Sunday’s action in the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) delivered high scoring, with a total of 21 goals being scored in only six matches.
JVW topped the scoring charts with a decisive 7-0 victory over Highlands Park. It was particularly disappointing result for Highlands Park, who suffered a heavy defeat on their home ground.
JVW delivered an exceptional performance, keeping a clean sheet while being efficient on the attack.
The big defeat was a sizeable setback for Highlands Park. They’re currently third in the standings, but, following a series of recent adverse results, the gap between them and the title contending Mamelodi Sundowns and SAFA Academy has grown.
Sundowns, meanwhile, scored a 5-2 win over Dinoko Rondebult at Dan Kutumela School. The Brazilians top the standings, four points clear of second-placed SAFA Academy.
Kempton Park narrowly defeated Hellenic Falcons 1-0, while Edenvale defeated Kenneth FC 2-0. Refilwe FC also won by a 2-0 margin, beating Tornado FC at Scelo Stadium.
Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) went down 0-2 against SAFA Academy. Recently, SuperSport Schools Plus conducted a brief interview with RESA’s coach, Simeon Lekhooana, during which he acknowledged the threat posed by SAFA Academy.
With RESA recently elevating several key players, including Lesedi Motaung, from their GWDL team to their Sasol team, they were unable to withstand the strength of the SAFA Academy challenge.
u17 GWDL Results
JVW 7-0 Highlands Park
Kempton Park 1-0 Hellenic Falcons
Edenvale 2-0 Kenneth FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 5-2 Dinoko Rondebult
Refilwe 2-0 Tornado
SAFA Academy 2-0 RESA
Over 20 matches have passed, and the first team football of the Gauteng Development League (GDL), which is essentially the u19 division, continues to present challenges. Five teams, including the defending champions, Highlands Park, are in the title race.
Coach Sfiso Mnguni, who secured the GDL title in both 2023 and 2024 with the Lions of the North, may very well be in contention for yet another GDL title for a third time. Currently, Highlands Park is positioned third, just two points behind the log leaders, the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns, who are at the top with 48 points. Highlands Park has found themselves in a similar situation recently, and this year they are among the top five teams vying for the prestigious GDL title.
The teams in contention include SuperSport United, currently in fifth place with 45 points, tied with Vaal’s finest, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), who occupy the fourth position. Highlands Park is steadily climbing the table in third place, trailing Randburg AFC, who have delivered some of the best performances in this year’s GDL. Their coach, Skhosiphi Mgobozi has praised his players as a unique group of talented individuals. Recently, Randburg AFC, in their quest for a title, has made their ambitions clear by appointing the legendary figure of African football, former Kaizer Chiefs and Zambian international Collins Mbesuma, as their new striker coach.
Dedicated enthusiasts of South African football will undoubtedly recall Mbesuma for his record-setting 35-goal season with the Glamour Boys during the 2004/5 PSL season. Some may also remember his tenure in the Premier League with Portsmouth FC and his role in Zambia’s victorious 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad. Mbesuma contributes a wealth of experience as both a player and a coach to the Randburg team, being one of the five players to have scored over 100 PSL goals. Among these players are Bradley Grobler, who has netted 114 goals and continues to play for Sekhukhune United this season in the Betway Premiership, Daniel Mudau with 110 goals, Mabhuti Khenyeza with 110 goals, and Manuel ‘Tico Tico’ Bucuane, who has scored 104 goals.
Recently appointed Randburg AFC Striker Coach, Collins Mbesuma, a legend of Kaizer Chiefs and Zambia. Photo: Randburg AFC on Facebook.
At Randburg, Mbesuma will apply his knowledge to the younger age groups. This demonstrates the commitment and seriousness of all teams in the GDL as they strive to secure the prestigious Gauteng and South African development title.
This Sunday, at home and with live coverage provided by SuperSport Schools, Randburg will face RESA. Points are at stake, and both teams have the opportunity to move closer to the coveted number one position.
Highlands Park, located in Balfour Park, will host Rockefvs, who currently sit in 14th place. Realistically, this presents a challenging match for the visiting team – however, as we have witnessed recently, anything can happen in football. The latest example is Kathorus Hyper Academy, which has surprised the GDL by defeating several so-called giants such as Sundowns and securing valuable points.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns will welcome East Rand Athletic Club at their home ground in Clapham High, Pretoria. East Rand Athletic Club has endured a particularly difficult season. After 21 matches, they find themselves in a disappointing second-to-last position, 17th overall, just six points ahead of Elspark United Academy, which has managed to gather only 7 points from 22 games. Given the current standings, it is clear that Mamelodi Sundowns will enter this match against East Rand Athletic Club as the favourites, especially considering the significant home advantage they will enjoy.
Additionally, SuperSport United will be monitoring the table closely over the weekend while also facing Sevens Academy at Curro Sagewood.
In other fixtures, Kathorus Hyper Academy, which has recently earned the title of giant slayer, will face TS Galaxy at Huntersfield Stadium. Joburg City will be facing Eslpark United at the Greek Sporting Club.
The Phefeni Boys Glamour Boys, who have unexpectedly dropped to sixth place in the standings, will host the School of Excellence at Kazier Chiefs Village at Naturena on Saturday.
Wits Junior will be up against Tuks at Marks Park, where The Students enjoys a home ground advantage. Although this does not necessarily ensure an easy victory, they should aim to capitalise on this advantage and secure maximum points at home.
u19 GDL Fixtures: Saturday, 23 August
Clapham High
14:30 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs East Rand Athletic Club
RESA u17 GWDL 2025 Team Photograph taken at the recent Women’s Day Festival held earlier this month at Curro Hazeldean. Photo: Football Stage on Facebook.
The celebration of Women’s Month by the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) is gradually coming to a close – however, one thing is certain, the action across various fields in the Gauteng province are not diminishing.
In fact, the intensity of the action is escalating significantly, with the league’s standings at both the top and bottom beginning to take form.
Mamelodi Sundowns, who have maintained the lead for the majority of this season, are currently at the forefront with 55 points. In contrast, their rivals, SAFA Academy, are trailing by four points, occupying the second position on the table with 51 points.
Both teams have proudly represented their colours, showcasing the excitement and prestige of women’s development in the u17 GWDL division of the league.
Earlier in the season, SAFA Academy demonstrated their strength by defeating the outstanding Brazilians in the first round of the league division. However, Banyana Ba Style, captained by the exceptional midfielder Zinhle Mkhize, sought retribution earlier this month, securing a 1-0 victory over SAFA Academy during the Women’s Day Festival, which was hosted by Refilwe FC at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria.
This Sunday, at the University of Pretoria Football Fields located in the Hillcrest Campus, the SAFA Academy will face the Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA). This match is expected to be challenging for both teams, as SAFA Academy aims to narrow the gap with Sundowns at the top of the standings, while RESA, who have had a strong season but faced some disappointing moments, seeks to secure a third position, contingent on Highlands Park dropping points or losing their match against JVW FC at Balfour Park on Sunday.
RESA GWDL Image captured at Home at President Park Stadium in Vereeniging. Photo: Supplied.
In anticipation of the intense action in Sunday’s GWDL games, SuperSport Schools Plus engaged in a brief discussion with RESA’s coach, Simeon Lekhooana, also known as Coach Solly. Coach Solly informed SuperSport Schools Plus that his team is well-prepared, despite having promoted key players to their Sasol League team, as they aim to enhance positive outcomes in both the GWDL and the Sasol League.
Coach Lekhooana stated that promoting key players to the Sasol League could have a beneficial effect on the u17 GWDL team by providing younger players with opportunities to advance and acquire experience.
Players such as Lesedi Motaung, aged 17, Thuto Rathebe, aged 15, Nthabeleng Molefi, aged 14, Mpumelelo Chabalala, aged 14, and Buhle Mthembu, aged 14, are among those who have been elevated from the RESA development divisions to the Sasol team.
They will be given the opportunity to compete for a place in the first team at a younger age, as RESA is scheduled to face Wits Ladies this coming Saturday in a Sasol league match.
In the GWDL match against SAFA Academy this Sunday, he stated that they are aware of the threat posed by their upcoming opponent. “We must manage the pressure and a formidable attacking force.
Teams like SAFA Academy have concentrated on achieving victories, but we will continue to emphasise the significance of developing players technically, physically, and psychologically to handle every football match, even when it is not against SAFA Academy, while maintaining focus on each game,” he elaborated.
RESA has been one of the teams that have maintained, or rather endeavoured to uphold, a high standard in the GWDL by being a strong force and not an easy team to defeat. Lekhooana informed SuperSport Schools Plus that sustaining a standard for the team is essential for ensuring consistency and motivating the team to keep improving. A robust team culture and well-defined goals can facilitate this.
“All I can say is that we will go strong and focused to that game knowing that SAFA Academy has been doing well on their previous games,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
He said that the main focus is to take one game at the time and bring positive results.
SAFA Academy and South African Development National player, Leonay Kock, in the GWDL match against Mamelodi Sundowns during the Women’s Day Festival. Photo: SAFA Gauteng on Facebook.
Other fixtures that are notably significant this weekend include the log leaders, Sundowns, who will make their way to Dan Kutumela School to confront a struggling Dinoko Rondebult, currently positioned 14th in the standings. After 19 matches, Dinoko FC has achieved only 3 victories and 3 draws, while suffering 13 losses.
On Sunday, they will face a challenging match against coach Rhoda Mulaudzi’s team, which has been demonstrating potential to secure the GWDL title by the end of the season.
Meanwhile, at home, the University of Pretoria (Tuks) will host the visiting team from Roodepoort, Panorama FC. Tuks enters the match with a favourable advantage, as they occupy the seventh position, while Panorama is in 10th place.
Nevertheless, both teams are aware of the competitive nature and strong organisation they possess across all areas of the field, making it a challenging encounter. This match will showcase the strategic coordination of both coaches and a tactical battle between the teams.
Refilwe FC, who may have taken the league by storm with their remarkable performances this year, following a disappointing and educational curve in the previous and maiden season in 2024, will take on Tornado FC at Scelo Stadium on Sunday. Refilwe FC, which recently hosted one of the most significant events on the GWDL calendar, the Women’s Day Festival, has found itself amidst the giants this season, currently occupying the fifth position behind Highlands Park, SAFA Academy, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
In other matches, Edenvale FC will make their way to Tembisa to be hosted by Kenneth FC at Esiqongweni Sports Ground, while Hellenic Falcons FC will take on Kempton Park FC at Laerskool Meyers on Sunday.
u17 GWDL Fixtures: Sunday 24 August
University of Pretoria Football Fields (Hillcrest Campus)
The inaugural champions of the Potchefstroom High School for Boys Football Tournament, Virginia High School received an impressive cash prize of R20,000. Photo: Potchefstroom Boys’ High on Facebook.
The past week’s football action saw some big upsets nationwide, including Virginia High School securing their second title by defeating Clapham High School in the final of the inaugural Potchefstroom High School for Boys Football Tournament.
The final against Clapham, one of South Africa’s top-rated schools, which also won both the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament and the inaugural Iber Cup South Africa Championship in 2024, no doubt provided a massive challenge for Virginia. However, the Free State outfit rose to the occasion with a 3-2 win, courtesy of a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time.
It could have been Virginia’s third title had they emerged victorious in the Kloof High Schools National Football Tournament, which they lost in the final against Pinetown Boys’ High in June.
Maritzburg College 1st XI Football Team. Photo: Supplied.
In KZN, the Primo Big 10 Schools Cup, won by Hilton College, garnered most of the attention during the weekend’s football action in the province.
However, earlier on Saturday, Maritzburg College romped to a resounding 15-0 win against Curro Salt Rock in the Mancosa KZNHSFA Cowie Cup.
Glenwood High, who had suffered defeat against Hillcrest High on two previous occasions this season, once in the KZNHSFA Coastal A-League and again in the semifinals of the Curro Halala Cup Plate, finally managed to see off their Hillcrest counterparts with a narrow 1-0 win in the Cowie Cup.
With 32 knockout fixtures having been completed, there is still one game pending in this round, with Fairvale Secondary School and Birdswood Secondary School set to compete this week to finalise the last-16 draw.
In Gauteng, Waterstone College played Edenglen High School to an entertaining 3-3 draw, while Curro Wilgeheuwel tasted their first defeat, since late June, in the Waterstone College Super Cup. They had been on an impressive streak, but Randfontein High halted Wilgeheuwel’s momentum with a 2-0 victory.
In other school football activities in Gauteng, Pretoria Boys’ High School secured a 1-0 win against Springs Boys’ High.
In the Eastern London High Schools Football League, also known as the B Block BWFLA High Schools Football League, the reigning champions, Stutterheim High, are currently at the top of the league with 30 points, closely followed by Selborne College, also on 30. This sets the stage for intense rivalry between these two formidable outfits. Last Thursday, Stutterheim showcased its prowess in the league with a whopping 10-0 victory against George Randell High School.
The Dale College 1st XI that participated in the inaugural APBSA Football Festival. Photo. Dale College on Facebook.
For George Randell High, it was a challenging week that they would prefer to forget, as they also suffered a 0-6 loss at the hands of Selborne College on Wednesday.
Dale College, currently in third place behind Selborne College and Stutterheim High, secured a 3-0 victory over Hudson Park High on Friday. However, Dale remains well behind the league leaders, having accumulated only 18 points thus far, which places them 12 points adrift of the two frontrunners in the race for the league title.
Earlier in the week, Cathcart High School placed fourth and one point behind Dale, sealed a 3-2 win over Hudson Park High, while West Bank High School and Merrifield College played to a 1-1 draw.
In other football matches taking place in Gqeberha, Urban Academy maintained their impressive form by pipping Happy Home Academy 4-2, while, in the Western Cape, Paul Roos Gimnasium, who has experienced mixed fortunes, achieved a narrow 2-1 win over Grey College.
Mancosa KZNHSFA Cowie Cup
Maritzburg College 15-0 Curro Salt Rock
Glenwood 1-0 Hillcrest High
Gauteng
Waterstone College 3-3 Edenglen High School
Pretoria Boys High School 1-0 Springs Boys’ High
Randfontein High 2-0 Curro Wilgeheuwel
Eastern Cape
Urban Academy 4-2 Happy Home Academy
B-Block BWFLA High Schools League/East London High Schools Football League
Dale College 3-0 Hudson High
Stutterheim High 10-0 GRHS
Selborne College 6-0 GRHS
West Bank 1-1 Merrifield
Cathcart 3-2 Hudson Park
Carter High won the first-ever Carter Super Cup in 2024. Photo: Supplied.
Carter High School is set to host the second annual Carter HighSuper Cup in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday, with the one-day tournament featuring u19 and u16 teams.
In a recent press statement, Ashwin Ramgoolam, the Principal of Carter High, expressed a warm welcome to all participating students, coaches, and guests attending the annual Carter High Super Cup, which is proudly sponsored by Msunduzi Municipality and Ford Motor Company.
Ramgoolam characterised the event as not merely a competition, but a celebration of teamwork, discipline, and the unity that sport fosters.
In the u19 division as the defending champions, Carter High will be challenged by, among others, Linpark High, Howick High, Alexandra High, Ixopo High, and ML Sultan.
In June, Carter missed out on Mancosa KZNHSFA Inland A-League title, going down Maritzburg College. They’ll have another chance to add some silverware on Saturday, and they’ll have the advantage of playing at home.
u19 Teams
Pool A: Carter High, Linpark High, Wartburg Kirchdorf, Haythorne Secondary, Howick High.
Pool B: Northbury Park Secondary, Alexandra High, Ixopo High, Sobantu Secondary, ML Sultan.
Pool A Fixtures
Joubert 1
08:00 – Carter vs Linpark
08:25 – Carter vs Haythorne
08:50 – Wartburg vs Haythorne
09:15 – Carter vs Haythorne
09:40 – Carter vs Wartburg Joubert 2
08:00 – Haythorne vs Howick
08:25 – Linpark vs Wartburg
08:50 – Howick vs Linpark
09:15 – Wartburg vs Howick
09:40 – Linpark vs Haythorne
Pool B Fixtures
Schroenn 1
08:00 – Northbury vs ML Sultan
08:25 – ML Sultan vs Sobantu
08:50 – Sobantu vs Alexandra
09:15 – Northbury vs Alexandra
09:40 – ML Sultan vs Alexandra
Schroenn 2
08:00 – Alexandra vs Ixopo
08:25 – Northbury vs Ixopo
08:50 – Ixopo vs ML Sultan
09:15 – Sobantu vs Ixopo
09:40 – Northbury vs Sobantu
Cobus Loubser, the CEO of Curro Holdings, captured just before the final of the Curro Halala Cup between Northern Academy and Norkem Park High on Sunday, 10 August. Photo: Curro Sport.
The storm has subsided following the conclusion of the Curro Halala Cup on Sunday, 10 August, when Northern Academy became the winners of the inaugural competition at HeronBridge College, in Fourways, Johannesburg.
During the Curro Halala Cup, SuperSport Schools Plus conducted an exclusive interview with Cobus Loubser, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Curro Holdings.
It was a privilege to host the finals of the Curro Halala Cup over four days at HeronBridge College, he said.
Loubser was thrilled with the success of the event and characterised the competition as a magnificent enhancement to the football calendar and as a tradition that will go from strength to strength.
Curro Holdings manages a substantial 189 schools and 81 campuses throughout South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. “I do not run Curro. Rather, I strive to keep pace with Curro,” Loubser reckoned.
Hosting a nationwide competition like the Curro Halala Cup, which included many of the schools he oversees, was a challenge, he said, because people are unfamiliar with the event and its processes. He emphasised the importance of articulating the vision and effectively communicating the concept to the audience in order to gain their support.
Curro, though, has a proven track record in organising large events, especially in athletics, which has established trust from the public.
For the inaugural Curro Halala Cup, Loubser said teams were invited to participate in the event based on their previous performances and their knowledge of the school leagues and results in recent years. In total, 64 leading teams from eight provinces participated in the event.
The opening round Cup kicked off in April, with round two following in May. From there, 16 teams advanced to the national final at HeronBridge College, which was played from 7 to 10 August.
Loubser felt the turnout was impressive, with schools relishing the opportunity to engage in highly competitive football matches on HeronBridge’s high-quality facilities.
Looking ahead, he said the competition could be expanded to as many as 120 teams. Discussions about that would take place in the future.
Referencing the importance of sport, and of football, in particular, Loubser said: “I believe education is a multifaceted endeavour. You know, there is more to it. When we discuss the development of young leaders and professionals, they must possess the ability to communicate, be creative, and engage effectively with others.
“Sport is an incredible opportunity to nurture discipline, nurture resilience, communication, and the attributes of hard work and planning. So, from our perspective, we run a holistic curriculum. It’s important for us that kids do well academically.”
Loubser said Curro is very confident in its ability to facilitate good opportunities, including national-scale events, such as the Curro Halala Cup, while also encouraging learners to work diligently, to persevere, and to forge friendships.
South Africans, he said, have a deep passion for sports, which constitutes a significant aspect of the country’s social fabric.
“We aim to leverage this passion to create opportunities for learners.
“While many of these young individuals may aspire to become professional athletes, the majority will eventually transition into the working world and citizenship. Engaging socially with others is immensely powerful, particularly when fostered within a sporting environment on the field.
Reflecting on the first edition of the Curro Halala Cup, Loubser said, for him, the most unforgettable moments of the competition occurred on the morning of Thursday, 7 August, when the teams arrived. They were singing, walking, and dancing together, showcasing camaraderie, which shone a bright, favourable spotlight on the richness of football culture in South Africa.
“I’m just very proud that we can somehow contribute to that,” he concluded.
Dayyan Fudu during his recent visit to Levante, where he participated in a trial with the Levante UD Academy in Spain. Photo: Supplied.
DayyanFudu, born in 2008, plays for Westville Boys’ High School and turns out in club football for the KZN Academy. In 2025, he has revealed himself to be one of the most outstanding talents on the schools’ scene.
The Westville star is a centre forward, also able to play either lefto or right-wing.
The Chairperson of the KNHSFA, who also serves as the Director of Football at Westville, Dan Haswell, has characterised Fudu as an outstanding young talent and diligent worker, who is a prolific goal scorer.
The sharpshooter was the Coastal A-League’s top goal scorer, netting nine times, even though he was absent from the final, which went to a penalty shootout.
He also made an impact at the Kloof High School National Football Tournamentat the end of June, where he scored 11 goals, once again finishing as the event’s top goal scorer, which earned him a place in the team of the tournament.
Fudu’s been in sensational form. In 15 matches this season, he has slotted a whopping 23 goals and added three assists for good measure.
With the KZN Academy, where he competes in the Durban Central Local Football Association (DCLFA) in the SAFA eThekwini Regional League, he has made 16 appearances this season, scoring 15 goals while also providing five assists.
Photo: Supplied.
Those remarkable statistics are indicative of the major steps his game has taken since 2024.
Last year, while playing 18 times for the u17 and u19 teams of the KZN Academy, he scored only twice while providing 12 assists.
In 2024, he made 13 first team appearances for Westville, scoring 11 times and making four assists.
What is particularly impressive about his outstanding statistics this year is the fact that both the DCLFA and schools’ football seasons are ongoing. Fudu is sure to boost his goal count considerably.
In light of his exceptional performances in both school football and with the KZN Academy, Fudu received an incredible opportunity to attend trials and assessments at Levante UD Academy in Spain.
He quickly made a strong impression abroad, where he featured in three friendlies and delivered three goals and two assists while also picking up a player of the match award.
Following Fudu’s recent journey to Spain, SuperSport Schools Plus spoke with Junero Mdlongwa, the founder of NeroNoLimit Football Agency, an agency collaborating with FIFA Licensed agents, UEFA coaches, and clubs in La Liga, Spain’s top league. The agency focuses on helping players from Africa to access elite football opportunities in Spain and was behind Fudu’s trip to Spain.
Mdlongwa, an old boy of Crawford North Coast, said that he, like Fudu, used to receive calls for District Tournaments every single year. After finishing matric, he moved to the United Kingdom to play football, but also for study opportunities.
In an exclusive discussion with SuperSport Schools Plus, Mdlongwa, spoke of Fudu’s remarkable talent, commending his technical abilities and tactical insight, and advocated for his inclusion in South Africa’s national development teams, arguing that a player of his calibre deserves such an opportunity.
Dayyan Fudu (left) alongside Junero Mdlongwa (right), during Fudu’s visit to Spain.
Fudu is reserved, respectful and humble, said Mdlongwa, and he is also willing to be coached, which is commendable given his natural talent for the game.
Rating Fudu’s talent, Mdlongwa said that he would easily give him a 10 out 10 rating.
“I think Dayyan is of the best undiscovered talents in South Africa right now, and that can be quoted,” he said.
“I have not seen a young striker with his ability, and especially with that kind of physicality.
“Usually, players who are that tall and strong, they don’t know how to move the way that he does. They don’t have the speed that he has. They don’t have the technique that he has,” he explained.
Another advantage that Fudu possesses is his ability to score with both feet. He can hurt the opposition in many ways, Mdongwa said: “He can score using his right foot, he can score with his head, he can convert free kicks, he can take penalties, and he possesses dribbling skills. Personally, it has been some time since I have witnessed a striker of that calibre emerging from South Africa.”
After his trial in Spain, Fudu began training with the DDC Team of Durban City FC, and, as he had with the coaches at Levante, he impressed the Durban City coaches. On Monday, he signed a contract with the club.
The Westville Boys’ High striker is also preparing to return to the Levante UD Academy. Thanks to his earlier impressive two-week assessment and trial, he’ll be training with the u19 Levante UD team.
Dayyan Fudu’s Profile
Bio
Date of Birth – 07/02/2008
Height – 5’11 ft (179 cm)
Weight – 140 lbs (69 kg)
Playing foot – Right and Left
Shooting/Crossing Foot – Right
Position – Centre Forward (CF), Right and Left Wing
Career
2025 – KZN Academy – DCLFA Premier, SAFA eThekwini Regional League
Appearances: 16
Goals: 15 goals
Assists: 5
– Westville Boys’ High School – u19 (first team)
Appearances: 15
Goals: 23
Assists: 3
2025 – Trials – Levante Academy UD (Spain)
Match Appearances/Friendly Matches: 3
Goals: 3
Assists: 2
– KZN Academy u18 – Engen Cup Provincial (KZN)
Appearances: 3
Goals: 1
– Westville Boys’ High Schools – Kloof High School National Football Tournament
Appearances: 6
Goals: 11
Assists: 3
Accolades: Top Goal scorer and Team of the Tournament member
– Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association, Coastal A-League
Appearances: 7
Goals: 9
Assists: 3
Accolades: Top Goal scorer
2024 – KZN Academy u18, Engen Cup
Appearances; 4
Goals: 1
Assists: 3
2023 – SAFA u15 National Tournament
Appearances: 3
Goals: 1
Accolades: SAFA National u15 Team Call for training squad
– KZN High School u15 Euro Tour (Germany and Netherlands)
Appearances: 4
Goals: 3
Assists: 5
– KZN High School Howick Cup
Appearances: 4
Goals: 4
Assists: 1
Accolades: Title winner
Selborne College and Dale College’s First Team Football Teams faced off on Friday, with Selborne College picking up a 2-1 victory. Photo: Selborne College on Facebook.
It was also a memorable week for Mazithi Qasha, the vice-captain and most trusted goal poacher for Maritzburg College, who, once again, was in the limelight.
On Saturday, 2 August, he made his 100th appearance for the Red, Black, and White, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Alexandra High to commemorate the occasion in style. That brace his total to 89 goals for the College 1st XI.
Then, on Wednesday, he added another pair to help College to a 3-2 victory over Howick High School.
This past Saturday, Qasha struck twice more against Westville Boys’ High School, with Westville sharpshooter, Dayyan Fudu, matching the College vice-captain with a pair of his own as the schools shared a 2-2 draw.
Fudu, who was recently in Spain for an assessment and trial with the Levante UD Academy, netted just four seconds into the match and added his second in the tenth minute.
Mancosa KZNHSFA Cowie Cup
During the week, the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Cowie Cup took centre stage in the province, with Reddam House Umhlanga making a huge impact in the last 32 by powering to a commanding 6-0 victory against Waterfall College.
Reddam House Umhlanga, depicted earlier in August following their 2-1 victory against Curro Hillcrest. Photo: Reddam House Umhlanga on Facebook
Queensburgh High defeated Kloof High 3-1, while Northwood scored a decisive 4-0 win over Ashton Ballito.
Brettonwood, whose star is on the rise after the school earned promotion from the KZN Coastal C-League to the Coastal B-League, took another step forward by cruising to a 6-0 win over Thomas More College.
Following a disappointing run in the second term, Alexandra High School handed Redwood College a 2-1 defeat to move on to the last 16 of the Cowie Cup.
The Coastal A-League champion, Westville, showcased their strength in the Cowie Cup with an impressive 4-2 victory over Amanzimtoti, while Carter High, the runner-up of the Inland A-League, swept to a 5-0 win over Sastri College.
Mangaung Region – Kay Motsepe Semifinals and Final
The Free State’s Mangaung Schools Football League concluded qualifying for the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup, with the semifinals taking place on Tuesday and the finals on Friday.
On Tuesday, HTS Louis Botha picked up a narrow 1-0 victory over Kyrios Independent School in the first semifinal. In the second semi, Grassland Secondary was taken to penalties by Hodisa Technical Secondary after a 0-0 draw in regulation time, with Grassland, then, snatching a 5-4 win in the penalty shootout.
Queensburgh High School beat Kloof High School 3-1 in the Cowie Cup, despite cold and rainy weather. Goals came from Ntando Goniwe, Andile Nene, and Lwandile Zungu. Photo: Queensburgh High School on Facebook.
The final also went to penalties after HTS Louis Botha and Grassland played to a 1-1 draw. In the shootout, HTS Louis Botha displayed precision to claim a 5-4 victory after Grassland missed a critical penalty, securing them a place against other regional champions from across South Africa in the Kay Motsepe Schools Cup.
Eastern Cape
In the Eastern Cape, a highlight of the week was a showdown on Friday between Selborne College and Dale College. The win went Selborne’s way by a tight 2-1 margin. .
On Thursday, in the East London High Schools Football League, Stutterheim High, the reigning champion, recorded a 2-1 victory over Cathcart High. The Centre of Excellence, meanwhile, ran out 4-2 winners over Merrifield College.
RESULTS
Wednesday
Maritzburg College 3-2 Howick High
Free State – Mangaung – Kay Motsepe Semifinals and Final
Tuesday – Semifinals
HTS Louis Botha 1-0 Kyrios Independent School
Grassland Secondary (5) 0-0 (4) Hodisa Secondary
Final
HTS Louis Botha (5) 1-1 (4) Grassland Secondary
Eastern Cape
Selborne College 2-1 Dale College
Thursday
B Block BWFLA High Schools Football League/East London High Schools Football League
Stutterheim 2-1 Cathcart
Centre of Excellence 4-2 Merrifield
Saturday
Maritzburg College 2-2 Westville Boys’ High
Mancosa KZNHSFA Cowie Cup – Last 32 Results
Reddam House Umhlanga 6-0 Waterfall
Queensburgh High 3-1 Kloof High School
Northwood 4-0 Ashton Ballito
Brettonwood 6-0 Thomas More College
Alexandra 2-1 Redwood
Westville 4-2 Amanzimtoti
Carter 5-0 Sastri College
After four days of football that showcased many of the country’s top schools’ football teams, Northern Academy became the winners of the inaugural Curro Halala Cup, on Sunday, at HeronBridge College, in Johannesburg.
The atmospehre was electric as a fiercely contested final against Norkem Park High was decided from the penalty spot.
Norkem Park gave Northern Academy everything they could handle, creating multiple chances to win, but they came up just short after the shootout went to sudden death.
In the first half of the title game, Norkem Park was the sharper of the sides, prompting Northern Academy’s bench, led by coach Hendrick Mukwevho, to urge their players to improve, especially in the midfield.
Four minutes into the second half, Sello Rambla, from Norkem Park, opened the scoring. Their impressive coordination showed in a cohesive defence and a determined attack, which used space effectively in the central field.
However, it took Northern Academy only 10 minutes to draw level, with the equaliser coming from their captain Lesetja Raphesu. Following that goal, the intensity was ratcheted up, leading to both goalkeepers needing to showcase their skills.
Regulation time finished at 1-1, which sent the contest into a penalty shootout. It was dramatic, but Northern Academy sneaked victory by 8-7 from the spot.
After a back-and-forth final, a penalty shootout was needed to separate Northern Academy and Norkem Park High. Photo: Curro Sport.
It could have gone the other way, but when Northern Academy missed penalty kicks, Norkem Park failed to take advantage of their opportunities.
Then, when the match moved into a sudden death shootout, the crossbar denied Norkem Park, leading to Northern Academy celebrating victory. It was an amazing ending for the Limpopo school, who very nearly didn’t make the finals.
In May, facing their local rivals, Flora Park Comprehensive, they went down 3-4 from the penalty spot in the qualifying rounds. However, when Flora Park and Westenburg Secondary qualified for the Kay Motsepe Schools provincial tournament, which was to be played on the same weekend, the way was opened for Northern Academy and Louis Trichardt to play to stay in the Curro Halala Cup. Northern Academy won that match to advance.
On Sunday, they turned that fortunate turn of events into a title and the winners’ cheque of R100 000.
After the victory, coach Mukwevho, who was named the Coach of the Tournament, told Curro Sport about his immense pride in his team, stating that his players mean everything to him.
He praised Norkem Park, acknowledging that the final was one of the most challenging matches that Northern Academy had played.
Lesetja Raphesu, the captain of the Northern Academy, showed his leadership by equalising in the final, which forced the match to penalties. Photo: Curro Sport.
“I am bursting with pride for everyone who stepped onto that field today,” Mukwevho said. “From the very first day of this tournament to this final moment, we have felt God’s hand guiding us. Without his strength and blessing, we never would have made it this far.
“Now we are heading back home to continue out campaign in the local league, where we are still sitting at the top of the log,” he concluded.
Cobus Loubser, the CEO of Curro, said, after an impressive inaugural campaign, efforts will continue to establish the Curro Halala Cup as a prominent event, serving as an ongoing celebration of youth, talent, and unity, on the South African school sports’ calendar.
“Curro will keep on creating opportunities and we will continue to pass the ball to young heroes to do well in their lives,” Loubser said. “Our future is bright, and not just on the football field.”
The players’ honours saw Omolemo Sekowe, from Clapham High, receiving the Golden Boot Award, while the Golden Glove went to Manaka Kelelo, from Northern Academy. The Best Player of the Tournament went the way of Northern Academy’s Katlego Rhenoster.
The Halala Cup Spirit Award was presented to the Plate runner-up, Hillcrest High, a team that truly embodied the essence and passion of the beautiful game.
They went down 0-2 to Meridian Pinehurst in the Plate Final, but receiving the Halala Cup Spirit Award was a proud achievement for the KZN school which has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the 2025 football season.
Grey College’s goalkeeper pulls off a fine save, but the Bloemfontein school was eliminated in a penalty shootout in the semifinals of the Cup. Photo: Curro Sport.
After three thrilling days of football, which have included some significant upsets, the Curro Halala Cup concludes on Sunday at HeronBridge College, in Johannesburg.
The event, in its inaugural year, has captured the imagination and those taking in the action alongside the field on Saturday included distinguished coach and founder of the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools, Pitso Mosimane, the Executive Head of Waterstone College, JC Engelbrecht, and Curro CEO, Cobus Loubser, who engaged in a brief interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, set to be published at a later date.
On the pitch, champions, including Clapham High, Northern Academy, and Grey College duelled.
In the quarterfinals of the Cup on Saturday, Curro Soshanguve was eliminated by Norkem Park High in a penalty shootout, which ended 2-1 to Norkem after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Northern Academy defeated Camps Bay High 2-1 to move on to the final four where they edged out Grey College, winning 3-2 from the penalty spot after a tight 0-0 draw.
Clapham High, who began the tournament strongly with an impressive 4-0 victory over Glenwood High, went down 0-1 to Navalsig. While some may be surprised by that result, Navalsig has proved, in the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament and Mangaung Schools Football League, that they’re a formidable side, challenging and at times beating Grey College and HTS Louis Botha in league action.
Hillcrest High, in the red kit, has provide one of the most inspiring football narratives of the 2025 season. They’ll contest the final of the Plate competition of the Curro Halala Cup on Sunday. Photo: Curro Sport.
Unfortunately for the Bloemfontein boys’, though, their journey came to an end in the semi-finals where Norkem High triumphed 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
Following their exit from the Cup, teams such as Hillcrest High and Glenwood progressed to the Plate competition. In the quarterfinals, Glenwood hit their stride, delivering a significant 4-1 defeat to Sitintile Secondary.
Meridian Pinehurst turned on the style, recording two big wins. In the quarterfinals, they handed Westering High a 4-1 loss. Then, in the semifinals, they posted a staggering 9-0 victory over Flora Park High.
Hillcrest High showcased their strength and character with a narrow 1-0 victory over a determined Barberton High in the quarterfinals.
That set up a semifinal showdown between familiar foes, with Hillcrest facing Glenwood in a precursor of their Mancosa KZNHSFA Cowie Cup clash, which takes place on Wednesday. It was Hillcrest who triumphed on this occasion, grabbing a close 3-2 win.
RESULTS
Cup Quarterfinals
Curro Soshanguve (2) 1-1 (1) Norkem Park High
Northern Academy 2-0 Camps Bay High
Grey College 4-1 Mondeor High
Navalsig 1-0 Clapham
Cup Semifinals
Northern Academy (3) 0-0 (2) Grey College
Norkem Park High (3) 0-0 (2) Navalsig High
Plate Quarterfinals
Glenwood High 4-1 Sitintile Secondary School
Flora Park High 5-0 Brylin High
Meridian Pinehurst 4-1 Westering High
Hillcrest High 1-0 Barberton High
Plate Semifinals
Hillcrest High 3-2 Glenwood High
Meridian Pinehurst 9-0 Flora Park High
FIXTURES
Sunday
Plate Final
Match 41 – 08:00 – Meridian Pinehurst vs Hillcrest High
Cup Play offs: Bronze
Match 45 – 10:00 – Navalsig vs Grey College
Cup Final
Field A
Match 48 – 12:00 – Norkem Park High vs Northern Academy
Field B
Match 42 – 08:00 – Glenwood vs Brylin
Match 46 – 10:00 – Clapham High vs Mondeor High
Field C
Match 43 – 08:00 – Sitintile Secondary vs Flora Park High
Match 47 – 10:00 – Camps Bay High vs Curro Soshanguve
Field D
Match 44 -08:00 – Westering High vs Barberton High
Over 20 matches have passed, and the first team football of the Gauteng Development League (GDL), which is essentially the u19 division, continues to present challenges. Five teams, including the defending champions, 
