Sixty-four school football teams from across South Africa converged for the inaugural Curro Halala Cup – a four-day celebration of talent, ambition, and national pride. With a R100 000 grand prize and provincial bragging rights on the line, young players delivered football of the highest quality.

Final day drama at HeronBridge College

The atmosphere on finals day was electric. Sixteen top teams fought through high-stakes clashes, with goals, saves, and tactical battles keeping crowds on edge. Eight schools advanced to the decisive matches, representing regions from the Western Cape to Limpopo.

‘Curro’s mission is to offer opportunities to more learners in every aspect of life,’ said Cobus Loubser, CEO of Curro. ‘The nearly 300 boys who participated in this finals weekend, the hundreds of other players who played in the initial rounds and your thousands of supporters represent the future of South Africa: You are resilient, ambitious, hardworking and hopeful.’

In the championship match, Meridian Northern Academy (Limpopo) faced Norkem Park High School (Gauteng). The game ended 1-1, leading to a tense penalty shootout. Northern Academy edged the win 8-7, securing the first-ever Halala Cup title.

Celebrating standout performers

Individual awards highlighted the talent on display. The Golden Boot went to Omolemo Sekowe (Clapham High School) for his goal-scoring precision. The Golden Glove went to Manaka Kelelo (Meridian Northern Academy) for decisive saves and leadership in goal. Katlego Rhenoster (Meridian Northern Academy) was named Best Player of the Tournament. Hillcrest High School earned the Halala Cup Spirit Award for exceptional sportsmanship.

‘It’s been such an amazing journey,’ said Katlego. ‘Playing with my team, representing our province, and especially my school, it has just been so cool. Honestly, I do not even know what to say. I am just super grateful. Thank you, God. I have learned so much from every match.’

Meridian Northern Academy coach Hendrick Mukwevho praised his team’s composure and determination: ‘I feel incredibly proud of my team, these boys mean the world to me. I must commend the entire Norkem squad as well; they fought with everything they had, and it was one of the toughest matches we have played. I am bursting with pride for everyone who stepped onto that field today. From the very first day of this tournament to this final moment, we have felt God’s hand guiding us. Without His strength and blessing, we never would have made it this far. Now we are heading back home to continue our campaign in the local league, where we are still sitting at the top of the log.’

A platform for youth football

‘Every child matters, and the Curro Halala Cup creates an incredible new platform for young talent to develop and shine,’ added Cobus. ‘Curro’s schools must inspire, motivate and guide learners to excellence in whatever they do.’

The tournament forged lasting friendships, inspired young players, and showcased the country’s footballing depth. Teams competed for silverware while embracing values that carry beyond the sport. ‘Football, and indeed life, is not about one or two- or three-star players. The only way to win is as a team. You cannot score a goal in life without someone else passing the ball to you.’

Curro plans to make the Halala Cup a permanent fixture on the school sports calendar, ensuring future generations have the chance to compete, grow, and dream big.For more on the Curro Halala Cup, read full coverage from SA School Sports and SS Schools Plus.