28 May 2024
Official Affies release:
Geagte Ouers
HOËRSKOOL MENLOPARK ONTTREK UIT RUGBYBEPALING
Dit is met groot spyt en teleurstelling dat ek u moet meedeel dat Die Hoërskool Menlopark se skoolhoof my gistermiddag meegedeel het dat hulle weens talle rugbybeserings besluit het om al hul rugbyspanne vir komende Saterdag te onttrek. Dit is nie moontlik om op so ‘n kort kennisgewing wedstryde teen ander skole te reël nie.
Aangesien dit die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar is wat Menlopark hul rugbyspanne onttrek, het ons besluit om hierdie rugbybepaling in belang van ons seuns vir die toekoms te kanselleer. Ons is reeds besig om ander opsies vorentoe te oorweeg.
Ons is egter steeds opgewonde om Menlopark in hokkie die stryd aan te sê en ons heg die bepalings hierby aan vir almal wat wil kom ondersteun. Affie-tennis se oop-spanne speel ook Saterdag ligawedstryde teen Menlopark.
Baie sterkte aan al ons seuns wat deelneem.
Vriendelike groete
Dear Parents
MENLO PARK HIGH SCHOOL WITHDRAWS FROM RUGBY FIXTURE
It is with great regret and disappointment that I have to inform you that Menlopark High School’s principal informed me yesterday afternoon that due to numerous rugby injuries they have decided to withdraw all their rugby teams for this coming Saturday. It is not possible to arrange matches against other schools at such short notice.
As this is the second year in a row that Menlopark has withdrawn their rugby teams, we have decided to cancel this rugby fixture in the interest of our boys for the future. We are already considering other options going forward.
However, we are still excited to take on Menlopark in hockey and we are attaching the terms herewith for everyone who wants to come and support. Affie-tennis’ open teams also play league matches against Menlopark on Saturday.
Good luck to all our boys taking part.
Friendly greeting
MENLOPARK DOCUMENT – TRANSLATED TO ENGLISH
Dear Parent,
FRIENDLY MATCH: MENLO VS. AFRIKAANSE HOËR SEUNSKOOL
- A friendly rugby match between Die Hoërskool Menlopark and Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2024.
- After thorough consultation with coaches and medical professionals, the school management has decided to withdraw Die Hoërskool Menlopark from this friendly match.
- The reasons for this decision are as follows:
- After nine consecutive weeks of matches (NWU series and Noordvaal), there are several serious injuries among the boys.
- Most of these injuries are in specialized forward positions.
- The school has a responsibility to act in the best interest of each Parkie. It would not be educationally responsible to disregard medical advice and let injured players play.
- It is in the best interest of the injured players to complete their recovery and rehabilitation process.
- Most of the injured boys are expected to regain their playing level only after the July holidays.
- The school will always act in the best interest of the Parkies. The school management believes that a friendly match does not currently meet this requirement.
- The school is currently focusing on the seven Noordvaal Cup matches scheduled for the third term. To ensure that each injured player is match-fit when the Noordvaal series resumes after the July holidays, an adequate recovery period is non-negotiable.
MENLO RUGBY: QUO VADIS?
- Since 2023, there has been a deliberate effort to improve the standard of Menlo rugby in a sustainable manner.
- The proof that the strategies currently in place are bearing fruit is visible in the following:
- Compared to 2023, Menlo’s teams are performing significantly better in the Noordvaal Cup competition.
- Menlo rugby achieved first place in this year’s NWU series.
- Menlo rugby is focused on the future. It will take time to establish a new rugby culture at the school. The school cannot guarantee that results will improve immediately, but can assure you, as a parent, that your son’s best interest is the compass guiding every rugby decision at Menlo. As an educational institution, the school will never shy away from any learning or growth opportunities. We are fully aware that the most valuable lessons are often learned from defeats, but the school will always act in the best interest of each Parkie without exception.
Thank you very much for your understanding.
Best regards,
Menlo
@Mate (Comment #45)
But they will always be “two steps behind”…believe that was Def Leppard? Instead of two step, or wind surfing!
@Mate (Comment #45)
Nou praat jy,ek stem🤪
@Mate (Comment #45)
🤣🤣
Menlo se graad 8’s seuns sal in hul gr 12 jaar met 3 girls elk matriekdans toe kan gaan.
My tipe skool
Lets just hope Menlo can sort out their rugby program before the next Affies/Menlo derby in 2044.
@OUD ANKER (Comment #39)
Hoe is dit moontlik om ‘n lewensvatbare rugbyprogram aan te bied as jou Graad 8 groep seuns uit 80 bestaan? Moet die afleiding gemaak word dat hulle net op A span vlak kan kompeteer en waar gaan dit hulle laat mbt Noordvaal waar spanne 0nder 14-16 A tot C is en opespanne 1 tot 4? Vermoed die tong in die kies opmerking dat hulle meisieskool gaan word is agv die seuns getalle wat so verminder. Dink hulle groep die jaar was 280 waarvan 80 seuns is
Very unfortunate but it is what it is.
To the MenloBoys and coaches all the best for the rest of the season there is still a lot to play for.
@OUD ANKER (Comment #39)
I think the short notice thing is what irks me most. Obviously the hopes were high when the fixture was initially scheduled and now, in the week before the game, not so much. It gives the impression of picking and choosing honouring your fixtures as it suits you. What kind of a precedent does that set? You ride the wave in the good years and take your klappe in the bad years, finish en klaar
@Spice (Comment #38)
The current Queens HM was my first choice then and now for Landbou, but I am just a supporter with no influence. The previous deputy-HM would also have been a great appointment. The GB had and will once again have a big say in any appointment, so let’s hope they get it right, this time. My interactions with KH were always amicable though, so I only wish him the best at Die Menlo. I did predict the withdrawal in advance though
@Ploegskaar (Comment #35)
I was actually typing/deleting/typing/deleting my opinion on this Menlo situation a few times, since I’m not sure I have a clear cut opinion. @Spice I think it is a bit harsh to call the headmaster a coward and to call Menlo scammers. My first reaction indeed was the opinion of @Ploegskaar and @Smallies, vat jou pak slae en groei ‘n stel ballas and will this withdrawal YET AGAIN just add fuel to the fire that suggests that after Girls High and Afrikaans Meisies that Menlopark is now the third all girl school in Pretoria, HOWEVER my 2nd different opinion is that the Menlo/Affies game should have been scrapped last year already, not that Affies compete in the Noordvaal Cup, BUT Menlo should not have played in the Cup this year. They were demoted to the Shield devision and that is where they should have played in 2024, which implies that they are just not good enough in 2024 to play “strength against strength” against Affies. Garsfontein hammered Menlo last week to prove this point, therefore some blame must also go to the fixture planners of BOTH schools for penciling in this fixture at the beginning of the year in the first place.
@Ploegskaar (Comment #35)
Although there is precedent from last year, can we read anything into this cowardice from the new headmaster having recently taken the reins? He seemed pretty out of his depth at BL, maybe Menlo is more his ‘level’? Menlo are scammers man, a couple glory years but now firmly back in their box.
Appreciate the translation,Beet.
@Ploegskaar (Comment #35)
Stem heeltemal saam met jou post …vat maar die pak leer daaruit en kom sterker terug
@beet (Comment #34)
Landbou and Wynberg played each other a few weeks ago with 7+ players out in each team. It was a big match for both teams in the context of the season and obviously had an impact on the lower teams as well, but cancelling a fixture certainly never crossed anyone’s mind. Similarly SACS had 19 games scheduled last Saturday, but due to injuries and sickness, there was only 16 games on Saturday. They had numerous injuries and Landbou still had a good few out, but both teams still gave it their all. I think it’s down to the school pride, history and culture down here, so maybe schools like Die Menlo should focus on entrenching that before upgrading their rugby program. First step could have been playing Affies, taking the punches which could have secured the fixture and gained respect and then using the results as motivation to launch. This softcock approach was not the way to go
MENLO LETTER TO PARENTS ADDED
VRIENDSKAPLIKE BEPALING: MENLO VS. AFRIKAANSE HOËR SEUNSKOOL
• Daar is ʼn vriendskaplike rugbybepaling tussen Die Hoërskool Menlopark en Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool vir
Saterdag, 1 Junie 2024 geskeduleer.
• Na deeglike oorlegpleging met afrigters en medici, is die besluit deur die skoolbestuur geneem om Die
Hoërskool Menlopark van hierdie vriendskaplike stryd te onttrek.
• Die redes vir hierdie besluit is soos volg:
o Na nege agtereenvolgende weke van wedstryde (NWU-reeks en Noordvaal), is daar ʼn aantal
ernstige beserings onder die seuns.
o Die meeste van hierdie beserings is in spesialisvoorspelerposisies.
o Die skool het ʼn verantwoordelikheid om in belang van elke Parkie op te tree. Dit sal nie opvoedkundig
verantwoordbaar wees om mediese raad te verontagsaam en beseerde spelers te laat speel nie.
o Dit is in die beseerde spelers se beste belang om die herstel- en rehabilitasieproses te voltooi.
o Die meeste van die seuns wat beseer is, sal hulle spelpeil na verwagting eers na die Julie-vakansie
herwin.
o Die skool sal altyd in die beste belang van die Parkies optree. Die skoolbestuur is van mening dat ʼn
vriendskaplike bepaling nie nou aan hierdie vereiste voldoen nie.
• Die skool fokus tans op die sewe Noordvaal Beker-bepalings wat in die derde kwartaal voorlê. Om te verseker
dat elke beseerde speler wedstrydfiks is wanneer die Noordvaal-reeks na die Julie-vakansie hervat, is ʼn
voldoende herstelperiode ononderhandelbaar.
MENLO-RUGBY: QUO VADIS?
• Daar is sedert 2023 ʼn doelbewuste dryf om die standaard van Menlo-rugby op ʼn volhoubare manier te
verbeter.
• Die bewys dat die strategieë wat tans in plek is vrugte afwerp, is in die volgende sigbaar:
o In vergelyking met 2023 vaar Menlo se spanne beduidend beter in die Noordvaal Beker-kompetisie.
o Menlo-rugby het die eerste plek in vanjaar se NWU-reeks behaal.
• Menlo-rugby se visier is op die toekoms ingestel. Dit gaan tyd neem om ʼn nuwe rugbykultuur by die skool te
vestig. Die skool kan nie waarborg dat die resultate dadelik sal verbeter nie, maar die skool kan vir u, as
ouer, die versekering gee dat u seun se beste belang die kompas is wat elke rugbybesluit op Menlo-bodem
rig.
As opvoedkundige instelling sal die skool nooit van enige leer- of groeigeleenthede wegskram nie. Ons is deeglik
bewus van die feit dat die waardevolste lesse dikwels uit nederlae geleer word, maar die skool sal sonder
uitsondering in die beste belang van elke Parkie optree.
Baie dankie vir u begrip.
Menlo-groete
Ag tog, plaas doen Menlo net die eerbare ding en onttrek uit die beplaling vir die ooglopende redes. Twee jaar in ‘n ry byna woordeliks dieselfde verskoning.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #30)
Affies sent a couple of teams beginning of May (8th) to Springs (rugby and hockey). Results on Affies facebook. Springs boys were also quite excited to play against them, made a effort to get some spectators on theire facebook and refered to it as a very anticipated derby in the east rand or something like that. Some of the games was also on the supersport app.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #30)
Well, a fixture opening became available against Bosch or Paarl Boys next year….
Feel for Menlo.
Affies could also play u18 club teams, yes? E.g Pirates, Wasps, …Pretoria clubs?
When did they go to Springs Boys High?
@BoishaaiPa (Comment #25)
Die “ probleem” was nie die Worcester / Rawsonville manne want hulle val nie sommer om nie. Die manne van die Noordelike voorstede wat die terein van geagte Boishaai Pa is is meer ‘n uitdaging.
@OUD ANKER (Comment #27)🤣🤣🤣🤣
@Smallies (Comment #26)
Ek gaan nie eers vra nie….!
@OudAffie (Comment #24)Dis op so n trein toer na Ficksburg wat die Cherries hulle naam gekry het🤣🤣🤣
@OudAffie (Comment #24)
Daar was altyd 2 treine uit die Paarl op die Donderdag…een vir die seuns en die 2de een vir die ouers en ondersteuners. As daai 2de trein op Worcester stop klim al die Rawsonvillers op..dan is daar meer wyn en brandewyn as mense op die trein…dan begin die groot party en hou nie op voor daai klomp weer Sondag op Worcester afklim nie..Gewoonlik n paar manne kort wat iewers die trein verloor het!.Dink die laaste een was ook 2009.
@Snelvuur (Comment #23)
Affies se laaste treintoer interskole was Bloemfontein toe in 2009. Ek was op daai trein. Daai toere was legedaries. Hele skool word afgelaai Vrydag by PTA stasie, ry regdeur die nag, stop in Kroonstad vir Geesvang op die platform, kom vroegoggend Saterdag in Bloem aan vir ‘n klipharde interskole teen die Vrystaters, en dan weer terug betyds vir Kerk Sondagoggend in PTA. Goeie tye
Dit gesê, die trein na Menlo toe is nou permanent klaar.
@OUD ANKER (Comment #20)
Die vinnigste algemene treine in SA doen omtrent 120km/h (daar is vinniger, maar hulle is skaars). As hy non-stop loop, is dit rondom 13 ure van Pretoria tot in Stellenbosch. Ry Donderdagaand 18:00, dan is jy vir seker voor 08:00 in Stellenbosch. Ry Saterdagaand 18:00 terug en jy is voor Sondag 08:00 in Pretoria. Ek weet nie genoeg van treine om te weet hoe feasible dit is nie, maar dit lyk vir my asof dit moontlik kan wees.
@Snelvuur (Comment #1)
Ek dink dit sou great gewees het maar die kostes gaan dan bietjie rof begin raak, maar wie weet dalk is daar ‘n paar borge
Affie speel nie teen ander skole om vir die ander skole kans te gee nie, hulle speel teen enige iemand wat bereid is om vir hulle spanne wedstryde te gee, veral die laer spanne ook, hulle doen baie moeite om vir die laer sapnne ook wedstryde te kry in die week en ry baie ver en gereeld om vir al die seuns games te gee. Krediet moet vir die onderwysers gee wat regtig baie moeite doen met die laer spanne ook.
@Rugbyman (Comment #17)
R12K…dis malligheid!
@Snelvuur (Comment #18)
Stellenbosch-Bloem heel waarskynlik 1000km, Pretoria-Stellenbosch naby aan 1500km, dis ‘n moerse verskil en as jy die trein roete wil gaan impliseer dit ‘n hele skool gaan heel waarskynlik 3-4 dae se akademie mis…daai kite gaan heelwaarskynlik ook nie vlieg nie.
@beet (Comment #5)
Thanx, Beet, for the translation.
@OUD ANKER (Comment #16)
Dit verstaan ek heeltemal – en dit is ‘n geldige bekommernis om te hê. Ek wonder of dit nie moontlik sal wees om ‘n hele trein te charter nie? Ek weet die treindiens en die stasies is nie meer watwonders nie, maar as ‘n skool ‘n hele trein uitboek en hy al die pad deur ry, sal dit seker nie so sleg wees nie. Dis hoe PRG vantevore Bloem toe gereis het.
@OUD ANKER (Comment #16)
Kostes is verseker ‘n groot faktor… Buitestanders besef nie die kostes aan travel nie… Ek sien nou daars ‘n reuse gekla oor die kostes van provisiale weke ook… Sien die OP vra hulle spelers R12k vir die cravenweek en die carvenweek is in PE…
@Snelvuur (Comment #14)
Kostes! So ‘n Affies/PRG fixture sal impliseer dat heel waarskynlik naby 800-1000 seuns elke 2e jaar sal moet vlieg, PRG op Pretoria toe of Affies af Stellies toe. Affies doen reeds die Gim trek elke 2e jaar en nog so ekspidisie is heel waarskynlik net te veel gevra uit ‘n koste oogpunt.
Looking forward to the Menlo PR exercise following this decision and anouncement… I am sure the spin doctors are already busy with something…
@Rugbyman (Comment #13)
Ek stem saam – dis presies my punt. Affies het teen Garsies begin speel omdat Garsies vir hulle ‘n goeie wedstryd kan bied. Inteendeel, stem ek saam met OudAffie en dink dit kan ‘n double-header soos die Kaapse skole wees. Ek weet nie hoekom dit onder sekere geledere dan vêrgesog is om ‘n PRG-Affies interskole voor te stel nie. Dit boonop nog op grond van self-opgelegde kriteria ook.
@Snelvuur (Comment #12)
Askies my maat, maar ons verwag geen gunste van Affies of enige iemand anders nie… Niemand in Pta behalwe Pretoria Boys High kan aan Affies al die games gee nie en dan is daar verskeie 100-talle op die dag. Maar ons onttrek nie al het ons beserings…
@IemandOnbelangrik (Comment #8)
Jissie, ek het eintlik maar net gedink dit sal nogal ‘n nice event vir die seuns in beide skole wees…wou nou nie die een of ander eksistensiële krisis in Lynnwood Road ontketen nie. Dit sal tog vir die Affies seuns ook lekker wees om teen nog ‘n skool te speel wat hou-vir-hou hulle kan match vir diepte, of kyk ek nou met Kaapse brille na die storie? Terloops, ek dink nie Garsies voldoen aan enige van daai kriteria wat jy geskep het nie, of sien jy dit ook as deel van Affies se goedgunstigheid om Garsies ‘n kans te gee? Elke groot skool met klomp spanne moet spanne op busse sit na kleiner skole toe om wedstryde te kry – dit is regtig nie uniek aan Affies nie, en ek weet nie vanwaar die verwaandheid daaroor spruit nie. PRG se laer spanne het, byvoorbeeld, die afgelope naweek teen Iqhayiya, Edgemead, Jan van Riebeeck en Drostdy gespeel. Tussen ons “goedgunstigheid” deur (ons sien dit nie so nie, en is baie dankbaar vir daardie skole wat ons akkommodeer), dink ek darem ons sal steeds ‘n wedstryd met Affies kan inpas.
@Snelvuur (Comment #1)
Dit sal great wees
@Rugbyman (Comment #9)
Is Garsies nie op vir nog n game nie? Maak dit 2x per jaar tuis en weg. Ja dit is nou dit. Ongelukkig en hartseer.
@OudAffie (Comment #2)
Wel… Die ooreenkoms laasjaar was dat hulle BESLIS die jaar die fixture sal eerbiedig. Die affie matriek seuns is nou ontneem van hulle laaste tuis wedstryd. Ek dink dis baie swak van menlo en kortsigtig. Fight or flight… Dis duidelik watter opsie gekies is…
@Snelvuur (Comment #1)
Hoekom? Affies speel al klaar ‘n interskool met ‘n Kaapse skool en ‘n KZN skool? Al Affies se eerste spanne en A-spanne speel al klaar jaarliks teen PRG? En die argument dat dit moet plaavind sodat laer spanne kragte kan meet is puntloos omdat die aandag dikwels net op die 1stes en soms die o/16 A lê. As as die laer spanne (3des- 12des; C-K) se kragmetings regtig so belangrik is, is daar ‘n magdom skole in die Noordvaal wat bepalings kan skep. Affies is tien-teen-een die mees konserwatiewe staatskool en Affies se interskole is nie daar om ‘n punt te bewys nie. Dis daar om teen mense met soortgelyke waardes (Paarl Gim; Maritzburg) te speel en historiese derby’s (PBHS; GCB; Helpmekaar; KES; JEPPE) te respekteer, asook te speel teen skole wat andersins nie teen makro skole kan speel nie, ‘n kans te gee (Diamantveld, Upington). ‘n Deurslaggewende voorbeeld hiervan is Affies wat 9 spanne op busse sit om teen Spring Boy’s High te speel. Gladnie gedoen om ‘n punt te bewys nie, maar om vir ander skole ‘n kans te gee. Het PRG sulke “kanse” nodig? NEE!
@beet (Comment #5)
Ah thanks
@OudAffie (Comment #2)
The new headmaster is the ex Boland Landbou headmaster. These past few days must have been a totally new experience for him.
@Skywalker (Comment #4)
Dear Parents
MENLO PARK HIGH SCHOOL WITHDRAWS FROM RUGBY FIXTURE
It is with great regret and disappointment that I have to inform you that Menlopark High School’s principal informed me yesterday afternoon that due to numerous rugby injuries they have decided to withdraw all their rugby teams for this coming Saturday. It is not possible to arrange matches against other schools at such short notice.
As this is the second year in a row that Menlopark has withdrawn their rugby teams, we have decided to cancel this rugby fixture in the interest of our boys for the future. We are already considering other options going forward.
However, we are still excited to take on Menlopark in hockey and we are attaching the terms herewith for everyone who wants to come and support. Affie-tennis’ open teams also play league matches against Menlopark on Saturday.
Good luck to all our boys taking part.
Friendly greeting
Translation please
What was the reason?
@Snelvuur (Comment #1)
‘n AHS teen PRG Interskole sal besonders wees.
Ongelukkig is die Hoof van Menlopark nie verkeerd nie. Maar die probleem lê daarin dat Menlopark nooit hierbie bepaling moes aanneem nie. Hulle het min tot geen diepte nie en dus na ‘n paar beserings verwdyn die B spanne sommer. In terme van Rugby is hulle eenvoudig nie gerat om teen AHS te speel nie. Hulle lê net mooi in die middel van AHS, Garfontein en Waterkloof en sukkel geweldig om seuns te lok. Die ander probleem is met al hul “sjelt” sonder ‘n plan is dit ook duidelik dat daar geen rigting by Menlo is nie. Hulle speel in ‘n Liga te hoog en vat net houe. Hierdie besluit moes gemaak word, dit moes net al in Januarie geneem gewees het. Daar is ongelukkig ‘n rede hoekom DIE hoërskool menlopark as Pretoria se 2de meisieskool bekend staan.
As Affies daar net verby Menlo op die N1 Suid klim en so 1400km ry, is daar ‘n skool in Stellenbosch wat graag Menlo se plek van volgende jaar af sal inneem! Hulle speel toevallig ook nogal goed hokkie en tennis.