The first round of the Curro Halala Cup in the Free State concluded on Thursday, leaving the Eastern Cape as the only province yet to complete the opening round of the competition.
It started with 60 teams, but the Curro Halala Cup has slowly whittled down and now 32 sides remain in the hunt for the title.
On Wednesday, Navalsig High School defeated HTS Louis Botha 2-0 to march into the next stage of the competition.
That’s a big scalp for Navalsig. Earlier in May, at the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament, HTS Louis Botha made it to the semi-finals before losing to the eventual champion, Virginia High School.
A tight contest was expected on Thursday, given Navalsig’s familiarity with HTS Louis Botha, and so it proved to be, with Navalsig securing a 2-0 victory to advance to the next round.
Brebner High School was exceptional on Wednesday, netting four goals without reply against Curro Bloemfontein.
Kyrios Independent School was the first team to qualify for round two on Thursday after a 2-1 win over Calculus High School.
Grey College faced Moroka High and was pushed all the way. It was 1-1 after regulation time, but Grey won from the penalty spot, taking the shootout 4-2.
The Curro Halala Cup action continues in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday, 22 May.
RESULTS
Wednesday, 14 May
Navalsig High School 2-0 HTS Louis Botha
Brebner High School 4-0 Curro Bloemfontein
Thursday, 15 May
Kyrios Independent School 2-1 Calculus High School
Grey College (4) 1-1 (2) Moroka High School
Tylon Smith, Amajita defender scored the winning goal against Nigeria in the u20 Afcon semifinals
The South African u20 National Team, known as Amajita, is through to the Confederation of African Football (CAF),u20 Afcon final for the first time since 1997.
In a heavyweight match at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, in Egypt, on Thursday evening, Amajita defeated the record seven-time u20 Afcon champions Nigeria 1-0.
The Suez Canal Authority Stadium has proved to be a happy hunting venue for Amajita. They’ve won all the games they have played there, beating Tanzania 1-0, Sierra Leone 4-1, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 in the quarterfinals.
On Thursday, Amajita added another victory at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, despite facing challenging circumstances against the continent’s most decorated u20 team.
Tylon Smith, who plies his trade for Stellenbosch FC, has been outstanding in South Africa’s defence but, on this occasion, he made his most important contribution on the other end of the field by scoring the winning goal, with an assist from Neo Rapoo.
Rapoo whipped in an inviting cross, which Smith met with a powerful header, which he buried in the back of the goal. The strike was his first of the tournament and arguably the most important goal yet for the Amajita.
Despite Nigeria dominating the match, controlling possession while engineering several shots on goal, coach Raymond Mdaka‘s squad showed strong teamwork and resilience, characteristics that have been evident throughout the tournament.
u20 South African National Team
Even though they have qualified for the u20 FIFA World Cup and have reached the final of the u20 Afcon, the journey is not yet complete, as famously stated by the late Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant in 2009, “Job’s not finished.” Amajita is aiming to go all the way.
South Africa has never before won the u20 Afcon title, finishing as the runner-up in 1997 and with a bronze medal in 2019 after defeating the Nigerians 5-3 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time. They, also, finished fourth in 2009 and 2017.
In the 1997 final, Amajita went down 0-1 to the host nation, Morocco. That team was coached by Shakes Mashaba and included Stanton Fredericks, Benni McCarthy, and Mathew Booth, all of whom went on to have distinguished careers in domestic and international football, and playing for Bafana Bafana.
Amajita’s coach Mdaka congratulated his team: “Yes, another win. Congratulations to the boys. What a good job! Good character, very disciplined, sticking to the agreements, tactical, technical. We truly appreciate it,” he said.
“As much it was not easy, our boys are growing in every match, growing in character and growing in everything. Thank you so much and well done boys and well done for the country.”
The u20 Afcon final takes place on Sunday and it mirrors the 1997 gold match, with South Africa taking on Morocco.
The Moroccans defeated Egypt 1-0 in a North African showdown to book their place in the title decider, thanks to a second-half goal from Jones El-Abdellaoui.
Egypt, playing on home soil, was outperformed by Morocco, who demonstrated superior skill throughout the match.
The Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal and Inland Second Term A-Leagues have reached an exciting mid-season phase and Tuesday’s matches threw up some interesting results to add further intrigue to the standings.
Coastal A
At Queensburgh High School, Westville Boys’ High defeated the newly promoted Empangeni High 2-0.
That was Empangeni’s third defeat in the league, following a 0-1 loss to Glenwood in their most recent match a week earlier.
Dayyan Fudu excelled for the Griffin, scoring both of their goals. The victory propelled Westville to 10 points after four matches and to first place in the standings.
In a highly anticipated match, Glenwood took on Port Shepstone High. Entering the match, Port Shepstone had won all three of their previous matches, and without conceding a goal. As the defending champion, Glenwood was eager to make a statement about the pretenders to their crown.
The Green Machine‘s coach, Khaya Mgwengwe, told SuperSport Schools Plus that his team needed to deliver a significant performance, and they did just that.
Nkosi Mkwane opened the scoring for Glenwood, after a bit of a defensive muddle, as they swept to a 3-1 victory. Jude Mavana netted the second goal, a remarkable strike from just short of the halfway line, out wide on the right, from a free kick, and Mbuso Gumede, who has been instrumental for Glenwood this season, completed the scoring for the Durban school.
Hillcrest High, meanwhile, received a 3-0 win and three points after Pinetown Boys’ High failed to show up. That elevated Hillcrest High up to second place, just above Glenwood.
NorthwoodSchool and Bechet, who have both struggled for wins this season, and who occupy the bottom two rungs of the ladder, shared a goalless draw.
Nothing has yet been decided at the opposite end of the log, where Westville leads on 10 points, but is only one clear of Hillcrest, Glenwood, and Port Shepstone, who all have nine.
Empangeni, in fifth, will be eager to improve their log position, while Pinetown Boys’ High and Bechet, in sixth and seventh places, with two points each, have work to do. Northwood, at the bottom, is in danger of relegation and needs to engineer a turnaround strategy.
Inland A
In the Inland A League, the league leaders, Maritzburg College, secured a crucial last-minute victory over Edendale Technical High School. Malachi Momple, a consistent scorer for College with his educated left boot, netted the decisive goal to secure a 1-0 win for the Red, Black, and White.
Maritzburg College and Carter High School are in a tight competition for first place in the standings, with College just ahead on 10 points, and Carter on eight.
On Tuesday, Carter comfortably beat Newton 4-0. Babalwa Ntlasana was on fire, scoring a hattrick, and Pellucid Nxumalo scored the fourth. Bayanda Msomi was also in good form providing assists for all four goals.
Linpark, in third place with seven points, scored a 1-0 win over Haythorne Secondary School.
Alexandra High School, who have had a season of mixed results – one win, two draws, and one loss – played to a 2-2 draw against Ixopo Secondary School.
RESULTS
Coastal A
Glenwood 3-1 Port Shepstone
Westville Boys’ High 2-0 Empangeni High School
Bechet 0-0 Northwood
Hillcrest High 2-0 Pinetown
Inland A
Maritzburg College A Team 1-0 Edendale Technical High School
Alexandra High School A Team 2-2 Ixopo Secondary School
Carter High 4-0 Newton
Linpark 1-0 Haythorne Secondary School
FIXTURES
Thursday, 15 May: Coastal B
Queensburgh High School
Field 1
15:10 – Amanzimtoti vs New Forest
16:15 – Redwood vs Durban High School
Field 2
15:10 – Queensburgh High School
16:15 – Sastri vs Ashton Ballito A Team
Friday, 16 May: Coastal C
Queensburgh High School
Field 1
George Campbell vs Birdswood
Field 2
15:10 – Durban Academy vs Brettonwood
16:15 – Ashton Ballito B Team vs Canaan College
Thursday, 15 May: Inland B
Alexandra High School
Field 1
15:00 – Alexandra High School B Team vs ML Sultan
Field 2
15:00 – Northbury vs Maritzburg Christian School
16:05 – Thornhill vs Heritage Academy
Friday, 16 May: Inland B
Barns Field (Maritzburg College)
15:00 – Riverwood vs Maritzburg College B Team
Friday, 16 May: Inland C
AB Jackson
15:00 – Newton B Team vs Umvuzo
16:05 – Michaelhouse vs Maritzburg College C Team
The South African u20 national team, known as Amajita, has qualified for the 2025 FIFA u20 World Cup, set to take place in Chile from 27 October to 19 November.
It’s another big boost for South African football, with Amajita joining the South African u17 national team, which has already qualified for the u17 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted in Qatar from 3-27 November.
Amajita secured their qualification by advancing to the semi-finals of the ongoing Confederation of African Football (CAF) u20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), after a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the quarterfinals on Monday.
Following the victory, Amajita’s head coach, Raymond Mdaka told SAFA Media: “We used almost everything that we thought we had, technically, tactically, physically and the character.
“You could see they had a very good plan for us, but we were fortunate not to concede in the first half and in the second half. We sorted it out and then we, at least, came back and were able to get a goal and protected the goal.”
The match was at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, on Monday evening, with Amajita scoring the decisive goal during extra time after the game ended in a 0-0 draw in the standard 90 minutes.
Thabang Mahlangu, with an assist from Shakeel April, netted the winning goal, which not only sealed Amajita’s progression to the u20 FIFA World Cup but also to the semi-finals of the u20 Afcon. They’re still in the running to claim the continental title, of course.
Dr. Danny Jordaan, the President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), commended Amajita, saying their diligent efforts in Egypt have been recognised.
“This is another momentous occasion, coming so soon after we qualified for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Sunday, and the FIFA u17 World Cup to be held in Qatar from 3–27 November 2025,” he stated.
Three African powerhouses – Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria – qualified for the Afcon semis along with South Africa. All four have qualified for the World Cup.
Egypt faces Morocco on Thursday at the 30 June Stadium, while South Africa takes on Nigeria at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, also on Thursday. All the games are streamed on CAT Tv on YouTube.
Quarterfinals results
South Africa 1-0 DR Congo
Egypt (5) 2-2 (4) Ghana
Morocco 1-0 Sierra Leone
Nigeria (3) 1-1 (1) Ghana
Westville Boys’ High opened their league campaign with a 1-0 win over Bechet in the rain. In round three, they beat previously undefeated Hillcrest High 3-0. Photo: Brad Morgan.
The Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal and Inland Second Term Leagues have reached their halfway point.
This week’s games, thus, take on additional importance as teams attempt to make moves to secure places in the playoffs.
The Coastal A-League is heating up and a keenly awaited showdown takes place on Tuesday at Queensburgh High School between the table-topping Port Shepstone High and the defending champion, Glenwood High.
Sheppie has won all three of their matches thus far, while the Green Machineappears to be hitting its stride. Last time out, Glenwood beat Empangeni, and they’ll be keen to build on that success.
Glenwood was beaten by Hillcrest High in their opener, but they’re up to fourth in the standings. Port Shepstone already has wins over Bechet, Empangeni, and Northwood.
Northwood has struggled this season, but they have an opportunity to right the ship when they tackle Bechet on Tuesday. The Knights haven’t yet tasted victory and have, in fact, lost all three of their matches, while Bechet has picked up only one point from their three games, thanks to a 1-1 draw with Pinetown Boys’ High.
Tuesday’s other matches at Queensburgh High School feature Hillcrest High versus Pinetown Boys’ High and Empangeni High against Westville Boys’ High.
Inland A
Edendale Technical High School, who are in fifth place in the Inland A-League standings, will have to climb a mountain on Tuesday when they take on the league leaders, Maritzburg College, on Barns Field.
The Red, Black, and Whiteteam will aim to capitalise on their home-ground advantage as they aim to protect and maybe even extend their two-point lead over Carter High at the top of the standings. College has seven points after two wins and a goalless draw with Carter.
Carter, meanwhile, takes on sixth-placed Newtown. While there is a considerable gap between their log positions, only one point separates the sides. A good result for Carter, though, and a slip-up from College, against a team that ousted them in the quarterfinals of the Jody Momple Cuplast year, could see Carter leapfrog their rivals and move to the top.
Linpark, in third place, goes up against Haythorne Secondary School, who are propping up the table with one draw and two losses after three games. They’ll be out to reverse their fortunes on Tuesday.
Alexandra High School tackles Ixopo Secondary School. Their meeting has the look of a sneaky-good clash.
FIXTURES
Coastal A
Queensburgh High School
Field 1
15:10 – Bechet vs Northwood School
16:15 – Port Shepstone vs Glenwood
Field 2
15:10 – Pinetown vs Hillcrest High
16:15 – Westville vs Empangeni
Inland A
Venue: Barns Field (Maritzburg College)
15:00 – Linpark vs Haythorne
16:00 – Maritzburg College A Team vs Edendale
Venue: Alexandra High School
15:00 – Newton vs Carter High School
16:00 – Alexandra High School A Team vs Ixopo Secondary School
The Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA)Coastal and Inland B-League and C-League have started at a gradual pace. However, Redwood College and Queensburgh High School, in the Coastal B-League, are making a promising push for promotion.
Coastal B-League Matchday 3 Recap: Thursday
On Thursday, Redwood College, the log leaders of the Coastal B-League, earned a 2-1 win over Amanzimtoti High School, who occupy seventh place in the standings, just above the Ashton Ballito A team, which props up the log.
Redwood College is tied with Queensburgh High School, with seven points after three games, with goal difference separating the teams at the top of the standings.
Playing at home, Queensburgh High School impressed with a comfortable 3-0 win over Sastri College.
New Forest High School delivered a strong performance, outplaying the Ashton Ballito A Team 5-1, while Durban High School (DHS) earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Grosvenor Boys’ High School.
Coastal B-League Table
Group Stage
School/Team
PLD
W
D
L
PTS
GF
GA
GD
1
Redwood
3
2
1
0
7
9
3
6
2
Queensburgh High
3
2
1
0
7
5
2
3
3
Grosvenor
3
1
1
1
4
5
3
2
4
DHS
3
1
1
1
4
1
2
-1
5
Sastri
3
1
1
1
4
5
4
1
6
New Forest
3
1
1
1
4
7
6
1
7
Amanzimtoti
3
0
1
2
1
2
5
-3
8
Ashton Ballito A Team
3
0
1
2
1
3
12
-9
Inland B-League Matchday 3 Recap: Thursday
In the Inland B-League, Maritzburg Christian School (MCS) enjoyed a successful outing, winning 4-0 against Thornhill, at Alexandra High School, on Thursday.
It was the first win of the season for MCS, who were overrun by the league leaders, ML Sultan, in their opening match, going down 0-7.
ML Sultan remains the only team that hasn’t dropped points since the season started, with three wins from three matches. On Thursday, Riverwood College became the latest team to taste defeat at the hands of ML Sultan, losing 0-3.
Northbury Park Secondary School trails ML Sultan by only two points and won 1-0 against Riverwood College. The Maritzburg College B Team played to a 2-2 draw against Heritage Academy.
Inland B-League Table
Group Stage
School/Team
PLD
W
D
L
PTS
GF
GA
GD
1
ML Sultan
3
3
0
0
9
14
0
14
2
Northbury
3
2
1
0
7
8
1
7
3
Maritzburg College B Team
3
1
2
0
5
4
3
1
4
Riverwood
3
1
1
1
4
3
4
-1
5
Maritzburg Christian College
3
1
0
2
3
5
9
-4
6
Heritage Academy
3
0
2
1
2
2
6
-4
7
Alexandra High School B Team
3
0
1
2
1
1
4
-3
8
Thornhill
3
0
1
2
1
1
11
-10
Coastal C League Matchday 2: Friday
In the Coastal C-League, Durban Academy dominated the Ashton Ballito B Team, cruising to a 7-0 victory.
Brettonwood High School, the league leaders, picked up a 2-0 win over Birdswood Secondary School, who remain winless thus far this season.
Canaan College also won, defeating George Campbell 2-0.
As it stands, Brettonwood, Canaan College, and Durban Academy each have four points after two matches, with Brettonwood at the top of the standings.
George Campbell, the Ashton Ballito B Team, and Birdswood find themselves in the lower half of the table, still in search of their first win this season.
Coastal C-League Table
Group Stage
School/Team
PLD
W
D
L
PTS
GF
GA
GD
1
Brettonwood
2
1
1
0
4
2
0
2
2
Canaan College
2
1
1
0
4
2
0
2
3
Durban Academy
2
1
1
0
4
7
0
7
4
Geroge Campbell
2
0
1
1
1
0
2
-2
5
Ashton Ballito B Team
2
0
1
1
1
0
7
-7
6
Birdswood
2
0
1
1
1
0
2
-2
Inland C League Matchday
The Inland C League features only four teams: Umvuzo Secondary School, the Newton School B Team, Michaelhouse, and the Maritzburg College C Team.
Only one match was played, with Maritzburg College C and Newton drawing 1-1.
The match between Umvuzo Secondary School and Michaelhouse was postponed until Monday.
Inland C League Table
Group Stage
School/Team
PLD
W
D
L
PTS
GF
GA
GD
1
Umvuzo
1
1
0
0
3
1
0
1
2
Newtown B Team
2
0
2
0
2
1
1
0
3
Michaelhouse
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
4
Maritzburg College C Team
2
0
1
1
1
1
2
-1
RESULTS
Thursday, 8 May
Coastal B
Redwood 2-1 Amanzimtoti
Queensburgh High School 3-0 Sastri College
New Forest 5-1 Ashton Ballito A Team
Durban High School 1-0 Grosvenor Boys’ High School
Inland B
Northbury 1-0 Alexandra High School B Team
ML Sultan 3-0 Riverwood College
Maritzburg Christian School 4-0 Thornhill
Maritzburg College B Team 2-2 Heritage Academy
Friday, 9 May
Coastal C
Canaan College 2-0 George Campbell
Durban Academy 7-0 Ashton Ballito B Team
Brettonwood 2-0 Birdswood
Inland C
Maritzburg College C Team 1-1 Newton B Team
Note: Umvuzo vs Michaelhouse (Rescheduled to Monday, 12 May)
Meridian Cosmo City against Randfontein High School in the first round of the Curro Halala Cup. Photo. Meridian Cosmo City on Facebook.
Due to adverse weather conditions in late April, some first-round matches in the Curro Halala Cup were unable to be played, including games in the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng.
Those matches were rescheduled and some were played on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
On Thursday, at Curro Hillcrest, in KwaZulu-Natal, Hillcrest High School, who had made an impressive and exciting start to the season, sought a positive response to a 0-3 defeat in the Mancosa KZNHSFA Coastal A-League against Westville Boys’ High School in their last outing.
They didn’t have much time to regroup and redirect their focus towards their Curro Halala Cup match against Grantleigh College. No problem, though, as the locals found their goal-scoring form. They progressed to the next round after a 7-3 victory in a game that rained goals.
Glenwood High School was awarded a 3-0 walkover after Pinetown Boys’ High, disappointingly, failed to show up.
In Johannesburg, at Waterstone College, Mondeor High School defeated Curro Protea Glen 3-2, while Curro Wilgeheuwel secured a 3-1 victory over Queens High School.
Meridian Cosmo City moved on to the next round after an entertaining 6-5 win from the penalty spot over Randfontein High School, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Norkem Park High School advanced, too, after an entertaining 4-3 win over Waterstone College in a game that showcased outstanding moments of football and some memorable goals.
In KZN, at Curro Hillcrest, Durban High School(DHS) and Kloof High School faced off in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Both teams’ goalkeepers were well-prepared and rose to the occasion. Several kicks were missed, but, eventually, DHS snatched a 2-1 win from the spot
Curro Hillcrest delivered a dominant performance, defeating Creston College 6-0.
The remaining fixtures of the rescheduled first round of the Curro Halala Cup will take place in the Free State on Wednesday, 14 May, and Thursday, 15 May, while those in the Eastern Cape are scheduled for Thursday, 22 May.
RESULTS
Wednesday, 7 May
Meridian Cosmo City (6) 2-2 (5) Randfontein High School
Norkem Park 4-3 Waterstone College
Durban High School (2) 1-1 (1) Kloof High School
Curro Hillcrest 6-0 Creston College
Thursday, 8 May
Glenwood High School 3-0 Pinetown Boys’ High School
Hillcrest High School 7-3 Grantleigh College
Mondeor High School 3-2 Curro Protea Glen
Curro Wilgeheuwel 3-1 Queens High School
Ngakane explained that Virginia High is in partnership with the Virginia Sports Academy. In club competitions, they unite as Virginia Sports Academy, but they run out as Virginia High School in school sports events.
Working in that manner helps with the scouting of players and the dual pursuit of football and academics at Virginia High.
Since it opened in 2018, Virginia High has flourished on the football field and attracted national attention, with some players catching the eye of national teams. Oageng Lebesane has earned a place in the u17 South African National Team, while Sello Mokhobo and Lisolethu Tshangela were included in the preliminary squad.
Virginia High also excels in other sporting codes, including netball, and athletics, with Kgotso Tansi and Tshogofatso Tsokodubane representing Free State at the National Athletics South Africa (ASA) Championship in Cape Town during the March holidays.
Despite the school having already achieved so much, Ngakane humbly described winning the Absa Wildeklawer title as “surreal”.
“The school opened in 2018, and we did not have sports at all,” he explained. “We started having sports in 2022.
Oageng Lebesane in action for the South African u17 National Team in a recent Afcon game in Morocco, against Cameroon. Photo. Supplied
“That’s when we started with soccer and, in 2023, the Virginia Sports Academy was introduced to our school. To this day, it feels unbelievable, because we have always looked up to schools like Grey College with the facilities that they have.
“We have always looked up to HTS Louis Botha. We have always been scared of HTS Louis Botha. Their dream is not shallow. They take sports very seriously.”
Ngakane credited Head Coach Pitso Mokoena – a former player for Bloemfontein Celtic, Free State Stars, and AmaZulu FC – for Virginia’s success. Competing at the highest level
It’s not as if Virginia High’s victory at the Absa Wildeklawer tournament was a bolt out of the blue, though. They’ve already made their mark in other major events, including the Engen Knockout Challenge, and they’re the provincial champion in the Engen Cup, having recorded back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.
In 2023, they were also the bronze medallists of the Engen Champs of Champs when competing as Virginia Sports Sports Academy, Ngakane pointed out.
In both 2023 and 2024, they were the provincial champions of the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship, which celebrated 20 years of existence last year.
“It is not by chance that we are where we you say we are,” Ngakane explained. “[It’s because of] the amount of work that we put in before many schools start with their practices or with their matches. We start immediately when we reopen in January.
The Team Manager of the Virginia High School 1st XI, Lekhoba Ngakane. Photo. Supplied.
“With our preseason, I do not want to say it’s harsh, but it’s very hectic. You would swear that we are playing in a PSL League, so it’s not by chance that we are where we are.”
Virginia High also competes in the local SAFA Regional League, known as the Hollywoodbets Regional League, for sponsorship purposes. That’s the fourth tier of domestic football in the South African football pyramid.
Facing older opponents in the league has toughened the school’s players’ mentality and boosted their competitiveness.
Shift in Mindset
In 2024, they finished seventh at the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament. Ngakane believes that that squad could have won the event, and suggested that it was, in fact, better than the current squad.
“I don’t know what happened, but that team last year was the one that was going to win the Wildeklawer. But I think it’s [our winning] mentality [that won it] this year.”
Virginia’s 2025 squad is younger than last year’s powerful unit. But it is powered by a winning mindset and fighting spirit, which took it to the title in Kimberley.
“When you look at the games in which we conceded first, our team had the mentality to rebound to win those games, so it’s about their mentality. We also learned from last year,” Ngakane said.
The 2025 Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament winners, Virginia High School.
“Winning the Wildeklawer is an honour”
“Wherever I go, they [people] keep on saying saying ‘Hello, champ’. It’s wonderful. We do not take it lightly. It’s an honour that we carry as a badge.
“We have written the name of Virginia High School among the best, and when you look at who has won Wildeklawer, it’s HTS Louis Botha and Clapham High School, then you mention Virginia High School,” he added.
Ngakane praised the parents who supported the team throughout the Absa Wildeklawer tournament and HTS Louis Botha for their support during the final, despite the Bloemfontein side being eliminated by Virginia High in the semifinals.
It was, he felt, a remarkable display of sportsmanship that they stood behind Virginia High in the final against the Wildeklawer Academy.
After going down to Hillcrest High in the second round of the Mancosa KZNHSFA Second-Term League, the defending champion, Glenwood High, returned to winning ways with a tight 1-0 win over Empangeni High. Photo: Brad Morgan.
The third round of the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA)Coastal and Inland A Leagues, saw top dogs, like Glenwood High School, return to winning ways, rebounding from a recent defeat to Hillcrest High.
Glenwood, after going down 0-2 to Hillcrest, showed their champion spirit in a hard-fought win over Empangeni High on Tuesday.
It was an important win for Glenwood, the winners of the Coastal A-League in 2023 and 2024, especially after they finished 10th at the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament, which did not meet their usual standards.
On Wednesday, Green Machine coach, Khaya Mgwengwe, told SuperSport Schools Plus that his team could have produced better results in Kimberley.
“We are proud of the work the boys put in under very difficult situations,” he said. “They had a tough schedule, playing three games in a space of six hours. That wasn’t easy.
“The competition was good. We lost only one game but won only one out of four, as well. So, there is a sense we could have done better. We certainly had opportunities to do so.
“It’s a trip we look forward to every year. We’re starting to prepare better for it, as well. It’s only a matter of time before we start making real noise there,” he added.
After quickly refocusing, Glenwood faced newly promoted Empangeniwho were eager to create an upset on Tuesday. Glenwood, though, rose to the challenge, determined to rectify their previous setback.
A goal from Ukwazi Dludla sealed the win against Empangeni as Glenwood picked up three points.
Mbuso Gumede from Glenwood High collecting a man of the match award from Kimberley Boys’ High Headmaster Xolile Taba following his impressive shift against Paul Roos Gimnasium during the group stages of the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament. Photo. Glenwood High School on Facebook.
They’re currently fourth in the standings. Port Shepstone High leads the way, followed by Westville Boys’ High and Hillcrest High. Sheppie has a full haul of nine points after three wins on the trot
Mgwengwe told SuperSport Schools Plus that Tuesday’s victory over Empangeni High was important for Glenwood in many ways.
“It was a disappointing result the week before against a very good Hillcrest side,” he admitted. “We needed the win more than the performance. We are still in the running in the standings. We couldn’t afford to lose more points,” he explained.
Mgwengwe said Tuesday’s clash was tough. “Our boys are still recovering [from the Absa Wildeklawer Tournament], so we knew the performance wasn’t going to be there.
“We needed the attitude to be on point. We were proven correct. Empangeni played hard and played well. They were stronger in challenges than us. They got numbers around the ball and made it difficult.
“Honestly speaking, I think a draw would have been a fair result.”
He also praised the effort of the Zululand side, saying: “We tried to use our set plays but Empangeni stood firm. I believe they will still have a say in what happens at the end of the season.”
As the defending champion, there is a target on his team’s back, Mgwengwe said.
“We have won this competition two years in a row and been in three of the last four finals. We are aware that most teams probably give more against us, but we enjoy that. It is not something we as a coaching team talk about,” he said.
“We have a group of players who are different from what we have had before. Our job is to put them together and try to get the best results we can.
“Most importantly, we want them to enjoy putting on the first team jersey because one day you will never put it on again. That in itself is enough motivation for the boys,” he concluded.
In other Coastal A-League matches played on Tuesday, Westville Boys’ High School decisively defeated Hillcrest 3-0, with Nkanyezi Mkhungo scoring twice and Dayyan Fudu contributing the third goal.
Port Shepstone stayed on the winning path with a tight 1-0 win over Northwood.
The Durban school has made a stuttering start to the season and, after three matches, they have yet to earn a point. With few opportunities remaining, the Knights will have to be focused on winning and nothing less.
Bechet and Pinetown ended their match in a 1-1 stalemate.
In the Inland A-League, the table is starting to take on a familiar shape. Maritzburg College leads the way after accumulating seven points from three matches. They are closely followed by the defending champion, Carter High School, who occupy second with five points.
Maritzburg College underwhelmed at the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament and exited in the group stages. They were chasing a change of fortune on Tuesday. They got it with a convincing victory over Ixopo Secondary School, on Barns Field.
Ixopo suffered a tough defeat, losing 1-3 to the Red, Black, andWhite, with Malachi Momple netting a goal for the winners, Mazithi Qasha converting a penalty for College, and Nzolo Ngcemu rounding off the goal-scoring for College.
In a key contest, Carter High School secured a 2-1 victory over Edendale Technical High School, with goals from Adunyiswe Sibiya and Babalo Ntlasantsana, while Manelisi Shezi netted a consolation goal for Edendale.
In other fixtures of the Inland A-League, Alexandra High School secured a 1-0 victory over Linpark, thanks to a goal from Brooklyn Williams.Newton also secured a 1-0 victory over Haythorne Secondary School.
Note: More Mancosa KZNHSFA Coastal and Inland League matches will take place on Thursday, 8 May, and Friday, 9 May. They will be streamed on the SuperSport Schools App and DStv Channel 216.
Newton 1-0 Haythorne
Maritzburg College 3-1 Ixopo Secondary School
Carter High School 2-1 Edendale Technical High School
Alexandra High School 1-0 Linpark
Forthcoming Fixtures
Coastal B: Thursday, 8 May
Venue: Queensburgh High School
Field 1
15:10 – Amanzimtoti vs Redwood
16:15 – Ashton Ballito A Team vs New Forest
Field 2
15:10 – Sastri College vs Queensburgh High School
16:15 – Durban High School vs Grosvenor
Coastal C: Friday, 9 May
Venue: Queensburgh High School
Field 1
15:10 – George Campbell vs Canaan College
16:15 – Durban Academy vs Ashton Ballito B Team
Field 2
16:15 – Birdswood vs Brettonwood
Inland B: Thursday, 8 May
Venue: Alexandra High School
Field 1
15:10 – Alexandra High School B Team vs Northbury
16:15 – Thornhill vs Maritzburg Christian School
Field 2
15:10 – Riverwood College vs ML Sultan
16:15 – Heritage Academy vs Maritzburg College B Team
Inland C: Friday, 9 May
Venue: AB Jackson
15:10 – Maritzburg College C Team vs Newton B Team
16:05 – Umvuzo vs Michaelhouse
Empangeni High School XI Football Team. Photo. Supplied
Fans of the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal Football Association (KZNHSFA) Second-Term League have been starved of football for a week, with KZN teams participating in various tournaments, including the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament and the annual Freedom Cup Soccer Tournament over the past weekend.
This week, the league makes its return. The Coastal A-League and Inland A-League matches will be broadcast on Channel 216 on DStv and the SuperSport Schools App.
On Monday, SuperSport Schools Plus conducted an exclusive interview with Khayelihle Mtshali, the head coach of Empangeni High School, which was promoted to the Coastal A-League this season.
Mtshali said that his team had received a baptism of fire in a loss to Port Shepstone High, the current log leaders of the Coastal A-League, in their opening match.
“We lost 0-4 to Port Shepstone. I knew it was not going to be easy competing in the A-League. Every team is looking at us as a team to beat,” Mtshali said.
Despite having one of the youngest teams this season, he said Empangeni would provide tough competition.
“We have a very young team this year. Ninety-five percent of our team are 16 years or younger, but they’re very talented.
“We are getting better every day. We are still a work in progress but trust me, we are going to cause one or two upsets in this league, and I am looking for a top-four finish,” he added.
Empangeni High School celebrates after winning the KZNHSFA Coastal B-League Championship in 2024.
Mtshali said Empangeni’s promotion required a great deal of effort and commitment. Thanks to outstanding support from the school’s principal, Sizwe Zwane, they have made the step up to take on the best teams in the province.
“The league is highly competitive. There are no easy games, but it all starts with the preparations. Fortunately, I have all the support from Mandla Mdletshe, the Football and Team’s Manager at Empangeni, who organises training sessions for me to be able to instil the philosophy in the boys and improve our style of play,” Mtshali said.
Ahead of an important game against Glenwood High School, the defending champions, Mtshali stated that he believes his boys will be ready for a battle on Tuesday. He’s hopeful that they can pull off a win, even though last week’s holidays disrupted their regular training schedule.
He listed finishing and decision-making in the last third as some of the areas that Empangeni High has been working on, and not only with an eye on Tuesday’s clash. Mtshali said creating scoring opportunities has not been a problem, but finishing them has been an area in need of improvement.
Being part of the well-run and well-organised Mancosa KZNHSFA Second-Term League is an honour and a privilege, he continued.
“I believe it is critical for the players’ development that they compete against the best schools in the province. Playing at least one game every week is a perfect opportunity to develop as a player,” he explained.
“It’s a great platform for the boys to showcase their talent and grow as footballers and for me to grow as a coach.”
FIXTURES
Coastal A-League
Venue: Queensburgh High School
Field 1
15:10 – Bechet vs Pinetown Boys’ High
16:15 – Northwood School vs Port Shepstone
Field 2
15:10 – Westville Boys’ High School vs Hillcrest High School
16:15 – Empangeni High School vs Glenwood High School
Inland A-League
Venue: Barns Field (Maritzburg College)
15:00 – Newton vs Haythorne Secondary School
16:05 – Maritzburg College vs Ixopo Secondary School
Venue: Alexandra High School
15:00 – Alexandra High School vs Linpark High School
16:00 – Carter High School vs Edendale Technical High School
The Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal and Inland Second Term A-Leagues have reached an exciting mid-season phase and Tuesday’s matches threw up some interesting results to add further intrigue to the standings.
The South African u20 national team, known as Amajita, has qualified for the 2025 FIFA u20 World Cup, set to take place in Chile from 27 October to 19 November.
