Pretoria (14 February 2026): Eight provinces. Over 1,500 athletes. 45 schools. One stadium. The Curro Podium Grand Finale concluded in Tshwane, bringing South Africa’s fiercest young competitors from Limpopo, North-West, Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal to Pilditch Stadium for the ultimate school athletics showdown.

South Africa’s next generation of track and field stars stepped onto the stage at this year’s Curro Podium and delivered performances that saw records fall and new talent emerge. It was a clear reminder that when young athletes are given the opportunity to compete at the highest school level, they rise to the occasion.

Jayden Fourie of Outeniqua High School_ Photo credit Gerrit van der Linde

“More than a competition, the event serves as a pathway, unlocking raw potential, building belief, and revealing a pipeline of talent ready to carry South Africa’s sporting legacy forward,” says Cindy van der Merwe, Portfolio Manager Curro Sport.

The standout performance came from 16-year-old Tiisetso Malungane of Curro Hazeldean, who continues to cement his reputation as one of South Africa’s most exciting middle-distance prospects.

Lara Stander from Paarl Girls’ High School_Photo credit Gerrit van der Linde

He delivered a commanding display in the boys’ 1500m, surging to victory in 3:45.35, a new Podium record and a personal best. Malungane went on to complete an impressive distance double in the 3000m, clocking 8:21.03 to show his strength and versatility across events. Across the two performances, he earned 2000 ASA points, further strengthening his standing among the country’s elite junior athletes.

Sarah Reed from Curro Hillcrest made a sensational debut, storming to victory in both the U17 girls 200m and the U17 100m. She set a new Podium record in the 200m and was the only female athlete in the field to break the 24 second barrier, outperforming even the South African silver medallist and current record holder. Reed also serves as captain of the Curro Rising Stars, a select team drawn from eight schools. She continued her dominance in the 100m, clocking an impressive 11.77 to secure first place and earning a total of 965 ASA points.

Megan Nieman from Die Hoërskool Menlopark _Photo credit Gerrit van der Linde

Then it was Outeniqua High School’s Jayden Fourie who claimed the U17 boys’ 100m, cruising to victory in 10.38 seconds and setting a new Podium record. This rising star is quickly making a name for himself.

Megan Nieman from Die Hoërskool Menlopark produced a record-breaking run in the U17 girls’ 100m hurdles, clocking 13.02 seconds to better her own South African and African mark.

Mukona Manavhela from Curro Hazeldean_ Photo credit Reint Dykema

Lara Stander from Paarl Girls’ High School, the African cross-country champion, delivered a strong middle-distance performance, setting a new Podium record in the 1500 m (4:22.65). She also recently represented South Africa in the United States, finishing as the country’s top athlete in the U20 women’s 6 km race, placing 27th in 21:15 and helping the team secure ninth place overall.

Sarah Reed from Curro Hillcrest_ Photo credit Retruvent Media

Tiisetso Malungane of Curro Hazeldean_ Photo credit Gerrit van der Linde

To close the event, Mukona Manavhela from Curro Hazeldean produced a statement performance on the track, claiming the U19 boys 100m in a blistering 10.20 seconds to set a new Podium record. He completed the sprint double by taking the 200m in 20.52 seconds. His performances across both events earned him 952 ASA points and brought the meet to a strong finish.

“The Curro Podium creates a platform for young athletes to perform at their best and compete against top talent from across the country,” says Van der Merwe. “It reflects our commitment to developing school sport, nurturing future champions, and building a strong talent pipeline for South African athletics.”

• Best girls team: Die Hoërskool Menlopark
• Best boys team: Curro Hazeldean
• Best combined team: Die Hoërskool Menlopark