World Footy News

2009 has been a stellar year for international footy with many major new announcements that should see junior talent fast tracked to give them AFL opportunities. During this time the rough gem that is South African football, that had begun to shine in 2008, has not been hitting the headlines to the degree it has in recent years. However, Africa's great Australian football hope has continued to consolidate in some areas and develop new projects in others, which we hope to bring more news on later, but it can be difficult for all involved to collate the facts and figures from the grassroots across one of Aussie Rules' most ambitious programs. Firstly we track back to September of this year.

A series of Provincial Championships were held across South Africa's four Aussie Rules provinces. The matches helped each region in selecting their sides for the National Championships, staged at Mohadin Cricket Ground, Potchefstroom, where there was a youth focus. Speaking before the Nationals, Provincial Development Manager for KZN Bubele Ngangalaza explained that unlike last year when there were senior and youth divisions, in 2009 the provinces instead were combining the squads. “We expect this year’s Nationals to be even more competitive than 2008, as each Province has been asked to bring its best 24 players in one team, rather two sides spread over Extreme and High levels”. It was expected that at least eight 15 - 19 year olds would feature in each side.

North West Provincial Championships

Mohadin Stadium
Potchefstroom

The North West event was held over two days of round robin competition with 16 games involving four regions in two age categories – Extreme (Open) and High (Secondary).

footyWILD High (Schools)

Dr. Ruth Mompati region region 6.6 (42)
Dr. Modiri Molema region 0.2 (2)

footyWILD Extreme (Open age)

Dr. Modiri Molema region 7.7 (49)
Dr. Ruth Mompati region 4.2 (26)

Kwa Zulu Natal Provincial Championships

Saturday September 5, 10am
Umlazi Comtech Ground

Umlazi versus Kwa Mashu (result unavailable)

Western Cape

Sunday September 13

NyangaLethu 5.7 (37)
KhayaPlain 1.1 (7)

Goals
NyangaLethu - Athenkosi Madikane, Stone Mbalo, 'Khaya Skiti, Lwazi Jawe, Sipho Hadi
KhayaPlain - Pinnar

Gauteng

Result unavailable

The matches set the scene for the then upcoming Nationals. We'll have more on that later.

AFL South Africa 2nd footyWILD National Championships

September 23-25, 2009
Mohadin Stadium
Potchefstroom
Nyanga Rugby / Cricket Stadium

Results to follow later.