The Empangeni High School and Durban University of Technology (EHS|DUT) Social Cohesion Under 18 Soccer-Netball Tournament has once again shown that sports can bring people together and inspire young athletes to reach their full potential as it concluded in a spectacular fashion, after a three-day of intense competition.

The tournament which was held at Empangeni High School from Friday (27) to Sunday (29) June 2025, brought together disadvantaged and privileged schools from rural areas, townships to urban areas, across different provinces to not only compete, but to also promote social cohesion.

The opening day had a dinner which was organised by the Empangeni High School Sporting Director Luyanda Mzulwini where all sponsors and team representatives gathered for a warm welcome.

Michael Zulu from DUT Student Recruitment emphasised the importance of community engagement in shaping students’ values and behaviour. He said through this initiative they aim to inspire and empower young pupils to become better individuals.

“We have implemented initiatives that not only benefit the students, but also the communities they come from. Our goal is to influence their behaviour and values before they join campus life, so they can become responsible and engaged members of society. Our programmes are designed to promote social cohesion, and we are grateful for the support of our partners who share our vision. We believe that by working together, we can shape the next generation of leaders and create a brighter future for all,’’ he said.

He also congratulated all the winners and encouraged those who did not do well, to not give up and try again next year.

Mr Zwane: Empangeni High School Principal congratulated the winners and underlined that it is not just about winning, but social cohesion. It is a societal matter that requires togetherness to shape young pupils’ future. He also vowed that next year there will be more sporting codes in the tournament.

“We would like to thank you, all the sponsors, principals and everyone who contributed to this success. We hope this tournament grows bigger and stronger. Next year we will introduce chess, basketball and rugby. We hope that more provinces will join next year and onwards,’’ he concluded.

The standout moment of the tournament came during the final showdown, when teams received an unexpected surprise just before kick-off, after Zulu announced that this year’s champions would each receive an increased cash prize of R20 000.

Khombindlela High School dominated the girls’ soccer and netball categories, winning both titles. Witbank High School from Mpumalanga province emerged victorious in the boys’ soccer final, defeating last year’s champions in a penalty shootout.

The tournament showcased remarkable talent and dedication among the young athletes. Zama Gwala from Khombindlela High School was named Player of the Tournament in girls’ soccer, while Bahle Mashego from Witbank High School received the same honor in boys’ soccer. Lethiwe Mkhize from Empangeni High School scored an impressive 22 goals in girls’ soccer, earning her the top goal scorer award. The netball best player was Siphokazi Mchunu from Khombindlela High School.

Khombindlela High School’s Principal Miss Nompumelelo Mthiyane said she is proud of her pupils for their massive achievement. She stated that the competition is becoming more tough, and she hopes next year they will claim all the tittles.

“I am proud of my children; they did very well. This year’s competition was tough, but we manage to claim girls’ soccer and netball tittle. Next year we will come back stronger and hopefully we be able to claim all three titles,” she described.

The coach for Khombindlela High School girls’ soccer, Muzi Sibiya extended his gratitude to DUT and all the sponsors for the best tournament, especially because the girls’ competitions are very scarce.

 “It is a wonderful initiative that provides an opportunity for everyone, especially for girls. We know that girls’ tournaments are often scarce, so we are thrilled to have had this chance. The game was intense, and we faced a tough opponent who are the defending champions. However, we gave it our all and tried to minimise mistakes, especially in defense,’’ he elaborated.

The Witbank High boys proved that even in loses you learn something, and they indeed learn when they got knocked out in the semifinals last year. Their coach Rewano Glen Swart said the never give up spirit is what put them where they are, and he is proud of the boys’ redemption.

“Last year, we were knocked out in the semifinals, but we did not give up. The boys worked tirelessly for ten months, and it paid off. We faced some tough challenges along the way, but the wait was worth it. Achieving this victory feels amazing, and I am grateful to the team for their dedication,” he said.

The Witbank High School’s Principal Mr Oskin Using, could not hold his excitement for what they have achieved. He believes that this tournament has massively improved them and their grateful to DUT for this initiative.

“We are delighted with our achievements in this tournament. We first joined last year, and although we did not win. We regrouped and came back stronger. Our players were motivated to succeed, and it is fantastic to see the impact this tournament has had on them. I would like to thank DUT and other sponsors for allowing us in the competition,’’ he explained.

Mashengo who was the player of the tournament in boys’ soccer said, “I am happy for this trophy, and I think what helped me is that I played for the team not for my own glory. We deserve this tittle because we worked very hard for this tournament,’’ he said.

The top goal scorer of the tournament in girls’ soccer with 22 goals, Mkhize said that they have no one to blame but themselves after losing in the finals.

“We were hoping we would be able to defend our tittle, but we did not do well. Although I won the top goal scorer, but I am hurt that we lost in the finals,’’ she added.

Mr. Alex Mdletshe: DUT Student Recruitment Manager, Mr Zulu and Mr Zwane presented cash prizes and trophies to the winners.

Other sponsors of the tournament were uMhlathuze Pharmacy Group, aQuelle VIV, Medics Medical Team and Tile Africa.

Overall tournament results:

Teams

Girls Soccer Team Winner: Khombindlela High School.

Boys Soccer Team Winner: Witbank High School.

Netball Team Winner: Khombindlela High School.

Netball Individual Awards:

Overall Best Player: Siphokazi Mchunu: Khombindlela High School.

Best Shooter: Siphokazi Mchunu: Khombindlela High School.

Best Mid Court: Lubanzi Zikhali, Empangeni High School.

Best Defender: Sinothile Mate, Empangnei High School.

 Boys Soccer Individual Awards:

Player of the Tournament: Bahle Mashego, Witbank High School.

Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Bayanda Ngobese, Mningi High School.

Top Goal Scorer: Mlungisi Khoza, Witbank High School.

Girls Soccer Individuals Award:

Player of the Tournament: Zama Gwala, Khombindlela High School.

Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Lethokuhle Mthiyane, Khombindlela High School.

Top Goal Scorer: Lethiwe Mkhize (22 goals) Empangeni High School.

Pictured: Boys Soccer Team Winner: Witbank High School.

Vukani Langa