SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Regional - Ferrum High School: Saturday 23 May

Nearing this year’s conclusion, the penultimate tournament heads to Ferrum High School in Newcastle for the Northern KZN Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 23 May. 

This is the ninth tournament in the set of ten challenges that travels around the province. Nine teams will be taking to the turf at Ferrum. Divided into two pools, host school Ferrum will be joined by Amajuba High School; Hoërskool Pionier and Sarel Cilliers High School in Pool A. Heading up Pool B are Dundee High School; Newcastle High School; St Dominic’s Newcastle; Utrecht High School and Vryheid High School. 

The games will be a demanding, quick fire 20 minutes running time that get underway at 8am. The first two teams to tip off are local teams Newcastle taking on St Dominic’s followed by the home team meeting Amajuba. After all the pool games have been concluded, the top two teams from each pool will play in a cross-pool playoff, with the two winning teams clashing for the honours of the regional champion. 

Points will be awarded to each team after each fixture: a win adds four points to the log, while a draw with goals adds two points and a goalless draw only increases the tally by one point. A loss results in zero points. 

Four teams have had the honour of raising the trophy in this area, with Ferrum on the prowl for their eleventh title. Pionier has earned the title twice while Sarel Cilliers and St Dominic’s both have their names engraved once on the trophy. 

Matrics participating in the challenge will have the opportunity to win a year’s bursary at eta College, a leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban. The bursary will be awarded at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. at the end of July.

The winning team from this regional will advance to the Grand Finals in July, meeting the nine other victorious teams from the various other challenges. The Northern KZN Regional winner will meet Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); Grantleigh School (North Coast Regional) and most recently, St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional).

The tournament wraps up next weekend with the tenth challenge, where Wembley College greets their opposition from Greytown, Ladysmith, Wartburg and surrounds for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 30 May.

For more information, follow the tournament on Facebook: SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament and Instagram  sparkznhockey or TikTok spar.kzn.hockey or use the hashtags: #ChixWithStix  #HeartoftheCommunity #SuperLocal #MyKZNSPAR #MySPAR 

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Ugu and Sisonke Regional - Kokstad College: Saturday 9 May

Successfully defending their title, St Patrick’s College from Kokstad earned their third consecutive victory in the Ugu and Sisonke Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge hosted by Kokstad College on Saturday 9 May.

They met one-time winners, Hoërskool Suid-Natal in a tightly fought regional final. Thanks to a burst attack straight after the first whistle, the ball found Saint’s attacker, Ava Stanford who wasted no time slotting in the only goal of the final. 77 seconds into the game, the ball was firmly fed to Standford from the top of the circle. Standford, stationed on the goal post, confidently altered the direction of the pass into the back of the box. 

Swept off her feet. Enthusiastic keeping, Southcity Christian School’s Siyolise Ncawdi watches as Hoërskool Suid Natal’s Anabelle Van Der Merwe tumbles in the final round of the penalty shootout. Van Der Merwe slotted in her stroke, knocking out Southcity and advancing to the finals of the Ugu and Sisonke Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Kokstad College on Saturday 9 May. Pic by Rogan Ward.

This is the third time in their three regional final successes that they have opened the scoring. Their first against Suidies in 2024, but Suidies managed to equalise requiring the trophy to be decided by a penalty shootout. Last year they met another coastal team, Southcity Christian School and fired in an early goal, fiercely defending it until the final whistle. In similar fashion, vying for their third win - Saint Pats, with the upper hand played a calm, creative game opting to fire off a fair few overheads from the back sending Suid-Natal back. The game flowed to all parts of the field, with Suid-Natal not able to capitalise on their many advances, but quickly shutting down any further goals. 

In the build up to the final, the two finalists met in the opening fixture for Pool A with the game ending in a goalless draw. Suid-Natal proceeded to win all of their remaining games while the defending champs drew 1 all to Port Shepstone High School. Suid-Natal topped the log with 17 points and St Patrick’s finished second with 14 points. 

A dramatic conclusion unfolded in Pool B with the top three teams all ending level on points. In an identical spread sheet, all teams drew against each other and won their three other fixtures resulting in a total of 14 points across the top three rows. The deciding factor was on goals scored. Five-time champions, King Edward High School finished with an impressive 10 goals, while Southcity netted 9 in total, narrowly edging out host school and three times winner – Kokstad College on 8 goals scored. 

In the first semi-final Southcity advanced to take on neighbouring school, Suid-Natal. Suid-Natal were unable to find holes in the Southcity defence after two well earned short corners while Southcity had a rare one-on-one moment but standing tall, Suid-Natal’s Lindy Plomp charged down the brazen attempt. With no goals being scored, the game headed to a penalty shootout. Suid-Natal’s Chloe Barnard and Anika Du Toit slotted in their attempts. Missing their first attempt, Southcity’s Reagan Rosslee knocked in her attempt. The final round, all-rounder Anabelle Van Der Merwe met a zealous Southcity keeper, Siyolise Ncwadi resulting in a stroke that Van Der Merwe easily slotted for her team’s third – knocking Southcity out. 

In the second semi-final, King Edward met St Pats. Saint’s Geah Marais slotted in an early goal after a free hit outside the circle found her available in the circle. With her back to the goals, she neatly spun around slotting in the all-important goal. King Edward worked hard trying to equalise but were unable to pierce the St Patrick’s defence.

Making great strides with the whistle, Stryda Perry from Creston College was awarded the Umpire of the Day prize. Boitumelo Ramaota from St Monica’s Diocesan walked away with a magnificent Princess hockey stick that she won in a fun filled lucky draw. 

Only two more tournaments remain in this year’s SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge before the Grand Finals at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. St Patrick’s College is the eighth team to earn their spot at the concluding tournament. They meet Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional) and Grantleigh School ( North Coast Regional).

Results:

Regional Final

Hoërskool Suid-Natal 0 vs St Patrick’s College 1

Semi-Finals

Hoërskool Suid-Natal 0 (3) vs Southcity Christian School 0 (1)

King Edward High School 0 vs St Patrick’s College 1

Pool A

1 Hoërskool Suid-Natal 17pts. 2 St Patrick’s College 14pts; 3 Port Shepstone High School 13pts; 4 Bergview College 5pts; 5 St Monica’s Diocesan 2pts; 6 Ixopo High School 1pt

Pool B

1 King Edward High School 14pts; 2 Southcity Christian School 14pts; 3 Kokstad College 14pts; 4 Mount Currie High School 5pts; 5 Creston College 5pts; 6 Scottburgh High School 0pts

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Sisonke & Ugu Regional - Kokstad College: Saturday 9 May

The popular SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge travels to Kokstad College where 12 schools take to the field for the Sisonke & Ugu Regional on Saturday 9 May. 

One of the biggest tournaments geographically in the challenge, teams from the south coast through to Matatiele participate in this vibrant regional. Host school, Kokstad College will have two fields running games concurrently. The 12 teams will be divided into two pools, each of the games runs for 20 minutes. There are 30 pool games, followed by the cross-pool playoffs that will feature the top two teams from each pool. The winners of each semifinal advance to meet in the regional final. 

Points will be awarded after each game: four points for a win, two points for a draw with goals, a single point for a goalless draw and then zero points for a loss. The final three fixtures allow for a penalty shootout if the games result in a draw. 

Getting the day underway, defending champs – St Patrick’s College meet travelling team, Hoërskool Suid-Natal in the opening game for Pool A. On the second field host school, Kokstad College take on Southcity Christian School in the opening fixture for Pool B. Joining St Patrick’s and Suid-Natal are Bergview High School; iXopo High School; Port Shepstone High School and St Monica’s Diocesan. Filling up Pool B are Creston College; King Edward High School; Mt Currie Secondary and Scottburgh High School. 

Five teams have had the honour of advancing to the Grand Finals representing this area. St Patrick’s are on the hunt for their third title after winning the last two consecutive years. King Edward has hoisted the trophy five times, the last in 2022. Kokstad have their name engraved three times, while Creston College had two successes in the earlier years and Suid-Natal were victorious once in 2023. 

Winding down the regionals, three more teams remain to earn their spot at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. at the end of July. Seven teams have already secured their spot: The winner of this challenge will meet Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional) and most recently XYZ from the North Coast Regional.

One lucky Matric pupil stands a chance to win a year’s bursary at eta College, a leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban. At each of the regionals, Matrics can enter the lucky draw in the hopes of winning this great prize. The bursary will be awarded at the Grand Finals. 

For more information, follow the tournament on Facebook: SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament or Instagram  sparkznhockey or TikTok spar.kzn.hockey or use the hashtags: #ChixWithStix  #HeartoftheCommunity #SuperLocal #MyKZNSPAR #MySPAR 

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge North Coast Regional - Grantleigh School: Saturday 2 May

The fierce rivalry continued as the top two teams battled it out in the final of the North Coast Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 2 May, with host school, Grantleigh School, reclaiming the title.

In the last eight regional finals, Grantleigh have met Felixton College seven times. Out of these seven clashes, the title has been decided by a nail-biting penalty shootout three times. In an action-packed conclusion, the 2026 edition unfolded with a shootout after the teams drew with the scoreline sitting at 1 all at the final whistle. In 2022 Grantleigh edged out Felixton in the 8 seconds, and in last years dramatic final, Felixton managed to earn their third title. 

Bounce in her step. Felixton College’s Storm Weaver watches her shot head goalwards as Grantleigh School’s Lisa Mbhamali desperately tries to defend. Weaver’s shot levelled the score at 1 all in the final at the North Coast Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that Grantleigh hosted on Saturday 2 May. Pic by Rogan Ward

Grantleigh were first to score in the ninth minute, piercing the Felixton defence in the third short corner of the game. Their feisty little playmaker, Klaradyn Kotzé was in the right spot at the right time, slotting in Grantleigh’s opening goal. Felixton responded with various attacks, capitalising on a burst down the right. The ball rapidly moved to Storm Weaver, camped out at the top D. Wasting no time, she rocketed off a shot as soon as she stepped into the circle – levelling the score. 

In the first round of the shootout, Grantleigh’s Izzy Currie slotted in her attempt, while Zara van der Merwe’s angle was cut down by home team keeper, Casey Lee, with the shot veering wide. In the second round, Smilesihle ‘Smile’ Sibiya deflected Leandri Marius’s effort. Felixton’s Emihle Nkosi utlised all of her 8 seconds as she rounded Lee and ran the ball right over the goal line to level the score. In the final round, the pocket rocket, Kotzé made sure with a no-frills run directly into the circle before knocking in her second goal of the final. Captain for Felixton, Kathryn Johnston charged in, trying to draw Lee out, drifting right. Her cunning plan unfortunately fizzled out as she quickly ran out space to fire in an equaliser. The final shootout score of 2-1 giving Grantleigh a well deserved victory after a long, hot day of hockey. 

Balance. Felixton College’s Zenande Mncwave watches keenly as her pass threads up through the Grantleigh School’s defenders during the final at the North Coast Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that Grantleigh hosted on Saturday 2 May. Pic by Rogan Ward

In the build up to the finals, 46 goals were scored in the 15 games with Felixton netting a total of 16 goals in their five fixtures while Grantleigh scored 13. In the opening match, the two opponents took to the field in a dress rehearsal for the final, with Grantleigh narrowly taking the win 1 nil. 

Off the ball, Empangeni High School’s Surita Ackerman took ownership of a beautiful Princess hockey stick which she won in the fun lucky draw ‘scavenger hunt’. Khethelo Ntuli, representing Empangeni High School, was acknowledged for his skills with the whistle, being awarded the Umpire of the Day. 

Earning their eighth title, Grantleigh now heads to the Grand Finals where they will take on nine other regional champions at the Grand Finals taking place in July at St Mary’s D.S.G. Six other teams have already secured their spot with three more tournaments still to play to reveal the final contenders. Grantleigh join Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional) and Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional).

This weekend the action heads inland to Kokstad for the Sisonke and Ugu Reigonal.

Results

Regional Finals

Grantleigh School 1 (2) vs Felixton College 1 (1)

Round Robin

1 Grantleigh School 20pts; 2 Felixton College 16pts; =3 Empangeni High School 10pts; =3 Eshowe High School 10pts; 5 St Catherine’s High School 4pts; 6 John Ross High School 0pts

Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge: Every Child Deserves a Champion - Race Charity Announced

‘The true measure of society is how it treats its most vulnerable members – especially children.’ Marian Wright Edelman

Durban, South Africa: 4 May 2026: The Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge is delighted to be partnering with iThemba Lethu, the official charity for their 2026 race which takes place on Sunday 28 June.

iThemba Lethu, based in Manor Gardens, serves the greater Cato Manor community. An NPO which began 25 years ago cares for vulnerable children affected by poverty, crime and gender-based violence. Their priority is the future of children, transforming hardships into tales of hope.

iThemba Lethu has been announced as the official race charity for this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge which takes place on Sunday 28 June. Pictured at the announcement are Sfundo Cele  (Financial Administrator iThemba Lethu) ; Nozipho Mkhize (SPAR KZN Advertising & Sponsorship Manager) and Nobuhle Ngcobo (Night Carer – iThemba Lethu), Picture by Val Adamson.

The organisation has three proactive programmes. Destiny for Youth which concentrates on life preparation, leadership and literacy for young people in Grades 4 – 12, they help learners discover and realise their full potential to empower them to have hope filled futures.

Their second programme is their Transition Home where iThemba Lethu cares for 12 abandoned / vulnerable little ones from newborn to 3 years old, championing the belief that early childhood is one of the most critical times in a human’s life. Their facilities, with full time loving caretakers, provide a safe place to nurture these children as they usher in a loving new chapter in their forever families.

Decades ago, iThemba Lethu pioneered the first community ‘Breastmilk Bank’, critical to the nutrition of the babies in their care. There are few natural resources more important to human immunity and health than breastmilk. In partnership with Department of Health they collect and supply this vital resource.

From each entry received for the Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge, R5 will be donated to this impactful local charity who are quietly changing little lives, striving to give them a fulfilling future they deserve.

To enter the Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge, go to www.sparwomenschallenge.co.za/durban.

To find out more about the race charity, visit iThemba Lethu’s website www.ithembalethu.org.za.

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Team work makes the dream work

Durban: Sunday 28 June: Gather your colleagues, work mates, friends and family and enter this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge on Sunday 28 June as a group.

“This is a great opportunity for groups of colleagues, clubs, relatives and schools to make the Challenge into a real fun team experience,” says Race Director Brad Glasspoole. “We encourage people to show in true team spirit – they can dress up, wear matching outfits, walk, run, dance and sing – and add to the vibe of the day - as we gather on the road to enjoy the theme #CelebrateHer.” 

Bulk entries for ten or more people wanting to participate in the challenge closes at midnight on Friday 12 June, with individual online entries closing as the clock strikes 12 on Monday 22 June. If you are entering a team, your team coordinator will need to do so electronically via the online entry portal, and click on Bulk Entry.  

There is a special day organised specifically for bulk entry collections where your team leader can go along and collect all your crew's race packs on Thursday 25 June. 

For more info visit the race website, www.sparwomenschallenge.co.za/durban

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban Central Regional - 3 Schools Trust: Sunday 22 March

Just over midway in the 2026 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, teams participating in the Durban Central Regional take to the turf for the sixth regional, at 3 Schools Trust on Sunday 22 March, hosted by St Henry’s Marist College.

St Henry’s welcomes Durban Girls’ College; Durban Girls’ High School; Inanda Seminary Secondary School; a combined team representing Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu and defending champs, Maris Stella School. 

Six schools will be vying for the title in this year’s challenge, with home team - St Henry’s taking on Durban Girls’ College in the opening fixture. The first game gets underway at 8am, with all of the 15 round robin games lasting 25 minutes. During the round robin, running time is allocated for the games, except for the final that allows for a penalty shoot-out if the concluding game ends in a draw. 

Leading up to the final, victorious teams will be awarded 4 points on their log, while teams that tie will both earn the same number of points. A goalless draw will see each team adding 1 point to their tally, while a game tied with goals will each earn 2 points. A loss registers zero points. Once all the games have been played, the top two teams will meet for the regional final. 

Four teams have already earned their spot for this year’s Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. in July. First to book their place was Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional) followed by Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional) and St Anne’s Diocesan College (PMB North Regional). Teams in the Highway area will be duelling it out the prior day (Saturday 21 March) at Westville Girls’ High School. The final four spots will be revealed as the challenge continues to travel around KZN in May. 

Three teams playing in this regional have advanced to the Grand Finals. Durban Girls’ College dominated with 14 wins since the tournament’s inception in 2011. Maris Stella broke their long standing record, earning their first Grand Finals appearance last year. Durban Girls’ High School went on to the Grand Finals three times when they participated in the Durban South Regional in the early days of the tournament. 

Matrics participating in the challenge will have the opportunity to win a year’s bursary at eta College, a leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban. The bursary will be awarded at the Grand Finals.

All the games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools app, so if you can’t get to the sidelines, you can catch all the action online.

For more information, follow the tournament on Facebook: SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament and Instagram sparkznhockey or TikTok spar.kzn.hockey or use the hashtags: #ChixWithStix; #HeartoftheCommunity; #SuperLocal; #MyKZNSPAR #MySPAR

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Highway Regional - Westville Girls’ High School: Saturday 21 March

Nearing the halfway mark, Westville Girls’ High School hosts the Highway Regional, the fifth regional out of ten in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on their astro turf on Saturday 21 March.

In one of the more competitive regions, eight hopeful teams walk on to the pitch in the hopes of claiming the Highway trophy. One-time winners, Westville Girls’ High School will lead the charge with home ground advantage, taking on Curro Hillcrest; Gelofte Skool; Hillcrest High School; Kloof High School; Pinetown High School; defending champs, St Mary’s D.S.G and Thomas More College.

The teams will be split into two pools for this tournament, with St Mary’s D.S.G.; Hillcrest; Westville Girls’ and Gelofte being drawn in Pool A and Thomas More; Curro; Kloof and Pinetown filling out Pool B. All games will be a quickfire 20 minutes long. Once the pool games are all wrapped up, the teams will then meet in a cross-pool playoff, with the semi-finalists playing an extra game. 

Games tip off early at 7.30 with the defending champions, St Mary’s D.S.G. taking on Gelofte Skool in the opening fixture. St Mary’s have lifted the Highway Regional trophy an impressive 14 times and also gone on to win the overall title on seven occasions since the tournament began in 2011.

In the build up to the final, after each game the teams will be awarded points on their logs. A win results in 4 points, while a draw with goals adds 2 points to the team’s tally, a goalless draw only increases your total by 1 point while a goalless draw registers zero points. 

Five more tournaments are still to be played in the 16th challenge. Currently four teams have secured their berth at the Grand Finals that will be taking place at St Mary’s D.S.G. in July. They are Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional) followed by Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional) and St Anne’s Diocesan College (PMB North Regional).

At each of the regionals, Matrics participating in the challenge can enter a lucky draw with the possibility of winning a year’s bursary at eta College, a leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban. The bursary will be awarded at the Grand Finals.

If you are unable to get to watch the action live, you can catch the action on SuperSport Schools with all the games being on the SuperSport Schools app.

For more information, follow the tournament on Facebook: SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament and Instagram sparkznhockey or TikTok spar.kzn.hockey or use the hashtags: #ChixWithStix; #HeartoftheCommunity; #SuperLocal; #MyKZNSPAR #MySPAR

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Pietermaritzburg North Regional - St Anne’s Diocesan College: Sunday 15 March

A familiar name secured victory in spectacular fashion at the Pietermaritzburg North Regional, with host school St Anne’s Diocesan College holding the trophy aloft at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday 15 March. 

The defending champs, St Anne’s managed to defeat The Wykeham Collegiate in the regional final, earning their twelfth title. Having won their earlier round robin game, St Anne’s walked on as favourites meeting long-time rivals, Wykeham. The final consisted of two 15 minute halves, with a 5 minute half time. The home team had a flawless first half, netting two well crafted goals. Their first was off a short corner awarded after nearly 5 minutes of play. Vice-Captain, Willow Crawford capitalised on being in the right place at the right time after their set piece didn’t quite go according to plan. 

Seven minutes later, Belle Hofmeyr added one more after a quick free hit just outside the circle was rapidly sent her way. Wasting no time, Hofmeyr, lurking just inside the circle, rerouted the pass goalwards, beyond Elam Ndakisa, keeper for The Wykeham Collegiate, knocking in the defending champs second. 

In the second half, St Anne’s still seemed to dominate with magical bursts in the Wykeham’s circle. Ndakisa was up for the challenge, a third of the way through the second half, her skill was put to the test. The first, the St Anne’s attacker was meters away from the right hand post, Ndakisa bearing down on her, the solo striker sent the ball on its way, but the ball veered right. Two minutes later, an impressive run down the left found St Anne’s in a good position with numbers in the circle. The ball was worked to the top of the D, with a St Anne’s forward extending her stick out and deflecting the ball towards the left-hand post. In desperation, Ndakisa just managed to stop the ball sliding her right foot out and edging it out of danger. 

Wykeham perked up tremendously after their great defending. With eight minutes remaining, Hannah van Wyk found herself in space, stretching her legs, charging towards the St Anne’s goals. Finding herself in a one-on-one situation, quick thinking, keeper for the home team, Lili-Anna James calmly came right out to meet van Wyk, sliding neatly, halting the brave attempt. 

With just over three minutes left in the final, Wykeham earned a well-deserved short corner, The ball flew up to the top of the circle, then was passed left under the stick of the first striker. The player to the left redirected the ball to the right where McKenzie Du Bourg was set up to fire in a shot from just inside the circle. The scoreline was now on 2-1. 

The tempo of the visitors was raised some more, with mounting pressure Wykeham again pierced into St Anne’s circle, looking severely threatening but time was not on their side, the final whistle sounded securing victory for St Anne’s. 

Leading up to the final, Courtney van Wyngaard, a Grade 11 student from Riverwood College was over the moon when she won a Princess Stick in the lucky draw prize. Delighted with her new treasure, she unwrapped it and went off to play with it. 

Young Jordan Licen from Treverton College was acknowledged for his decisive decisions with the whistle and was presented with the Umpire of the Day award. 

St Anne’s Diocesan College is the fourth team to reserve a place at the Grand Finals that will be taking place at St Mary’s D.S.G. in July. Ten teams in total from around KZN will converge for the Finals. The three teams that have secured their spot already are Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional) and most recently, St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional). 

Results

Regional Final

St Anne’s Diocesan College 2 vs The Wykeham Collegiate 1

Round Robin Results

1 St Anne’s Diocesan College 16pts; 2 The Wykeham Collegiate 12pts; 3 Howick High School 8pts; 4 Treverton College 3pts; Riverwood College 0pts

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge PMB Central Regional - Epworth School: Saturday 14 March

For the fourth consecutive year, the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional was decided in a nail-biting penalty shootout with St John’s D.S.G claiming their fourth title at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge hosted by Epworth School on Saturday 14 March. 

St John’s met host school and defending champs, Epworth School in the regional final that flowed to all corners of the astro. Both teams had moments of pure brilliance where they crafted fantastic attacks after mounting pressure, bursting into each other’s circles, only for magical defence to turn play around, sending it back to the other side.  

Epworth earned three short corners; the first surge was after 68 seconds of play. St John’s were up for the challenge and didn’t allow the set pieces to pierce their defence. On the other end, St John’s had two short corners. Their first was an elaborate run around, with the ball being injected to the top of the circle, moving left, then back to the injector who pushed it back up to the tip of the circle before the player at the top of the D was in possession again. Epworth’s defenders tracked the ball carefully, charging down the ball before the attacker could finish her flamboyant shot. St John’s second set piece was awarded with only 12 seconds left on the clock. Slowing things down, St John’s went back to basics with a skilful, simple manoeuvre of pushing the ball to the castle, and fired off a ferocious flick that was neatly stopped. The score remained on nil nil after fulltime. 

Six players lined up for both teams with the responsibility of taking the penalty shootouts. First to go was St John’s Ananbele Balmer who drifted to her left, slotting the ball under a diving Epworth keeper, Kenya Zwane. Siphokazi Mpantshane stepped up to take the first round for Epworth. Mpantshane made quick work of levelling the scoreline as she charged towards St John’s goal, spinning around – foxing the goalie, Deborah Lock with her 360, slotting in her shot. 

In the second round, Emma Williams trotted in for St John's also veering left before changing tack, keeping the ball away from Zwane and knocking it in the middle of the goals. Young Owami Mthethwa had the task of levelling the score for Epworth. Unlocking her bravery, Lock danced off her line to confront Mthethwa who was advancing keenly. The bold move by Lock cut down the angle for Mthethwa, with a retreating Epworth’s striker, hurriedly trying to knock in her shot but was unable to, by an ‘on-the-ball’ Lock.

Stepping up in the final round, Kate van Breda had the opportunity to claim victory for St John’s if she managed to slot her shot in. She followed in similar fashion to Williams, resulting in a regional winning goal. The final score for St John’s was 3 to 1 goal for Epworth. 

A budding talent, representing St John’s with the whistle, a sincerely cheerful Marcel Diaz had an impressive day overseeing the hotly contested games. Grade 12 learner, Cara MacFarlane from Epworth School walked away with a brand-new Princess hockey stick in the lucky draw prize that was held in the 20 minute break ahead of the finals. 

The top ten teams will converge at the Grand Finals being held in July at St Mary’s D.S.G.. St John’s is the third team to secure their spot, joining Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional) and Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional). St Anne’s Diocesan College were crowned champion the following day (Sunday 15 March) in the Pietermaritzburg North Regional. Another six teams remain to be decided with the tournament travelling around KZN in the coming weeks. 

Results

Regional Final

Epworth School 0 (1) vs St John’s D.S.G. 0 (3)

Round Robin Results

1 St John’s D.S.G. 24pts; 2 Epworth School 20pts; 3 Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School 16pts; 4 Maritzburg Christian School 6pts; 5 Carter High School 3pts; 6 Russell High School 3pts; 7 Alexandra High School 2pts

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Pietermaritzburg Central and North Regionals Saturday 14 March & Sunday 15 March

Action-a-plenty awaits schools from the greater Maritzburg area in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge with Epworth School hosting the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional on Saturday 14 March and St Anne’s Diocesan College welcoming schools for the Pietermaritzburg North Regional on Sunday 15 March.

The busy weekend of hockey will see 12 schools taking to the turf in the hopes of being crowned regional champion. On Saturday, joining Epworth School on their astro are Alexandra High School; Carter High School; Maritzburg Christian School; Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School; Russell High School and St John’s D.S.G. 

On the prowl for their fifth title, Epworth School looks forward to defending the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional on their astro on Saturday 14 March for the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge. Lining up for the host team are Cara Macfarlane and Siphokazi Mpontshane. Pic by Val Adamson

Sunday sees five schools head to St Anne’s for the annual contest. The guest schools are Howick High School; Riverwood College; Treverton College and The Wykeham Collegiate. 

The weekend’s fixtures have all teams meeting in a round robin format, with games in the Central Regional lasting 20 minutes, and 25 minutes in the North Regional. A victorious team will earn themselves 4 points on the log, while drawn games – both teams will share the points. If both teams have the same number of goals, they will each earn 2 points while a goalless draw will add 1 point to your tally. A loss registers zero points. 

There have been five schools that have had the honour of representing their regions at the Grand Finals since the tournament’s inception in 2011. The top ten schools from around KZN converge on St Mary’s D.S.G. in the hopes of being crowned overall champion in the challenge. Both hosts schools are defending champs.

Leaders of the pack. St Anne’s Diocesan College’s Hannah Schwegmann (vice-captain), Holly Hofmeyr (captain) and Willow Crawford (vice-captain) prepare to defend their title in the Pietermaritzburg North Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge. The only matrics donning the St Anne’s kit this year, the trio will be welcoming teams onto their turf on Sunday 15 March. Pic by Val Adamson

The two home teams will be walking on to the fields as defending champs. St Anne’s have lifted the regional trophy 11 times while Wykeham Collegiate have three. In the Central tournament, Girls High have their name engraved on the trophy seven times, followed by Epworth with four wins and St John’s three successes. 

Two teams have already secured their spot at the Grand Finals in the 2026 edition. First to qualify was Our Lady of Fatima waving the Durban North Regionals flag and joining them is Amanzimtoti High School from the Durban South Regional who were victorious last weekend. 

Matrics present on the day should keep an eye out for eta College. The leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban is offering a year’s bursary at eta College, which one lucky player could win. The bursary will be awarded to a lucky young lady at the Grand Finals.

All games at these two tournaments will be livestreamed by SuperSport Schools, so if you can’t make it to the sidelines to support, you can still catch all the action online. 

For more information, follow the tournament on Facebook: SPARSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament and Instagram  sparkznhockey or TikTok spar.kzn.hockey or use the hashtags: #ChixWithStix #HearthoftheCommunity #SuperLocal #MyKZNMySPAR 

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban South Regional - 3 Schools Trust: Saturday 7 March

The most decorated team in the Durban South Regional reclaimed the title when hosts Amanzimtoti High School hoisted the trophy for the seventh time in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 7 March at 3 Schools Trust. 

This is the first time in over a decade that Toti have met Kingsway High School in the regional finals with Kingsway stepping onto the field as the defending champs. In recent years Kingsway have featured four times in the main game, with Toti only making it to the final round twice – both times victorious. 

Up close. Defending, Kingsway High School’s Sisipho Mathenjwa works hard to keep the ball away from top shooter, Nadine Smit from Amanzimtoti High School during the final of the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that Toti hosted at the 3 Schools Trust Astro on Saturday 7 March. Pic by Rogan Ward

Drawn in the same pool, the two teams met in the first fixture of the day and wrapped up the challenge, with both results going the way of the hosts. The first score had Toti 3 nil up but their persistent neighbours dug deep, not giving Toti much freedom in their circle. With only 76 seconds on the clock, Toti fired off their first shot but in haste, fumbled her attempt and Kingsway’s keeper, Nosipho Mhlongo easily redirected the shot. 

A minute later, Toti earned their first of two short corners, but both set pieces made no impact to the scoreline. Kingsway gained confidence and turned the possession around, taking the ball up several times into the Toti circle but were unable to penetrate agile keeper, Revthi Singh’s defences. 

Celebrations. Amanzimtoti High School’s Naledi Duma; Revthi Singh (goalie) and Zethu Ngwenya relish their success after Singh kept her opponents, Kingsway High School’s attempts out during the concluding penalty shootout at the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that Toti hosted at the 3 Schools Trust Astro on Saturday 7 March. Pic by Rogan Ward

Nearing full time, Toti had a glimmer of hope when they took the ball up into Kingsway’s circle. A generous umpire allowed advantage when the attacker accidentally nudged the ball with her foot, giving her an opportunity to fire off a shot but, again, Mhlongo pounced on the shot quickly booting it out of danger. The final whistle sounded with the scoreline unchanged on nil nil. 

With the regional final heading to the penalty spot for the decider, Toti stepped up to the spot first. Shayla Schwarz confidently ran the ball directly for the right hand post, nearing the goals she tapped the ball under Mhlongo who was bearing down on her. Diyaru Pillay’s turn didn’t make it past Singh who calmly watched the challenge, acting quickly as the ball made its way towards her, clearing it neatly. 

With their tails up, Toti’s Zibusio Mkhize charged into the goals, wasting no time as she rocketed off her attempt that pummelled into the box. With the mounting pressure, Sisipho Mathenjwa started the do or die penalty, making a beeline towards Singh. Sensing victory, Singh dashed out to confront Mathenjwa, cutting off all angles of attack, the nimble goalie halted the valiant endeavour earning a sensational win for her team. 

This was the second time that Kingsway’s outcome played out in a penalty shootout. In the second semi final they met their next-door neighbours and long-time rivals, Kuswag School. At the final whistle the scoreline was level with no goals being scored, similar to last year’s final where in a dramatic upset – Kingsway walked away winners. The final scoreline this year going 2-1 to the defending champs. In the second semifinal Toti defeated New Forest 2 nil. 

In the third-place playoff, Kuswag took on the hard-working New Forest High School. This is the second time that New Forest have been a fantastic surprise package, having finished second in 2019. This year the underdogs took on a determined Kuswag for the final step on the podium. Having held Kuswag to a 1 all draw earlier in the second fixture of the day, the tenacious team ran out of steam after Kuswag were lucky enough to find the back of the net going 1 nil up. Kuswag battered the New Forest defenders with several well crafted attacks but were only able to double their scoreline, claiming third place with a 2 nil triumph.

Referring in his first SPAR Challenge, Kingsway High School’s up and coming Grade 12 learner, Bayanda Sangweni (12) had a fabulous day with the whistle. Umpiring for next door neighbours, Kuswag, the matric pupil earned the recognition of Umpire of the Day. Durban Academy High School’s Vuyokazi Titus, a Grade 9 won for herself a grand new Princess hockey stick. After winning her prize, the youngster traded in her old stick and played out her remaining games in style. 

The challenge heads inland this weekend with a back-to-back fixture for the two Pietermaritzburg challenges with Epworth School hosting teams for the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional on Saturday St Anne’s Diocesan College welcoming their opponents for the Pietermaritzburg North Regional on Sunday. 

Results

First place playoff

Kingsway High School 0 (0) vs Amanzimtoti High School 0 (2)

Third place playoff

Kuswag School 2 vs New Forest High School 0

Positions

1 Amanzimtoti High School; 2 Kingsway High School; 3 Kuswag School; 4 New Forest High School; 5 Werda Skool; 6 Queensburgh High School; 7 Port Natal School; 8 Durban Academy High School

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban South Regional - 3 Schools Trust Astro: Saturday 7 March

Amanzimtoti High School hosts the second tournament of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge inviting teams for the Durban South Regional which takes place at 3 Schools Trust Astro on Saturday 7 March.

Eight teams will take on this year’s challenge in the hopes of raising the trophy and advancing to the prestigious Grand Finals where nine other regional winners from around KwaZulu Natal will converge. The Grand Finals concludes the challenge at St Mary’s D.S.G. at the end of July. One team has secured a spot, Our Lady of Fatima was crowned the Durban North Regional champion on Sunday (1 March).

All smiles, teammates Nandy Mseleku and Elihle Ncwane from Kingsway High School gear up to defend their title at the upcoming Durban South Regional. Amanzimtoti High School welcomes teams to the 3 Schools Trust for this SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 7 March. Pic by Val Adamson

Defending champs, Kingsway High School will meet host school, Toti in the first game of the fixtures. The day gets underway at 7.30am with each game lasting a rapid 20 minutes. A victorious team will earn 4 points, with teams that draw sharing the same number of points. A draw with goals earns 2 points, while a goalless draw earns the teams 1 point each. Zero points will reflect on a losing team’s log. For teams that dominate, their tally will be capped at a maximum of 7 goals recorded.

The schools participating have been split into two Pools, with Amanzimtoti and Kingsway being joined in Pool A by Port Natal Skool and Queensburgh Girls’ High School. Pool B will have Durban Academy; Kuswag Skool; New Forest High School and Werda Skool. Once the pool games have concluded, the teams will all get the chance to participate in a positional cross pool play-off. The top two teams from each of the pools will meet in a semi-final, with the losing teams heading to the bronze medal game and the two successful teams clashing for the regional honours.

In the cross pool play-offs, teams ending with a level score will head to a nail-biting penalty shoot-out where three players from each team will have the opportunity to edge their opponents out.

Four teams have represented the area at the Grand Finals, with host school Toti leading the charge with 6 appearances at the Grand Finals. Kuswag have their name engraved on the trophy three times, including the inaugural tournament in 2011and two times since COVID. Sharing the honour of three wins is Durban Girls’ High School, who moved across to the Durban Central Regional in recent years. Adding their name to the list, Kingsway High will be keen to defend their title and claim their second title.

Matrics participating in the challenge will have the opportunity to win a year’s bursary at eta College, a leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban. The bursary will be awarded at the Grand Finals.

All the games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools app, so if you can’t get to the sidelines, you can catch all the action online.

For more information, follow the tournament on Facebook: SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament and Instagram sparkznhockey or TikTok spar.kzn.hockey or use the hashtags: #ChixWithStix; #HeartoftheCommunity; #SuperLocal; #MyKZNSPAR #MySPAR

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban North Regional - Crawford La Lucia: Sunday 1 March

Securing their seventh title in the Durban North Regional, Our Lady of Fatima return as champions in the opening fixture in the 16th year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Crawford La Lucia on Sunday 1 March.

In a replay of the 2025 final, Fatima took on defending champions, Ashton International College in the concluding game. Having put on a very methodical performance throughout the day, Fatima met a determined Ashton who were keen to keep the trophy they had doggedly won in a hard-fought battle. This year was no different; Ashton put up a valiant fight, faltering Fatima’s dominance. For the first time that day, Fatima’s keeper, Kayla Driver, was on her toes as Ashton edged play into Fatima’s circle on several occasions but were just unable to make any impact.

Charge. Turning around the play, Zoey Seppings from Our Lady of Fatima defends scuppering Ashton International College’s Emmerson van Zijl valiant attempt to break the solid Fatima defence during the final of the Durban North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place on Sunday 1 March at Crawford La Lucia.  Pic by Val Adamson

 On the other end, Stella Fourie was perfectly poised, slotting in Fatima’s first goal as she pierced her opponent's circle after 150 seconds, quickly gathering herself and punching in a feisty shot, slotting it into the left-hand corner beyond Ashton’s last line - Isabella Baxter. Two minutes later, Fatima’s Charly-Rose Boyle charged down the centre of the field, finding some freedom to drift right as she entered the circle. At pace, she attempted a spirited shot that flew right of the post.

After 12 minutes of play, Rachel Da Sousa was stationed on Ashton’s post. Yet another attack from Fatima found their forwards on the baseline, quickly moving the ball goalward. Da Sousa was there on hand to pounce on the pass, confidently knocking it in identical fashion to Fourie’s earlier goal.

The final eight minutes, Ashton bravely retaliated, with several surges into Fatima’s circle spurred on by vice-captain, Emmerson van Zijl threatening runs, but the advances were shut down by a composed defence. The final whistle blasted with Fatima victorious with their two class goals.

In the build up to the final, Ashton met Reddam House uMhlanga. Reddam who have been growing in stature at this tournament have regularly featured in the top four in recent years. Reddam held Ashton to a nil nil draw after full time. The game being decided in a penalty shootout. After three rounds, the scoreline was level with both teams netting one goal each. The tempo raised with the game now going into a round of sudden death. Reddam were first to go with their attempt sadly going wide. Capitalising on her earlier goal in the penalty shootout, Kimberly Johnson ran the ball in for Ashton, sliding left scooping the ball in, just beyond the travelling Reddam keeper Kaela Magjee, claiming their spot in the regional final.

In the second semi, Fatima met long time rival, and previous regional winners Danville Park Girls’ High. In a display of pure dominance, Fatima bamboozled Danville with an emphatic win of 5 nil.

Eighty two goals were scored in total after 23 games in suffocating heat, with Fatima netting 21 goals in their pool games and seven in the medal games, while Ashton earned 17 in their pool games and another two in their silverware games.

Umpire of the Day was awarded to hard working Tyler Tomset representing Ashton. In the build up to the finals, one young player from each school had the opportunity to win a Princess hockey stick in a fun lucky draw. Participating for the first year in the Ashton first team, Grade 9 Caylea Duncan earned herself the magnificent prize.

Fatima is the first of ten teams to book their berth at the Grand Finals taking place in July. This coming weekend, teams from Amanzimtoti, the Bluff and Queensburgh take to the turf at 3 Schools Trust for the second fixture in the challenge, the Durban South Regional.

Results

Final

Ashton International College 0 vs Our Lady of Fatima 2

Semi Finals

Ashton International College 0 (2) vs Reddam uMhlanga 0 (1)

Our Lady of Fatima 5 vs Danville Park Girls’ High 0

Pool A

1 Ashton International College 13pts; 2 Danville Park Girls’ High 13pts; 3 Crawford La Lucia 5pts; 4 Reddam House Ballito 2pts; 5 Curro Salt Rock 1pt

Pool B

1 Our Lady of Fatima 16pts; 2 Reddam House uMhlanga 12pts; 3 Durban North College 5pts; 4 Northlands Girls’ High School 4pts; 5 Crawford North Coast 1pt

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban North Regional - Crawford La Lucia: Sunday 1 March

Launching into the sixteenth year, this year’s SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge action unfolds at the Durban North Regional hosted by Crawford La Lucia on Sunday 1 March.

The first of the ten KZN regionals welcomes ten schools from the area. Split into two pools, the teams will take to the pitch for their pool games, followed by the top two teams from each pool going head-to-head in the cross-pool semi-finals revealing the challengers who will meet in the regional final.

Game faces on! Poised and ready to defend their title, Ashton International College’s Anna Angelopolous (captain) and Emmerson van Zijl (vice-captain) hope to lead their team to their fifth victory in the Durban North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that will be hosted by Crawford La Lucia on Sunday 1 March.  Pic by Val Adamson

Defending champs, Ashton International College take on the home team, Crawford La Lucia in the first game for Pool A, joining them are Danville Park Girls’ High School; Curro Salt Rock and Reddam Ballito. The second game of the tournament welcomes Our Lady of Fatima and Reddam uMhlanga participating in Pool B. Northlands Girls’ High School; Durban North College and Crawford North Coast have also been drawn into this pool.

A total of 23 games will be played in this regional with all games lasting a quick fire 20 minutes. A successful team will add 4 points to their log, while the loser acquires zero points. In a case of a goalless draw, both teams earn 1 point but if two teams managed to net the same number of goals, they will each earn 2 points.  A maximum of seven goals will be recorded if a team dominates. If the playoffs end with the scores being level, three players from each team will head to a penalty shootout.

Emerging from this regional, the first finalist representing the suburbs north of Durban will head to the Grand Finals where they will meet the nine other finalists from around the province. Four schools have had the honour of participating at the concluding tournament. 

Defending champions, Ashton earned a third place last year, the best result for a team from this region. Ashton have gone on to the Grand Finals four times, sharing this record with Danville Park Girls’ High School. Our Lady of Fatima’s claimed victory in the inaugural regional, and has their name engraved six times on the trophy. Host school, Crawford La Lucia have also gone on to the Grand Finals once and with home turf advantage, will be keen to reclaim the title.

Matrics participating in the challenge will have the opportunity to win a year’s bursary at eta College, a leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban. The bursary will be awarded at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. at the end of July. 

For more information, follow the tournament on Facebook: SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament and Instagram  sparkznhockey or TikTok spar.kzn.hockey or use the hashtags: #ChixWithStix  #HeartoftheCommunity #SuperLocal #MyKZNSPAR #MySPAR 

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Is your team up for a Challege? Durban: Sunday 23 June

Clubs, organisations, schools or corporates keen to walk or run in the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge still have time to enter a team for this year’s event that takes place on Sunday 23 June, finishing on the Hollywood Bets Kings Park Stadium’s outer fields.

Bulk entries for the challenge close at midnight on Friday 7 June, with individual online entries closing as the clock strikes 12 on Sunday 16 June. Teams entering 10 or more people, will need to touch base with the Race Office to get instructions by emailing the Race Office on kzn@spar.run.

There is a special day organised specifically for bulk entry collections where the "head prefect" or team leader can go along and collect their crews race packs on Thursday 20 June.

For more info visit the race’s website, www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban

ENDS

Dates Announced for Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Sunday 23 June

Entries are open for the 34th running of the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place in and around the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Sunday 23 June. 

The success of South Africa’s Most Beautiful Road Race strides ahead, with entries for 2024 capped at 12000. The uplifting theme for this year’s race is #ChooseYou with the underlying message of motivating oneself, encouraging women to prioritize self-care, both for their mental and physical well-being. 

Sharing moments: Revealing the colour and theme for the 2024 Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Durban on Sunday 23 June. The theme, #ChooseYou encourages self-empowerment. Wearing this year’s race shirts at an intimate function at the Grand Exotic are SPAR KZN Retail Ops Advisor, Cindy Watridge with 2024 Race Ambassadors Former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu and Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist, Dr Marise Subrayan.

"Our theme “Choose You” amplifies our commitment to inspire a healthier community,” says Menelisi Luthuli, Marketing Executive, SPAR KZN. “In a world where external pressures often overshadow personal well-being, we encourage women to embark on a journey of self-care and self-discovery. SPAR advocates a balanced lifestyle where individuals prioritize their own needs alongside external demands, finding fulfillment in both. Ultimately, our theme this year emphasizes that self-care isn't selfish but rather crucial for lasting well-being and happiness.”

Two phenomenal strong local women are the 2024 Race Ambassadors. Inspiring youth wherever she goes, sporting star and role model Precious Mthembu is the current Baby Proteas Coach, she is an educator at Danville Park Girls’ High School and was a Protea Netball player, notching up 97 caps for South Africa. Joining her is Dr Marise Subrayan, an award-winning Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist based at Durban’s St Augustine’s Hospital, who is passionate about educating and empowering women and girls about female-related health.

The Challenge route remains unchanged from the 2023 event, with the fast and flat ‘out-and-back’ course starting under the shadow of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishing on the outer fields of this iconic Durban landmark. The 10km race begins at 8am and the 5km race at 9am. 

Entries for the 2024 edition of the Durban event are online at https://www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban/. Online entries close at midnight on 16 June. The online entry for the 10km run is R180, with a KZN Athletics licence, or R230 with a temporary licence, and for the 5km is R180. Entries at race registration are R200 (with licence) and R250 (without licence) for the 10km and R200 for the 5km. Bulk entry collections are also available.

At this Durban Challenge, a field of highly competitive runners will compete in the national SPAR Grand Prix Series that travels around South Africa. The total Series Prize Purse is sitting at over R1,68 million this year.

Prize money for the first female athlete crossing the line in Durban is R33,000 with the runner-up earning R25,000 and third place winning R20,000. The first South African woman across the line will also earn R10,000. There are also prizes for top age category runners.

A variety of lucky draw prizes will be awarded at prize giving, including a chance to win a car. All participants (18 plus and T&C’s apply) can enter the lucky draw where one race number will advance to the main draw for a Proton X50 valued at R449,000. Seven ladies from the seven races around the country must attend the glitzy SPAR Grand Prix prize-giving to qualify to win this car.

For more information visit the race website, like the SPAR Women’s Race KZN Facebook page (SPARWomens10and5kmRace), or follow on Instagram (sparwomenskzn) or Twitter (sparladiesrace).

-ends

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Ten Teams in Grand Finals 22 & 23 July

After ten hotly contested regionals around KZN, the finalists from each area head to the main event of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG on 22 and 23 July. 

This year’s Grand Finals welcomes a fantastic mix of challengers. The tournament that began in 2011 has a handful of teams with an expansive history of appearances, and adding to the line-up this year, several fresh new contenders. 

Snap! Pictured at the tournament announcement for the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge are Danville Park Girls’ High School’s captain, Anqobile Nkayi; Durban Girls’ College’s Jenna Reardon; Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School’s keeper, Kelly Willson with her captain Sisikelelwe Sopiseka and St Mary’s DSG’s captain, Kelly Jansens ter laeck. The action packed weekend of hockey will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 22 and 23 July. Pic by Val Adamson

Two travelling teams will be competing for the very first time: the challenge welcomes Suid Natal Hoërskool representing the Sisonke and uGu Region and St Dominics Newcastle, the winner of the Northern KZN Region. 

Two teams will be making their second appearance, having both last competed at the Grand Finals in 2012. The Wykeham Collegiate will be waving the flag for the Pietermaritzburg North Regional and on behalf of the uMvoti and oThukela Regional, Ladysmith High School are back too. In their first run at the finals, Wykeham got to the medal round, finishing an impressive fourth overall, while Ladysmith earned a seventh place eleven years ago. 

Back for a third time, Danville Park Girls’ High School will be keen to better their consistent sixth places in 2012 and 2014. Kuswag Hoërskool will also take to the turf for their third outing. They competed in the inaugural tournament in 2011 where they finished ninth and then last year, they took the tenth spot. 

North Coast Regional winner, Grantleigh College head to the finals for their fifth time. Last year they finished seventh and in 2011, 2016 and 2017 they ended eighth overall. 

After several years’ sabbatical, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School make a welcome return for the seventh time as the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional winners. In their six previous runs, they have featured in the medal games every year with three silvers in 2011, 2013 and 2015, two bronze medals in 2012 and 2014 and a fourth in 2016. 

Host school St Mary’s DSG will be eager to continue their success at the Grand Finals, they have dominated the Highway Regional, representing the area for the tenth time this year. Saints have hoisted the trophy five times in 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, taken silver in last year’s finals, won bronze in 2011 and 2013 and finished fourth in 2015. 

The only team with a 100% record at the Grand Finals, Durban Girls’ College are the defending champions. The Durban Central Regional winners have a fantastic history at the Grand Finals, winning gold four times in 2013, 2014, 2015 and last year. They have also won silver in 2012, 2016 and 2017, one bronze in 2019 and two fourth places in 2011 and 2018. 

The weekend’s action will all be livestreamed on the SuperSport School’s mobile app and website.  

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparKZNSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

Eleventh Appearance

Durban Girls’ College - Durban Central Regional Winner - Gold (2013, 2014, 2015, 2022), Silver (2012, 2016, 2017), Bronze (2019), Fourth (2011, 2018)

Tenth Appearance

St Mary’s D.S.G. – Highway Regional Winner - Gold (2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), Silver (2022), Bronze (2011, 2013), Fourth (2015)

 Seventh Appearance

Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High – Pietermaritzburg Central Regional Winner - Silver (2011, 2013, 2015), Bronze (2012, 2014), Fourth (2016)

 Fifth Appearance

Grantleigh College – North Coast Regional Winner – Seventh (2022), Eighth (2011, 2016, 2017)

 Third Appearance

Danville Park Girls’ High School – Durban North Regional Winner – Sixth (2012, 2014) 

Kuswag Hoërskool – Durban South Regional Winner – Ninth (2011), Tenth (2022)

 Second Appearance

The Wykeham Collegiate – Pietermaritzburg North Regional Winner - Fourth (2012)

Ladysmith High School - uMvoti and oThukela Regional – Seventh (2012)

 First Appearance

Suid Natal Hoërskool - Sisonke and uGu Regional Winner

St Dominics Newcastle – Northern KZN Regional Winner 

 ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban Central Regional Sunday 16 April

Continuing on their phenomenal winning streak, Durban Girls’ College hoisted the Durban Central Regional trophy of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge for the thirteenth time at 3 Schools Trust on Sunday 16 April. 

The only team in the KZN Challenge to have won 100% of their regionals, College took on host school, Durban Girls’ High School in a magnificently action-packed final that flowed all around the field from the first whistle. 

College got out of the starting blocks quickly with a reverse stick attempt in the first minute on the Girls’ High’s goals that sailed wide. Their next probe two minutes later was an attack down the right, with play being run quickly along the baseline but Girls’ High’s sturdy marking stopped the flashy maneuver, giving themselves a breather by clearing the ball. 

Less than a minute later, College was on the prowl again, with a free hit outside the circle. Swiftly College surged forward but the hosts stood firm and again did not allow the visitors any gaps to get off a shot. 

Just under 5 minutes, College earned their first short corner, the ball rocketed to the second castle and then bolted goalwards where a vigilant Divine Arinze, who was having a grand day in goals, firmly booted the shot out of danger. College’s attack pounced on the loose ball and pushed play back into the circle but Girls’ High’s defense prevented any success. 

For the next four minutes, the defending champs continuously put pressure on the Girls High goals with determined, orchestrated advances. Still the local team didn’t falter, turning away each endeavor. Girls High worked hard giving their backline a reprieve as they took the game up to College’s end penetrating into the uncharted waters of College’s circle with a stab of an effort.  

Growing in confidence, Girls High started to weave some magical movements together taking play up into Colleges half. An undeterred College attack replied earning their second short corner of the game just after 12 minutes. In a carbon copy of the first corner, the ball was injected to the second castle, and Emily Macquet sent in a low flying flick that was stopped on the line but in a lapse of concentration by the Girls’ High’s last line, the balls momentum from the flick saw it trickle over the line notching up College’s first goal. 

Seconds later, College took full advantage of Girls’ High being on the back foot after having conceded a goal, with a blitz down the middle netting their second. Hannah Hargroves achieved a superb goal, slapping the ball out of the defenders reach. 

With less than five minutes remaining College got into some space on the left, as they dashed down the sideline. In a well-choreographed crusade, first goal scorer, Macquet had a rare moment of freedom in the Girls’ High circle as she fired off a shot. The missile whizzed towards the box, Arinze managed to get a nick on the ball that ricocheted off her pads into the goals, taking the final score now to 3 nil victory. 

College join three other regional finalists who have already secured their place at the Grand Finals. Making their eleventh appearance at the main event of the Challenge, they are the defending champs having won gold last year and on four previous occasions. They join Danville Park Girls High School (Durban North Regional); St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional) and Kuswag Hoërskool (Durban South Regional). 

The tournament heads to St Anne’s School on Saturday 22 April for the Pietermaritzburg North Regional, followed by the uGu and Sisonke Regional at Creston College on Sunday 23 April.

All remaining regionals and the Grand Finals will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools’ mobile app or website. 

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey)

Round Robin Results

1 Durban Girls’ College 24pts; 2 Durban Girls’ High School 17pts; 3 Maris Stella 14pts; 4 St Henry’s 13pts; 5 Inanda Seminary School 8pts; 6 INK Schools 4pts; 7 Port Natal School 0pts

Regional Final Result 

Durban Girls College 3 vs Durban Girls’ High School 0

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban South Regional 15 April Results

Kuswag Hoërskool defended their title in a gutsy display where they met a determined Kingsway High School team in the final of the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at 3 Schools Trust on Saturday 15 April. 

It took the hosts, Kuswag, a few minutes to settle into their stride in an action packed Toti derby. Kingsway got off to a cracker of a start pushing play up to Kuswag’s defence almost immediately after the whistle but were unable to find their players to finish off their attacks with Kuswag’s players marking well at the back. 

After 4 minutes of play, Kuswag had a glimmer of hope as they broke into the Kingsway circle, but it didn’t last long as the Kingsway defence turned play around quickly, fizzling out Kuswag’s first real attempt.

With their momentum building, Kuswag managed to turn possession in their favour, with more threatening runs down into Kingsway’s territory but the last line of Kingsway’s defence stood firm through every surge, not allowing the ball into their box. Kuswag earned two short corners in quick succession mid-way through the final but both golden opportunities sputtered allowing Kingsway time to compose themselves and continue persevering at the other end. 

Kingsway in turn found space as they stretched their legs with beautiful runs up the side lines but were just missing the magical conclusion as they got nearer the Kuswag goal line.

The final whistle blasted with both teams been unable to net any chances during the twenty minutes. The game progressed to a penalty shoot out with three players from each team stepping up to the spot with the objective of outsmarting the oppositions goalie. 

Kuswag got the ball rolling, with captain Maya Pretorius setting off first charging in and firing off her attempt that was confidently blocked by Kingsway’s Ayanda Mpila. Siphokazi Ndutshungu was first to go for Kingsway, in her attempt she also entered the circle and sent the ball goalwards but the shot was skilfully stopped and ushered away by Kuswag’s Diante Cremer’s outstretched stick. 

In the second round, Shyloh van Zyl met the boisterous advances of Mpila as she ran the ball into the circle for Kuswag but didn’t get far as the fearless keeper snubbed out her effort as soon as she got into the D. Kingsway’s second round was taken by a focused Keiyona Achary who speedily fired off her shot that agonisingly shaved past the right upright. 

An assertive Kingsway’s Mpila again bolted out of goals at the start of the third round, hindering Kuswag’s Zahnre de Beer’s attack and not allowing play to advance beyond the top of the D. Lauren Schoeman stepped up for Kingsway’s third penalty shot and similar to Achary, rolled the ball into the circle and sent the ball flying, with the same result as Achary as the ball blasted right of goal. 

The regional final moved to sudden death, Achary bravely went first and opted to change up her strategy, running play to the left as she drew Cremer off her line. With time dwindling fast, Achary now alongside the baseline, snuck the ball past Cremer. With centimeters to go before the ball crossed over the goal line, the dreaded 8 second whistle blew ending Kingsway glimmer of the all-important goal. 

Captain courageous was first to go for her team, savvy to Mpila’s enthusiasm a calm Pretorius rounded the keepers advances and continued running the ball firmly into the back of Kingsway box, clinching the game and the final in spectacular fashion. 

At the conclusion of the round robin games, both Kuswag and Kingsway were neck and neck, ending level on 14 points each. In their five games, both teams drew two and won three, with their round robin game concluding in a nil nil draw. Kuswag took pole position having scored eight goals to Kingsway’s seven in their five games. 

Two umpires were acknowledged for their hard work with the whistle, Chris Clark from Kingsway earned the title of Umpire of the Day award while New Forest High Schools Nonhlanhla Shezi was recognised as the Most Promising Umpire at the challenge.

Kuswag joins two other teams who have already secured their berth at the Grand Finals that will take place on the weekend of the 22 and 23 July at St Mary’s DSG. Danville Park Girls High School (Durban North Regional) and St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional) were the first two teams to earn their spot out of the ten regions in this challenge. 

All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools’ mobile app or website. 

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey)

Round Robin Results

1 Kuswag Hoërskool 14pts; 2 Kingsway High School 14pts; 3 Amanzimtoti High School 10pts; 4 New Forest High School 7pts; 5 Werda School 5pts; 6 Queensburgh Girls’ High School 0pts

Regional Final Result

Kuswag Hoërskool 0 (1) vs Kingsway High School 0 (0)

ENDS