The Durban University of Technology (DUT) School Engagement Project, in collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Sport Science Department, successfully hosted a two-day DUT-UKZN Schools Sports Tournament at Howard College on 16 and 17 August 2025.
The tournament brought together hundreds of learners from schools across Durban, competing in boys’ and girls’ soccer as well as netball. Participating schools included Bechet High School, Hunt Road Secondary, Durban Girls’ Secondary, Sastri College, Dr JL Dube High School, Sparks Estate Secondary, and Overport Secondary.
Dr JL Dube High School dominated the tournament, winning both girls and boys soccer titles while Sastri College won the boys netball title and Durban Girls Secondary School claimed the girl’s netball title for the third time consecutively. All the winners were awarded trophies, badges and branded t-shits for their outstanding performances.
Bérénice de La Croix, Project Manager of the DUT School Engagement Project, praised the sports coordinators, event organising members, and everyone who contributed to make the event a successful one.
“Well done to everyone who participated in our 2025 DUT-UKZN Sports Tournament. It was great to see our players having a good time, building friendships and learning the skills and values of good sportsmanship. Thank you to the organising team and the sports coordinators for bringing your care and commitment to our kids’ health, wellbeing and development through sport,’’ she explained.
Reflecting on the overall success of the tournament Mr Jade Davidson of UKZN Sports Science and the codirector of the tournament said it was a fun tournament filled with healthy competition from pupils, although there were some challenges along the way but nothing they could not handle, and the learners enjoyed it too. They had no major issues in terms of injuries or obstacles to overcome.
Additionally, Davidson said that as UKZN they are happy to partner with DUT in this event to provide support, and shared that this is a great opportunity for third years and honors students to engage in the program to get some work experience.
“We are always looking at ways to interact with the communities, uplift them, do our outreach programs and obviously with sports science we want to go to the young developing athletes and engage in their sporting environments, competitions and developments,’’ said Davidson.
Mr Mthobisi Maphumulo, a teacher and boys coach from Dr JL Dube High School believes that winning the tournament will be a morale boost and will take the team very far as they also compete in other tournaments.
“This victory will give us the momentum. What drove us to win at all costs, was to stick to the rules of the games and play our basic not fancy football,’’ said Maphumulo.
Owami Ngema, a learner at Dr JL Dube High and girls’ soccer team captain could not hold her excitement at winning this tournament for the first time.
“It feels unreal, and it is like a dream. It was not easy, very hard, but in the end, we managed to win. I am happy for my team,’’ said Ngema.
Lwazi Thwala, a learner at Dr JL Dube High School and boys’ soccer team captain said: “We are very happy for this win after such a long time without a win. We are grateful to our coach for leading us to victory,’’ he explained.
Durban Girls’ Secondary learner and netball team captain Dlamini Sonwabisile, who is doing grade 12, shared her excitement and revealed that the secret to their team winning the tournament for the third time in a row is team effort.
“We are very happy, winning it three times in a row is not by luck, it is through team effort, the experience, and hitting the gym,’’ she said.
Ms Andile Ndlovu who is a teacher from Durban Girls Secondary said as the school they are very excited and proud of the young girls.
“What worked for us is teamwork, our girls showed unity throughout the game. We are very appreciative of their effort,’’ said Ndlovu.
Ms Shivani Naidoo, Hunt Road Secondary teacher, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the fantastic weekend filled with fun, sportsmanship, and unity! Our learners and staff truly appreciate the effort put into making the event a success. Huge congratulations to the DUT-UKZN team for their exceptional planning, organisation, and for giving our students this amazing opportunity.”
Expressing her gratitude, the Overpot Secondary teacher, Niroshnee Govender, shared a heartfelt thanks to the organizing team for organizing such an amazing sports tournament for the learners.
“Your efforts in creating this platform have given them not only the opportunity to showcase their talents but also to build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong memories. We truly appreciate the time, energy, and dedication that went into making this event a success,’’ said Govender.
Sastri College Sport Coordinator said, “It was an excellent tournament for our kids to connect with our partner schools. The tournament would not have been successful without the hard work of the coordinators. Thanks DUT and UKZN for hosting a fantastic tournament for our kids,’’ she said.
Sibongakonke Magoso, Sastri College learner and boys’ netball team captain said winning the tournament in their debut is a great feeling.
“It was our first time competing here and to win it is a great achievement. We are coming back next year,” he added.
Betchet Secondary School principal, Ms Abbie Gulston, said the tournament was amazing. She believes that it has grown phenomenally and truly helps to develop learners through sport.
“Well done to all the winning teams. We are so happy that all had fun playing and competing. Building new friendships and learning new skills was a bonus. Keep up the good work. We salute you,’’ said Gulston.
The tournament organising team wishes to appreciate the support and generosity of DUT, UKZN and the funders of the DUT School Engagement Project, Victor Daitz Foundation, Albert Wessels Trust, and IQRAA Trust.
Puctured: Dr JL Dube High School learners excited after winning the tournament.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Vukani Langa
