The “We Love Volleyball” beach series is a social competition, bringing players of various skill levels and ages together to celebrate the sport we all love. Below you can find short accounts of the five events, followed by the final results.
- 29 July 2018 (Pococks Indoor Beach Volleyball)
- 25-26 August 2018 (Digz Beach) Men play on Saturday, women on Sunday
- 6-7 October 2018 (DSP – Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria)
- 28 October 2018 (Pococks Indoor Beach Volleyball)
- 10 November 2018 (DSP – Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria)
Event 1: 29 July (Pococks)
Even without a real beach close by, Gauteng has many enthusiastic beach volleyball players. To bring this talent together, the “We Love Volleyball” Beach Series was initiated.
On Sunday 29 July 2018, the first event of the series took place at Pococks Indoor Beach Volleyball, at the Northlands Deco Park arena in Johannesburg. A total of 31 two-a-side teams competed on the 3 three indoor courts. Although the date was set in the middle of winter, the setting provided a real summer beach party vibe, with competitive volleyball to entertain the spectators.
With a double-elimination format, the competition was tough from the start. The experienced duo of Kirsten Pocock and Natasha Webber clashed with the other favourites Palesa Masinga and Karina Kinsey in the third round of the winner’s bracket already. Losing that match, Kirsten and Natasha fought their way back into the finals through the loser’s bracket, defeating Margrit Springer and Nicky Wenhold, then Sashnee Nair and Raycine Nana, for a revenge match against Palesa and Karina, who had knocked out Vanessa Sardinha-da Silva and Jaime-Lee Wentzel in the semi-finals. After a final match of tough serves, Kirsten and Natasha claimed the title in two sets.
In the men’s division, 17 teams of various ages and skill levels battled for the top spot. The legendary Colin Pocock teamed up with Jamaine Naidoo, who has also represented South Africa on international level recently. They took the straight route to the final, winning all their matches in two sets. Mthokozisi Mdingi with new team mate Sfiso Hlope also stayed in the winners bracket up to the semi finals, where they were eliminated by Branden Versfeld and Filip Popovic, in an exhausting three-setter. Branden and Filip kept that winning momentum into the first part of the final, but after a long day in the sand, Colin and Jamaine eventually took the third set, and with that the first place.
The next leg of the series will be held at Digz Beach in Edenvale on 25-26 August, home ground of Karina and Jared Kinsey, who will do their best to challenge the Pocock domination of the first tournament of the series.
Event 2: 25-26 August (Digz)
The second leg of the series saw a record number of entries. Although a bunch of teams dropped out late notice, 17 men’s teams competed on Saturday, and 18 women’s teams on Sunday. Although the majority of teams were Gauteng regulars, it was wonderful to welcome teams from Cape Town, Lesotho, KZN and the Free State.
To accommodate all matches on one day for the men and women respectively, games were shortened to best of 3 sets up to 15 points in the double elimination format. The competition was often well matched, resulting in numerous nail-biter 3-setters throughout the tournament.
In the end the chocolate prizes went to the following teams:
- Colin Pocock / Lloyd Brady
- Mthoko Mdingi / Sfiso Hlope
- Sebastian Welke / Miguel Reuss
- Erik Wolfaardt / Andrew van Rensburg
- Kirsten Pocock / Natasha Webber
- Margrit Springer / Nicky Wenhold
- Palesa Masinga / Karina Kinsey
- Luciana Pierangeli / Simone Sittig
Event 3: 6-7 October (DSP)
The third event in the series took place at the Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria (DSP) in perfect summer weather. On Saturday 15 men’s teams competed in a double elimination format, while the 8 women’s teams on Sunday each got to play the other 7 teams in a round robin, followed by semi’s and finals.
Due to the scorching sun, the court was sprayed in between matches to prevent burning feet, and the swimming pool also helped to keep cool.
Weekend results:
- Nathi Ntumbu / Simba Mufasa
- Colin Pocock / Morais Abreu
- Mthoko Mdingi / Sfiso Hlope
- Erwin Güther / Andrew van Rensburg
- Kirsten Pocock / Natasha Webber
- Margrit Springer / Nicky Wenhold
- Luciana Pierangeli / Simone Sittig
- Vanessa Sardinha-da Silva / Jaime Wentzel
- Alexia Beretta / Jaxx Jennings
- Sashnee Nair / Keshnee Moodley
- Ashley Gandy / Maike Filter & Shani Klopper / Anne Ankermann
Event 4: 28 October (Pococks)
The 12 men’s teams played a round robin in two pools, with many tight matches resulting in a total of ten 3-setters in the round robin stages. The final between Nathi/Simba and Mthoko/Andrew was an absolute crowd-pleaser, with spectacular rallies, big blocks and “getting-the-ungettable” defensive play. Although losing the first set with only 6 points on the score-board, Mthoko and Andrew walked away as winners that night.
The 7 women’s teams played a round robin, followed by semis and finals. The finals between Sashnee/Raycine and Kirsten/Natasha proved to be quite a fight, with match points to both sides. But the experienced duo of Kirsten and Natasha fought back from 11:14 down in the 3rd set to claim their 4th consecutive victory of the series.
Results:
- Mthoko Mdingi / Andrew van Rensburg
- Nathi Ntumbu / Simba Chidziva
- Terence Makacha / Musa Mazibuku
- Keifer Govender / Jamaine Naidoo
- Kirsten Pocock / Natasha Webber
- Sashnee Nair /Raycine Nana
- Thandeka Mtshali / Nicky Wenhold
- Khutso Letsoalo / Dom Gachet
Event 5: 10 October (DSP)
The last event of the 2018 series was a scorcher! Not only temperatures where hot, so was the action in the sand. With impressive displays of energy from the junior players, it was experience that reigned victorious at the end of the long day in the sun.
Results:
- Morais Abreu / Seidu Ajanako
- Nathi Ntumbu / Protos
- Andreas Franze / Leo Hennecke
- Branden Versfeld / Robin Kohler
Series Results (Women)
| Name Surname | 2018 Points | Points #1 | Points #2 | Points #3 | Points #4 |
| Kirsten Pocock | 400 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Natasha Webber | 400 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Nicky Wenhold | 245 | 35 | 75 | 75 | 60 |
| Margrit Springer | 185 | 35 | 75 | 75 | 0 |
| Sashnee Nair | 170 | 60 | 0 | 35 | 75 |
| Karina Kinsey | 135 | 75 | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| Palesa Masinga | 135 | 75 | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| Raycine Nana | 135 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 75 |
| Jaime Wentzel | 129 | 47 | 35 | 47 | 0 |
| Vanessa Sardinha-da Silva | 129 | 47 | 35 | 47 | 0 |
| Ashley Gandy | 115 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 35 |
| Luciana Pierangeli | 107 | 0 | 47 | 60 | 0 |
| Simone Sittig | 107 | 0 | 47 | 60 | 0 |
| Dom Gachet | 102 | 30 | 25 | 0 | 47 |
| Khutso Letsoalo | 97 | 25 | 25 | 0 | 47 |
| Jaxx Jennings | 95 | 30 | 30 | 35 | 0 |
| Camryn Heyes | 70 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 30 |
| Hannah Blackburn | 60 | 30 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| Keshnee Moodley | 60 | 0 | 25 | 35 | 0 |
| Natasha Woollacott | 60 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 35 |
| Thandeka Mtshali | 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
| Toni Mellors | 60 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 35 |
| Anne Ankermann | 50 | 0 | 20 | 30 | 0 |
| Shani Klopper | 50 | 0 | 20 | 30 | 0 |
| Alexia Beretta | 35 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 0 |
| Ilze Swanepoel | 35 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kirsten Wenger | 35 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 0 |
| Michelle Haskins | 35 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Natalie Cronje | 35 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 0 |
| Sarah Pollet | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| Denise Bye | 30 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| Haley Fauntleroy | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 |
| Maike Filter | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| Roxy Thomas-Ribeiro | 30 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| Shannon De Vries | 30 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Christina Tsotetsi | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Irene von Buddenbrock | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mpho Nkawana | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nosipho Sibanda | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Potlako Bongumusa | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tawnay Gierke | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vita Nel | 25 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| Vivi Nel | 25 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| Calissa Lanovsky | 20 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Dani Frey | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hannah Leupold | 20 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Isla Prentis | 20 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| JP White | 20 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Lindsey Tyson | 20 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Mokgadi # | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Noex Ngwabi | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ioanna Simopolous | 15 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Natasha Smith | 15 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Nicci Andrews | 15 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Tatiana Simopolous | 15 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
Series Results (Men)
| Name Surname | 2018 Points | Points #1 | Points #2 | Points #3 | Points #4 | Points #5 |
| Mthoko Mdingi | 320 | 60 | 75 | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| Nathi Ntumbu | 297 | 47 | 0 | 100 | 75 | 75 |
| Colin Pocock | 275 | 100 | 100 | 75 | 0 | 0 |
| Simba Chidziva | 222 | 47 | 0 | 100 | 75 | 0 |
| Andrew van Rensburg | 219 | 25 | 47 | 47 | 100 | 0 |
| Sfiso Hlope | 195 | 60 | 75 | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| Branden Versfeld | 192 | 75 | 0 | 35 | 35 | 47 |
| Jamaine Naidoo | 182 | 100 | 0 | 35 | 47 | 0 |
| Morais Abreu | 175 | 0 | 0 | 75 | 0 | 100 |
| Filip Popovic | 135 | 75 | 25 | 35 | 0 | 0 |
| Igor Rodionov | 125 | 35 | 25 | 0 | 30 | 35 |
| Andreas Franze | 120 | 0 | 35 | 25 | 0 | 60 |
| Jeremy Lemmetjies | 120 | 30 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 25 |
| Jared Kinsey | 105 | 35 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| Lloyd Brady | 100 | 0 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seidu Ajanako | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Shane Naidoo | 95 | 30 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 0 |
| Darren Grace | 90 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 30 | 35 |
| Grant Redgate | 90 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 35 | 35 |
| Sebastian Welke | 90 | 30 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Roan Deintjie | 85 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 25 | 35 |
| Terence Makacha | 85 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 0 |
| Keifer Govender | 82 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 47 | 0 |
| Robin Kohler | 82 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47 |
| Moholo Lekomola | 80 | 0 | 15 | 30 | 35 | 0 |
| Rampesa Leabua | 80 | 0 | 15 | 30 | 35 | 0 |
| Protos # | 75 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 75 |
| Sbu # | 75 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Mark Heyes | 70 | 25 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| Leo Hennecke | 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
| Miguel Reuss | 60 | 0 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Musa Mazibuku | 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 0 |
| Roumando Yelliah | 55 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| Alfonzo Pieterse | 50 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 25 | 0 |
| Garryn Kinsey | 50 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 25 | 0 |
| Ralph Thompson | 50 | 0 | 20 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| Sushi Vilakazi | 50 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 25 | 0 |
| Thabo Mabala | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 25 |
| Erik Wolfaardt | 47 | 0 | 47 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Erwin Güther | 47 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 0 | 0 |
| Anthony Churchyard | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| Benji Spanaus | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| Daniel # | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| Neil Kohler | 35 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ricky Ramos | 35 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tobi Damaske | 35 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dino Leidenberg | 30 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gumpo Arnolds | 30 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| Luba Mnguni | 30 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Moeketsi Molipa | 30 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Neo Lephoto | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| Sanele Zwane | 30 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Thabiso Lebakeng | 30 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tom Schulz | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| Andrew Rampedi | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Andriko von Ludwiger | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brian Boxall | 25 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| Danai Mberi | 25 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ingo Güther | 25 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| Kgosi Moroeng | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mpho Motaung | 25 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mshana # | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| Sbo # | 25 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| Sbo ## | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| Selby Maboye | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tsepo Tsaonamatsie | 25 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Yvan Landangoye | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dominik Nicolaus | 20 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Justin Pyle | 20 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Justin Ribeiro | 20 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Karabo Mahlaela | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Karsten Johannes | 20 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Mahlatse # | 20 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Marco Cipriani | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mark Dresel | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Phillip Trummer | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Prenesh Nana | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Raulty # | 20 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robert Hill | 20 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sebastian Kanwischer | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Siyabonga # | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Zozo Singh | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steve Rusznyak | 15 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Travis MacGregor | 15 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Points are allocated to each player as outlined below:
| Tournament result | Points allocated |
| 1st | 100 |
| 2nd | 75 |
| 3rd | 60 |
| 4th | 47 |
| 5th-6th | 35 |
| 7th-8th | 30 |
| 9th-12th | 25 |
| 13th-16th | 20 |
| 17th-20th | 15 |
We love volleyball - Mzansi 