Two teams from the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL), Mamelodi Sundowns and Refilwe, will represent South Africa in the forthcoming second edition of the u17 Confederation of African Football (Caf) Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT), which takes place from 8-15 December in Zimbabwe.
The draw for the event was held on Friday at Cosafa House, in Johannesburg, which serves as the headquarters for the Southern African Football Confederation(Cosafa).
The tournament aims to provide clubs and academies with essential international exposure for young athletes. It was introduced in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in January of this year, where Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa Queens (JKT), from the host country, emerged victorious in the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) region, which is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
The tournament now turns its attention to the Cosafa region and the eight-team line-up features several well-known clubs and powerhouses in African football.
Banyana Ba Styleis in Group A, along with the home team, Mpopoma Sports Academy, Otjiwarongo Sports Academy, from Namibia, and Luwinga Academy, from Malawi.
In their first season, last year, Refilwe, unsurprisingly, experienced their fair share of challenges. In 2025, they used the lessons learned from those experiences to put together a strong campaign in the GWDL.
Their line-up included some new faces, and they also made some strategic adjustments, which led to an outstanding third place finish in only their second GWDL season. They finished behind only Sundowns and the SAFA Academy and held off JVW for third.
SuperSport Schools Plus spoke with Lindiwe Malaza, aka Coach Skhulu about the challenge that awaits her charges. She said Refilwe is excited to have received the opportunity to participate in the Caf tournament.
“We achieved significant success, emerging as a formidable team that brings excitement to the pitch,” she reflected on the GWDL season.
“This opportunity serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team members, and we view it as a reward for their efforts.
“Our success is a reflection of the institution’s commitment to promoting township football, and we are proud to represent it with passion and determination.
“We have established a strong team identity, and we are eager to make a lasting impression in the tournament in Zimbabwe.
Our goal is not only to participate, but to make a statement and introduce ourselves to the African football community,” Malaza concluded.
Refilwe’s determination will be put to the test by Aguila Girls, from Namibia, the Okarakara Golden Ladies, also from Namibia, and Lishoeshoe, from Lesotho.
The winners of the groups will contest the final at the Ngoni Mwosa Stadium, in Harare, on Thursday, 18 December. The fixture list is yet to be revealed but will be made known in the coming days.
Caf established the GIFT u17 tournament to provide club teams with a chance to compete against their counterparts from within their regions, thus supplementing the events already held for national teams.
The continental body has prioritised the advancement of women’s football as a crucial element of its development strategy, and the GIFT u17 tournament presents the young athletes with an opportunity to display their talent and acquire valuable experience.
“The Caf GIFT u17 tournament was created to fill an important gap in women’s football,” Caf’s Head of Women’sFootball, Meskerem Tadesse Goshime, told the Cosafa media team. “It aims to offer girls under the age of 17, who often play in senior leagues, an opportunity to compete at a higher level.
“This tournament not only enables young players to gain international experience, but it also stimulates investment in women’s football at the level of national clubs and associations.
“The ultimate goal is to see more African countries participate in similar competitions as part of regional development.
“This tournament is a starting point for the expansion of girls’ competitions throughout Africa, and the idea is to create a platform for girls under the age of 17 to play in competitions appropriate to their level and age,” she concluded.
Group A
Mpopoma Sports Academy (Zimbabwe)
Otjiwarongo Sports Academy (Namibia)
Mmaelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Luwinga Academy (Malawi)
Group B
Aguila Girls (Zambia)
Okakarara Golden Ladies (Namibia)
Refilwe FC (South Africa)
Lishoeshoe (Lesotho)
In 2025, he and Highlands Park missed out on a threepeat on goal difference, with Mamelodi Sundowns snatching the title at the death.
In an exclusive SuperSport Schools Plus interview, he discussed the past season and his strategies for Highlands Park to stay competitive in the GDL Top 8 and other tournaments in 2026.
He was nominated for the Coach of the Year Award at the SuperSport Schools Football Awards, alongside Selekedi Mogale, of Mamelodi Sundowns, who won the award and the u17 GDL title in November.
Mnguni congratulated Mogale and Bhamjee, who, alongside him, have been the most consistent coaches in the GDL in recent years.
This past season, Mnguni’s troops came as close as one could come to adding another title without quite making it, with an upset loss to the University of Pretoria (Tuks) allowing Sundowns to close the gap to the front-running Lions of the North and, eventually, claim the honours on goal difference. Both Highlands Park and Sundowns finished with identical records and 80 points after 34 matches, but the advantage belonged to ‘Downson goal difference.
Mcguni said accepting ending second had been tough, and he emphasised a need for reflection and improvement for the next season.
“I am currently analysing the u17s to identify potential recruits for the u19 team for the upcoming 2026 GDL season,” he shared with SuperSport Schools Plus. His plans for next year are already in place and being implemented.
Although the Highlands Park u19 team didn’t win the title, Mnguni said he was proud of his team’s accomplishments, which included an 18-game unbeaten run.
In the second half of the season, five teams – Highlands Park, Mamelodi Sundowns, Randburg, SuperSport United, and Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) – were in the running for the title. With the pressure on, in September, Highlands Park rose to the challenge.
On 6 September, the Lions of the North defeated SuperSport United 1-0 and repeated that score in a win over Sundowns the next day. They also beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-0and played to a 3-3 draw against Wits Junior on 20 September. They ended their month’s assignments with a 2-0 win over Randburg on 27 September.
Highlands Park is better known for finishing seasons strongly, rather than for starting well, and they frequently lose talented players, who transition to universities or colleges in different provinces, while others leave to play for other clubs within the GDL.
Smaller GDL teams lose players to larger teams, Mnguni said, but Highlands Park has a strong reputation for attracting talent.
One of the players that Highlands Park lost to a rival was Egan Freese, a 17-year-old, who now plays for Kaizer Chiefs. In 2024, at the age of 16, he was a consistent starter for Highlands Park, which successfully defended the league title. Throughout that season, the Lions of the North conceded only 15 goals in 34 matches and maintained 26 clean sheets, with Freese playing a crucial role in the centre of defence.
While top players favour teams like Sundowns and Chiefs, clubs such as Highlands Park have also developed quality players. Despite losing top talent, smaller teams must innovate to compete.
Mnguni feels Highlands Park’s talent has been overlooked for national call-ups and he has sought feedback from national coaches on how to better position his players for selection for South Africa.
Other matches were also rescheduled or due to adverse weather in October and November, which, Mnguni felt, affected his team’s title chase. However, that wasn’t the sole factor, he acknowledged, adding that Sundowns deserved to lift the title.
Next year, though, Highlands Park will be laser-focused on reclaiming the GDL championship and the wheels are already in motion.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Sethobile Komwande, who earned the Player of the Match title in the quarterfinals against Kempton Park, was, once again, named the Player of the Match in the final against Blue Birds. Photo: GWST on Facebook.
Mamelodi Sundowns successfully retained their Gauteng Women’s Soccer League (GWSL) title on Sunday by scoring a 4-2 penalty shootout victory after a goalless draw during regulation time against Blue Birds at the Rovers FootballClub, in Alberton.
Blue Birds, making their inaugural appearance in the GWSL, emerged as one of the most outstanding and unexpected contenders of the tournament.
They pulled off upsets in the group stage and on into the knockout rounds. In the final, they put up a fierce battle Banyana Ba Style and, although they didn’t claim the title, they emerged from the event with honour. After starting it as underdogs, they finished it as a formidable force.
In the semifinals, Blue Birds secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Electrical Ladies to advance to the championship match.
Sundowns, meanwhile, were taken to penalties in both the semi-finals and the final. They, nonetheless, came out on top in both contests to become the first team to successfully defend the GWSL title.
They edged out the 2022 champion and winner of the inaugural tournament, Diepkloof Ladies, 5-4 from the spot to reach the title game after neither side was able to score in regulation time. Diepkloof Ladies has a strong pedigree in the event. Apart from winning the title in 2022, they also finished as the runner-up to Raycon Ladies in 2023.
In the final, Blue Birds, despite being newcomers to the tournament, held their own against the reigning champions. However, during the penalty shootout, Sundowns’ greater experience shone through as they converted four penalties while Blue Birds missed two.
Tshiamo Segwatle, of Blue Birds, was crowned the Player of the GWSL. Photo: GWST on Facebook.
After the match, the tournament director, Mondli Dube, expressed his sincere appreciation to every team, coach, official, partner, and supporter who had been a part of the GWSL.
“What we’ve built here is more than just a tournament,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus. “It’s a movement, a platform that continues to elevate women’s football and strengthen our communities across Gauteng.
“Having over 600 ladies come to participate, having 25 well-structured women’s teams coming from all corners of Gauteng and beyond, shows the impact of this project.”
He humorously remarked that certain individuals referred to the GWSL as the Nedbank Cup for women. The Nedbank Cup is South Africa’s premier club football tournament.
Dube said the enthusiasm, dedication, and camaraderie that was shown both on the field and in the stands clearly demonstrated why investing in women’s sports is not just essential but also a compelling action.
His message to young girls watching from home or at school was to continue dreaming, continue playing, and continue believing. “There is space for you in this game,” he explained.
“To our champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, our runners-up, Blue Birds Ladies, and every team that gave their all, thank you for raising the standard once again.
“And finally, a big shout-out to our partners, Gauteng Sport, Arts and Culture, Phoenix Elite SA, Edenvale FC, Rovers FC, Rhoda Mulauzi Foundation, MRM Sports Capital,aQuellé, and stakeholders for standing with us. Your support continues to make the GWSL a success story worth telling.
“From all of us at the GWSL, thank you, and see you next season, where we promise to come back even bigger, stronger, and more inspiring.
“The future of women’s football is bright, and it starts right here,” he concluded.
Dr. Estienne Cronjé, the Director of Urban Academy and the President and founder of the Urban Academy Football Club. Photo: Supplied.
The Urban Academy Private School, in Gqeberha, is one of the fastest-growing schools in South Africa. Although it was founded only 13 years ago, in 2012, it has already established a reputation for academic and sporting excellence.
In September, Urban Academy the founding of a new club, the Urban Academy Football (UAFC), which will be up and running in 2026.
Next year, too, the Urban Academy Super Soccer Schools Tournament will unfold with competition at provincial level, with the top three from each province qualifying for the finals in Gqeberha in August.
SuperSport Schools Plus spoke with Dr. Estienne Cronjé, the Director of Urban Academy and President of the UAFC, about the tournament, including its vision and objectives.
The first edition of the tournament was a success, Cronjé said. De Kuilen High School, from Cape Town, was crowned the u19 boys’ champion, while Alexander Road High School, from Gqeberha, won the u19 girls’ title.
“It was an incredible season, especially with the broadcasting support from SuperSport Schools,” Cronjé said. “So many students, some who have never had the chance to play on a broadcast field, finally got visibility, and the atmosphere was unbelievable.
“Our stats for this season were only three provinces. In 2026, we are planning to invite schools from all provinces.
“The total number of matches played this year is as follows: 136, and 59 games were broadcast by SuperSport Schools. Our social reach across all our social media platforms [Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram] for the tournament was 12 547 925,” Cronjé revealed.
He said he was proud of Urban Academy’s vision of uniting South African schools, including those from privileged and disadvantaged backgrounds, on a single field, thus fostering a passion for football, along with unity and a sense of belonging.
During this year’s tournament, international scouts and eight local scouts were invited to witness South African schools’ talent. Among those in attendance were Mark Tommy, the Sports Manager at Nelson Mandela University; Elrio Van Heerden, the Head Coach of the Nelson Mandela University Football Team; Godfrey Tenoff, the Sports Manager from the University of Free State; and Kyle Zenoni, a former player and current Head Coach of the University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks men’s soccer team.
Kagan Assam, Headmaster of Urban Academy and Director of Urban Football Club Academy. Photo: Supplied.
Cronjé said Urban Academy doesn’t profit from scouted students, adding that scouts must seek permission from coaches before contacting players or parents. The reasons for that, he said, were professionalism, safety, and transparency.
“This is the heart of our tournament, providing and creating a platform for an opportunity. A player needs just one moment, one match, and one set of eyes on them to change their entire future,” Cronjé explained.
The tournament will be even bigger in 2026, he enthused. “We are introducing a new category, the u16 boys’ division, and for the first time, every field not covered by SuperSport Schools will be broadcast through our own AI cameras, ensuring as many games as possible are seen. That’s part of our drive for equal exposure.
“We remain committed to gender equality, so from 2026, all prizes, exposure, and opportunities will be 100 percent equal between boys and girls.
“We’ll once again include interviews with players, coaches, managers, and principals, as well as the national gala for principals, coaches, managers, and captains, followed by a braai for all teams on the first day of the tournament.”
Over 130 teams have requested entry for the 2026 tournament, with many having already confirmed their participation, including, among others, Wynberg Girls’ High, Urban Academy, De Kuilen High, CBC Mount Edmund, St Patrick’s CBC, Selly Park Secondary, Lowveld High, Pinelands High, Linkside High, Theodor Herzl High, Bridge House, Phandulwazi High, Westview School, and Saints Christian School.
Cronjé also thanked sponsors and partners. They made the tournament possible, he stated, and welcomed any organisation interested in being a part of the tournament to approach him.
“On a bigger note, we’ve been working for almost a year on registering the business and the tournament in the United States, with plans to expand into the US between 2028 and 2030.
“The goal is to have their top 10 nationally ranked SSS schools compete against South Africa’s top 10 for an international title on South African soil.
“Believe it or not, the full travel and stay package to SA is more valuable and affordable than 80 percent of their own tournaments, and that’s coming from the various schools we have been talking to, to start the pipeline,” Cronjé told SuperSport Schools Plus.
He also said Urban Academy will be launching a digital platform to enhance school football experiences and resources for players.
The Super Soccer Schools Tournament entries close at the end of January. Many schools will finalise their entries when they reopen next year. Only 16 spots per category per province are available, with the top three qualifying for nationals.
With all provinces included, Cronjé said that he expects over 1 000 matches to be played in 2026. The prize pot, including all medals, trophies, and monetary awards, will exceed R350 000.
The Urban Academy Football Team has shown impressive growth over the past two years in the Eastern Cape. This photograph captures their celebration at the 2023 Victoria Park Soccer Tournament in Gqeberha. Since then, they have aimed to compete nationally with top football schools. Photo: Siya Pongco.
“As with this year, the top three per category at Nationals get free access to BeBrilliant Academy,” the Urban Academy Director said. It is an online platform for a player or an immediate family member to do soft skill development that helps boost CVs, and which improves the chances of people getting hired. They may do any two courses of the 160 courses available.
“This is part of Urban Academy’s purpose and vision of opportunities and community upliftment,” Cronjé explained.
“We’re also building a fantastic long-term relationship with a major sponsor [still in the negotiation phase], which will help us grow the tournament into one of the biggest developmental sporting events in South Africa, one where opportunities are unlocked and futures are shaped,” he concluded.
Provincial Playoff and Qualifiers
Western Cape – 10-12 April – Pinelands High
Northern Cape – 19-19 April – St Patrick’s CBC – Kimberley
Free State – 17-19 April – University of the Free State
Eastern Cape – 24-26 April – Urban Academy
Gauteng – 8-10 May – CBC Mount Edmund
North West – 8-10 May – Selly Park Secondary School
Limpopo and Mpumalanga – 15-17 May – Lowveld High
KwaZulu-Natal – 26-28 June – Venue/Host: TBC
NB: The Nationals Finals of the tournament are scheduled to take place from 7-10 August at Urban Academy, in Gqeberha
List of all entries thus far
The Vaal High School – Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19
Bergsig Academy – Boys u16, Boys u19
Heathfield High School – Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19
Saints Christian School – Boys u16, Girls u19
Selly Park Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19
Kimberley Girls High School – Girls u19
Oscar Mpetha High School – Boys u19
Roedean School (SA) – Girls u19
Mokwatedi – Boys u16, Boys u19
Tetlanyo High School – Boys u19
Stutterheim High School – Boys u19
Umvuzo Secondary School – Boys u19
Bridge House School – Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19
Relebohile Sibulele Combined School – Boys u19
Acudeo College Thornview Secondary – Boys u16
Bainsvlei Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19
Absolute Hope Academy – Boys u16, Boys u19
Ayanda Senior Secondary School – Boys u19
Cofimvaba S.S.S – Boys u16, Boys u19
Crystal Park High School – Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19
Douglas High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Emdeni Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Emmanuel Secondary School – Boys u19
Esokwazi Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Funda Secondary School – Boys u19
Glenhaven Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Good Hope Secondary School – Boys u19
Gugulethu Comprehensive High School – Boys u19
Hans Kekana Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Harrismith Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Helen Bowden Nursing College – Girls u19
Highveld Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Hoërskool Kathu – Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19
Holy Trinity High School – Girls u19
Iqhayiya High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Ithetha School – Boys u16
John Bisseker Senior Secondary School – Boys u19
Jongilizwe Technical School – Boys u19
Kangala High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Kgomotso High School – Boys u19
Khwezana S.S.S – Boys u19
Kingsridge High School – Girls u19
Klipfontein View Primary School – Boys u16
Koekenaap High School – Boys u19
Komani High School – Boys u19
Kouga Sports School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Kwamandla High School – Boys u19
KwaNobuhle High School – Boys u19
Kwanomzamo High School – Boys u19
Letlhabile Primary School – Boys u16
Lilyfontein High School – Boys u19, Girls u19
Lukhanyo High School – Boys u19
Lulekani High School – Boys u19
Lusemanzi High School – Boys u19
Mabatho High School – Boys u19
Mahlontebe Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Makhuvha Secondary School – Boys u19
Mamelodi High School – Boys u19
Maphutha High School – Boys u19
Masiphumelele High School – Boys u19
Masizakhe High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Mbekweni Secondary School – Boys u19
Mdantsane High School – Boys u19
Mhlontlo High School – Boys u19
Midrand High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Mncube Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Mnqanduli High School – Boys u19
Moses Mabhida High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Mothotlung Primary – Boys u16
Mpheko High School – Boys u19
Mthatha Technical High School – Boys u19
Mthimkhulu High School – Boys u19
Mzinoni High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Ndzondelelo High School – Boys u19
Ngangelizwe High School – Boys u19
Ngqeleni High School – Boys u19
Nkqubela High School – Boys u19
Nonzame High School – Boys u19
Ntsonkotha High School – Boys u19
Paballong High School – Boys u19
Paterson High School – Boys u19
Pearson High School – Boys u19
Phakamisa High School – Boys u19
Phalaborwa Rise – Boys u16
Philippi High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Qhayiya High School – Boys u19
Queensburgh High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Qumbu High School – Boys u19
Reddersburg High School – Boys u19
Rhodes High School – Boys u19
Richmond High School – Boys u19
Rista Primary – Boys u16
Samora Machel S.S.S – Boys u19
Sasolburg High School – Boys u19
Saxonsea Secondary – Boys u19
Sebe Secondary School – Boys u19
Senqu Secondary School – Boys u19
Setotolwane Secondary – Boys u16
Sibabalwe S.S.S – Boys u19
Siphumelele Secondary School – Boys u19
Sipho Maseko S.S.S – Boys u19
SJ Van der Merwe Technical – Boys u16, Boys u19
Sondla High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Southview High School – Boys u19
Springfield Convent Senior School – Girls u19
Swellendam High School – Boys u19
Tembisa Secondary School – Boys u19
Thandokhulu High School – Boys u19
Thandolwethu High School – Boys u19
Thembalabantu High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Thomas Ntaba High School – Boys u19
Thubalethu High School – Boys u19
Tlokwe Secondary School – Boys U/19
Tsako Thabo High School – Boys u19
Tselanyane High School – Boys u19
Tulani Secondary School – Boys u19
Umlazi ComTech – Boys u19
Umthombo S.S.S – Boys u19
Vastrap Primary – Boys u16
Vezubuhle Secondary School – Boys u19
Vulamazibuko Secondary – Boys u19
Warrenton High School – Boys u19
Wesbank High School – Boys u19
Windsor High School – Boys u19
Wittedrift High School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Wynberg Girls’ High School – Girls u19
Idutywa School of Excellence – Boys u19, Girls u19
Masibambane Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19
Fezekile Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Voorbrug Secondary High School – Boys u19
Gamagara High School – Boys u16, Boys u19, Girls u19
South Peninsula High School – Boys u19, Girls u19
Vuvumutshena Secondary School – Boys u16, Boys u19
Chipco Developers, led by Chippa Mpengesi, has assumed control of the School of Excellence. Photo: Chippa Mpengesi on LinkedIn.
A new and promising chapter has started for the School of Excellence and, perhaps, with it a return to prominence.
Chipcor Developers, a subsidiary of Chippa Holdings and its founder, Siviwe Mpengesi, also known as Chippa, a businessman and the owner of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, Chippa United, have been designated as the new guardians of the historic Transnet School of Excellence.
The announcement was made in a press statement on Tuesday.
The School of Excellence stands as one of South Africa’s most esteemed development football institutions, having cultivated numerous players who have gone on to successful careers, both locally and internationally.
Their outstanding alumni includes Steven Pienaar, a former captain of Bafana Bafana, who enjoyed a lengthy and successful career abroad with Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Sunderland.
Another distinguished graduate is Daine Klate, one of the most decorated players in the South African PSL, who enjoyed a 15-year playing career with SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits, and Chippa United.
All of those young and exciting footballers have not only emerged as standout players at PSL clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, but they have also formed the core of South Africa’s national development teams, at u17 and u20 level. Both sides represented the country on the world stage this year at the u17 and u20 FIFA World Cups.
Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi photographed at the Schoolf of Excellence shortly after taking charge of the institution. Photo: Chippa United on Facebook.
Despite its recording of unearthing and developing talented players, the School of Excellence has struggled for the past two seasons
In the 2025 Gauteng Development League (GDL), the u19 team finished 15th and the u17 team 17th, just above Elspark United, who were relegated. The u15 team performed better, securing fourth place, while the u14 team finished 14th, and the u13 team was last, in 16th place.
Now, the School of Excellence could be poised for a revival. Mpengesi has a successful history with Chippa United. His commitment to restoring public sports infrastructure was also seen with his revitalisation of the Philippi Stadium in Cape Town, which turned it into a vibrant football venue in a township community, the birthplace of his club, Chippa United.
Since then, Mpengesi has engaged in various business activities, fostering football culture and pride in neglected areas.
The school was established with a goal of providing quality education and football training for gifted youths from underprivileged backgrounds. However, financial pressures had long troubled the institution. When Transnet announced its withdrawal as the school’s trustee, it also took with it the R20-million it provided to the school annually.
Following Mpengesi’s departure, the Philippi Stadium fell into disrepair, but he has since established operations at the Buffalo City Stadium, in East London. Restored from deterioration and vandalism, it now hosts most of Chippa United’s home games, with a few still taking place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, in Gqeberha.
Chippa Mpengesi’s committment to football is clear, although fans of Chippa United often worry about frequent changes to the coaching staff at the club. This season has been particularly turbulent, with the club appointing several coaches, including Sinethembea Badela, Musa Nyatam, Luc Eymael, and Vusumzi “Kanu” Vilakazi.
Many young talented footballers in the Eastern Cape have benefitted from Mpengesi’s influence. A versatile forward from Selborne College, Blake Synman is the latest to receive a professional contract from Chippa United.
Given Mpengesi’s stellar record, one hopes to see a revival of the fortunes of the School of Excellence. They could, once again, become one of the more interesting and entertaining teams to watch on SuperSport Schools Channel 216 on DStv during the broadcast of the GDL’s weekend football matches.
Selborne College forward, Blake Snyman, who led his team to the title in the East London High Schools Football League has signed a contract with Chippa United. Photo: Selborne College on Facebook.
In a recent press release, Chipcor Developers stated: “The appointment at the School of Excellence now extends this restoration mandate onto a national platform.
“The school’s revival plan encompasses the enhancement of its training facilities, academic resources, living accommodations, maintenance systems, security infrastructure, and operational model.”
The objective of Chipcor Developers is to re-establish the institution as a national centre of excellence by attracting young players, both boys and girls, from across the country, and to provide them with elite football training, robust academic foundations, life skills, and personal development support.
The School of Excellence serves grades eight to 12.
Chipcor Developers and the Chippa Mpengesi Foundation intend to partner with key national and regional stakeholders, including the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the Departments of Sport, Arts and Culture, Basic and Higher Education, the Ekurhuleni Municipality, SAFA, the Premier Soccer League, and corporate sponsors through Corporate Social Investments (CSI) initiatives.
In their press release, Chipcor Developers said their goal is to also equip young people with practical, employable skills that prepare them for opportunities beyond the realm of sports.
“The institution will also broaden its scope to include more sporting codes, such as rugby, athletics, cricket, netball, and boxing, thereby evolving into a genuine multi-sport development centre that fosters a variety of South African talent,” the press release stated.
“We thank God for this opportunity, and for trusting us with a school that has shaped giants of South African football,” Mpengesi said.
“This is more than a project. It is a calling to serve the youth and uplift communities. We will do everything in our power to restore, protect, and elevate this great institution for the next generation,” he concluded.
Mpengesi has also founded a secondary school with its own academy in the Eastern Cape, known as the Chippa College, which further expands his influence on youth education and athlete development.
The champions of 2022 and the finalists of 2023, Diepkloof Ladies, will take on Mamelodi Sundowns for a place in the final. Photo: GWST on Facebook.
On Sunday, the weather cast a shadow over the Gauteng Women’s Soccer League (GWSL) and put the semi-finals and final on hold after Saturday’s last 16 and quarterfinals delivered both excitement and disappointment on the fields at the Rovers Football Club, in Alberton.
In the last 16, the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, were stretched by United Ladies, but came away with a 2-1 victory to set up a showdown against a determined Kempton Park in the quarterfinals.
Again, Banyana Ba Style’s limits were thoroughly tested by their resilient opposition, but Sundowns eventually scraped a narrow 1-0 win through a penalty conversion late in the match.
With the win, Sundowns remains on track to become the first team to successfully defend the title.
Before their quarterfinal clash with the Brazilians, Kempton Park had also recorded a 2-1 victory in the last 16, beating Thandabantu United.
Reflecting on her side’s hard-fought wins, Sundowns’ coach, Asa Rabalao, told SuperSport Schools Plus that fielding younger players, primarily from Downs‘ Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) team, presented challenges against some of the GWSL opposition, as many of those clubs compete in the Gauteng Sasol League and have more experience than the youthful Sundowns’ squad.
Rabalo said their quarterfinal opponents, Kempton Park, brought a wealth of experience to their clash, and they made it difficult for Sundowns to maintain possession or feel comfortable in their preferred style of play, which emphasises ball control and dictating the pace of the game.
In the end, though, Rabalo said Kempton Park was unable to handle the intensity of Sundowns and that led to the handball, which resulted in the penalty, which Sundowns converted, to claim the win and reach the semifinals.
The defending champions will face Diepkloof Ladies, the champions of the inaugural GWSL tournament in 2022, when it was known as the Gauteng Women’s Soccer Tournament, for a place in the final.
Diepkloof Ladies have impressed with their high-pressure tactics, which has made them a tough challenge for their opposition.
Sethobile Komwande, right-back for Mamelodi Sundowns, was awarded the Player of the Match after a challenging battle against Kempton Park in the quarterfinals. Photo: GWST on Facebook.
In 2022, Diepkloof Ladies had beaten Raycon Ladies to lift the title.
Ahead of Saturday’s showdown, it was one win apiece between the rivals in the competition, but Diepkloof Ladies progressed to the quarterfinals and made it two wins to one with a narrow 2-1 victory.
Then, in the quarterfinals, Diepkloof Ladies took on JVW2, who were supported by a formidable fan base that made their presence known on the sidelines. Earlier, JVW2 had beaten Revelations in a gripping penalty shootout, winning 8-7 from the spot after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
There was little to separate the sides in their quarterfinal clash, but Diepkloof Ladies grabbed the contest’s only goal to reach the final four with a 1-0 win.
In other matches, Springs Home Sweepers sneaked by Mito Stars 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time. In the quarterfinals, though, Springs Home Sweepers had their journey ended by Blue Birds, who won 1-0. Blue Birds had defeated Future Stars 1-0 in the round of 16.
Electrical Ladies won 2-0 against Asijiki in the round of 16 and they repeated that scoreline in a win over Royal Lions in the quarterfinals.
That leaves Sundowns to tackle Diepkloof Ladies for a place in the final, while Blue Birds go up against Electrical Ladies knowing that the winner will face a former champion for the title.
After each match of the GWSL, the Player of the Match receives football boots. The following players were awarded their football boots after intense battles in the last 16 and in the quarterfinals:
Atlegang Mogale – Thandabantu United (Centre Back)
Tshiamo Segwatle – Blue Birds (Left Wing) in the last 16 and after the quarterfinals
Sethobile Komwande – Mamelodi Sundowns (Right Back)
Nomfundo Motaung – Springs Home Sweepers (Left Centre Back)
Thubelihle Shamase – Electrical Ladies (Right Wing)
Nkamogeleng Tshoke – Diepkloof Ladies (Midfielder)
Atlegang Masemola – JVW (Midfielder)
Mabuza Lehlogonolo – Revelations (Goalkeeper)
Tshiamo Segwatle – Blue Birds (Left winger)
Naledi Motaung – Kempton Park (Right back)
Nonhlanhla Maci – Diepkloof Ladies (Right wing)
Sbongakonke – Electrical Ladies (Midfielder)
RESULTS
Last 16
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 United Ladies
Spring Home Sweepers (6) 0-0 (5) Mito Stars
Blue Birds 1-0 Future Stars
Diepkloof Ladies 2-1 Raycon Ladies
Royal Lions 2-0 JVW1
Electrical Ladies 2-0 Asijiki
JVW2 (8) 1-1 (7) Revelations
Kempton Park 2-1 Thandabantu United
Quarterfinals
Diepkloof Ladies 1-0 JVW2
Electrical Ladies 2-0 Royal Lions
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Kempton Park
Blue Birds 1-0 Spring Home Sweepers
FIXTURES
Semifinals
Date and Time: TBC
Blue Birds vs Electrical Ladies
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Diepkloof Ladies
South Africa’s challenge at the u17 FIFA World Cup, in Qatar, ended in the round of 32 with a 0-3 loss to Japan. Photo: SAFA.
Coach Vela Khumalo and the Amamjimbosreached the end of the road at the u17 FIFA World Cup on Saturday after going down 0-3 to Japan in a round of 32 match played at the Aspire Zone, in Doha City, Qatar.
It was goalless at the break, although both sides squandered opportunities to score.
South Africa’s Neo Bohloko and Selwyn Stevens came close to netting, but they were denied by Japan’s goalkeeper, Ethan Scally.
Japan came even closer to breaking the deadlock when they struck a goalpost, and they caused the South Africans trouble in the air, but neither side was able to conjure up a breakthrough.
In the second half, Amajimbos’ goalkeeper, Lwandiso Radebe, found himself under increased pressure and that led to the Mamelodi Sundowns‘ net-minder being beaten three times.
Only three minutes after the restart, Hiroto Asada fired the Japanese into the lead. Just before the hour-mark, Minato Yoshida extended the East Asian team’s lead and, 13 minutes later, in the 72nd minute, Shota Fuji made it 3-0, all but sealing victory for his side.
Afterwards, Amajimbos’ coach Velo Khumalo said that it had been a contest of two halves. “We were in the game in the first half, and we should have taken the three or four chances that we created, but we take the lessons,” he said.
“The second half was more of a mistake from us, and they scored, and that opened up the game. But then we lost concentration and they scored two more goals,” Khumalo told the media.
Despite his side’s defeat, Khumalo felt his team performed well and demonstrated resilience. He, also, acknowledged the exceptional performance of Japan’s goalkeeper, Scally, who kept South Africa off the scoresheet.
With the loss, South Africa joined their southern African rivals, Zambia, on the sidelines after the Zambians fell 1-3 to Mali.
Tunisia was beaten 2-0 by Austria, Switzerland won 3-1 against Egypt, and Uganda edged out Senegal 1-0.
Morocco advanced 4-3 from the penalty spot after a 1-1 draw with the United States, while Burkina Faso took down Germany, winning 1-0. Amajimbos are anticipated to arrive back in South Africa on Monday afternoon.
Last 32 Results from the African Nations
Friday, 14 November
Mali 3-1 Zambia
Switzerland 3-1 Egypt
Morocco (3) 1-1 (3) USA
Saturday, 15 November
Uganda 1-0 Senegal
Japan 3-0 South Africa
Burkina Faso 1-0 Germany
Austria 2-0 Tunisia
The South African u17 national team,Amajimbos, is set to face Japan on Saturday in the round of 32 of the u17 FIFA World Cup at the Aspire Zone in Qatar.
At the end of the group stage of the competition, South Africa finished second in Group A, behind Italy, while Japan topped Group B.
Japan, on the other hand, finished top of their group, which also featured Portugal, Morocco, and New Caledonia, with a record of two wins and one draw.
The Amajimbos, who last participated in the u17 Fifa World Cup in 2015, in Chile, face a tough task when they take on the Japanese, who were surprisingly held to a goalless draw by New Caledonia, the minnows in their pool. But they beat the big guns, Morocco and Portugal, 2-0 and 2-1 respectively.
South Africa is one of the nine African teams that qualified for the round of 32. The only African country to miss out was Côte d’Ivoire, who finished last in Group F after losing against Switzerland, South Korea, and Mexico.
Tunisia, Senegal, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Morocco, Zambia, and Mali will be in action on Friday and Saturday, chasing a place in the last 16.
In 2015, under the guidance of coach Molefi Ntseki, South Africa exited after the group stage of the competition. Back then, the World Cup finals field was 24 teams. In 2025, that number has doubled.
Nonetheless, the 2025 team, under coach Vela Khumalo, appears to be better equipped to challenge on the World Cup stage. With their win over Bolivia, they achieved a first ever World Cup finals victory and then advanced to the next round.
On Saturday, at 15:30 SA local time, Khumalo’s squad will have an opportunity to improve upon that achievement and create even more history when they tackle Japan.
SuperSport Schools Plus sat down for an interview with the 17-year-old to learn more about his basketball journey, which started in 2022.
“I was fortunate to have an exceptional coach, coach Inga Koli,” Erasmus said.
“At the time, he had just completed high school and returned to coach at Pinelands High. He was an outstanding coach, consistently putting in extra effort for me.
“Even during school holidays, he would invite me to play, which ignited my interest in the sport. Honestly, without his encouragement, I might not have developed such a passion for basketball,” he admitted.
Erasmus views his basketball experiences as a gradual learning journey towards his goals. This year, he received a Special Achievement Award from Cape Metro District Basketball and there was, also, that Wynberg Boys’ High Basketball Tournament title and MVP honours, which put him in the spotlight.
Winning the tournament against elite Cape Town schools and being named MVP was an overwhelming experience, which made him proud, Erasmus said.
“I think winning as a team was even better compared to the fact that I was the MVP. It was my first MVP, and I do not take it lightly. That’s a huge step in my basketball career, and I am grateful for the recognition,” he reflected.
In sports, you win some and you lose some, learning about yourself and about sportsmanship in the process. Erasmus said one of his toughest experiences in basketball was also one of his most valuable experiences.
“In 2023, we attended a tournament at Kearnsey College, in KZN, when I was 14. Our oldest player was 15. We lost every game by at least 30 points, which was tough. However, that experience sparked our love for basketball, motivating us to improve.
“Now, that team dominates the Western Cape, with many of us representing the province in the inter-provincial tournament (IPT).”
Aidan Erasmus, in the colours of the Montana Vikings, at the Youth Classic Basketball Tournament that took place earlier this year. Photo: Supplied.
Erasmus said the IPTs helped him make friends like LusekhoSikhulume, from Westville Boys’ High, whom he leans on for advice.
Assessing his game, Erasmus said he enjoys playing defence and wants to be well-rounded. His club coach, Shafiek Allie, stresses that strong defence is a crucial key to being a well-rounded player.
Erasmus values his defensive work as a key strength. He is quick and aggressive in that area of the game. Offensively, he considers himself a skilled shooter, enjoying mid-range and baseline shots, as well as three-pointers.
At Pinelands High, his coach, Adrian Daniels, said that Erasmus is one of the players who has helped to raise the standard of basketball at the school.
“His work ethic and determination are unmatched. At every practice, he is the hardest-working person on the court. He’s become a great role model for his peers and the younger kids who look up to him,” Daniels explained.
“Watching him win the MVP at this year’s Wynberg Tournament was great. I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s worked really hard, and it’s great to see the work pay off.
“I’m super excited to see how he takes his game to the next level next year,” he concluded.
Erasmus told SuperSport Schools Plus that he has gained significant insights from both club and school basketball, emphasising that there is no separation in the lessons he has learnt from the two.
He highlighted a key lesson from coach Daniels at Pinelands High: in basketball, one must be prepared to give their all for their teammates without expecting anything in return. This principle has resonated deeply with him, shaping his perspective on teamwork, which he views as more than just a group of players, but rather as a brotherhood.
At Montana Vikings, he said the players frequently discuss themes of brotherhood and family. The lessons he has acquired at both school and club levels are always accessible to him, he added.
Erasmus has been blessed to learn from esteemed coaches, including coach Daniels at Pinelands High and coach Allie at the Montana Vikings. He is also engaged in one-on-one private training sessions with Vincent Ntunja, a former South African basketball player and co-founder, alongside Giovanni Freeman, of African Grassroots Hoops, which organises an annual Youth Classic Basketball Tournament in Cape Town.
Erasmus said that when he first met Ntunja, the coach spoke with authority, telling him he would be helped to where he wanted to go, and that it wasn’t a sense of false hope.
“He said, I will help you work to get where you want to be. And that is what stood out to me, because nowadays I think everyone is trying to skip the hard work part to get where they want to be. So, what stood out to me was that he offered to help me get where I want to be, not to get me there,” Erasmus explained.
Ntunja said working with Erasmus is a pleasure, noting that he is a player who pays attention and consistently seeks to improve.
Photo: Supplied.
“Our private sessions on the court are always positive, and I feel privileged to help enhance the work already done by his club and school coaches to get him to the next level. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.” Ntunja said.
Erasmus said coach Allie and Floyd Brown, at the Montana Vikings, have helped his defence, especially. His teammates, too, have served to inspire him to work hard.
Coach Allie, who told Erasmus that Rome wasn’t built in a day, has coached the young man for close to four years. He describes Erasmus as one of the most diligent players on the team.
“He’s extremely hard on himself, but I think that’s what’s really nice about him.
“He is not arrogant. He’s coachable and extremely respectful.
“He comes out of a really good home, and it’s just a pleasure to coach him,” Allie concluded.
Erasmus ended the chat by saying he has a strong desire to pursue further studies at a university, ideally overseas, with the aid of a scholarship, which would enable him to continue his basketball career. He would greatly value such an opportunity, he said.
Incredible Milestones Aidan Erasmus Achieved on the Basketball Court
– Bronze – SA School Summer Games (2022)
– Silver – Jr. NBA Tournament (2022)
– Vice-captain of Western Cape provincial team (2023)
– Silver – SA Schools Summer Games (2023)
– O’Reilly Cup (best basketball player award) at Pinelands High (2024 and 2025)
– Gold – Soweto Uprising tournament (2024) with Montana Vikings
– Gold – champion of Cape Town Basketball Association’s u16 division (2024 and 2025)
– Gold – champion of Cape Town Basketball Association’s u18 division (2024 and 2025)
– u18 National Team watchlist (2023)
– Champion in the Western Cape Top Schools Tournament (2025)
– All-Star Team in Western Cape Top Schools Tournament (2025)
– Western Cape Provincial Team u17 (2025)
– u19 Wynberg Boys’ High Basketball Tournament Champion (2025)
– u19 Wynberg Boys’ High Basketball Tournament MVP (2025)
– School Half Colours [Pinelands High] (2024 and 2025)
– Provincial Colours (2022, 2023, and 2025).
The South African girls’ team celebrates after the 2024 CAF African Schools Football Champions COSAFA Qualifiers final match between South Africa and Zambia at Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay, Namibia on 13 October 2024. Photo: Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix.
The fourth edition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Schools Football Championship, Cosafa Qualifiers, takes place in Stellenbosch from 5 to 7 December.
The tournament, which South Africa has won three times since its inception in 2022, serves as the final stage of the competition and leads to the finals of the CAF African Schools Football Champions where winners from various zones across the African continent compete to determine the ultimate boys’ and girls’ champions.
The Cosafa qualifiers features teams from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique,South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Since its inaugural edition in 2022, the competition has expanded. Initially, the qualifiers and the final stage featured top schools from each country representing their nations. In recent years, however, national teams have represented their countries.
In 2022, the Clapham High‘s boys’ team and Edendale Technical High‘s girls’ team represented South Africa during the Cosafa qualifiers, with both winning the zonal competition, which earned them the right to represent the South African boys’ and girls’ teams in the final stages of the competition in South Africa.
In 2023, the format shifted away from individual schools when the qualifiers were held in Zimbabwe. South Africa was, however, crowned the champion in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions of the Cosafa qualifiers again.
The latest Cosafa qualifiers took place in Namibia in 2024. Once again, South Africa won both the boys’ and girls’ competitions, thus earning themselves places at the CAF African Schools Championship, which was held in Ghana earlier this year.
The winners of the girls’ competition was Ghana, while the boys’ competition was won by Tanzania.
In 2023, South Africa was the runner-up in the competition, with their representative Clapham High losing the boys’ final to Ben Sekou, from Guinea. Regulation time in the title game finished at 1-1, but Ben Sekou won 5-4 from the penalty spot in a shootout.
The CAF African Schools Championship has been championed by South Africa’s Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the President of CAF, with the Motsepe Foundation contributing an investment of $10 million into the competition.
Speaking to Cosafa Media, Dr. Motsepe said: “School football is at the heart of the long-term development and growth of African football.
“One of the best investments that we can make to ensure that African football is among the best in the world is to invest in school football and football infrastructure for boys and girls at school, amateur, and professional levels.”
Earlier this year, both Tanzania and Ghana received $300 000 in prize money. The runners-up were awarded $200 000, while the bronze medallists took home $150 000.
The prize money is designated for infrastructure development at schools, with many investing in educational and sporting resources for their students. Prize money is also up for grabs at the zonal union level.
The champions of December’s CAF African Schools Football Championship | COSAFA Qualifier will be awarded $100 000, while the second-place team will receive $75 000, and the team finishing in third place will earn $50 000.
In addition to the action on the field, the event will feature numerous other initiatives, including Safeguarding Workshops for young individuals, a Young Reporters Programme, and workshops for referees and coaches.
Two teams from the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL), Mamelodi Sundowns and Refilwe, will represent South Africa in the forthcoming second edition of the u17 Confederation of African Football (Caf) Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT), which takes place from 8-15 December in Zimbabwe.
