Curro Halala Cup crowns champions in a gripping finale!
What began as an ambitious vision to unite 64 of South Africa’s premier school football teams has culminated in a spectacular display of raw talent, determination, and childhood dreams made real at the Curro Halala Cup. With national glory and a R100,000 grand prize at stake, young athletes gave everything they had on the pitch in their quest for footballing greatness.
The climactic final day at HeronBridge College was nothing short of electric. Sixteen elite teams battled through heart-stopping encounters and dramatic twists that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Goals flew, hearts raced, as eight schools emerged to contest the ultimate prize.
“Curro’s mission is to offer opportunities to more learners in every aspect of life,” says Cobus Loubser, CEO of Curro Holdings. “The nearly 300 boys who participated in this finals weekend, the hundreds of other players who played in the initial rounds and your thousands of supporters represent the future of South Africa: You are resilient, ambitious, hardworking and hopeful.”
This truly was South Africa’s tournament. From the rugby heartlands of the Western Cape to the football hotbeds of Limpopo, from KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal passion to the Eastern Cape’s proud sporting tradition, every corner of our nation was represented, each province stamping its unique identity on this historic inaugural Curro Halala Cup.
The final was a clash between two giants from Limpopo and Gauteng, delivering a disciplined and beautiful game of football. Meridian Northern Academy and Norkem Park High School battled to a 1-1 draw, forcing an intense penalty shootout. Spectacular saves kept the crowd on edge, but in the end, Northern Academy edged out Norkem Park High School with an 8-7 victory.
Championship honours
While the championship trophy represents the team’s achievement, the tournament’s most respected individual accolades recognise the exceptional talents that lit up the competition. The coveted Golden Glove Award honours the goalkeeper whose reflexes and leadership proved unbreakable between the posts. At the same time, the Golden Boot Award celebrates the clinical finisher who found the back of the net with deadly precision.
Equally meaningful was the Halala Cup Spirit Award, presented to the team that truly embodied the essence of sport, proving that how you play the game matters just as much as winning, and displaying exceptional sportsmanship that inspired players, coaches, and spectators alike.
For this historic first edition, the Golden Boot Award goes to Omolemo Sekowe from Clapham High School, the Golden Glove Award to Manaka Kelelo from Meridian Northern Academy, and Best Player of the Tournament to Katlego Rhenoster from Meridian Northern Academy, The Halala Cup Spirit Award goes to Hillcrest High School, a team that fully captured the heart and spirit of the beautiful game.
“It’s been such an amazing journey”, said Katlego Rhenoster, Best Player of the Tournament. “Playing with my team, representing our province, and especially my school, it has just been so cool. Honestly, I do not even know what to say. I am just super grateful. Thank you, God. I have learned so much from every match.”
Hendrick Mukwevho, coach of the tournament-winning team from Meridian Northern Academy, said. “I feel incredibly proud of my team, these boys mean the world to me. I must commend the entire Norkem squad as well; they fought with everything they had, and it was one of the toughest matches we have played. I am bursting with pride for everyone who stepped onto that field today. From the very first day of this tournament to this final moment, we have felt God’s hand guiding us. Without His strength and blessing, we never would have made it this far. Now we are heading back home to continue our campaign in the local league, where we are still sitting at the top of the log.”
A vision for South African youth
“Every child matters, and the Curro Halala Cup creates an incredible new platform for young talent to develop and shine,” adds Loubser. “Curro’s schools must inspire, motivate and guide learners to excellence in whatever they do.”
The Curro Halala Cup has not only crowned champions but also ignited dreams and forged friendships that will last a lifetime, a celebration of South Africa’s sporting future.
Over the past four days, teams competed not just for trophies, but embodied values that extend far beyond the football field. “Football, and indeed life, is not about one or two- or three-star players. The only way to win is as a team. You cannot score a goal in life without someone else passing the ball to you.”
Following the resounding success of this inaugural event, Curro looks forward to making the Halala Cup a highlight on the South African school sports calendar, a continuing celebration of youth, talent and unity. “Curro will keep on creating opportunities and we will continue to pass the ball to young heroes to do well in your lives,” Loubser concluded. “Our future is bright, and not just on the football field.”
Below are the full rankings from the tournament:
