Spar Superstars SCS 2024

OKUHLE Sithole,14, is a Grade 9 learner from KwaMakhutha. This year she received a callup into the national U15 girls’ team and jetted off to Zanzibar to represent the country in the CAF African Schools Football Championships which South Africa won.
Okuhle and her team bulldozed through opposition until they faced off against Morocco in a thrilling final that ended in a one-all draw. Proceeding to penalties, South Africa won 5 – 4 and lifted the coveted trophy.

MATRIC learner, Ayanda Mbeko from Magabheni near Umgababa, obtained 100% in his June examination’s mathematics paper 2, and 99% in the subject’s paper 1.
The school awarded Ayanda a certificate and R200 cash for working extremely well. In the first term, he was also named the best achiever in his grade.

ETHAN Richards, a Grade 10 learner, received second place at the recent International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) African Championships that was held in Windhoek, Namibia.
According to a statement by the IMMAF, this was the first time ever that the biggest continental amateur tournament hosted the youth brackets, over and above the junior and senior divisions. “This is part of our efforts to continue building a pathway for young athletes to develop their skill sets, as well as provide them with a proper platform to do so.”
The athlete, from the CombatCoaching.com gym in Doonside, said he feels very proud of himself, despite the tough opposition he faced. “The first fight was tough. In the second fight, I got a leg cramp and a neck crank from the opponent which wasn’t very legal, but it happens,” he said.
Ethan is now aiming for the 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships that takes place in Abu Dhabi in August.

DILLAN Pryra, a Grade 9 learner, won gold at the recent SA JKA National Championships that was held in the Ellis Park Sports Arena in Johannesburg.
Not only did the dedicated and talented karateka walk away with a gold medal in kumite, he also came first in his age group and achieved his novice SA JKA colours.
Frank Thompson, chief instructor at Amanzimtoti JKA Karate, said the purple-belt karateka was part of a different club and province before joining this year. “He is humble, trains hard and shows great respect towards the other karatekas and instructors,” he said.

JEREMY John, a Grade 7 learner, competed in the SA squash tournament and finished off seventh in the country, earning himself his South African colours.
Based on his performances of winning all his open and closed KZN tournaments this year, he is currently ranked number one in the province.

WANDILE Ntumba was named the best inter-house cross-country runner in the U8 boys category.
The school acknowledged the Grade 3 learner’s hard work, determination, and competitive spirit that saw him all other boys in his age group to book himself a place on the podium.
The school has constantly produced quality cross-country athletes, one of whom competed at the provincial level last year.

ADAM van Tonder, a Grade 6 learner, did exceptionally well at the recent SA JKA National Championships in Johannesburg.
The karateka won three rounds of kata and two rounds of kumite in the boys’ 11-year-old belt division. Overall, Adam achieved two bronze medals and received his novice SA JKA colours.
Frank Thompson, chief instructor at Amanzimtoti JKA Karate, said he is dedicated and practices the principles of karate. “He has a good character, shows great effort when practicing in the class and is very helpful with the younger students. He also never misses a class,” he said.

LEA van den Heever, a Grade 2 learner, excelled at the recent Con Spirito competition in the public speaking and drama poetry categories.
She was the best in the grade for both items during the KZN Amanzimtoti round, earning herself item-winner certificates. Lea will now participate in the national round which will be held in Johannesburg in August.
Her mother, Angelique, said she is a very spirited little girl; she loves to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in. “She also loves acting, so public speaking helps her do all of that in one go. Arguing a statement helps her build confidence in herself as well as confidence to stand up and speak her mind when she feels it needs to be done,” she said.
Con Spirito, founded in 2003, is a unique cultural platform that aims to promote culture, create opportunities as well as discover and develop talent among children.