CAPE TOWN – The Motsepe Foundation, in partnership with sponsor, Sanlam, continues to elevate school netball in South Africa.
This past weekend in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education and SA Schools Netball, the Foundation hosted the 2025 U-15 Netball edition of the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship.
Two schools emerged victorious and will travel to Singapore in November to compete in the International Youth Netball Championship Finals.
Manzomthombo Secondary School from the Western Cape and Helpmekaar Kollege from Gauteng secured their spots after winning the netball finals, held at KONKA Adventure Resort in Rustenburg on Saturday.
Both schools will represent the country on an all-expense-paid trip to Singapore, where they will compete on the international stage.
The U-15 tournament began on Thursday with a round-robin group stage, featuring 36 schools from all nine provinces.
The schools were divided into two groups: 18 schools competed in the Botho Stream (Merit Section), while the remaining 18 participated in the Ubuntu Stream (Developmental Section).
Manzomthombo Secondary School (Western Cape) won the Ubuntu section title after defeating Majeje Secondary School (Limpopo) 12 – 9 in the final, while Helpmekaar Kollege claimed the Botho stream title following their 14 – 11 win against Middelburg Hoerskool (Mpumalanga).
Middelburg and Majeje each received R200 000 for finishing as runners-up and will use the money towards the development of their schools. The bronze medallists received R100 000 each.
After seven years of competing, Manzomthombo coach Frank Xaba expressed his excitement about finally winning the tournament and the opportunity to compete internationally.
“I’m happy and looking forward to going to Singapore. I have been with this tournament for seven years and would always finish second or third, but this year I decided we are going to give it our best shot, with a different strategic approach and indeed the approach worked,” Xaba said.
“We are proud champions toady. The difference this year, was that we set our sights on this tournament from the on-set. Everything we did with my learners was driven by one ultimate dream. When we started the year, I said to them, ‘Let’s aim to win the league and go to the provincial playoffs so we can go and play in the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship.’ I think that’s what motivated them, other than playing, not knowing what you are going to achieve in the end.”
Xaba said they will be going to Singapore not just to add numbers but to compete against the best youth teams across the world.
“Yes, we are going to explore, but the aim is to play and win and come back as champions. I think these players should stick with netball for the next four years, so when they are done with high school, they can join the various provincial teams and play for the National Netball League. They can even play for the SA national team. They must aim high,” added Xaba.
Helpmekaar coach Tanja Saestad says the trip to Singapore will offer them an opportunity to learn from other countries.
“International exposure is something valuable for any player and the experience will be amazing for us. We are looking forward to learning from other countries and developing as a team,” she said.
Motsepe Foundation Head of Sports, Arts and Sponsorship Peter Ledwaba, praised the competition and congratulated all participants.
“We are pleased with what we saw today and glad that the tournament went well. The standard of play was impressive. On behalf of the Motsepe Foundation and the Board of Trustees, congratulations to the winners and all the schools who earned their place here, ” Ledwaba said.
Virginia Nkosi, Sanlam Stakeholder Relations Executive, says she is pleased with how the event unfolded over the past two days.
“We’re proud to be part of a tournament that showcased such talent, passion, and sportsmanship,” said Nkosi.
“At Sanlam, our purpose is to make a meaningful impact in the communities where we operate. We fully recognise the pivotal role our partnership with the Motsepe Foundation plays in helping us fulfil this commitment.
“We believe in the holistic development of youth, and the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship provides a powerful platform for young people to unlock their potential and build the confidence and skills to thrive both on and off the field.” she concluded.
Chairperson of SA Schools Netball, Di Woolley also expressed her excitement about the tournament’s success.
“The tournament went incredibly well. The weather was great, and the spirits were high, and you could hear the players cheering for one another. It is important to have representation from across the country because this is the national championship.”
