Spar Superstars NGN 2026

VIRGINIA Preparatory School’s Chris Thomson has a very grounded approach in regards to his rugby aspirations.

The Grade Seven learner, who is captain of his school’s first team, was recently selected for the U13B Coastal rugby team.

The 13-year-old played in a series of games against teams from around the province at a tournament at Maritzburg College.

“We won all of our games and it was a fun experience being a part of the team. This was a big step up for me because last year when I trialed for the team I didn’t make it but this year I feel I’ve grown in confidence. I was also scared to tackle but I’ve trained to get better at overcoming my fears,” he said.

While Chris plays inside centre he has also played in the flanker and hooker positions.

“I started playing rugby in Grade Four with my friends and it started becoming fun for me. My dad also plays rugby and is an inspiration for me. He feels I’m good at the breakdowns and turnovers as a flank but I don’t mind what position I’m in as long as I’m playing rugby. My future goals would be take it step by step, make the A team, make my high school team and then represent a provincial team,” he said.

Outside of rugby, Chris also plays first team cricket for his school and is a member of the Student Council.

ROBERT Kruger, affectionately known as Robbie, is a wellrounded young sportsman who excels both in the classroom and on the sports field. A talented
multi-sport athlete, the Grade Six Chelsea Preparatory School learner has been selected for the following 2026 teams: U13A Cricket, U13A Rugby, 1st Team Tennis and U12 Indoor Hockey Squad.

His dedication and outstanding performances were recognised at the Dolphins Pipeline Awards at Kingsmead, where he was named KZN U11 Player of the Season for 2025. “I love both rugby and cricket. I am a loyal supporter of South African sport and I enjoy following performances of the Springboks, Sharks, and
Dolphins,” he said. Robbie is a humble, disciplined, and determined young man who approaches every challenge with maturity and commitment. Whether competing on the field, focusing on his studies, or spending time with family and friends, he consistently demonstrates excellent character and sportsmanship.

His achievements, work ethic, and positive attitude make him a deserving recipient of the SPAR Superstar recognition.

GLENASHLEY Preparatory School Grade Six learner Kaley Jacobs has been selected to participate in the U13 age group at the Fran Hilton-Smith Soccer Tournament from August 6 to 9 at Camp Discovery in Dinokeng, Limpopo.
Kaley’s selection is the latest achievement in what has already been an impressive sporting journey for the talented athlete. A passionate sports enthusiast, she continues to excel across multiple sporting codes, demonstrating both dedication and skill.

In 2025, Kaley was selected for the North Durban Girls Soccer Team, further highlighting her growing reputation on the soccer field. She was then selected for the KZN U13 Girls Soccer Team.

Her sporting success extends beyond soccer. Last year, Kaley earned selection to the KZN Dolphins Cricket U13 Girls Green Team, representing the province at a tournament in Johannesburg from November 28 to December 2.

“Looking back at everything makes me feel really proud of how hard I’ve worked. I am so thankful for my family and coaches’ support and I honestly can’t wait to go out there and give it my best,” she said.

SINCE the age of 12 Durban North College (DNC) learner Aphile Shange has chased a dream to represent her province in netball.

The Grade 12 learner recently achieved that after she was selected for the KZN U17 netball team (outdoor).

The 17-year-old is a prefect, she is the head of sports at DNC, plays first team netball (both outdoor and indoor), and captains the first team for soccer.

She is also part of her school’s athletics team. She will now travel to Gauteng to represent her province in an inter-provincial tournament (IPT).

“I’m not sure what to expect but I know it will be a tough assignment. I’m ready to give my all to the team as this has been a long time coming. I’ve been trialing since Grade Eight so I’m excited for the opportunity. My faith in God and my trust in Him has brought me to this moment. I’ve also trained hard to get here,” she said.

Aphile plays as the goal keeper and sees netball in her future.

“I would love to make the national team. When I started playing netball at 12 I wasn’t planning on big goals but as time went on my passion for the sport grew,” she said.

Aphile cited the support of her mother, Lungile, as one of the mainstays in her life.

THE last few months have been a rollercoaster of achievements for Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School learner, Charly-Rose Boyall.

In August last year she represented the SA U16A hockey team that played a series against Zimbabwe and won all of their games, winning the Allistair Fredrick’s Africa challenge.

Then earlier this year the Grade 10 learner represented her school’s hockey first team at the St Anne’s Cup.

The team reached the final where they faced Oranje and finished second. Charly-Rose was named forward of the tournament.

The 15-year-old has now been selected to represent the KZN Coastal U16A team that will play in the national inter-provincial tournament (IPTs) in the upcoming holidays.

Speaking on her achievements Charly-Rose said her focus is on making a national team again.

“At the St Anne’s tournament, I was surprised in the beginning but very happy to receive the award of forward of the tournament. I feel I played pretty well, and also recognise where I could have done things a bit better, but overall I’m happy with my performance. My main focus right now is to try and make the SA U16A side again this year and then will create future goals after that,” she said.

She looks up to former Protea hockey player Marsha Cox.

INSPIRED by her uncle to take up the sport of volleyball, Makayla Govender has come a long way since she started playing the game. The Northlands Girls’ High School Grade Eight learner was recently selected for the U14 KZN volleyball team (outdoor).

This means the 14-year-old will now represent the province at the National School Sport Championships (NSCC) in East London in July.

In only her first year Makayla, who plays as a setter, impressed at the Umlazi trials.

“I definitely drew inspiration from my uncle, Brendon Govender. He plays for the Belvedere Raiders team in Tongaat. I go to watch all his games and he encouraged me to play the sport. Before applying to Northlands I saw volleyball was one of the sports on offer and that was a big plus for me,” she said.

With aspirations of getting her national colours, Makayla hopes to represent her province with pride at the NSCC.

“It is a pretty exciting time leading up to the national champs. I was quite happy about being selected for the team. My goal was to make the KZN team during the Umlazi trials. Netball is a sport I see in my future in school and while I hope to do well with the provincial team I would also love to get my South African colours,” she said.

Makayla added she has to balance her academics with sports and is currently in the top 10 of her grade. She trains three times a week and in her downtime she enjoys gaming.

NORTHWOOD School Grade 11 learner Sam Minietti described his selection for the Italian U19 cricket team as a huge honour.

In April, the 16-year-old represented the Gli Azzurri (the nickname for the national side), in two 50-over games and a T20 game against Switzerland in Padua, Italy.

Now the all-rounder has been selected for another tour for the U19 team in Guernsey in July.

“I’ve always been involved in sports from a young age but last year I began taking cricket more seriously. Being selected for the U19 Italian team was such a blessing and an extreme honour. Not many people get this opportunity and it was exciting getting my first taste of international cricket. My ultimate goal would be to make the senior men’s team,” he said.

Sam, who also bowls right-arm offspin, aims to do his best at the upcoming tour.

“I started all three games but I found I’m more economical with the ball. I didn’t get to bat in all the games but the experience was an incredible one. You learn so much on tours like this. My goal in Guernsey is to contribute to the team in whatever way I can and do my best.”

He also thanked his parents for their support of his dream.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere without their support. They’ve given me every opportunity to succeed in life.”

Aside from cricket, Sam also plays soccer and rugby at school and outside of sport he enjoys playing the guitar and drums.

He is also learning to improve his Italian through the language app, Duolingo.

A Grade Eight learner at Crawford International La Lucia College, Nadelija Pillay, represented her region at the South African Regional Swimming Championships (Level 3) in Bloemfontein from March 26 to 29.

Competing against some of the country’s top young swimmers, she delivered an impressive series of performances across six events. Her results included ninth place in the 100m freestyle, fifth place in the 100m breaststroke, sixth place in the 200m backstroke, fourth place in the 100m backstroke, sixth place in the 50m freestyle, and a bronze-medal finish in the 50m backstroke.

The standout result came in the 50m backstroke, where Pillay secured third place, earning a podium finish against a highly competitive field.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to compete at the SA Regional Championships and represent my region. I am proud of my results,” she said.