Spar Superstars BRM 2026

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD bowling prodigy Miah Ertekes is hitting all the right targets after she earned recognition following her selection as skip of the Port Natal U15 side at the Bowls SA Junior Inter-Districts recently.

The Penzance Primary School learner began her bowls journey at the age of four, inspired by her grandfather, Mike Look. From those early days on the green, it was clear that Miah had a natural feel for the game and a passion that continues to grow stronger with every game she plays.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Miah. “What I like the most about it is hitting my targets and excelling in the sport.”

Being chosen as skip at such a young age is no small feat. Despite this, she thrives in the leadership role, focusing on what matters most, supporting her teammates and communicating clearly.

For Miah, being a good skip is all about teamwork. She makes a point of guiding her teammates by commenting on weight and grass after each end. “If I don’t keep control, the team will fall apart,” said Miah.

EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Simtholile Nyembe has been selected for the Dragons Football Club tour to the Cape Town Super 7s Tournament in the Western Cape. He is a Grade Two learner at St Henry’s Marist College.

This six-day football festival will feature some of the top junior footballing talent in the country, with over 155 teams expected to participate.

His school, his parents, and his club have been credited for “nurturing a well-rounded young individual who continues to strive for excellence both academically and athletically”.

Simtholile says he looks up to his teammates and picks Christiano Ronaldo as his idol.

Chess and swimming are his activities of choice at school. On the horizon? Nyembe said, “Spain, London, and England.”

St James Primary School learner Sisanda Shange is a great believer in “kindness over popularity” which has won her many hearts and recognition at the Greyville school.

The Grade Seven learner was appointed head girl for the 2026 academic year. The school management said, “We are intentionally focusing on kindness: in our classrooms, on the sports field, and in the small, everyday moments that shape who we become.

“At St James, we believe that one small act of caring can change someone’s day, and that is how we grow not only strong learners, but good humans.”

These words resonated with Sisanda who said “that being remembered for kindness is far more meaningful than simply being known”.

“Many people want to be popular, but I believe that kindness matters more. Kindness builds true friendship, while popularity can attract fake friends,” said Sisanda.

A great believer in a kind school is a happy school, Sisanda added, “One small act of caring can change someone’s day.

“When you are kind, people trust and respect you which is far more important than just being known. Popularity may boost your pride for a little while, but kindness will fill your heart.”

Sisanda concluded by saying, “Instead of asking if people noticed you, ask yourself if you helped someone today.”

A South Beach ice skater was not to be deterred by the closure of the local ice rink; she made a resolute decision to pursue her figure skating ambitions.

At the age of 15, Amarah Peer, a Grade 10 learner at George Campbell School of Technology, has spent the past two years as an active member of the Galleria Figure Skating Club.

Her figure skating ambitions began when her parents agreed to take her and her cousins to the Galleria Ice Rink for her birthday celebration. Soon after that reflective experience, she joined the club.

“I used to watch a lot of figure skating videos on social media, and I knew then I wanted to do it for the rest of my life,” Peer said.

Although figure skating is not as popular in KZN, compared to other provinces, she has made significant strides.

Apart from several wins in club competitions, she has participated in KZN interprovincial competitions, including the Gauteng Interprovincials in March.

“I came 13th, but the most important reason for me to take part was to expand my exposure on a larger stage and that was achieved.”

In 2025, she was chosen for the SA Figure Skating Association development programme. From then, she has been getting trained as an athlete.

For Amarah, skating is a chance to be free and forget about everything else around her. She and her coach recently started private coaching for younger aspiring ice skaters.

“I always tell the younger ones to keep practising and never give up easily because they will get better over time.” She further advises that the sport requires lots of training, good diet, patience, and physical and mental strength.

Although in school she does Pure Maths and Pure Science, she might pursue Arts at university, but she is steadfast on her figure skating as a definite career path, until one day she reaches the Olympics.

In the meantime, it’s her and ice floors, metal-bladed boots, jumps, and spins, as she works hard to reach level two, paving her way to the nationals.

Durban High School is marking its 160th anniversary with a standout sporting achievement, as 1st XI cricket captain Joshua van Biljon reached the rare milestone of earning 100 caps for the school’s top team.

The achievement places Van Biljon among an elite group of cricket players to have represented the school at the highest level over an extended period. It also highlights his consistency and leadership on and off the field.

School management praised the accomplishment as a moment of pride for the institution and for the wider cricketing community.

Reaching 100 caps at school level is widely regarded as a significant feat, reflecting not only talent but durability, discipline and sustained performance, qualities that have defined Van Biljon’s tenure as captain.

“With more pride than any words can explain, we at DHS celebrate our 1st XI Captain Joshua van Biljon’s achievement as being capped 100 times or more for the DHS 1st XI,” said school management.

The school added that the milestone resonates beyond the campus, drawing recognition from across its extended network.

“The DHS Community, family, Old Boys, staff and greater South African cricket community congratulate you on this most magnificent and monumental achievement, Josh!”

The school added that the milestone resonates beyond the campus, drawing recognition from across its extended network.

“The DHS Community, Family, Old Boys, Staff and greater South African Cricket Community congratulate you on this most magnificent and monumental achievement, Josh!”

Ntsikayethu Mtyobile, a swimming sensation from Glenwood High School, has been selected for the KZN Schools Swimming Team.
The Grade Nine learner proudly represented KZN at the Level 3 Championships in Pretoria from April 26–29, and his performance was hailed as “out of this world”.
Mtyobile bagged a trio of medals, ie Gold: 50m Butterfly (U15), Silver: 100m Breaststroke (U15), and Silver: 50m Breaststroke (U15)

On his performance, he said, “Our dedication, discipline, and passion in the pool continue to inspire us all.”

DURBAN Girls’ College beamed with pride as Grade 10 learner Payton Aitken earned her a spot on the provincial stage which led to an appearance on the international circuit.
The young star’s momentum began building late last year when she qualified for and competed in the Irish Senior National Championships. Payton travelled to Ireland in December 2025, where she tested her skills against elite international competitors, gaining invaluable experience on the world stage.

Earlier this month, Payton represented KZN at the SA Senior National Championships in Gqeberha. Competing at a senior national level as a Grade 10 learner was a testament to her grit and the countless hours she spent in the pool. This selection marked a significant milestone in her athletic career, placing her among the top swimmers in the country.

Payton’s success at the Senior Nationals followed a spectacular performance at the Durban Girls’ College Championship Gala earlier this year where she delivered a powerhouse performance in the U16 category, sweeping several top honours.

Winning the Victrix Ludorum highlighted her versatility and dominance across multiple disciplines, proving she was a force to be reckoned with in any stroke.

“Payton’s hard work and unwavering dedication to swimming resulted in these outstanding achievements,” noted the DGC community. “We were so proud of you, Payton! Well done!”

Shuaib Docrat, goalkeeper for the U15 team at Orient Islamic School, has made a name for himself after helping his team win the GDLFA Easter Tournament, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
Docrat has been playing football since the age of four. His journey into goalkeeping began when he played for fun, and a coach noticed his talent and encouraged him to take the position seriously. Since then, he has never looked back, growing into a confident and committed last line of defence.

Reflecting on the tournament victory, Shuaib described his team as underdogs who surprised everyone by reaching and winning the final. One of his standout moments was a crucial fingertip save in the final minutes of the match, stopping a shot heading into the far corner.

Being named Player of the Tournament came as a shock to him. “For a goalkeeper to win it is not easy,” he shared.
To prepare for matches, Shuaib focuses on physical warm-ups and mental focus, reminding himself to give his best. He believes communication and bravery are key qualities of a great goalkeeper.

He credits his success to his entire team as well as the support of his parents and coaches. His role model is Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer.
Shuaib dreams of playing in the local Premier League or even overseas one day. Outside of football, he enjoys time with friends, family, and video games, and encourages younger players to keep pushing because practise makes perfect.

CLIFTON School Grade 10 learner Veer Nunan has been recognised for his perseverance and commitment after completing the Silver Level of the globally respected President’s Award programme.

Veer achieved the milestone following months of dedicated effort across a range of developmental activities designed to challenge young people beyond their comfort zones. He did all this while practising for his piano exam and attending to swimming and other academics commitments.

He was applauded by the school management on his achievement, highlighting both the rigour of the programme and the character it helps to build.

Describing the programme, the school said: “This is a demanding globally recognised programme that calls on young people to extend themselves beyond the familiar.”

Participants are required to engage in four key areas, including community service, skill development, physical recreation and an adventurous journey, over an extended period.

The school said completing the Silver Award reflects determination and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

“Completing the Silver Award is a testament to Veer’s determination and willingness to embrace challenges and reflects the qualities we strive to nurture in every learner.”

Aayur Manohar, a Grade 11 learner at Eden Schools, will have the honour of representing SA as part of the team competing in the International Chemistry Olympiad in Uzbekistan in July.

Fit for the job at hand, Aayur understands how rigorous and prestigious the competition is, testing learners’ theoretical and practical knowledge.

Eden Schools said it is “incredibly proud of his accomplishments”. “This is exceptional since Aayur is at the beginning of his Grade 11 year and he was able to qualify to represent the country and compete internationally. We we wish him luck for the competition.”

Aayur was congratulated for this achievement, receiving his Eden Schools white blazer, representing an honour achieved through being exceptional.