Northwood sets the bar high as KZN season explodes into action
Although the national schools’ season has started quietly, basketball powerhouses in KwaZulu-Natal – including Northwood, Maritzburg College, Kearsney College, and Hilton College – kicked off their campaigns with loud and clear statements on Saturday.
Playing at home, where they’re unbeaten since 2020, Northwood’s Knights put on a clinic of defensive pressure and offensive execution in a big 116-50 victory over Glenwood, who were gallant but outgunned.
Especially in schools’ basketball, triple-figure totals are rare, but coach Kent Vanderyacht‘s team shot the ball well. Sims Vacu drained 15 points, while Siya Shabalala and Awande Chiliza both contributed 24 points and 19 rebounds.
Their execution, leadership, and composure established a benchmark and conveyed a strong message that the Knights will again be an imposing challenge for their opposition.
The game was highly entertaining for the audience, featuring several no-look passes and dunks by Vacu and Shabalala.
Northwood has retained a strong core of players from last season’s dominant squad, while several players have been promoted from 2025’s second team. With top talents Shabalala, Vacu, and Chiliza leading the way, the Knights will remain an exciting and powerful team in 2026.
Maritzburg College, another of the province’s leading basketball-playing schools, fell behind early to Westville Boys’ High but came roaring back to score a sound 56-37 victory.
The Red, Black, and White exhibited enthusiasm, determination, and exceptional teamwork, showcasing a strong series of performances across all age categories. However, it was the first team that stood out with an impressive, high-intensity win.
Also in Pietermaritzburg, St Charles College welcomed Kearsney College at the Samukele Khumalo Arena. The visitors made themselves at home, claiming an 84-61 victory after a fast start, which put them 15 points ahead before Saints scored their first.
St Charles pulled to within 12-23 at the end of the first quarter, but had to play catch-up throughout, and they were unable to close the gap.
Phabatso Sithole, who regularly tops the scoring for Kearsney, did so once again, finishing with 26 points, while Kwa Sibiya lent strong support with 15 of his own. Tividar Maphosa, with 22, and Kwezi Simelane, with 10, led the way for St Charles.
In hot conditions at the Riverside Sports Club, in Durban, Hilton College hung a 60-22 defeat on Clifton College.
The visitors defended their net well, forcing Clifton to take low percentage shots, often from distance. Hilton was also able to get to the basket more often than the home team, leading to easy layups and a comfortable win.
In Gauteng, matters were relatively quiet. Following the inaugural Pre-season Basketball Festival held at Pretoria Boys High School (PHBS), which welcomed 12 teams from Gauteng for pre-season basketball from 8 to 10 January, a couple of matches were played on Saturday.
St John’s College took on St John’s College Old Boys in a friendly and won 67-55.
Jeppe High School for Boys, meanwhile, claimed a big scalp with a 39-24 win over St Benedict’s College.
KZN
Kearsney 84-61 St Charles College
Northwood 116-50 Glenwood
Hilton College 60-22 Clifton College
Maritzburg College 56-37 Westville
Gauteng
St John’s College A 67-55 St John’s College Old Boys
Jeppe 39-24 St Benedict’s College
