Kekana backs Kay Motsepe Schools Championship as more than a football platform

Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Hlompho Kekana has praised the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship for giving young South Africans a positive focus while opening up opportunities beyond football.

The 2026 national finals ended at Giant Stadium in Soshanguve on Wednesday, with Navalsig High School, Laerskool Queenswood and St Marks Academy among the schools crowned champions in their respective categories.

Kekana, who also captained Sundowns, said the value of the competition could not be measured only by its results, particularly as young people faced a range of challenges in their communities.

Speaking at the finals, he said initiatives such as the tournament helped learners direct their energy towards constructive activities.

“I think we can all agree that the youth in our country have a future of ambition. And I think at this point we can all agree that we have a lot of negative things happening in our country.

“We would want to have something that would distract them at least, just to shift their attention to something that is positive. So, I think this initiative is good. I support some of the things that are happening right now.

“I came from a foundation, a university, a sports school. At the same time, we want to have this kind of initiative for something that our community needs.”

The competition is organised by the Motsepe Foundation in partnership with Sanlam, SAFA and the Department of Basic Education.

Its impact also extends beyond the pitch, with infrastructure funding provided to participating schools. More than R8 million in grants was awarded to nine winning schools at this year’s national finals.

Navalsig High School from the Free State secured the U19 Boys title by beating Urban Academy of the Eastern Cape 2-0.

The victory brought a R3 million infrastructure grant for Navalsig. Urban Academy received R700,000, while third-placed Clapham High School were awarded R600,000.

Laerskool Queenswood of Gauteng won the U13 Boys final after a 1-0 victory against St Anne’s Primary.

The champions received R1 million, with St Anne’s awarded R400,000. Potch Primary, who finished third, received R300,000.

The tournament again demonstrated the role school football can play in developing young players while creating wider benefits for learners and their communities.

Kekana said that broader contribution was central to the importance of the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship and its place in supporting South Africa’s youth.