The second interprovincial drilling and marching competition at Jan Burger Sports Complex in Parow last week showcased not just precision and discipline, but the lasting bonds between schools that transcend competitive rivalry.
At the heart of this year’s success story is Miko Klein, whose journey from West End Primary to Spine Road High School exemplifies how drilling mentorship creates ripple effects across the education system. Klein’s achievement as part of Spine Road’s winning squad has his former primary school coach, Dawood Abrahams, beaming with pride.
“Oh my god! It’s amazing. It’s more amazing to see how these learners succeeded and witness hard work paying off,” said Abrahams. “Many people are calling it the big five. In three years we have won five competitions and that is including the Eastern Cape competitions. I am extremely proud of these learners.”
Klein joined Spine Road High School’s squad for the first time this year, but under Abrahams’ tutelage at West End, he was no rookie. His primary school foundation proved invaluable as Spine Road clinched the overall high school championship, demonstrating how early drilling education creates long-term success.
Spine Road High School coach Franchkino Booyse couldn’t contain his excitement about the team’s back-to-back victory. “The feeling for the squad this year has been overwhelming as most of our team members are new to the sporting code,” Booyse explained. “They have done drilling before but not the level of high school, so to win for a second time in a row with new members was quite an amazing experience.”
The school’s victory was particularly impressive given their limited practise schedule.
“We practise only twice a week for three hours max as most of our kids are in matric and have after- classes or workshops,” Booyse noted. “Our time was most of the time always against us.”
Spine Road dominated the high school categories, claiming first place in both Grand March Pass and Exhibition, while securing second place in the Drum Major competition.
West End Primary School maintained their reputation as a drilling powerhouse, claiming the overall primary school championship. Their comprehensive victory included first places in Grand March Pass and Drum Major categories, with second place in Exhibition.
The school’s success extends beyond trophies.
“Our kids had the opportunity to open up for our local celebrity Robin Peters, did an event for Vodacom,” Booyse reflected on the broader impact. “Some of our ex cadets went on to study and become extremely successful – doctors, navy candidates, accountants – and it’s beautiful to see the end results of what is installed in our young adults of tomorrow.”
Competition highlights
The competition featured diverse categories across primary schools, high schools, and community teams. Wavecrest Primary School impressed with victories in Best Dress and Grand March Pass categories, while Uitsig Community Cadets dominated the community division, claiming overall victory and excelling in Best Dress and Grand March Pass.
A new addition this year was the Trash Can Champs category, won by Spine Eco Warriors, emphasising environmental consciousness alongside traditional drilling skills.
The competition, which began as Major General Jeremy Vearey’s response to declining school discipline in 2007, continues to demonstrate its transformative power. The cross-pollination between schools – exemplified by Klein’s journey from West End to Spine Road – shows how drilling creates a network of mentorship and excellence.
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