Spar Superstars Northglen News 2024

ADINA Mtshali has dreams of one day starring in her own role on TV.

The Rosehill Primary School learner is an aspiring actress, a singer and a model.

The Grade Six learner has already appeared on TV in an RCL Foods advert and earlier this year in a non-speaking role on the Mzansi Magic show, Umkhokha: The Curse.

At just 11 years old, she also takes a leading role in any of her school plays.

“I love acting. I find memorising lines and listening to the director really exciting. I was so pleased to see my face on TV for the show, and someone I look up to is Hope Mbhele. She is also on the show, and she inspires me to dream big. My mother is also an actress, and she was my first introduction into the world of TV. Even though acting in a movie is an exciting prospect, my goal is to be in a series,” she said.

Adina also enjoys singing at the Clash of Choirs recently where she had the chance to perform as a soloist.

“I practise singing at home, and it is also a passion of mine. I’m also a member of the school choir,” she said.

CRIDEN Pillay took part in soccer for the North Durban region where he tried out selections for the U13 division.

Soccer star has aspirations

The passionate soccer player made the team selections at just 10 years of age and was given the opportunity to participate in the KwaZulu-Natal Invitational Primary Soccer School Association (IPSSA) which are the trials.

“Our team came out second against the 12 teams that played in the tournament. I started playing soccer at the age of three, so I’ve been playing for as long as I remember. My favourite player is Roy Keene, and I support Manchester United,” she said.

Christiano Ronaldo is his role model.

One of his achievements that stands out for him is playing for Super Sport United last year. At the time, he was one of the few children chosen to participate in the South African Football Association trials U10 division.

Criden has played for three clubs so far, starting off with Juventus at the age of three, then Super Sport United at eight. He is now with Durbanites Football Club.

Apart from his soccer achievements, he is also an academic and came third in his grade this term. He is also very passionate about other sports and plays cricket and hockey.

“My favourite subject is maths because I love working with and learning about numbers. I find the subject very interesting and exciting,” said Criden.

“When I am done with school, I would like to focus fully on developing a career as a soccer player and hope to one day play for my favourite team, Manchester United,” he added.

Swimming her way to the top

IT’S all about the ocean and swimming for Justina Pellandini, who is in Grade Seven at Crawford International La Lucia Preparatory.
“I’ve always had a deep, deep love for the ocean. When I was about five years old, and because I loved being in the ocean and surf so much, I decided to try out for nippers, and I discovered that I really enjoyed that, too,” she said.
She is a member of the Umhlanga Rocks Lifesaving Club.
This year, at the KZN Lifesaving Championships, which were held in Durban, Justina placed first. Last year, and the year before, she placed second and third respectively.
Leading up to the event, she went on a carb- and sugar-free diet which she said enhanced her performance on the day.
“I also trained really hard. A week before the event, I eliminated sugar and bread. It helped for sprints. I was very happy about placing first as I put a lot into it. My parents were also very proud of me. It felt good achieving this goal and progressing to first over the years,” she said.
Justina was recently selected for the U13 KZN Girls’ Nippers Championships which were held in Port Elizabeth earlier this year.
“I enjoyed the entire experience and all the activities. We competed as a team and not as individuals, which was amazing,” she said.
Justina also loves water polo, cross-country and is the netball, hockey and swimming captain at school. Cross-country and athletics are also her favourites. On weekends, she also spends most of her time playing with her dogs, surfing, going for runs with Dad, baking and going out with friends.

Lekeisha recycles with a purpose

PASSIONATE about saving the environment and giving back, Lekeisha Joyce plays an active role in her school’s recycling programme.

The Grade Five learner at Greenwood Park Primary School often collects the most plastic items to recycle.

Not only does she collect bottle caps, bread tags and plastic bottles but she also spends her time visiting the beach to help pick up plastic washed ashore.

“I know the impact plastic has on the environment, and I visit the beach with my father every Friday. When we walk on the sand, I collect whatever plastic I find, and the item I find the most of is plastic bottle caps. I think I’ve now collected more than 400 of them, both from my home and on the beach. I also hope to inspire others to put the environment first,” she said.

It was also thanks to contributions by Lekeisha and her fellow learners that the school was able to donate hundreds of kilograms of bottle caps and bread tags to non-profit organisation (NPO) The Sweethearts Foundation.

The national NPO, which collects tops and tags, recycles them and then purchases bespoke wheelchairs, one of which was donated to the school in April of this year.

When she’s not helping the environment, Lekeisha is helping others enjoy one of her favourite pastimes, reading.

“At St. Martin’s Church, I help young people improve their reading skills after the service on Sunday. I love reading, and I want to foster that love in other children,” she said.

Karate kid aims for the sky

LUTHANDO Mgwili began his karate journey about six months ago, and his rapid progression has been nothing short of astounding. The eight-year-old’s natural talent, coupled with intense dedication and rigorous training, has propelled him to success in record time.
Recently, the La Lucia Junior Primary learner clinched his first gold medal, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination. His swift rise in the sport suggests a promising future, positioning him as a formidable competitor and a potential star in the martial arts world.
“I look up to my sensei, Vijay Govender. He is a role model to me, and I have learnt so much from him. Winning a gold medal was a very proud moment for me, and I can’t wait to win more,” said Luthando, who is a student at the the Association of Shotokan Karate-Do South Africa (ASKDSA).
He also placed first and second place at a recent karate tournament.
Luthando’s favourite subject is Afrikaans because of his teacher, Stephanie Fraser, whom he says is patient and a lot of fun.
Luthando has aspirations to be an astronaut one day and loves everything to do with NASA.

NORTHWOOD School learner Vuyo Gwiji continues to excel in the sport of rugby.

Vuyo, who is head prefect of the school and the captain of the school’s first team, was recently selected for the SA Schools Rugby Squad.

Although the fixtures are yet to be announced, the team will be playing in an international U18 Series to be played in August this year.

It is something the talented player is looking forward to.

“This is a huge honour for me. Last year, I was selected for the SA A School’s Team, and this has been a massive step up. To be selected for the SA Schools squad is something you dream of. I’ve been working towards this goal, and I’m truly grateful for all the support I’ve received from my teachers, fellow players and my family. As a young boy growing up on the South Coast, I never thought I would get this opportunity.

“I also hope this will inspire others who see rugby in their future to be consistent, work hard and never give up. Wearing the green-and-gold, I realise I’m not just representing myself but my school and all those who never gave up on me. On a personal note, getting the opportunity to play against international opposition is massive. I hope to get the chance to express myself and measure myself against the best of the best. It is how you grow – by challenging yourself,” he said.

Vuyo, who plays flank and number eight for the first team, also shared insight into his role as head prefect.

“It might sound cliché, but I like to lead by example with my actions. The boys all look up to me, and I have to show them the way to embody the traditions of our school with respect at the forefront of that,” he said.