Jeppe High School for Boys will become a focal point for both aquatic and court-based sport when it hosts the U14 Ken Short Water Polo Festival from February 26 to March 1, alongside its U14 Basketball Festival running from February 27 to March 1.

The Ken Short Festival continues a long-standing water polo tradition at the school, with the sport’s roots at Jeppe tracing back to the 1920s through former learners who helped establish the game locally.

The school’s own festival journey began in 1997 with a junior tournament that later evolved into the nationally recognised Ken Short event.

Also read: Ken Short Water Polo Festival at Jeppe Boys set to boost SA school water polo

Today, the festival attracts leading water polo schools from across South Africa, including Selborne College, St Stithians College, St Benedict’s College, St John’s College, St Alban’s College and Michaelhouse.

Visiting teams will be hosted on campus, supported by parents, staff and volunteers managing logistics ranging from transport and catering to officiating and first aid, reinforcing the strong community ethos for which the festival is known.

Running concurrently, the U14 Basketball Festival will feature traditional rivals such as St John’s College, Parktown Boys’ High School, St Stithians College, Pretoria Boys High School, King Edward VII School, St Benedict’s College, St Peter’s College and Saheti School.

Also read: Jeppe Boys rally community support for Ken Short festival

Organisers emphasise that both festivals prioritise development over results, aligning with modern junior sport philosophy that focuses on participation, learning and exposure rather than trophies.

The Ken Short Festival, in particular, shifted to a festival format to encourage player growth and broader game time for young athletes.

With February and March packed with major school sporting events across Johannesburg, the twin festivals at Jeppe are set to showcase emerging talent.

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