Spar Superstars SCS 2023

KATELIN de Beer, a Grade 11 learner at Amanzimtoti High school who excels in sport, recently represented the All-Stars in the Durban Premier Hockey League (DPL) 3.0 tournaments. This was her second year being selected for the DPL. Katelin played with some of the best marquee players and got trained by some of the best coaches in KwaZulu-Natal.
She is currently playing hockey in the school’s first team, as well as in the Gongs Hockey Club’s first team. Last year, Katelin made the KZN athletics team and received first place for long jump. This year, she again excelled in the inter-schools and received first place in long jump, 100m for the U17 girls and relay.
When she is not on the field, she can be found in the swimming pool. Katelin is currently playing water polo for the first team. Last year, she received her honours, and now wears them with pride.
Her mother, Belinda de Beer, said these activities have allowed her to gain experience in interacting with a wide variety of people, working as a team.
“Katelin has developed a sense of responsibility and dedication, as well as commitment to her team mates and coaches. She made the effort to attend practice every day. The hard work, daily dedication and the love for sports is paying off,” she said.

KINGSWAY High School learner, Celeste Laidlaw, 17, has been chosen for the U/21 KwaZulu-Natal netball squad for 2024. The well-known sportsgirl plays for her school’s netball’s first team, which is in second place in the log for the province’s schools.
From Grade 1 to 10, Celeste attended Kuswag Skool, and only changed to Kingsway this year after receiving a full sports scholarship to do Grade 11. Within her first four months at Kingsway, she received her full colours for sport. To top her sporting achievements, she plays for two Durban netball teams weekly, Just Skills and XXI Action.
Despite changing from an Afrikaans medium school to an English, Celeste has maintained an 80% mark average. She has already been named a senior leader for Grade 12 in 2024.

WERNER Havenga, a Grade 11 learner at Kuswag Skool, represented the school at the 58th Youth Leadership Course (YLC) organised by the Rotary Club of Port Shepstone during the October holiday.
The YLC is one of the club’s most prestigious youth outreach programmes. This year, there were 66 Grade 11 learners from 34 schools across KwaZulu-Natal.
The ‘lead with confidence- mind, body and soul’ themed course offered learners a platform for learning, leading and leaping into building new friendships whilst improving problem solving, communication, decision-making and various other skills.

ISABELLA Jansen van Rensburg, a Grade 7 learner at Amanzimtoti Primary School, has been selected to represent PSi Durban at the U13 to U19 Pro Series Indoor Nationals Tournament that will be held in Cape Town from December 13 to 17.
Pro Series Indoor (PSi) is an indoor hockey movement which consists of regional and all-star leagues, as well as annual national tournaments attracting thousands of South Africa’s brightest hockey talent together to create an unrivalled experience.

DOUW Kruger, a Grade 7 learner at Kuswag Skool, won a medal at the Athletics South African Cross Country Championships that was recently held at the Nelson Mandela University sports field in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
He also finished third overall in the KwaZulu-Natal team. The school congratulated him on the outstanding achievement.

ALASDAIR Bezuidenhout, a Grade 4 learner at Athlone Park Primary School, has been nominated by his school for representing the Raptors in the Durban Premier Hockey League (DPL) tournaments. The DPL is a platform for the best U12, U14, U16 and U18 hockey players in KwaZulu-Natal

NYAKALLO Mabitsela (above), a Grade 4 learner at Warner Beach Preparatory School, received a silver medal in high jump and a bronze medal in long jump at the SACSSA National Championships at Msunduzi Athletics Stadium in Pietermaritzburg, recently. He was representing KZN Schools, and had achieved his personal best in both events.
The school congratulated him on his achievements.

HANNES de Beer, a Grade 11 learner at Kuswag Skool, was named Senior Victor Ludorum at the inter-school athletics day held at the Kings Park athletic track on August 30.
Overall, Kuswag Skool finished fourth out of 10 schools. The school’s Natalie Hatting said, “We wish the team congratulations on the outstanding result. A special congratulations to Hannes, what an impressive achievement.”
Hatting, on behalf of the school, thanked all the teachers that accompanied the athletes, and said they are proud of every athlete that participated.

SILKE Bester, a Grade 11 learner at Kuswag Skool, received first place in the junior girls’ category at the KZN Schools Mountain Biking series held at Maritzburg College recently. The athlete took the win at the third race of the series, while placing second in the other two rounds. Secretary of KZN Schools Cycling, Rose Owen, said Silke is one of their skilled, strong girl riders. “She has been very impressive over the season and it was great to see her achieve a first place,” she said.

DECLYN Schwarz, a Grade 11 learner at Amanzimtoti High School, is an all-round athlete who has achieved in cricket, hockey, softball, tennis, athletics and ringball.
Since the beginning of his eighth-grade journey, Declyn has been a fervent participant in various sports, ranging from cricket to hockey, both indoor and outdoor variants. In his 10th year, he ventured into the world of rugby, embracing both the traditional format and the fast-paced 7s version. He even embarked on an unforgettable journey to Italy as part of the DNC Tour.
The school’s Vanda Chittenden, said his athletic prowess extends beyond the realm of rugby and cricket. “He displayed his versatility by venturing into softball, securing a coveted spot on the KwaZulu-Natal under-19 team last year. His sporting endeavors didn’t stop there as he dabbled in tennis, conquered the squash court, and demonstrated his speed and stamina in athletics, particularly excelling in the 800m and 1200m events, while also mastering the art of javelin throwing,” she said.
Remarkably, Declyn’s achievements have not been confined to a single sport or discipline. In a testament to his dedication and talent, he secured a spot on the KwaZulu-Natal under-18 ringball team this year.
“His commitment to sports is truly commendable, and his willingness to go the extra mile has consistently set him apart as an exceptional athlete,” said Chittenden.

APHIWE Khuzwayo, a Grade 10 learner at Kingsway High School, represented South Africa in the 2023 Atlantic Youth Touch Rugby Cup tournament which was held in Nottingham, United Kingdom earlier this year. He has now been selected for an U19 Boys’ International Division 7s Rugby Tour that is to be held in Dubai.

LUKE Grundy, 16, is a Grade 10 learner at JR Education Centre in Amanzimtoti, and an accomplished motocross rider.
He is the reigning 2023 South African National Champion for high schools, and is sponsored by Redbull KTM SA and is a 2022 and 2023 MSA national champion in the 125cc class. He has just returned from the United Kingdom where he took part in a number of races over two days and he did well. He raced in the AMCA Championships, Bridgestone British Masters Nationals, and Acerbis Nationals where he came second overall. He came first overall in the Bridgestone British Masters Nationals held at Hawkstone Park. Since he started racing in 2014, Luke has travelled extensively. Besides competing all over South Africa, he has ridden in Finland, Botswana, and Italy. He has also been invited to compete in Dubai at the beginning of December. From next year, Luke is upgrading to the 250cc four-stroke bike in the MX2 class.

ZACH Johnson, a Grade 7 learner who is in Warner Beach Preparatory School’s first teams for hockey, cricket and cross-country, is heading to the junior surfing championships.
He was part of the Warner’s hockey team that won the inter-school tournament at Riverside last year and this year. He was also selected for the Upper South Coast hockey and cricket teams. Most recently, Zach has started competing in surfing. The school’s Wade Botha, said within the first year, he secured the second seed in the U14 Boys’ Ugu District Surfing Team. “He will be off to compete in the 2023 Sea Harvest South African Junior Surfing Championships held in Jeffreys Bay in October, for a chance at taking out the prestigious U14 boys’ South African title,” he said.

AIMEE Muller, a Grade 7 learner at Athlone Park Primary School, consistently excels at all nine subjects, is the swimming captain and helps out at an animal shelter.
She has been top of her grade for four years, and regularly achieves an average of over 95%. Aimee also consistently achieves platinum in the annual Conquesta Maths Challenge. She is a school ambassador and swimming captain, and will be attending St Henry’s Marist College in Durban next year. Aimee embraces all aspects of school life, and also enjoys helping out at the Amanzimtoti SPCA.

YUVRAJ Haridutt, a Grade 5 learner at Athlone Park Primary School, has made it his mission to encourage other learners to make a difference in the lives of the elderly in the community. He initiated a project where he has asked his classmates to write letters of encouragement to the elderly at Jabulani- The Kingsburgh Welfare Organisation for the Aged. The learners also collect vegetables every Friday to help supplement the meals that are collected and cooked by Denise Ashburner every Wednesday. The school’s Jessica Hill, said last month, Yuvraj was invited to attend a recognition meeting at the Amanzimtoti Women’s Institute, which acknowledges all women and uplifts the local community.
“He upholds all the values that we endeavor to instill in our learners. We are so proud of him. Keep leading others to make a difference,” she said.

SILKE Bester, a Grade 11 learner at Kuswag Skool, participated in the KZN MTB (mountain bike) XCO Championships in Pietermaritzburg on July 16. She bagged an impressive second place. The school congratulated her on her achievement.

SHILOH van Zyl, a Grade 10 learner at Kuswag Skool, will represent KZN in the National ATKV Redenaars in the Grade 10 to 12 category in August at Goudini Spa in the Western Cape. This selection comes after a placing first in the semi-finals in April for ‘Afrikaans Huistaal Voorbereid‘. Not only does she take part in ATKV Redenaars, but she also excels in Radikale Redenaars where she represents KZN each year. She has also taken part in ATKV Digitoneel, where she won a silver award and best English speaker in Grade 8 and 9 at the school.

CONNOR Da Camara, a Grade 8 learner at Amanzimtoti High School, is a star athlete and actor.

He recently participated in the United Intercontinental Bodybuilding Fitness Federation (UIBFF) Bodybuilding Classic which was held in Pietermaritzburg where he won first place in the Jean Model junior division.

He was the youngest model on the bill and it was his first competition, but that did not stop him from upstaging men more than twice his age and coming out tops.

Connor said he was very excited about the win, but it came as a surprise as he was not expecting to take first place.

Besides bodybuilding, Connor plays rugby, does athletics, and also recently participated in the Amanzimtoti High School’s Shrek musical, where he played the main character. He recently completed a two-week rugby tournament where he also did well. The radio station 5FM visited the school recently and Connor scored an exclusive interview.

His mother Carien, said even though he is only 13-years-old, he is very disciplined when it comes to training.

“Connor is a motivation to people of all ages to choose a healthy lifestyle and look after their health. He exercises every day and he is very focused,” said Carien.

In a statement, the school said the win was just the beginning of a promising journey in bodybuilding.

“His dedication, discipline, and hard work have clearly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of his remarkable accomplishment. Stepping onto the stage and showcasing his physique takes courage and determination. Connor, you have demonstrated exceptional commitment to your training and have set an inspiring example for others,” it said.

NTANDO-ENHLE Jwara, a Grade 12 learner at Amanzimtoti High School, is the school’s top soccer player and has played exceptionally well in all his matches.

The U19 soccer team recently participated in the highly-competitive Kloof High School National Soccer Tournament. The boys managed to score a remarkable 15 goals throughout the tournament. The school’s marketing officer, Vanda Chittenden, said Ntando is one player that deserves special recognition. “With his exceptional skills and unwavering determination, he achieved a remarkable third place overall in the tournament’s goal-scoring leaderboard, netting an impressive six goals. His contributions were vital in propelling the team forward,” she said.

RIYA Dayal, a Grade 7 learner at Athlone Park Primary School, recently received the ‘student of the week’ award for caring for the elderly. Riya gives back to the community by donating fresh vegetables that she grows in her garden.

SIPHOKAZI Maphumulo, a Grade 7 learner at Amanzimtoti Primary School, received a gold medal at the South African Tennis Winter Games in Benoni during the school holidays.

WARNER Beach Preparatory School Grade 7 learner, Thorne Da Camara, plays for his school’s U14 rugby team. He recently played in the Bokkie Week tournament which was held in Kroonstad where his exceptional skills led him to be named Man of the Match.

The school congratulated Thorne on the commitment he has shown on the field.

His performance on the field was nothing short of phenomenal. His exceptional tackling skills were on full display in every game, making him a force to be reckoned with.

His mother, Carien Da Camara, said she was proud of her son he deserves the accolades that he has earned.

“He played exceptionally well and was phenomenal with his tackles in every game. Thorne, you have shown immense talent, dedication, and sportsmanship, and we couldn’t be prouder of your outstanding achievements,” said Carien.

SILU Lembede, a Grade 5 learner at Athlone Park Primary School, achieved Yellow 2 ranking in her recent grading examination with Amanzimtoti JKA Karate. Dojo head, Sensei Michael Thompson, congratulated her on her fine performance, growth and talent she has shown.

CONNOR Da Camara, a Grade 8 learner at Amanzimtoti High School, has been selected for the U14 Natal AVS rugby team. The school’s Vanda Chittenden said it is wonderful to hear that he had a brilliant performance at the trials, with excellent tackles and outstanding tries.

TRISTEN Marshall an Amanzimtoti High School Grade 12 learner, participated in the IBFF Warriors Development Powerlifting competition that was held in Westville recently. Tristen placed fourth in the U80kg category. His excellent achievement has booked him a place in the provincial championships which will take place in August.

Her goals for the upcoming season are to make the KZN team, and win gold at events.

KAYLIN Engelbrecht, a Grade 8 learner at Amanzimtoti High School, was awarded for her outstanding performance in a recent dancing competition.

She received second place for hip-hop dancing and first place for both modern and contemporary styles. The school’s Vanda Chittenden said this is a remarkable achievement, and she should be proud of her hard work and dedication to her craft.

SIYABONGA Mhlongo, a Grade 4 learner at Doon Heights Primary School, set a new record for freestyle at the school’s swimming gala and he qualified for the KZN gymnastics team.

The school’s Liesl Kroucamp, said he won junior victor laudorum and was the fastest boy at freestyle and breaststroke. “At the triangular swimming gala, he came first in the freestyle section and second in the breaststroke. He was the U10 boys’ age group champion. Siya started swimming lessons when he was two years old. He just loved water and he still does,” she said.

He also won a bronze medal at a gymnastics competition held in Pietermaritzburg. “Gymnastics is just a way of life for Siya. He is always jumping, doing cartwheels and handstands,” said Kroucamp

This month he qualified for the KZN gymnastics team. “In the future he wants to go to the Olympics to represent South Africa in swimming, gymnastics or both,” she said.

DARSHAN Govender, a Grade 5 learner at Athlone Park Primary School, has made the KSA karate team and is currently participating in international competitions. Last year, he competed in the KZN trials all-style karate where he received a bronze medal for kata and a gold medal for kumite. This secured his place in the KZN team. Darshan has been competing at a national level since 2021

Her goals for the upcoming season are to make the KZN team, and win gold at events.

BLESSING Mndaba, a Grade 6 learner at Twini Primary School, has been selected into the Sharks’ primary schools U12 team. The school said it is incredibly proud of the achievement it cannot wait to see what this has to bring for his bright future in rugby.

At school, Tyne plays water polo and is also in the swimming team. He is a member of the Scottburgh Lifesaving Club.

ZANTÉ Nel het KwaZulu-Natal kleure vir ringbal in Oktober verlede jaar verwerf. Die span het die land vir agt dae getoer.

Daarna het sy twee klavier kompetisies gewen en was as die nasionale wenner vir graad 7 ‘contemporary’ asook wenner vir ‘pop’ by die Conspirito Forte kompitisie in Alberton aangewys.

Zanté was gekies vir redenaars en het die kompetisie in Noord Natal gewen. Sy het deel geneem aan radikale redenaars en was bekroon as die nasionale wenner in Suid Afrika. Sy was ook die wenner van die ATKV redenaars kompetisie.

Op 3 Maart was sy aangewys as die beste hoërskool junior spreker vir ‘n voorbereide toespraak vir die EG Jansen redenaars kompetisie in KwaZulu-Natal.

Sy is ‘n Graad 8 leerder by Kuswag Skool.

TANNAH McKinney, a Grade 9 learner at Amanzimtoti High School, placed second in South Africa for the U15 beach sprints and U15 beach flags at the DHL South African Lifesaving Championship, held in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

She represented the KZN Durban Surf Lifesaving Club. Tannah has been involved in the sport since the age of seven, and was a part of a local surf lifesaving club before joining the Durban Surf Lifesaving Club two years ago.

Her goals for the upcoming season are to make the KZN team, and win gold at events.

TYNE van Achtenburgh recently participated in the DHL South African Lifesaving Championships which were held in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape recently.

On top of winning four national titles, Tyne was named the overall U17 top male athlete and also placed third in the seniors.

Before the national championships, the Grade 10 learner took part in the KZN Junior and Senior Championships at Umhlanga Rocks where he also posted some excellent results. He placed first in the beach run, surf swim (U19), and run swim run. He came second in the U19 ironman and placed third in both ski and boards. He has also been selected for the KwaZulu-Natal lifesaving team.

At school, Tyne plays water polo and is also in the swimming team. He is a member of the Scottburgh Lifesaving Club.

MATTHEW Maree, a Grade 11 learner at Amanzimtoti High School, competed in his Level 3 Swimming Championships Gala at Kings Park Pool, where he received two gold medals.

Swimmers from all over South Africa participated, coming from as far as Harare, Zimbabwe as well. Matthew, who swims for Seagulls Swimming Club, was crowned the level 3 champion when he won gold for 50m freestyle in a time of 25.51 seconds and gold for 50m butterfly in a time of 26.33 seconds in the 16-year-old age group. He clocked a new personal best in both finals. Both races were phenomenal wins by no less than a body length ahead. Matthew also won silver for 50m breaststroke in a time of 34.12 seconds, with another personal best time in the finals. This was his first ever breaststroke medal at this level of swimming. He narrowly missed the bronze medal for 100m butterfly by a mere 0.01 seconds, placing fourth. He came sixth for 100m freestyle, missing third place by one second.

This championship gala brings the 2022/ 23 swim season to a close, with the new one starting in May. Matthew has new goals and a new plan in place to achieve those goals.

AKHONA Thwala, a Grade 7 learner at Athlone Park Primary School, was awarded an academics badge, became the school’s ambassador and earned a spot in the school’s first team for netball and hockey.

She has also been selected for the Upper South Coast hockey team, as well as the Umlazi district for netball. To add to this year’s achievements, she also received a full-bursary for Kingsway High School in 2024.

TROY van Niekerk, a Grade 7 learner at Amanzimtoti Primary School, was awarded the Pick n Pay Hero Award for his bravery in saving a man at Baggies Beach. The sea was rough, and only one lifeguard was on duty. Two people found themselves in difficulty, and he assisted the lifeguard in getting one of them to shore.

SENAMILE Magcaba, a Grade 7 learner at Umbogintwini Primary School, received a full academic scholarship from Kingsway High School for 2024.

TYLER Hawkins, a Grade 7 learner at Warner Beach Preparatory School, has been selected for the southern KZN U13 rugby team after two grueling rounds of trials. He will now be heading to the junior Sharks trials. Tyler has also been selected for the Upper South Coast hockey team, where he made it through to the Umlazi hockey team. He will now be attending the KZN trials. On top of his sporting achievements, he has been elected as a prefect.

EZEKHETHELO Mkhize, a Grade 6 learner at Umbogintwini Primary School, made it through the recent athletics trials. He will now compete at national level for the primary school’s athletics track and field 1 200m event.

ANATHI Shezi is an exceptional leader, not only on the sports field, but academically too.

He is a Grade 5 learner at Doon Heights Primary School. His teachers find him to be pleasant and well mannered. He takes pride in his good behaviour and always gives his best.

“Anathi has made our school exceptionally proud with his sporting achievements. Last year, he broke longstanding records from almost 40-years ago. Firstly, he smashed the U10 high jump record, which was set in 1991. He then went on to break the inter-house 100m record which was set in 2015. At the inter school athletics meet last year, Anathi broke the U10 high jump record which was set in 1985, a 37-year-old record. What an excellent accomplishment. He finished in second place for the 100m inter schools event,” said Jo Valjee.

Anathi catapulted to the Umlazi District trials and once again claimed first place for high jump. “Unfortunately, the height he cleared could not qualify him for national trials, but we are confident he will achieve greatly this year.”

Not only is he a great athlete, but also a committed and multi talented sportsman on the rugby field. Anathi enjoys all aspects of sport and is also part of the school’s chess team.

CHAD Tegner, a Grade 5 learner at Warner Beach Preparatory School, came first in a mixed martial arts (MMA) competition, is the school’s U11 cricket captain and apart of the winning Warner’s swimming team.

The sporty learner recently took part in the Ground Quest submission grappling tournament held at the Greyville Convention Centre, where he won all three of his fights. He is currently a yellow belt in MMA, and trains at the Combat Coaching gym. The school’s U11 cricket captain has also led the team to two wins this season. When Chad is not on the ground, he can be found in the water. He is a part of the school’s swimming team that came second in the South City Christian Academy Gala, won the inter-schools swimming gala as well as the D-league Durban and Districts Gala.

NISHTHA Govender, a Grade 4 learner at Athlone Park Primary School, writes her own short, moral-based stories and poems. Her books are complete with illustrations. The talented learners’ mother is looking to try and get her books published

STHEMBISO Ndimande, a Grade 7 learner at Umbogintwini Primary School, saved his brothers and his house from a fire. He bravely picked up a pot of burning oil and took it outside to extinguish. Although he managed to protect his brothers and house, he suffered third degree burns to his hand, arms and face.

SIPHOKAZI Maphumulo, a Grade 7 learner at Amanzimtoti Primary School, has been selected for the U13 KZN A-team for tennis. She will play in the IPT in Bloemfontein from March 25 to 28.

KAYLA Londt het onlangs ‘n bronsmedalje ontvang nadat sy ‘n derde plek behaal het in verspring vir dogters o/11 by die KZN Atletiek-kampioenskappe.

Sy is ‘n graad 5 Kuswag Skool leerder.

KUSWAG Skool graad 5 leerder, Lienke Enslin, het op 4 Maart aan die KZN Atletiek-kampioenskappe deelgeneem waar sy ‘n tweede plek behaal het in die dogters o/10 gewigstoot. Lienke het ‘n silwermedalje vir haar prestasie ontvang.

GRADE 10 Amanzimtoti High School learner, Tyne van Achterbergh, recently competed in the KZN junior lifesaving championship.

He placed first in the U17 beach run, U19 surf swim, and U17 run swim run categories. Tyne finished second in the U19 ironman event and third in the U17 ski and boards categories. Overall he placed second. Conditions were tough and it was his first year competing in the U17 age group. Amanzimtoti High School is incredibly proud of his achievements

AYAKHA Mngadi, a Grade 12 learner at Amanzimtoti High School, was voted Representative Council of Learners (RCL) chairperson of the Amanzimtoti circuit. The prefect is also the school’s vice chairperson RCL, where he represents the learners at a governing body level. Characteristics needed for this role include leadership and people skills, ability to influence others as well as integrity.