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The 2026 Kay Motsepe Schools Football Championship National Finals kicked off at Giant Stadium on Sunday, with coaches Ernst Middendorp and Surprise Moriri urging young players to commit to their education as much as they do to football.
Now in its 22nd edition, the tournament is sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation in partnership with Sanlam, the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and the South African Football Association. The national finals bring together 36 school teams and more than 576 players across the Under-13 Girls, Under-13 Boys and Under-19 Boys divisions. Schools compete for prize funding to improve their educational and sporting facilities.
Education and Football Hand in Hand
Speaking at the opening day, former Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp, who currently serves as Director of Football at Gqeberha-based private school Urban Academy, said school tournaments offer young players opportunities not always available through professional clubs’ youth structures.
“Not all PSL teams have junior setups at these age groups, so the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship is essential in giving kids from all backgrounds a chance of making it to the professional ranks. Football and education do not fight each other; they support each other,” declared said Middendorp.
Middendorp also commended the tournament’s organizers:
“Well done to Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation for always coming on board and supporting these teams both academically and on the pitch. These tournaments build stronger communities, and some of these players will inevitably be working as professionals in the future.”
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns legend and youth coach Surprise Moriri shared similar sentiments, stressing that football must be leveraged to instil discipline and keep young people focused. He added that the tournament also gives players a chance to travel, meet their peers and build lasting memories.
“These tournaments give young people an opportunity to showcase their talent, interact, and create lifelong memories outside their comfort zones — especially those coming from rural areas,” Moriri stated.
“It’s not just about who wins, but about what memories you create. With many young boys facing social challenges today, keeping them focused on the field is crucial. Thanks to Sanlam, the Motsepe Foundation, and all stakeholders for giving these boys and girls a platform to grow into good human beings.”
Moriri added that coaches can use players’ love of football to encourage commitment in the classroom. “If players skip classes or neglect schoolwork, they are not allowed to train until they catch up,” he said.
Day 1 Action: Thrills, Goals, and Quarterfinal Spots
The tournament—spanning Under-13 Girls, Under-13 Boys, and Under-19 Boys—hit the ground running yesterday, delivering intense action as schools battled not only for national glory, but for life-changing prize funding to upgrade their schools’ educational and sporting facilities.
Day 1 U-19 Boys Group Stage Results:
Group A:
Navalsig High School (Free State) stamped their authority early with a 2–0 win over Khanyisa High School (Eastern Cape) and a dominant 5–0 victory against Thuto Boswa High (North West). Following a 0–0 draw between Khanyisa and Thuto Boswa, Navalsig High advanced to the quarterfinals.
Group B:
In a tightly contested group, Mogomotsi High School (Northern Cape) beat Kgahlanamorulana Secondary School (Limpopo) 3–1 before falling 1–0 to Murray High School (Western Cape). However, Kgahlanamorulana roared back with a stunning 4–0 victory over Murray High School to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
Group C:
Clapham High School (Gauteng) put on a goal-scoring clinic, hammering Edendale Technical High School (KZN) 6–0 and defeating Itshupeng High (School (NW) 8–2. Edendale Tech (KZN) then beat Itshupeng High (NW) 3-1 but Clapham High stormed through to the quarterfinals.
Group D:
Witbank High School (Mpumalanga) drew 1–1 with Khanya Lesedi Secondary School (GP) and 2–2 with Carlton Van Heerden Secondary School (NC). The decisive fixture between Khanya Lesedi and Carlton Van Heerden (leading 6–1) was temporarily abandoned due to poor visibility and will conclude on Day 2 – Monday.
Group E:
Middendorp’s Urban Academy (EC) secured hard-fought results, defeating Ikhandlela High School (KZN) 2–1 and Vusisizwe High School (WC) 3–1. As a result, Urban Academy sealed their quarterfinal berth. Ikhandlela High (KZN) hammered Vusisizwe High (WC) 5-0 to also book their place in the last eight.
Group F:
Defending champions St Marks Academy (MP) started strong with a 8–0 win over Phangasasa Secondary School (LP), before playing out an intense 1–1 draw against Ntsu High (School (FS). Both St Marks Academy and Ntsu High booked their spots in the quarterfinals.
Electrifying Day 2 Ahead at 2026 Kay Motsepe Schools National Championship
Day 2 will see the U-13 Boys and Girls take the fields across multiple pitches at Giant Stadium as the group stages kick off for the junior divisions alongside the U-19 knockout fixtures.
The Under-19 quarterfinals games will kick off today (Monday morning) September 28, starting with the remaining Group D clash between Khanya Lesedi (GP) and Carlton Van Heerden (NC) at 08:00 on Ground A to determine the final group standing.
The quarterfinal line-up sees Group A winners Navalsig High (FS) take on Ikhandlela High (KZN) at the Main Stadium, while Kgahlanamorulana Secondary (LP) lock horns with Ntsu High (FS) on Ground B, both kicking off at 08:00. Later at 10:00, powerhouse Clapham High (GP) will face the Winner of Group D at the Main Stadium, alongside a blockbuster clash on Ground B between Urban Academy (EC) and defending champions St Marks Academy (MP).
The stakes rise immediately after the last-eight fixtures, with the semi-finals scheduled for later the same day at 12:00 and 14:00 at the Main Stadium. The top two teams will then earn a rest day before battling for national ultimate glory in the grand final on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 12:00 at the Main Stadium.
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