The Durban University of Technology (DUT), in partnership with Empangeni High School (EHS), once again demonstrated the power of sport to unite communities and inspire young athletes through the EHS–DUT Social Cohesion Under-18 Soccer and Netball Tournament. Held at Empangeni High School from 27 June to 29 June 2026, the tournament concluded in spectacular fashion after three days of exciting competition.
The event brought together disadvantaged and privileged schools from rural areas, townships and urban communities across several provinces. Beyond the competition, the tournament promoted social cohesion by providing young athletes with an opportunity to interact, build friendships and compete in a spirit of unity, respect and sportsmanship.
The tournament commenced with a welcome dinner hosted by Empangeni High School, bringing together sponsors, team representatives, coaches and organisers. Sponsors included the Department of Education, Edgars, aQuelle and Toyota. The evening provided an opportunity to officially welcome participating teams and set the tone for a weekend dedicated to competition, unity and social cohesion.
Dr Sizwe Zwane, Principal of Empangeni High School, welcomed DUT officials, school leaders, educators, coaches and learners. He thanked DUT for its continued partnership and acknowledged the support of school principals and governing bodies in making the tournament a success.
He described the tournament as an important platform for promoting social cohesion, networking and the sharing of resources among schools. Dr Zwane also encouraged stakeholders to look beyond the sporting competition and work together to establish lasting partnerships that strengthen collaboration and relationships between schools.
Mr Michael Zulu, DUT Student Recruitment Officer, highlighted the importance of humility, community engagement and the holistic development of learners. He explained that while academic excellence remains the University’s core business, DUT is equally committed to developing well-rounded graduates who are prepared for higher education, the workplace and society.
Mr Zulu reflected on the growth of the tournament since its inception, noting the continuous improvements made each year to enhance the experience of participating schools. He encouraged teams and organisers to provide constructive feedback to strengthen future tournaments and explained that the event also serves as an important platform for identifying talented athletes for DUT’s sporting programmes.
“DUT remains committed to supporting participating schools beyond the tournament through collaborative initiatives that create opportunities for the development and success of young people,” he said.
DUT Sport coaches attended the tournament to support the event and identify talented athletes for recruitment into the University’s sports programmes. Coach Andile Mavundla noted that high school learners are at a critical stage of development and that tournaments such as this provide valuable opportunities to identify and nurture emerging talent, particularly among Under-18 players.
He explained that successful recruitment requires long-term planning, as many promising athletes are still in Grades 10 and 11 and require continued monitoring before completing Grade 12. He emphasised the importance of identifying talent early and supporting player development over time to strengthen future university teams.
The presence of DUT Sport coaches demonstrated the University’s commitment to developing young talent, creating sporting pathways and strengthening relationships between schools and higher education through sport.
Siphokazi Buthelezi, an educator from Northlands Girls’ High School, expressed her excitement about her school’s first participation in the tournament. She said the experience provided valuable learning opportunities and would help prepare the team for future competitions.
“This year was mainly about observation and learning, but next year we aim to compete strongly in both netball and girls’ soccer and achieve even better results,” she said.
The final day delivered thrilling competition as teams battled for places in the championship matches. Although every school aspired to reach the finals, only two teams in each category secured their places.
Dr Zwane and Mr Zulu congratulated the winning teams and encouraged participants who were unsuccessful not to be discouraged, but to return stronger next year.
In the netball final, defending champions Nkombindlela High School successfully retained their title after defeating Empangeni High School.
The girls’ soccer final saw Witbank High School from Mpumalanga produce a dominant performance to defeat Mandla Mthethwa School of Excellence.
The boys’ soccer final ended in a draw between Old Mill College and Tholokuhle High School before Old Mill College claimed victory in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The tournament also recognised outstanding individual performances.
In netball, Siphokazi Mchunu received the Best Shooter award, Lubanzi Zikhali was named Best Mid Court, Halala Magagula received the Best Defender award, while Ayanda Mthembu was crowned Overall Best Player.
In girls’ soccer, Anathi Tyinogwana of Witbank High School was named Player of the Tournament, while Abongwe Makhanya of Northlands Girls’ High School received the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. Mapitso Mhlangu was recognised as Defender of the Tournament, Aphiwe Dlamini of Mandla Mthethwa School of Excellence was named Midfielder of the Tournament, and Mbali Khumalo of Witbank High School received the Coach of the Tournament award.
In boys’ soccer, Smelokuhle Shange was named Player of the Tournament, while Senzelwe Shabangu of Old Mill College received the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. Sihle Ndlovu and Sisonke Manukuza, both from Old Mill College, were recognised as Defender and Midfielder of the Tournament respectively, while Mduduzi Hlatshwayo of Old Mill College was named Coach of the Tournament.
Old Mill College Deputy Principal, Mr Mduduzi Hlatshwayo, thanked DUT for creating opportunities for young athletes and described the tournament as highly competitive. He said the team’s success was the result of disciplined preparation, clear goals and unwavering determination.
“We experienced challenges during training, but our goal was always to win the tournament. The hard work paid off, and despite knowing we were facing strong opponents, we remained hopeful. Today, that hope has made us champions,” he said.
Girls’ soccer coach Ms Mbali Khumalo expressed her pride in her team’s championship victory, commending the players for their discipline, teamwork and commitment throughout the tournament. She said their dedication and belief in one another were key to their success.
The EHS–DUT Social Cohesion Under-18 Soccer and Netball Tournament once again proved to be more than a sporting event. It served as a meaningful platform for unity, youth development and opportunity, bringing together learners from diverse communities while promoting teamwork, discipline, mutual respect and lasting relationships both on and off the field.
Pictured: Mr Michael Zulu, DUT Student Recruitment Officer, with the winners of the 2026 Social Cohesion tournament (Boys Soccer), Old Mill College.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
