HOËRSKOOL WATERKLOOF
Thu, 08 Apr 2004 13:03
School Profile
We profile Hoërskool Waterkloof, situated in a wealthy suburb south of Pretoria.
Waterkloof is hilly and gracious where the homes of the wealthy look down to the city beneath. It is also the area of a celebrated air force base.
The School
Waterkloof High School is a young, coed, Afrikaans-medium school of 2400 pupils, probably the biggest in South Africa. It has excellent facilities for all facets of school life. The school bought a block of flats nearby which serves as a hostel for 88 boarders in greater luxury than many boards would enjoy.
The school’s nickname is Klofies.
School Information
School’s name: Hoërskool Waterkloof
Nickname: Klofies
Motto of school: Lux esto (Let there be light)
Date of foundation: 1979
School address: PO Box 25085, Monumentpark. 0105
Rugby
From the school's beginning rugby has played an important part and the principal, Dr Christo Bekker, was the chairman of SA Schools. Waterkloof is the first school in South Africa to start a rugby academy. In the last five years 35 of its players have been to Craven Week, three as captains of the Blue Bulls. Eight players have been chosen for SA Schools.
Klofies was the first school to develop a rugby academy.
The school has 20 rugby teams.
Coaches
André Eloff, presently coaching the Under-16 coach, coached the Blue Bulls Craven Week team, SA Schools and SA Under 19, for whom ten Waterkloof players have played.
Jimmy Stonehouse and Jan Moolentze are the current coaches. Stonehouse has also coached the Springbok Sevens team.
Springboks
Danie van Schalkwyk, a former Waterkloof captain, played in the centre for South Africa. He became a Springbok less than two years after leaving school. Wikus van Heerden, the Springbok flank and Cats’ captain is a former pupil.
Traditional Rivals
Affies – above all Affies, much more than Pretoria Boys’ High or Menlopark or anybody else. Last year Klofies became the Blue Bull champions when they beat Affies 33-16. Three Blue Bull captains have been former pupils.
