Schools share R8.6m in Kay Motsepe football championship grants
Learners from rural villages and townships across South Africa travelled to Gauteng to compete in the national finals, with some experiencing the province and the opportunity to play in front of professional football scouts for the first time.
For many young learners who took to the pitch at Giant Stadium during the 2026 Kay Motsepe Schools Football Championship National Finals, the tournament was about more than competing for silverware.
Learners from rural villages and townships across South Africa travelled to Gauteng to compete in the national finals, with some experiencing the province and the opportunity to play in front of professional football scouts for the first time.
While Navalsig High School, Laerskool Queenswood and St Marks Academy were crowned national champions, the tournament also provided schools with infrastructure grants worth a combined R8.6m.
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The grants will be used by participating schools to improve infrastructure and sporting facilities, including classrooms, water infrastructure, transport and sports fields.
One of the schools to benefit from the tournament is Mpumalanga’s St Marks Academy.
After winning the U19 Boys national title last year, the school used its prize money to purchase two minibuses, install solar panels, drill a water borehole and create opportunities for learners interested in professional football. Some of its players have since signed contracts with Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs.
The school continued its success on Wednesday when it won the U-13 Girls national title and received a R1m infrastructure grant.
In the U19 Boys division, Free State’s Navalsig High School claimed the national title after defeating Eastern Cape’s Urban Academy 2–0 in the final.
Navalsig received a R3m infrastructure grant, while Urban Academy received R700 000 as runners-up.
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Gauteng’s Clapham High School finished third after defeating Free State’s Ntsu Secondary 3–0. Clapham received R600 000, while Ntsu Secondary received R500 000 for finishing fourth.
In the U13 Boys division, Gauteng’s Laerskool Queenswood secured the title following a 1–0 victory over Free State’s St Anne’s Primary. Queenswood received R1m, while St Anne’s Primary received R400 000.
North West’s Potch Primary finished third and received R300 000, while Belfast Primary from Mpumalanga received R200 000 for fourth place.
In the U13 Girls division, St Marks Academy defeated Western Cape’s Lwazi Primary 3–0 to claim the national title and R1m grant. Lwazi Primary received R400 000 for finishing second.
St Anne’s Primary secured third place and received R300 000, while Eastern Cape’s Sterkspruit Primary received R200 000 for finishing fourth.
The tournament also recognised individual performances, with former professional footballers and coaches presenting awards to outstanding players and coaches.
Mamelodi Sundowns legend Tiyani Mabunda presented the Player of the Tournament awards to St Marks Academy’s Vuyisile Mtsweni in the U-13 Girls division, Laerskool Queenswood’s Lindokuhle Sekasi in the U13 Boys division and Navalsig High School’s Katleho Makhabasela in the U19 Boys division.
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Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns player Hlompho Kekana presented the Golden Boot awards to Mtsweni, Jayden Booysen of Laerskool Queenswood and Omphemetse Sekgoto of Clapham High School.
The Coach of the Tournament awards went to Elsie Matokane of St Marks Academy, Themba Mnguni of Laerskool Queenswood and Mzwakhe James of Navalsig High School.
Marketing Executive at Sanlam, Mandisa Theko-Khitsane, said the partnership with the Motsepe Foundation, which has now reached 22 years, is aimed at creating opportunities for young people.
“Our brand purpose is to help people live with confidence, and the Motsepe Foundation, as well as the Department of Basic Education, helps us fulfil that with our youth. The ability to support students is where you truly shape the South Africa of tomorrow,” said Theko-Khitsane.
She said the expansion of the tournament to include the U13 Girls division was important in promoting equal opportunities for young girls.
Head of Sports at the Motsepe Foundation, Peter Ledwaba, said the tournament was focused on developing young people through sport.
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“We are delighted by the heart and determination shown by these learners,” said Ledwaba.
He said schools play an important role in developing young people and providing them with opportunities to pursue their dreams.
Hlompho Kekana said the tournament also provided learners with important life skills beyond football.
“South Africa does not have a shortage of talent; we just need to identify and capture it,” said Kekana.
He added that the tournament helps learners develop self-confidence, discipline and social skills that could benefit them beyond their football careers.
With millions of rands being invested into school infrastructure, the championship continues to leave a legacy that extends beyond the football pitch and provides participating schools and communities with resources that can benefit learners for years to come.
