Spar Superstars Northglen News 2024

IYLAH Edwards knew she wanted to dance after visiting her aunt’s dance studio when she was a little girl.

Now the nine-year-old has won several medals at various dance competitions, the latest one being the Natal Dance Festival where she won five gold, three silver and one bronze.

The La Lucia Junior Primary School learner participated in modern, tap, ballet, contemporary and lyrical dance categories, performing 11 dances all together.

“My aunt is a professional dancer and has her own studio. Watching her dance was what motivated me to also want to be a dancer,” she said.

Iylah was named Dancer of the Year in 2024 and also won many different titles at the Dance World Cup in Pretoria earlier this year.

“The Dance World Cup stands out for me because it’s the best of the best competing against each other,” she added.

Speaking about the Natal Dance Festival, she said it provided her with the opportunity to make friends.

“The Natal Dance festival was amazing. I loved the excitement around it and all the dances I needed to be prepared for. It was nerve-racking, too, because all eyes are on you. I love that I can express different emotions through dance,” said Iylah.

“My dream is to take over my aunty’s dance studio some day and inspire young dancers just like she has done,” she added.

JAIDEN Hansraj, a learner at Hamptons Primary School, has been involved in karate for over two years and has a green belt to his name.

He has been selected for an international karate championship which take place in Goa in India next month.

“I am very excited about taking part in the championships. I plan on doing well,” he said.

Jaiden attends the Association of Funakosihi Shotokan SA (AFSKSA) with sensai Kiyoshi Selvan Govender.

“Karate has taught me discipline and how to remain calm. It’s also taught me to think before reacting to a situation,” he said.

It will be Jaiden’s first time visiting Goa, and he is excited about visiting the city with his family.

“We will also do some sightseeing, but my main focus is the championships. I am looking forward to meeting new people and learning new things,” he said.

WITH 18 gold medals to his name this year alone, there can be no doubt that Northlands Primary School learner Rylin Swartz has a bright future in the sport of athletics.

The Grade Five learner literally runs like the wind and has broken several sprint records at both inter-school athletics meetings as well as his own school inter-house athletics meeting.

Rylin is recognised by his coaches and educators for his attitude and dedication and has worked hard to smash his goals this year.

In the KZN Schools athletics meeting this year, the talented 11-year-old placed first in the 100m race; he then placed first in the 100m at his school’s inter-house athletics meeting where he also broke a record. He also placed first in the 200m and first in the ladder relay, and because of his achievements, Rylin was named the Victor Ludorum.

The 11-year-old has also competed at four inter-schools athletics meetings this year, winning 15 first-place medals in various disciplines, including the 100m, 200m and relay and ladder relay.

“At the beginning of the season, I didn’t expect to win this many medals. I was determined to perform better than last year, and I think I achieved that. I’m proud of my achievements, especially being selected to represent KZN at the Sub-Youth Championships. I definitely see athletics and sprinting in my future and hope to compete for KZN again and for SA Champs. The Olympic Games would be my ultimate dream where I would love to emulate my hero, Usain Bolt,” he said.

Rylin also trains with the Aspire Athletics Academy three times a week and said his mother is his biggest supporter.

“She’s always helped me and made sure I’m at every training session and competition. I know I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for her. She is my biggest supporter,” he said.

Outside of athletics, Rylin also plays rugby, cricket and hockey for his school.

NORTHLANDS Girls’ High School learner Hanaa Kazi was recently awarded the coveted White Blazer Award by her school in what was a historic achievement.

The Grade 11 learner achieved Academic Honours and Honours for Leadership after being named head girl, which led to the achievement.

Incredibly, the award has not been presented in at least 25 years at the school.

“It is an honour to be chosen as head girl and, in the process, making history with the White Blazer Award. It is a bit overwhelming, but I have an immense sense of gratitude. In order to wear a White Blazer, you have to achieve Academic Honours, which is achieving 85% and above, as an aggregate, which I did, and then Honours for Leadership by being chosen as head girl. It has always been my dream since I walked into the school in Grade Eight to be the head girl. My name literally translates as ‘compassionate’, and I hope to lead by example and be compassionate. I know I speak for my fellow prefects that we hope to be the bigger sisters for our fellow learners,” she said.

Outside of academics, Hanaa also participates in Toastmasters and is part of the school’s debate team.

She is also a member of the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) and captain of the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA).

Looking beyond school, Hanaa hopes to be a woman in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

ISABELLA Ingram, a matric student at Crawford College International La Lucia, eats, sleeps and breathes netball.

The SPAR Superstar was recently selected for the U23 South African Indoor Netball team and participated in the U21 and U23 South African Netball Championships.

Her U21 team came fifth, but Isabella says she would not trade the experience for anything.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t win; we came 5th. I took back many amazing memories, and also realised that even if things don’t go your way, there is always a reason why you do them. The reason is because netball is what makes me the happiest version of myself, and so, no matter what happened, I loved every minute of it,” she added.

Isabella started playing netball when she was in Grade Eight. Prior to that, she trialled but never qualified. One day, a friend invited her to the Midlands to play as they needed someone who was tall to play shooter. She then played with the team for three months before joining the coastal team where she has played for the U16, U17, U21 and U23 teams.

“Netball is my escape from reality. It’s like therapy for me. I have made many friendships through it. My advice to anyone wanting to get involved in sport is to not let doubt overcome you. Don’t underestimate yourself,” she said.

Once she matriculates, Isabella plans on studying digital marketing.

IT has been a massive year for Northwood School learner Nqobani Mokoena who not only represented the SA U19 team at the U19 World Cup but who also made his debut for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins in the first game of the CSA T20 Challenge.

Nqobani, who is an all-rounder, played three games for the national side at the U19 World Cup in Bloemfontein and has, so far, played his first game for the Dolphins against the Dafabet Warriors in Gqeberha.

The 18-year-old was among a lucky few youngsters in the Dolphins squad, including High Performance stars, who were handed their debut by the new coach, Quinton Friend.

At Northwood, Nqobani is lucky to be under the tutelage of former Proteas paceman Mornantau Hayward.

“I started playing cricket at the age of 10, and it was really because I would go down to the grounds in KwaMashu to watch my friends practise and train. I really wanted to try the sport out, and I just fell in love with it over time. In that year of me trying out, I realised I could go far in the sport if I put in the work,” he said.

Speaking on his two major achievements this year, the talented cricketer said he was proud.

“Wearing the Proteas outfit and getting my SA blazer is something I’ll never forget. To hear people cheering for me was just an incredible feeling, and I feel this was my first step in life as a cricketer. I hope for many more experiences like this to come. My first Dolphins game was also massive because I had the support of my teammates and coaching staff. I remember bowling my first ball; I was so nervous. As the game went on, though, I felt more settled, and everything fell into place,” he said.

Although he went wicketless in that game, Nqobani is looking forward to playing his first game in front of his home crowd at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead.