Decorated South African boxer Kevin Lerena delivered a powerful and deeply personal message to young athletes ahead of the St Dunstan’s College Easter Sports Festival, urging them to look beyond results and embrace the life lessons sport has to offer.

Speaking after a weather-disrupted VIP welcoming programme, Lerena kept his address brief but impactful, connecting with players by reflecting on his own journey from schoolboy athlete to world champion.

“Don’t put pressure upon yourself to say, ‘this is what I’m going to do, this is where I’m going to end up, and this is where I’m going to finish’. Because if I told you I was going to be a professional boxer, seven-time world champion in one division and another weight division, I would have told you I’m lying.

“This is the journey that life chose for me. Don’t put pressure on yourself saying you’re going to do exactly this. Let life play itself out for you and be humble,” he said.

Lerena reminded the players that while winning is part of sport, setbacks are inevitable and often the greatest teachers.

He further stressed that even for those who may not pursue professional sport, the values developed on the field — discipline, perseverance and character — will prove invaluable long after the final whistle.

“This weekend make yourselves proud. Play clean sports. Play hard sports. Play to win. But remember, winning isn’t everything. But in some people’s minds, they see it as the only thing. And when you believe that winning is the only thing, you need to realise that there’s more to life than just winning on the sports field. Win at life.”

Also Read: WATCH: All systems go for St Dunstan’s Easter Sports Festival

Tournament preview

Netball

St Dunstan’s College begin their netball title defence against Unity Secondary School on court one on the opening day of the Easter Sports Festival at 08:00.

Led by captain Naledi Diraditsile, the hosts will be eager to make an early statement and signal their intent to retain the crown.

Hockey

On the astros, St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls begin their title defence against Girls’ College Bulawayo at Benoni High Astro at 08:45.

Hosts St Dunstan’s College will open proceedings against Curro Salt Rock at 08:00 at the same venue.

Also Read: CAXTON SCHOOLS : St Dunstan’s defeat St Peter’s College in festival opener

The boys’ fixtures get underway with matches between St George’s College and CBC Boksburg, as well as Pretoria College taking on Curro Salt Rock. Both matches are scheduled for 10:25.

Rugby

The sevens clash between Curro Aurora and Unity Secondary School on the main field at 08:00 will kick-start what promises to be a thrilling day of action.

Get Ahead College face St Peter’s College on the B-field at the same time.

The final rugby fixture of the day is set to be a bruising encounter as Lomagundi College take on Hoërskool Hans Moore at 15:40.