Author: sipongco

The recent round of Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) encounters has yielded more highlights in the U17 division, with the SAFA Academy maintaining its position at the top of the standings and remaining undefeated after four weeks of their campaign.

Highlands Park FC, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kempton Park FC have also made significant progress on the league standings, while Refilwe FC and Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) have experienced a decline following the loss of vital points on Sunday, 13 April.

The match between SAFA Academy and RESA at President Park in Vereeniging shaped up as one of the major contests of Week 4. However, the match turned out to be fairly one-sided, with SAFA Academy securing a comfortable 2-0 victory and bagging three league points. This win brought SAFA Academy’s total to 12 points after four matches, while also maintaining their unbeaten run since the season started.

Highlands Park extended their winning streak to three matches with a 1-0 win over JVW FC on Sunday, following an initial draw (1-1) against Refilwe FC in their season opener. This latest triumph earned Highlands Park three points, elevating them to second place on the standings, with a total of 10 points and breathing down the neck of SAFA Academy.

Mamelodi Sundowns, the most accomplished team in the GWDL over the previous two seasons, showcased their dominance against Dinoko Rondebuilt FC with a decisive 5-0 victory. Banyana Ba Style also remains unbeaten this season, having won all three of their matches, which positions them firmly in third place on the league table.

Kempton Park FC delivered an outstanding performance, walloping Hellenic Falcons FC 4-0. The newcomers, Hellenic Falcons FC, are facing a tough challenge as they currently prop up the bottom of the log, having yet to win a match in the league.

The University of Pretoria (Tuks) currently occupies the seventh position after four matches, with two wins, one draw and one loss. Tuks secured a crucial 2-1 away victory against Panorama FC in Roodepoort, marking a significant achievement on the road.

Kenneth FC picked up their first victory of the season with a 1-0 win against Edenvale FC, while Tornado Academy Ladies handed Refilwe FC their first loss of the season, winning 2-0.

Results 

SAFA Academy 2-0 RESA (Walkover)
Highlands Park FC 1-0 JVW
Mamelodi Sundowns 5-0 Dinoko Rondebuilt FC
Kempton Park 4-0 Hellenic Falcons FC
University of Pretoria (Tuks) 2-1 Panorama FC
Kenneth FC 2-1 Edenvale FC
Tornado Academy Ladies FC 2-0 Refilwe FC

GWDL Log Table: Week Four 

	Team/Club	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	SAFA Academy	4	4	0	0	23	1	22	12
2	Highlands Park FC	4	3	1	0	8	1	7	10
3	Mamelodi Sundowns	3	3	0	0	24	2	22	9
4	Kempton Park FC	4	3	0	1	13	4	9	9
5	Refilwe FC	4	2	1	1	10	4	6	7
6	RESA	4	2	1	1	9	4	5	7
7	University of Pretoria (Tuks)	4	2	1	1	8	14	-6	7
8	JWV FC – Easterns	2	1	0	1	3	1	2	3
9	Panorama FC	3	1	0	2	3	5	-2	3
10	Sporting CP	3	1	0	2	2	4	-2	3
11	Edenvale FC	3	1	0	2	4	9	-5	3
12	Tornado Ladies Academy	4	1	0	3	3	12	-9	3
13	Dinoko Rondebuilt FC	4	1	0	3	2	11	-9	3
14	Kenneth FC	4	1	0	3	4	14	-10	3
15	Origin FC	2	0	0	2	1	9	-8	0
16	Hellenic Falcons FC	4	0	0	4	1	23	-22	0

The KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) second-term Coastal and Inland U19 Leagues are returning to your screens on SuperSport channel 216 and the SuperSport Schools App.

Kicking off on Tuesday, 15 April, various schools from KZN will compete throughout the province in this esteemed league, showcasing the nation’s leading football schools. The league is now known as MANCOSA KZNHSFA for sponsorship purposes.

For schools like Carter High School, Empangeni High School, Glenwood High School and Edendale Technical High School, this presents an opportunity to replicate their successes from May 2024, when they won the league titles of the KZNHSFA.

Coastal A and B 2024 Recap

Glenwood High School enjoyed an unforgettable season in 2024, winning both the Coastal A League and Primo 10 titles. This team was undoubtedly one of the most formidable last year.

Glenwood had a great group of leaders, both on and off the field, and the squad featured exceptional talents like Alakhe Mdluli, the team captain, who created memorable moments throughout the 2024 KZNHSFA season. His contributions secured his legacy in a league known for producing prominent players in South African football. Mdluli delivered an outstanding performance in the Coastal A League final against Westville Boys’ High School, providing a crucial assist that led to a 1-0 victory.

Empangeni High School defeated New Forest in the Coastal B League final, winning 10-9 with a penalty shootout after the game had ended in a 1-1 draw during regulation time. This victory secured the championship title for Empangeni, which consistently delivered impressive performances in the 2024 league. As a result of their success, they have earned a well-deserved spot in the Coastal A division for the 2025 KZNHSFA U19 League.

Inland A and B 2024 Recap

Carter High School, led by captain, Nthuthuko Mnguni, won the KZNHSFA Inland A League championship  last year with a 1-0 victory over arch-rivals, Maritzburg College, in an exhilarating derby. Mnguni made the difference in the final, scoring the only goal of the match to secure the title.

That win marked a significant milestone for Carter, who had previously secured the KZNHSFA title in 2014. The year proved to be highly successful for the school as they also clinched their first-ever Carter High Super Cup, facing strong opposition from participants such as  Edendale Technical School and ML Sultan. Carter clinched the final 4-2, against Edendale, with a penalty shootout after the match had ended in a 1-1 draw during regulation time.

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Inland championship, Edendale Technical High School faced off against Northbury Park Secondary School in the U19 Inland B final. Following a scoreless draw, Northbury won the championship 4-2 with yet another penalty shootout. Following a significant victory, it was subsequently discovered that Northbury had fielded an ineligible player in the final. As a result, they were required to forfeit the match, and the win was awarded to Edendale, which ultimately secured promotion to the Inland A League for the 2025 season.

College launches campaign against Carter with new head coach

In their season opener at Barns Field, Maritzburg College, the Red, Black and White will host Carter High School at 15:00 on Tuesday. This match promises to be exciting, especially considering the intensity and high standards of sportsmanship that characterise encounters between these two sides.

Maritzburg College welcomes a new head coach, Cannigia Garaba, after Chemon Petersen had concluded his successful tenure with the school in 2024. Garaba, who has spent several years coaching the junior age groups at the College, now takes on the role of head coach.

The College team will be led by CJ Sukraj, who brings extensive experience as a goalkeeper. Assisting him as vice-captains are the accomplished forward Mazithi Qasha, known for his individual awards and team championships with College, and midfielder Malachi Momple.

Tuesday, 15 April

Coastal A – Group Phase

Venue: Queensburgh High School 

Field 1 – 15:10 – 16:00 – Bechet vs Westville Boys’ High School
Field 2 – 15:10 – 16:00 – Glenwood High School vs Pinetown Boys’ High
Field 1 – 16:10 – 17:00 – Hillcrest High School vs Northwood School
Field 2 – 16:10 – 17:00 – Empangeni High School vs Port Shepstone

Tuesday, 15 April

Inland A – Group Phase

Venue: Barns Field (Maritzburg College)

15:00 – 15:00 – Carter High vs Maritzburg College
16:05 – 16:55 – Edendale Technical High School vs Linpark High School

Venue: Alexandra High School 

15:00 – 15:50 – Alexandra High School vs Newtown
16:05 – 16:55 – Haythorne Secondary School vs Ixopo Secondary School

Thursday, 17 April

Inland B – Group Phase

Venue: Alexandra High School

Field (Alex 1) – 15:00 – 15:50 – Alexandra High School Team B vs Thornhill Christian College
Field (Alex 2) – 15:00 – 15:50 – Heritage Academy vs Riverwood College
Field (Alex 1) – 16:05 – 16:55 – Maritzburg College Team B vs Northbury
Field (Alex 2) – 16:05 – 16:55 – Maritzburg Christian School vs ML Sultan

Thursday, 17 April 

Coastal B – Group Phase

Venue: Queensburgh High School

Field 1 – 15:10 – 16:00 – Amanzimtoti High School vs Queensburgh High School
Field 2 – 15:10 – 16:00 – Redwood College vs New Forest
Field 1 – 16:10 – 17:00 – Sastri College vs Grosvenor Boys’ High School
Field 2 – 16:10 – 17:00 – Ashton International Ballito College vs Durban High School

The Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) is in full swing, with three weeks of football action already in the books.

As the league enters its third season, the stakes have risen significantly. This year, the GWDL has expanded to include three divisions: u13, u15, and u17. Last season, there were two: u14 and u16.

In an exclusive interview with SuperSport Schools Plus on Thursday, Mondli Dube, the GWDL Administrator, highlighted that the transformation and growth of the league are evident compared to last season.

“Teams are doing well in terms of technical skills development. There is better passing, accuracy, and creativity. Also, tactical awareness, physical development, and mental growth, a presence of team dynamics, and good sportsmanship,” Dube said.

He further expressed his satisfaction with the improvement in the standard of the GWDL. “This year the quality is too much! We have new teams, such as the SAFA Academy, Dinoko Rondebult FC, Sporting CP, Hellenic Falcons, and others,” he enthused.

The competition in the u15 and u17 leagues is intriguing, he added. “Mamelodi Sundowns have dominated the league for the past two seasons. I would be interested to see how this season ends.

“Kempton Park FC, Panorama, Tuks, Highlands Park, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), Refilwe FC, and Edenvale FC have been impressive so far, but it’s still early. The league can be taken by anyone, which makes it exciting.”

The new teams have also adjusted well to the league, Dube continued: “The performance from the SAFA Academy has been the one striking fear in everyone. Hellenic FC, Dinoko, and Sporting CP have gone all out, from their administrators to their technical staff and professionalism.

“They will blend in perfectly and grow as the league continues, in the same way that Edenvale evolved from being a small team to becoming a side not to be played with.”

One of the most exciting teams to watch during the early part of the season has been Refilwe FC, a youthful squad established in January 2024. It was, predictably, a challenging first season, but Dube commended the Refilwe FC players for their impressive efforts.

“Refilwe FC has positioned itself positively. The hard work that is happening behind the scenes is evident. They started as a small team that no one knew. Now they are trendsetters,” he reckoned.

“Refilwe FC has shown us that it’s possible. All you need is the right people: dedicated coaches, players, and, administrators.

“Last year, Refilwe FC had one player in the Cosafa u17 tournament, representing the country. This year, it might be more. Refilwe FC has managed to collaborate with a lot of big brands, such as Curro, and not only are they investing in play but also in the education of these players.

“To create equal opportunities, to build confidence and leadership, to enhance physical and mental health, to develop life skills, to build communities and role models, it’s important to invest in girls’ development programmes,” he concluded.

As the competition intensifies in the GWDL, this Sunday’s spotlight will be on the match between RESA and SAFA Academy, which will be played at President Park in Vereeniging.

SAFA Academy will be aiming to build on their strong start to the season, but they’ll be up against a determined RESA team, renowned for their tenacity, particularly on home turf, where they enjoy robust support.

In the past two seasons, RESA has established itself as one of the most dedicated, competitive, and exciting teams in the GWDL. On Sunday, their goal will be to inflict the first defeat of the season on the visitors.

At present, RESA occupies third place on the log, with seven points, just behind Refilwe FC, in second. Meanwhile, SAFA Academy, despite being new to the league, leads the way. After wins in each of their three matches, they have a maximum haul of nine points.

In other fixtures, Refilwe FC hosts Tornado FC at the Curro Hazeldean High School – School Sports Ground. Panorama FC welcomes Tuks FC to Roodepoort, while Mamelodi Sundowns will take on another newcomer, Dinoko Rondebuilt FC, at their home ground.

Balfour Park will host Highlands Park against JVW FC, while Kempton Park FC tackles Hellenic Falcons at Bonaero Park, in Kempton Park.

Kenneth FC visits the JP Bezuidenhour Stadium, in Edenvale, for a date with Edenvale FC.

u17 GWDL Fixtures

Sunday, 13 April

11:30 – RESA vs SAFA Academy, President Park, Vereeniging
11:30 – Refilwe FC vs Tornado FC, Curro Hazeldean – School Sports Ground
11:30 – Panorama vs Tuks, Panorama FC
11:30 – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Dinoko Rondebuilt, University of Pretoria (Hillcrest)
11:30 – Kenneth FC vs Edenvale FC, JP Bezuidenhout Stadium, Edenvale
11:30 – Kempton Park FC vs Hellenic Falcons, Bonaero Park, Kempton Park
11:30 – JVW FC vs Highlands Park, Balfour Park, Highlands North

In March, Curro Holdings introduced the Curro Halala Cup. This week, the fixtures, venues, dates, and times for the competition were announced.

The Curro Halala Cup will feature 60 leading teams, representing both public and private institutions, in a national contest that showcases the richness of South African football at the school level.

The tournament will feature two knockout stages. Initially, the 60 invited schools will participate in the first round. From there, the leading 32 teams will move on to the second knockout stage. After that, the top 16 teams will advance to the grand final, which will be hosted at HeronBridge College, in Gauteng, from 8 to 10 August.

Now, with the draw finalised, anticipation is mounting as the teams gear up for the competition, which will provide a national showcase for their talent, skills, and sportsmanship.

Cindy van der Merwe, Portfolio Manager at Curro Sport, expressed her excitement about the tournament’s potential: “This tournament is a world-class event that brings together young talent from every region in South Africa. We are proud to provide a platform where these players can shine and pursue their football dreams,” she said in a statement.

“Competing in this tournament gives young athletes the chance to demonstrate their talent, open doors for future opportunities, and form lasting friendships that will extend beyond their school years, into university and adulthood.

“Curro is incredibly proud to contribute to the development and growth of football at school level in South Africa.”

The tournament will be broadcast live on SuperSport Schools channel 216, the SuperSport Schools App, and via the WhatsApp broadcast channel. Information regarding fixtures, results, and updates will be available on Curro Sport’s Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube platforms.

Note: The SuperSport Schools Plus website will actively deliver engaging news and updates, including results from the Curro Halala Cup. Additional information can also be found on the SuperSport Schools Football pages on Facebook and Instagram.

The event will be hosted across eight regions, with the knockout rounds taking place at the following Curro Schools:

HeronBridge College (Gauteng)

23 April
14:30 – The King’s School Linbro Park vs HeronBridge College
16:00 – Curro Soshanguve vs Curro Pretoria

24 April
14:30 – Curro Thatchfield vs The King’s School Robin Hills
16:00 – Clapham High vs Rosina Sedibane

Waterstone College (Gauteng)

23 April
14:30 – Meridian Cosmo City vs Randfontein High
16:00 – Norkem Park vs Waterstone College

24 April
14:30 – Mondeor High vs Curro Protea Glen
16:00 – Curro Wilgeheuwel vs Queens High

Curro Century City (Western Cape)

23 April
14:30 – Curro Somerset West vs Curro Sandown
16:00 – Camps Bay High vs Somerset College

24 April
14:30 – Meridian Pinehurst vs Curro Century City
16:00 – Milnerton High vs Wellington College

Curro Hillcrest (KZN)

23 April
14:30 – Pinetown Boys’ High vs Glenwood High
16:00 – Curro Hillcrest vs Creston College

24 April
14:30 – Clifton College vs Durban High School
16:00 – Grantleigh College vs Hillcrest High

Northern Academy (Limpopo) 

23 April
14:30 – Sebitja Secondary School vs Westenburg Secondary
16:00 – Happy Day Secondary vs Louis Trichardt High

24 April
14:30 – Future Comprehensive vs Flora Park
16:00 – Northern Academy vs Tom Naudé

Curro Bloemfontein (Free State)

23 April
14:30 – Navalsig High vs HTS Louis Botha
16:00 – Brebner High vs Curro Bloemfontein

24 April
14:30 – Calculus High vs Kyrios Independent
16:00 – Moroka High vs Grey College

Curro Nelspruit (Mpumalanga)

23 April
14:30 – Metropolitan College vs Lowveld High
16:00 – Barberton High vs Curro Nelspruit

24 April
14:30 – Curro Mbombela vs Stintile Secondary
16:00 – Barberton Invitational vs Meridian Karino

After qualifying for the u17 FIFA World Cup, coach Vela Khumalo told SuperSport Schools Plus that the South African national team is in high spirits as they gear up for their u17 Afcon quarterfinal against Morocco on Thursday 10 April, at Stade El Bachir, in Mohammedia.

Khumalo said the Amajimbos‘ qualification for the u17 FIFA World Cup was a happy, exciting, and significant achievement

He reflected on the journey of his team since the implementation of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) in 2023.

The initiative has served as a strategic framework for the advancement of South African football and has contributed to the growth of the current generation, offering the players advantages that weren’t previously available to them.

“The journey has been very important and significant for the growth of the boys and the technical team,” Khumalo said. “This is the beginning of great things for the future of the players.

“TDS played a significant role in making sure that we unearth this talent that is going to the biggest stage of the football life,” he added

Casting an eye towards South Africa’s forthcoming showdown with Morocco, Khumalo said his team needs to seize the opportunity in front of them.

“We had our post-match presentation [after our last match against Cameroon] and we realised that we need to be a bit more aggressive in the last third and also try to minimise our mistakes,” he said.

Quarterfinals 

Thursday, 10 April

17:00 – Larbi Zaouli Stadium – Burkina Faso vs Zambia
20:00 – Stade El Bachir Stadium – South Africa vs Morocco

Friday, 11 April 

17:00 – Berrechid Stadium – Senegal vs Côte d’Ivoire
20:00 – El Abdi Stadium – Tunisia vs Mali

The objective has been accomplished for coach Vela Khumalo’s South African u17 national team, known as Amajimbos, after they secured qualification for the u17 FIFA World Cup, which takes place in Qatar from 3-27 November.

It is only the second time that the Amajimbos have claimed a place at the u17 World Cup. They previously made the global showcase in 2015, in Chile, under the guidance of coach Molefi Ntseki.

Under Khumalo’s leadership, the team finished second in Group B at the ongoing Confederation of African Football (CAF) u17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Burkina Faso topped the group standings after winning their three group matches against South Africa, Cameroon, and Egypt.

On Sunday, Amajimbos went down to a 0-2 defeat against Burkina Faso. Although South Africa dominated much of the game, they failed to capitalise on their opportunities, which proved to be a source of frustration.

Conversely, Burkina Faso effectively converted their limited chances into goals. Underlining South Africa’s misfortune was a missed penalty in the first half, which could have altered the game’s outcome.

Nevertheless, despite the loss, Amajimbos picked up four points and the runner-up position in a tough group. Burkina Faso bagged a maximum haul of nine points, while Egypt finished in third after South Africa beat Cameroon, which led to their elimination from the tournament.

In the quarterfinals, South Africa will face the hosts, Morocco, who topped Group A. They meet at Stade El Bachir, in Mohammédia, on Thursday, 10 April, with the match scheduled to begin at 21:00.

After his team qualified for the u17 FIFA World Cup, a happy coach Vela Khumalo spoke with the SAFA Media team about the achievement: “Let me take this opportunity to thank each and every South African who rallied behind us,” he said. “This is a great moment and a big achievement.

“I made it clear that, more than anything else, we wanted to qualify for the World Cup, so it is mission accomplished.

I am very excited and delighted despite this last result (the defeat to Burkina Faso), where I think we still played well. We did not convert our chances and we need to be a little bit more aggressive and direct.

“I’m excited, happy, so happy for the boys, and happy for myself.”

KickID has officially landed in South Africa, following the signing of an agreement with MRM Sport Capital, in Sandton, on Monday, 31 March.

The KickID Player rating system offers a gamified, data-driven, and contextualised assessment of soccer skills across six essential sub-categories: passing, defence, control, physicality, dribbling, and impact.

Each player is provided with a scorecard within the app, designed similarly to EA Sports FC25, which presents a fun and engaging way to visualise performance, along with personalised and highlighted player videos.

A standardised rating system facilitates global player comparisons, irrespective of age or skill level.

Founded in Germany, KickID has branches in several countries, including China, Egypt, India, the United States of America, and the United Arab Emirates, and now it’s officially in South Africa through its partnership with MRM Sport Capital.

MRM Sport Capital is a leading sports investment firm with a global footprint. It’s engaged in a broad array of sports-related investments and services. It also has the official rights to run the programme in South Africa.

SuperSport Schools Plus spoke with Aladin Halil, the Co-founder and Group Chief Technology Officer of KickID, and Mulalo Mbulaheni, the Senior Sports Analyst at MRM Sports Capital.

Halil expressed his excitement following the agreement between KickID and MRM Sport Capital, noting that when they initiated their journey with KickID, there was a complete absence of data about grassroots and amateur football.

“The whole idea started when we saw those panini stickers, you know the collective stickers, with stats of pro players. So what we wanted, or what we thought, is why not transfer this for kids, because kids can have their own stickers, similar to FIFA or EAFC?

“I guess the importance is that you are able, for the first time, as a kid or youth player, to see where your weaknesses are.”

Halil said that when a player excels, they often receive praise for their skills, but rarely do they receive constructive feedback on areas for improvement.

He also said KickID provides players and coaches with the tools to discover effective training patterns, pinpoint essential areas for development, and recognise players’ strengths.

In today’s digital age, Halil observed that children typically spend a significant amount of time on social media platforms like Instagram or playing video games on PlayStation or XBox. With KickID, he expressed a desire to gamify the entire experience.

He said that efforts are underway to expand KickID into additional markets. To facilitate this expansion, they have sought strong partnerships, such as with MRM Sport Capital.

Halil said KickID is focused on achieving a global reach and, he said, further partnerships are taking place around the world.

Regarding the timeline for the full launch of KickID in South Africa, Halil said a proof of concept has already been conducted with Global Soccer Schools. He confirmed that the necessary equipment is already in the country, which means KickID will shortly launch on a larger scale in the country.

Mbulaheni said the initiative represents a significant advancement for South African football, particularly at the grassroots level.

He noted that both academies and players will gain valuable insights from the system, allowing them to assess a player’s performance and fast-track work on critical areas that require improvement.

KickID serves as an excellent resource for academy players, aiding them in their individual development programmes, Mbulaheni said.

“As a player, their point system and their performance allows them to be seen from a scouting perspective,” he explained.

Mbulaheni said of the official pilot of the KickID South Africa programme: “We did it with u11 and u13 players with Global Soccer Schools, and from now on, moving forward, it’s accessible to academies and various teams.”

“They can contact us if they have an interest in us coming over with the equipment and running tests for them.

“We are ready to bring it to the teams so that they can also gain the benefits of KickID.”

Sodbury High School won the annual u19 International School of South Africa (ISSA) Soccer Festival on Sunday, defeating Mmabatho High School 1-0 in the final after three days of exhilarating competition.

The festival featured some of the top schools from the Mafikeng and Johannesburg regions, and it also attracted entrants from Zimbabwe’s Amai Mugabe and Botswana’s Gaborone International, who tested their skills against some of the best local talent at the festival.

In the gold medal match, Sodbury High School defeated Mmabatho High School in a tight contest, scoring the only goal of the game to be crowned the champions.

Both finalists, Sodbury High School and Mmabatho High School, advanced to the finals after impressive semifinal victories on Sunday. Mmabatho defeated Golf View Combined School in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 5-4 after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Sodbury, meanwhile, enjoyed a more convincing route to the final, beating Alma Mater International School 3-1 in their final-four match.

After missing out on the title game, Alma Mater and Golf View met in the bronze final. It belonged to Alma Mater, who delivered a commanding performance to record a decisive 4-0 win.

At the end of the festival, the event’s standout players were recognised. Rodgers Mano, from Alma Mater, was accorded the tournament’s highest honour by being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Denzel Bauti, who was an excellent last line of defence for Sodbury, was named the Best Goalkeeper, while his teammate, Shepherd Gono, excelled at the opposite end of the field and claimed the Top Goalscorer accolade.

Phatshimo Mogorosi, from Mmabatho High School, was named the Best Defender.

The King’s School West Rand (TKSWR), which entered two squads into the competition, received the Most Disciplined Team award for their exemplary sportsmanship.

The Most Spirited Team award went the way of Kitsong School for their relentless effort on the field, while Samuel Centenary Academy was named the Best Dressed Team.

RESULTS

Friday, 28 March

Pool A

ISSA 3-0 Mafikeng
Excited United 5-0 TKSWR Team B

Pool B

TKSWR Team A 2-0 Sol Plaatje Secondary School Team A
Batswana Commercial Secondary School 3-2 Sodbury High School

Pool C

Mmabatho High School 2-1 Amai Mugabe
Alma Mater International School 4-1 Kitsong School

Pool D

Samuel Centenary Academy 4-1 Golf View Combined School
Sol Plaatje Secondary School Team B 3-0 Gaborone International

Saturday, 29 March

Pool A

Mafikeng High 4-0 TKSWR Team B
Mafikeng High 2-0 Excited United
Kitsong School 1-1 ISSA
ISSA 6-0 TSKWR Team B

Pool B

Sodbury High School 1-1 TSKWR Team A
Sodbury High School 8-1 Sol Plaatje Secondary School Team A
Batswana Commercial Secondary School 3-0 Sol Plaatje Secondary School Team A
Batswana Commercial Secondary School 4-1 TSKWR Team A

Pool C

Alma Mater International School 2-2 Amai Mugabe
Kitsong School 3-2 Amai Mugabe
Kitsong School 1-1 Mmabatho High School
Alma Mater International School 3-2 Mmabatho High School

Pool D

Golf View Combined School 0-0 Sol Plaatje Secondary School Team B
Golf View Combined School 7-0 Gaborone International
Samuel Centenary Academy 0-0 Gaborone International
Sol Plaatje Secondary School 1-0 Samuel Centenary Academy

Quarterfinals 

Mmabatho High School (4) 0-0 (1)
Golf View Combined School 2-1 Batswana Commercial Secondary School
Alma Mater International School 2-1 ISSA
Sodbury High School 1-0 Sol Plaatje Secondary School

Playoff 1

Amai Mugabe 2-0 Mafikeng High

Playoff 2

TKSWR Team A 2-0 Gaborone International

Playoff 3

Kitsong School 3-1 TKSWR Team B

Playoff 4

Samuel Centenary Academy 1-0 Sol Plaatje Secondary School Team A

Sunday 

Semifinals 

Mmabatho High School (5) 1-1 (4) Golf View Combined School
Sodbury High School 3-1 Alma Mater International School

Playoff 5/8

Batswana Commercial Secondary School 2-0 Excited United (Forfeit)
ISSA (4) 0-0 (3) Sol Plaatje Secondary School Team B

Playoff 9/12

TKSWR Team A 2-0 Amai Mugabe (Forfeit)
Samuel Centenary Academy 2-1 Kitsong School

Playoff 13/16

Gaborone International 2-0 Mafikeng High
TKSWR Team B 2-0 Sol Plaatje Secondary School (Forfeit)

Bronze Final 

Alma Mater International School 4-0 Golf View Combined School

Final 

Sodbury High School 1-0 Mmabatho High School

Final Standings

1. Sodbury High School
2. Mmbatho High School
3. Alma Mater International School
4. Golf View Combined School
5. ISSA
6. Batswana Commercial Secondary School
7. Sol Plaatje Secondary School Team B
8. Excited United
9. Samuel Centenary Academy
10. TKSWR Team A
11. Kitsong School
12. Amai Mugabe
13. Gaborone International
14. TKSWR Team B
15. Mafikeng High
16. Sol Plaatje Secondary School Team A

Awards

MVP –  Rodgers Mano (Alma Mater International School)
Best Goalkeeper Denzel Bauti – (Sodbury High School)
Top Goal scorer – Shepherd Gono (Sodbury High School)
Best Defender – Phatshimo Mogorosi (Mmabatho High School)
Best Dressed – Samuel Centenary Academy
Most Disciplined –  TKSWR
Most Spirited – Kitsong School

KwaZulu-Natal is set to host Basketball South Africa’s u16 National Championship at UKZN‘s Old Mutual Sports Hall, in Durban, from Sunday, 30 March, through to Friday, 4 April.

The event will bring together the finest u16 boys’ and girls’ basketball talents from across the nation.

KZN also hosted the event in 2024, when the KwaZulu Natal Basketball Association (KZNBA) received the accolade for the Best Organised Team, and that has led to the province hosting the u16 National Championships for a second year in succession.

There is much at stake for the players, with selection for the national boys’ and girls’ teams on the line. The South African national teams will contest the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, in July, in Windhoek, Namibia.

Eight provinces will contest the national championships, but the North West Province is missing, which is a significant setback for emerging talent from the region, especially as it has been a solid source of player development in recent years.

The tournament tips off on Sunday afternoon, at 15:00, with the opening matches of both the boys’ and girls’ competitions being contested between the host province, KZN, and Mpumalanga.

On Monday, the competition takes off with a full schedule that continues through to Thursday. On Friday, the semi-finals and finals will be played.

BOYS’ FIXTURES

Sunday, 30 March

Court 1

15:00 – 16:45 – KwaZulu-Natal vs Mpumalanga

Monday, 31 March 

Court 1

09:00 – Gauteng vs Mpumalanga
11:00 – Eastern Cape vs Limpopo
13:00 – KwaZulu-Natal vs Western Cape
15:00 – Gauteng vs Eastern Cape
17:00 – Mpumalanga vs Limpopo

Tuesday, 1 April

Court 1

09:00 – Gauteng vs Western Cape
11:00 – KwaZulu-Natal vs Eastern Cape
13:00 – Western Cape vs Northern Cape
15:00 – Mpumalanga vs Eastern Cape
17:00 – Limpopo vs Northern Cape

Wednesday, 2 April

Court 1

09:00 – Western Cape vs Eastern Cape
11:00 – Mpumalanga vs Northern Cape
13:00 – Western Cape vs Limpopo
15:00 – KwaZulu-Natal vs Northern Cape
17:00 – Gauteng vs Limpopo

Thursday, 3 April

Court 1

09:00 – Gauteng vs KwaZulu-Natal
11:00 – Eastern Cape vs Northern Cape
13:00 – Western Cape vs Mpumalanga
15:00 – KwaZulu Natal vs Limpopo
17:00 – Gauteng vs Northern Cape

GIRLS’ FIXTURES 

Sunday, 30 March 

Court 2

15:00 – KwaZulu-Natal vs Mpumalanga

Monday, 31 March

Court 2

09:00 – Mpumalanga vs Limpopo
11:00 – Gauteng vs Eastern Cape
13:00 – KwaZulu-Natal vs Western Cape
15:00 – Eastern Cape vs Limpopo
17:00 – Gauteng vs Northern Cape

Tuesday, 1 April

Court 2

09:00 – Western Cape vs Eastern Cape
11:00 – Mpumalanga vs Northern Cape
13:00 – Western Cape vs Limpopo
15:00 – KwaZulu-Natal vs Northern Cape
17:00 – Gauteng vs Mpumalanga

Wednesday, 2 April

Court 2

09:00 – Limpopo vs Northern Cape
11:00 – KwaZulu-Natal vs Eastern Cape
13:00 – Western Cape vs Northern Cape
15:00 – Mpumalanga vs Eastern Cape
17:00 – Gauteng vs Western Cape

Thursday, 3 April 

Court 2

09:00 – Gauteng vs Limpopo
11:00 – Western Cape vs Mpumalanga
13:00 – KwaZulu-Natal vs Limpopo
15:00 – Eastern Cape vs Northern Cape
17:00 – Gauteng vs KwaZulu-Natal

Friday, 4 April

Semifinals 

Boys’ Semifinals: Court 1

10:00 – 1st Place vs 4th Place
12:00 – 2nd Place vs 3rd Place

Girls’ Semifinals: Court 2

10:00 – 1st Place vs 4th Place
12:00 – 2nd Place vs 3rd Place

14:00 – 15:00 – Break for Entertainment

Finals – Court 1

Girls’ Final 

15:00 – WSF1 vs WSF2

Boys’ Final 

17:00 – WSF1 vs WSF2

18:45 – Closing Ceremony 

It’s a big weekend for the International School of South Africa (ISSA), in Mahikeng, in the North West Province, which welcomes top schools from the local region and abroad for the annual ISSA u19 Soccer Festival.

The tournament takes place over three days, starting on Friday, 28 March, and concluding on Sunday, 30 March, with the crowning of the champions.

In Pool A of the tournament, ISSA will compete against The King’s School West Rand (TKSWR) Team B, which is making the journey from Roodepoort. Also in action in the pool are Mafikeng High and Excited United.

Pool B includes The King’s School West Rand Team A, along with Batswana Commercial Secondary School, Sodbury School, and the Sol Plaatje Secondary School Team A.

Pool C’s contestants include Amai Mugabe, from Zimbabwe, Kitsong School, Alma Mater International School, and Mmabatho High School.

The final group, Pool D, features another foreign team, Gaborone International, as well as the Sol Plaatje Secondary Team B, Samuel Centenary Academy, and Golf View Combined School.

GROUPS

Pool A
International School of South Africa (ISSA), The King’s School West Rand Team B (TKSWR), Excited United, Mafikeng High

Pool B
The King’s School West Rand Team A (TSKWR), Batswana Commercial Secondary School, Sodbury High School, Sol Plaatje Secondary School Team A

Pool C
Amai Mugabe, Kitsong School, Alma Mater International School, Mmbatho High School

Pool D
Gaborone International, Sol Plaatje Secondary Team B, Samuel Centenary Academy, Golf View Combined School

FIXTURES 

Friday, 28 March 

Field 1
15:00 – ISSA vs Mafikeng
16:00 -TSKWR Team B vs Excited United

Field 2
15:00 – TKSWR Team A vs Sol Plaatje Team A
16:00 – Sodbury High School vs Batswana Commercial Secondary School

Field 3

15:00 – Amai Mugabe vs Mmabatho High School
16:00 – Kitsong School vs Alma International International School

Field 4
15:00 – Samuel Centenary Academy vs Golf View Combined School
16:00 – Gaborone International School vs Sol Plaatje Team B

Saturday, 29 March 

Field 1
08:00 – Golf View Combined School vs Sol Plaatje Team B
09:00 – Field 1: Sodbury High School vs TKSWR Team A
10:00 – Field 1: TSKWR Team B vs Mafikeng High
11:00 – Field 1: Alma International School vs Amai Mugabe

Field 2
08:00 – Mafikeng High vs Excited United
09:00 – Amai Mugabe vs Kitsong School
10:00 – Gaborone International vs Golf View Combined School
11:00 – Sol Plaatje Team A vs Sodbury High School

Field 3
08:00 – Samuel Centenary vs Gaborone International
09:00 – Batswana Commercial Secondary School vs Sol Plaatje Team A
10:00 – Excited United vs ISSA
11:00 – Kitsong School vs Mmabatho High School

Field 4
08:00 – ISSA vs TKSWR Team B
09:00 – Mmabatho High School vs Alma International School
10:00 – Sol Plaatje Team B vs Samuel Centenary
11:00 – TSKWR Team A vs Batswana Commercial Secondary School

12:00 – Lunch Break

Quarterfinals 2 & 4

Field 1
14:00 –  B1 vs D2 (QF1)
15:00 – D1 vs B2 (QF4)

Playoff 2 & 4

Field 2
14:00 – B3 vs D4 (PF2)
15:00 – D3 vs B4 (PF4)

Quarterfinals 1 & 3

Field 3
14:00 – A1 vs C2 (QF1)
15:00 – C1 vs A2 (QF3)

Playoffs 1 & 3

Field 4
14:00 – A3 vs C4 (PF1)
15:00 – C3 vs A4 (PF3)

Sunday, 30 March 

Semifinals

Field 1
08:00 – Q1 W vs Q2 W

Field 3
08:00 – Q3 W vs Q4 W

Playoff 5/8

Field 2
08:00 – Q1 L vs Q2 L

Field 4
08:00 – Q3 L vs Q4 L

Playoff 9/12

Field 1
09:00 – PF1 W vs PF2 W

Field 2
09:00 – PF1 L vs PF2 L

Playoff 13/16

Field 3
09:00 – PF3 W vs PF4 W

Field 4
09:00 – PF3 L vs PF4 L

P3/4 Bronze Final 

Field 1
10:00 – L SF1 vs L SF2

Final

Field 1
11:15 – W SF1 vs W SF2

13:00 – Award Ceremony