Spar Superstars NGN 2026

NORTHLANDS Primary School learner Gabriella Gilbert excels at everything she does, be it academics or sports.

Last year she represented KZN in action netball, hockey and soccer.

She is the vice-captain of the school’s action netball team and was recently selected for the KZN action netball B team that will compete at the inter-provincial tournament (IPT) starting this month.

At school she is involved in the first teams for indoor and outdoor hockey, action netball and outdoor netball, and she is also part of the athletics relay team and choir at school.

She was awarded the All-Star Player Award at the U11 Precious Mthembu Tournament and the Rising Star Indoor Hockey Player Award at the U12 Virginia Prep tournament in 2024 and 2025

Gabriella also achieves excellent academics, achieving above 80% aggregate.

Speaking on the upcoming IPT, Gabriella hopes to help her team finish on the podium.

“I’m really looking forward to the tournament. Meeting new people is always fun and representing my province is a huge honor. We are going to do our best to make everyone proud,” she said.

While she plays a number of sports, hockey is Gabriella’s favourite sport.

“I made the KZN team last year and I hope to do the same this year. A future goal is to one day make the SA hockey team. I’m also lucky to be surrounded by amazing coaches who are always helpful. I feel at home in hockey and I feel I stand out when I play,” she said.

VIRGINIA Preparatory School learner Zoe Wilkinson is hoping to lead her KZN action netball U12 B team by example as they prepare for the upcoming inter-provincial tournament (IPT) in Gauteng.

The 11-year-old is involved in swimming, netball (outdoor and indoor), hockey (outdoor and indoor), touch rugby, and the choir at her school.

This will be Zoe’s first IPT.

“I’m a little nervous but we are expecting to have a lot of fun. I don’t feel pressure because our team is so amazing. I also have an awesome vice-captain and we work together well. I feel that to be a good captain you need to lead by example; be respectful, play well and to still smile even when you lose. One of our team goals is to make it onto the podium but also have fun,” she said.

The Grade Six learner also has a compassionate side, raising more than R30 000 for charitable causes through her school’s swimathon.

For the last three years, Zoe has raised the most money at the event.

This year she raised R10 000, while she raised R18 000 last year.

“With the swimathon we have to swim as many lengths of our school pool and organise sponsorships. For the last three years I’ve raised the most money which goes to different charitable causes. I feel it’s important to give back and it makes me feel happy to know the money I raised goes to a good cause. I will definitely be trying to raise more next year,” she said.

Nhlanzeko Mbatha, a Grade Seven learner from Atholton Primary School has been named this month’s SPAR Superstar after earning selection for three school sports teams. Nhlanzeko has made the Phoenix District U13B Hockey, KZN Soccer U13 Warriors and the Umlazi District Athletics teams.

Speaking about the achievement, Nhlanzeko said he was surprised and proud.

“I felt really excited and proud of myself. I didn’t expect to make all three teams, so it was a big surprise. It made me feel like all my hard work is paying off,” he said.

Although he enjoys playing multiple sports, soccer remains closest to his heart.

“Soccer is my first love. My teammates are like my real brothers. We understand each other well on the field and I love my position,” he said.

Balancing sport and school requires discipline, and Nhlanzeko says planning helps him stay on track.

“I write things in my diary and do my homework as soon as I get to the homework centre at school. I finish the rest when I get home after training. My parents and coaches also help me stay organised,” he said.

Like many young athletes, Nhlanzeko admits that the busy schedule can be challenging.

“Sometimes I feel tired because of all the training and matches, and it can be hard to balance everything. I stay motivated by remembering my goals and knowing that my family is part of my achievements. Scholarships also help my parents save money,” he said.

Mbatha hopes to keep improving and dreams of representing his school or even his country one day.

“My mom taught me there is no limit to growth. I’ve already travelled internationally with football and I hope to get more opportunities in other sports too. For now I want to keep playing all three, but later I might focus on the one I enjoy the most,” he said.

He added that he hopes to one day play for bigger teams while continuing to pursue opportunities in different sporting disciplines.

Khazimula “Khazi” Xala is a vibrant Grade Six learner at Chelsea Preparatory School, where she has achieved an outstanding 90% academic average for 2025.

“I always try to do my best and stay focused, because I want to make myself and my family proud.”

Her talents extend far beyond the classroom. In 2026, she is actively involved in the Choir, Chelsea Singers, Kids Lit Quiz Team, and the Speech and Drama Festival.

“I love being part of different activities because it helps me learn new things and meet new people,” she said.

On the sports field, Khazi continues to shine as a formidable all-round athlete. She is the captain of the KZN U12A Action (Indoor) Netball team — an achievement she values deeply.

“Being captain means I have to lead by example and support my team. I really enjoy encouraging everyone to do their best.”

Her recent highlights include representing North Durban in U12A hockey, competing in the Durban Central Athletics 1200m event, and earning a silver medal in the Girls U12 category at her school’s Championship Swimming Gala.

“Swimming and running push me to be stronger, and I like challenging myself to improve,” she added.

Despite her many commitments, Khazi remains grounded and joyful. She enjoys spending time with friends, running with her dad at North Beach, and staying active through netball.

“Running with my dad is one of my favourite things — it’s fun and it keeps me fit,” she said.

With her strong work ethic, natural leadership, and positive attitude, Khazimula Xala continues to set an inspiring example — proving that dedication and enthusiasm can turn potential into excellence.

IT happened quite by accident that Northlands Girls’ High School’s (NGHS) Ayabonga Makhanya found herself in goal on the hockey turf.

An injury to the first team goalkeeper at the time, coupled with the fact that she plays goalkeeper in soccer, made her the perfect candidate to don the goalkeeper suit.

That was in Grade Eight and since then the 15-year-old has continued to blossom, showcasing her quick reflexes and marshalling her defence.

The Grade 10 learner was recently named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the Crawford Festival, a fantastic achievement and one that truly reflects the determination, bravery, and commitment she brings to every game.

Although the results did not go NGHS’s way as a team, Ayabonga stood tall throughout the tournament, making crucial saves and consistently giving her best for the team.

Ayabonga’s ability to stay positive, focused, and resilient under pressure is something NGHS are proud of.

Earlier this season at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge she also caught the attention of several coaches and players who complimented her performance.

Ayabonga has set her sights on one day representing KZN and ultimately pushing further towards a national level.

“That’s my big goal this year. To make the KZN team and see where I go from there. This wouldn’t have happened without the support of my coach, friends and family. When I volunteered to go in goal I didn’t think I would then become the first team goalkeeper. It is a huge honour to play for my school and I hope to improve my skills, strengthen my mindset and be consistent in my goals this season,” she said.

Outside of hockey, Ayabonga is a charity monitor and a member of the school’s Entrepreneurship Club.

Xizhi Aiden Luo, a Grade Nine learner from Crawford International La Lucia has been named a SPAR Superstar after being appointed Concertmaster of the KZN Youth Orchestra.

Aiden said he was surprised and grateful when he heard the news.

“I was half shocked and half relieved because the auditions were very competitive. When it was confirmed, I felt a huge wave of excitement and gratitude. It’s a privilege to be trusted with this role,” he said.

Aiden joined the orchestra in 2020 as its youngest member at just eight years old.

“I was a nervous newcomer surrounded by talented, older musicians I looked up to. Since then, I’ve grown in confidence and improved my technical skills through practise and guidance from my teachers,” he said.

As Concertmaster, Aiden says his role is to support the conductor and the orchestra.

“The Concertmaster is a bridge between the conductor and the musicians. My job is to understand the conductor’s vision and help guide the string section while being a leader for the orchestra.”

Balancing music and school can be challenging, especially as Aiden plays both piano and violin.

“Sometimes I miss time with friends because of rehearsals or practise, but my family is very supportive and helps me stay organised,” he said.

He encourages other young musicians to stay motivated and enjoy the process.

“Practise is important, but remember to play music you love. Every mistake is just a step towards getting better,” he said.

WE may only be over 80 days into the new year but already it is shaping up to be a memorable one for Durban North College’s Ethan Hambloch in the water.

The Grade 10 learner broke four records in his age group at his school’s gala this year, won all the races he competed in, and shared the senior Victor Ludorum trophy.

He broke the 25m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 50m freestyle records.

If that wasn’t enough, the 15-year-old achieved a personal best time at the aQuellé Midmar Mile and at the SA National Open Water Swimming Championships in Marina Martinique, Jeffreys Bay, where he shaved two minutes off his times for both swims.

In April, Ethan will represent the province at the SA Schools Swimming Championships, and he will represent his club at the SA Junior Nationals which began this week.

“I’m very pleased with all my swims this year. I feel I’ve been more consistent in my training, I’ve added gym sessions to my workouts which has helped me. I’ve also worked harder to achieve my goals. To achieve new personal bests in terms of time is always incredible. I placed 27th in my age group at the SA National Open Water Swimming Championships which was exciting,” he said.

His goal now is to medal at both the SA Schools Swimming Championships and SA Junior Nationals.

OUR Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School learner Riddhi Dayaram performed exceptionally after writing the IEB Mathematics International Benchmark Test (IBT) Examination towards the end of last year.

The exam is written on a voluntary basis.

Riddhi’s result of 92.5% put her in the top 1% of Grade 11 learners nationally who wrote the examination.

The 17-year-old will now take part in the upcoming English Olympiad and gave some insight into her achievement.

“I’m really grateful to have gotten that honour to write the exam and I’m grateful I had for all the support I needed to be able to get the result,” she said.

Aside from her passion for academics, she is also passionate about poetry.

Last year she had her poem ‘Home’ published in English Alive 2024, an annual anthology of writing from high school and secondary colleges in Southern Africa.

It is for this reason that Riddhi is the captain of the Spoken Word team.

“We have an active poetry group which is really cool. Our team has grown from last year which is really beautiful and wholesome,” she said.

Riddhi is also the Enviro Club captain and vice-captain of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) club.

The Grade 11 learner hopes to follow a career in the Quantum Mechanics field next year.

WATER sports have always been a part of Northwood School learner Damien Frew’s life.

The talented athlete is involved in water polo, lifesaving, surfing and swimming.

Damien recently shone at his school’s inter-house gala where he was named senior Victor Ludorum and broke the 50m open freestyle record.

The 17-year-old recently won a silver medal in the 50m freestyle at the uShaka Swimming Championships and last week he took part in the Youth National Swimming Championships in Gqeberha.

Damien is also the captain of the school’s swimming team and gave some insight into his role.

“As captain, I see my role as leading by example, both in training and at galas. It’s about setting a standard, supporting the team, and helping create a positive and motivated environment where everyone can perform at their best,” he said.

He added that swimming has helped him push his limits.

“I enjoy the challenge of constantly trying to improve and push my limits. It’s also something I’ve been involved in for a long time. My main goal is to continue improving my swimming and progress through national rankings, with the aim of qualifying for SA Nationals finals and eventually representing South Africa at international level,” he said.

The Grade 12 learner has also received his honours blazer for his achievements in swimming.

When he is not in the pool Damien helps with water safety at events like the Midmar Mile, and assists with development surfing events.

He has also worked as an announcer and commentator at surfing competitions.