Milner High School from Klerksdorp are the new kids on the block in the Bayer league, which is the North West leg of the Noordvaal division 5B competition.
Far removed from the levels of other Klerksdorp schools such as Wesvalia and Klerksdorp Hoërskool who play in the Noordvaal division 1 plate competition (second highest division of the Noordvaal). Milner play at the lower levels but are an ambitious bunch of coaches and players.
They only entered the league in 2024, after restarting their rugby programme in 2023. According to Owen Sawule, rugby organiser and head coach of the Milner 1st XV, there was much improvement towards the end of the year.
“The boys had their first experiences of playing in the league last year so we are hoping to finish middle of the table this year and just do our best in all the competitions we play,” said Sawule.
Although the newcomers finished last in 2024, Saluwe believes that they can move forward in this year’s competition. With players like Thandolwethu Botshielo (Eight man) and Kopano Xobololo (Flyhalf) coming into the 1st XV, Milner might be able to start rebuilding the school’s rugby programme.
It will be a difficult journey for the Klerksdopers, with teams like Ferdies, Koster, Christiana and Schweizer Reneke standing in their way ready to knock the hope out of the fledgling programme.
Taking into account that the school only started offering rugby again, in 2023, a one place climb in the league would be a big achievement for Saluwe and his charges.
