first team head coach Sihle Ntuli.
In 2007 the current Kearsney College head coach Sihle Sigz Ntuli became the first (and only) Thomas More College boy to be selected for SA Schools.
* Astonishing when one looks at it now, Clifton College – one of the top teams in SA this year – were a second-tier hockey school in 2007. Clifton’s rapid hockey progress is one of the most remarkable KZN10 success stories.
Our Boys of KZN10 in SA Hockey 5s & Rugby 7s for Youth OG Qualifier
FIVE of the 8 players selected for the SA Fives hockey team to take part in the July 19-28 Africa Youth Games Qualifier tournament for October’s Youth Olympic Games are from KZN10 schools while DHS number 8 and captain Celimpilo Gumede is in the SA Sevens squad. The KZN10 hockey boys are Taine Bird of Northwood (Taine a recent feature article in KZN10.com), Guy Morgan (Kearsney College), Mphumelelo Maphumulo and Jared Campbell (both Maritzburg College) and Matt Lewis of Clifton College (KZN10.com knows how to pick ’em – Matt is another recent feature on your favourite website). And to top it all, Kearsney head coach Sihle Ntuli will be the man in charge.
Feature image: DHS captain and number 8 Celimpilo Gumede in SA 7s squad.
Northwood and SA 5’s shot-stopper Taine Bird is outstanding on the indoor hockey arena and Astro surfaces… a great base for Hockey Fives best practice.
The Africa Qualifier event is in Algiers, Algeria and the rugby and hockey winners go to The Big Show – the Youth Olympic Games in the City of Super-Friendly Beautiful Girls (trust me on this one, the Argie girls love SA guys) – Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Kearsney College captain Guy Morgan is heading to Algiers with his SA Hockey 5s team-mates for their shot at qualifying for The Big Show in Buenos Aires.
Photo Tracey van den Aardweg
Ahem… We gotta qualify first… Yes, dear KZN10.com fans, it’s make or break in Algiers as it is the single opportunity for South Africa to make it to The Big Show in the stunning South American country that is Argentina.
Mphumulelo Maphumulo’s laser-sharp target is the Africa Qualifier Hockey 5s gold medal with the SA team in the Algerian capital city of Algiers July 18-29.
Photo Matt Marshall
The Youth Olympics is for players age 14 to 18. The 2014 Africa qualifier was in Gaborone, Botswana which featured over 50 African countries. The inaugural Games were in Morocco in 2010.
The pace off a standing start and stick-ball dexterity of Mphumulelo’s Maritzburg College team-mate Jared Campbell will ensure that the Red Army flag flies high in Algeria.
Photo Matt Marshall
TEAMS FOR ALGERIA
RUGBY SEVENS
Christoffel Grobbelaar, Christiaan Pretorius, David Kellerman, Celempilo Gumede (DHS), Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Ross Braude, William Rose, Jacobus Hattingh, Muzilikazi Manyike, Diego Appollis, Ofentse Maubane, Ethinique Adams, Albertus Horn, Juandre de Klerk, Lional April, Remy Engelbrecht, Campbell Willemse
* Squad of 17 to be trimmed to 12 ahead of departure.
Management: Marius Schoeman, Sandile Ngcobo
Clifton College match-winner Matt Lewis will be a massive weapon from penalty corner and field play for the SA Youth team in Algiers.
Photo Terry Lewis
HOCKEY FIVES
Taine Bird (Northwood), Guy Morgan (Kearsney College), Cody Postumus, Mustapha Cassiem, Mphumelelo Maphumulo (Maritzburg College), Matt Lewis (Clifton College), Jared Campbell (Maritzburg College), Peter Jarvis, Luke Wynford
Management: Sihle Ntuli (Kearsney College)
Highly regarded Kearsney College head coach Sihle Ntuli will be the guiding force driving SA Hockey 5s’ trophy quest at the Africa Youth Games next month.
Photo Tracey van den Aardweg
Shedders’ holiday High Performance cricket camps a game-changer
ANDREW Shedlock has taken the art of cricket coaching to the next level. Two High Performance Shedders Cricket Academy camps, to be held in Durban North from 25 to 28 June and 9 to 12 July could be the turning point in KZN schoolboy cricketers’ lives. Critically, in my opinion, each camp is limited to a maximum 20 boys.
If I was age 13 to 17 again this would have been the catalyst in turning a (so-I’m-still-told) talented top-order batsman with a sound technique (thanks to Digby Rhodes, Vince van der Bijl and others) into a far better batter.
Although I captained the Maritzburg College first XI and made some runs, as a perfectionist I found myself so frustrated with the technical and mental aspects of surely – next to golf – one of the most complex ball sports around. The frustration at knowing I was not making any progress in taking my game to the next level resulted in (later much-regretted) giving up the game a couple of years post-school.
Enough of that. Coming across the Shedders ad, the first instinct was to have a look, as Andrew Shedlock and I go back 42 years, as opponents and friends. So what has Shedders got on the menu, I thought. Well, it blew me away.
Shedders, a University of Stellenbosch sports science graduate and internationally respected coach and cricket-specific fitness and conditioning consultant with the CV to prove it, has in my opinion nailed down the key to cricket success.
Featured image: Shedders has worked with legends of the game. Here’s Shedders with Sri Lanka cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara, the elegant left-hander and wicketkeeper who scored a total of 28 000 runs for his country across all formats and retired with a Test average of 57.40. Shedders’ direct contact with some of the world’s best cricketers has been of enormous practical benefit to his coaching skill set.
Apart from comprehensive batting and bowling sessions with top-class professional coaches that on its own will establish a solid platform for the upcoming cricket season (starting as early as the third term in KZN), Shedders has also teamed up with Durban North-based optometrist Glen Nugent and sports fitness and talent identification educationist eta College in offering a three-pronged approach to his camps.
I phoned him, wanting to know more.
“Thanks Jono, always good to chat. I’ll never forget that U13A game on Leeches at Maritzburg College when you were College skipper and I was DHS captain. Great memories.”
A deep thinker on the game, Shedders is constantly looking for the edge that turns “good enough” into best. The research and success-in-practice of Shedders’ internationally-acclaimed fellow University of Stellenbosch sports science graduate Dr Sherylle Calder’s EyeGym programme inspired one section of the three-pronged content of the upcoming camps. Dr Calder pinpointed Visual Intelligence training as a key tool in making a better player.
Shedders says, “a batsman’s ability in making the transition from seeing the ball to immediately processing that split-second information into employing the correct cricket stroke can make or break an innings. This is just one aspect of transferring vision into decision.”
“Sherylle worked with the 2003 World Cup-winning Australian cricket side, as well as David Miller in enhancing performance and clearly Dave and the Aussies reaped the rewards, as did the England (2003) and Springbok (2007) Rugby World Cup-winning players.”
Known for his get-in-the-trenches work ethic, one of the Andrew ‘Shedders’ Shedlock mottoes is: “Cricket is a verb not a noun so get training!”
“I’ve identified the much-talked-about but little understood hand-eye co-ordination aspect as one of the keys to unlocking the mysteries behind why talented KZN high school cricketers struggle to deliver consistent performances. I constantly hear things like ‘you can’t teach it, you’ve either got it or you haven’t’, and ‘he’s naturally gifted’. My response? A cricketer as gifted as David Miller benefited from visual intelligence training, Dave saying that it provided him with the extra edge to perform at a high level. Every cricketer, be it a batsman, bowler, wicketkeeper or fielder, constantly searches for consistency. That’s why I see this aspect as a vital function of the camps.”
To this end, the Shedders cricket camps’ optometrist, Glen Nugent, will conduct an eye and vision assessment for each player and provide the boys with follow-up cricket-specific exercises and drills to work on.
Fitness is another key indicator of success or failure. The ability to concentrate without distraction in turning a quality 50 into a match-winning hundred… or converting a useful 3-fer into a match-deciding fifer can, in my opinion, be best-judged by whether a schoolboy has the mental and physical stamina to maintain best-practice and accuracy whatever the outside influences and circumstances may be.
Shedders says this is where eta (exercise training academy) step into the camp package: “eta will conduct fitness testing services to assess current athletic abilities and to identify physical attributes and areas in need of improvement. Baseline fitness testing allows for the setting of goals and testing at regular intervals. It helps track a cricketer’s progress towards those goals.”
The fitness assessments/tests to be completed will include:
* Functional Movement Screening
* Body Composition Assessments
* Flexibility Assessments
*Agility Assessments
* Power and Speed Assessments
* Balance and Hand/Eye Co-ordination Assessments
* Power and Speed Assessments
* Cardio-respiratory Assessments
* Muscle Strength/Endurance Assessments
*Nutritional/Dietary Assessments
Clearly there is not going to be much idle time for the camps’ young cricketers. No doubt there wasn’t much idle time for a just-out-of-school Hashim Amla when Shedders was head coach of the Dolphins Cricket Academy. Hashim Amla is quoted as saying that Shedders is a coach who had a positive influence on his cricket career.
To sum up: I’ve seen Shedders in action – no “only-observe-from-the-sidelines” coach, he’s not afraid to get in the trenches. Ask Jonty Rhodes and Lance Klusener, to whom Shedders must have each pitched a thousand-plus throw-downs during his time with the Dolphins.
Shedders has the sports science background, world-level sports-playing (he’s also a former Springbok water polo player) and international cricket title-winning experience to appreciate what it takes to succeed.
Shedders is the kind of guy I’d go to war with. He’s a leader who is never afraid to push the boundaries harder and further in every sphere of cricket excellence.
My only regret about Shedders? His June/July cricket camps weren’t around when Jono Cook the aspirant teenage cricketer needed them. After a good first term, I had a shocking fourth term.
I’m convinced it would’ve been different if Shedders’ camps had been around in my time.
Unlike me, today’s KZN high school cricketers have got that opportunity.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
LIMITED TO 20 BOYS PER CAMP
Camp 1
Mon 25th to Thurs 28th June
Camp 2
Mon 9th to Thurs 12th July
Ages: 13 to 17
Time: 2pm to 4.30pm daily
Venue: Shedders Cricket Academy Durban North
Contact Shedders at 083 791 7646
or shedders@worldonline.co.za
Craig Joubert… distinguished member of the KZN10… We salute you
IT’S going to be a hectic, emotional roller-coaster weekend for internationally-renowned rugby referee Craig Joubert. First up, the Maritzburg College Old Boy is guest speaker at the Friday evening St Charles College Old Boys’ Dinner – a polished, entertaining address is certain from this accomplished man – before his final appearance as a rugby ref on Graeme Gilfillan Field 3pm Saturday – the landmark 200th Hilton College/Michaelhouse first XV match in the 115-year term of this remarkable rugby rivalry – and a match that has a special, personal meaning to Craig… More about that later… Before this widely respected, popular son of the KZN capital enjoys welcome down time with mates in the incomparable KZN midlands.
Featured image… “NO, NOT THIS TIME RICHIE…”
KZN10.com asked Craig to tell us more.
“Thanks Jono, it’s great to make my debut on KZN10.com!
“A couple of thoughts… I started refereeing in Maritzburg because I loved the game; schoolboy rugby was a massive part of my early rugby-and-refereeing life – and throughout my career.
“I have always tried to continue to referee schoolboy rugby whenever my schedule has allowed. The Hilton vs Michaelhouse game is a very special schoolboy rivalry and early in my career both schools were generous in welcoming me, as a schoolboy myself, in refereeing the 2nd XV fixture on this day.
“Unbeknown to me at the time, it would also be the last time I would see my late dad (Des) referee, as he did the 1st XV game before falling ill soon afterwards.
PROUD DAD… INSPIRED SON… World-renowned international rugby referee Craig Joubert and his mentor, his father Des, in the embryonic stage of the Craig Joubert success story.
“As I now stand in the twilight of my refereeing career and look forward to an exciting future with World Rugby – coaching and mentoring the Sevens World Series referees through to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games – I am thrilled that my schedule has allowed me to referee this fixture as the final game of my career (and with thanks to the Midlands Referees’ Society, with whom I have always maintained my membership, for the appointment).
“I love what a great rivalry these 2 schools have – and the privilege to have been involved in a few of these contests over the years. It seems right that I run out on the same field – and to referee the same game – as my final act as a referee, as what my dad did so many years ago.
“I can’t wait.”
… Wow … Craig, I’m a bit of an emotional bunny… shed a tear at the mere hint of a hospital pass… but the way you expressed this closing chapter of your on-field action… I had to reach for the KZN10.com tissue box.
Thanks mate.
Enjoy every moment.
Northwood keeper Taine Bird a shot-stopper of note
HIGHLY-REGARDED Northwood first team hockey goalkeeper Taine Bird is enjoying another successful season. KZN10.com talks to the Durban North-based shot-stopper.
Taine, as the last line of defence, a unique burden – or perhaps “responsibility” is a better word – rests on the goalkeeper’s shoulders. It can be a weight that is overly onerous – especially on one of a first team’s most critical players (2 shots can mean 2 goals and a 2-1 loss despite overall match domination) so how does it affect the Northwood number 1?
Featured image: Northwood and KZN Coastal U18A’s Taine Bird will stop at nothing to keep a clean sheet.
“It brings out the best in me as I thrive under pressure, which boosts my performance in a game,” is Birdy’s quick response.
Giles Bonnet, who captained the 1982 Michaelhouse, Natal Schools and Schools hockey teams before adding the SA men’s captaincy, head coach of the SA men’s and women’s side and more to his illustrious career in the game, once said – when I was reporting on the SA women’s side on behalf of then-sponsors Investec Bank – that a consistently successful hockey team is built on 3 things – a striker who can score and create goalshot chances, an excellent penalty corner attack and defence, and a quality goalkeeper.
With that comes the responsibility of those three facets performing at peak level as often as possible – especially the keeper.
“It’s important to have a cool head during pressure situations,” says the Northwood vice-captain. “I enjoy pressure, taking on responsibility, helping to run a smooth show. It adds value to the team and gives my teammates less stress to cope with during a match.”
Taine’s representative recognition to date is virtually faultless: In outdoor hockey – KZN Coastal U13A, 14, 15, U16 (2 years) and U18 (2017/18) as well as SA U16 (2 years) and SA U17. On the indoor hockey front, Taine was selected for the SA All Stars age-group side and plays in the Northwood first side.
At men’s club level, Taine plays for the Crusaders 1sts in the KZN Premier League.
With 59 first team matches under the belt, the last Northwood match in 2018 being an emphatic win at home against St Benedict’s over the weekend, has the knowledge earned during those fixtures helped improve Taine’s game between the posts?
“The number of earlier first team matches helped me settle down in the position and find my feet. I feel I have developed tremendously since my first match, as I now know more about my own game and my role in the team than I did 2 years ago.”
As the Northwood vice-captain, what are Taine’s thoughts on the first team’s skipper?
“Marco Valle-Dove has done an outstanding job leading the Northwood 1st XI. Marco is so passionate; he’s open and honest with all the boys in the team and does his best to resolve any issues that may arise. As a defender, Marco is a brick wall at the back; not much gets past him! In the general sense, Marco is an outstanding player.”
The Northwood first side of 2018 have experienced highs and relative lows; some matches haven’t gone their way, but Taine feels that the bare stats don’t tell the whole story: “We have had our ups and downs, we haven’t won all our matches but that doesn’t describe our season.
“As a squad we try to measure ourselves on our match performance rather than just the result. We are determined to play our part in further enhancing what is already a very good hockey culture at Northwood. We have had a relatively good season.”
Northwood first team head coach Shaun Baker warms up his keeper Taine Bird.
Apart from his Northwood first team journey now at an end, it is also Taine’s last year in schoolboy representative hockey.
“One of the major challenges coming up is the Interprovincial Nationals tournament during the July holidays as it is my last schoolboy IPT. I’m looking forward to playing a part in securing the gold medal with my KZN Coastal U18A team-mates.”
So how did the Taine Bird hockey adventure begin and who has guided him on his journey?
“I started playing hockey in grade 6 at Northlands Primary. Mr Clive Beetge was my first KZN age-group coach and left a long-lasting impression. Mr Darryn Gallagher (previously Northwood, currently director of hockey at Hilton College) has also had a great influence, as has Mr Michael Wiggett (Northwood hockey coach and chiropractor at Northwood Sports Medical Centre). They have moulded me into the hockey player I am today and have helped in every way possible.
“As much as I appreciate the input of the coaches mentioned, I would have to say that (the current Northwood first team coach and director of hockey) Mr Shaun Baker has had the greatest influence. Mr Baker is constantly helping me improve and wants the best from me. Mr Baker is an excellent coach and while we have the utmost respect, Mr Baker is also able to understand us boys on our level, which leads to a stronger coach/player relationship and is beneficial towards the team.
Playing goalkeeper can all-too-often be a lonely place as, to adapt the well-worn cliché coined by former U.S. president Harry Truman, the buck certainly stops with the, ahem, shot-stopper. Apart from the support of coach and team-mates when the going gets rough, as it always will in a sportsman’s life, who else is there to offer a heads-up to Taine Bird?
“At the end of the day, the support of my family has been what keeps me going… just the thought of that makes me want to perform even better; to make them happy as well as myself.
“I would not be where I am today without the help of my mom (Mel ), my dad (Russell), sister (Saxon), grandmother (Margaret) and my girlfriend ( Hannah ) – and also my friends. They are always there to watch my games when they can and are constantly supporting me in everything that I do. Sometimes I think they are even happier than I am when I make a representative team, which is a major positive to me. I am just extremely grateful for these amazing people in my life.”
It’s been a busy season, so which has been the match that sticks out most>
“The most memorable game for me has to the one with Maritzburg College. We, as the Northwood squad, put on the performance of a lifetime – we played as one. For me, it was our best performance.”
It was a 1-1 draw against one of the top handful of teams nationally, in which Taine reportedly made in the region of 15 goalsaves – a healthy number of which were apparently quite remarkable.
The Clifton College first team are another squad that stand out for Taine. “Clifton are one of the best and most challenging sides to play against in KZN. Clifton have also proved themselves outside the province. They have come such a long way – the calibre of hockey that they are putting out against the traditionally big schoolboy sides.”
Northwood hockey guru Shaun Baker last year; the Genesis of his chosen career inspired by SA schoolboy hockey coaching legend Mike Bechet – whose achievements are without peer – Bakes was captain of Maritzburg College during Bech’s unprecedented 700-plus matches as the Red Army’s guiding light.
Northwood director of hockey and first team head coach Shaun Baker on Taine Bird: “I am Taine’s biggest fan, I believe that he possesses the right stuff to become a world class goalkeeper. He moves in his kit like a field player and this makes him exceptionally hard to predict.
“His eye is excellent too, which brings his stick saves into play more so than the average goalkeeper. However at times he relies on this a little too much and can let a ball through that he could have gloved – when he gets this right, he will be a real big force to beat in the sticks.
“Taine’s ability to understand a game plan and basic hockey principles makes him an excellent communicator and drill sergeant. He understands the game so well that I even had him coaching the U14C team – a team which lost their coach just after the Easter break. Taine took over and had an excellent season with them, only losing two matches out of nine.
Taine goes the extra mile, he is in matric, offered to coach a team that trains three times a week, the 1st XI trains minimum three times a week with a video session on top of that. He played outfield for the 3rd XI – scoring 6 goals for them, as well as making every single goalkeeper session at 05h45 on Fridays with SA goalkeeper Richard Curtis. He did not miss a single session, all without detriment to his marks (which I kept a close eye on).
“This shows the character of this young man. He is bigger than just being a goalkeeper. He will be sorely missed next season as the value he adds beyond his saves is irreplaceable.”
Wow! Praise indeed.
A quiet confidence… hard-earned by way of diligent attention to detail and consistent, daily effort.
KZN10.com wishes Taine Bird, who has had an outstanding record this season in the crucial penalty-corner-save aspect of goalkeeping, as well as an excellent percentage of shot-saves from field play, everything of the best for next month’s Interprovincial Nationals.
Taine Bird in 20 seconds
Nickname – Birdy
Birdy in 1 word – Perseverance
Favourite breakfast – Pancakes
Favourite food – Pizza
Actor – Ryan Reynolds
Actress – Megan Fox
TV show – Narcos
Holiday destination – Bali or Hawaii
Board game – Jungle Speed
Car – Camaro SS
3 Desert island must-haves – Hockey Astro, personal chef, good WiFi signal
4 Things I can’t live without – Family & loved ones, hockey, friends, food
Favourite quote – Do something today that your future self will thank you for
If I could attend any sports event – Olympic Games
Down time – gym, chilling with friends
On your screensaver – “Prove them wrong”
*****
Taine Bird did-you-knows
* Age 8 he could read music & play piano
* Paige Challis Chandler, a then teacher at Northlands Primary (now at DPHS) gave up her school holiday to introduce Taine to goalkeeping
* His main focus going into high school was cricket – wicketkeeper/batsman
* Made SA U16 age 14, turning 15 on 17 July
* Keeper (age 15) in 2016 KZN Premier League promotion- winning Crusaders 1st team
* First Premier League Game age 16 – possibly the youngest keeper to do so
* 2018 Founders Week (Dale College) played keeper 1st half vs Potch Gym, scored a goal as striker 2nd half, making Northwood Sport 1st team history
* Scored T20 100 for Northwood 5ths vs Westville (Friday social team)
* Still age 17, one of Birdy’s current focus points is SA selection for Africa Youth Games (Algeria-July 2018) then Youth Olympic Games (Argentina-Oct 2018)
* Currently 20-odd hockey training sessions a week
* Trains @ Movement X Cross-fit when possible
* Term 1 2018 – 3 A’s, 3 B’s & a C.
Jono Cook footnote: Passion and energy like this, wish I could buy a piece.
*****
Hilton vs Michaelhouse epics 88-90 – Hentie Martens remembers!
HENTIE Martens needs no introduction – Michaelhouse Old Boys remember as if it was yesterday THE phenomenal Hentie try for Hilton College against their old friends. The former Springbok scrumhalf deflected my questions re: The try, and referred to the contribution of his team-mates. I invite those who were there to describe it… There was no way I could get it out of one of the most down-to-earth, humble guys you’ll ever meet. Hentie won 4 from 5 of his first XV derbies with Michaelhouse. Here’s the farmer’s (reluctant) story.
Featured image: Hentie clears in his Hilton Michaelhouse maestro performance on Gilfillans 1989.
“Thanks Jono, great to be on KZN10.com and long may it continue. I was fortunate enough to play 11 times against Michaelhouse – 5 times for the Hilton1st team. One game in 1989 to be held at MHS was called off as a result of flu.
“MHS boys claimed that we chickened out of course! All 11 games against MHS were played in the best of spirits and the crowds were unbelievable. Our war cries were not much to talk about, maybe as a result of there being no smartphones to video!
“The only chants we used to hear were ‘HI- LT-ON-Hilton!’ and ‘JUMP JUMP JUMP!’
“The first game in 1988 was at MHS. MHS had players Kelvin Strachan and Murray John Wilson, Hilton were pretty much the underdogs as we had no real stars but were as usual very motivated for the game.
“Murray John was my direct opposition and Natal schools scrumhalf. I wanted to make an impression.
“I can still clearly remember Nick Davies throwing me around like a piece of old dried khaki bos. Hilton won on Meadows 26-10 and one of the star players was Proteas cricketer Derek Crookes. In the return game on Gilfillan it was a hard-fought battle.
“We had one of the best flanks I know, Gary Fyvie. Gary was inspirational to the whole team throughout the season and this Hilton MHS was no different. Derek kicked 5 penalties and we won 15-10.
The Hilton College first XV Class of 1989.
“1989 saw only one Hilton MHS and that took place at Hilton. MHS had a well-balanced side and good loose forwards with Alfie Messenger, Scott Kimble and ‘The Dog’ Geppy Armstrong.
“Alfie was one of their star players and also represented Natal Schools together with Mark Armstrong who was scrumhalf.
“Hilton also boasted with 5 Natal Schools players in the likes of Jason Dent, Deon von Benecke, Russell Leahy and I. Tries only being 4 points, which saw most of the games being close. Hilton snuck in again and some would say the ref was on our side; however the late Ian Rogers was a World Cup referee. Final score 16-6.
“In 1990 it was a totally different story. We had 5 Natal schools players (Chris Bowley, Damon Thomas, Wayne Fyvie, and Hentie Martens Dave Oxenham) and MHS had Brett Davidson and Chubby Chabana, who was the MHS Captain. Who knows what happened on Meadows.
“Before we wiped the you-know-what out of our eyes we had lost. The second team also lost.
“For many Hilton boys in our age group it was first loss against MHS in our school career. Gutted!!
“For the next month we were all in mourning. We could not wait to get back at MHS.
“The second game on Gilfillan we were as motivated as can be. The night before the game I snuck out of the house and went to the centre spot on Gilfillan and reflected on my years at Hilton. What an honour!
“The next day we redeemed ourselves and every 1st team boy had the game of his life. Wayne Fyvie was as usual exceptional. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and was lucky to get a couple of tries. Hilton won 25-6.
“In all three of those years the scrumhalf held a key position and in 1990 Stu Porrill needs to be mentioned as he was superb at Meadows.
“I need to thank my late dad whom I am sure everyone remembers with the yellow hat and video machine at every game that I played.
“In case the memory falters I can always refer to the videos!
“It certainly was an honour and privilege to have been involved in such special rivalry between 2 great schools.”
WOW! Hentie, thank you and thank you. Sent shivers down the KZN10.com spine.
Bring on Super Saturday, 16 June 2018 on Graeme Gilfillan field at Hilton College. THE 200th MATCH!
HENTIE MISCELLANEOUS
* In 1993, 4 years after finishing his auspicious times at Hilton College (Class of 1989) Hentie Martens became the 598th Springbok.
* English Premier League club Bath RFC have had fellow KZN10-schooled players in Butch James, Peter Dixon (both Maritzburg College), Matt Stevens (Kearsney) and Hentie Martens (Hilton).
Saturday sees 200th Hilton/Michaelhouse 1st XV match
AT 3pm on Saturday, 16 June 2018 on Hilton’s Graeme Gilfillan Field, the landmark 200th first XV match between Hilton College and Michaelhouse will take place. Michaelhouse have won 99, Hilton College 90. There have been 10 draws. In 1987 both matches ended in draws… 7-7 and 9-9. The 0-0 draw in 1917 might rank as the least thrilling encounter. Michaelhouse have notched up 2 371 points in the 199 matches… Hilton have chalked up 2 236… The average score per match – over 199 matches – is 12-11 in Michaelhouse’s favour.
Both sides have enjoyed winning streaks of 7 fixtures… Michaelhouse more recently, between 2007 and 2011… Hilton’s coming between 1926 and 1929.
Michaelhouse’s greatest winning margin was 51-0 in 1910, followed closely by the 48-0 win in 1921. Hilton’s 42-12 win in 2013 beats last year’s 41-12 on Meadows by a dash of whitewash.
The first match was in 1904, which Hilton won 6-0. From that point, Michaelhouse enjoyed considerable success. Hilton had to wait until 1932 to regain the lead. Hilton had now edged in front by 20 victories to 19.
The first XV win/loss lead was to change hands six or seven more times before 1966, when Hilton College relinquished a lead they have yet to regain. By 1976 Hilton had managed to regain parity on 58 wins apiece, but the boys in Red and White’s 10 wins and two draws in the next 12 encounters cemented their advantage, which remains at Michaelhouse 99 and Hilton College 90 as the days and hours tick ever-so-slowly by ahead of Super Saturday’s 3pm Big Show on Hilton’s Graeme Gilfillan Field.
Photo Martin Ashworth
Here are the last 7 years’ stats in the distinguished 115-year history of Hilton College vs Michaelhouse first XV rugby matches:
2012 – 1 win each
2013 – Hilton won both
2014 – Michaelhouse won both
2015 – Michaelhouse won both
2016 – 1 win each: Hilton won 10-8 and Michaelhouse won 21-17
2017 – Hilton won both: 38-21 and 41-12
2018 – Michaelhouse 5 Hilton 22 (Meadows)
Photo Martin Ashworth
* There were a few years in the 155 years of Hilton/Michaelhouse first XV contests where, for various reasons, just a single fixture was contested.
# Thanks to Murray Witherspoon and Ray Mkhulisi for the information.