Hoërskool Vryburger claims Noordvaal Cup title

Hoërskool Vryburger High School celebrated their Noordvaal Cup win against Maragon Mooikloof from Pretoria, securing a 28-12 victory in the finals on August 23.

The team led 21-7 at halftime in an intense home match, where both sides tested each other’s defence with speed and power. The match was a thrilling encounter, with both teams putting up a strong fight.

The teams ended their respective league seasons successfully, with the first rugby team of Vryburger claiming the Lions Rugby League title after a phenomenal season marked by determination, grit, and exceptional teamwork.

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They defeated Die Wilge Hoërskool from Potchefstroom 37-7 in the league final, qualifying them to compete in the Noordvaal Cup.

Although the U15 and U17 teams lost their respective league finals, they also qualified to compete in the Noordvaal Cup.

On August 23, in a tightly contested final match of the Noordvaal Cup, Vryburger displayed resilience and strategic brilliance, securing a well-deserved win and solidifying their place as one of the top rugby teams in South Africa. From the opening whistle to the final moments, the players showcased discipline, sportsmanship, and a passion for the game that left spectators inspired and proud.

Hoërskool Vryburger High School first-team captain Uche Mzolo praised his team for their consistent performance, leading to the Noordvaal title.

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“We came prepared to fight for the win because we knew it wouldn’t be an easy task, given that last year we exited in the semi-finals of the cup,” said Mzolo.

“I was personally a bit shaky and nervous at the start of the whistle. However, we made sure to play until the final whistle.

We dominated in the middle of the pitch, making sure we were leading before the halftime whistle. It was a hard season, and we did our best. We learned from our previous losses, which were devastating.

“We knew we had the potential to do better than last year; all we had to do was put our minds into it. Between the boys, there has been a bit of fighting here and there, but we are brothers and we stick together. We fight for each other. And this time, we fought for our school and legacy.

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“It feels amazing to finally raise the trophy, especially as I am in Grade 12 and this is my last year with the school. It is a refreshing feeling that I can’t describe – winning the trophy not only with the team but with my brothers.

“Second half, the coaches told us to play our game and style. We had to slow down the tempo and play on the counter to try to score more points.

“The opposition was also putting up a fight, scoring a try in the second half. Unfortunately, our U15 and U17 teams lost their finals,” he added.

Head of sports and coach Ruan de Lange, along with coach Bafana Moyo, have been leading the teams on the rugby fields.

They highlighted that Hoërskool Vryburger High School had three teams making it to the finals of both the league and the Noordvaal Cup.

“The U15 and U17 teams lost in both finals of the league and Noordvaal Cup. The U15 lost 15-0 to Afrikaanse Hoërskool, and the U17 lost 19-8 to Hoërskool Roodepoort in the league finals.

“In the Noordvaal Cup finals, the U15 team narrowly lost to AHG 22-19, while the U17 squad performed strongly but fell to Roodepoort High School following a late try, losing 13-7,” said De Lange.

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“It was an amazing, tough game, but the first team managed to win everything unbeaten. We are only two coaches, and we are also teachers, competing against teams with multiple coaches or coaches who only coach. They are well-resourced.

“We look after the boys, and it is amazing the roles we play, as many of them do not have a father figure at home. We raise them to be responsible young men.

“Sports have contributed to discipline among learners and improved academic performance; we are currently the top school in Germiston academically.

“These home games create social cohesion within the Primrose community, and thanks to parental support, we had a strong cheering audience. Reflecting on the game itself, the boys understood the assignment and successfully clinched the title.

“We had to go hard in the first half and relax a bit in the second half. We made strategic substitutions and balanced the flow of the match. We’d like to thank TansFire and other sponsors for supporting us throughout the league.

“We retired the first-team jersey since it remained unbeaten; it will make a nice souvenir for the players to frame and keep as a reminder of their hard work. It had been a long and challenging eight months,” said De Lange.

Moyo, who also serves as the school deputy principal, added that under the leadership of the school, there have been improvements not only in discipline but also in academic excellence.

Maragon Mooikloof’s assistant coach, Christo Neethling, praised his team’s seasonal performance and talent despite losing in the finals, believing they will make a comeback next season.

“The opposition was quick on their feet and kept the ball in their hands. The wind made matters worse for both teams, but we made sure to score,” Neethling said.

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He attributed their preparation to physical training: “We usually play against big boys, so we made it part of our practice to work on tackles, set pieces, scrums and fitness. It was a physical game.

“We almost had them, and this season we’re the only team to keep them below 30 points, so that should count for something.

“We have to take the loss on the chin and go back to the drawing board. We’re looking to build for next year with 10 juniors on our team; we managed to win all six league games undefeated,” said Neethling.