Noordvaal Cup – key personnel changes ahead of 2025

Tjaart van der Walt leaves Monument

Almost eight years to the day since he joined Monument from Garsfontein in November 2016, highly rated head coach Tjaart van der Walt and the Krugersdorp rugby powerhouse have parted ways. The last few seasons have been erratic for the Monnas Witbulle, especially when measured against the high expectations placed on them as a top rugby school. While they came within a kick of securing a spot in this year’s cup final in what was a fiercely competitive season, the Witbulle’s form week-in and week-out has generally been inconsistent.

There have, however, been standout moments for Tjaart during his tenure. His first season in charge, back in 2017, remains his most successful, with Monnas clinching the prestigious Noordvaal Cup and finishing an impressive second in the national rankings. He followed that up by leading his team to another cup triumph in 2018, marking his fourth Noordvaal final win in four consecutive seasons.

Tjaart’s combination of teaching credentials and coaching expertise makes him one of the most marketable and sought-after professionals in schoolboy rugby at present. It’s little wonder, then, that he’s already been linked to a potential move to another big rugby school.

Spotlight on Rustenburg’s Progress

You can’t discuss changes at Monument without bringing Rustenburg into the conversation. Speculation is rife that Rustenburg’s main sponsor, who has been pivotal to the school’s rise to the Noordvaal premier league, may now be shifting their financial backing to Monument.

This shift could have implications for Rustenburg on another front, as they’re expected to soon advertise the position of Director of Rugby, following the likely departure of sought-after coach Naas Olivier, who has strong ties to the sponsor.

In the meantime, Rustenburg will look to their experienced coach (and deputy head), Gert Lindeque, to steer the ship. With Gert’s vast knowledge, Rusties should be in good hands. Their ability to attract a new big sponsor will play a crucial role in determining whether they can continue to make progress in a premier league that’s becoming increasingly competitive.

In 2024, Rusties’ highlight was their talented u14A team, which won the Noordvaal Cup in the premier league. Their success has sparked rumours that rival schools are eyeing some of these promising young rugby players.

Helpmekaar welcomes a New Headmaster

A new era is on the horizon as leading Afrikaans private school, Helpmekaar, prepares to welcome Martin Botha, the current headmaster of Montana (Pretoria), to their Braamfontein campus. He succeeds Klaus König, who led the school from 2002 to 2024. During König’s tenure, Helpies established themselves as arguably the best value-for-money private school in South Africa, excelling in academics, culture, and sports.

However, despite their rugby talent, Helpies have not managed to lift the Noordvaal Cup at 1st XV level since 1975. Naturally, with any new headmaster comes the potential for exciting changes, and many will be curious to see where Botha’s passion for rugby lies. Will he drive the school to become even more competitive in rugby, paving the way for cup glory, or will Helpies maintain their current level as strong contenders?

Nelspruit in search of a New Head Coach

While Monument’s search for a new head coach has dominated headlines, the parting of ways between Nelspruit and coach Hennie Skorbinski has gone largely unnoticed. Little is known about the future plans from either side, but it’s clear that the Rhinos will need to appoint a new head coach.

Hennie, who was believed to be on a five-year contract, did commendable work at the school despite limited resources and stiff competition from Gauteng schools with far larger rugby budgets.

In related news, Nelspruit has reportedly secured a new R1 million per annum sponsorship deal.

Menlopark’s Transition

Jaco Dames has left Menlopark. Jaco stepped in as a stopgap following the sudden departure of head coach Nico Luus in 2023. His ability to connect with rugby boys, saw disillusioned players return to rugby, after a decline in participation numbers that should have seen Menlo relegated from the premier league after ending last on the 2023 ProReg table. Nevertheless, Menlo remains a work in progress in their bid to reach their full potential.

With their new athletics track now completed, there’s hope that funds will once again be directed towards rugby development.

Waterkloof’s Leadership under Scrutiny

Mainstream media has reported that Waterkloof headmaster, Chris Denysschen, has been provisionally transferred to the district office of the Gauteng Department of Education for 90 days starting in September. This is to allow for a proper investigation into allegations made against him.

Denysschen, who arrived from Ben Vorster in 2018, seemed to be playing his part in getting Klofies rugby back on track following drama stemming from a controversial decision by former headmaster Daan Potgieter, which led to Klofies being excluded from participating in the Noordvaal Cup. It will be intriguing to see whether CD is reinstated and if so, how his return might influence the culture at Klofies.

Klofies’ recent headmaster issues pale in comparison to the findings of a forensic audit concluded in 2009, which uncovered alleged financial irregularities dating back to 2004-2008, during the tenure of former headmaster L. Christo Becker.