Spar Superstars NGN 2026

THIS has been a phenomenal year in the water for Virginia Preparatory School Grade Six learner Adriana Canning.

Already this year in surfing, Adriana has finished on the podium at several comps, including the O’Neill Cold Water Junior Classic, the Quiksilver King of the Groms in Durban, the Rip Curl Grom Search, and most recently she placed first in the U12 category at the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers.

The competition was a curtain-raiser to the annual Ballito Pro Festival. Adriana also excelled at her school’s swimming gala where she was named the age group champ.

At school she is also involved in swimming and water polo and outside of school she is involved in acrobatics. Speaking on her recent win in Ballito, Adriana expressed her delight.

“This has been a competition I’ve competed in since I was eight. I did win it when I was younger but the last few years I’ve come second and third. I was quite excited with the result and I’m very pleased. The waves were quite big which made the competition a bit tougher. I’m looking forward to next year’s competition where I will be moving up an age group,” she said.

Adriana is a goofy footer and said her dad Paul, who used to be a professional surfer, introduced her to the sport.

Grade 7 learner Thabo Mokhohlouloane of Glenashley Preparatory School has been named this month’s SPAR Superstar.
He is celebrating an exceptional year on the soccer and hockey field, with his dedication and talent earning him recognition at both school and representative level.
“I love how soccer is a game where you can reach higher places in the sport, the fire it brings to the field and how you get to evolve by playing against better players either your age, young or older,” he said.
The Central Defensive Midfielder was recently selected for the Durban Schools U13 Soccer Team after successfully completing trials held at Holy Family College during the June/July holidays.
Earlier this year, Thabo was selected to represent Boys North Durban U13B, further highlighting his growing reputation as a talented hockey player.
At Glenashley Preparatory School, Thabo has also taken on a leadership role as Captain of the school soccer team for 2026.

GRADE Seven learner Ryan Smith is proving himself to be a true all-rounder at Chelsea Preparatory School, excelling academically, on the sports field, and on stage.
Ryan, who is this month’s SPAR Superstar, is a member of the school’s Recycling Service Team, helping process the many tons of paper collected by Chelsea each year. He also represents the school across an impressive range of sports, competing in the U13A cricket, rugby, hockey and indoor hockey teams.
His sporting achievements extend beyond the school, with selections for KZN U13A Soccer, KZN U13C Hockey, KZN Sharks U13B Rugby, Durban Coastals U13B Rugby and North Durban Cricket U13B. He also plays U13A soccer for Virginia United.
Ryan is equally comfortable on stage. He recently served as Master of Ceremonies for Musical Moments and is part of the main cast of the upcoming senior primary production, Zara in Zululand.
“I enjoy spending time with friends and watching movies. My role model and hero is my dad,” he said.
Ryan was Master of Ceremonies for this year’s Musical Moments show and is currently playing a role in the main cast for the upcoming senior primary production ‘Zara in Zululand’.
“I am always willing to help others and I love PE. Maths is also one of my favourites because it tests my brain.
“I also spend plenty of time on the soccer field, playing for Virginia United’s U13A side. My dad is my hero,” added Ryan.

WITH dreams of studying in France, Northlands Girls’ High School’s Panayota Assimakis is well on her way to realising that dream.

She recently passed the Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) A1, A2 and B1 examinations. The exams are internationally recognised French language qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education.

Panayota had to participate in several categories within the DELF exams, including written, oral, essay writing, comprehension and listening comprehension.

The 18-year-old is the only learner in her French class this year to have attempted and passed the B1 examination. Panayota is also working towards the DELF B2 examination, which she hopes to write later this year.

“The DELF qualifications hold a lot of prestige and they are highly regarded both academically and professionally. I’m happy with my marks even though it was tough taking two exams this year. As a French citizen my dream has been to learn the language and to further my studies in France,” she said.

The Grade 12 learner hopes to pursue a career in civil engineering.

“I’ve always had a passion for civil engineering. There is also a shortage of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics because it is generally a male-dominated field. A few people had discouraged me from pursuing civil engineering but that has only made me more determined,” she said.

While she enjoys IT, her favourite subject at school is French.