Some Light at the End of the Tunnel for Monnas

Monument suffered a heavy 68–17 defeat to Garsfontein over the weekend. In what has been an annus horribilis, it marked the sixth time in 2025 that the Witbulle have conceded more than 40 points in a 1st XV rugby match – surely a record that underscores their ongoing defensive struggles.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Krugersdorp powerhouse.

There are a couple of encouraging developments.

Firstly, towering under-16 lock Henco van Geelen – a true yster in the traditional Monnas mould – has returned after the briefest of brief stays at Paarl Gimnasium. While it was disappointing to lose such a key player in the first place, his swift return is arguably a greater testament to the work being done at Monnas. It speaks volumes that he was so eager to come back. Monnas’ relationship with Henco stretches back to his Grade 6 year, when he was an u12 and first received their support as part of their development pipeline. It would be fitting if he goes on to achieve great things in the Witbul jersey over the next few seasons. He’s also a top-level shot put athlete.

Secondly, the announcement of a new headmaster is reportedly just around the corner. If the rumours are true, it appears that Ben Vorster’s current headmaster, Jan van Staden, is likely to take the reins. There is plenty of optimism around his potential appointment. He is well-respected educator who has authored several books, some of which cover working with learners. Van Staden spent 14 years at Monument before leaving for the private sector in 2016 and later becoming headmaster at Ben Vorster in 2020. During his time at Monnas, he was involved in 1st XV rugby coaching and excelled as an u14 head coach – a sign of his deep affection for the game, which bodes well for the school.

That said, Monnas does have some promising A-teams coming through the age groups. But a headmaster who understands the significance of rugby at the school – and who can help the sport maximise its potential and historic value – would certainly be welcomed. Over the weekend, Monnas withdrew all their D-teams from the Garsfontein derby day, a sign that the broader rugby culture needs revitalising.

More urgently, however, it’s the academic, cultural, and other sporting spheres – such as netball and athletics – that need focused attention if Monnas is to regain lost ground and truly thrive.

The bottom line is that the school’s governing body seems to have found the right person: someone who loves the school, understands the Monnas ethos, and has the drive to help the institution – and everyone within it – succeed.