The inaugural Gauteng Schools Football Champions League has crowned its first champions, with Jabulile Secondary School securing the title in the girls’ division and Clapham High School emerging victorious in the boys’ competition.
The culmination of five rounds of intense matches, played on a bi-weekly basis since July, marked the conclusion of the league at the prestigious Kagiso Sports Complex in Krugersdorp on Tuesday, 30 September.
Both champion teams, Jabulile Secondary School from Orange Farm and Clapham High School representing Tshwane showcased exceptional performance throughout the competition. They maintained their dominant position from the very start until the end, earning them the coveted first-place gold status as well as the grand prize of R100,000, with R50,000 being awarded to each school.
In the girls’ competition, Jabulile Secondary School reigned supreme with an impressive 19 points, solidifying their dominance. Kwadedangendlale Secondary School from Zola, Soweto, secured second place with 16 points, closely followed by Curro Academy in Soshanguve, rounding out the top three with 15 points.
In the boys’ category, Clapham High School, renowned for producing elite young football talent, secured victory with a total of 17 points. Bhukulani Senior Secondary School from Zondi, Soweto, claimed the runners-up position with 14 points, while the SAFA Sport School of Excellence in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, and Rosina Sedibane School of Specialization in Laudium, Tshwane, tied for third place with 13 points each.
Individual excellence was also recognized, Jabulile’s Nobuhle Moyo received the accolade of female goalkeeper of the tournament, Clapham’s Kgaogelo Monyane earned the title of male player of the tournament. Neo Mafisa from Curro Academy was celebrated as both the female player of the tournament and the top female goal scorer.
This groundbreaking league format for school sports in the country featured 16 teams, comprising eight male and eight female teams, representing the best-performing schools in football from the School Sports Wednesday league program in Gauteng.
Implemented by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation in collaboration with the Department of Education and with the support of SAFA Gauteng, this program has not only showcased the remarkable talent of Gauteng’s young athletes but has also played a pivotal role in advancing and exposing top developing talent from schools across the province.
The success of the Gauteng Schools Football Champions League marks a significant milestone in school sports, promising a bright future for young athletes and further cementing the province’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent.
