It is that time of the year again when friends become rivals, young sports stars put their best foot forward and alumni don their school colours for the annual derby between Cloetesville and Lückhoff high schools!
The action kicks off on Thursday 20 August at the Maties Sport Grounds of Stellenbosch University. The theme of the annual winter sporting clash is “Game On” and the schools are, for the first time ever, battling it out for the prestigious Jayden Adams Derby Cup.
The silverware has aptly been named to honour and commemorate the late Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns player, Jayden Adams, who was a learner of both schools.
The derby action starts with hosts Cloetesville and Lückhoff”s chess, cross-country, hockey and netball teams duking it out to be crowned the ultimate champions on Thursday, all in the lead-up to the big derby day on Saturday 22 August.
The first derby between the schools was hosted by Cloetesville High School. What began as a contest between the rugby, netball and soccer teams has since grown into a two-day sporting event which now also includes cross-country, hockey and chess.
As the hosts and the defending champions, Cloetesville High School is set to give their neighbouring school a run for their money on the fields and across the chess boards.
School spirit has been building all week, with both schools hosting fun days, while the popular Mr and Miss Lückhoff High School pageant was held this past weekend.
Sarah Cloete and Chris Paulse walked away with the crowns at the glitzy event.
Carter Hendricks and Kiarah Arnolds were respectively crowned Mr and Miss Cloetesville High School.
For the 25th edition of the derby, a special church service was once again held at the United Reformed church in Stellenbosch on Sunday (16 August). The service was led by Reverend Clive Jacobs.
Tickets for the sporting days are available at both schools or on the day at the various venues.
Entry to the Coetzenburg Sport Ground costs R10 for children and R20 for adults.
Tickets for derby day at Van der Stel Sports Ground is R40 for children, R50 for pensioners and R80 for adults.
Adults tickets cost R70 for derby day if purchased at the schools before Saturday.
Cloetesville-skoolhoof se boodskap
Die opgewondenheid in die gemeenskap is groot namate die Hoërskool Cloetesville en die Hoërskool Lückhoff hulle vir hul 29ste jaarlikse derby voorberei.
Dié tradisionele sportbyeenkoms vind hierdie Saterdag (22 Augustus) plaas en bring twee trotse gemeenskapskole weer ‘n keer saam vir ‘n dag gevul met ywer, trots en sportmanskap.
Vanjaar se tema, “Game On”, vang die gees van die geleentheid perfek vas. Dit gaan nie net oor wen nie, maar ook oor gemeenskap, eenheid en om mekaar met respek en eerlikheid op die sportveld te ontmoet.
Albei skole, wat diep wortels in hul onderskeie gemeenskappe het, sien uit na die deelname van leerders, ouers en ondersteuners. Die derby het oor die jare tot meer as net ‘n kompetisie ontwikkel – dit is ‘n viering van talent, dissipline en vriendskap.
Vanjaar is die derby nog meer spesiaal. Die skole speel die eerste keer vir die algehele beker, die Jayden Adams-derby-beker. Die beker word ingestel ter herinnering aan Jayden, wat by beide skole skoolgegaan en ‘n blywende nala- tenskap in albei gemeenskappe gelaat het.
Die organiseerders nooi almal uit om te kom en die gees van “Game On” saam te beleef en die jongmense te ondersteun.
Brandon du Plessis
Message from Lückhoff’s principal
Today we stand together at a remarkable milestone moment: our school derby!
For almost three decades this derby has been more than a sports event.
It has become a proud tradition, a celebration of our school community and a symbol of the passion, resilience and unity that define us.
Twenty-nine years ago this derby began as a spark of tradition, which today burns brightly as a symbol of pride, perseverance and excellence.
Each year our learners have stepped onto the field with courage, our supporters have cheered with unwavering energy and our teachers and coaches have guided with dedication. Together we have built a legacy.
This year we also honour one of our own, Jayden Adams, for his commitment to the game, leadership and sportsmanship that has inspired us all.
He represented the very best of what the “derby” stands for: discipline, respect and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey reminds us that victory is not just about medals or scores, but about character, teamwork and the impact you leave on others.
As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember:
• To play with heart, with honour and respect. Wear your jersey with pride and let it shine.
• To lift your voices high, for your energy fuels our teams.
• To thank our teachers, team managers and coaches for shaping not only champions, but leaders.
• To thank all our parents, sponsors, alumni and passionate supporters very much for their continued support.
May we strengthen these bonds so that Lückhoff remains a beacon of hope in the Idas Valley community, where we face daily challenges that can positively or negatively influence our future.
May this derby continue to be a beacon of unity and resilience for the next decade and beyond.
Stand tall, learners. Compete fiercely. Let the spirit of our school echo in every stride, every cheer and every victory.
With pride and determination,
Charlene Holding
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