Spar Superstars Northglen News 2024

NORTHLANDS Primary School learner Liam Govender has always loved art and illustration.

Inspired by his grandfather, who is also an artist, the Grade Six learner has just completed his first illustration project.

Liam recently illustrated Preparing for Greatness: The Story of Deborah, a children’s book written by his aunt.

“My aunt had started this series of books aimed at a younger audience, and the first book was illustrated by another artist. She knew how much I loved drawing; in fact, I also drew a picture for her birthday, and she asked if I’d like to be a part of the project. I was only too happy to. The book is 14 pages, and each page has an illustration. My aim was to get as close to the first book using my own artistic skills. The feedback from people has been so positive, and that has helped boost my confidence,” he said.

Liam said his love for illustration and art began in Grade R when a teacher complimented him on his depth and shading work.

“I then searched up videos on YouTube on how to draw and explored from there. Seeing my work inside the book is kind of surreal, and I would love to work on another illustrative project and possibly do another book with my aunt,” he said.

Outside of art, Liam also has a passion for building with LEGO®, baking and singing.

SOPHIA Da Costa, a Grade Seven learner at Chelsea Preparatory School, is this month’s SPAR star for achieving good academic results and for her involvement in sport.

She is also a member of the sound service team.

“In hockey, I have played over 50 games for Chelsea. I have been appointed captain of the U13A team this year and have played for the team since Grade Five. I feel proud as this has never happened at Chelsea Preparatory School before,” she said.

“I love to play sport, in particular, soccer and hockey. Soccer is my favourite,” she added.

Sophia also plays action netball, netball, water polo, indoor hockey and tennis, and participates in road running. She represents the U13A team in water polo.

When it comes to sport – her achievements go beyond the school field. Sophia represented KZN in the U13A Coastal Hockey Team as well as in soccer.

“I’ve also represented North Durban in the North Durban Netball Team. I’m the only girl on the Virginia U13A Soccer Team, and I’m the captain,” she said.

When Sophia is not on the sports field, she spends time with her family, walks her dogs on the beach and watches cop TV series.

IT was a proud moment for Xander McCarthy after he received his South African Colours in bass angling recently.

The Grade 10 learner at Durban North College represented the SA team at the South African Bass Angling Association (SABAA) Junior International competition against Zimbabwe at Wriggleswade Dam in East London.

Although the SA junior team did not win the competition Xander did win an individual prize for being the top angler in the competition.

It was also Xander’s first SA representation and it was a moment to savour at the prize-giving following the competition.

“When we got awarded the blazer at the national prize-giving, I knew I was in line but I didn’t expect to finish where I do. Out of the 40 anglers competing the top 13 go through and get their SA colours and blazer. When they called my name out in the fifth position I almost cried. It has been a dream of mine since I had started fishing and seen what you can achieve in the sport. The first thing I did after was hug my father because he’s supported me through this journey, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without his love and support,” he said.

The competition, which was a catch-and-release took the five biggest catches on the day.

Speaking on his honour of winning best angler, Xander said he was surprised.

“It is an award they introduced this year, so it was something new. It totally caught me by surprise but I was quite proud of myself and my achievements,” he said.

Xander first took up angling during the Covid-19 lockdown period and fell in love with the sport.

“I actually still have my first rod but I now keep it as a memento to show how far I’ve come.”

Outside of angling, Xander plays cricket and hockey for his school

His overall goal is to compete in international bass angling competition.