Latest news with #AcademyWeek
The Citizen
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Excitement builds for Craven Week and Academy Week in Middelburg
With excitement building towards the upcoming Craven Week and Academy Week taking place at Hoërskool Middelburg, Middelburg Observer spoke to Piet Bothma, chairperson of the Puma High Schools' Rugby Association. The election of Bothma as chairperson is another acknowledgement of Middelburg's standards in school rugby, alongside the privilege of playing host to the prestigious FNB Youth Weeks, for not the second but the third time in history. Bothma has ample experience in rugby coaching, and as principal of Steelcrest High School, he was elected by all high schools in Mpumalanga to act as chairperson of the association. According to Bothma, it is an immense honour and privilege to work alongside Hoërskool Middelburg, its principal, vice principal and the school's governing body. 'Without their support, it would have been a mammoth task to organise an event of such magnitude, and it begs to be said that Hoërskool Middelburg is one of the few schools with the facilities to host both the Craven Week and Academy Week at the same time and in the same location. The two have previously taken place after each other.' Bothma also said that Hoërskool Middelburg will be hosting 36 teams, 16 teams in Craven Week and 20 teams in Academy Week. Craven Week will kick off on Monday with WP XV facing the Griffons first at 09:30, followed by the Free State vs SWD Eagles at 11:00, the Bulls vs Lions at 12:30, the Craven Week opening ceremony at 14:00, and the Pumas vs Limpopo as the final match for the day at 14:30. Bothma said there is no tournament format. 'The tournament is all about rugby, meaning winners will play winners and losers will play losers. A ranking committee will determine match fixtures according to points.' Bothma also spoke about how Craven Week and Academy Week will contribute towards the development of talent in school rugby. 'The standard of school rugby in our community is already at a high level, however, both events will offer the opportunity for aspiring players to watch the matches and learn more about rugby at a professional level.' 'The Vuka League will also contribute towards the development of school rugby aside from Craven Week and Academy Week.' According to Bothma, this is the fourth time Mpumalanga will be hosting the tournament, with Hoërskool Middelburg hosting it the first time in 1978, then HTS Middelburg in 2014, and Hoërskool Middelburg hosting it now. It was also hosted in Mbombela previously. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Steelcrest's Piet Bothma speaks of Craven Week as chair of Puma Rugby Association
With excitement building towards the upcoming Craven Week and Academy Week taking place at Hoërskool Middelburg, the Middelburg Observer spoke to Piet Bothma, chairperson of the Puma High Schools' Rugby Association. The election of Bothma as chairperson is another acknowledgement of Middelburg's standards in school rugby, alongside the privilege of playing host to the prestige FNB Youth Weeks, for not the second but the third time in history. Bothma has ample experience in rugby coaching, and as principal of Steelcrest High School, he was elected by all high schools in Mpumalanga to act as chairperson for the association. According to Bothma, it is an immense honour and privilege to work alongside Hoërskool Middelburg, its principal, and vice principal, as well as the school's governing body. 'Without their support, it would have been a mammoth task to organise an event of such magnitude, and it begs to be said that Hoërskool Middelburg is one of the few schools with the facilities to host both the Craven Week and Academy Week at the same time and in the same location. The two have previously taken place after each other.' Bothma further said that Hoërskool Middelburg will be hosting 36 teams in total, 16 teams in the Craven Week and 20 teams in the Academy Week. The Craven Week will be kicking off on Monday with WP XV facing the Griffons first at 09:30; followed by the Free State vs SWD Eagles at 11:00; the Bulls vs Lions at 12:30; the Craven Week opening ceremony at 14:00; followed by the Pumas vs Limpopo as the final match for the day at 14:30. Bothma further informed that there is no tournament format, 'The tournament is all about rugby, meaning winners will play winners and losers will play losers. A ranking committee will determine match fixtures according to points.' Bothma also spoke about how the Craven Week and Academy Week would contribute towards the development of talent in school rugby. 'The standard of school rugby in our community is already at a high level, however, both events will offer the opportunity for aspiring players to watch the matches and learn more about rugby at a professional level.' 'The Vuka League will also contribute towards the development of school rugby aside from the Craven and Academy Week.' According to Bothma, this is the fourth time Mpumalanga will be hosting the tournament, with Hoërskool Middelburg hosting it the first time in 1978, then HTS Middelburg in 2014, as well as Hoërskool Middelburg hosting it now. It was also hosted in Mbombela previously. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Middies stars set for Craven Week glory
Hoërskool Middelburg will not only be the host of this year's Craven Week and Academy Week from July 6–12, but they also have a big group of players who will be in action as part of the team. • CW Hanekom, known between the players as 'Balsteel Hanekom', will be playing number six, flanker, for the u/18 Puma team that will partake in the Craven Week. He said he has been playing rugby since he was six years old and that it has been one of his biggest dreams to play in the Craven Week, 'I would really like to try to get a contract after school, but if I don't, I would really like to play for Maties, Tuks or Pukke.' He thinks that the Western Province will be their biggest opponent this year, and his favourite player is Ardie Savea. • Keabetswe Nkgadima, better known as 'Beast', is the scrum-half for the team. He has been playing rugby for nine years and said the dream has always been Craven Week. He hopes for a rugby scholarship at one of the big universities next year, and has been trying to improve his skills every day. He also thinks Western Province will be the toughest competition. His favourite rugby player is Grant Williams. • Katlego Baloyi, also known as 'KP', is a fullback. 'It all started in the backyard. I first grasped a rugby ball with trembling hands and wild-eyed wonder beside my brother. He was my first teammate and fiercest rival. The grass soon ignited a roaring inferno of passion within me, and the untamed thrill of the game became my heartbeat. By the age of six, I was no longer just playing, I was living rugby, each match, each pass a promise to chase greatness. Partaking in the 2025 Craven Week is a prayer answered in yet another step closer towards greatness.' After school, he said he will pursue a career in rugby 'because it is more than a dream, it's a calling'. His favourite rugby player is Damian Willemse. • Matthew Abbey, known as Matt on the field, is the fly-half. 'I have been playing rugby since I was in Grade One. Since I was in Grade Eight, it has been my goal to be chosen for the Craven Week. It kept me motivated to keep on working, and I was dedicated to achieving my goal.' Their first match is against the Limpopo Blue Bulls, 'We will prepare well and take it match by match.' His favourite rugby player is Finn Russell. • Roux Grobler, who is called Roux'ie by his friends, is the hooker for the team. 'I've been playing rugby since I was a young boy. It has always been a dream of mine to make the Craven Week team, it's something I've worked towards for years.' He would like to continue playing rugby after school and, hopefully, take it to a professional level one day. 'I think our strongest opponents will be the Western Province and the Cheetahs. Schools from the Cape are very strong, and teams like Grey always bring serious competition.' His favourite rugby player is Malcolm Marx. Kefilwe Phamotse, or 'Jet Shoes' on the field, is the wing for the team. 'I have been playing rugby for seven years, and the dream of playing in the Craven Week only began when my coach, Mr Tertius Harmse, scouted me to play for his u/15A team at MHS. He would love to play rugby professionally after school. 'In the week, everybody will come with guns blazing, and every game will be a tough game!' His favourite rugby player is Rieko Ioane. • Khensani Buthelezi (lock and open side flanker) is called Kenny on the field. 'I've been playing rugby since I was in Grade One, and seeing all the Craven Week players as a youngster, it was always a dream to make the Craven Week team.' He said he does have plans on continuing playing rugby in probably a university like Maties after school. 'Our preparation for the Craven Week is really good, and we are doing great after the practice games. I am confident with the team, and our biggest challenge is going to be WP, if we play against them.' His favourite rugby player is Siya Kolisi, 'I really look up to him, and he's a great leader too.' • Lungelo Maseko, better known as Lungi, is the inside centre. 'I started playing rugby in Grade Five, but started loving it in Grade Seven, and since then, I've always wanted to play for the Pumas in the Craven Week.' If the opportunity presents itself, he would like to go on with his rugby career after school. 'Our toughest game is against every team in Craven Week, because every team has something to prove!' His favourite rugby player is Rieko Ioane. The following players were selected for the Academy Week: Buhle Mphahlaza (Skhebe) as flyhalf or fullback, Dewald du Toit (Dewies) as tighthead prop, Hencoe Janse van Rensburg (Choek) as eighth man, Siboniso Mahlangu (Biggy) as outside centre, Zanempilo Mahlangu (Brood) as lock and loose forward, and Lesego Rakale (Raaks) as wing or fullback. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Hoërskool Middelburg gears up to host Craven Week for the 2nd time
Hoërskool Middelburg gears up to host Craven Week for the 2nd time Hoërskool Middelburg (Middies) is set to host the prestigious Craven Week rugby tournament for the second time, welcoming 36 provincial teams who will compete from July 6 to 12. According to the Middelburg Observer, the school received confirmation last August that it would be the host, and preparations have been underway ever since. Vice principal Dave Osborn and school governing body chairperson Tommie Strydom shared details of the school's readiness for the major sporting event. To ensure the fields are in top condition, Middies has employed additional workers to maintain them, with the A field being covered nightly to protect it from frost. The school has also completed several upgrades, including improvements to the dressing rooms, ablution facilities, hostels, gymnasium and pavilion. A new cafeteria has been constructed to cater to the influx of players and supporters, and a new scoreboard has been installed on the B field. This year's Craven Week will see around 1 060 rugby players and coaches participating in 56 matches. Accommodation for teams is being provided at hostels at Hoërskool Middelburg, Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg, Middelburg Primary School and Hoër Tegniese Skool Witbank. Additional security measures have also been implemented. The open field behind the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, known as the Prayer Oven grounds, has been designated as the main parking area for the event. 'It's a big honour and achievement to be selected to host Craven Week. It places Hoërskool Middelburg on the map as an institution that holds itself to a high standard in sport and organisation,' says Osborn. He adds that the investments made in preparation for both Craven Week and Academy Week will have lasting benefits for the school's sporting infrastructure and overall development. 'The school's learners will benefit from the valuable exposure to top-level rugby, which serves as motivation for younger players to work harder and strive towards becoming part of future teams.' Additional Craven Week and Academy Week Information: All matches will be broadcast on SuperSport Schools and SuperSport 1. Nightly entertainment will take place in the beer tent. The SA Schools teams will be hosted by Middies the week following Craven Week, with a match between the A and B teams scheduled for July 17 on the Middies A field. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Middies is ready for Craven Week
The school will be hosting the prestigious tournament for the second time in its history, and will be availing their facilities for the 36 provincial teams scheduled to lock horns from July 6–12. Hoërskool Middelburg was informed last August that it would be hosting the sporting event, and the school has since been hard at work to prepare its premises for the occasion. Dave Osborn (vice principal) and Tommie Strydom (chairperson for the school governing body) spoke to the Middelburg Observer about the preparations that have been put in place. The school has acquired the help of additional workers to maintain the rugby fields. The A-field is covered every evening to protect the pitch from frost. Additionally, the school's dressing rooms, ablution facilities, hostels, gymnasium, and the pavilion have undergone upgrades. A new cafeteria has also been built to accommodate the scores of participants and supporters, and a new scoreboard has been erected for the B-field. There are about 1 060 rugby players and coaches expected on the occasion, and the 36 teams will be playing 56 matches. Accommodation for the teams is being provided through means of the hostels at Hoërskool Middelburg, Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg, Middelburg Primary School and Hoër Tegniese Skool Witbank. Additional security will also be available to ensure safe passing and transit to the school premises. The open field behind Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, known as the Prayer Oven grounds, is the main designated parking area. 'It's a big honour and achievement to be selected to host Craven Week. It places Hoërskool Middelburg on the map as an institution that holds itself to a high standard in sport and organisation,' Osborn said. He added that the upgrades done for the Craven and Academy Week are considered long-term investments into both the school's sports facilities and its general development. 'The school's learners will benefit from the valuable exposure to top-level rugby, which serves as motivation for younger players to work harder and strive towards becoming part of future teams.' Important information about the Craven Week and Academy Week: • The matches will be broadcast on SuperSport Schools and SuperSport 1. • Entertainment will be provided each night in the beer tent. • The SA Schools teams will be hosted by Middies the week after Craven Week. A match between the A and B teams will take place on July 17, on the MHS A-field. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
