HTS Middelburg and Middelburg supporters will have to travel 150km to Kempton Park to watch their boys square off in what is traditionally the Mpumalanga town’s biggest derby.
Middies have overtaken their neighbours in recent seasons, to the extent that they are now part of the Noordvaal Cup Premier League, while the Rooibulle compete one division lower in the Plate competition.
However, while Noordvaal league status is largely determined by overall school strength and depth, the 1st XV clash could well see HTS Middelburg come out on top.
Then there is a subplot that cannot be ignored. Despite HTS Middelburg’s significant contribution to rugby in the Pumas region, they have been overlooked entirely in the coaching appointments for this year’s Youth Week teams — a surprising omission that will not have gone unnoticed.
PUMA COACHES 2026–2027
Craven Week
- Head Coach: Coene Nolte (Middelburg)
- Forwards Coach: Tim Orchard (Uplands)
- Backs Coach: Wandile Shabangu (Middelburg)
- Other: Thabo Mamojele (Curro)
- Manager: Dirkie Strydom (Kanonkop)
Grant Khomo Week
- Head Coach: MJ Mentz (Nelspruit)
- Forwards Coach: Bernard Blunden (Middelburg)
- Backs Coach: Neelsie Manuku (Middelburg)
- Other: Fernando Penshaw (Nelspruit)
- Manager: Lyn-Marie Subke (Oosterland)
Academy Week
- Head Coach: Christiaan Gouws (Middelburg)
- Forwards Coach: Juan Pieterse (Curro Nelspruit)
- Backs Coach: Gunther Swart (Nelspruit)
- Other: Mitch Mkhwanazi (Hendrina)
- Manager: Kwanele Nkambule (Steelcrest)
Their social media videos so funny …see https://www.facebook.com/reel/1112268051073234