FNB Classic Clash in East London
Zweliyandila and Ntsonkotha meet
We preview the FNB Classic Clash between Zweliyandila and Ntsonkotha to be played on Saturday.
Two rural schools outside East London meet in an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday. It is the fifth such match between the two schools, both of whom received a great invitation during the week..
In the rural schools of the Eastern Cape, rugby rules. This is true of the Border area. Several top schoolboy rugby players have been identified in those schools, such as Ian Fihlane, Vusi Mbulali, Zolani Mofu, Thembani Mkokeli, Yongama Mkaza, Mawethu Mfene and Tiger Makweni.
The two schools were chosen after a survey by the Border Rugby Union and identified as the best of the two township schools.
On Wednesday night FNB entertained the two teams to a function at the ABSA Stadium, the Border Rugby Union ground. François Pienaar of FNB, the former Springboks rugby captain, handed over kit and equipment to the two teams.
During the week St Stithians College of Randburg invited both schools to the 2005 Saints Easter Tournament in Johannesburg, St Stithians will be paying all the costs.
So far this year Ntsonkotha have played seven matches, winning them all. Zweliyandila have not had nearly as an impressive season. They have played three, winning two and losing one. They beat a Vulamazibuko/Wongalethu Invitation XV 3-0, lost 32-12 to Stirling High and beat Ndabazandile High School 43-5
Apart from flank Ronnie Shube, who is the captain, the stars in the Ntsonkotha side are flyhalf Phatele Babatyi and fullback Bulelem Totso.
Livewire scrumhalf Zwelenkosi Ben is the Zweliyandila captain. The other two outstanding players in his side are flank Bongimpilo Matyaleni and left-wing Sbisiso Hoya.
The two schools have met four times before, each side winning twice.
The referee, Mandla Dukase, is a member of the Border Referes' Society and on SARFU's B Panel.
The venue for the ground has rudimentary facilities – four changerooms and temporary stands, but a great playing surface.
The local radio station has been plugging the match.
Teams.
Ntsonkotha Secondary School: 15 Bulelani Totso, 14 Azonela Lilye, 13 Luyanda Bodashe, 12 Siyabulela Qaw, 11 Phathele Badashe, 10 Phatele Babatyi, 9 Melumzi Marata, 8 Khielulekile Bontsi, 7 Ronnie Shube (captain), 6 Vuyolwethu Gqoloqua, 5 Sipho Ngwenya, 4 Siyande Mjene, 3 Pumlemi Shube, 2 Belelani Nganto, 1 Sakhile Nteiba
Replacements: 16 Sithembele Mlenze, 17 Mewanela Tokwe, 18 Melisizwe Foji, 19 Yanelise Mphathi, 20 Simphiwe Makhubalo, 21 Masinole Nekene, 22 Sonwabile Mtshibe
Coach: Daniel Lemfuko
Zweliyandila Secondary School: 15 Melikhaya Nongce, 14 Siyabulela Komani, 13 Mkauleli Rhala, 12 Lukhanyiso Booi, 11 Sibusiso Hoya, 10 Monde Nono, 9 Zwelenkosi Ben (captain), 8 Thoba Manyela, 7 Bongimpilo Matyaleni, 6 Phindile Ngxovula, 5 Vusumzi Jack, 4 Akhona Myokwana, 3 Mzukisi Rungqu, 2 Bongani Stuurman (vice captain), 1 Mthuthuzeli Mbonzongwana
Replacements: 16 Dibanisile Mase, 17 Siyabonga Mathanga, 18 Siyabonga Ntwabana, 19 Mzoli Sibetyu, 20 Zukisani Tywaleni, 21 Sinethemba Fana, 22 Lungisa Pele
Head coach: Mtobeli Kweleti
Assistant coach: AL Fani
Manager: DN Pamani
Date: 12 June 2004
Kick-off: 14.00
Venue: NU 1 Grounds, Mdantsane.
Referee: Mandla Dukase (Border)
Expected weather conditions: Clear with a high of 22° C and a wind of 25 km/h from the west.
