Lessons learned, Graeme College primed to make Switch Schools SA20 finals run
Graeme College operates under the motto, virtute et opera, which means courage and toil. That is the mindset they will bring to the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two Final Showdown: they won’t expect an easy path and will fight till the last delivery.
“We are all about grit, Odwa Xonxa, their head coach, shared with SuperSport Schools Plus.
The men from Makhanda are making their second appearance at the Schools SA20 Final Showdown. They had an eye-opening first excursion at the finals week in 2025, losing three and winning one.
They, however, return with most of the players who featured in their previous campaign, and they’re hopeful that they’ll be able to put the lessons they learned last year to good use.
Andrew Muir captains the team. An all-rounder, he leads by example with both bat and ball. He also has a knack for snaring wickets at crucial moments and has shown his big-match temperament by rescuing his team with the bat, too.
A lot will also be expected from Graeme College’s other all-rounders, Luphelo Mdyesha and Corbin Tidbury. Both players have the capacity to take the game away from their opposition. They won’t have to do all the batting work on their own. The Eastern Cape side also boasts a talented pair in Lisekho Zinyane and Kits McConnachie.
Jordan Damons, Caleb Jattiem, and Zuko Pontshi will lead the bowling attack. Damons and Jattiem’s skills with the new ball will help set the tone, while Pontshi is adept at taking control of the middle overs.
“We are excited to be back at the finals. The boys are here to compete, and hopefully, we can have a great campaign this year,” Xonxa said.
Graeme College’s challenge begins against Jeppe High School for Boys in the morning on Wednesday, 4 March. In the afternoon, they’ll face another team from their neck of the woods when they take on East London’s Selborne College.
On Thursday morning, they complete their group stage assignments on the Tuks Oval against Affies.
The playoffs follow on Friday, with the final scheduled for Saturday at 09:30.
FIXTURES
Wednesday, 4 March
Graeme College vs Jeppe High School for Boys, Tuks E, 09:30
Graeme College vs Selborne College, Tuks D, 14:00
Thursday, 5 March
Graeme College vs Affies, Tuks Oval, 09:30
Squad: Jordan Damons, Olothando Jaca, Caleb Jattiem, Keagan Jattiem, Ibenathi Kondile, Kits McConnachie, Luphelo Mdyesha, Andrew Muir, James Muir, Zuko Pontshi, Enrique Strydom, Corbin Tidbury, Lisekho Zinyane.
Coaches: Odwa Xonxa and Carl Bradfield.
