Absa Wildeklawer 2023 hailed as a big success

THE RECENTLY-concluded Absa Wildeklawer Sports Tournament is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the country, attracting thousands of people every year. And this year, the event did not disappoint, managing to draw an impressive 102 schools from across South Africa.

The tournament, which featured rugby, netball, and soccer, was an opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills and potentially catch the eye of talent scouts from top universities. The Absa Wildeklawer has a reputation for producing some of the country’s most talented rugby and netball players, making it a must-see event for sports fans and recruiters alike.

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This year, the opening ceremony was a spectacle to behold, with schools proudly parading their flags, Diamantveld High School pom pom girls put on a breathtaking performance; two Rocket Air Ambulances landed on the field, and fireworks and flame throwers added to the excitement, signalling the start of what promised to be an unforgettable tournament – and it was!

Over the three days, the quality of sport on the fields was a testament to the health of South African sport.

On Friday, Saturday, and Monday, netball teams competed for a place in the finals, and spectators were spoiled with some quality netball and true sportsmanship on the courts as the tournament progressed.

At the end of the netball tournament, two schools ended up in the finals in both divisions. The Under-16 division was won by Paarl Girls High School, who beat Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, while the Under-19 division was won by Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria who turned the tables against Paarl Girls High.

The two finals proved that these schools currently have the best school netball teams in the country.

It has to be said that the quality of the rugby on display was a testament to the health of school rugby and rugby in general in our country. Teams like Grey College, Affies, Garsfontein, Paarl Boys High, and Paul Roos Gimnasium will soon be feeding quality players into varsity, provincial and even the national team.

What a rugby final

An eruption of cheers marked the final day of the Absa Wildeklawer tournament as the final rugby match kicked off. The stands were packed with fans, family members, and coaches, all eager to witness the culmination of three days of intense competition.

Affies and Paul Roos, two of the country’s top rugby schools, faced off in the Under-19 final. Both teams had shown impressive form in the preceding matches, and the stage was set for an epic showdown.

From kickoff, it was a fierce battle with neither team backing down. Paul Roos’s powerful forwards showed their dominance in the scrums, while their speedy backline made a number of darting runs. The match was mostly evenly poised, but it was Paul Roos who started pulling ahead, ultimately winning the game 31-25.

Soccer makes an impression

While netball and rugby may have been the main events at the sports tournament, the soccer matches also drew large and enthusiastic crowds. Schools from across the country put on some impressive displays of skill and teamwork.

Unfortunately, this year the Diamantveld rugby and netball teams did not fare well during the tournament, but what they did win was a lot of experience, and down the line will pay dividends. Both netball and rugby teams lost all their matches they played, yet despite the setbacks, the netball coach remained confident that the team would bounce back next year.

With the 2023 Absa Wildeklawer now part of this country’s sporting history, it must be said that the winners deserve to be celebrated. The team’s who improved on past performances also deserve a pat on the back, but above all, all the schools that participated can hold their heads up high. The teams who fell down the pecking order and whose efforts were not reflected on the scoresheets can bask in the satisfaction that they competed with all their hearts and displayed courage and grit despite the odds – that must be applauded.

At the end of the festivities, as the crowds began to disperse, the stadium lights slowly dimmed, signalling the end of an unforgettable tournament.

As the teams packed up their gear and headed back to their respective schools, they carried with them memories that would last a lifetime. The Absa Wildeklawer had once again lived up to its reputation as one of the brightest sporting events in the country, and all those who participated have a reason to be proud.