IT’S ALMOST TIME! Maritzburg College vs KES
AROUND about 8 to 8.30 Saturday morning, the first of many hockey and then rugby matches will get under way at Maritzburg College, as King Edward VII School (KES) make their annual winter pilgrimage to the Home of the Red, Black and White.
CATHY AVIDON featured image: KES first XV inside centre Ambrin Snyders in the thick of things with Jacques van der Walt (10) and Ethan Heuer (12) of Maritzburg College in the May 4 match-up at KES won 37-18 by the hosts.
Three months ago, almost to the day, Maritzburg College completed the first leg of the biannual winter sports exchange – on May 4.
And what makes this year’s return fixtures extra special is that they take place on Saturday, August 4 during the annual Maritzburg College Old Boys’ Reunion weekend.
KES left wing TK Molotsi halts Maritzburg College right winger Anele Nzimande with fullback Neil Hoffman in support.
Photo Cathy Avidon
KZN10.com asked KES headmaster Dave Lovatt for his views on the value of these biannual winter sports interactions between two of South Africa’s flagship boys’ high schools:
King Edward VII School headmaster Mr Dave Lovatt.
Mr Lovatt: “It is a great privilege for us to have an exchange with a school that shares so much of the values and traditions we as a school hold so dear. The exchange allows boys and staff to forge friendships across provincial boundaries and test their skills against a school with a proud tradition of sporting and cultural excellence.”
KZN10.com: And what value does this biannual interaction of the boys from the two schools have for the boys themselves, particularly in the dual-parental hosting of the boys from each school and what the boys learn from being accommodated in another family’s home?
Rathabile Selepe of KES tussles for possession with SA U18B player Grant Pio of Maritzburg College in the 2-1 home defeat at KES…
Photo Cathy Avidon
Mr Lovatt: “The billeting out is the key to the exchange as this provides a wonderful opportunity for boys to engage with families they don’t know, to learn to engage and live with a ‘stranger’.
“These situations develop improved communication skills and opportunities to be placed in an environment outside their comfort zone. Many of the boys have developed an improved level of self-confidence as a direct result of this exchange.”
SA U18 hockey player Joshua Finlay of KES on the ball with Maritzburg College’s SA U18 player Andre Bradford tracking back and team-mate Tiaan Prinsloo observing in the home side’s 2-1 defeat on May 4.
Photo Cathy Avidon
Well, I think Mr Lovatt has hit the nail on the head. If KZN10.com may say, the educational pluses far outweigh victories and losses.
A sound defensive system is the cornerstone of success. Check out http://titantech.co.za/
That said, we can be sure that all the teams at Maritzburg College on Saturday will be going all-out to give of their best and bring honour to their respective schools.
A perfect spot for refreshment on the long trek home. Take a look at https://www.fordoun.com/
Let the games hurry up and begin!
For more info on Maritzburg College the school go to http://maritzburgcollege.co.za/
For more info on KES the school go to http://www.kes.co.za/