107 106 The Chronicle 2021 Centenary Edition 5th Team Basketball Regular players: Lwandle Bhengu, Riku Boshoff, Chad Gooderson, Kudzai Kamwendo, Okuhle Khupe, Toka Kgomo, Kabo Madi, Sbongakonke Maphumulo (Captain), Motheo Nkadimeng, Pallo Nomtyala, Sani Sawuti, Dylan van Tonder, Bongumenzi Zungu The players began the season very rusty, not having played much basketball in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID. However, these boys were eager to get going and improve. After some early losses, the players started to gel as a team. With some minor positional changes, the group began to look and play like a well-oiled machine. The effort at practices paid off, and the players were now getting more baskets in the hoop during pressure situations in matches. This improvement resulted in the team winning their last two nail-biting games. Huge thanks to the players for embracing the difficult situation we were in. Their positive approach made them a pleasure to coach. Results: Played 5, Won 2, Lost 3 Mr Bongi Ndaba Coach and Mr Wayne Amos Assistant coach 6th Team Basketball Regular players: Blessings Chiluba, Qhawe Diko, Alex Gordon, Dhiyarv Govender, Lwandile Khoza, Bonga Mbhele, Lwandle Ngema, Sphume Nkosi, Marcus Scheepers, Maano Setimela, Nthato Sifumba The 6th team comprised a young squad with mixed skill levels and personas, but the season started perfectly, with us winning our first game. Unfortunately, the team faced numerous hardships during the season due to constant changes in the team selection, staggered match-ups in our fixtures, and a losing streak. However, once the team was more established and our formations were in place, the players showed progress from game to game. I can proudly say that it was a privilege to work with this group. Our journey through the season was not comfortable, but the team developed mentally, physically, and emotionally. All my players have the potential to play basketball at the top level and present the characteristics of fine young men. Results: Played 4, Won 2, Lost 2 Mr Jordan du Preez Coach 7th Team Basketball Regular players: Aidan Albrecht, Jordan Balkisson, Nicholas HowardBrowne, Rehan Khan, Connor McKenzie, Mandisi Mseleku, Dylan Olivier, Neo Ramalitse, Caleb Saks, Michael Smith, Ross Williams, Levi Wilcox, Jua van Wyk The 7th team enjoyed themselves during the Term 4 season. The boys worked hard on the court and put in extra effort in supporting each another. With other schools lacking depth, we did not play as many games as we had hoped. Even with such challenges, the boys still participated at every training practice with the same energy. Results: Played 4, Won 1, Lost 3 Mr Yanga Sotshangane Coach 8th Team Basketball Regular players: Liam Jansen Van Rensburg, Bandile Makhaye, Tito Mhlongo, LiPuma Mthethwa, Wandile Ngwane (Captain), Hloni Penane (Vice-captain), William Stainton, Mihlali Sigonyela, Dylan van Schoor, Viyo Vezi, Ethan Williams The team was formed halfway into the season as there were too many players to accommodate in the 6th and 7th teams and allow everyone sufficient game time. Unfortunately, it was difficult to find games for our team. Hopefully, the players will have more opportunities to showcase their talents next year. The team was made up of Grade 10s and 11s, so we will have a strong core going forward. Results: Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1 Mr Antonie Prinsloo Coach Under 15A Basketball Regular players: Luca Borrageiro, Gregor Campbell, Alex Diakogiannis, Gareth Fly, Connor Grenfell, Ayanda Jackson, Kemani Mabaso, Ntsika Mfayela, Tshepiso Mokoena, Matthew Shepherd, Reabetswe Sithole, Motheo Ramoriting The Under 15A team came into the season looking to improve on their form as under14, not having played since Term 1 of 2020. On paper, this was a strong team, but they had to live up to their potential on the court. Testament to the team’s strength was that three players, Iviwe Shongwe, Gregor Campbell and Luca Borrageiro, also played for the first team this season. In addition, Ayanda Jackson, Reabetswe Sithole and Alex Diakogiannis played for the Kearsney Invitation Team that won the B Division of the Kearsney Centenary Basketball Tournament. The boys worked hard to ensure their unbeaten record. They dominated their opposition on defence and did not allow their opponents a chance to get into the game. At times the winning margin could have been more significant, but everyone got a chance to play and contribute to the team’s success. This is an age group to watch as they have vast potential. If they focus and continue working on their skills, they could turn into one of Kearsney’s best teams ever. Results: Played 5, Won 5 Mr Mfanfuthi Ntombela Coach Under 15B Basketball Regular players: Qhawe Balfour, Sinqobile Buthelezi, Ben Cornell, Owami Hlongwa, Alwande Mbonambi, Bonga Mathenjwa, Luke Maritz, Andisi Ndlovu, Sihle Ngcobo, Callum Steer, Joshua Velissariou (Captain) What a great bunch of boys! They enjoyed practices and played hard in games. They were continuously looking to improve and were highly coachable. Many of the players also committed to the early morning coaching sessions. These extra training sessions and their enthusiasm at practices were critical factors in their success. Not every game was smooth sailing. The team nearly let the Michaelhouse game get away from them, but they fought for a onepoint victory away from home, despite a great deal of pressure. I look forward to seeing where these young men’s love for the game takes them in the future. It was a pleasure to coach them. Results: Played 5, Won 5 Mr Andile Ntshingila Coach Under 15C Basketball Regular players: Jarred Fitt, Luke Emanuel, Ayabonga Mbuyeleni, Qhamani Mlalandle, Lindokuhle Mpungose (Captain), Lwandile Nzala, James Peirson (Vice-captain), Evan Powers, Jack Reid, Samelo Shweni This group of Grade 9 pupils was a pleasure to coach. The team changed weekly due to the pandemic. Although not the most talented basketball team, the boys were tremendously fit. Boys showed great athleticism and we did a lot of fitness during our training sessions. Our fitness ensured we enjoyed an unbeaten season. Results: Played 5, Won 5 Mr Senzo Mtshali Coach Under 15D Basketball Regular players: Seth Levi Brown, Finn Calenborne, Tyrique Fynn, Nardus Grundlingh, Jackson Horn, Qhawe Mdluli (Captain), Kwandile Menyo, Onalenna Nameng, Mandu Ntinga, Patrick Rocher, Alexander Schoombee, Azile Zembe This season had a lot of hopeful and eager Under 15s, seeing how more restrictions had eased up and we had yet another opportunity to get out onto the courts. The turnout for trials was great and we had some promising players, and one could tell that the boys were hungry for some competitive sport again. This was evident from the very first game against Hilton, which we won 30-8, where the boys wasted no time in proving how much they needed to get out on those courts. Spirits were high and the under 15 D’s were even more determined to prove themselves as there was very tight competition amongst the boys themselves. Our second game was away against Kingsway, where we also managed to secure a 41-3 win. This sure laid the foundation for a successful rest of the season, with games against Maritzburg College, Hilton and Westville Senior Inter-house Sheffield vs Finningley
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