Following the 2023 Classic Clashes tournament this past weekend, the DFA approached the coaches of some of the different sports codes to get their impressions on the tournament.
Following the 2023 Classic Clashes tournament this past weekend, the DFA approached the coaches of some of the different sports codes to get their impressions on the tournament.
Here’s what they had to say:
Shouneez Clouts: Northern Cape High Netball
Shouneez Clouts, the Head of Netball at Northern Cape High School, expressed gratitude towards their opponents Diamantveld for hosting a fantastic tournament that kept the NCH team on their toes, pushing them to fight for every point.
Clouts acknowledged that her team did not achieve the expected result in the Classic Clashes. However, she emphasised the immense effort put in by everyone involved, highlighting the valuable lessons learned. The experience fostered discipline and reinforced the team’s passion for the sport, while also identifying areas for improvement.
Looking at the positive side, Clouts saw the Classic Clashes as an opportunity for growth and development. The progress and commitment exhibited by the girls and teams throughout the tournament were commendable.
Taking note of their mistakes, the team plans to address them diligently, eagerly anticipating future clashes, beginning next year.
Magda Myburg: Diamantveld High Netball
Magda Myburg, the Head of Netball at Diamantveld High School, expressed immense pride and gratitude for the team’s achievements in the tournament, attributing their success to the Lord’s blessings.
Myburg praised both schools’ outstanding performances in the first team match, highlighting the intense competition and the remarkable skills displayed. Diamantveld’s victory, she believed, came from minimising errors and exceptional defensive play by their defenders.
Marie Duraan, the team’s primary goal scorer, contributed significantly by missing only three goals throughout the match.
Expressing gratitude for the players and coaches who gave their all, Myburg acknowledged the invaluable support of the Lord in granting the students the opportunity to participate in the sport they love.
Leon Karemaker: Diamantveld High Rugby
Leon Karemaker, the Head of Rugby at Diamantveld High School, admitted the bitter disappointment of the main game’s outcome. Despite this, he praised the performance of their younger teams and acknowledged the positive upward trend observed among them.
Karemaker acknowledged the missed opportunities during the Under-19 game, attributing their defeat to the strong defence and relentless pressure applied by Northern Cape’s centres.
He recognised the physicality of the match and the effective utilisation of speed by the opposing team. While the loss was difficult to accept, Karemaker expressed determination to regroup, work hard, and prepare for the coming year.
Deon Carney: Northern Cape High Rugby
Deon Carney, the Head of Rugby at Northern Cape High School, acknowledged the anticipated challenges faced by their junior teams. Despite not achieving the desired outcome, Carney emphasised the importance of providing a tough challenge. He did note, however, that the Under-16 team performed admirably against a formidable Diamantveld opponent.
Carney emphasised NCH’s focus on developing their junior players, ensuring their progression to a higher standard in the future. Winning the first team match carried significant meaning for the school, especially after recent disappointments when they were not chosen to play in the Absa Wildeklawer Tournament.
Although they could have secured a more comprehensive victory with better execution, Carney expressed gratitude to the hardworking players for their dedication and effort leading to the triumph.
