Mphelo Thorisho, aged 15, is a Holy Family College student and a JVW FC winger. She is also a member of the u17 South African girls’ team, “Bantwana“.
In a recent interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, she talked about her passion for football.
Like many of her teammates, she started her journey in football at a very young age, engaging in matches with boys during break time at school. Soon, she began improving, and that encouraged her.
“When I saw that I was getting good, I started becoming more serious about the sport, and started to join teams and started to play in local leagues,” she said.
Mphelo said the Covid-19 lockdown prevented her from playing as much football as she would have liked to play. However, after the lifting of the lockdown, she began training with SuperSport United, which greatly improved her skills.
While at the club, she continued to compete against boys, and it was during this time that coach Shannon Allan recognised her talent and recommended her to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
“At Sundowns, I learned how to play the ball tactically, and that improved my basics, like the first touch, and how and when to make a run. So now, I feel like I’ve become better at those things. I am more confident when I play now.”
Mphelo looks up to two FC Barcelona players as role models, Lamine Yamal and Salma Parauello, who plays on the wing for Barca in Liga F, the women’s division of La Liga. Parauello’s talent and resilience, and her ability to challenge opponents, especially resonates with Mphelo.
She said she paid close attention to Parauello during the UEFA Women’s Championship in 2022, and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which Spain won by defeating England 1-0 in the final.
When she first received a call-up to represent South Africa, Mphelo said she found it hard to believe. However, blessed with an opportunity to play for her country, she immediately got down to work. “I started training and working harder so that when I got to the camp, they would be happy with the decision to call me up.”
Playing for the national team has taught her discipline, she said, and how demanding it can be to represent her country. Versatility is important, she added, with players being asked to play different positions and having to adapt to those challenges.
Now, at JVW, she says that her coaches have taught her lessons that can be seen in different aspects of her play.
“I’ve learned that hard work pays off because, ever since I joined JVW, I’ve gotten many chances to do lots of things. I’ve played lots of tournaments and I feel like that’s what helped me be seen by the national team and get a call-up.
“At school level, I’ve learned sometimes you have to be patient with your teammates.”
When not playing football, Mphelo typically spends time reading books at home and occasionally playing basketball.
She is currently preparing for the second round of the u17 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, with Bantwana set to face Nigeria at home on 8 March and away on 15 March.
They’ll hold a one-week training camp from 16-22 February before taking on the Flamingos.
King Edward VII School (KES) basketball captain, Jarrel Mbuyi.
SuperSport Schools Plus interviews King Edward VII’s (KES) Jarrel Mbuyi Mulumba, a talented athlete, who excels in both basketball and rugby.
“If I were to introduce myself, I would say my name is Jarrel Mbuyo Mulumba. I’m Congolese,” he said.
“I began playing basketball in November of 2023 and I began playing rugby in 2022 at Bryanston High School.
“Jesus and my mother are my role models. My occupation is a son of God, and French is my first language.”
Since he began playing basketball, one of the most profound lessons that Jarrel has gained from the sport is that the essence of being a champion is not defined by winning. Rather, one wins because one possesses a champion’s mindset.
Jarrel exemplifies leadership. He asserted that true leadership is defined by actions rather than titles. He emphasised that his identity is rooted in God rather than in sports. While being an exceptional athlete is commendable, it is even more admirable to be a remarkable individual outside of the sporting arena, he believes.
He, also, advocates for prioritising the needs of others above one’s own, maintaining a positive attitude, being humble, and maintaining a strong work ethic. Basketball has taught him that character and diligence surpass talent.
Rugby, too, has imparted significant lessons to him, Jarrel said. “Rugby has been an outlet through which God has blessed me and my family. It encouraged me to express myself and connect with other people. I love the idea that anyone can participate, no matter the shape or size. I’ve made many friends and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Jarrel describes himself as a competitive person and strives to give his best in all aspects of his life. “I have been blessed with the ability to learn and to play the way I do. I’ve inspired many of my juniors and, thankfully, my own teammates to strive for more. To know my full potential in everything I do is my desire and to make others smile through my blessings,” he said.
Challenges have brought him joy and helped him grow as a person, Jarrel reckoned. He has noted a significant enhancement in his confidence and social skills. Now, he pursues excellence with greater confidence.
Growth on basketball courts and rugby fields has also carried through to his academic performance, an area in which he had previously struggled. “I went from barely passing in the primary [school] to thriving, and my goal is to also attain academic colours,” he shared.
Basketball and rugby are both team sports, and Jarrel expressed gratitude towards his teammates for contributing to his development as a player and an individual. He acknowledged that his teammates have encouraged him to confront his weaknesses and embrace being vulnerable.
The result of facing up to those challenges has been that he has gained a deeper appreciation for the journeys of those around him who are integral to his life. “I am a better student now, son, Christian, brother, and a much-improved teammate, all because of my teammates,” he stated.
One of the goals that he hopes to accomplish this year is to win the St John’s College Basketball Tournament. He also wants to see his teammates win awards, and he would like to attain full colours for rugby.
He is hoping for an injury-free season in the KES 1st XV and will strive to make it to Craven Week, where he is keen to pursue a place in one of the national teams. He hopes to pursue rugby as a career.
Academically, his goal is to earn academic colours and to score at least four distinctions.
Lastly, he said, he wants to improve his relationship with God.
On the basketball court, his favourite players are a couple of NBA shooting guards and a power forward. He looks up to Anthony Edwards, of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Donovan Mitchell, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the shooting guards, and to power forward, 40-year-old Lebron James, the NBA‘s all-time leading scorer, who began his career in the league in 2003 and is still going strong.
In rugby, his role models are French star, Antoine Dupont, the Springboks, Cheslin Kobe, Canan Moodie,Aphelele Fassie, and Bok legend, Bryan Habana, who also attended KES.
Jarrel said he wouldn’t describe any of those players as his idols. Rather, they are sportsmen from whom he has learnt much, especially when it comes to their demeanour, their grit, and their resilience.
Jarrel with his biggest supporter, his mother, Dora Mbuyi.
His basketball coaches have advocated for him to develop on and off the court, Jarrel said. It has been thanks to them that he has improved his academic performance.
Representing KES is an honour and a privilege, he added, emphasising that the jersey holds a special significance for him above all else. “It’s like giving back to the institution that has helped me this far into my life, and whenever I think about that, I get motivated,” he explained.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Jarrel said he has interests in cooking, reading, and martial arts. He mentioned his fondness for lasagna, a dish prepared by his mother, which he considers his favorite.
Furthermore, he enjoys watching his preferred rugby team, the Blue Bulls, as well as his favorite basketball team, the Timberwolves.
Northwood’s Knights celebrate being crowned the champions after a brilliant performance in the 2024 final of the St John’s Basketball Tournament.
The official dates of the 20th edition of the St John’s College Basketball Tournament brought to you by Standard Bank have been announced, with the tournament set to be played from 20 to 23 February.
The St John’s College Basketball Tournament is the largest boys’ schools’ tournament in southern Africa and features elite basketball-playing schools and academies.
Over four days, 64 teams, made up of 764 players, will compete in the u19, u15, and u13 age groups on six basketball courts, contesting 176 games.
Renowned for its lively atmosphere both on and off the court, the tournament fosters fierce rivalries and competition among premier schools from the southern African region. It creates a fun and festive atmosphere for the players, spectators, and parents alike.
Last year, in the 19th edition of the St John’s College Basketball Tournament, Northwood School delivered a commanding performanceagainst King Edward VII School in the gold medal match, overpowering their opponents 85-43.
Led by Doug Nedab, Northwood’s Director of Basketball, and first-team coach Kent VanderYacht, the team maintained an impeccable record throughout the tournament. Key players, including Lusanda Hlongwane, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), and Chadley Hargreaves, who was included in the u19 All-Star Team, along with Hlongwane, made significant contributions to the Knights‘ success
Also included in the All-Star lineup were Taite Hendricks (St Charles College), Onea Bvumi (St Alban’s College), and Raymond Gordon (King Edward VII School).
In the u15 final, a Gauteng versus KwaZulu-Natal clash, featuring St John’s and Hilton College, it was the visitors who triumphed.
Although St John’s College featured some outstanding players, like Reza Creamer, they were unable to withstand the physical dominance of Hilton College, which the KZN boys effectively leveraged to gain the upper hand over the hosts in an 11-point victory.
The 2025 fixtures have yet to be finalised. However, in its 20th year, and with leading schools and academies from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Free State, and North West in action, as well as participants from Eswatini and Zimbabwe, keen competition and plenty of action are expected.
U19 TEAMS
Gauteng – American International School of Johannesburg (Gauteng), Jeppe High School for Boys, King Edward VII School, Michael Mount Waldorf School, Parktown Boys’ High School, Sacred Heart College, Pretoria Boys High, St Alban’s College, St Benedict’s College, St John’s College, St Peter’s College.
KwaZulu-Natal – Clifton College, Hilton College, Maritzburg College, Northwood School
Eastern Cape – St Andrew’s College
North West – International School of South Africa,
Zimbabwe – Falcon College, St College’s College
Eswatini – Waterford Kamhlaba
U15 TEAMS
Gauteng – American International School of Johannesburg, Jeppe High School, King Edward VII School, The King’s High School Linbro Park, Michael Mount Waldorf School, Pretoria Boys High, Redhill School, Sacred Heart College, Saheti School, Soweto Basketball Academy, St Alban’s College, St Benedict’s College, St David’s Marist Inanda, St John’s College, St Peter’s College, St Stithians College.
KwaZulu-Natal – Clifton College, Hilton College, Kearsney College, Maritzburg College, Northwood School, St Charles College
Free State – Mangaung Knights
Eastern Cape – St Andrew’s College
U13 TEAMS
Gauteng – The King’s School Linbro Park, Michael Mount Waldorf School, Pridwin Preparatory School, Redhill School, Sacred Heart College, Soweto Basketball Academy, St Benedict’s College, St David’s Marist Inanda, St John’s Preparatory, St Peter’s Preparatory,
St Stithians College, The Ridge School
u18 2025 champions of the American International School of Johannesburg Tournament, Soweto Basketball Academy. Photo. Mammoth Photography.
On Saturday, St John’s College won the u18 boys’ boys’ title at the annual American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) Basketball Tournament, while the Soweto Basketball Academy took the girls’ u18 honours.
St John’s had fallen short a number of times previously in the AISJ event, but this time they went all the way, holding off Michael Mount Waldorf School 21-19 in the final.
All credit to St John’s, they had to negotiate a tricky path to the title game.
In their semi-final, they took on St Benedict’s College and claimed a 10-point win, prevailing 46-36. It was a reversal of the 2024 final in which Bennies had convincingly dispatched St John’s, winning 54-30.
There was some consolation for St Benedict’s. They scored a 38-32 win over St Stithians to claim the bronze medal.
St John’s didn’t finish with a clean record, though. Pool A was extremely closely contested, with St John’s, Pretoria Boys High, and Michael Mount Waldorf all winning two and losing one game.
Boys High beat Michael Mount 46-39, Michael Mount beat St John’s 44-41, and St John’s beat Pretoria Boys High 47-44. In the final, St John’s reversed their earlier defeat to Michael Mount.
St Stithians won all three of their Pool B matches, beating King’s School Linbro Park 25-19, St Benedict’s 35-31, and AISJ 49-29. As happened with St John’s and Michael Mount, there was a reversal later in the tournament, when Bennies beat Saints for third place.
Westville Boys’ High enjoyed the smoothest progress through the pool games. They were extended by ESCA, winning 35-32, but, in their other games, they outplayed St David’s Marist Inanda 22-10, and overran St Andrew’s College 45-19.
In the u18 girls’ division, the Soweto Basketball Academy successfully defended the title they won in 2024, adding it to a growing list of accolades. Up against Sacred Heart in the gold medal game, the Soweto Basketball Academy recorded a 32-24 win.
They had been stretched by Redhill in their semi-final, claiming a 31-28 victory, while Sacred Heart had advanced to the final by overpowering AISJ 23-11. In the playoff for third, Redhill defeated the hosts, AISJ, 41-30.
David Tirkaso, of St John’s, was named the boys’ Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Ntokozo Thonga, from the Soweto Basketball Academy, won the girls’ MVP.
Boys’ Semi final
St John’s College 46-36 St Benedict’s
Michael Mount Waldorf School 33-29 Saints
Girls’ Semi-final
Sacred Heart 23-11 AISJ
Soweto Basketball Academy 31-28 Redhill
Boys’ 3rd place
St Benedict’s 38-32 St Stithians
Girls’ 3rd place
Redhill 41-30 AISJ
Boys’ Final
St John’s College 21-19 Michael Mount Waldorf School
Lightning, unfortunately, brought an early end to King Edward VII’s 1st team showdown with St Peter’s College. Photo: King Edward VII School on Facebook.
The basketball season is in full swing, with schools in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape completing their third weekend of action. Many teams were kept busy at the American International School of Johannesburg‘s annual tournament, but some traditional derbies were played.
King Edward VII School (KES), one of Gauteng’s top basketball-playing schools, generated considerable excitement and enthusiasm as they hosted their first home games of 2025, with the first team taking on St Peter’s College.
Unfortunately, lightning brought a premature end to the contest with KES 10 points to the good, leading 24-14.
The visitors’ victory was built upon a one-sided first quarter in which they forced numerous turnovers to charge into a 20-5 lead.
Kearsney found their footing in the second quarter, but Northwood edged it 21-18 to take a 41-23 lead into the break.
There was no coming back from that 18-point deficit, but Kearsney tested the Knights, scoring only five points fewer than Northwood in the second half.
Simamukele Vacu dominated for the visitors, dropping 33 points on Kearsney, while Awande Chiliza added 16. Lwandile Njapha led Kearsney’s scorers, with 10 points, while Markus Wise and James Hastings-Brown had nine each.
St Charles ran wild against Glenwood, winning by 69 points. Photo: Saysha Baker.
St Charles College, another traditional basketball power, hosted Glenwood HighSchool in the always-bouncing Samke Khumalo Arena and powered their way into triple figures, handing the Green Machine a tough 113-44 defeat.
The visitors swished the first three-pointer of the game through the basket, but they had trouble dealing with Saints‘ full-court press, which worked a treat for the home side, who created numerous turnovers and turned those into easy buckets.
Maritzburg College, fresh off scoring 118 points in a win over Glenwood last weekend, came close to another century of points.
Spurred on by their raucous supporters in the Alan Paton Memorial Hall, they blasted Michaelhouse 97-53. The Red, Black, and Whitetook charge from the outset and were 44-29 clear at halftime.
College captain Nkhanyiso Ngcobo led from the front and was the leading scorer with 23 points.
Meanwhile, Hilton College enjoyed their home-court advantage and ran out the winners by 31 points over Clifton College.
In the Eastern Cape, Queen’s College and Grey High engaged in a fiercely contested clash. There was little to separate the sides, but Queen’s, eventually, pulled off a four-point win, triumphing 41-37.
RESULTS
Northwood 77-53 Kearsney College
Hilton College 64-33 Clifton College
Queen’s College 41-37 Grey High
St Charles 113-44 Glenwood High
Maritzburg College 97-53 Michaelhouse
King Edward VII 24-14 St Peter’s College
u14 IberCup South Africa champions, Socca Dream. Photo. Socca Dream.
The Socca Dream Academy is a force in South African football, providing young players with opportunities to enhance their skills, make progress in their development, and, potentially, secure places at esteemed academies in Italy.
January has proven to be a bustling period for the academy, which maintains a presence in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. It was an especially exciting month for Allen Kanyane and Matthew Mbekeni, who both headed off to the Canaletto Elite Academy in Italy, where the most capped international goalkeeper of all time, the legendary Gianluigi Buffon, began his career.
It’s a reward for the duo’s commitment and perseverance at Socca Dream, where they developed their games from a young age.
“As they embark on this exciting journey, both Allen and Matthew are set to continue their development as athletes and individuals, representing the hard work and dedication that has characterised their time at the Socca Dream Academy,” Socca Dream said in a press statement.
They will be joined in Italy by Holy Family College learners, Bokang Modikeng, aged 15, and Junior Letawana, aged 19, who are with Socca Dream in Johannesburg. They depart on Sunday.
Earlier this week, SuperSport Schools Plus sat down for a chat with the Holy Family College boys.
Junior, originally from Bloemfontein – a city renowned for its rich historical significance in South African football and home to prominent players and clubs, such as Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars – revealed that he first travelled to Johannesburg in pursuit of better opportunities upon learning that Socca Dream was conducting trials.
“My story: When they were hosting trials, I missed the first day because there was a miscommunication between coach Aris and my mum. They told me I could come on the second day and the third day, so I was a bit scared that I was not going to get chosen.”
Junior said he was in a panic because his mother had paid a lot of money to give him a chance to realise his football dream. He didn’t want to waste it, so he worked hard and turned to his faith for strength. “I had faith that if I didn’t get picked up there would be another opportunity,” he said.
Every footballer aspires to play internationally, he continued, while acknowledging that not many players have the chance to do so. Junior expressed his gratitude towards the Socca Dream family for helping young athletes, through their coaches, to grow and excel as footballers, while also helping them to develop as people.
Although his parents remain in Bloemfontein, he said he continues to receive extraordinary support from his family. His mother visits him in Johannesburg every three months.
Being away from home has contributed to his personal growth, Junior said, and it has made him realise that the life of a footballer demands considerable mental resilience. However, he emphasised the importance of not overlooking the support system provided by his family.
With his trip to Italy drawing near, he said he still finds it hard to believe he is going overseas. He intends to seize the opportunity to learn from others and develop in a new environment. “I consider myself a student of the game, so adapting will not be difficult for me, and I am immensely grateful to my coaches for their faith in us, and for helping us to become better players,” he concluded.
Bokang Modikeng who looks up to 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng, of Orlando Pirates, as a role model, said football is immensely important to him. Playing the game gives him great joy, he stated.
When he first joined Socca Dream, he struggled with his confidence and felt intimidated by his teammates, who appeared to be physically stronger. However, with the guidance of his coaches, Bokang began to truly enjoy the game.
Now, he said he cherishes it when his team faces pressure as he believes that challenging situations reveal a player’s true character. He acknowledged that, in football, outcomes are not always in one’s favour, no matter how hard one may try.
In December, Bokang turned out for the Socca Dream in the Iber Cup, in Johannesburg. He described that experience as a memory he will always treasure. During the tournament, Highlands Park, known for their strength, quick transitions, and cohesive defensive play, truly impressed him, he admitted.
At the Iber Cup, he also had opportunities to observe various international teams, including players from the French giants, Paris Saint Germain (PSG), which allowed him to learn and incorporate new strategies into his own game.
Both Bokang and Junior are immensely enthusiastic and determined to make the most of their time in Italy. They’ve vowed to stay grounded and diligent in pursuit of their dreams.
The u17 South African girls’ national team, known as Bantwana, faces Gabon on 18 January at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, in the second leg of their u17 Confederation of African Football (CAF) | FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier.
The Gabonese arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Thursday, ahead of the match, with the tie pretty much already decided.
South Africa is in a powerful position after thrashing Gabon 12-1 in their backyard, at the Stade de Franceville in Franceville, Gabon, on 11 January.
Coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo’s team ran riot in the away leg, scoring their 12 goals in the first half of the match. Khwezi Khoza led the charge with four goals, while Akhona Simamane and Nomfundo Nzuzo each scored a hattrick. Captain Katlego Malebana got in on the action, too, slotting two goals.
At halftime, South Africa held a commanding lead. Bantwana was, however, devastated not to finish the match as it was called off after the first half. Heading into the second stanza, Gabon had only six players fit to play. Thus, according to the Fifa rules, the match was suspended. South Africa was granted a 12-1 win.
After the match, Khumalo expressed her disappointment that the match had been called off midway through. “I’m very disappointed because the first game remains something big for us,” she told Safa Media. “It’s a start for these World Cup qualifiers, but again our mandate was to make sure we win the first leg so that we prepare ourselves for the next leg.”
Given the one-sided nature of their first-leg victory, Bantwana is expected to encounter few problems in securing another win in the second-leg match.
The contest kicks off at 16:00 at the renowned Lucas Moripe Stadium, and a large turnout of fans from Pretoria and the wider Gauteng region is expected.
South Africa is aiming to qualify for the 2025 u17 Fifa Women’s World Cup, which will be played in Morocco from 17 October to 8 November.
Highlands Park celebrated winning the 2005 title at the inaugural IberCup South Africa on Monday, 16 December 2024. Photo: IberCup.
After five days of action in the inaugural IberCup South Africa, the champions of the different age groups were crowned on Monday at the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) AW Muller Stadium.
Many of South Africa’s top teams were joined by global household names, like Paris Saint-Germain F.C, PSV Eindhoven, and Benfica.
Paris Saint-Germain – 2010 age group champions
In the highly anticipated 2010 age division final, PSG halted high-flying Kaizer Chiefs, beating them 2-0 in the final in front of a packed venue.
Valentin Houdou, the goalkeeper coach for PSG, expressed his gratitude following the match, thanking South Africa for welcoming the French club. “We are very happy for the team (PSG) to come here for the first time, and we hope to come back quickly for the second time,” he said.
Houdou also reflected on PSG’s win over Chiefs in the title decider. “The game against Kaizer Chiefs was very difficult for us because we lost to them in the group stages,” he said, “but the final was a little bit different. Maybe our players were motivated and fresher.”
While joyfully celebrating PSG’s IberCup South Africa win, he also expressed the hope that the event would continue to grow and said he looked forward to the 2025 edition of the tournament. Houdou said it was good to also have The Netherlands’ PSV and Portugal’s Benfica participating, and he hoped to see even more international clubs added in the coming years.
It was a frustrating day for Kaizer Chiefs, who had three sides lose finals, with the 2011 age group team also going down 2-3 to SuperSport United, while Warriors scored a narrow 1-0 win over the Amakhosi in the 2008 age group final.
The winner of the 2009 competition at the 2024 IberCup South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: IberCup.
Mamelodi Sundowns – 2009 age group champions
After Mamelodi Sundowns clinched the 2009 boys’ division title with a hard-fought 1-0 Pretoria derby victory over Tuks, their coach Surprise Moriri said he was excited for his boys. He also said their title-winning success belongs to them and not the coaching staff.
“I just want to say congratulations to them. I know they have been working hard, and they really wanted to make sure that we played well, so they deserve this moment,” he said.
Moriri also praised his colleague, Sundowns’ u15 coach Selekedi Mogale, who guided his team to the GDL title. Moriri said Mogale achieved outstanding results with the team and he wished to extend his congratulations to him for the outstanding work he had done.
“I want to congratulate him because it’s not all about me. All the other academy coaches have done really well.”
Moriri thanked the organisers of IberCup South Africa for their efforts in hosting this tournament. He said he hoped it would grow even larger and become even more competitive in 2025.
Highlands Park – 2005 age group champions
The “Lions of the North”, Highlands Park FC u19 concluded their year by adding the IberCup title to their list of achievements. The victory followed a successful defence of the GDL title, which was confirmed only on the last day of the season.
Tarrias Sharpley, one of the development coaches at Highlands Park, was delighted after the team edged out Time Tigers 9-8 on penalties, which had taken place following a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.
“It’s a nice reward for the boys. They deserve this moment after a long season of football,” he said.
“We had a good mixture of boys from 2005 up until 2009 in this squad and they all played like the champions they are. So, it’s a nice incentive for the boys. It was a good tournament. We were able to see how they could cope at a high level.”
Tarrias said one of the main challenges that Highlands Park had to overcome was their late entry into the competition, which meant some of their players had already departed for their homes in other provinces. They also had to contend with an injury during the event.
Clapham High was the convincing winner of the 2006 age group, defeating the RCD Espanyol Academy in the final. Photo: IberCup.
Meanwhile, preparations were further hampered by exams, which meant those boys who were writing were left to concentrate on their school work, with education being the top priority at Highlands Park.
That, though, allowed the club to give some other players an opportunity and they rose to the occasion, which spoke volumes about the good work being done by the coaches at Highlands Park.
‘What we are doing at Highlands Park is a holistic team effort – from management, to coaches, players, to parents. Everybody adds value to what we do, and we just need to continue with it,” Sharpley said.
He admitted, though, that the club is disappointed that its players have not received more attention from the national team despite their title-winning pedigree. Nonetheless, said Sharpley, the coaches maintain confidence in their players and trust them to perform well.
Next, he added, it was time for the club’s players to embrace the moment and enjoy it, take some time to rest and recuperate, and, then, return stronger than ever in 2025.
2008 Girls’ Age Group
University of Pretoria (Tuks) (5) 1-1 (4) JVW
The final, between Tuks and JVW, captivated the spectators as the sides traded blows in a tension-filled clash.
Tuks took the lead in the first half, but JVW equalised towards the end of the second half to force the contest into a penalty shootout. Tuks, then, claimed the IberCup honours, winning it 5-4 from the spot.
SuperSport Schools Plus spoke with rising star Katlego Malebana after the match as she celebrated her team’s win. It’s been a big year for Malebana, which has included leading the national team to victory in the u15 CAF African Schools Football Tournamentin Tanzania and winning the School Star of the Year Award from GSports4Girls. She also helped Mamelodi Sundowns win the Engen Cup Tournament, before joining the Tuks’ first team in the Hollywoodbets Super League.
After Monday’s final, Malebana excitedly recounted Tuks’ efforts and highlighted a crucial 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the group stages that resulted in Sundowns’ elimination from the gold championship. Despite feeling emotional playing against her former club, she stressed that composure won it for Tuks.
“I felt very emotional and I am still feeling emotional even now. We’ve been training so hard, and we’ve been preparing for this moment. I feel very proud of our team and what we have accomplished today”, Malebana said.
It also felt good to claim another title, she added. “It means a lot because I’ve been in different teams and structures throughout the year, coming from Mamelodi Sundowns where football is different compared to Tuks. I had to quickly adjust, so I think winning this cup (IberCup) has motivated me to work even harder.”
In a rare setback for her in 2024, the South African u17 girls’ team, Bantwana, failed to win the Cosafa tournament, which went the way of Zambia. “I want to win everything,” she admitted, “but it’s football. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Losing is also good, as difficult as it is to accept, but I learn from losing, too.
“So, coming back from Cosafa, I just told myself, let me try to win this cup (IberCup South Africa) and recover my emotions from the Cosafa tournament because I don’t like losing. No one does.
“As an individual and as a team, we have taken lessons from the Cosafa tournament, and I know next time were are going to do better and we will fight hard to go to the World Cup as the u17 national team representing South Africa.”
It’s easy to forget that Malebana is still only 15 years old. She is, after all, one of the country’s standout players. “Sometimes I do feel the pressure, but I keep pushing myself to do better,” she said. “In the Cosafa tournament, I learned so much from my teammates, from the opposition and we all did, so I think that experience gave us a lot of motive to work hard.”
She said she also finds great value with and learns a lot from the Tuks’ first team in the Hollywoodbets Super League. Malebana said she continues to enhance her skills by gaining insights from her fellow Tuks’ squad members.
The SuperSport United team that won the 2011 competition was one of three of the club’s sides that claimed titles. Photo: IberCup.
Boys’ List of Finals
2016 Gold Final
Tshiama Academy A 3-1 Kempton Park FC
Silver Final
Durban Eagles 2-0 Benoni Northerns
2015 Gold Final
SuperSport United 4-2 Tshiama Academy A
Silver Final
Benoni Northerns 2-0 Tuks
2014 Gold Final
SuperSport United 2-1 Highlands Park FC
Silver Final
Central Schools FA 5-3 Rovers FC
2013 Gold Final
SuperSport United 2-0 Highlands Park
Silver Final
Hola Skoko FA 1-0 Mangaung Metro FA
2012 Gold Final
Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 SuperSport United FC
Silver Final
Total Football Excellence 3-0 Hola Skoko FA
2011 Gold Final
SuperSport United 3-2 Kaizer Chiefs
2011 Silver Final
Future of Africa 6-5 Tuks
2010 Gold Final
PSG 2-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Silver Final
Socca Dream 2-1 Riverside
2009 Gold Final
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Tuks
Silver Final
Randburg AFC 2-0 Langalibalele Sports Academy
2008 Gold Final
Warriors FC 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Silver Final
Biya4 Academy 2-1 KZN Lyons FC
2007 Gold Final
Stars of Africa 5-4 Tec4kkers
Silver Final
West Youth Academy 4-1 Future of Africa
2006 Gold Final
Clapham High School 3-0 RCD Espanyol Academy Johannesburg
2005 Gold Final
Highlands Park (9) 1-1 (8) Time Tigers Executive FC
PSV vs Kaizer Chiefs in the Boys 2010 category. Photo. IberCup
The IberCup South Africa, which started on Thursday, 12 December, concludes on Monday.
Sunday’s action at the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) AW Muller Stadium was all about the playoffs for both the gold and silver championships for the boys’ and girls’ divisions.
In the boys’ competition, the 2010 age group proved to be the most exciting group of the tournament, with the high level of the first three days continuing.
In the gold championship quarterfinals, Kaizer Chiefs scored a narrow 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven. It was a far tighter clash than their earlier meeting in the group, where Chiefs scored an eye-opening and decisive 4-1 win.
The Phefeni Glamour Boys enjoyed an easier time in the semi-finals, beating Team Gauteng 3-1.
Kaizer Chiefs are set to face Paris Saint Germain (PSG) in the final following PSG’s 2-0 victory over SL Benfica in the semi-finals.
A tough battle is expected. Chiefs won when they met in the group, but only just, squeezing out a 1-0 victory. They would be more than satisfied to repeat that scoreline in the title decider.
One of the notable age groups in the tournament is the 2006 age group, where Clapham High School has stood out as one of the most engaging teams. They’re aiming to add the championship title to their collection of trophies, which includes winning the Absa Wilderklawer Soccer Tournamentearlier this year.
Clapham takes on RCD Espanyol Academy Johannesburg in the final match. Clapham secured their place in the main game with a hard-fought 1-0 win over German International S.A. in the semi-finals, while RCD Espanyol Academy Johannesburg advanced to the final after defeating Total Football Excellence 2-0.
In the 2009 age group, an exciting Tshwane derby is set to take place on Monday in the gold championship match, with Mamelodi Sundowns tackling Tuks in a Pretoria derby for the title. It’s a contest that is not only about lifting the trophy. It’s a clash about pride and bragging rights and the adrenaline will be flowing just ahead of kickoff.
The semi-finals featured four Gauteng Development Leagueteams, with Sundowns edging out SuperSport United 1-0, while Tuks handed Joburg City a 2-0 defeat.
IberCup Boys’ Division, 2005-2010 Day four results, Monday’s fixtures
2005 AGE GROUP RESULTS
Sunday, 15 December
Semi-finals
Highlands Park 2-0 Socca Dream
Time Tigers Executive 2-0 Rockefvs
Monday, 16 December
Final
08:00 – Field 4-F: Highlands Park vs Time Tigers Executive FC
2006 AGE GROUP RESULTS
Sunday, 15 December
Clapham High School 1-0 German International S.A
RCDE Academy Johannesburg 2-0 Total Football Excellence
Monday, 16 December
14:00 – Field 1-A: Clapham High School vs RCD Espanyol Academy Johannesburg
2007 AGE GROUP RESULTS
Sunday, 15 December
Playoff Gold Championship: Quarterfinals
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Remember Elite S.A
Stars of Africa 2-0 Pretoria Athletic Football Club
Clapham High School 1-0 Wits Junior FC
Tec4kkers FC 6-5 Johannesburg Select
Semi-finals
Stars of Africa 5-4 Mamelodi Sundowns
Tec4kkers FC 1-0 Clapham High School
Monday, 16 December
Final
13:20 – Field 1-A: Stars of Africa vs Tec4kkers FC
Sunday, 15 December
Playoff Silver: Quarterfinals
West Youth Academy 3-0 Skipper All Stars AFC
Future of Africa 6-0 Free StarZ
The Football Institute A 6-5 Ehlanzeni
Siyadlala Football Academy 6-5 Total Football Excellence
Semi-finals
West Youth Academy 2-1 Siyadla Football Academy
Future of Africa 1-0 Total Football Excellence
Monday, 16 December
Final
10:40 – Field 16-H: West Youth Academy vs Future of Africa
2008 AGE GROUP RESULTS
Sunday, 15 December
Semi-finals: Gold Championship
Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 Centre of Excellence
Warriors 1-0 Robertsham Callies FC
Monday, 16 December
Final: Gold Championship
12:00 – Field 1-A: Kaizer Chiefs vs Warriors FC
Playoff Silver: Quarterfinals
Sunday, 15 December
Clapham High School 6-4 KZN Sporting
KZN Lyons FC 4-3 RCD Espanyol Academy Johannesburg
Total Football Excellence 3-0 Young Boys FC
Biya4 Academy 3-0 Ehlanzeni
Semi-finals
KZN Lyons FC 3-1 Clapham High School
Biya4 Academy 3-1 Total Football Excellence
Monday, 16 December
Final
09:00 – Field 16-H: KZN Lyons FC vs Biya4 Academy
2009 AGE GROUP RESULTS
Sunday, 15 December
Gold Championship: Quarterfinals
SuperSport United 3-0 RCD Espanyol Academy Johannesburg
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 Breakthrough
Joburg City FC 1-0 Safa Transnet School of Excellence
Tuks 6-0 Mangaung Metro FA
Semi-finals
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 SuperSport United FC
Tuks 2-0 Joburg City FC
Monday, 16 December
Final
09:00 – Field 1-A: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Tuks
Playoff Silver: Last 16
Sunday, 15 December
Randburg AFC 5-0 Turfloop City Football Academy
Siyadlala Football Academy 2-1 Free State StarZ
Blackball United 7-6 Rovers FC
Pretoria Athletic Football Club 2-0 The Football Institute A
Langalibalele Sports Academy 2-1 Sunward Academy
Ehlanzeni FA 3-2 Future of Africa
JJ Sporting FC 5-1 The Football Institute B
Hola Skoko FA 6-5 Advance Football Academy
Quarterfinals
Randburg AFC 2-0 Siyadlala Football Academy
Blackball United 2-1 Pretoria Athletic Football Club
Langalibalele Sports Academy 1-0 Ehlanzeni FA
JJ Sporting FC 4-2 Hola Skoko FA
Semi-finals
Randburg AFC 2-0 Blackball United FC
Langalibalele Sports Academy 3-0 JJ Sporting FC
Monday, 16 December
Final
14:00 – Field 4-F: Randburg AFC vs Langalibalele Sports Academy
2010 AGE GROUP RESULTS
Sunday, 15 December
Gold Championship: Quarterfinals
Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 PSV Eindhoven
Team Gauteng 5-4 TS Galaxy
SL Benfica 4-3 Stars of Africa
PSG 4-0 Total Football Excellence A
Semi-finals
Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 Team Gauteng
PSG 2-0 SL Benfica
Monday, 16 December
Final
10:40 – Field 1-A: Kaizer Chiefs vs PSG
Plate Playoffs: Semi-finals
Socca Dream 6-5 Randburg
Riverside FC 4-2 Central Schools FA
Monday, 16 December
13:20. Field 4-F: Socca Dream vs Riverside FC
IberCup Girls’ Division, 2005- 2012, day four results, Monday’s fixtures
2005 AGE GROUP RESULTS
Sunday, 15 December
Semi-finals
JVW 4-3 Fumana Secondary School
University of Johannesburg 6-1 Dlala Ntombazana
Monday, 16 December
Final
12:00 – Field 4-F: JVW vs University of Johannesburg
2008 AGE GROUP RESULTS
Sunday, 15 December
Gold Championship: Semi-finals
Tuks 2-1 Dlala Ntombazana
JVW 5-0 Refilwe Girls FC
Monday, 16 December
Final
10:40 – Field 4-F: Tuks vs JVW
Playoff Silver: Semi-finals
Mamelodi Sundowns 5-0 Jabulile Secondary School
Panorama FC 5-3 RCD Espanyol Academy Johannesburg
Final
12:00 – Field 16-H: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Panorama
2010 AGE GROUP RESULTS
Sunday, 15 December
Gold Championship: Semi-finals
Team Gauteng 3-0 CV Stars FC
JVW 1-0 Dlala Ntombazana
Monday, 16 December
Final
09:20 – Field 4-F: Team Gauteng vs JVW
2012 AGE GROUP RESULTS
Sunday, 15 December
Gold Championship: Semi-finals
Dlala Ntombazana A 3-0 CV Stars FC
Nkabinde Primary School 1-0 Dlala Ntombazana B
Final
14:20 – Field 7-C-1: Dlala Ntombazana vs Nkabinde Primary School
Refilwe FC’s Director of Football, Claudia Raposo.
Matches in the 2008 age group at the IberCup South Africa girls’ competition have captivated fans and sparked surprise with unexpected outcomes highlighting the improving quality of women’s football in South Africa.
The age group has produced a range of astonishing results, disappointments, and unforgettable moments, with the Refilwe Girls’ Football Club (FC) being one of the teams at the forefront of the excitement.
Despite being established only recently, in January 2024, Refilwe Girls’ FC has already established itself as a noteworthy addition to girls’ football. The club’s focus is on fostering women’s football while ensuring that the young athletes are not subjected to excessive pressure.
Under the leadership of passionate football enthusiast, Lebo Ramodike, the club has made significant strides. After a challenging start to the competitive Gauteng Women’s Development League, Refilwe finished the season strongly. It also made a crucial move when it appointed the highly experienced Claudia Raposo as its Director of Football.
Mondli Dube, the GWDL Administrator, said he was pleased to witness Refilwe’s success: “Refilwe is one of those teams with a clear vision and they have a proper structure. I’m happy for them and I hope many GWDL teams are learning from them,” he said.
“They don’t only prioritise football, but they also prioritise education. I selected them to go participate in IberCup among the five other teams because I was impressed by their organisation. Not only do they have young and talented players but they have a goal. They are working towards something.
“Refilwe has done what no other team has done. Remember, this team is barely one year old. They keep on inspiring us. To the chairman Lebo and his team, keep pushing. I can’t wait to see what they’ve in store for us.”
SuperSport Schools Plus caught up with the club’s founder, Lebo Ramodike to talk about its IberCup experience.
Ramodike expressed his admiration for the young athletes, noting that Refilwe finished top of Group B with 10 points after three wins and one draw.
The progress his club had made since the beginning of the year is a source of pride for the club’s founder and the players.
Refilwe FC founder Lebo Ramodike and the club’s Director of Football, Claudia Raposo.
Ramodike also told SuperSport Schools Plus that the club intends to establish an u13 team.
During the IberCup, he brought in three young players – Owami Zihlangu, Wandisile Legodi, and Siphesihle Khumalo – to experience the excitement of the event, despite not being part of the active playing squad. Although they are quite young, that trio has already participated in the GWDL with the u14 and u16 teams.
The idea behind the inclusion of the three players was to expose them to the club’s 2025 vision for u13s at the club. “We are going to be aggressive in the development of girls at a primary school level. We’re going to recruit more players,” Ramodike shared.
Ramodike said that it is important for them not to pressure young players. “I think [that with] saying development, we have less pressure on the players. Indirectly. they deliver results without [us] putting pressure on them.
“As soon as we start talking about results, results, results, the pressure increases, so, for us, we just want our players to enjoy football and learn, as we also learn from them.”
Michael Bender, the CEO of IberCup South Africa, expressed his admiration for the quality of women’s football showcased at the event. He noted that the level of play is impressive, with clubs like Refilwe flying their flag high
Bender said there is outstanding talent in South Africa and highlighted the importance of nurturing that talent within both the boys’ and girls’ ranks. He further expressed his satisfaction with the participation of over 20 girls’ teams in the IberCup.
While recognising the continuing improvement of girls’ football in South Africa, he remarked on the slight margins between some of the top teams, a viewpoint which was supported by a 1-1 draw between the formidable Mamelodi Sundowns and Tuks in a Group A fixture in the 2008 age group competition.
Sundowns entered the clash with a pressing need for victory, yet their Pretoria rivals were resolute in their efforts to disrupt the Brazilians’ ambitions, which ultimately led to Sundowns’ elimination from the gold semi-finals.
Tiro van Rooyen, the u17 Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach, who guided the Brazilians’ boys to the title in the Gauteng Development League (GDL) in November, was present to observe and support Sundowns in their match against Tuks. Following an unsatisfactory outcome for the GWDL champions, Van Rooyen discussed the IberCup South Africa with SuperSport Schools Plus.
“I think it’s an incredible experience, a good tournament as well. A lot of teams, different teams from around the country, and around the world,” he enthused.
Van Rooyen also praised the standard of women’s football, “The women’s teams or ladies football has grown immensely, so we’re busy watching Sundowns and Tuks, that’s an opportunity for us coaches to learn from them, because you learn every single day.”
He commended the performance of Sundowns’ ladies, despite their coming up short of the semi-finals, and also lauded the exceptional efforts of the Tuks’ defenders, especially their goalkeeper, who stood between ‘Downs and victory.
2008 AGE GROUP RESULTS
Saturday, 14 December
GROUP A
Tuks 2-0 JVW FC
Panorama FC 2-0 Kempton Park Ladies
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Tuks
Group B
Refilwe Ladies 2-0 RCDE Academy Johannesburg
Dlala Ntombazane 1-0 Jabulile Secondary School
Refilwe Ladies 0-0 Tornado FC
Sunday, 15 December, Fixtures
Plate Semi-finals
13:20 – Field 17-I: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Jabulile Secondary School
13:20 – Field 19-J: RCDE Academy Johannesburg vs Panorama FC
Gold Semi-finals
17:40 – Field 1-A: Tuks vs Dlala Ntombazane
17:40 – Field 4-F: Refilwe Ladies vs JVW FC
The u17 South African girls’ national team, known as Bantwana, faces Gabon on 18 January at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, in the second leg of their u17 Confederation of African Football (CAF) | FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier.
