Saheti’s Summer Festival interrupted by weather

Day two of Saheti School’s Summer Festival was interrupted by rain on February 15.

Now in its third year, the annual basketball and water polo festival, on February 14 and 15, showcased top-tier sportsmanship despite the unexpected downpour.

While spectators and players remained in high spirits, matches had to be cut short because of the weather.

Basketball teams could not complete their games as some had to travel back, while they rescheduled the water polo matches for 26 February.

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Established three years ago by Saheti Primary School head Sophia Zachariou, the school’s long-standing winter festival inspired the tournament.

It has since become a key event on the school sports calendar, attracting over 20 schools and more than 50 teams for a weekend of high-energy competition.

Water Polo Results

In the boys’ division, St John’s College faced newcomers The Ridge School in a closely contested match that ended in a draw. However, The Ridge secured the win in a penalty shootout.

For the girls’ teams, St Mary’s School, Waverley, dominated their match against Reddam House Bedfordview, winning 8-2.

Basketball Highlights

Unfortunately, the basketball semi-finals could not proceed because of travel constraints affecting teams from KwaZulu-Natal and Mahikeng.

When they halted the play, the leading boys’ teams were Saheti, Highbury Boys’ Preparatory, St Peter’s College, and The Ridge.

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In the girls’ division, Kings School Linbro Park, Redhill, Saheti, and McCauley House had secured top spots.

Despite the disruption, the tournament remained a memorable experience, especially for St Peter’s Girls’ School, which made its debut in the competition.

Coach Siyabonga Ziqubu reflected on their journey, saying, “We started basketball at our school two years ago, focusing on fundamentals.

“A friendly match with Saheti last year helped us build our programme, and now we are competing and even winning games.”

Another St Peter’s coach, Raymond Bambo, emphasised the importance of expanding opportunities for girls in basketball.

“It is great to see more schools introducing basketball for girls and breaking the stereotype that it is a boys’ sport. Our girls are learning, competing, and excelling,” he said.

Saheti’s executive head, Morag Rees, highlighted the festival was more than competition. “This is not just about winning; it is about participation.

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We welcome top-tier sports schools and those new to competition. It is about fun, fitness, and community,” she said.

The festival’s growing reputation is evident; with returning schools like Highbury Boys’ Preparatory strengthening inter-school sports relations.

Highbury, in particular, has built a close connection with Saheti through their basketball festival.

Other participating schools included the International School of South Africa (ISSA), Wahoo Wanderers Water Polo Club, HeronBridge College, St Dominic’s Boksburg, Pecanwood College, Clydesdale, St David’s Marist Inanda, and Glenstantia Primary School.

Basketball player Lwandile Ndlovu (11) expressed his excitement about participating in the tournament, while Redhill School coach Richard Lubasi praised the event’s growth.

“This is a well-run tournament. It gives players great exposure. It is growing year by year, and I would say it is on the right trajectory,” he said.

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The Ridge School, one of the standout teams in the tournament, saw its players make a powerful impact.

Coaches Daniela Germond and Kayleigh Nielsen shared, “Our boys gave it their all. This year, we have a strong group of boys, all part of last year’s first team in Grade Six.

“They built a solid foundation, and we wanted to give them as much opportunity as possible to showcase their skills.”

Saheti’s Primary School head of sport, Warren Metzer, acknowledged the disappointment of the weather disruptions but praised the tournament’s success.

“While we were disappointed that the rain halted play, the spirit in which they played the games was a credit to all the schools involved. In only three years, the Summer Festival already feels well-established.

“Schools are returning year after year. With new teams joining, we want them to take away our warm heart of sportsmanship.”