SCHOOLS SOCCER
Kearsney Soccer Tournament wraps up another unforgettable edition
SATURDAY, 18 JULY 2026 - Kearsney College: Urban Academy won the boys' high division of the Kearsney Soccer Tournament.
The fourth annual Kearsney Soccer Tournament concluded at the weekend after three days of exciting competition, sportsmanship and memorable performances, with 36 teams from KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape competing across three divisions.
The tournament, which continues to grow in stature, is designed to promote the development of soccer among both boys and girls at primary and high school level, while fostering camaraderie and healthy competition.
This year's event featured 16 boys' high school teams, six girls' high school teams and 12 primary school teams, with hundreds of young footballers taking to the field over the three-day festival.
Urban Academy from Gqeberha claimed the senior boys' title, Danville Park Girls were crowned senior girls' champions, and Highbury Prep lifted the primary boys' trophy after impressive performances throughout the tournament.
KZN teams in the senior boys’ competition included Durban High School, Glenwood High School, Clifton College, Northwood School and Queensburgh High School (Durban); Ashton International College Ballito; Maritzburg College; Khabazela High, KwaDinabakubo Secondary, Maqhutshana Secondary, Siyajabula High, Westville Boys' High and hosts Kearsney College (Highway area). They were joined by Gauteng schools Sutherland High School and Trinityhouse Randpark, while Urban Academy travelled from Gqeberha to ultimately lift the trophy.
The girls' high school division featured St Mary's DSG Kloof, Durban Girls' College, St Henry's Marist College, Ashton International College Ballito, Trinityhouse Randpark and eventual champions Danville Park Girls.
SATURDAY, 18 JULY 2026 - Kearsney College: Danville Park won the girls' high division of the Kearsney Soccer Tournament.
The primary school competition brought together 12 teams, with Highbury Preparatory School emerging as champions. Participating schools included Merchiston Prep and Pelham Senior Primary (Pietermaritzburg); Hillcrest Primary, Winston Park Primary, Atholl Heights Primary and Westville Senior Primary (Highway area); Clifton Preparatory (Durban); Ashton International College Ballito, Reddam House Ballito and Curro Salt Rock (North Coast); as well as Curro HeronBridge (Gauteng).
The Best X1 team selected from players in the boys’ high school division was named as Connor Scherman (WBHS), Noah Magkoro (Trinity House), Vhurena Mpandeli (Sutherland), Aqhama Ndibaza (Urban Academy), Qhamani Gubevu (Urban Academy), Poloko Lethola (Kearsney), Simphokuhle Ngcobo (Maqhutshana), Miguel Suarez (Clifton), Asande Msane (Glenwood), Aphile Mkhize (Siyajabula) and Wonga Makhanda (Maritzburg College).
In the girls’ division, players chosen for the Best X1 are Milla Borrajeiro (St Mary’s), Taylor Pillay (Trinity House), Jamie-Lee Hulley (St Henry’s), Otsile Pheko (Ashton), Farrah Grove (St Mary’s), Zasembo Mkhize (St Henry’s), Keamogelo Baakeleng (Danville), Shaila Seeram (Durban Girls High), Merel van Leeuwen (Ashton), Beax Dempsey (Ashton) and Skyler Vere (Danville).
In the junior boys’ section, 12 players were selected due to the overwhelming talent. They are Luke Eades (Winston Park), Sbongo Nsimbi (Hillcrest Primary), Ibanathi Simelani (Highbury), Rourke Black (Westville), Andile Mlotshwa (Atholl Heights), Carter Lucien (Clifton), Jordan Wright (Ashton), Skylar Govender (Reddam), Fernando Ferraz (Curro Salt Rock), Kaleb Hoskins (Merchiston), Zuko Ngcibi (Highbury) and Steven George (Hillcrest Primary).
SATURDAY, 18 JULY 2026 - Kearsney College: Highbury Prep won the boys primary division of the Kearsney Soccer Tournament.
Beyond the competition, the tournament provides young players with the opportunity to meet and interact with peers from different schools and regions, forging friendships and creating memories that can last well beyond their school years and into adulthood.
Kearsney is grateful to headline sponsor Kaleido Westown, as well as to merchandise sponsor Eczemax, for their support of this year’s tournament.
RESULTS:
Boys High Schools
1st: Urban Academy
2nd: Glenwood High School
3rd: Maritzburg College
Plate winners: Durban High School
Girls High Schools
1st: Danville Park Girls High
2nd: Ashton International College Ballito
3rd: Trinity House Randpark
Primary Schools:
1st: Highbury Preparatory
2nd: Merchiston Preparatory
3rd: Hillcrest Primary School
Plate winners: Westville Senior Primary School
