VANDERBIJLPARK — One of South Africa’s biggest school sports festivals is back — and bigger than ever. From July 1 to 5, the VUT Isak Steyl Stadium will host Rhino Week 2025, celebrating its 10th anniversary with record-breaking participation and national reach.
What began in 2015 with just 12 rugby and 18 netball teams has grown into a major national event. This year, more than 90 schools will compete in rugby, netball, and hockey games, with more than 3 000 players expected to take part, making it one of the largest school sports festivals in South Africa.
Organised by Rhino Youth Sport Development (formerly Prestige Jeugsport), Rhino Week has become a key date on the school sports calendar. The tournament provides a competitive and inclusive platform for learners from across the country, including teams from Namibia, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Free State, and Gauteng.
“Our mission has always been to create opportunities for all children to participate, regardless of their background or ability to pay,” says founder Dries van Heerden. “This isn’t just a sports week, it’s a dream week.”
Now under the leadership of new chairperson Martin van Wyngaardt, the tournament continues to grow in stature and professionalism, with support from seasoned organisers including Gert Tsoetsi (Tournament Director) and Hennie van Vuuren (Regional Representative).
In addition to its sporting impact, Rhino Week contributes significantly to the local economy.
Despite limited sponsorship, the organisers proudly maintain a no-player-turned-away policy, with around 20% of athletes receiving financial support. The event also has growing visibility on platforms like SuperSport and social media.
As Rhino Week celebrates a decade of youth development through sport, it remains committed to building a stronger, more inclusive future one match at a time.
Fixtures:
July 2: Stadium:
08:00: o14 – Griffons CD vs Ekurhuleni XV
09:00: o14 – KZN South Coast vs Cobras
10:00: o15 – JHB Sentraal Wes vs Ekurhuleni
11:00: Official opening:
11:45: o15 – Pumas CD vs Sedibeng
12:45: o17 – Ekurhuleni XV vs Cobras
14:00: o17 – Sedibeng vs KZN South Coast
15:15: o19 – Gauteng West vs Cobras
16:30: o19 – Sedibeng vs JHB Central West
A-field:
08:00: o14 – Fezile Dabi XV vs Sedibeng
09:00: o14 – JHB Sentral West vs Ekurhuleni
10:00: o15 – Cobras vs JHB West XV
11:00: Official opening
11:45: o15 – KZN South Coast vs Amaqhawe
12:45: o17 – Ekurhuleni vs JHB Central West
14:00: o17 – Sedibeng XV vs Mustangs
15:15: o19 – KZN South Coast vs Ekurhuleni
B-field:
08:00: o15 – Wasps vs Platinum Hawks
09:00: o15 – Broncos vs Mustangs
10:00: o15 – Meyerton Knights vs Allies
11:00: Official opening
11:45: o17 – Vikings vs Awaghawe
13:00: o17 – Broncos vs Platinum Hawks
14:15: o19 – Lynx vs Platinum Hawks
15:30: o19 – VRC vs Mustangs
C-field:
08:30: o17 – Mmabatho vs RCSA
09:45: o17 – Allies vs Meyerton Knights
11:00: Official Opening
11:45: o17 – Lynx vs Mustangs Young Guns
13:00: o19 – Broncos vs RCSA
14:15: o17 – RCSA XV vs Awaghawe XV
15:30: o17 – Sizanani vs Riverside
