Derby delight for Tzaneen as Blue and Red collide
Tzaneen will again be treated to a thrilling local derby with the annual meeting between Merensky Landbou Akademie and Hoërskool Ben Vorster set to light up the Limpopo Super League on Saturday.
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In recent years, the Plasies have dominated the fixture and have also been the stronger team in the overall league, having won it back in 2022.
Since then, the title has been shared between two other sides. Mohodi Boys Hub made history in 2023, becoming the first Hub side ever to claim a major league trophy at school level. In 2024, the title went to Hoërskool Pieterburg, who was also responsible for the Plasies’ most recent loss, consigning them to a six-run defeat in Polokwane last week.
In Tzaneen, Ben Vorster, nicknamed the Black Caps, completed a five-wicket victory over Phalaborwa Hub.
The team from Merensky recently bid farewell to director of cricket and head coach Stebian van der Walt, who joined Hoërskool Strand in the Western Cape as their new head of cricket. Steven Steyn has taken over the role as head coach of the Plasies.
“Despite the recent departure of Mr. van der Walt, I believe the players have adapted exceptionally well to their new environment,” Steyn said.
“The group recognises the value and depth of talent at their disposal, which is reflected in their dedication and work ethic. The senior players in the team complement the rest superbly and demonstrate a clear desire to create a lasting impression during their final year.
“We look forward to the upcoming challenge against a strong Ben Vorster side, and the players are brimming with confidence in their ability to meet this challenge. We know what Ben Vorster brings to the field, but our focus remains on our own game plan, maximising our strengths and applying pressure in every conceivable area of the match.”
Senior players like left-arm turner Timothy Baker and captain Luka Heinlein have certainly stepped up since Van der Walt’s departure. Baker, especially, has been a huge asset. The spin bowler currently leads the bowling charts in the league, along with Rayaan Malji from Hoërskool Piet Potgieter, and might well end up as the leading wicket-taker for the second consecutive year.
For the Black Caps, all-rounder Rivoningo Chauke has been a breath of fresh air. It is especially in the bowling department where he feels the most at home. Kuhlani Mnisi has shone with the bat, leading the charts in this department, while the Vossies also have captain Njabulo Maseko at their disposal, both with bat and ball.
In Polokwane, Hoërskool Pietersburg face league leaders, Hoërskool Piet Potgieter. The defending champions have only played one match, while Piet Pot has been in action three times. It promises to be a clash of epic proportions, with both sides boasting experience and class, and the ability to turn a match on its head in the blink of an eye.
Piet Pot’s Muaaz Mohammad has been in scintillating form, and the Pieties’ coach, Corné Craig, will hope that his bowlers have shaken off the last bit of rustiness. There were some good signs, though, as Stephan Swanepoel, last year’s Limpopo Impala Junior Provincial Player of the Year, found himself among the runs and the wickets against the Plasies last weekend.
He will, however, have to deal with Malji, who, like previously mentioned, is the combined leading wicket-taker alongside Baker. These two know each other well, having played provincial and senior club cricket against each other in the past.
Hoërskool Louis Trichard welcomes Nkowankowa Hub. Both teams are still searching for their first victory in this year’s league, with the Triegies also being a newcomer. Phalaborwa Hub faces Mohodi Hub in what traditionally produces some fireworks as both proud hubs battle it out for bragging rights over the other.
