Rumble in Roodepoort as Mambas look to strike back

Hoërskool Bekker from Magaliesberg, also known as the Bekker Mambas will be looking to fight back against their rivals Allen Glen.

The Noordvaal Cup Group 4 Final promises a spectacle of heart and courage, with two teams leaving everything on the field in pursuit of the title, kick-off taking place at 12:40 pm.

Allen Glen High School, the host of this final, will undoubtedly have the home crowd advantage backing them, which might provide an edge, but Hoërskool Bekker’s consistency and determination cannot be underestimated.

Their journey to the final has been marked by resilience, skill, and a determination to succeed.  The last two times that these teams have met Allen Glen have walked away victorious on both occasions with the scores reading 28 – 24 to Allen Glen in a league match and then again 42-12 in the past Group 4 Final.

Both teams will seek to capitalize on turnovers and pounce on any lapses in defensive structures. The battle for territorial advantage and control of the breakdowns will be fierce.

Allen Glen’s backline is characterized by speed, with nimble players capable of turning defense into attack in the blink of an eye, making them a threat. Their ability to transition quickly from defensive to offensive play could be crucial in ensuring they carry on with their run of wins.

The likes of fullback Neo Maloisane and flyhalf Neo Vries are players to keep an eye on from the home team. They make up a formidable backline which features a some pace.

The Mambas have played 21 matches this season, and have a win rate of 66.67%. The side has lost 5 matches, and have also drawn two of their matches in 2023. The forwards of Hoërskool Bekker will aim look to dominate the scrums and lineouts, providing a solid foundation for their counter-attacking plays.

Players to watch out for include Sibu Nyamane, the outside center has a scored 23 tries in 21 appearances this year and will be eager to add to his tally of tries for the Mambas.  Along with captain Francois du Toit who has found the try line 20 times.

With the stage set and anticipation building, the Noordvaal Group 4 Final is bound to be an exciting encounter with all to play for. According to Mamba’s coach Johan Wandrag, ”Allen Glen and Bekker’s Mambas are clearly the strongest teams in Group 4, if the Mambas can contain Allen Glen’s dangerous backline and get our forwards into the game we are in with a chance.”

The home support will undoubtedly give Allen Glen an extra boost, adding to the intensity of their play but be weary of a travelling side in Hoërskool Bekker, who will be eager to rumble in Roodepoort.

It’s hard to predict a clear favourite, but looking at the past results between these two teams during the course of the 2023 season, one would believe that Bekker go in as underdogs. With all to play for it will be interesting to see who walks away as winners.

The Teams:

Allen Glen High School:

15 Neo Maloisane, 14 Tumiso Moeti, 13 Liltaray Funani, 12 Khatu Mokwena,  11 Booker T Gowere, 10 Neo Vries, 9 Jerry Nthuli, 8 Ndumiso Mabunga, 7 Clifford Sambo, 6 Silindile Ngobese, 5 Samkelo Kgoathisi, 4 Luyanda Kubheka, 3 Linhika Ndlovu, 2 Kea Mofisa, 1 Samukelo Themba. 

Hoërskool Bekker: