SPAR SCHOOL STARS 2024

Ngcwele Khumalo, a Grade 6 pupil at  Mnawe Primary School, stands out as the only girl in her school’s soccer team. Despite playing alongside some of the tallest boys, Ngcwele confidently holds her own on the field. She began playing soccer in 2022 and has participated in an annual community tournament where she led her team to victory. With dreams of one day playing for Banyana Banyana, she is determined to make her mark in the sport.

Curro Salt Rock’s Grade 3 pupil Yash Rooplal represented Taekwondo Ballito at the SA Korean Martial Arts (SAKMAA) Championships in Potchefstroom on August 10-11. He brought home a haul of medals: 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze. His dedication also earned him his Green Belt grade.

Nine-year-old Kayleigh Reddy from Glenhills Primary School is a finalist in the Miss Teen Universe SA Mini 2025 pageant. Representing KZN, she earned her place in a glamorous ceremony in Sandton on August 10 and is now just one step away from the crown. The grand finale will take place in Limpopo next February.

Nontando Ngcobo is a force to be reckoned with on the netball court. Having honed her skills for the past two years, the Grade 7 pupil was crowned Player of the Match during a recent regional tournament. Hailing from rural Maphumulo, this 12-year-old also excels in the classroom, earning high praise from her teachers for her academics.

Grade 7 Melville Primary School pupil, Amahle Myeza, is a champion in the classroom. She secured third place in a technology quiz competition and recently led her team to victory at the Coding and Robotics tournament held at the Luthuli Museum on July 18. The provincial competition beckons later this week.

Dedicated Grade 7 Stanger Heights Primary pupil Minenhle Mkhize works hard to achieve outstanding grades. She secured second place at the school’s awards ceremony and also loves poetry and speech competitions. Minenhle is also skilled on the computer, performing well at the Coding and Robotics tournament held at the Luthuli Museum.

Dominic Judge represented Ashton International College at the recent SA Korean Martial Arts Championships and struck gold. The Grade 2 pupil claimed no fewer than five gold medals, winning every category he entered.

Umhlali Preparatory School’s Grade R pupil Cody Joffe is swinging his way to a future in golf. The youngster recorded his first win in the recent SA Kids Golf Junior Open tournament at Zimbali Country Club. Playing in the 5-6 age category he carded an impressive 8-over-par 44 to claim a comfortable win by six shots despite the challenging windy conditions.

Ashton International College Grade 8 pupil Summer Pritchard is a jack of all trades when it comes to sport. Whether on the soccer field, netball court or hockey pitch, Pritchard’s skills have earned her selection for KwaZulu-Natal provincial teams in four disciplines – action netball, outdoor netball, outdoor hockey and most recently, soccer.

Natalie Kluza flew the Curro Salt Rock flag high when she finished third in the girls’ youth category at the KZN Mountain Biking Competition last week. The Grade 9 pupil was praised for her determination and skills.

A striker on the field and a leader in the classroom, Lwandile Ngcobo, a Grade 9 pupil at Isithundu Combined School, excels both academically and on the sportsfield. Ngcobo holds the position of school prefect and captains the school’s soccer team. He started his soccer journey in Grade 5 and has since led his teams to many victories.