BUCO Lowveld Interhigh 2026
2026 interhigh one for the memory books
The 76th BUCO Lowveld Interhigh lit up Lowveld High School with a celebration of athletic talent, school spirit, and unforgettable competition. Despite early weather challenges, the hosts delivered a vibrant showcase that kept crowds cheering from start to finish. Lightning delays and drizzle only added drama to the day, setting the stage for thrilling relays and record-breaking performances. With standout victories, spirited entrances, and trophies galore, this year’s Interhigh proved once again why it remains the Lowveld’s premier athletics spectacle.
The 76th BUCO Lowveld Interhigh may not have rewritten the record books, but it certainly etched itself into the memories of all who attended.
Hosted by Lowveld High School for the first time since 2019, the event brought together Hoërskool Rob Ferreira, Hoërskool Nelspruit, Hoërskool Bergvlam, Hoërskool Lydenburg, Hoërskool Barberton and Penryn College for a showcase of athletic excellence and spirited competition.
@lowvelder
Despite the challenges of preparing the venue after severe weather earlier in the year, Lowveld High rose to the occasion, delivering a vibrant and well-organized meeting.
Even the skies seemed determined to add drama, with lightning briefly pausing proceedings and a drizzle accompanying the final races—moments that only heightened anticipation for the relays.
@lowvelder The U19 boys finish the final relay at the BUCO Lowveld Interhigh. #relay #buco #bucolowveldinterhigh
The relays themselves were electric.
Rob Ferreira showed remarkable consistency by medaling in every relay, while NHS claimed the spotlight with dominant U19 performances. The girls’ team shattered the record with a time of 49.49sec, and the boys’ race provided a nail-biting finish as NHS surged ahead to secure gold in the day’s final event.
@lowvelder Laevelder gesels met BUCO se streeksbestuurder, Pottie Potgieter, tydens die BUCO Laeveld Interhoër oor hul betrokkenheid as hoofborg van dié byeenkoms. Buco Lowveld Inter High 2026 #bucointerhoër #bucoloeveldinterhigh2026
Prize-giving confirmed NHS’s remarkable depth and spirit, as they collected the majority of trophies, including both the boys’ and girls’ titles, the overall athletics trophy, and 16 of the 24 individual awards. Standout athletes included Bernard Calitz (junior victor ludorum), Tehila du Toit (junior victrix ludorum), Zoë Cilliers (senior victrix ludorum), and Rob Ferreira’s Kevin Forsman (senior victor ludorum).
In the end, the 76th BUCO Lowveld Interhigh proved that greatness is not only measured in seconds and records, but in the spirit, camaraderie, and unforgettable energy that filled the stadium.
Trophy winners
Hoërskool Nelspruit
• Best throws – junior boy: Janco Wendelstadt – Discus (52.55m)
• Best throws – junior girl: Mieke Koekemoer – Shotput (11.84m)
• Best throws – senior boy: Robroy MacGregor – Shotput (16.31m)
• Best throws – senior girl: Zane Nel – Shotput (12.22m)
• Best jumps – junior girl: Vine Van Dyk – High Jump (1.50m)
• Best jumps – senior boy: Owen Ngwenya – Long Jump (14.96m)
• Best hurdles – junior boy: Johnny Wassermann – 100m (14.66sec)
• Best hurdles – junior girl: Elizabeth Du Toit – 300m (48.04sec)
• Best hurdles – senior girl: Simone Lourens – 400m (1:03.77)
• Best middle and long distance – junior girl: Zoë Janse van Vuuren – 800m (2:20.80)
• Best middle and long distance – senior girl: Leney Maree – 3 000m (10:35.26)
• Best sprints – junior girl: Bea Henning – 200m (27.04sec)
• Best sprints – senior girl: Zoe Cilliers – 100m (11.98sec)
Hoërskool Rob Ferreira
• Best hurdles – senior boy: Kevin Forsmann – 110m (14.27sec)
• Best middle and long distance – junior boy: PJ Ntimane – 1500m (04:21.63)
• Best middle and long distance – senior boy: Owethu Kunene – 3 000m (09:18.23)
• Best sprints – junior boy: Emmanuel Shabangu – 400m (53.64sec)
• Best sprints – senior boy: Trust Mkhabela – 400m (49.89sec)
Hoërskool Lydenburg
• Best jumps – senior girl: Tshepi Mokoena – Triple Jump (11.25m)
Hoërskool Bergvlam
• Best Jumps – junior boy: Leandro Schofield – Long Jump (6.29m)
Victor & Victrix Ludorum winners
• Junior victor ludorum: Bernard Calitz (NHS)
• Junior victrix ludorum: Tehila Du Toit (NHS)
• Senior victor ludorum: Kevin Forsmann, (ROB)
• Senior victrix ludorum: Zoe Cilliers (NHS)
Team Awards
• Best boys team: NHS
• Best girls team: NHS
• Best team: NHS
• Second best team (Shield): Rob Ferreira
ALSO READ: IN PHOTOS: Athletes and cheerleaders procession – BUCO Lowveld Interhigh
Nellies dra die palmtak vir die 61ste keer met trots!
Kobus de Wet
Saterdag sal om vele redes nog vir jare met groot opgewondenheid deur atletiekentoesiaste bespreek word!
Die statistieke vertel die verhaal van ’n merkwaardige prestasie: NHS was vir die 61ste agtereenvolgende keer aan die wenkant en het weer eens hul oorheersing op die baan bevestig.
@lowvelder Lowvelder talks to Owen Ngwenya, a triple jump athlete of Hoërskool Nelspruit, who broke his own record at the BUCO Lowveld Interhigh. Hoërskool Nelspruit Buco Lowveld Inter High 2026 #bucoloeveldinterhigh2026 #HoërskoolNelspruit
Die Nellies is egter enduit uitgedaag, met veral die seunsafdeling wat ’n naelbytstryd gelewer het en uiteindelik met slegs 21,5 punte deur NHS gewen is.
Die seisoen het reeds gewys dat NHS op nasionale vlak kan meeding, met ’n top10-posisie by die Curro Podium-finaal en deelname aan die A-bond van NWU se Super Interhoër wat voorlê.
Teen dié agtergrond beklemtoon die naweek se uitslae opnuut die span se konsekwente gehalte en diepte. NHS se dogters het met ’n kragvertoning soos selde tevore vorendag gekom en hul afdeling oortuigend met 843 punte gewen.
Die seuns se wentotaal van 752,5 het eweneens die oorhand verseker. Dit het beteken dat NHS die belangrikste trofee as algehele wenners van die 2026-interhoër met ’n indrukwekkende totaal van 1595,5 punte ingepalm het – ’n verdere bevestiging van die Nellies se atletiek-erfenis en volgehoue uitnemendheid. Al die skole se dirigente en leerlinge op die pawiljoen het geesdriftig om die verskillende trofeë meegeding.
Die kleurryke, vindingryke opkomste, indrukwekkende pawiljoenversierings en inoefening van polsende, meesleurende liedjies het getuig van deeglike voorbereiding en baie harde werk.
Elke skool se optrede was prysenswaardig, maar die beoordelaars moes uiteindelik wenners aanwys.
NHS se dirigente het met hul kragtige leiding en kreatiewe opkoms die trofeë vir beste opkoms, beste dirigente van die dag, asook die gesogte geesbeker ingepalm.
LEES OOK: IN FOTO’S: Hoërskool Nelspruit durf die stryd met ware Nellie-guts aan – BUCO Laeveld Interhoër
Robbies come alive to retain shield
Blake Linder
Hoërskool Rob Ferreira’s athletes stepped up a gear this year, delivering one solid performance after another to retain the athletics shield.
The Robbies, clad in orange and green, were a determined bunch on Saturday and eager to set the record straight against rivals Hoërskool Lydenburg after the previous week’s defeat at the Sonop Interhigh.
Their strong showing ensured that the athletes from NHS could never rest on their laurels, especially in the boys’ competition, where Rob Ferreira remained within touching distance of the Nellies.
The Robbies even held a narrow lead over NHS in the boys’ division midway through the day, eventually finishing on 731 points – just 21.5 behind their rivals.
The girls in orange were also in top form, producing one of their best team performances in years.
Their tally of 666 points saw Rob Ferreira finish on a Blake Linder combined total of 1 397 points to secure second place and retain the athletics shield trophy.
Rob Ferreira’s relay teams were, as usual, outstanding, becoming the only school to medal in every relay event. U16 boys’ athlete Kevin Forsman accounted for two of the five records set on the day, setting new marks in the 110m hurdles (14.27sec) and 400m hurdles (56.09sec).
He was also named best senior boys’ hurdles athlete and, most notably, senior victor ludorum.
To cap a successful day for the Robbies, four more individual trophies were awarded: PJ Ntimane (best junior boy, middle and long distances), Owethu Kunene (best senior boy, middle and long distances), Emmanuel Shabangu (best junior boy, sprints) and Trust Mkhabela (best senior boy, sprints). Rob Ferreira won no fewer than 33 gold medals, 21 silvers and 35 bronze medals to finish with a total haul of 100 medals.
ALSO READ: IN FOTO’S: Hoërskool Rob Ferreira wys hulle staal op die atletiekbaan – BUCO Laeveld Interhoër
Lowveld High shines with pride and precision
With pride and meticulous organisation, Lowveld High School hosted the annual BUCO Lowveld Interhigh on Saturday, delivering an athletics event of exceptional standard.
It was evident from the outset that the school had invested significant effort into ensuring their facilities were ready, and upgraded, for this prestigious fixture on the interschools calendar.
From the well-prepared track and field areas to the seamless flow of the programme, the day reflected thorough planning and strong teamwork.
Athletes, coaches and supporters were welcomed into an environment that was both professional and hospitable. Logistical arrangements ran smoothly and, to the best of our knowledge, the event concluded without incident; a noteworthy achievement considering the scale of participation and attendance.
On the track and in the field, Lowveld High’s athletes once again demonstrated why the school is regarded as a formidable competitor in interschools athletics.
Lesedi Morodi winning the boys’ U19 3000m boys U19 was a big achievement for their long distance runners.
According to Jacques van Rensburg, the school’s sprinting squad, jumpers and long-distance runners were among the standout performers on the day.
Speaking after the event, Van Rensburg said the school believes its athletics programme is firmly ‘on the right track.’
“Our athletes are here to showcase their talents and represent the pride of the Mighty Blues. We are proud and happy,” he said.
He described interhigh as the pinnacle of athletics for their learners.
“It is the Olympics of the Lowveld region,” he added. “We use these results as an opportunity for our athletes to improve and further enhance their talents and skills.”
He also praised the conduct of the learners. “Our kids, despite rumours and speculation, have behaved above par and have been proving people wrong,” he said.
Van Rensburg emphasised that interhigh offers more than medals.
“It gives our learners the opportunity to grow, to embrace change and to develop leadership.”
He concluded with a message of gratitude and encouragement: “Thank you to the wonderful parents who support our children through the late nights, early mornings, concerns and donations. And to our athletes: thank you for your dedication and resilience. We have only just started. Don’t be discouraged by what didn’t happen; be excited about what is still to come.”
Saturday’s event once again reaffirmed Lowveld High School’s commitment not only to sporting excellence, but to building character, resilience and pride within the Mighty Blues.
@lowvelder
ALSO READ: IN PHOTOS: Lowveld High energises the track and field as host – BUCO Lowveld Interhigh
Bergvlam-atlete wys hulle staal
Hoërskool Bergvlam het Saterdag behoorlik sy staal gewys.
Met vasberadenheid, geesdrif en indrukwekkende individuele prestasies het Bergvlam-atlete hulle naam onder die beste laat tel.
Een van die groot hoogtepunte vir die skool was toe Leandro Schofield aangewys is as die beste junior seun in spronge.
Hy het die trofee ingepalm nadat hy ‘n uitstekende 6,29 m in die o. 15-seunsverspring behaal het. Sy prestasie getuig van tegniese vaardigheid en toewyding, en plaas hom stewig onder die voorste junior atlete in
die streek.
Op die baan het Bergvlam ook geskitter. Washu Tshikovhela het goud verower in die o. 16-seuns 100 m in ‘n blitsige 11;14 s, ‘n tyd wat die toeskouers behoorlik op hulle voete gehad het.
Sy spoed en ontploffing uit die wegspringblokke was ‘n bepalende faktor in sy oorwinning.
Sibusiso Nkalanga het op sy beurt ‘n ware dubbelhou geslaan deur beide die o. 17-seuns 800 m én 1500 m te wen.
Sy wedloopbestuur en uithouvermoë het hom in albei items die oorhand gegee en waardevolle punte vir Bergvlam verseker.
Nog ‘n goue medalje het gekom van Lufuno Bulwana in die o.19-seuns
400 m-hekkies.
Met ‘n sterk, beheerde wedloop het hy die kompetisie oortuigend gewen en gewys waarom hy as een van die skool se voorste senior atlete beskou word.
Benewens hierdie uitsonderlike prestasies het Bergvlam verskeie ander medaljes ingepalm en deurgaans mededingend gebly.
Die span se gees, dissipline en ondersteuning vir mekaar was duidelik sigbaar, op én langs die baan.
Volgens die skoolhoof, mnr. Deon Visser, is interhoër nie net ‘n sportbyeenkoms nie, maar ‘n viering van karakter, deursettingsvermoë en skooltrots.
Bergvlam kan met reg trots wees op hul atlete se prestasies en die wyse waarop hulle die skool se naam hoog gehou het.
LEES OOK: IN FOTO’S: Hoërskool Bergvlam se atletiek brand fel op die veld – BUCO Laeveld Interhoër
Lydens blink uit met puik brons
Hoërskool Lydenburg se atlete het weer Saterdag uitgestaan en ’n algehele derde plek behaal.
Na ’n suksesvolle Sonop Interhoër op hul tuisgronde die vorige naweek, was die Lydens vasbeslote om ook by Lowveld High School sterk te presteer.
Hulle deursettingsvermoë en talent het 11 goue medaljes (’n verbetering op hul Sonoptotaal), 23 silwer en 21 brons opgelewer.
Dit het vir Lydenburg ’n totaal van 55 medaljes beteken – meer as dubbel hul Sonop-prestasie – en hulle derde op die medaljetabel geplaas. Die seuns het 578 punte bygedra, die meisies 567,5, wat ’n totaal van 1 145,5 punte vir Lydenburg gegee het en ook derde op die algehele punteleer.
Tshepi Mokoena het Lydenburg se vlag hoog gehou deur die individuele toekenning vir beste senior dogter in spronge te verower, met ’n indrukwekkende 11,25 m-sprong (691 punte) in die o. 19-driesprong.
LEES OOK: IN FOTO’S: Hoërskool Lydenburg wys hulle veggees – BUCO Laeveld Interhoër
Barberton athletes give their all on track and field
Barberton High School’s athletics team gave their all at Lowveld High on Saturday. Icrone Ntsangwane won the gold medal in the boys U17 110m hurdles in 15.05 seconds.
He also claimed silver in the 400m hurdles in 57.64sec Nhlelo Nkosi was the gold medal winner in the girls U15 shotput with a distance of 10.56m. In the girls U17 shotput, Jacqueline Mshololo claimed gold with 12.07m.
ALSO READ: IN FOTO’S: Barberton-atlete toon deursettingsvermoë – BUCO Lowveld Interhigh
Penryn soars as Atang and Newton sprint to gold
Atang Kelatile and Newton Ojo led the charge for Penryn College at the annual BUCO Interhigh hosted by Lowveld High School on Saturday.
The two speedsters shared the gold medal in the boys u17 100m, both clocking 11.19sec. Newton also won the bronze medal in the 200m in 23.29sec.
Penryn finished in sixth place at the meet with 680.5 points Clayton Schofield won silver in the boys u15 high jump with 1.60m, and bronze in the 400m in 54.40sec.
The girls u17 relay team were in fine form, taking the silver medal in 53.97sec.
The school’s spirit team never slowed or quietened down despite the long hot day, displaying pure Penryn pride.
ALSO READ: IN PHOTOS: Penryn spreads its eagle wings – BUCO Lowveld Interhigh
The sun set on an epic day, and the 76th BUCO Lowveld Interhigh came to an end, leaving behind memories that will last a lifetime. A huge thanks to Lowveld High for hosting an unforgettable event!
@lowvelder As the sun sets on an epic day 🌅, the 76th BUCO Lowveld Interhigh comes to a close, leaving behind memories that will last a lifetime. A huge thanks to Lowveld High for hosting an unforgettable event! 🙌 #BUCOInterhigh2026 #LowveldHigh #InterhighLegacy
