PBHSOB ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
Dear Old Boy
Mixed martial arts (MMA), an unfamiliar sport to most yet the fastest growing sport in the world. A sport that has fast become an addiction for Old Boys David Buirski (2001) and his two brothers Matthew (2005) and Gareth (2003).
A full contact sport consisting of a combination of various disciplines including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, judo and karate just to mention a few; and is divided up into numerous weight divisions.
It is referred to as an art simply because it uses skills that are only acquired through practice. With many disciplines to master, it is one of, if not the toughest sport to participate in physically and mentally.
David Buirski recently did the unthinkable when he competed to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming EFC Worldwide Welterweight champion.
EFC is the biggest MMA promotion on the African continent and signs international talents from all over the world to compete, in the hopes of becoming the best in their respective divisions.
David’s MMA career started five years ago in 2010 after representing South Africa in the Amateur Muay Thai World Championship where he placed third.
His transition from Muay Thai to MMA was nothing short of a rapid change as he steamrolled his way to eight consecutive amateur wins in one year before obtaining his professional licence.
As a professional, he had to overcome some exceptionally tough challenges and losses in his climb to the top, but with a strong will to succeed, immense dedication and many mentally and physically exhausting training hours, David reached the pinnacle of his MMA career when he became champion via knockout in the first round on the 21st of February 2015.
When asked what it is about this specific sport that makes him want to compete, he had this to say: “I’ve competed in many sports and MMA is unlike anything I have ever competed in. The training and competition is the toughest I’ve ever had to endure and if you make it through, you achieve an indescribable feeling of accomplishment and discipline like no other.”
David Buirski on his way to winning the EFC Welter Weight Title via knockout in the first round
The Buirski brothers, known as the Buirski Army within the MMA community, boast an incredible work ethic and a passion for applying this work ethic. On top of running a business full time, they share the same love for the sport and find the time to pursue their individual dreams.
From right to left – Matthew Buirski, David Buirski & Gareth Buirski
Matthew, the youngest of the Buirski brothers is currently coming off an incredible win at EFC 37 in the featherweight division and is on his way to title contention. Middle brother, Gareth, on the other hand, is in the Bantamweight division and knocked out his last opponent off of his back (something seen very rarely). Having been out for a few months from a knee injury and recovering from an operation, Gareth is looking to make a memorable come back to the hexagon very soon.
Matthew Buirski competing in and winning his EFC Worldwide 37 bout via judges decision.
As a team, David, Matthew and Gareth support and influence one another to be better every day.
With one belt in the family, both Matthew and Gareth are chasing gold this year in their respective divisions – Three brothers, three divisions and three champions.
As the saying goes: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” and the Buirski’s are proof of this… Just wait and see.
Images & Text: Matthew Buirski
READ MORE ABOUT THE BUIRSKI BROTHERS
Triple Threat: The Buirski Brothers.
KNUXX SA recently interviewed the three MMA brothers Gareth Buirski, Matt Buirski and David Buirski…
Do Not Pick a Fight with these Brothers.
Whatever you do, do not start a fight with the Buirski brothers, David and Gareth, because you..
PURCHASE REGALIA ONLINE
We are pleased to announce the recent launch of our virtual shop where Association Life Members can now purchase PBHSOB Regalia items online.
The traditional ‘Old Boys Tie’ and other associated merchandise has, since the inception of the Association, been for members only. The merchandise aims not at identifying an ‘Old Boy’ but rather a conscious decision to accept membership to the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association.
If you would like to purchase PBHSOB Regalia and currently not an Association Life Member – simply email info@pbhsob.com for more information on how to become a Life Member of the PBHSOB Association.
Click here to visit the PBHSOB Association Online Shop.
OLD BOYS WEEKEND 2015
The Annual Old Boys Weekend will take place during the first weekend in June – The Old Boys’ Golf Day on Friday 5 June 2015 and the 96th Annual Old Boys’ Dinner on Saturday 6 June 2015. Please diarise the dates!
PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Pretoria Boys High School Gum Boot Dancers performed at the CANSA Shavathon in Centurion this past weekend.
CAPE TOWN BRANCH 2015 DINNER
A reminder that the Cape Town Branch of the Pretoria Boys High Old Boys’ Association will hold its Annual Function on Tuesday 21 April 2015 at Rondebosch Golf Club.
This year a Stag Dinner has been organised at a cost of R160.00, payable before by EFT. The Pretoria Boys High School Headmaster, Mr. Tony Reeler, will travel from Pretoria to attend the dinner.
| Cost: | R160.00 per person |
| Drinks: | For your own account |
| Dress code: | Jacket & Tie |
| Time: | 18:30 for 19:30 |
Account Details:
| Name: | Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys Association CT |
| Bank: | First National Bank |
| Branch: | Constantia – Code: 250148 |
| ACCOUNT NUMBER: | 62216338641 |
| Reference: | Last Year at School & Surname |
Please RSVP and send proof of payment by e-mail to mark@gleeson.com
PRETORIA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL FIXTURES & EVENTS
- 6 March 2015
Athletics: Gauteng Athletics Championships | Tennis: JHB League | Climbing: Rory Lawther Challenge(Swinburne) | Water Polo: 1st Team K.E.S Tournament, U15A Team Indigo Tournament (Parktown) & U14A Ken Short Tournament (Jeppe) - 7 March 2015
Cricket, Basketball & Water Polo vs Stithians (Home) | Water Polo: 1st, U15A & U14A @ JHB Schools’ Tournaments | Athletics: AGN League 7 - 10 – 14 March
Tennis: Inter-House
13 – 14 March
Athletics: AGN Championships - 25 March 2015
Term 1 Ends
STAY UPDATED WITH NEWS
If you want to stay up-to-date with news and events between the fortnightly Email Newsletter – “like” the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys’ Association on Facebook and follow @pbhsob on
Twitter and Instagram
DESMOND ABERNETHY HALL UPDATE
Building Report: Week ending 20 February 2015
The re-bar has been installed on the upstairs floor on the Memorial Quad wing in anticipation of casting this floor. The tiered seating and the shuttering is in place in the Hendry Quad wing upper floor. The slab above the stage (floor of the new rehearsal room) has now set and the scaffolding is being removed in anticipation of excavating the area below the stage to create the space for the storeroom.
Excavations for drainage pipes in the Memorial Quad are being completed and backfilling of the area in front of the retaining wall in the Hendry Quad has commenced. A large window cavity in the back wall of the hall (for the rehearsal room) has been opened in the brickwork and the outer ceiling panels for the hall and the entire area above the stage/rehearsal room have been stripped out. The steel framework for the tiered seating in the gallery has been installed.
Building Report: Week ending 27 February 2015
The upper floor slab of the east wing was cast on Monday 23rd February and the upper floor slab of the west wing was cast on Friday 27th February. The back-filling of the Wall of Remembrance in the Memorial Quad is currently being completed and the welding of the tiered seating framework in the gallery is almost complete.
The brickwork for walkways and entrances (ground and upper levels) into the hall and gallery has been completed and the openings in the southernmost wall of the hall are being opened up to take the walkways to the music rehearsal room and a large window for the same facility. Shuttering (moulds) for the casting of the gallery slab extension and the walkways (that link all the galleries) is being erected in anticipation of the final pour on Wednesday the 4th of March. Excavation of the area below the stage (for the new storeroom) has begun.
OLD BOY KNIGHTED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
ETIENNE RUDOLPHE HAFNER
K. St J., BA., M.B., B. Ch., B.A.O., L.M.
Born: Pretoria 22 August 1896, Skinner Street, Pretoria.
Dr Etienne Rudolphe Hafner obtained his First Aid Certificate as a Boy Scout in 1913.
He matriculated at Pretoria Boys’ High School in 1917. He took his degree at Trinity College, Dublin, and also took a course at Gottingen University, Germany during the summer of 1922. After qualifying in 1923, he returned to South Africa.
Cadet Notes, Troop 5
Sergt Hafner – The Pretortian 1914
Member of 2nd Rugby XI
The forwards have not much chance against opponents twice their weight, but still they have battled manfully. Louw made his name in this company and Fraser, Neft, Weir, Hafner and Noach have played well. – The Pretorian 1915
Member of 1st Rugby XI
Hafner – Forward – very fast and furious; lacks polish (football polish, of course), but has a super abundance of energy; revels in matches against Normals; keeps picking up bits about the game from Baker, an old and experienced player, and in a few years should be a useful member of the side; keen, went to the Cape for a season to gain experience. – The Pretorian 1917
In 1928 Etienne Rudolphe Hafner became a partner in a Uitenhage medical practice and was appointed a Lecturer in First Aid for St John Ambulance at Uitenhage.
Very shortly after the outbreak of World War II he joined the SA Medical Corps and went for military training at Sonderwater near Pretoria. Captain Etienne Rudolphe Hafner was assigned to the 18th Field Ambulance and sent to Egypt with the 2nd South African Division early in 1942 where he served actively in the Medical Corps. As a result of his work at Gazala, Dr Hafner was mentioned in Despatches and received a special citation.
After demobilisation Etienne Rudolphe Hafner decided to move to Port Elizabeth in about 1944 and start a practice from scratch.
In 1952, with the help of Mr Perry, a property was purchased for St John in Rink Street where the present St John’s Gate stands.
In 1956 Etienne Rudolphe Hafner travelled to Malta via Israel, Rhodes, Italy, Switzerland and France and then to Great Britain where they were received by Royalty. The Queen of England is the head of St John.Due to tremendous amounts of voluntary work done, he was admitted to the Order and was awarded Life Membership with St John in April 1949 and became a Serving Brother in July 1949.On behalf of St John in South Africa, he attended a Civil Defence Course in Sunningdale, England, and represented Priory at the Canadian National Conference and the Golden Jubilee of the Brigade in London, Ontario, Canada, 1959, and in 1962 represented SA at the St John Parade at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, and carried the SA Standard.
In May 1961 Etienne Rudolphe Hafner became Commander Brother, and rose steadily to the position of Knight of the Order in June 1966, when he was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in England.
Etienne Rudolphe Hafner continued actively with his St John work and progressed up the ladder as Knight of Justice in 1980. ERH played an active role in strengthening the part that St John plays in the community of Port Elizabeth.
Etienne Rudolphe Hafner was one of the people instrumental in the establishment of Stella Londt Home for the Aged in Port Elizabeth, where he spent his last days. He died after a short illness at the age of 95 in December 1991.
Image & Text: Mike Hafner (son)
UPCOMING OLD BOY EVENTS
- 21 April 2015
CAPE TOWN BRANCH DINNER - 20 May 2015
PBHSOB ASSOCIATION AGM - 22 May 2015
60 YEAR ON 2015 - 5 June 2015
ANNUAL OLD BOYS’ GOLF DAY - 6 June 2015
ANNUAL OLD BOYS’ DINNER
If you have any interesting news items and photos or just want to let your fellow Old Boys know what you have been up to after school, please send all information to info@pbhsob.com