At the start of the season, few would have argued against Jeppe being installed as clear favourites—perhaps even by a double-digit margin—when they met their fiercest rivals, King Edward VII School (KES). But as the campaign has unfolded, the narrative has shifted, setting the stage for a far more balanced and intriguing encounter.
Jeppe’s season has been anything but straightforward. A side that promised early dominance has struggled to maintain consistency, appearing to lose direction at key moments in matches particularly on defence. Yet, their recent outing against Michaelhouse may prove to be a turning point. Trailing 40–19, Jeppe mounted a spirited comeback, finishing with a series of spirited tries. While some may argue that Michaelhouse had eased off with a comfortable lead, the psychological value of crossing the whitewash—repeatedly—should not be underestimated. It is the kind of late surge that can reignite belief and restore attacking confidence.
In contrast, KES under the guidance of new head coach Jabz Zulu, have quietly built momentum through a set of encouraging wins, be it against weaker opposition than Jeppe has faced. In doing so the Reds have exceeded early-season expectations. More notably, they have embraced an expansive, attractive style of play that has made them both effective and entertaining.
Collard Field, as ever, will provide a formidable stage. The physical exchanges up front are likely to be decisive, with neither pack expected to yield easily. Should Jeppe manage to hold parity—or better—in the tight phases, it could create the platform they need to finally unlock a backline that has, at times this season, flattered to deceive. For them to get going, flyhalf Ndzalama Mbhalati will be key. His opponent Daniel Soekoe has enjoyed good reviews. On Soekoe’s outside shoulder, strong centre Sam Smith can never be underrated as a game-changer.
With pride, form, and momentum all in the mix, this latest chapter of a storied rivalry promises to be anything but predictable.
Side fact:
Collard Field brings a unique matchday character. Unlike most schoolboy venues, spectators are typically positioned along just two sides of the field. For this marquee derby, however, Jeppe goes a step further, erecting an additional stand along the hockey astro,adding to the atmospheric arena befitting the occasion.
| TEAM | JEPPE | TEAM | KES | ||
| 1 | Joshua Hamman | u18 | 1 | Siya Nkomo | u18 |
| 2 | Mehlatse Memeza | 2 | AK vd Merwe | ||
| 3 | Kwazi Nyoka | 3 | Tswaledi Phasha | ||
| 4 | Blake Esbend | u18 | 4 | Adrian Barnard | |
| 5 | Glodi Tshipamba | u18 | 5 | Kristian Sheahan | |
| 6 | Hayden Venter | u17 | 6 | Josh Eykelhof | |
| 7 | Ross Schuurman | u18 | 7 | Daniel Matheson | |
| 8 | Mihle Dyakala | u18 | 8 | Diederick Kleyn | u17 |
| 9 | Luxon Zwane | u18 | 9 | Taig David | |
| 10 | Ndzalama Mbhalati | u17 | 10 | Daniel Soekoe | u18 |
| 11 | Lethabo Mashao | u18 | 11 | Keegan Jackson | |
| 12 | Phano Letsie | u18 | 12 | Sam Smith | u18 |
| 13 | Joel Akilo | u18 | 13 | Connor Fourie | |
| 14 | Ndimphiwe Mjiji | u18 | 14 | Luyanda Mbadamana | u18 |
| 15 | Dalitso Milanzi | u18 | 15 | Olerato Kgwebana | |
| Coach | DRICKUS VENTER | Coach | NJABULO ZULU |
@Kaya 85 (Comment #21) I am out of Hospital think the relief of the win yesterday dropped my blood pressure to acceptable levels to get discharged I completely loved our pack yesterday I had never heard of Venter our number 6 apparently he is the coach’s son big call that came good very happy for Dad and son…. also this was a standout performance by number 7 Schuurman but man of the match Nyiko wow 🤯🤯🤯🤯 and Harman hope they go on to flourish some more for the season to come…. that u14a game was very surprising we will need to see what happens on the return leg also thought our u16a were unlucky…. must say KES have some very big boys in the backline especially in the junior sides we need that High performance centre asap.. @wanza mate take advice from a guy who nearly destroyed his heart ease up on the kids ….. I know you went to the new age great Jeppe but some of us come from the dark ages a win is a win and four in a row is unheard of think about it that represents 12.5% of all our wins against KES …. of the total 32 Jeppe wins I have seen 11 of them in the last 22 years. The last 10 years of Jeppe rugby have been wonderful 7 wins to us is near peak for us and hope this run becomes the new norm. My top 3 Jeppe wins that I saw with my own eyes were 2002 that rainy Saturday on the return match for their centenary year our no hopers who had gotten drilled in the first leg and that win against Kes was our 3 of that very long 17 game season, then 2010 Jeppe the rebirth after the massacre of 09 2010 was super sweet and offcourse 2012 when Marx ran onto the feild and got tackled so hard I think he wished he had stayed in Kempton with the SA schools crew. I am not ranting @wanza just saying a win is a win lets enjoy it they are so few …. Maybe if we go on our own 60 year run of dominance we can start asking for 50s and big scores 😁😁
@Roger (Comment #23)
Just watched the game now. Also felt that it was all Jeppe and the end score is partly a surprise at 31-24 based on constructive attacking play. It felt more like a 31-7 game. Jeppe have some great attacking players. Think even the 9 Zwane impressed. Letsie played a much better game. So did Hamman in the loose.
The one thing that has been evident about Jeppe over the first part of the season is their soft defensive underbelly. They are not good at stopping opponents from crossing the line. I guess this is also one of those derbies where emotion for the occasion lifts the play. KES pack okay and had a few boys who put up their hands but without Smith in that midfield, they really didn’t look like they had enough punch.
Overall this game was a good watch. I think after Bath-Saints and Bordeaux-Toulouse I enjoyed it the most of all the matches I watched. Crowd involvement also great for this one. And commentators helped build the occasion
Apparently the first time since the 1950’s that Jeppe have won four on the trot, that won’t please the powers that be in Houghton! I agree with Ringo and Wanza, from what I saw KES did very well to stay in touch – it was men vs boys but the Reds played with massive ticker. I love the fact that this a true rivalry again – Jeppe have now won four of the last five. A few good friends had flown halfway across the world to attend their reunion weekend at Jeppe and they were delighted with the school (less delighted with the state of Jo’burg but that’s another conversation). When top, inclusive and diverse state schools like KES, Jeppe, Pretoria Boys High, Parktown etc etc are flourishing, it gives hope for SA.
Wanza, you have a point re: KES and injuries – the situation is diabolical. Apparently 4 very influential starters out yesterday (incl Sam Smith). Last year was even worse – is it just very bad luck ??
@wanza_15 (Comment #19)
And then rugby
Let’s see..
In my opinion, there was no winning upon the knowledge that Sam Smith won’t play. What was already going to be a difficult outing for The Reds got WAAAAY harder.
I think the score flatters KES, we should’ve won by more of a gap, but guess what lol, our kicker can’t kick..But also, it is a compliment to the fight and never say die say that KES have, and the inability of this VERY questionable First XV, in my opinion.
This was bad again. Kicker missed 4 times, backs barely better. The huge beam of hope was the forwards, I think it was physically unfair for KES. KES stood up, but our forwards were too strong, both at scrum and at lineout time.. (KES lineouts were horrible by the way).
I must make a comment, and it is that there must be something horribly wrong with KES strength and conditioning – there must be, Brent, you guys are ALWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYS down injured. The Reds are down hurt more than I’ve ever seen these days, 2024 and 2025.. I think I alluded to this 2 years ago, still today players are unavailable for Derby Day, getting hurt in warm up, or getting hurt in the actual game..
On to the game itself, yes some really nice line breaks, Phano at inside centre was a man possessed today, I think the whole world and their mom’s spoke to him about how important today is, he unleashed it all.
The one big thing I enjoyed about the backs led by Letsie today was how they allowed the game to come to them. KES tried this thing they like trying against everything opposition and especially Jeppe, where they rush on to your 13 and 15/11 as you start the play from 9. Regan McGurk got a yellow card for this in last years derby at Jeppe. He was just going too early and the ref got fed up.
So I loved how we were stylish and anticipated that. Let the game come to you; even if the move was to pass, DONT! Rather fall with the ball..
Apart from Phano and Luxon at 9, the backs were average really.
They all don’t understand the essence of team play.
Our 10, despite his way improved performance yesterday still cannot kick for pole, I’ve accepted.
@Ringo (Comment #20) oh no, hope you feel better and out of hospital soon big guy. Jeppe 1st were dominant yesterday, although the score does not tell the whole story, could have been higher. That said, the Reds defended very stubbornly, but they did not have enough ball in the end. KES fans will tell you their lineout just imploded, I don’t know what happened to number 2, but when he went off, the thrower couldn’t find his jumpers, although he actually played well in all other areas. @ Jeppe Supporters: your pack is big and powerful, didn’t recognize many of the lads from their u15 team of ’23 … where are u finding these guys. The flank who scored that try after his barnstorming run… impressive. Kaya also enjoyed the u14 A game…very good game, that KES won (against expectation?)
@wanza_15 (Comment #19)
Having watched most of the games from a hospital bed I am worried about our Hockey we are the Joburg Hockey daddies and we need not ever forget that…. the bar over the last 10 years has been comfortable A team wins on the Astro we quite like that it sets up the day nicely…. but overall having been on the outside looking in this year I now realise Jeppe/Kes is now bigger than my Trauma from the early 2000s to be fair until 1955 the score was 5-5 with a couple of draws if I am not mistaken. But then a couple of generations we will call it up to 2009 give or take 60 years were the score flipped to 45 -15 throw in a couple more draws including 15-15 in 2001 poor Wilcoxs I think that is his name even now his friends have not forgiven him I think he missed 6 penalties that day and he like our current 10 was a known reliable kicker outside some wonder years from Jeppe utter KES domination nearly killed the derby…. but Jeppe as the good guys in any Lucas film I love anything Stars Wars have revived hopes and for the Joburg derby to thrive we need a strong Jeppe…. A strong Jeppe I maintain means hope for RSA cause if Jeppe could survive what me and my crew put Beegee through then there is hope for our country yet….. But my heart could use more years when Jeppe win than lose the last 17 have been incredible ….. For the brave…. Remember folks Jeppe are the Rebels and KES the empire always go with the rebels 😋
@brentsw3 (Comment #18)
Sheesh. How wrong I was (informed).
A well and truly equal day on the Astro it was.
@wanza_15 (Comment #14)
Hockey results, from Jeppe’s results spreadsheet….
1sts Lost 0-1 KES
2nds Drew 1-1
3rds Drew 1-1
4ths Won 2-0
5ths Lost 1-2
U16A Won 3-2
U16B Drew 3-3
U16C Drew 1-1
U16D Won 3-0
U16E Won 2-1
U16F Won 1-0
U16G No KES team DNP
U14A Lost 1-2
U14B Drew 2-2
U14C Lost 1-2
U14D Lost 1-3
U14E No KES team DNP
Played: 15 Won: 5 Drew: 5 Lost: 5
14A KES 33 Jeppe 28
14B KES 36 Jeppe 13
14C KES 42 Jeppe 12
14D KES 29 Jeppe 10
14E KES 24 Jeppe 24
15A KES 21 Jeppe 34
15B KES 13 Jeppe 0
15C KES 42 Jeppe 5
15D KES 21 Jeppe 5
15E KES 35 Jeppe 7
16A KES 22 Jeppe 14
16B KES 19 Jeppe 12
16C KES 19 Jeppe 7
16D KES 12 Jeppe 7
16E KES 17 Jeppe 10
1sts KES 24 Jeppe 31
2nds KES 24 Jeppe 26
3rds KES 28 Jeppe 23
4ths KES 15 Jeppe 14
5ths KES 47 Jeppe 21
6ths KES 10 Jeppe 8
7ths KES 24 Jeppe 21
@Kantman (Comment #15)
14A KES 33 Jeppe 28
15A KES 21 Jeppe 34
16A KES 22 Jeppe 14
2nds KES 24 Jeppe 26
1sts KES 24 Jeppe 31
@wanza_15 (Comment #14) Gentlemen – please take a leave from oldAffie and post all the results? You got us interested in this rivalry and now you owe us that at least. Long may it continue!
Right right right… So, a few small but precious formalities out the way.. Hockey, dominant as ever, well done to the Hockey club, I think they lost only 2 games, could be 3, but they lost the main hockey game. Siya Sityana who has left Jeppe for KES is having an instant impact. It’s actually scary, I thought it would take him time but it seems he really knows his story on the Astro. It was actually an enjoyable game, I don’t know much about hockey but it was pretty intense, Jeppe tried and tired and harried and harried, but the Red Sticks held on. They were very happy about it, and they deserve it. That must be the first win on Boden Astro since the Stone Ages or something, lol, jokes
@Kaya 85 (Comment #12)
Only 3 sides lost and 1 draw. 1sts, 2nds and 15A lost. Not sure who drew…
KES u14A won
And KES Hockey 1st XI too…
@OUD ANKER (Comment #7) You called it ..and @Beet Jeppe’s got a big big pack of forwards, dominated collisions…won with margin to spare… yet they did not take enough advantage of all their physical firepower, leaving KES only 7 points behind in the final play which by then, they should have shut out. Nevertheless a good win and they will celebrate. Massive crowd. A great Joburg event that lived up to the billing.
Tough day at the office. Well done Jeppe. Just too much power up front and speed and agility out back. Our lineouts just didn’t fire. We lost the game at lineout. Sam’s late withdrawal hurt too. Too much time and space for the classy Jeppe centres to exploit. We were chasing shadows for much of the game. Brave until the bitter end but outplayed.
May rivalries like this never end.Please put results for all the age groups if possible.
@OUD ANKER (Comment #7)
Player for player on paper Jeppe look a lot stronger than KES. Teamwork on attack and defensive structures and commitments might say something different over 70min
@Kaya 85 (Comment #6)
As a 100% neutral, but having lots of respect for both these schools and only talking about the 1st teams, I think the “real” Jeppe, the one that beat Garsfontein will pitch today and is going to be too strong for KES. My prediction, Jeppe by +5.
Looking forward to the game, lads. Do not know where I will find a place to sit/stand.
love these teams and schools.
Predictions
Hockey
Jeppe 3 – 2 KES
Rugby
U14A
Jeppe 32 – 18 KES
U15A
Jeppe 20 – 25 KES
U16
Jeppe 22 – 15 KES
2nds
Jeppe 29 – 20 KES
1st
Jeppe 25 – 26 KES
@brentsw3 (Comment #4) Your flyhalf is good! That boy beat us. Him and the 12.
@wanza_15 (Comment #3) The Jeppe pack keeps me up at night wanza_15! Glodi, Mihle, Blake and Hamman in particular. 4 absolute bulls! 2025 Jeppe hurt us in that home leg. The physicality they brought was hard to live with. Our boys fronted up, like we knew they would, but it came at a price. Jeppe backline is full of threats too… Yeah 7, Naledi Phiri, had his ankle strapped late in the first half against Queens and played on. Not official but judging by how he was limping towards the end of the game, unlikely to start this weekend. Twala has started at 14 this season, been really good. He did his ankle too, taking a high ball. Limped off and was subbed, unlikely starter this weekend. Asa injured against St Andrew, not sure of the severity, maybe back Saturday. Daniel Mathieson, flank, might have picked up a strain in training prior to the festival or against St John’s in the season opener. Could be back this Saturday though. Vreugdenburg (4/8), Wilkinson (11/14), Luyanda (11/13/14/15) – season yet to kick off… Luyanda was selected at 13 against St John’s. This is the okie who’s season ended 5 minutes after it started in 2025, against the self same St. John’s. 2026, he tweaks something in the warmup (hammy, ankle, I’m not sure) and is replaced by Connor Fourie, 2025 16A Flyhalf. Connor had just finished a 70 minute shift for the 2nds. Plays another 70 minute shift for the 1sts. He’s been a revelation this season at 13. Brilliant little player. And I say little cause he is! But the skills? Man, amazing player!! He’s sharing the goal kicking duties too and so far proved very proficient. GR11 too… Anyway, Luyanda should be back soon, or not. Who knows? Age group games are going to be box office! Many will finish within a score I suspect. There may be 1 or 2 blowouts… It’s going to be a fantastic days rugby and hockey, that is guaranteed.
@brentsw3 (Comment #2) I mean I hope them a speedy recovery but those injuries do make me sleep a little better. Isn’t 7 that Phiri? Goodness if it is, that is great news for us. And yes, I did see a different 15 against Queens, not the exciting Asa Mgwatyu* excuse my spelling, guy right? The 14 you speak of hasn’t featured all season if its that short diminutive one I am thinking of that was one of the silver linings of that 2025 team of yours? I’ve been impressed by Soekoe at 10 if I am being honest. He’s a naughty little maverick, dangerous dedense turning grubbers and 50/22s I’ve seen a handful. Sam Smith moves beings, he needs to be met very early because my observation is that he doesnt really dance, he is direct and straight, so I think you can afford to rush a bit and stop him shifting through the gears. KES were really good against Queens I thought, suffered well, took their chances well. Interesting you think your pack is small, they don’t “look” small on TV but you’ve perhaps seen them in person I’ll trust your judgement.. The A team games should be interesting too as you say. Our U16s are unpredictable to say the least, they have big game energy, but guess what they also have; a (very) good kicker lol. I understand the U14s are pretty good, and the rankings reaffirm it, I’d say my money is there, albeit blindly as I’ve not seen them play or how they look at all.
I make Jeppe firm favourites. 65/35.. KES pack is small, plucky and tenacious but small. I feel they’re going to battle for parity up front. We’ve been pragmatic with our fixture list this year, opting for a less intense approach. I think they’ve actually got the balance spot on. Having said that we likely to be without 4 starters, 15, 14, 7 and 6. And we have 3 potential starters still recovering from preseason injuries. Lock, wing and centre. Should be a fantastic game. Worthy of the derby status. I’m as interested in the 20 odd fixtures as I am in the 1sts. Box office match ups across the age groups. Hockey too, red sticks are on a bit of a purple patch.
We go again, for the 101st time! Crazy what a few weeks can do, as Beet alludes to, 2 weeks ago, in my opinion this was a foregone conclusion, but now only God knows. But what I do know is that if we kick in the 50% region or less, let’s not even show up. If this kicker continues his dismal kicking form we have seen thus far, we will lose on Saturday. Both 2025 victories, the 2024 second leg victory, and I vividly recall the 2023 second leg victory, which are our last 4 wins against KES have been good to excellent kicking displays. Certainly nothing close to 50%. It just won’t work. It will never work. The touch finders have been better, and the resulting lineouts have been as well, on a more positive note. But my concern about Saturday is that we need a bunch of things to be fixed which in my sane and realistic thinking, won’t be fully polised. And further considering the fact that they had to prioritize rest, they just won’t have had hands-on time. The kicking for poles, the backs have no synergy – the ball struggles to move, I also don’t know who starts at 9. Sheeesh. We will he there however. Hopeful, and loud, and enjoying everything the day has. Maybe it all clicks on Saturday. There are some hugely talented guys in this team and they definitely have what it takes, more than what it takes. It could turn out to be emphatic if they’re in the mood..