Spar Superstars BRM 2026

Mika Mfeka is the champion. She is described as a very talented Grade Six learner at Berea Primary School. She achieved the top position in a Spelling Bee contest held at the school recently. Mika, who is passionate about reading, was thrilled beyond measure to have won the trophy and the hearts of everyone at school. “She’s a delightful young lady who will continue striving for success in all of her endeavours. We wish her the very best as she will be representing Berea Primary at the inter-school level in the next round,” the school shared.

Learning karate may have started as a way to build self-confidence and defend himself against bullies, but for Port Natal School deputy head boy Reinhard Venter, the sport has become much more than that.

The Grade Seven learner has fought his way to the top, earning provincial and national colours. His success on the tatami also secured him places at three upcoming tournaments, in Gqeberha in August, Mpumalanga in September and Bloemfontein in October.

His dedication to the sport has produced numerous achievements. Reinhard won gold in kumite at the Commonwealth Championships, he is the Style Block champion, he claimed KZN gold for three consecutive years, and he is preparing to earn his junior black belt after attaining his final brown belt.

“My biggest dream is to have my own dojo one day so that I can help kids to learn how to protect themselves against bullies,” he said.

Reinhard said karate has shaped him into the person he is today, instilling values that have also been recognised by the school through his appointment as deputy head boy.

“Karate has taught me discipline, dedication, perseverance, and respect,” said Reinhard.

As he prepares to compete on the national stage, Reinhard expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported him along the way.

“Thank you for believing in me and supporting my karate journey. Your generosity and encouragement are greatly appreciated.”

AT just 13 years old, Penzance Primary School learner Sibanisethu ‘Sethu’ Shange has built an impressive sporting career, establishing himself as one of the school’s most accomplished all-round athletes.

The Grade Seven learner has excelled across swimming, rugby, hockey, athletics and cross country, while also demonstrating strong leadership as a school prefect, swimming captain and Terra House captain.

Sethu’s achievements began in 2021 when he was named Penzance’s Best U8 Boy Swimmer and set four school records, which he still holds. Since then, he has collected numerous accolades, including the school’s Junior Victor Ludorum award, Best U10 Boy Swimmer, Most Promising Hockey Player and 7s Rugby Player of the Year.

He has also represented his school, district and province in multiple sporting codes. His achievements include selection for the Umlazi District swimming and athletics teams, the KZN Coastal U13A hockey team, the Durban Coastal U13B rugby team, where he was named Player of the Tournament, and the Rhino Week Coastline Storm team, where he serves as vice-captain.

Sethu is also widely recognised for his leadership and positive attitude. Popular among his peers, teachers and coaches, he is known for his enthusiasm, team spirit and love of music and dancing.

On the rugby field, Sethu draws inspiration from Sharks fullback and Westville Boys’ High School old boy Zekhethelo Siyaya, who plays in the same position and has motivated him since his primary school days.

With an ever-growing list of achievements and representative honours, Sethu continues to make his school, himself and family proud while proving that dedication, versatility and leadership can go hand in hand.

Maris Stella swimmer Emma van Devener has cemented her place among South Africa’s top young swimmers after winning bronze medals in the 50m and 100m butterfly events at the SA National Junior Championships.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s toughest junior competitions, the championships are open only to athletes who have achieved qualifying standards, making Emma’s achievement all the more impressive.Competing against SA’s best young swimmers, Emma finished third nationally in both butterfly events, securing two podium finishes.

“I felt proud, happy and relieved, it is a lot of pressure swimming at these events,” said Emma.

Her performances earned her qualification for the SA Short Course Championships in the 50m butterfly. The event is open only to elite swimmers who meet the qualifying standards and they compete in an open age category.

“I am most proud of the 100m butterfly because it is a lot harder than the 50m butterfly, it is more of an endurance race and you get tired really easily.”

Emma has already qualified for the 2027 SA National Junior Championships and is looking forward to the new season.

“It means a lot to me as my reward for all the late evenings and early morning training sessions,” said Emma. “Sometimes it can be really hard because of the late evenings, being tired and still having to do my homework when I get home. It’s a lot of hard work and dedication but I have been doing it for such a long time it just comes naturally to me now.”

School management congratulated Emma on her success, describing her as an inspiration to her fellow learners and saying her achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when talent is matched with hard work and determination.

AMAZULU FC U18 captain and Durban High School learner Evan Murray is attracting attention after leading his side to the 2026 Engen Knockout Challenge eThekwini title.

The centre back played a key role throughout the tournament, producing standout performances that impressed football talent scout Scelo Zuma.

In an interview with Soccer Laduma, he praised Evan’s composure, leadership and football intelligence, comparing his style of play to that of Bafana Bafana legend Neil Tovey.

He also believes the young defender has the attributes needed to develop into a Premier Soccer League-calibre player, highlighting his aerial ability, calmness in possession, defensive awareness and natural leadership qualities.

Captaining his team to one of the country’s most prestigious youth football titles is another significant milestone in Evan’s promising career.

His performances at the tournament showcased his defensive ability and also his maturity and influence on the pitch, helping AmaZulu FC emerge as champions.

His title-winning efforts were applauded by the school management who said, “Huge congratulations to Evan Murray. He delivered a standout performance that caught the attention of top talent scout Scelo Zuma.”

With praise from one of South Africa’s respected talent scouts and a major youth title already under his belt, Evan’s future in the game looks bright as he continues his development with Usuthu.

HAILING from the Eastern Cape, Ithani Doyi is a Grade 10 learner and boarder at Glenwood High School since 2024.

His hockey journey began when he was five years old, and he has parachuted to the SA U16A squad. He featured at the KZN Coastal.

The 16-year-old admits that although he misses home, he is “very happy in Durban”.

It all began when he played back home as a non-travelling reserve in the U12 team, when he was selected for the team. “It all happened like a miracle, when one of the players unfortunately got injured, and I was picked to replace them,” he said.

During that time, his team travelled to Pietermaritzburg for a school tournament, where he recalled he scored 15 goals. While on another U13 tournament in Bloemfontein, he was scouted by a popular rugby player, was recommended for a scholarship at GHS, and the rest was history.

He later joined the U14 team at GHS and made the cut for the KZN squad. This was followed by another pick in the U16, where he netted 34 goals in the season.

“I was lucky to make the KZN U16 team, and subsequently the SA U16A. Although I believe in my abilities, I was shocked and very proud of myself. This has been a dream of mine ever since I was a child,” he beamed.

His talent goes beyond hockey. He is a cricket man too. He plays for the school team, as well as the KZN team in the U15 division, and hopes to make it in the upcoming U16 selection.

His mother, he said, has been his number one supporter. He thanked his coaches, friends, and other parents who have rallied behind him.

Taking on two sports with excellence may prove challenging, but Doyi finds a balance while he juggles academics as well.

“I would like to take hockey as far as I possibly can. I see myself playing in the Netherlands or Belgium one day,” he said.

“When I step into the field, I feel like I’m in a different place; I just love the game, it’s like nothing else can affect me.”

Up next is a trip to Zimbabwe in a few weeks for a hockey series, where the SA team will battle it out with other countries.

DURBAN High School proudly announced that Joshua van Biljon has been selected for the SA U19 cricket team, which will travel to England. The Grade 12 learner is the captain of the DHS 1st XI. The team will play three Youth ODI Internationals and two 4-Day Series matches.

SULEIMAN Mukobo is a multifaceted achiever at George Campbell School of Technology. The 18-year-old matric learner has come a long way in his short journey of accolades.

Apart from his primary focus on Digital Electronics at school, a row of shiny pins on his blazer indicates that he is the school prefect, a member of the school’s Media Club, a chess player, a chorister, and a public speaker.

“I try my utmost best to represent myself and the school out there. I am grateful for all the opportunities at my disposal,’ Mukobo said.

With all his engagements, he has amassed endless accolades. He is the head of tenor in the school choir. His chess journey has seen him in the school’s first team – it is a game he has “played his whole life”, and which has seen him and his team qualify for the nationals this October.

Another playground where Suleiman shines is the stage. Public speaking and singing are his natural call, he said. He has won local and provincial competitions in debate and public speaking.

“I strive and excel on stage. I feel like our generation has a lot to communicate about our understanding of the word. As for singing, it is my calling, I feel, a dream I cannot entertain at this point; however, it’s my greatest love.”

On the pitch, he is in the school’s first team since he was in Grade 10, and has participated in numerous festivals and tournaments. He recently joined cross country, and is going on trials soon.

After matric, he aspires to do Computer Engineering at Cape Peninsula, although UCT remains his first choice.

“I have had a busy month, and I do all I can to balance academic excellence and extracurricular programmes.”

Growing up in Point, Suleiman knew what he had to do. “I should make the best of my reality. From a young age I understood the weight of responsibility I had to carry, and stay focused.”

HIS mother has always tried to include him in a lot of activities and pushed him to achieve. Talin Pillay stands as proof that hard work pays.
The Eden College Durban 11th Grader excels in soccer, swimming, academics, and thabla. The 17-year-old recently bagged gold for solo thabla performance in the Tamil Eisteddfod Children Inter-regionals.
“In everything I do, I try to focus and do well, across the board,” he said. He has a vast collection of gold, silver, and bronze medals and trophies, a testament to his upward-bound greatness.
He has a 14-minute highlight he achieved in this year’s Midmar Mile. Soccer, his definite passion, is featured in his routine, and he hopes that one day it will take him to world stages, England to be specific.
A regular participant in the Maths Olympiads, Pillay admits that the subject is fun and interesting. “I find everything I do very interesting, hence I do well,” he said.
He is looking forward to the upcoming ELFA Tournament in Johannesburg where he will be part of the Durban Schools’ team.
To his peers, he shared, “Work hard and practise regularly in whatever you do; that is the only way you can be excellent.”
Beyond his school years, he plans to study civil engineering.