Author: sipongco

Saturday, the second day of the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament,  delivered excitement and goals, with Northern Academy and Grey College asserting themselves as strong title contenders.

Northern Academy owns a perfect record of four wins from four matches, scoring eight times while conceding only one goal.

On Saturday, they began with a 2-0 victory over Brebner in the morning. Later, in their final group match, they faced Norkem Park High in a rematch of last year’s Curro Halala Cup final. Northern Academy won that match on penalties, but they won more emphatically on this occasion, recording a 4-1 win, which secured them a place in Sunday’s quarterfinals.

The quarterfinals’ line-up will be completed on Sunday, with several key matches set to decide the top eight teams.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Among those in with a shot at the quarterfinals is the host team, Kimberley Boys’ High, who finished Saturday in second place in Group A, with four points. Victoria Park trailed the local school on goal difference only. When they met on Saturday, the sides shared a 2-2 draw. Later in the day, Kimberley Boys’ High edged out Brebner 1-0, while Vic Park suffered a 0-2 loss to Northern Academy.

Norkem Park also beat Brebner by a tight 2-1 margin, which left the Bloemfontein school with three successive defeats.

The defending champions, Virginia High, with seven points from three games, topped Pool B after Saturday’s action. Last year’s runner-up, the Wildeklawer Academy, though, also has seven points. They beat Springs Boys’ High School 2-0, but were beaten 1-0 by Virginia High. The Wildeklawer Academy bounced back, though, with a 1-0 victory over Queen’s College.

In a highly anticipated match between the 2025 and 2024 champions, Virginia High and Clapham High, played to a 1-1 draw in an exciting clash. Clapham had few problems with Springs Boys’ High, cruising to a 4-0 win.

Springs picked up their only win thus far when they faced Queen’s College. They won 1-0 to keep the Komani school winless.

In Group C, Navalsig leads with 10 points from three victories and one draw. That draw came against their Bloemfontein rivals, HTS Louis Botha, on Saturday. with the contest finishing 1-1. In their other matches, Navalsig outplayed Paul Roos Gimnasium 3-0 and Jeppe High School for Boys 2-0.

Jeppe reversed their fortunes with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Northwood, while Paul Roos also defeated the Knights by the same score. Paul Roos shocked HTS Louis Botha, winning by a goal to nil.

In Group D, Maritzburg College, surprisingly, lost their first three matches. After suffering a big 1-6 loss to Reddam House Bedfordview in their opener on Friday, the Red, Black, and White fell 0-3 to Grey College and 0-1 to Vaal High.

Grey College added a 3-0 win over Emmang Mmogo to improve their record to three wins on the trot. Emmang Mmogo got by Vaal High 1-0 and edged out Reddam House Bedfordview 3-2.

RESULTS

Group A

Northern Academy 2-0 Brebner
Kimberley Boys’ High 2-2 Victoria Park
Norkem Park 2-1 Brebner
Northern Academy 2-0 Victoria Park
Kimberley Boys’ High 1-0 Brebner
Northern Academy 4-1 Norkem

Group B

Wildeklawer Academy 1-0 SBHS
Virginia High 1-1 Clapham High
SBHS 1-0 Queen’s College
Virginia High 1-0 Wildeklawer Academy
Clapham 4-0 SBHS
Wildeklawer Academy 1-0 Queen’s College

Group C

Jeppe 1-0 Northwood
Navalsig 3-0 Paul Roos
Navaslig 2-0 Jeppe
Paul Roos 1-0 HTS Louis Botha
Paul Roos 1-0 Northwood
HTS Louis Botha 1-1 Navalsig

Group D

Grey College 3-0 Maritzburg College
Emmang Mmogo 1-0 Vaal High
Vaal High 1-0 Maritzburg College
Emmang Mmogo 3-2 Reddam House Bedfordview
Grey College 3-0 Emmang Mmogo
Reddam House Bedfordview 1-1 Vaal High

The reigning champions in the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal and Inland Leagues made robust starts to their campaigns, but in week two, several teams that had won their opening matches either lost or drew. Glenwood High, though, continued its winning run.

Coastal A-League, Tuesday, 21 April

The Green Machine currently tops the Coastal A-League standings with the maximum six points after a 2-1 win over the defending champions, Westville Boys’ High, on Tuesday at Queensburgh High.

The Griffins took an early lead, but Glenwood responded in the second half. Substitute Aphelele Magwaza made an immediate impact and altered the course of the game by assisting Ukwazi Dludla with an easy tap-in for the equaliser.

The Green Machine kept dialling up the pressure, and that bore fruit when Westville conceded a penalty. Magwaza stepped forward and calmly converted from the spot to join Dludla on two goals for the season.

Glenwood’s win followed a 3-1 defeat of Pinetown Boys’ High in the first week. With the loss, Westville slipped to fourth place, while Pinetown finds itself at the bottom of the table.

Northwood, who flirted with relegation in 2025, has made a much better start to the season this time around. The Knights have played two games and followed up a 2-1 win over Port Shepstone High with another 2-1 win, beating Durban High School (DHS).

Rhys Millar, a regular goal scorer for the Knights, netted the opening goal, and Owami Maduna added the second, while Alwande Makhonza scored for DHS. Northwood currently trails Glenwood on goal difference.

Port Shepstone claimed their first win of the season, sneaking by Hillcrest High 1-0. The runner-up in 2025, Hillcrest High is winless through the first two weeks, which leaves them in seventh place, just above Pinetown, at the bottom, who fell to a 0-2 loss against Bechet.

Inland A-League, Wednesday, 23 April

In the Inland A-League, the traditional frontrunners, Carter High and Maritzburg College, lead the way, with both Carter and College on four points, just ahead of Haythorne Secondary, also with four points.

Carter scored their first victory of the season, beating Ixopo 2-0, while College was held to a 1-1 draw by Alexandra High. Haythorne secured a narrow 1-0 win over Linpark.

It was also tight between Edendale and ML Sultan, with Edendale shading their clash 1-0.

Coastal B-League, Thursday, 24 April

On Thursday in the Coastal B-League, New Forest moved up to six points after defeating Grovesnor 3-0. However, their position at the top of the standings is not comfortable. Queensburgh High also has six points after their second win of the season, a 2-1 win over Brettonwood on their home ground.

While New Forest and Queensburgh High bagged three points each, Sastri College and Empangeni High drew 2-2 to pick up one each, which was the same haul as Amanzimtoti and Redwood College, who drew 1-1.

Inland C-League, Thursday, 24 April

Carter B scored a 2-0 victory over Maritzburg College C on Thursday in the Inland C-League.

Umvuzo defeated St Nicholas Diocesan School 2-1, while Siyanda Secondary School and Smero Secondary School shared a goalless draw at the AB Jackson field.

Inland B-League, Friday, 24 April

On Friday, in the Inland B-League, Maritzburg College B‘s clash with Northbury ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Heritage Academy, meanwhile, won for the first time, beating Thornhill 3-0.

Alexandra defeated Michaelhouse 2-0, and Maritzburg Christian School claimed a slim 1-0 victory over Riverwood College.

Alexandra High B tops the Inland B-League table with six points, followed by Northbury and Maritzburg College, both with four points.

Coastal C-League, Friday, 24 April

On Friday, in the Coastal C-League, newcomers Kloof High scored a 1-0 win over Rossburgh. That result means they have a full haul of points but trail table-topping George Campbell on goal difference. Kloof, in turn, is ahead of Durban Academy on goal difference.

Durban Academy won 2-0 against Canaan College, while George Campbell cruised to a 4-0 win over Queensburgh High B. Durban North College scored a 3-1 win over Ashton Ballito.

Week Two Results

Tuesday, 21 April

Coastal A-League
Port Shepstone 1-0 Hillcrest High
Northwood 2-1 DHS
Glenwood 2-1 Westville Boys’ High
Bechet 2-0 Pinetown

Wednesday, 22 April 

Inland A-League 

Edendale 1-0 ML Sultan
Haythorne 1-0 Linpark
Maritzburg College 1-1 Alexandra High
Carter High 2-0 Ixopo

Thursday, 23 April 

Coastal B-League
Queensburgh High 2-1 Brettonwood
Sastri College 2-2 Empangeni High
New Forest 3-0 Grovesnor
Amanzimtoti 1-1 Redwood

Inland C

Carter High B 2-0 Maritzburg College C
Umvuzo 2-1 St Nicholas
Siyanda 0-0 Smero

Friday, 24 April

Inland B-League
Maritzburg College 1-1 Northbury
Heritage Academy 3-0 Thornhill
Alexandra High B 2-0 Michaelhouse
Maritzburg Christian School 1-0 Riverwood

Coastal C-League 

Kloof High 1-0 Rossburgh
Durban Academy 2-0 Canaan College
Durban North College 3-1 Ashton Ballito
George Campbell 4-0 Queensburgh B

The fifth edition of the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament kicked off in Kimberley on Friday afternoon, with only eight matches played. A chock-a-block schedule follows on Saturday.

The tournament hosts, Kimberley Boys’ High, faced a tough opener against Northern Academy, but pushed the Limpopo school hard before succumbing to a 0-1 defeat.

Northern Academy finished only 12th last year, one place behind Kimberley Boys’ High. However, they’ve won some major titles in the past two years, including the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Championship in 2024 and the inaugural Curro Halala Cup last year. No doubt, they’re laser-focused on adding the Absa Wildeklawer title to those prestigious titles.

Norkem Park, the runner-up to Northern Academy at the Curro Halala Cup, suffered an unexpected loss to Gqeberha’s Victoria Park High, who scraped a tight 1-0. Vic Park is one of the Eastern Cape’s leading lights, along with Urban Academy, which won the Victoria Park Soccer Challenge earlier this year.

Queen’s College, from Komani, in the Eastern Cape, took on the defending champions, Virginia High, in their opener, but found themselves overrun, suffering a 0-5 defeat. Fikile Yena, Oageng Lebesane, Thato Kraal, and Opmphemetse Mokiri all scored from the field for Virginia High, while Kabelo Mokhuane slotted a penalty for the Free Staters.

The 2024 champions, Clapham High, who are the only team outside of the Free State to have secured the title, kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 draw against last year’s runner-up, the Wildeklawer Academy, who took Virginia High to penalties in the title game in 2025.

Grey College made a confident start, beating Vaal High 3-0. It was no simple starter; Vaal High was the runner-up in the Grey Nedbank Soccer Tournament last year, which earned them an invitation to the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament.

The most surprising result on the opening day was Maritzburg College being trounced 6-1 by Reddam House Bedfordview. While the Red, Black, and White are currently in a rebuilding phase, they have been one of KwaZulu-Natal’s and South Africa’s best sides over the past three seasons. However, they’ve said goodbye to some leading players, and it might take them some time to adjust.

HTS Louis Botha, the Absa Wildeklawer winners in 2022 and 2023, held off Jeppe High School for Boys in their first outing, nabbing a 1-0 victory.

Also in Group C, Navalsig High, fifth in 2025, handed Northwood a 3-1 loss.

RESULTS

Friday, 24 April

Group A

Northern Academy 1-0 Kimberley Boys’ High
Victoria Park 1-0 Norkem Park

Group B

Virginia High 5-0 Queen’s College
Clapham High 1-1 Wildeklawer Academy

Group C

HTS Louis Botha 1-0 Jeppe
Navalsig High 3-1 Northwood

Group D

Grey College 3-0 Vaal High
Reddam House Bedfordview 6-1 Maritzburg College

The concept of “Sports for Education” is poised to invigorate the Kwa Ngcedomhlophe Sports Ground on Thursday and Friday, as the Mhleli Foundation prepares to host its highly anticipated football and netball tournament in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Mhleli Foundation football and netball tournament begins at a regional level, featuring 55 schools competing in preliminary rounds. Eventually, those numbers are lowered to the four semifinalists, who will play for the championship title on Thursday and Friday.

Founded in 2022, the Mhleli Foundation has effectively utilised the pitch and courts to forge pathways leading to educational opportunities. Its impact is significant and apparent in the Mandeni and Gingidlovu Circuits, where it has fostered hope and prosperity by promoting educational progression and the development of sports in the regions.

Corporate Giants Join the Cause 

The foundation’s work has attracted strong support from corporate entities and local government. Among its partners are the KZN Department of Education, the Department of Sports, Arts and Recreation, along with Digital Council Africa, the Mandeni Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA), and Destinoh Lubes. Further support has been added from SAPPI and Spar.

A Mhleli Foundation spokesperson told SuperSport Schools Plus that the organisation appreciates the support and trust that those partners have placed in the organisation.

“Their involvement underscores the tournament’s evolution from a local sporting event into a major socio-economic catalyst, all unified under the ‘Victory for Knowledge’ banner, where winning teams secure essential educational resources for their entire school,” Thabile Malebo said.

Thursday, 23 April: The Primary Schools Powerhouse

The opening day of competition is dedicated to primary schools, with a mix of longstanding competitors and eager newcomers in action. Macambini Primary, which is making its third consecutive appearance and is vying for a place in the final of both the netball and football tournaments, will be in the spotlight.

A poignant narrative surrounds Sundumbili Primary, which has reached the semifinals for the first time. The school is the Alma Mater of five of the Mhleli Foundation’s board members: Thabile Malebo, Thulani Sithole, Collin Nkosi, Phumlani Nhlabathi, and Eric Mdletshe. Their return to support their former school enriches the heritage of the day’s events.

In the football division, an anticipated “Battle of the Best” is on the horizon as Lower Tugela, champions in 2024 and the runner-up in 2025, seeks to reclaim the title.

Primary Schools Fixtures (Thursday, 23 April)

Netball: Sakhesethu vs Mandeni
Vutha vs Macambini

Football: Lower Tugela vs Thekelimfundo
Sundumbili vs Macambini

High Schools Friday, 24 April- Heritage and Rivalry

High schools will be in action on Friday, leading to an increase in the intensity of the competition.

Mpoqabulungu (Mpoqa) makes a bold statement by appearing in both the football and netball semifinals. It’s their second year in succession in the final four of the netball competition. Mgandeni and Mbuyiselo also return for a second year, aiming to capitalise on the experience they gained in 2025.

High Schools Fixtures Friday, 24 April 

Netball: Ndodakusuka vs Mbuyiselo
Mpoqabulungu vs KW Mathaba

Soccer: Mgandeni vs KW Mathaba
Mpoqabulungu vs Lambothi

A Grand Finale: Breaking Barriers

The Mhleli Foundation has also organised an exhibition match between the Mandeni Celtics and AmaZulu FC. Its goal is to inspire young local athletes, demonstrating to them that talent, combined with the discipline instilled through the ‘Sports for Education’ philosophy, can overcome obstacles and pave the way to professional success.

The composition of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) has taken an intriguing turn, with the Pitso Mosimane Youth Football (PMYF) announcing its participation in the GDL on Monday.

This follows PMYF’s acquisition of the struggling East Rand Athletic Club, which currently props up the u19 GDL standings.

The PMYF is a component of the former Bafana Bafana coach’s commitment to youth football, contributing to a broader vision that includes the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS), which were launched in 2023, and collaborates closely with Curro Holdings to promote both academics and football.

East Rand Athletic Club’s GDL journey was difficult after they won promotion to the league for the 2024 season. Despite having to battle to avoid relegation, they maintained their position in the league. Now, though, they find themselves on the bottom rung of the u19 division.

Their u17 team is their best-performing side, in 12th place. Their u15 team is in last place, and their u14 side is in the relegation zone, in 16th place.

Despite the struggles faced by the East Rand Athletic Club, their acquisition by PMYF presents the club with a golden opportunity to raise its standards and compete at the highest levels of youth football in the region.

The move also provides PMYF with a direct pathway for players emerging from their programme, including those from PMSS, to face some of the best talent in Gauteng.

In a recent press release, Dr Musa Khanyeza, the Chairman of the club, stated that the East Rand Athletic Club was established with an aim of building the community and providing young players with a platform to compete and develop their football.

“After reaching the GDL, I soon realised my capacity and the limits of what I can do for this team had been reached,” he said.

He said it was essential for more experienced professionals to assume leadership roles to help the team to continue progressing.

“I reached out to PMYF, and immediately, we found alignment,” he explained.

Khanyeza said he is confident that the PMYF is the appropriate organisation to advance his vision and elevate it to the next level.

PMYF will retain the existing East Rand Athletic Club players, along with the club’s core technical team, thereby ensuring continuity and stability as the programme moves into a new phase.

“At the same time, the organisation will expand opportunities by opening doors to more players,” PMYF said in a press release.

Pitso Mosimane declared the new partnership a defining moment for PMYF.

“We have intentionally built each layer of our programme, from mass participation to structured club football, and this step allows us to connect everything into a meaningful pathway,” he said.

“It strengthens our offering to players, parents and partners, and positions us to contribute even more to the future of South African football.”

On 20 April, PMYF assumed control of club activities from East Rand Athletic Club. Their first GDL game will be played on Saturday, 25 April against Jomo Cosmos.

Ironically, that pits Mosimane against the club formed by his former mentor, Jomo Sono, who played a direct role in Mosimane’s development at a young age.

Goals continued to flow in the Gauteng Development League (GDL) on the weekend. There were disappointments for many, while others maintained their winning momentum.

In a goal-fest, the Africa School of Excellence and Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) shared a thrilling 4-4 draw.

Thabang Masihla and Bandile Sithole netted the first two goals for RESA, both assisted by Tsepo Mokhethi. Sithole later added his second goal, this time with assistance from Ntabo Radebe, who doubled up by assisting Nceba Jozela to score the Vaal Triangle club’s fourth.

Kagontle Oliphant set up Simthembile Khulwane for Africa School of Excellence’s opener, but that was merely the start. Oliphant still had plenty more to contribute to his team. He assisted Qiniso Mhlongo‘s second goal, and then laid on the third for Mbuso Msibi. Mhlongo later turned provider, assisting Liam Jooste on the School of Excellence’s fourth goal.

The University of Pretoria (Tuks) defeated Panorama 3-1.

Junior Mbele, assisted by Neo Msawabi, scored a consolation goal for the Roodepoort-based club, while the Tuks’ goal scorers were Mark Kiggundu, who opened the scoring, and Seboledi Mphahlele. An own goal sealed a 3-1 victory.

The log leaders, Siwelele, fell to their first defeat of the season on Saturday, losing 1-2 to the Prestige Football Development Academy. Malibongwe Mbanjwa and Salimu Makhomu, both assisted by Abraham Mosweu, struck for the winners, while Prince Kalaba netted for Siwelele.

Highlands Park, after a much-needed win over Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend, found their efforts undermined again by their offence. Still, they came away with a 0-0 draw against Kaizer Chiefs.

Chiefs outplayed Jomo Cosmos 6-0 last weekend. Despite the Phefeni Glamour Boys boasting the GDL’s top scorer, Njabulo Msimango, who has seven to his name, they were unable to breach Highlands Park’s defences.

While Chiefs and the Lions of the North couldn’t find the back of the net, the 2025 GDL champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, scored a 4-1 victory over Wits Junior.

Sibusiso Tolomane, Ntokozo Madondo, Sipho Mkhwanazi, and Mpho Molepo netted for the Brazilians, who were eager to redeem themselves after suffering a 0-1 defeat at Clapham High against Highlands Park.

GDL newcomers, Future of Africa, have made a good start to the season, and they’re currently positioned in the top five of the standings.

On Saturday, they defeated Rockefvs, another side that has started the season well, 2-0. Okuhle Chiya scored the first goal, assisted by Rorisang Motaung. Chiya then played in Thabo Mussinango for Future of Africa’s second.

On Sunday, the match between Randburg and Seven’s Academy was halted because of lightning, with Randburg leading 3-0 on goals from Patrick Chisunga, Lowell Borman, and Sipho Mantunga.

The remaining 25 minutes of the match still need to be played.

RESULTS

Saturday, 18 April

RESA 4-4 Africa School of Excellence
Tuks 3-1 Panorama
Prestige 2-1 Siwelele
Highlands Park 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 Wits Junior
Future of Africa 2-0 Rockefvs

Sunday, 19 April

Randburg 3-0 Seven’s Academy (Game stopped due to lightning, 25 minutes left)

Since the first edition of the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament in 2022, Free State schools have shone, winning the tournament every year, except in 2024, when Clapham High claimed victory.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools 

The forthcoming Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament kicks off on Friday, 24 April, and runs through to Monday, 27 April. It features some of South Africa’s best sides in one of the country’s toughest events.

HTS Louis Botha won the first two Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament titles, going back-to-back in 2022 and 2023. Pretoria’s Clapham High then won in 2024, defeating Grey College in the final. If Grey had won, the title would have belonged to a Free State side every year because Virginia High rose to the challenge and won the tournament last year.

They met the event’s surprise package, the Wildeklawer Academy, in the 2025 final and were taken to penalties after regulation time ended with the teams level at 2-2. Holding their nerve, in a tense finish, Virginia High clinched the title 4-3 from the spot.

Six players in the Team of the Tournament underlined their dominance.

Virginia will face a tough task defending the title. Among those trying to stop them will be the two-time winners, HTS Louis Botha, and the 2024 champs, Clapham High.

KwaZulu-Natal sides have not enjoyed much luck in the tournament, but Maritzburg College, a regular participant, will aim to change that. They’ll be joined by Northwood, which is an intriguing side.

The Knights were almost relegated from the KZNHSFA Coastal A-League last year, but they caught fire later in the season, winning the Cowie Cup and also finishing as the runner-up in the Primo Big 10.

Paul Roos Gimnasium will bear watching. They have a strong football tradition, but have not yet made a significant impact at the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament. It will be their goal to change that in 2026.

In 2025, Xolile Taba, the Headmaster of the host school, Kimberley Boys’ High, described the tournament as one that creates an immediate impact and fosters real growth, providing exposure to young talent. In 2026, the event will again offer a national stage upon which some of the country’s most talented and exciting footballers will be able to express their skills.

FIXTURES

Friday, 24 April

Field 1

14:00 – Kimberley Boys’ High vs Northern Academy
15:00 – Northwood vs Navalsig
16:00 – Queen’s College vs Virginia High
19:30 – HTS Louis Botha vs Jeppe

Field 2

14:00 – Clapham vs Wildeklawer Academy
15:00 – Grey College vs Vaal High
16:00 – Norkem Park High vs Victoria Park
19:30 – Reddam Bedfordview vs Maritzburg College

Saturday, 15 April

Field 1

08:00 – Grey College vs Maritzburg College
09:30 – Northern Academy vs Brebner High
10:30 – Navalsig vs Paul Roos
11:30 – Kimberley Boys’ High vs Victoria Park
12:30 – Navalsig High vs Jeppe
13:30 – Spring Boys’ High vs Queen’s College
14:30 – Paul Roos vs HTS Louis Botha
15:30 – Northern Academy vs Victoria Park
16:30 – Kimberley Boys’ High vs Brebner High
17:30 – Northwood vs Paul Roos
18:30 – Northern Academy vs Norkem Pak High
19:30 – Reddam Bedfordview vs Vaal High

Field 2

08:30 – Northwood vs Jeppe
09:30 – Wildeklawer Academy vs Springs Boys’ High
10:30 – Vaal High vs Emmang Mmogo
11;30 – Clapham High vs Virginia High
12:30 – Brebner High vs Norkem Park High
13:30 – Vaal High vs Maritzburg College
14:30 – Emmang Mmogo vs Reddam Bedfordview
15:30 – Wildeklawer Academy vs Virginia High
16:30 – Clapham High vs Springs Boys’ High
17:30 – Grey College vs St Mark’s Academy
18:30 – Queen’s College vs Wildeklawer Academy
19:30 – HTS Louis Botha vs Navalsig High

Sunday, 26 April

Field 1

08:30 – Kimberley Boys’ High vs Norkem Park
09:30 – Northwood vs Brebner High
10:30 – Victoria Park vs Brebner High
11:30 – Jeppe vs Paul Roos
13:00 – Quarterfinal Match 1
14:00 – Quarterfinal Match 2

Field 2

08:30 – Clapham High vs Queen’s College
09:30 – Grey College vs Reddam Bedfordview
10:30 – Virginia High vs Springs Boys’ High
11:30 – Maritburg College vs Emmang Mmogo
13:00 – Quarterfinal Match 1
14:00 – Quarterfinal Match 2

Monday, 27 April

Field 1

08:00 – Semifinal: Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 2

Field 2

08:00 – Semifinal: Winner Match 2 vs Winner Match 4

Field 1

12:00 – Final

The Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA)  kicked off its Coastal and Inland leagues this week, with the reigning champions and other traditionally strong teams claiming victories.

Coastal A-League

On Tuesday, Westville Boys’ High, the reigning champions of the Coastal A-league, faced last year’s runner-up, Hillcrest High.

Westville didn’t allow Hillcrest the satisfaction of reversing the result, handing Hillcrest High a 2-0 defeat. Last year, Hillcrest, with a youthful lineup, surprised many, not only in KwaZulu-Natal but across the nation. Their achievements also included qualifying for the inaugural Curro Halala Cup, where they ultimately lost in the Plate final to Meridian Pinehurst.

Glenwood High, reeling from a disappointing 2025 season, which ended without silverware, faced a strong challenge in their opening match against Pinetown Boys’ High. Last year’s competition was not kind to Pinetown Boys’ High, but they later showed their quality by winning the Kloof High School National Football Tournament and the Kearsney Soccer Tournament.

Against Glenwood, though, their Coastal League troubles emerged, with Glenwood winning 3-1. Wandile Ndimande netted a consolation goal for Pinetown, but Glenwood captain Ndalo Mbatha, Ukwazi Dludla, and Aphelele Magwaza struck for the Green Machine.

It was a promising start for Glenwood, who were the champions of the KZNHSFA Coastal A-League in 2023 and 2024. Pinetown will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s disastrous league campaign, where they flirted with relegation alongside Northwood. Both went on to put together strong seasons.

Northwood, they will surely be pleased to start the new season with three points following their 2-1 victory over Port Shepstone. In 2025, Northwood escaped relegation in the final round of league matches.

Rhys Millar, a consistent goal scorer over the past three seasons, struck for the Knights. Daniel Van Huyssteen also got his name on the scoresheet.

Inland A-League 

The reigning Inland champions, Maritzburg College, kicked off the new season with a slim 1-0 victory over ML Sultan, who earned promotion after winning the Inland B-League last season. Ndzolo Ngcemu netted the decisive goal for the Red, Black, and White.

Close matches were the order of the day in the Inland A-League. Ixopo Secondary School edged out Edendale Technical High 1-0. Promoted last season, Edendale enjoyed a strong first campaign in the A-League, finishing third. But a goal from Luvuyo Mjwara meant they started with a loss to Ixopo.

Last season’s runner-up, Carter High, was held to a 1-1 draw by Linpark, with Ayabonga Sibiya finding the back of the net for Carter.

The clash between Alexandra High and Haythorne Secondary School also ended in a 1-1 draw, with Mthobisi Ngcono scoring for Alex.

Coastal B-League

On Thursday, in the Coastal B-League, Sastri and Amanzimtoti shared an exciting 3-3 draw in one of the most entertaining matches of the opening week at Queensburgh High.

The home team, Queensburgh High, was also part of a draw, playing to a 1-1 result against Grosvenor Boys’ High.

New Forest and the 2025 champions of the Coastal C-League, Brettonwood, scored impressive wins. New Forest defeated Empangeni High 3-0, thanks to goals from Sfundo Khanyile, Ayabonga Gqoloba, and Siyabonga Mbili.

Newly promoted Brettonwood matched that result, with Fanele Ngili, Blessing Muzanembi, and Tebogo Ngcobo scoring in a convincing win over Redwood College.

Inland C-League 

Also on Thursday, in the Inland C-League, Umvuzo Secondary School faced off against the newcomers, Siyanda High School, with their match ending in a 1-1 draw. Ntokozo Nxumalo netted for Umvuzo, while Kwanele Mdaka equalised for Siyanda.

The Carter High B team took on Smero Secondary School, handing the newcomers a 2-0 defeat.

RESULTS

Tuesday, 14 April

Coastal A-League

Glenwood 3-1 Pinetown Boys’ High
Westville Boys’ High 2-0 Hillcrest High
Northwood 2-1 Port Shepstone High
DHS 2-0 Bechet

Wednesday, 15 April

Inland A-League 

Alexandra High 1-1 Haythorne Secondary School
Ixopo 1-0 Edendale Technical High
Carter High 1-1 Linpark
Maritzburg College 1-0 ML Sultan

Thursday, 16 April

Coastal B-League

Sastri 3-3 Amanzimtoti
Queensburgh 1-1 Grosvenor
New Forest 3-0 Empangeni High
Brettonwood 3-0 Redwood College

Inland C-League 

Carter High School B 2-0 Smero Secondary School
Umvuzo Secondary School 1-1 Siyanda High School

Forthcoming Fixtures 

Friday, 17 April

Inland B

Venue: Alexandra High School 

15:00
Field 1 – Thornhill vs Alexandra High B
Field 2 – Northbury vs Heritage Academy

16:55
Field 1 – Riverwood vs Michaelhouse
Field 2 – Maritzburg Christian School vs Maritzburg College B

Coastal C

Venue: Queensburgh High

15:10
Field 1 – Durban North College vs Canaan College
Field 2 – George Campbell vs Rossbuburgh

16:10
Field 1 – Reddam Ballito vs Durban Academy
Field 2 – Kloof High vs Ashton Ballito

The second edition of the Curro Halala Cup kicks off with round-robin matches from Friday until Sunday across eight provinces. That marks the beginning of the journey to HeronBridge College, the host of the grand finale, featuring 24 teams, at which the 2026 champions will be crowned.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.