In an effort to improve sports and create a better future for learners, the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts and Culture visited the Kagiso Recreation Centre to launch this year’s Gauteng Schools Wednesday Champions League.

According to the department’s spokesperson, Tumelo Taunyane, this year marks the league’s third edition, which will once again feature top-performing schools from across the province competing in an exciting four-week competition across the league’s three sporting codes: Football, netball and volleyball.

Acting chief director for the department, Philasande Muvevi, emphasised that the league is about building champions, leaders and role models.

“With discipline, teamwork and community support, learners can excel both in sport and in life,” Muvevi said.

The launch outlined how the 2025 league will operate, unveiled the five trophies up for grabs, and saw participating schools receive sporting gear. The first round will commence in Vereeniging with only football and volleyball matches. The netball games will follow, adding to the exciting line-up.

Football and volleyball have 16 teams – eight boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams – competing in the U17 age category, while netball features eight girls-only teams in the U16 age group.

The teams will compete in a league format to earn points until the final matches on September 18.

Last year’s games saw Clapham High School and Jabulile Secondary School emerge as back-to-back champions in boys’ and girls’ football, respectively. Moletsane High School won in netball, while Mpilisweni High School secured first place in boys’ volleyball, and Lukhanyo High School finished at the top of girls’ volleyball.

“The Wednesday League programme is a proud initiative of the Gauteng Provincial Government aimed at further enhancing the development of school sport by increasing participation and opportunities for talent identification within schools,” concluded Taunyane.