On Saturday, Riverwood College hosts the Riverwood aQuellé Soccer Festival, which brings together nine boys’ teams and 10 girls’ teams from across KwaZulu-Natal for a one-day festival in Pietermaritzburg.
It is an u19 event and includes, among others, in the boys’ competition, Linpark High, Howick High, Grace College, and Etham College.
The girls’ competition lineup includes the host team Riverwood College, St Anne’s Diocesan College, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High, Linpark High, and Epworth School.
The festival consists of three groups – A, B, and C – across both divisions – with three teams in each group and four teams in Group C of the girls’ competition.
A round-robin format will be used to determine the top four teams, who will then compete in the semifinals, with the winners progressing to the title game.
BOYS’ COMPETITION
Groups and Fixtures
Group A
Riverwood College, Grace College, Treverton College
Fixtures
Field 4
08:00 – Treverton College vs Grace College
Field 1
10:05 – Treverton College vs Riverwood College
11:50 – Riverwood College vs Grace College
Group B
St Nicholas Diocesan School, Etham College, Domino Servite High
Fixtures
Field 2
08:00 – Etham College vs Domino Servite High
09:40 – St Nicholas Diocesan School vs Domino Servite High
11:45 – Etham College vs St Nicholas Diocesan School
Group C
Linpark High, Umthoqotho High, Howick High
Fixtures
Field 3
08:00 – Linpark High vs Howick High
09:45 – Umthoqotho High vs Linpark High
11:30 – Howick High vs Umthoqotho High
GIRLS’ COMPETITION
Groups and Fixtures
Group A
Riverwood College, Grace College, Epworth School
Fixtures
Field 1
08:00 – Riverwood College vs Grace College
08:55 – Epworth vs Grace College
11:05 – Riverwood College vs Epworth School
Group B
Linpark High, St Anne’s Diocesan College, St Nicholas Diocesan School
Fixtures
Field 2
08:55 – St Anne’s vs Linpark High
09:50 – St Nicholas vs Linpark High
10:55 – St Anne’s vs St Nicholas
Group C
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High, Howick High, The Wykeham Collegiate (TWC), St John’s DSG
Fixtures
Field 3
08:55 – TWC vs PMB Girls’ High
10:40 – Howick High vs St John’s DSG
Field 4
11:40 – Howick High vs PMB Girls’ High
12:30 – TWC vs St John’s DSG
13:55 – Howick High vs TWC
Field 1
13:40 – St John’s DSG vs PMB Girls’ High
Boys’ Semifinals
Field 1
13:30 – Winner Group A vs Winner Group B
14:20 – Winner Group C vs Best Runners-up
The u17 Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) resumes on Sunday, following a week off.
The upper tier of the table remains intriguing, as the top three clubs continue to fight it out for the league title.
Since the first week of the season, the leading contenders have been Mamelodi Sundowns, SAFA Academy, and Highlands Park FC.
After 15 matches, it’s Sundowns, the Brazilians, who top the standings on 40 points.
They’re closely followed by SAFA Academy, on 36 points. They’ve put together an impressive season, which has included a win over Sundowns, but they suffered a surprising 0-2 defeat against Edenvale FC on 6 July, which brought their unbeaten run to an end.
While Highlands Park lies just behind ‘Downs and SAFA Academy in the standings, when they met the two front-runners, it didn’t go well. Sundowns powered their way to a 10-0 victory, while SAFA Academy smashed 14 goals in a one-sided win.
Despite those sizeable setbacks, Highlands Park has responded well and they’re only a point adrift of SAFA Academy, holding down third place with 35 points.
On Sunday, SAFA Academy takes on Kempton Park FC at the University of Pretoria Football Fields, located on the Hillcrest Campus. Kempton Park lies eighth, with 19 points after 15 games. SAFA Academy is, undoubtedly the favourite to further bolster their points’ haul.
Mamelodi Sundowns faces Kenneth FC, at Chloorkop, in Mamelodi. while Highlands Park tackles Refilwe FC.
In other fixtures, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) hosts Hellenic Falcons at President Park, in Vereeniging.
The University of Pretoria (Tuks) has home ground advantage against Dinoko Rondebult, while Tornado FC plays Edenvale FC at the Scelo Stadium, and Panorama FC welcomes JVW FC to Panorama.
Sunday 27 July
11:30 – Tuks vs Dinoko Rondebult, Tuks Football Fields (Hillcrest)
11:30 – Tornado FC vs Edenvale FC, Scelo Stadium
11:30 – RESA vs Hellenic Falcons, President Park,
11:30 – Refilwe FC vs Highlands Park FC, Curro Hazeldean
11:30 – Panorama FC vs JVW FC, Panorama FC
11:30 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kenneth FC, Chloorkop
11:30 – SAFA Academy vs Kempton Park FC, Tuks Football Fields (Hillcrest)
Competition was keen, especially on day one, when few goals were scored and nine draws recorded. On days two and three, the teams found their goal scoring boots. Photo: Supplied.
Following three days of tightly contested football at King Edward VII School (KES), the inaugural Association of Public Boys’ Schools of South Africa (APBSA)Football Festival wrapped up on Thursday.
The evented was dominated by the Gauteng schools, who excelled in the familiar high-altitude conditions.
Parktown Boys’ High, Pretoria Boys High, Jeppe High School for Boys, St David’s Marist Inanda, and the host, KES, were among the teams that excelled.
Prior to the festival, some of those sides might have been concerned about their match fitness, as most Gauteng schools hadn’t yet started their football season. They faced competition from schools that had been actively playing since the second term began, including Northwood, Grey College, and Dale College, but they arrived well-prepared and eager to compete, and they were up to the tasks awaiting them.
With the inaugural Association of Public Boys’ Schools of South Africa (APBSA) Football Festival now in the books, the event was in retrospect, undoubtedly, a huge success. Photo: Supplied.
On Thursday, Parktown Boys’ High secured a 2-1 victory over Grey College, while Pretoria Boys High concluded the festival with a 3-0 win over Dale College. Both Gauteng teams went unbeaten.
Jeppe wrapped up the festival with a 1-1 draw against Rondebosch Boys’ High, and St David’s also ended the festival with a scoreless draw against Northwood. The host, KES, finished their fixtures with a 2-1 win over Queen’s College.
Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG), who had struggled to find their best form in the early going, finished with a flourish, beating Springs Boys’ High 2-0.
St Andrew’s School, another side that hadn’t yet engaged top gear, found it on Thursday and overpowered Potchefstroom Boys’ High 4-0 with an outstanding performance.
Results
Paul Roos 2-0 Springs’ Boys’ High
Rondebosch Boys’ High 1-1 Jeppe
St Andrew’s School 4-0 Potchefstroom Boys’ High
Pretoria Boys High 3-0 Dale College
Parktown Boys’ High 2-1 Grey College
St David’s 0-0 Northwood
KES 2-1 Queen’s College
Parktown Boys’ High is unbeaten after the first two days of the APBSA Football Festival, which included picking up two wins on Wednesday. Photo. Supplied.
The action and excitement continued at the Association of Public Boys’ Schools of South Africa (APBSA) Football Festival, at King Edward VII School (KES) in Johannesburg, on Wednesday with Parktown Boys’ High and Pretoria Boys High among the teams that impressed.
Parktown Boys’ High played with high intensity to maintain a clean record after three matches.
On Wednesday, they beat Potchefstroom Boys’ High 2-1 and Northwood School 1-0, with the goal they conceded against Potch being the only goal they have given up in their three outings.
Another team that remains undefeated is Pretoria Boys High, who have three wins and a draw after the first two days of action. On Wednesday, they took down Paul Roos Gimnasium, winning 1-0 against a team that has not met its usual high standards. Boys High also won their second match by a tight 1-0 margin, seeing off St Andrew’s School.
Jeppe High School for Boys, who made an impressive start on the first day of the festival, thumping St Andrew’s 5-1 before settling for a 1-1 draw against Northwood, added another win and a draw. They beat Queen’s College 3-1 and then drew 1-1 with Grey College.
Although it may be a festival aimed at celebrating football, the competitive spirit shines through with tackles, goals, and strong challenges at the APBSA Football Festival. Photo. Supplied.
Similar to Paul Roos, Grey College has been surprisingly subdued. After their draw with Jeppe, the Bloemfontein boys went down 0-1 to Rondebosch Boys’ High.
Two days into the festival, Grey remains winless, having drawn with Dale College and KES on the opening day.
After a disappointing campaign in the Mancosa KZNHSFA Coastal A-League, Northwood appears to have found some rhythm and they’re playing the kind of football one is more used to seeing from the Knights.
After going one and one on Tuesday – a 2-1 win over Paul Roos and a 0-1 loss to Parktown Boys’ High – they beat Queen’s College 2-1 on Wednesday.
KES had mixed results on day two, winning 2-0 against Potchefstroom Boys’ High before falling 0-2 to Rondebosch Boys’ High.
St David’s Marist Inanda has two wins and a draw after three matches, which included a 3-0 defeat of Dale College on Wednesday, which they followed with a 1-1 draw against Paul Roos.
Dale College slipped to a hard-fought 2-3 loss to Springs Boys’ High, while Springs also drew goalless with St Andrew’s.
Results
Parktown Boys’ High 1-0 Northwood
Jeppe 3-1 Queen’s College
KES 2-0 Potchefstroom Boys’ High
Rondebosch Boys’ High 1-0 Grey College
Springs Boys’ High 0-0 St Andrew’s
Pretoria Boys High 1-0 Paul Roos
St David’s 3-0 Dale College
Northwood 2-1 Queen’s College
Parktown Boys 2-1 Potchefstroom Boys’ High
Jeppe Boys 1-1 Grey College
Rondebosch Boys’ High 2-0 KES
Springs Boys’ High 3-2 Dale College
Pretoria Boys High 1-0 St Andrew’s
Paul Roos 1-1 St David’s
Jeppe High School for Boys excelled on the opening day of the inaugural Association of Public Boys’ Schools of South Africa (APBSA) Football Festival, at King Edward VII School, in Johannesburg. Photo. Jeppe on Facebook.
The inaugural Association of Public Boys’ Schools of South Africa (APBSA) Football Festival kicked off at King Edward VII School (KES), in Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
The event is intended to be a festival, which means there is no overall winner, but the intensity on the fields was palpable on a day of very evenly contested competition.
Jeppe High School for Boys have put together some outstanding performances in 2025 and they showed up well again.
Earlier this season, they defeated the champion of the Mancosa KZHSFA Coastal A-League, Westville Boys’ High in a pre-tournament match leading up to the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament at which Jeppe finished 15th position, just behind another KwaZulu-Natal and South African powerhouse in school football, Maritzburg College, the Mancosa KZNHSFA Inland A-League champions, which highlighted the competitiveness of that tournament.
It was a chastening final position for Jeppe, though, but coach Kevin McCarthy told SuperSport Schools Plus earlier this year in an exclusive interview that Jeppe football is progressing and on a positive trajectory. That appeared to be the case on Tuesday as they drew 1-1 with Northwood before outplaying St Andrew’s School 5-1.
Against St Andrew’s School, Nkosinathi Maselela and Yusuf Sarfudin both struck twice, with Cian Edmeades netting their fifth. Diego Freire was on the score sheet against Northwood.
The hosts, KES, were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) in a highly anticipated match between two of the top guns from Gauteng and the Western Cape. In their following match, KES faced another reputable opponent, Grey College, and had to again settle for a draw, with the contest ending 1-1.
Dale College 1st XI Participates at Inaugural APBSA Football Festival. Photo. Dale College on Facebook.
Parktown Boys’ High went up against the Eastern Cape’s Dale College and came away with a tight 1-0 win. The Johannesburg school also drew 0-0 with St Andrew’s School.
Dale, whose football fortunes slid in 2024 after a strong season and huge improvements in 2023, is gradually regaining its footing.
They’re part of the East London High Schools Football League, also known as the B-Block BWFLA High Schools Soccer League, where their opposition includes, among others, Selborne College, Stutterheim High, and Hudson Park High.
Following their loss to Parktown, Dale took on Grey College. A hard-fought game finished goalless, but it was a boost for the boys from Qonce.
St David’s Marist Inanda made a favourable impression. They kicked off their APBSA Football Festival assignments with a 3-0 win over Rondebosch Boys’ High. They also shared a 0-0 stalemate with Potchefstroom Boys’ High.
In other matches, Rondebosch Boys’ High and Springs Boys’ High drew 0-0, Pretoria Boys High secured a 1-0 victory over Queen’s College, while Queen’s College drew 0-0 draw with Springs in their second match of the day.
Northwood snatched a 2-1 win over Paul Roos, which stood out on a day in which nine of the 14 matches ended in draws.
RESULTS
Grey College 0-0 Dale College
KES 0-0 Paul Roos
Jeppe 1-1 Northwood
Parktown Boys’ High 0-0 St Andrew’s School
Rondebosch High 0-0 Springs High
Pretoria Boys High 1-0 Queen’s College
KES 1-1 Grey College
St David’s 0-0 Potch Boys
Parktown Boys’ High 1-0 Dale College
Northwood 2-1 Paul Roos
Queen’s College 0-0 Springs Boys
St David’s 3-0 Rondebosch Boys’ High
Potch Boys 0-0 Pretoria Boys High
Jeppe 5-1 St Andrew’s School
Amajita lifts the u20 Cosafa crown again after a phenomenal tournament run. Photo. Cosafa.
The momentum of South African development football remains on an upward trajectory after the country successfully defended the u20 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) title on Sunday, with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Malawi in the final.
This year’s u20 Cosafa tournament formed part of the Region 5 Youth Games, which were staged in Windhoek, Namibia, from 4 July to 13 July.
In a progressive and brave move, South Africa fielded the u17 national team, known as Amajimbos, under the coaching of Vela Khumalo, to replace the original u20 national side, coached by Raymond Mdaka, which could have run out for the Rainbow Nation.
South Africa has previously won the title nine times, including last year when they beat their longstanding rivals in the Southern region, Zambia 2-0 in the final.
Earlier this year, that Amajita squad went on to claim their first-ever u20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title, defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final, thanks to a remarkable long-range goal from midfielder, Gomolemo Kekana.
Securing the Afcon title also qualified South Africa for the forthcoming u20 FIFA World Cup, which will be played in Chile, in September.
South Africa celebrates victory with the trophy after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations U20 final against Morocco at 30 June Stadium in Cairo on 18 May 2025. Photo: Ayman Aref/BackpagePix.
Khumalo, who was at the helm of South Africa for the u20 Cosafa tournament, informed the media team of Team South Africa that a decision to deploy a youthful squad for an u20 tournament was a calculated strategy. He said it would serve to prepare the players for the u17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which takes place in November.
In Sunday’s final, Cape Town City’sEmile Witbooi, a member of the SuperSport Schools Class of 2024, proved to be a difference-maker.
He delivered three assists and was awarded the title of man of the match for an exceptional performance.
Njabulo Mzimela opened the scoring, with Simphiwe Mlondo and Omphemetse Sekgoto slotting the second and third goals. Malawi was unable to conjure up a response and South Africa claimed their 10th u20 Cosafa Championship title after an exceptional tournament run.
In the aftermath of their victory, South Africa also received the Fair Play Award for exemplifying true sportsmanship, discipline, and respect throughout the tournament.
Additionally, South Africa’s goalkeeper, Solethu Radebe, was honoured with the Golden Glove for his sure-handed performances in goal.
Malawi’s Mwisho Mhango was named the Player of the Tournament.
Zambia crowned u20 Cosafa Women’s Camps, again.
Zambia was crowned the back-to-back u20 Cosafa Women’s champion. Photo. Cosafa
While the u20 South African men’s team celebrated another title, the women’s team, led by captain Katlego Malebana and coached by the experienced Ntombifuthi Khumalo, was unable to overcome Zambia, suffering a 0-2 defeat in the final.
Previously, in a group stage match on 5 July, the Zambians proved their superiority with a 3-0 win over South Africa.
In recent years, the u20 Cosafa women’s title has belonged to Zambia. The country continues to establish itself as a dominant force and one of the fastest rising nations in women’s football on the African continent.
They also won the u20 Cosafa women’s title in 2024, with South Africa finishing as the runners-up.
Saliya Mwanza, from Zambia, a popular figure whose star continues to rise, showcased exceptional skill, vision, and big game impact to earn the Player of Tournament award.
Her teammate Margaret Phiri received the Golden Glove for her commanding performances in the last line of defence, while Ruth Mukoma and Bwayla Chilese, both from Zambia, shared the Golden Boot Award.
Namibia received the women’s Fair Play Award for the women’s competition.
From Tuesday, 15 July, to Thursday, 17 July, King Edward VII School (KES) is set to host the Association of Public Boys’ Schools of South Africa (APBSA)Football Festival.
The festival, which makes its bow this year, will feature some of the most competitive u19 schoolboy football teams in South Africa.
The competition will be played on two fields over three days.
Among the schools in action will be Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG), primarily recognised for its robust rugby programme and for being a regular supplier of Springbok rugby players, including Damian Willemse, Willie le Roux, Steven Kitshoff, and Herschel Jantjies.
PRG, though, also excels in football and not only in the Western Cape. It’s one of the country’s top football institutions and its alumni includes Ziyaad Eksteen, who has played for Ajax Cape Town and Maritzburg United in the top tier of South African football, the Premier Soccer League.
Former Orlando Pirates‘ wing, Riyaad Norodien, is also a product of the PRG football programme. With their rich history in the sport, Paul Roos will be one of the teams to keep an eye on.
Another school with a rich rugby history, which also excels on the football field, is Grey College. Up against many of South Africa’s top teams, the Bloemfontein boys placed sixth at the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament in May.
While Grey College is renowned for its legendary rugby programme, it is also recognised as one of the most formidable and daring schools in South African football.
Under the leadership of Monde Hlatshwayo, the Director of Football at Grey College – a passionate football aficionado and the holder of a CAF A License, which he obtained in 2024 – Grey has excelled on the football field.
They’ve qualified for the Curro Halala Cup Finals, where they are scheduled to face Curro Soshanguve on 7 August at HeronBridge College. That makes them one of only six in the running to lift the inaugural Curro Halala Cup. Relentless, they’ll be a team to watch at KES.
The hosts, KES, should not be overlooked. They boast a commendable reputation and a robust and successful football programme. Their old boys include Cape Town City midfielder Thabo Nodada and former Manchester United goalkeeper Gary Bailey.
Historically, the school has enjoyed title-winning success in national tournaments, including the Grey College Football Tournament, the St David’s Challenge Cup, and the St Peter’s Tournament.
Northwood School will represent KZN interests in Johannesburg. They’ve played plenty of football already this year, participating in the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament and the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association Coastal A-League. It has, thus far, been a challenging year for the Durban school, but they have shown signs of improvement in recent outings.
The APBSA Football Festival does not declare a winner. It is, instead, intended to be a celebration of the beautiful game.
It will also serve, for many of the participants, as ideal preparation for the forthcoming fixtures in the third term.
Among the other teams that will be in action are Jeppe High School for Boys, Dale College, Pretoria Boys High, Parktown Boys’ High, Rondebosch Boys’ High, St David’s Marist Inanda, St Andrew’s School, Springs’ Boys’ High, Potchefstroom Boys’ High, and Queen’s College.
With a high calibre of schools gracing the inaugural Association of Public Boys’ Schools of South Africa (APBSA) Football Festival, top quality football and competition is on the cards.
Tuesday, 15 July
Field A
08:00 – KES vs Paul Roos
09:00 – Jeppe vs Northwood
10:00 – Queen’s College vs Pretoria Boys High
11:00 – Grey College vs KES
13:00 – Dale College vs Parktown Boys’ High
14:00 – Saint Andrew’s School vs Jeppe
15:00 – St David’s vs Rondebosch Boys’ High
Field B
08:00 – Grey College vs Dale College
09:00 – Parktown Boys’ High vs Saint Andrew’s School
10:00 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Springs Boys’ High
11:00 – St David’s vs Potchefstroom Boys’ High
13:00 – Northwood vs Paul Roos
14:00 – Queen’s College vs Springs Boys’ High
15:00 – Pretoria Boys’ High vs Potchefstroom Boys’ High
Wednesday, 16 July
Field A
08:00 – Parktown Boys’ High vs Northwood
09:00 – Grey College vs Rondebosch Boys’ High
10:00 – Springs Boys’ High vs Saint Andrew’s School
11:00 – Dale College vs St David’s
13:00 – Parktown Boys’ High vs Potchefstroom Boys’ High
14:00 – KES vs Rondebosch Boys’ High
15:00 – Saint Andrew’s School vs Pretoria Boys High
Field B
08:00 – Jeppe vs Queen’s College
09:00 – KES vs Potchefstroom Boys’ High
10:00 – Pretoria Boys High vs Paul Roos
11:00 – Northwood vs Queen’s College
13:00 – Jeppe vs Grey College
14:00 – Dale College vs Springs Boys’ High
15:00 – St David’s vs Paul Roos
Thursday, 17 July
Field A
08:00 – Paul Roos vs Springs Boys’ High
09:00 – Potchefstroom Boys’ High vs Saint Andrew’s School
10:00 – Grey College vs Parktown Boys’ High
11:00 – KES vs Queen’s College
Field B
08:00 -Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Jeppe
09:00 – Dale College vs Pretoria Boys High
10:00 – St David’s vs Northwood
The annual Waterstone College Super Cup concluded this week, with Curro Thatchfield and Curro Wilgeheuwel claiming the boys’ and girls’ titles in the u19 competition.
Curro Thatchfield scored a 2-1 win over Curro Wilgeheuwel in the boys’ final on Monday.
There was title-winning success for Curro Wilgeheuwel, nonetheless, with their girls’ team beating Meridian Cosmo City 2-1 to be crowned the champions.
One of the interested spectators at the Waterstone Super Cup was Tshepo Boee, the coaches’ coordinator and u19 coach of Meridian Cosmo City. He was impressed by what he saw, saying the event was well organised and smoothly coordinated.
“There are referees, and all the fields are clearly marked. The coordination of the tournament appears to be very effective, which is beneficial for school football,” he stated.
Boee said well-structured programmes are crucial. They attract more marketing and increase support, while also attracting top schools to be a part of initiatives.
“This, in turn, fosters competitiveness within the programme,” he explained. “If the initiative lacks proper organisation, it will not be taken seriously. For players to perform at their best, a solid structure must be in place.”
Meridian Cosmo City’s u19 team, which also participated in Waterstone Super Cup, was in action in the Curro Halala Cup earlier this season. Although their Curro Halala Cup campaign didn’t go as they had hoped – they made an early exit – Boee applauded the initiative, but said the competition, in its first year, can learn lessons and make improvements.
Among those improvements is taking on the scourge of football in South Africa, ensuring that players meet the age requirements. Boee said player documentation needs to be thoroughly verified.
He also said he felt schools with well-maintained fields should be permitted to host their own matches. Furthermore, he suggested that in the first two opening games of the Curro Halala Cup, it would be better to have one away fixture and one home fixture.
“It’s important that somehow they avoid centralising the games in the first round and the second round of the Curro Halala Cup,” he said. “Yes, the main tournament can be centralised. Allow schools to organise their own games, and to coordinate their own games.”
Part of his reasoning was that schools need to be self-sufficient and learn how to organise events. Match commissioners and referees could still be appointed by the tournament organisers.
Experience is crucial for players’ development, Boee, said. Exposure to various environments and the challenge of playing away, when it is not only the opposing team, but the supporters of the rival school in the stands, to deal with, offer up meaningful learning experiences.
u19 boys XI Meridian Cosmo City pictured with coach Tshepo Boee. Photo. Supplied.
In recent years, Boee noted that at Meridian girls engage in football more than ever before, and there is increased interest due to the PMSS.
“At Meridian Cosmo, we have u8 up to u17 girls and they all love football and they are teachable. That is why they are improving day in and day out,” he said.
“It’s good to see them enjoying the game. At one stage we never had a team that would have soccer boots – maybe two or three [players] – but if you check now, everyone else is well kept. These players have fallen in love with the game.”
Boee stated that PMSS arrived at an opportune moment for Meridian Cosmo. “Firstly, we needed to recognise that within Meridian Cosmo City, there existed football, specifically school football, which was played but not adequately maintained.”
Since the arrival of PMSS, he said, the Meridian Cosmo community has actively participated in the initiative, with parents supporting their children by attending matches and practices. That involvement instils confidence in both the children and the coaches, Boee said.
“It says, they [the parents] trust us with their kids.
“It’s very difficult nowadays to trust a person with your child, because a lot is happening, but it gives us courage to say ‘guys, let’s do it right’.”
Sun sets at Waterstone College’s prestigious FIFA field following the conclusion of 2025 Waterstone College’s Super Cup. Photo. Waterstone College on Facebook.
“If we fail to execute it properly, we will not provide accurate information to the younger generation.
“Above all, it encourages everyone. Even the children affirm that they will strive to excel when they notice their mother present.
“It brings a smile to everyone. We are pleased to witness the support from all, which instils confidence in us at PMSS to exert an even greater effort,” he concluded.
While neither of Meridian Cosmo City’s teams won the Waterstone Super Cup, it served as a litmus test, demonstrating the progress the school has made under the guidance of PMSS in the past three years, during which is had competed at the highest level.
In the Waterstone College Super Cup, the girls’ team made it all the way through to the final, while the boys’ team was eliminated in the semi-finals by the eventual champions, Curro Wilgeheuwel, exiting 2-3 after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
They subsequently won in the bronze playoff, scoring an impressive 3-2 victory over Curro Soshanguve, a team that has been performing well in other competitions, including the Curro Halala Cup.
RESULTS
Boys’ Competition
Semi-finals
Curro Thatchfield 1-0 Curro Soshanguve
Curro Wilgeheuwel (3) 1-1 (2) Meridian Cosmo City
Boys’ 3rd Place
Meridian Cosmo City 3-2 Curro Soshanguve
Boys’ Final
Curro Thatchfield 2-1 Curro Wilgeheuwel
Girls’ Competition
Semi-finals
Curro Wilgeheuwel (4) 1-1 (3) Curro Protea Glen
Meridian Cosmo City 3-1 Waterstone College
The South African girls’ team is one of the favourites to lift the title at the forthcoming Regional 5 Youth Games. The event takes place in Namibia from 4 to 13 July.
South Africa’s women’s football teams have earned a strong reputation over the years, and the country is viewed as a powerhouse in the Southern African region at women’s u20 level.
Historically, South Africa secured victory in three Region 5 Games women’s u20 tournaments between 2014 and 2018, and the country finished third in 2019 at the inaugural Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa)u20 Women’s Championship.
One of the players expected to lead South Africa challenge in Namibia is Katlego Malebana, who was named in the SuperSport Schools Class of 2024.
She was captain of the South African team that proudly claimed the title at the u15 CAF African Schools Football Tournament in Zanzibar in 2024. She has also captained South Africa’s u17 national team.
Malebana brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the side. That experience includes playing for the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies first team in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
The squad includes other exceptional players, among them Mphelo Thorisho, who is a student at Holly Family College and a first team player for JVW FC, and Khwezi Khoza, who has already proved herself at u20 level.
Coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo, who has enjoyed success with the national women’s development teams, will guide the South African squad, and will be assisted by, among others, Rhoda Mulaudzi, a former forward for Mamelodi Sundowns, who serves in the coaching department of Sundowns’ development team.
They’ll enjoy further support from Thokozile Mndaweni and Sanelisiwe Dladla, who complete the technical team.
Rehaan Allie his aiming to help South Africa to stake a claim to being the basketball power of Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia. Photo. Supplied.
The South African u16 boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are part of a large contingent of 198 athletes selected to represent Team South Africa (SA) at the forthcoming 11th Region 5 Youth Games, which take place in Namibia from 4 July to 13 July.
The Region 5 Youth Games, an initiative of the African Union Sport Council, involves 10 participating countries – Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namiyibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The event also includes athletes with visual impairments and those competing in the Special Olympics.
Team South Africa will compete in a wide variety of sports, including athletics, visually impaired athletics, basketball, boxing, football, judo, karate, netball, Special Olympics (athletics), swimming, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball.
In the previous Region 5 Games, held in Lilongwe, Malawi, in 2022, Team South Africa excelled and finished top of the medal table with a total of 113, including 60 gold medals.
The Games have previously played host to athletes who gone on to fame on the world stage, including Olympic gold medallists, Wayde van Niekerk and Caster Semenya.
The South African basketball teams are eager to make their mark. Among the players is the somewhat reserved yet intensely competitive point guard Reza Creamer, from St John’s College, who also plays club basketball for the Jozi Stars and Westcliff Eagles. He will have a key role to play for South Africa.
Reza Creamer in action at AISJ tournament. Photo: Tyler Dendere
In the girls’ team, watch out for Mamello Nalenyane and Bokang Lefakane, both from the Soweto Basketball Academy.
The South African lineup also includes Allie Rehaan and Thabo Marotola, from Cape Town.
Shafiek Allie, Rehaan’s father, who coaches both players, told SuperSport Schools Plus that Rehaan began his basketball journey at the age of six, and participated in his first u12 game at just eight years of age.
Rehaan, who attends Pinelands High School, was named the Jnr NBA MVP in 2023, Top Schools u14 MVP in 2023, Wynberg Boys Basketball Tournament u16 MVP in 2024, IPT March All Star that same year, IPT March All Star in 2025, and a Soweto Uprising Basketball TournamentAll Star in 2025. He has represented Western Province since 2023.
Marotola joined the Montana Vikings Basketball Club 16 months ago, having begun his basketball career with Cape Waves, now known as Linge Basketball Academy. He has been part of the provincial team since 2023 and was named an IPT March 2025All Star.
The South African u16 basketball teams fly out to Windhoek on Tuesday morning.
On Saturday, Riverwood College hosts the Riverwood aQuellé Soccer Festival, which brings together nine boys’ teams and 10 girls’ teams from across KwaZulu-Natal for a one-day festival in Pietermaritzburg.
From Tuesday, 15 July, to Thursday, 17 July, King Edward VII School (KES) is set to host the Association of Public Boys’ Schools of South Africa (APBSA) Football Festival.
The South African girls’ team is one of the favourites to lift the title at the forthcoming Regional 5 Youth Games. The event takes place in Namibia from 4 to 13 July.
