Latest news with #KZN
IOL News
14 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Durban teenagers to represent South Africa at the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup
Olivia Wells, Gianna Gaillard, Demi Vetter and Rebecca Breed are representing SA at the 2025 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in Limerick, Ireland Image: Supplied Four Durban teenagers will showcase their touch rugby skills on the international stage when the Youth Touch Cup kicks off this week. Olivia Wells, Demi Vetter, Rebecca Breed and Gianna Gaillard are among the athletes from South Africa to represent at the 2025 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in Limerick, Ireland, from July 31 to August 3. The tournament will bring teams from Belgium, Cayman Islands, China, England, France, Ireland, Lebanon, Portugal, Scotland, Ukraine and Wales. Teams will compete across four divisions. Touch is a game played by teams of six players that promotes the fundamental skills of running, passing, catching, evasion and support play. Played by participants of all ages and genders, Touch develops basic attack and defence skills in a minimal contact environment. For Olivia, Demi, Rebecca and Gianna, all learners at Danville Park Girls' High School, it is their first time to make a national team and represent South Africa. Olivia, 17, a Grade 12 learner, said she was very grateful to have been given this opportunity and a once in a lifetime experience. "I am very proud of myself for making the under-20s ladies team, but also nervous to be playing at such a high level for the first time," said Olivia. Olivia started playing touch in 2021 in grade 8, when she didn't know much about the game or how to properly pass a rugby ball. "I was introduced to the sport in a school setting. I quickly got interested in the game and learnt it quite fast and through lots of training I got better and better. "I played locally, against other schools and enjoyed the sport. I was then invited to KZN trials and was selected for the team. Since then I have grown so much as a player and have learnt so many new skills," said Olivia. Olivia said she loves the teamwork that's involved in the game. "Everyone on the field gets involved in order to make a play successful. It is also a very competitive game which I enjoy and is always interesting to see how different teams play and execute different moves," said Olivia. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Demi, 16, who is in Grade 11, said she felt privileged to be able to represent the nation at the age of 16. "It is such an honour and I hope to make South Africa proud. I am excited to be playing touch at such a high level. I am looking forward to spending time with people who share the same love that I have for the sport," said Demi. Demi said she played for the school's first team in grade 8, knowing very little about the game. "I caught on very quickly. I got involved in a club that year and was then asked to attend KZN trails. I was selected for the u15A team and had the privilege of captaining the team, and winning gold at the inter provincial tournament," said Demi. She said she had previously participated in gymnastics for nine years. But stopped due to Covid. "Hearing that Danville offered touch rugby really excited me. I was very interested to try a new sport and find something to fill the void that stopping gymnastics had created. Claire Maujean and Marty Griffiths, both of whom are my school, club , and KZN coaches, played a huge role in getting me involved and falling in love with the sport. "Touch rugby is so different to other sports. It requires speed and agility whilst also needing intellect. It is a highly fast paced and strategic game, which is why I love it so much. It is one of the few sports where girls and guys of any age can compete together and/or fairly against one another which makes the sport so unique and dynamic," said Demi. Rebecca, 15, said she was extremely honoured to represent South Africa at such a young age. The Grade 10 learner said she was grateful that her school coach, Claire Maujean, had ignited a fire in her and a love for the sport. "When I was in grade 7 I went to Danville's open day and touch rugby was listed as one of the extra murals. I just knew that this was a sport I wanted to try. It felt so natural and from the first practice I was hooked. "I really enjoy being able to learn many new things about the sport, but most of all making new friends that have a love for touch like I do. One of my favourite quotes is 'teamwork makes the dream work', which always motivates me knowing they will always have a positive impact on my life, no matter if we're on or off the field," said Rebecca. 16-year-old Gianna said she felt excited, nervous and privileged to represent South Africa at the Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in Ireland. "It is a great honour to be selected for the under-20 ladies team and be able to demonstrate my talent on this global platform," said Gianna. The Grade 10 learner started playing the sport two and a half years ago. "I got into touch rugby at, joined a club and began pursuing it more competitively from there. What started as a school sport became something I'm truly passionate about and committed to, and pursued it at provincial level. "It challenges me in the best way. The speed and intensity keep me on my toes, and I love how every player plays a crucial role. It's a great team sport that relies on well executed plays and good communication within the team," said Gianna. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
KZN trainers strike back
Stuart Ferrie and Gareth van Zyl cap good season for locals. There was plenty of hot action at Greyville at the weekend. Picture: Gallo Images Gold Cup day highlighted an interesting trend of the 2025 Champions Season in KwaZulu-Natal: a re-emergence into the spotlight of the host province's training yards. Stuart Ferrie and Gareth van Zyl ended the season on a triumphant note at Greyville on Sunday, saddling Gladatorian and King Pelles to victory in two of South Africa's pre-eminent races – the HKJC Champions Cup and the World Pool Gold Cup respectively. Ferrie, Van Zyl and their compatriots have given KwaZulu-Natal racing its best winter for ages – fighting back against the powerful Western Cape and Highveld stables who had been carrying off most of the season's abundant loot for decades. An unlikely ally in the fightback has been from the Eastern Cape backwaters – Fairview ace trainer Alan Greeff, who landed three KZN features (two Grade 1s and a Grade 2) with his raiders. When Peter Muscutt won the East Coast Cup (Listed) with a filly called Mascerina at a soggy Greyville on 3 May – the first day of the famed Champions Season – no-one saw it a harbinger of bigger things to come for his fellow local yokels. Yet, in the next race on the card, Ferrie sent out his stable star Gladatorian to land the Drill Hall Stakes (Grade 2) – just ahead of Summerveld neighbours Michael Roberts and See It Again. The following week, Selukwe won the WSB 1900 at Greyville. Though carded under Cape-based Andre Nel's name, Selukwe had been resident at Summerveld for some time and prepared there by satellite assistant conditioner Byron Foster. It was business as usual as the Guineas, Daily News, Woolavington and Golden Horse trophies all shipped to Cape Town, but the hegemony was disrupted by the man from Gqeberha, Greeff, who won the Grade 1 Alan Robetson Championship with Direct Hit. Then Durban's Frank Robinson won the Cup Trial with Madison Valley, Van Zyl the Tote Derby with King Pelles and Alyson Wright the Tote Oaks with She's A Bomber. KZN Breeders' Day was almost a KZN clean sweep, with Ferrie, Doug Campbell, the Moores and the Hills leading in feature winners. The biggest prize, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, eluded KZN yet again, but Ferrie and Van Zyl had feature success on the day with, respectively, I Am Giant in the Grade 2 Post Merchants and King Pelles in the Grade 3 Gold Vase – as did Greeff with Anotherdancefor me in the Grade 2 Golden Slipper. Then it was Gold Cup day and the glories mentioned above. Also, Greeff snatched the Grade 1 Douglas Whyte Thekwini Stakes with shooting star Golden Palm. To round things off, Muscutt, who had started the KZN run, won the Listed Darley Arabian with appropriately named I Salute You. It's too soon to talk of an ongoing renaissance for KwaZulu-Natal training yards, but they certainly have had a major fillip in terms of big-race results. The winning mood could be a result of optimism and positive thinking brought about by the financial salvation job by Hollywood in the province. An economic boost can do that.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rugby stars take on Rhino Week
Scottburgh High is proud of four of its skilled rugby players – Liam Munsami, Steven King, Lunga Mngoma and Brisbane Gomez. These youngsters represented KZN at National Rhino Week held recently. Competing under the Southern KZN banner, the players secured their positions, earning significant acclaim for both the school and the Ugu District through their selection. The tournament kicked off with a strong showing on day one. Munsami, in the U14 division, guided his team to a closely contested 12-12 draw against the Fezile Dabi Cobras, highlighting his talent and resolve. In the U17 division, Mngoma tackled a tough match with Southern KZN suffering a 0-36 defeat to Sedibeng, though his perseverance underscored the team's spirit. Meanwhile, in the U19 category, Gomez and King led Southern KZN to a tight 8-7 win over Ekurhuleni, proving their strength on the pitch. Their commitment and ability earned them this esteemed opportunity, with the Scottburgh High community offering unwavering support. The boys are wished the best of luck for future challenges, and gratitude is shown to coaches Jaco Koekemoer and Gerhard Vermaak, whose expertise and encouragement were key to their success. The rugby boys give a special shoutout to all sponsors who helped them participate in this tournament. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga teams bring silver medals home
Mpumalanga's U15 sportsmen and -women flew the province's flag high at the 2025 National School Sports Winter Games Championships in Durban from July 11 to 15. The talented youngsters participated in soccer, netball and rugby. The netball outfit consisted of three teams of people living with disabilities; one for those with mild intellectual disabilities, one for severe intellectual disabilities, and another for deaf learners. In the girls' football team, seven players of the Easthigh Ladies Academy U15 team participated in the championships. Katlego Nape, Sinothile Mhlanga, Maria Leshaba, Nkosingimphile Mthombeni, Luthando Nkosi, Blessing Mnisi and Kamogelo Maroga represented Easthigh well during the games. Also from Mpumalanga, Witbank High School's entire U15 boys soccer team were selected to compete. ALSO READ: TS Galaxy Academy dominate Hotspurs in title chase at Halls Sports Ground Nkosimphile Mthombeni of Easthigh claimed the joint top goal scorer title and the girls' player of the tournament, while Kenny Zolani of Witbank claimed the coveted player of the tournament award in the boys' division, as well as various other top individual accolades. The Mpumalanga girls' and boys' football teams clinched silver medals and gave a great performance. In the finals, the boys team lost 3-5 against Free State in a penalty shoot-out, while the girls suffered a defeat of 4-1 in penalties against KZN. The results of the tournament are as follows: Day 1 Boys football Mpumalanga 1-1 Free State Mpumalanga 2-1 North West Mpumalanga 0-0 Eastern Cape. Girls football Mpumalanga 7-1 Northern Cape Mpumalanga 0-3 KZN. Boys rugby Mpumalanga 3-7 Free State Mpumalanga 7-10 KZN Mpumalanga 0-39 Western Cape Mpumalanga 5-10 North West. Girls netball Mpumalanga 4-3 KZN (mild intellectual disability) Mpumalanga 1-7 KZN (severe intellectual disability) Mpumalanga 1-12 KZN (deaf). Day 2 Boys rugby Mpumalanga 7-17 North West Girls rugby Mpumalanga 7-5 Limpopo Mpumalanga 0-10 KZN (This game was abandoned due to several injuries). ALSO READ: Mbombela celebrates International Nelson Mandela Day
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Durban prodigy wins SA Open Chess Championship
SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Amrienta Gabriels is already a household name in the chess game for having amassed a number of accolades, including her KZN colours, a cabinet full of trophies, medals and certificates, indicating that she is making all the right moves. Her most recent achievement is claiming first place in the U8 division at the 2025 SA Open Chess Championship at the University of Johannesburg from June 28 to July 5. She achieved this feat on her seventh birthday, July 5, after finishing the tournament with a perfect score of five out of five. 'It felt exciting to win the tournament,' said Amrienta as she told of how she celebrated her big win. 'I went out for supper with my friends, and I had breakfast with my cousin. It was also my birthday.' The young North Beach resident and Grade One learner at Oceanview Montessori School in Durban North began learning chess with her father, Amro, at home. From there, with the support of her parents, Amrienta developed a love for sport. She entered formal tournaments in mid-2024, where she quickly made her mark — qualifying for Team KZN at the eThekwini Trials and placing in the top three at the Mzansi Interprovincial Youth Chess Championship. Earlier this year she secured a top five finish at the SA Junior Closed Chess Championship in Cape Town, earning her a spot on the SA team for the Africa Youth Chess Championship in Zimbabwe this December. She said, 'I love playing chess because it's fun and it makes my brain smart. I love it, and losing makes me learn from mistakes and I get better, and then win all my matches and get trophies.' Also Read: Manor Gardens prodigy shines at prestigious music competition Seeing her passion and love for chess, her parents Amro Gabriels and Shienta Maharaj, enlisted the help of coaches Minenhle and Sri Ram. 'I practise every day. I love to play Lichess (chess app) matches and do puzzles, because they help me to get better,' said Amrienta. Describing Amrienta as a vibrant all-rounder who enjoys reading, drawing, and exploring nature, her proud parents said she also participates in soccer, swimming, and gymnastics. They said, 'We're incredibly proud of the hard work and determination she puts in every day. No matter the result, she always maintains such a positive spirit. It's been amazing to see how chess has helped shape the confident, kind young lady she's becoming. Her sportsmanship truly stands out; she never hesitates to congratulate her opponents and let them know they played well. That humility and grace are what mean the most to us.' Following her big win at the Open, Amrienta is already strategising her next big move where she is looking to capture the Africa Youth Chess Championship title. The tournament will bring all the great minds from the continent to Zimbabwe in December. 'I'm really excited for this tournament. I get to fly in the aeroplane, and see the clouds. I also like to stay in the hotel, and I like playing against other chess kids and making new friends. I would also like to win a trophy or get a medal,' said Amrienta. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
