Epworth School finishes fourth overall in Grand Finals of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Epworth School

In their second Grand Finals appearance at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Epworth School finished fourth overall.

Representing the PMB Central Region, the team were drawn in Pool A where they took on St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional Winners), Kokstad High School (Southern KZN Regional Winners), Ferrum High School (Northern KZN Regional Winners) and Wartburg Kirchdorf School (Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Winners).

In their first game, they went 2 nil up against travelling team Kokstad College followed by 6 nil victory against Newcastle’s Ferrum. In Epworth’s third pool game they went 2 nil up against midland’s team Wartburg. In their final pool game they met defending champs, St Mary’s in a tough conclusion to their fabulous first day where they went down 2 nil.

Epworth’s day two of the tournament started in a Pietermaritzburg derby where they took on St Anne’s College in the first semi final. It was not to be Epworth’s time with St Anne’s Sophie Rebeck and Lusanda Mtshali netting two goals for their Hilton based team.

In the bronze medal game, Durban Girls’ College met Epworth School for the second year running at the Grand Finals. Only ten minutes were left when Grade 11 star, Bulelwa Mzimela was perfectly in place for a fantastic base line run and a quick fire pass up to Mzimela waiting on the P who confidently tapped in her shot to take the win for the local team.

Coach, Hayley Coombes enthused, “The weekend has been absolutely incredible. And SPAR - wow – thank you for reviving schoolgirls’ hockey. A tournament like this is something to look forward to and during the season we have worked hard for it. If this tournament wasn’t around, I don’t think it would make our season as exciting as it has been and what they put on for a weekend like this is just phenomenal. Since the regionals, we have been building up to this weekend so simply - thank you.”

Chatting about the bronze medal game, Coombes continued, “We haven’t played DGC this season so it always nice to play someone fresh. I think some very good hockey was played between the two schools, some exceptional individual play and some fantastic team play. It is never easy to lose but we have huge respect for DGC. We were thrilled to be in the bronze match and we will be back next year hopefully.”

Epworth School - Pietermaritzburg Central Regional Winner – Bronze (2018), Fourth (2019)

Kokstad College notched up their best result yet – sixth place overall in Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge,

Kokstad College

In their third appearance at the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Kokstad College notched up their best result yet – sixth place overall.

Representing the Southern KZN Region, Kokstad came up against defending champs, St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional Winners), Epworth School (PMB Central Regional Winners) and travelling teams Ferrrum High School from Newcastle (Northern KZN Regional Winners) and Wartburg Kirchdorf School (Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Winners).

Kokstad had a challenging start to their Grand Finals meeting Epworth in their first game and going down 2 nil followed by a 3 nil lose to St Mary’s. In their third game, they managed to get their first goal in with a 1 nil win against Wartburg. In their final pool game on Saturday they took on Newcastle’s Ferrum where the score was level pegged with a 1 all draw after the final whistle.

On Sunday, in the cross pool playoff they took on fourth in Pool B, Felixton College. After full time the score was level with no goals finding the back of the box. In the only penalty shootout of the tournament, Felixton took the first round, 1 nil. In the second round both Kokstad and Felixton netted their shots so the score was 2-1 to Felixton. Kokstad luckily levelled the score in the third round and Felixton were not able to build on their advantage and missed their third penalty meaning the scoreline was level on 2 each after three attempts.

The game’s result moved to a sudden death scenario with Felixton taking the first run and charging into the D, moving the ball left trying to round the keeper and rolling the ball agonisingly over the baseline. Kokstad took to the spot and calmly scored their team’s third and winning goal.

In their final placing game, they took on Crawford La Lucia in the fifth and sixth positional placing games. Crawford La Lucia were on song finding the back of the box three times and claiming fifth, with Kokstad earning a splendid sixth overall.

Kokstad High School – Southern KZN Regional Winner – Sixth (2019), Seventh (2011), Eighth (2014)

Felixton College - takes a seventh at Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.

Felixton College

In their second appearance, Felixton College improved considerably on their first results at the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.

Felixton met top teams Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional Winners) and St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional Winners), together with Crawford La Lucia (DBN North Regional Winners) and Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional Winners) in their pool games on Saturday. Starting off with a fantastic scoreline in a well fought game where they went 1 nil down against one times tournament winner’s St Anne’s from Hilton. In their second game they took on Amanzimtoti where they went 1 nil up where Cate Oxley netted her team’s first goal. Meeting Crawford La Lucia, Felixton let two goals slip past them ahead of yet another fantastic result in their last pool game, where they only let one goal go in against three times tournament winners, Durban Girls’ College.

On Sunday, in the cross pool playoff they took on third in Pool A, Kokstad College. After full time the score was level with no goals finding the back of the box. In the only penalty shootout of the tournament, Felixton took the first round, 1 nil. In the second round both Kokstad and Felixton netted their shots so the score was 2-1 to Felixton. Kokstad levelled the score in the third round and sadly Felixton were not able to build on their advantage and missed their third penalty meaning the scoreline was level on 2 each after three attempts.

The game’s result moved to a sudden death scenario with Felixton taking the first run and charging into the D, moving the ball left trying to round the keeper and rolling the ball agonisingly over the baseline. Kokstad took to the spot and calmly scored their team’s third and winning goal.

Coach for Felixton College, Marilise Kietzmann shared after the tournament, “I feel that overall we played really good hockey. We were in a tough pool and being a small school I believe that we definitely held our own.”

“We fought hard and were unlucky to lose our playoff game in a penalty shootout. The girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the tournament is a wonderful opportunity to be able to play against schools that we don’t have regular fixtures against. We look forward to hopefully being back next year.”

Felixton met Ferrum High School, winners of the Northern KZN Regional in the seventh position playoff where Josie Picton earned her team seventh place, two places higher than their first Grand Finals appearance of ninth last year.

Felixton College – North Coastal Regional Winner – Seventh (2019), Ninth (2018)

Wartburg Kirchdorf ends ninth overall in Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Wartburg Kirchdorf School

In their sixth appearance at the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Wartburg Kirchdorf School ended ninth overall in the KZN tournament.

After missing last year, the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Winners came up against some serious opposition in their pool games on the first day. They were drafted in the same pool as defending champions, St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional Winners), 2018 bronze medalists Epworth School (PMB Central Regional Winners) and travelling teams Ferrum High School from Newcaslte (Northern KZN Regional Winners) and Kokstad College (Southern KZN Regional Winners).

After a crushing start to their weekend, going down 6 nil against the defending champs, St Mary’s – the young team featuring no matric pupils drew their second game 1 all against Ferrum. Kokstad managed to get one up against the usually tight defence. In their last pool game, Wartburg took another knock with a 2 nil lose against eventual fourth placed Epworth.

Coach for Wartburg, Lisa Misselhorn enthused, “We are so thrilled to be back at the Grand Finals. It was an amazing, challenging and fun weekend with great team work and commitment. Spirits were high and everyone enjoyed the fantastic standard of hockey.”

In the cross pool playoff, Wartburg took on the south coast school, Amanzimtoti High School representing the Durban South Region. With efficient German tactics, the travelling team managed to get one goal finishing ninth overall.

Continuing, Misselhorn shared, “Overall we are incredibly content with our position as a young, up-and-coming team from a small and amazing school. Thank you to all sponsors and organisers and we look forward to the tenth year of this wonderful tournament.”

Wartburg Kirchdorf – Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Winner - Fifth (2016), Sixth (2015), Seventh (2017), Eighth (2013), Ninth (2014, 2019)

Toti finishes eighth overall in SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Grand Finals

Amanzimtoti High School

In their fifth appearance, Amanzimtoti High School finished tenth overall at the 99th overall tournament of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.

Representing the Durban South Region, Toti met hockey giants Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional Winners), St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional Winners), along with Crawford La Lucia (DBN North Regional Winners) and travelling team Felixton College (North Coastal Regional Winners) from Richard’s Bay.

In their first game the went down 1-0 against Richards Bay’s team Felixton. In their second game, they had four goals go in by Durban Girls’ College. In their third pool game, they lost 2 nil and had six goals scored in against eventual silver medalists St Anne’s in the last pool game on Saturday.

First team coach for Toti, Chris Clarke stated, “It was a very tough weekend for my girls. We were placed in an extremely tough group and my young team battled to match the pace of the other teams.”

In the cross pool playoff, Toti took on the German midlands school, Wartburg Kirchdorf School representing the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Region. With efficient German tactics, the travelling team managed to get one goal in to earn ninth and Amanzimtoti finishing tenth overall.

Clarke concluded, “The weekend was a lovely learning experience for my girls and we will look forward to being back and better next year.”

Amanzimtoti High School – Durban South Regional Winner – Tenth (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019), Eighth (2018)

 -ends

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Wrap up for the 99th Tournament St Mary’s DSG, Kloof: 20 & 21 July

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Wrap up for the 99th Tournament

St Mary’s DSG, Kloof: 20 & 21 July

Namibian Kiana Cormack netted a cracker of a goal that earned her team, St Mary’s DSG, the title of the 2019 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge for the fifth time in a 1 nil win against St Anne’s College.

With just over 12 minutes in the second half remaining, Captain Cormack of the host school was lurking at the top of the castle ready to pounce on the injection of the second short corner of the game. After a clean stop the captain swung into action, firing in a tournament winning drag flick that rocketed into the top right hand corner beyond the out stretched gloves of St Anne’s keeper, Ella Thorburn.

A jubilant captain explained, “I don’t usually score drag flicks so this is the first tournament where I actually pulled it off. I wasn’t expecting it, nobody was but it felt right from the moment I released it and it was a phenomenal feeling watching it go.”

“We went out there knowing it was going to be a tough game – they always are against St Anne’s but it actually was a lot of fun, exciting and intense. For both teams there was some amazing moments of hockey and I don’t think any of us really knew we would take the win today!”

St Mary’s dominated most of the gold medal game, with St Anne’s getting a few runs down to the other end when they had space. In the first half a surge saw St Anne’s hitting the left upright with a drag flick attempt in the first five minutes of the game. In a last gasp attempt, Lusanda Mtshali broke away mid field, striding towards the circle. On the very tip of the circle, her charge was agonizingly stopped by a St Mary’s defender’s foot, the whistle blowing with 3 seconds on the clock. As the offence happened outside the circle, Mtshali’s valiant effort fell centimeters short from an extra time short corner.

In the bronze medal game, Durban Girls’ College met Epworth School for the second year running at the Grand Finals. Only ten minutes were left when Grade 11 star, Bulelwa Mzimela was perfectly in place for a fantastic base line run and a quick fire pass up to Mzimela waiting on the P who confidently tapped in her shot to take the win for the local team. College added to their impressive history in this tournament, notching up their first third this year after nine Grand Final appearances. Their name appears on the trophy three times and they also have three silvers and two fourths from previous years.

In the first semi final, St Anne’s met Epworth for an all round Maritzburg game. Sophie Rebeck and Lusanda Mtshali scored for St Anne’s giving them a 2 nil victory giving them their third opportunity in the main game at the Grand Finals. In the inaugural tournament in 2011, they earned themselves gold with a silver in last year’s tournament.

In the second semi final, St Mary’s took on local rival, Durban Girls’ College. College held off St Mary’s for most of the first half but in the final minute Cerian Fourie netted her team’s first. Cormack advanced the scoring to 2 nil and Fourie got her second of the game to take the game away from College with the final score of 3 nil.

After two days of diverse weather at the 99th overall KZN tournament, 29 games were played with a total of 72 goals being scored in 710 minutes of passionate first team schoolgirls’ hockey at its finest. The first tournament in 2020 rolls the tournament counter over to the milestone of 100.

For more info visit the tournament’s Facebook page.

Results

1 St Mary’s DSG, 2 St Anne’s College, 3 Durban Girls’ College, 4 Epworth School, 5 Crawford La Lucia, 6 Kokstad College, 7 Felixton College, 8 Ferrum High School, 9 Wartburg Kirchdorf School, 10 Amanzimtoti High School

ENDS

Namibian Helalia Johannes wins SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in fastest time ever recorded in Africa.

SPAR Women’s 10km/ 5km Challenge

Durban, 23 June 2019

NAMIBIAN Helalia Johannes (Nedbank International) ran an incredible race in Durban on Sunday 23 June to win the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in 30 minutes 59 seconds (30:59), the fastest time over this distance ever recorded in Africa.

In doing so she also smashed the Namibian record for the third time in a matter of two months leaving junior international runner, 19-year-old Tadu Teshame (Ethiopia, Nedbank International), over one-and-a-half minutes (01:37) in her wake in 32:36 with former winner Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank) in third place a further 21 seconds adrift in 32:57.

Johannes added the Durban Challenge to the first two in the series of six races making up the SPAR Grand Prix, those in Port Elizabeth (May 4) and Cape Town (May 29), smashing the course records for these and also for the Durban Challenge course record of 31:38 that was set in 2000 by Colleen de Reuk.

The 38-year-old Johannes did not take long to assert her domination over the field of 14 751 runners after the start in front of the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Masabalala Yengwa (NMR) Avenue taking the Ethiopian junior Teshame and Van Zyl with her but gradually leaving them behind as she continued to dominate the race going through the opening first kilometre in 3min 05sec.

By the 3km mark Teshame and Van Zyl no longer posed her a problem as she swept along the Snell Parade alongside the Durban beachfront and headed south towards the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium racing through the halfway mark (5km) in 15:26.

Johannes appeared to be enjoying her entourage of motorcyclists from the Steelwings Club on their Harley Davidsons ensuring her a safe passage throughout the 30th anniversary of the race which was the first one of the SPAR races to be held in 1989 and which carried a prize purse this year of R30 000 to commemorate it.

Johannes said afterwards that she had revelled in the perfect conditions that prevailed over the fast, flat 10km course and that she was happy to have done a personal best time.

She said she was sure more records would follow, but that she did not have any set plans for the immediate future. “We’ll  just have to wait and see where and when I will be running again. I have been improving my times steadily.”

Runner-up Teshame said: “We all knew Helalia would go out front and set a fast place and so I was prepared for it but it was impossible for anyone running yesterday to beat her.”

Van Zyl said: “She (Johannes) has raised the standard of women’s middle distance racing in a matter of a few weeks. It will be interesting to see what happens with the last three SPAR Grand Prix races being held at altitude, in Pretoria (August 3), Pietermaritzurg (August 18) and Johannesburg (October 6).

“Whatever, with bonus points offered for getting times better than last year’s winner’s time, elite runners will not want to miss any of these races if they are to be in the running for the Grand Prix overall winner’s purse of R185 000 with the runner-up receiving R65 000 and the third placed runner R40 000.

A whooping R30,000 was raised for the race charity, Cancer Association with a cheque being presented at prize giving.

Results

Open:

1.    1. Helalia Johannes (Nedbank) 30.59; 2. Tadu Nare (Nedbank) 32.36; 3. Irvette Van Zyl (Nedbank) 32.57; 4. Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 33.22; 5. Janet Mbhele (Umzimkhulu Striders) 33.30; 6. Caroline Mhandu (Maxed Elite) 33:46 7. Kesa Molotsane (Myrray&Roberts) 33.49; 8. Betha Chikanga (Maxed) 34.04; 9. Oliva Chitate (Maxed) 34.21; 10. Patience Murowe (Umzimkhulu Striders) 34.27

Junior

1.   1.Nare Tadu (Nedbank) 32:36; 2. Tayla Kavanagh (Hillcrest Villagers Athletics club) 36:23; 3. Dipulo Mashishi (Murray & Roberts) 38:05

20-39

1. Helalia Johannes (Nedbank Namibia) 30.59; 2.Diana Lebo Phalula (Boxer) 34:59; 3. Makhosi Mhlongo (Hollywood bets Running Club) 35:15

40-49

1.   1. Bulelwa Semai (Boxer) 38:36; 2. Elizabeth Dlhiwayo (Run walk for life Rustenburg) 38:38; 3. Janene Carey (Boxer KZN) 40:22

50-59

1.   1.Judy Bird (Murry & Roberts) 41:10; 2. Michelle Sims (PDAC) 25:28; 3 Maya Lawire (Boxer) 41:26

60-69

1.Olga Howard (Nedbank) 44:54; 2. Blanche Moila (Savages) 48:14; 3. Colleen Peens (Team Vitality) 49:31

1.  

70+

1.Jackie Davis (Savages) 55:55; 2 Gillian Tregenna (Wings Athletics) 01:01:48; 3 Getrude Lottering (Boxer) 01:16:42

Road Closures & Parking For SPAR Women’s Challenge

Road Closures And Parking For SPAR Women’s Challenge

Participants and their supporters of the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place on Sunday 23 June around Jonsson Kings Park Stadium and Moses Mabhida stadium precinct are reminded to arrive early and plan their route to the race, and where they will park. As always there are a number of road closures that will affect access into the area.
The 10km race starts at 08:00 and the 5km at 09:30 on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, outside Jonsson Kings Park Stadium outer fields.
Road Closures for Sunday 23 June 2019
From 02:00
• Snell Parade between Athlone Drive and the main entrance to Suncoast Casino.
• Battery Beach Road.
• Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Smiso Nkwanyana Road and Isaiah Ntshangase Road.
• The South bound lane of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Smiso Nkwanyana Road and KE Masinga Road.
• Kingsmead Way and Eden Gardens Crescent
From 04:00
• KE Masinga Road (the 2 left lanes) between Eden Gardens Crescent and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.
• Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Argyle Road and Smiso Nkwanyana Road
• Somtseu Road at Masabalala Yengwa Avenue
From 06:00
• The West bound lane of Athlone Drive between Snell Parade and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue
• The off ramp from the M4 (Ruth First Highway) to Athlone Drive (in both directions)
Road Openings
• Roads will be opened as soon as possible after the last competitor has left that portion of the route and the cleaning team has ensured that there is no litter.
• Most roads will be reopened by 11:30.
FREE EVENT PARKING
• Access to the Parking on Jonsson Kings Park fields KP3, 4 and 5 will be via Smiso Nkwanyana Road into Jacko Jackson Drive. Note – once this area is full access will be limited to emergency and official vehicles only.
• Access to Jonsson Kings Park fields KP9 and KP10 will be via Umgeni Road to Isaiah Ntshangase Road and through the Virgin Active Parking area onto the fields.
• Parking on these fields is free.
ACCESS
• Access and egress to the Durban Country Club will be from the M4 (Ruth First Highway) Please note that Isaiah Ntshangase Road will be closed at (1) the entrance to Moses Mabhida Stadium and the entrance to Durban Country Club. There will be no through traffic at the intersection with Masabalala Yengwa Road.
• Access to the parking area at Sunkist will be by way of a stop/go system managed by Durban Metro Police.
• Access to People’s Park will be via Argyle Road onto a single lane of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue to Battery Beach Road intersection. Egress from People’s Park will be past Durmail using the back gate to Somtseu Road (Sasol Service Station near the station).
“It makes it so much easier for participants to plan their routes knowing which roads will be closed, and where they can park. We encourage people to access the parking and road closures maps on the website and social media pages,” says Race Director Brad Glasspoole.
Entries can be done online via the race website until 17 June for credit card and debit card payments. A manual entry option is available, subject to the limit of 15,000 not having been reached, at race registration which takes place at Hall 6 at the Durban Exhibition Centre on: Thursday, 20 June and Friday, 21 June from 10:00 to 17:00 and Saturday, 22 June from 10:00 to 15:00. All entrants will receive a promo bag at race registration.
To enter online or for more race information, www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban.
For more information like the KZN SPAR Women’s Race Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram.

Brenda Mtambo to entertain at SPAR Women’s Challenge - Durban -Sunday 23 June

Media Release

Brenda Mtambo to entertain at SPAR Women’s Challenge

Jonsson Kings Park Stadium: Sunday 23 June

This year, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the SPAR Women’s Challenge 10/5km, much-loved ‘soul sister’ Brenda Mtambo will take to the stage to entertain the crowds on Sunday 23 June at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium outer fields.

Mtambo is known for her powerful, soulful voice, having sung with the Multi Award Winner Gospel Group ‘’ Joyous Celebration’. She has worked closely on projects, tours and recordings with the likes of Lira, Judith Sephuma, Brian Thusi to name a few. In 2013 she released her debut album titled ‘inspired’ and as a result of the album’s success she has been invited to many festivals and events such as the Jazz on the Lake for Joburg Art Festival and the Durban Jazz Festival.

Ixesha Lami is Mtambo’s first single off her latest album “So Much More” which is described as “not only an anthem for women, but a song for everyone who’s just had enough of something that’s been working against their joy.”

‘So Much More’ is a departure from Mtambo’s gospel roots, allowing her to express her own distinctive Afro soul voice. The success of this album saw her being nominated against heavy weights in the category Best Urban Jazz and Best Female in the MMA16 Awards, SAMA 23 Nominee: Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album SAMA 23 Nominee: Best Produced Album (Sipho Sithole) SAFTA Nominee: Best Afro Soul Album.

Mtambo promises to get the crowds moving and grooving from the stage at the finish line of this year’s 30th edition. Participants are encouraged to remain behind after the race, and enjoy the entertainment, as well as the official prize giving and the lucky draw where they will have a chance to win some fabulous prizes.

There is still a chance to register for this year’s challenge at Race Registration on Thursday 20 June and Friday 21 June from 10am – 5pm and on Saturday 22 June from 10am – 3pm at Hall 6, Durban Exhibition Centre.

For more information go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban or on Facebook.

-ends

Applications open for JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience 2019 Fringe and Youth Fringe

Media Release

Applications open for JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience 2019

Fringe and Youth Fringe

Applications are now open for the Fringe and Youth Fringe of the 16th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience presented by the Centre for Creative Arts from 27 August to 8 September at the Elizabeth Sneddon and Open Air Theatres at Howard College Campus.

Professional, experimental and up-coming choreographers and dance companies are invited to apply for participation on the JOMBA! Fringe programme which takes place on 4 September.  There is space for a maximum of 8 works on this year’s fringe each 15 minutes long, and applicants are accepted based on first and foremost on the detail and clarity of the information supplied on the application form, and the suitability of the application in relation to the vision of JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience.

The Fringe event comes with a “pick-of-the-Fringe” award Fringe, with a nominal cash honorarium and an invitation for the choreographer to present work on the JOMBA! platforms the following year. (Terms and conditions apply).

The JOMBA! Youth Fringe is open to dancers under the age of 16 years old.  It is a support initiative for the various ‘Dance Development’ projects operating in our province (KZN) and provides a space to celebrate our up-and-coming generation of young contemporary dancers and dance practitioners.

The JOMBA! Youth Fringe has access to limited resources, and therefore applicants should be aware that the event takes place during the day with no lights, but there is sound, and stage management provided. The event, which takes place on Sunday, 1 September at 2pm is free to participants and the public.

Works submitted for consideration should not exceed a 6-minute duration, and the selection committee welcomes contemporary, traditional and popular dance forms onto its platform. (Terms and conditions apply).

Applications for both events close on Friday 14 June at 4pm

For application forms contact Clare Craighead – during office hours only  082 875 6065 or preferably at jombafestival@gmail.com  or download from the website www.jomba.ukzn.ac.za

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Coastal Regional Grantleigh College: Saturday 18 May 2019

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Northern KZN Coastal Regional

Grantleigh College: Saturday 18 May 2019

Felixton College played out of their boots as they defended their Northern KZN Coastal Regional title in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 18 May at Grantleigh College’s astro.

Felixton took on hosts, Grantleigh College in an energetic final that ended with the visitors going 3 goals up. Grantleigh started off strong, earning a short corner 3 minutes into the game with the first real chance at goals. Felixton’s back line were up for the task, not allowing the ball anywhere near the danger zone. 

Midway through the final, Kavilay Naidoo had a superb solo run down the right, but didn’t get beyond the Felixton 22. Netting the first two goals for the red team, Cate Oxley finally broke the deadlock with 7.56 minutes left of play. 40 seconds later, Felixton were again knocking on the door, with a shot fired in, pounding the back board – but on-the-spot umpire, Mari-Lee Visser deemed the shot to have been hit outside the circle, disallowing the attempt. 

Not letting the disappoint get to them, Felixton responded with a short corner. The ball was sent to the top of the field, cleverly the Felixton players skillfully moved the ball around when the ball eventually found Oxley, who had time to slap in her team’s second. 

Delivering the final blow, Josie Picton took the scoreline out of Grantleigh’s reach when she scored the third and final goal with 3 and a half minutes still on the clock. 

Going into the finals, Felixton’s keeper Rhaiya Naidu (18) stated that she hadn’t touched the ball the entire tournament, and her fantastic defenders prevented the ball from coming anywhere near the goals during the final, giving the matric pupil no work the entire day.

Leading up to the finals, Felixton – who finished on top of their pool, took on eShowe High School in the first semi-final. 3.57 into the game, Felixton opened their account during a short corner, where Captain Aphiwe Nene calmly slapped the ball in. Shortly after, Josie Picton who was camped right on the post, bravely positioned her stick and decisively diverted a rogue shot from Beth Oxley, who cannoned the ball from the top of the circle. Picton, was again well placed during a short corner as she injected the ball only to receive the ball from the top of the D, and knocked in Felixton’s third. As the clock wound down, star player Kayla Janse van Vuuren got her team’s fourth goal and a place in the finals. 

In the second semi-final, Grantleigh were made to work hard for their place in the final, when they took on Richard’s Bay Christian School. After 7 minutes, Grantleigh were awarded a short corner. The ball went to the top of the circle, dodging the first wave, the Grantleigh attack had plenty of time as there was no second wave charging down on them, the ball moved right, then across the goal mouth where Minya Geyser edged the ball across the line for the first goal. 

Grantleigh continued peppering the other goals with countless attacks but a Herculean effort from Richard’s Bay’s last stand, Lebogang Tlou who stood solid in her goals, only to remarkably let in 2 goals. Standing tall, the matric pupil had to face off 3 penalty flicks, the first two didn’t make it past her but Beth van Onselen found the right corner with her low flick, giving the home team a 2 nil win.

The Umpire for the Day award went to Visser who was representing Felixton. The young whistle blower was invited to officiate at the Grand Finals in 2016, and has been impressing as she is growing in confidence.

Wrapping up this year’s regionals, Felixton is the final team to earn a ticket to the Grand Finals that takes place on 20 & 21 July at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof. They join St Anne’s College (PMB North), Epworth (PMB Central), newcomer Crawford La Lucia (DBN North), Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central), Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South), Kokstad College (Southern KZN),  Ferrum High School (Northern KZN), Wartburg Kirchdorf (uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi) and St Mary’s (Highway).

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

Results:

1 Felixton College, 2 Grantleigh College, =3 eShowe High, =3 Richard’s Bay Christian School, =5 Empangeni High, =5 Curro Mt Richmore, 7 St Catherine’s School, =8 John Ross College, =8 Mandini Academy

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Coastal Regional Grantleigh College: Saturday 18 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge

Northern KZN Coastal Regional

Grantleigh College: Saturday 18 May

Wrapping up the regional tournaments in the ninth year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Tournament, teams from around Richard’s Bay and eShowe get their chance to take to the turf at Grantleigh College on Saturday 18 May in the hopes of representing the Northern KZN Coastal Regional at the Grand Finals.

Back to defend their title, the surprise package of the 2018 tournament, Felixton College which has proudly lifted the trophy once, joins four-times champions - Empangeni High School, Richards Bay Christian School, John Ross College and newcomer to the tournament Curro Mt Richmore in Pool A. In Pool B are hosts, Grantleigh College, who have also been crowned regional winner three times, St Catherine’s School, Mandini Academy and eShowe High School.

Nine teams will be participating in the games that will follow the same format as the other regionals, where a win earns the team 4 points, a draw with goals - 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and a loss zero points. The 16 pool games last 20 minutes, thereafter the tournament progresses to a cross pool play off for the top two teams. Depending on the results in the semi-finals, if drawn, the game rolls into the highly dramatic penalty shootout.

This Regional will mark the 98th overall tournament leading up to the Grand Finals that will take place at St Mary’s DSG. The top team from each regional will then meet for an action-packed weekend over 20 and 21 July.

The winner of this regional will be joining nine teams that have already secured a place at the Grand Finals. Teams that have earned a spot are St Anne’s College (PMB North), Epworth (PMB Central), newcomer Crawford La Lucia (DBN North), Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central), Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South), Kokstad College (Southern KZN),  Ferrum High School (Northern KZN), Wartburg Kirchdorf (uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi) and St Mary’s (Highway).

For more info like the Facebook page or follow the Instagram account.

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional Greytown High School: Saturday 11 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional

Greytown High School: Saturday 11 May

Reclaiming their regional title, Wartburg Kirchdorf raised the trophy from the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Greytown High School on Saturday 11 May.

Wartburg have dominated this region, having been previously crowned five times, and ended their day with an impressive five victories as they kept a clean scoresheet not allowing any goals against them.

Wartburg took on one of the surprise packages, the well-structured and determined team from Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg who played strong hockey throughout the day. They earned 11 points overall, with two wins against defending champs, Greytown High School and Estcourt High School, a two all draw against Domino Servite and a goalless draw against Wembley, and going down 1-0 against Wartburg.

In the regional final, ten minutes into the game Wartburg’s Lise-Lea Engelbrecht surged into the Hermannsburg circle, swerving left and right before offloading the ball towards the p spot, where a lurking Luthando Makhaye knocked the ball in beyond the goalkeeper’s attempts of Kei Blackburn.

Responding on the other end, Hermannsburg’s Ntando Mpungose managed to sneak the ball across the line in a crowded goal area after a magnificent run down the field, beating the pads of opposition goalkeeper Andiswa Ndaba.

At full time, Hermannsburg, who for the first time in the history of this regional were making an appearance in the regional final, held their own and not allowing any of Wartburg’s attacks to amount to any more goals.

Three players from each team stepped up to the spot in the deciding penalty shootout. Slotting in for Wartburg, Lise-Lea Engelbrecht opened her team’s account, followed by Amahle Zondi who on entering the circle, rocketed in her shot left of Blackburn. The four other attempts, all three of Hermannsburg’s and the final Wartburg penalty all did not find the back of the box.

Umpire for the day was from host school, Greytown High School’s Stacey Wheeler.

Wartburg is the eighth team to earn a berth at the Grand Finals. They join St Anne’s College (PMB North), Epworth (PMB Central), newcomer Crawford La Lucia (DBN North), Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central), Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South), Kokstad College (Southern KZN), and Ferrum High School (Northern KZN).

The Highway Regional, which took place the day after this regional,  saw St Mary’s DSG claim the ninth spot at the Grand Finals. Only one tournament remains in this ten-region tournament, where teams from around Richard’s Bay and eShowe get their turn in the Northern KZN Coastal Regional that takes place at Grantleigh College this weekend.

For more info like the Facebook page or follow the Instagram account.

Results: 1 Wartburg Kirchdorf, 2 Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg, 3 Wembley College, 4 Greytown High School, 5 Domino Servite, 6 Estcourt High School

ENDS

Penultimate Regional Heads To Thomas More College

Penultimate Regional Heads To Thomas More College

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge
Highway Regional
Thomas More College: Sunday 12 May
The penultimate regional tips off at Thomas More College on Sunday 12 May where six teams from the Highway area will duel it out on the turf in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.
First up in this Highway Regional are defending champions, St Mary’s DSG and Curro Hillcrest, as they get the ball rolling in the first of fifteen round robin games at 8am.
This is one of the smaller regionals in this ten region tournament that travels the length-and-breadth of KwaZulu-Natal in the build up to the Grand Finals in July. Participating schools from this area are host school, Thomas More College together with Westville Girls’ High School, Hillcrest High School, Kloof High School, St Mary’s DSG and Curro Hillcrest. Five of the schools have competed in all nine of the years of this tournament, with newcomer Curro Hillcrest joining the teams four years ago.
Once all the round robin games are done and dusted, the regional final will take place between the two teams who are lying on top of the log. The gold medal game gets underway at 1.25pm followed by prize giving.
Only two teams have represented this area and advanced to the Grand Finals. St Mary’s DSG have dominated the Highway Regional with a total of seven regional victories, Westville Girls’ High School managed to break Saints domination earning the trophy in 2014.
Confirmed schools that already have tickets to the Grand Finals are St Anne’s College (PMB North), Epworth School (PMB Central), Crawford La Lucia (DBN North Regional), Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional), Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional), Kokstad College (Southern KZN Regional), Ferrum High School (Northern KZN) and the winners of the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Winner that takes place the day before the Highway Regional.
The last remaining regional travels to Grantleigh School on Sunday 19 May. Thereafter the 2019 tournament wraps up with all the regional winners converging at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s DSG on the weekend of 20 and 21 July.
For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Greytown High School: Saturday 11 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional

Greytown High School: Saturday 11 May

Defending champs, Greytown High School will be hosting teams in the upcoming uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional for the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 11 May.

This region has produced four champions that have progressed to the Grand Finals in Durban each year. First time winning this regional, defending their title this year - Greytown High School managed to dethrone Wartburg Kirchdorf School who have dominated the area for five consecutive years from 2013. Prior to the Wartburg Kirchdorf era, Wembley and Ladysmith High School both hoisted the trophy.

Six teams will be kitted up and ready to take to the field, first up in this regional are defending champions, Greytown and Hermannsburg, as they get the ball rolling in the first of fifteen round robin games at 8am.

This is one of the smaller regionals in this ten region tournament that travels the length-and-breadth of KwaZulu-Natal in the build up to the Grand Finals in July. Participating schools from this area are host school and defending champs, Greytown High School together with Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg, Domino Servite, Escourt High School, Wartburg Kirchdorf and Wembley College.

All games are 20 minutes long, with a win earning a team 4 points, a draw with goals - 2 points, a goalless draw - 1 point and a loss - zero, Once all the round robin games have been completed, the regional final will take place between the top two teams. The gold medal game gets underway at 1.40pm followed by prize giving.

Confirmed schools that already have tickets to the Grand Finals are St Anne’s College (PMB North), Epworth School (PMB Central), Crawford La Lucia (DBN North Regional), Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional), Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional), Kokstad College (Southern KZN Regional), and Ferrum High School (Northern KZN).

The day after the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional, teams from the Highway area take to Thomas More College on Sunday for the Highway Regional. And then, the last remaining regional travels to Grantleigh School on Sunday 19 May. Thereafter the 2019 tournament wraps up with all the regional winners converging at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s DSG on the weekend of 20 and 21 July.

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

I Heart Market - 4 May 2019 - 9am - 2pm : lawns next to Moses Mabhida Stadium

Media Release

I Heart Market - 4 May 2019 - 9am - 2pm :  lawns next to Moses Mabhida Stadium

Autumn in Surf City, one of the most pleasant times of the year, as Durbanites, shake out their winter woollies at the hint of temperatures dropping below 18 degrees. Skies are Azure blue, and the haze of summer’s humidity has almost past, and being outdoors is not as physically challenging. This month’s I Heart Market, celebrates the onset of autumn – traditionally a time for taking stock and squirrelling away for winter.  As seasons change subtly from one to the other, so do the offerings from our I Heart Market makers, so this month expect to find some autumnal inspirations like steaming cinnamon pancakes from The Pancake Guy, freshly brewed lattes from The Coffee Guys, local artisan cheeses from The Big Cheese, handmade sourdough breads from Bread 365 and beautiful ombre dipped ceramic mugs from Ceramics Made by Hand, and so much more.  The market takes place on Saturday, 4 May from 9am to 2pm on the lawns next to Moses Mabhida Stadium. Pop in and make it a family affair.

Creston College Captain - Q & A with Captain Savannah Amy Haupt

Meet Creston College’s First Hockey Team’s Captain Savannah Amy Haupt pictured here with team mate Anathi Siyongwana. Creston hosts the KZN Southern Regional on Saturday 13 April.

Position in team: I mostly play right striker otherwise centre striker or right link
Colours/ honours for anything?: I have my honours for academics as well as half colours for both hockey and soccer

Awards for anything?: I have received awards for having made the UGU side for both hockey and soccer as well as awards for my academics.

What other sports do you play?
I also play soccer.

Are you in any provincial teams? 
Yes KZN soccer.

When did you start playing hockey? 
I've been playing hockey since Grade 1 when I was introduced to the sport at my school, Creston College.

What do you most enjoy about hockey? 
I love that it is a team sport that teaches you teamwork, patience and the importance of knowing when to rely on others to help you achieve your goals. Whilst playing the sport one is also given the opportunity to form new friendships.

Best bit of inspirational advice that you have received from your coaches?
The best advice I have received from my coaches is to never stop believing and to keep pushing yourself on the field. Other advice I have received is that a good player goes to where the ball is but that a great player sees and knows where the ball is going to end up and gets to that place.

What do you want to do after school?
I want to first take a gap year and travel and work overseas and thereafter study all while playing both hockey and soccer.

Away from school, what are your hobbies? 
I like to spend time with friends and watch movies. A lot of my time away from school involves matches and training.

What is your memory from last year’s finals? 
Unfortunately, our team didn’t qualify for quarter finals and this was particularly upsetting as we were so close; having had to participate in a shootout against Suid-Natal where we lost. The team was very heartbroken but recall the final matches as very evenly matched games.

Do you have a sporting role model?
I don’t have a specific role model but I instead look up to and admire my coaches as they help motivate me and improve my abilities and I aspire to reach their level of play.

Words you live by?
Be true to yourself and to stand up for what you believe in. 

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge - Southern KZN Regional Creston College: Saturday 13 April

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge - Southern KZN Regional

Creston College: Saturday 13 April

The sixth regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, the Southern KZN, heads to Creston College on Saturday 13 April.

Geographically, this is one of the biggest regionals, with six teams travelling from Scottburgh, Kokstad, Matatiele and iXopo joining four local south coast teams to participate in a spectacular ‘hockey-filled’ day.

The teams are host school Creston College, Kokstad College, Scottburgh High School, St Patrick’s College and Suid-Natal High School in Pool A and iXopo High School, King Edward High School, Port Shepstone High School, Southcity Christian School and St Monica’s High School.

This region has turned out three winners over its nine year history. The first team to ‘don’ the Southern KZN regional title was the feisty team from inland, Kokstad College, with two appearances in the 2011 and 2014 Grand Finals. They earned themselves a seventh and eighth spot overall out of the ten regions. Host school, Creston College has also represented the region twice in back-to-back appearances in 2012 and 2013. Creston ended up with a sixth spot in their first Grand Final and a fifth in their second.

Travelling the farthest is the gutsy team from King Edward High School in Matatiele. For the last four consecutive years, this team has topped the log. Faring well at the Grand Finals they have an eighth, two sixth places and a seventh in last year’s Grand Final.

The two ladies heading up the King Edward team, Coach and Manager Lizel du Randt and new Coach Tarryn McArthur said, “Our KEHS girls have an unbelievably positive, upbeat spirit this year. Our girls know that when their legs run out, they play with their hearts and this year we have loads of heart.”

The action will be split over two fields, with the first games seeing Creston going up against Scottburgh High, and on the second field Southcity taking on travelling team iXopo. Once all the pool games are complete, the semi finals will get underway, followed by positional games and the gold / silver game capping off a full day of hockey.

The winner of the Southern KZN Regional will join teams from around KZN at the Grand Finals taking place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 20 and 21 July.

The regional winner will join other teams that have already got a ticket to the Grand Finals. They are St Anne’s (PMB North Regional), Epworth School (PMB Central Regional), Crawford La Lucia (DBN North Regional) and Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional) and from last weekend Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional).

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

ENDS

Durban South Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge - 7 April

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban South Regional

3 Schools’ Trust: Sunday 7 April

Midway through the ninth year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, teams from the southern suburbs of Durban meet for the Durban South Regional at 3 Schools’ Trust Astro on Sunday 7 April.

Host for the fifth regional tournament, Amanzimtoti High School will welcome teams from Grosvenor Girls’ High School, Kingsway High School, Kuswag Hoërskool, New Forest High School, Queensburgh Girls’ High School, Queensburgh High School and Werda School.

Meeting on neutral territory, the eight teams will be divided up into two pools. In Pool A are Werda, Toti, and the two Queensburgh teams and in Pool B Kuswag, Kingsway, Grosvenor and New Forest.

At the blast of the first 20 minute whistle, Toti will lead the way as they take to the pitch to meet Werda. Following on, the second game of the day is an Amanzimtoti derby with the two neighbouring schools, Kingsway taking on Kuswag. The programme for the regional has 12 pool games, followed by five cross-pool games, kicking off with the first two semi-finals.

Four schools will have had appearances at all the nine Durban South Regionals: Toti, Kingsway, New Forest and Grosvenor. Both Kuswag and Werda have participated in all but one of the regionals. Queensburgh Girls’ High have had a regular presence over the last four years and Queensburgh High makes a welcome return having missed the last two years.

Two teams have represented this region at the Grand Finals – Kuswag was the first team to make it through to the Grand Finals in the inaugural tournament in 2011, where they finished ninth overall. A determined team from Amanzimtoti have been holding onto the title for the last four years. Their tally includes three tenth spots in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and an eighth in last year’s tournament.

Ten teams from around KZN will head to St Mary’s DSG in Kloof for the Grand Finals on 20 and 21 July. The winner of this region will join teams that have already earned their spot in July, they are St Anne’s (PMB North), Epworth School (PMB Central), Crawford La Lucia (DBN North) and Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central).

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

ENDS

31st Annual UKZN Jazz Jol - Durban

31st Annual UKZN Jazz Jol

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is proud to present the 31st annual UKZN Jazz Jol on Saturday, April 6th, 2019. Traditionally scheduled for the 2nd half of the year, the event has been brought forward to accommodate a visit by Prof Darius Brubeck, who founded the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, and which commemorates its 30th anniversary this year.

In another break from tradition, the funds generated from the Jol will be donated to the Durban chapter of Amnesty International, instead of the Ronnie Madonsela scholarship. This is an appropriate way to recognize the support of our local community for our student scholarship over these many years, and to thank them by donating the funds to newly-established chapters of Amnesty International at the UKZN School of Law, the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, and 6 local schools to set them on the path, in their efforts to fight for human rights.

Besides Prof Brubeck, the concert will feature the UKZN Big Band as well as a host of Durban-based alumni, including Melvin Peters, Sazi Dlamini and SKOKIANA, Andile Yenana, Debbie and George Mari, Mfana Mlambo, and Natalie Rungan. Anchoring proceedings will be bassist Ildo Nandja, who will be visiting from the Netherlands, where he is currently registered for his Masters degree in Jazz Studies and drummers Riley Giandhari and Bruce Baker.

Join us for the 31st annual UKZN Jazz Jol on Saturday, April 6th, 2019 at 19:00. General admission to the 31st Annual Jazz Jol is R100, R80 for pensioners and R50 for students with a student card. Please contact Thuli on 031 2603385 or email Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za for more details.