THE fourth annual Kearsney Soccer Tournament concluded at the weekend after three days of exciting competition, sportsmanship and memorable performances, with 34 teams from KZN, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape competing across three divisions.

The tournament, which continues to grow in stature, is designed to promote the development of soccer among both boys and girls at primary and high school level, while fostering camaraderie and healthy competition.

This year’s event featured 16 boys’ high school teams, six girls’ high school teams and 12 primary school teams, with hundreds of young footballers taking to the field over the three-day festival.

Also read: Kearsney duo shine at Grant Khomo Week 

Urban Academy from Gqeberha claimed the senior boys’ title, Danville Park Girls were crowned senior girls’ champions, and Highbury Preparatory School lifted the primary boys’ trophy after impressive performances throughout the tournament.

KZN teams in the senior boys’ competition included Durban High School, Glenwood High School, Clifton College, Northwood School and Queensburgh High School (Durban); Ashton International College Ballito; Maritzburg College; Khabazela High, KwaDinabakubo Secondary, Maqhutshana Secondary, Siyajabula High, Westville Boys’ High and hosts Kearsney College (Highway area). They were joined by Gauteng schools Sutherland High School and Trinityhouse Randpark, while Urban Academy travelled from Gqeberha to ultimately lift the trophy.

Also read: Basketball tournament unites communities

The girls’ high school division featured St Mary’s DSG Kloof, Durban Girls’ College, St Henry’s Marist College, Ashton International College Ballito, Trinityhouse Randpark and eventual champions Danville Park Girls.

The primary school competition brought together 12 teams, with Highbury Preparatory School emerging as champions. Participating schools included Merchiston Prep and Pelham Senior Primary (Pietermaritzburg); Hillcrest Primary, Winston Park Primary, Atholl Heights Primary and Westville Senior Primary (Highway area); Clifton Preparatory (Durban); Ashton International College Ballito, Reddam House Ballito and Curro Salt Rock (North Coast); as well as Curro HeronBridge (Gauteng).

The Best X1 team selected from players in the boys’ high school division was named as Connor Scherman (WBHS), Noah Magkoro (Trinity House), Vhurena Mpandeli (Sutherland), Aqhama Ndibaza (Urban Academy), Qhamani Gubevu (Urban Academy), Poloko Lethola (Kearsney), Simphokuhle Ngcobo (Maqhutshana), Miguel Suarez (Clifton), Asande Msane (Glenwood), Aphile Mkhize (Siyajabula) and Wonga Makhanda (Maritzburg College).

In the girls’ division, players chosen for the Best XI are Milla Borrajeiro (St Mary’s), Taylor Pillay (Trinity House), Jamie-Lee Hulley (St Henry’s), Otsile Pheko (Ashton), Farrah Grove (St Mary’s), Zasembo Mkhize (St Henry’s), Keamogelo Baakeleng (Danville), Shaila Seeram (Durban Girls High), Merel van Leeuwen (Ashton), Beax Dempsey (Ashton) and Skyler Vere (Danville).

In the junior boys’ section, 12 players were selected due to the overwhelming talent. They are Luke Eades (Winston Park), Sbongo Nsimbi (Hillcrest Primary), Ibanathi Simelani (Highbury), Rourke Black (Westville), Andile Mlotshwa (Atholl Heights), Carter Lucien (Clifton), Jordan Wright (Ashton), Skylar Govender (Reddam), Fernando Ferraz (Curro Salt Rock), Kaleb Hoskins (Merchiston), Zuko Ngcibi (Highbury) and Steven George (Hillcrest Primary).

Beyond the competition, the tournament provides young players with the opportunity to meet and interact with peers from different schools and regions, forging friendships and creating memories that can last well beyond their school years and into adulthood.

Kearsney was grateful to headline sponsor Kaleido Westown, and to merchandise sponsor Eczemax, for their support of this year’s tournament.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here