Navalsig High’s preparation delivers Kay Motsepe Schools U19 title and R3m prize

Navalsig High School’s disciplined preparation was rewarded with victory in the U19 section of the Kay Motsepe Schools tournament, after they beat Urban College from the Eastern Cape 2-0 in the final at Giant Stadium in Soshanguve.

The Bloemfontein school won every match in the competition, sealing the title with two second-half goals against Urban College. Their success earned the Free State side a R3-million prize.

Head coach Mzonke James said the team deliberately avoided playing other high schools before the tournament, instead testing themselves against senior opponents in the ABC Motsepe League, South Africa’s third tier.

“We didn’t play against any high school teams in preparation for this competition, we only played against good ABC teams like Mangaung United,” said James.

The Kay Motsepe Schools tournament is contested across U13, U15 and U19 boys’ and girls’ sections. Teams progress through zonal, regional and provincial stages before reaching the national competition.

James said Navalsig’s unbeaten run began at the earliest stage and continued through to the final.

“Our journey has been great and we played some good matches from the zones right through to the nationals, we did not draw or lose a single game. This shows that the boys believe in themselves and believe in our project,” he said.

Navalsig is one of South Africa’s sports-focused schools, with programmes in football, rugby, netball, basketball, athletics and chess, as well as rugby listed among its sporting codes.

Although the prize money is not handed over as cash for the school to spend directly, the Motsepe Foundation supports the institution by providing what it needs. James said Navalsig plans to use that support to improve its infrastructure.

Mnguni guides Queenswood to U13 success

Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain and club legend Themba Mnguni was named U13 boys’ coach of the tournament after leading Laerskool Queenswood to the championship.

Queenswood defeated St Annes from the Free State 1-0 in the final. Mnguni said the players form part of a development pathway linked to Mamelodi Sundowns’ academy, helping the school integrate the club’s development model into its work.

The organisation of school football is often cited in discussions about the lack of development in the local game. However, Mnguni has worked in the school system for many years, while the Kay Motsepe Schools tournament has now reached its 24th year.

He said Queenswood also has a progression route for players who move on to Clapham High School, which is part of the same Mamelodi Sundowns development system. The process is intended to help some players continue their development after leaving the primary school.