RIVALRY LOADING
No ... you do not want to miss the 2023 Classic Clashes
FOR MANY years, 17 to be exact, Diamantveld and Northern Cape High Schools have been engaged in intense and exciting battles in rugby, netball, and hockey, with each team striving to outdo the other on the field.
Named the “Classic Clashes”, this event has become an important part of the local sporting calendar, drawing large crowds of enthusiastic fans and supporters from both schools.
In rugby, Diamantveld and Northern Cape High School have a long-standing rivalry on the field. The schools have produced talented players who have gone on to represent their provinces and even the country at the highest level. The matches between these two schools are fiercely contested and closely fought, with both teams leaving everything on the field.
Similarly, in netball and hockey, the rivalry is just as intense. The games are fast-paced and the players skillful, with both sides displaying agility, speed and determination as they battle to gain the upper hand.
This year the Clashes will be hosted by Northern Cape High School, and it promises to be another good encounter between the two schools.
Speaking to the DFA, head of sport at Northern Cape High School, Deon Carney (above), said that this year will see five rugby teams, five hockey teams, and four netball teams compete against each other. All the sports will be hosted at the school except for hockey, that will be played at the Cassandra Astro-turf.
According to Carney, preparations went well through the week, and the fields and courts are ready to be played on. They have also arranged for all the matches to be livestreamed on Supersport Schools (channel 216) for those who cannot make it on the day.
“On Saturday morning, we will be having a breakfast at 7.30am for both schools’ governing bodies, principals, and coaches, where everyone will meet up before the matches start,” he said.
When asked about how he thinks his teams will do in this year’s clashes, Carney said that this year they have a bit more of a senior team compared to last year.
“We have a good Under-19 first team this year, and we believe that they will do well. Almost all of our key injured players will be back this weekend, so that will greatly assist us. Diamantveld’s team has grown a lot throughout the year so far, so it will be a proper clash between our two schools.
“Our junior teams are struggling a bit this year as they do not have a lot of experience, but I am sure that these clashes will help them gain that experience and will assist them going forward.
Diamantveld has a very good Under16 side this year, and that will be a challenge for us going into this weekend’s rugby.”
Carney said that Diamantveld’s netball is very strong, but Northern Cape also has a good first team, and it is going to be a tough battle between those two teams.
“Our Under-16s and first team stand a good chance of winning their games, but it all comes down to how they play on the day. Our hockey teams are also strong this year, and we are hoping to win most of the games there.
“|If you look back into the past years of the clashes, we have won more of the clashes, but Diamanveld has been gaining traction and catching up because they are looking after their sport and working hard at building up their performance,” he said.
Carney told the DFA that the school has been building spirit every day of the week so far, with each day having a different theme, and by doing that, they hope that the cheers and chants will push their teams to win their games.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the City, head of rugby at Diamantveld High
School, Leon Karemaker (below), said that it will be a true ‘Classic clash’.
“Every year, the clashes produce tough games on the day, and the players know it’s all about bragging rights for whoever wins.
“There is immense pressure on the players and coaches to produce because you don’t want to be a loser.
“Last year, we were fortunate enough to win five out of five games, and we will try to do that again this year,” Karemaker added.
However, he was quick to add that they would be taking nothing for granted. “Northern Cape High School has a couple of strong teams this year, so we will not take them lightly. We are kind of the underdogs this year with the first team, but we are looking forward to attending the clashes and giving it our all,” said Karemaker.
Head coach of the Diamantveld
High School netball first team, Magda Myburg, said that there is going to be a very good measure of strength between the two schools.
Both schools have good teams this year and have worked hard to put on a show during the clashes.
“I think on the day, the playing field is even. Everybody wants to win their games, but one thing is sure: it is going to be exciting to watch. Our teams are all focused and can’t wait to get the games started.”
Another factor playing to Diamantveld’s advantage is the fact that they will be ab;le to draw on the experiences of the recently-concluded Absa Wildeklawer Sports Tournament. Though their teams struggled against the top school teams in the country over that long weekend, it would have no doubt taught them some valuable lessons.
Oh, for those who develop an appetite when watching sports, fear not, as there will be 16 food stalls available for spectators to choose from, while there will also be a ‘snoepie’ at the Cassandra Astro-turf while the hockey games are being played.
In short, the clashes between Diamantveld and Northern Cape High School are a testament to the passion, skill, and sportsmanship that define the South African sporting culture. Whether you are a fan, a player, or just an observer, these classic encounters are sure to provide plenty of excitement and entertainment – you would not want to miss it.
So if you want to see two schools, with plenty of pride, battle it out for supremacy and bragging rights, then the Classic Clashes are the place to be today and tomorrow.