Young Mpumalanga stars head to national school winter games | Mpumalanga News

Young sportsmen and -women from across the province are set to fly the Mpumalanga flag high at the 2025 National School Sports Winter Games Championships in Durban, taking place from July 11 to 15. These talented youngsters will compete in soccer, netball and rugby.

Seven players from the Easthigh Ladies Academy U15 girls’ soccer team have been selected to participate in the nationals. They are Katlego Nape, Sinothile Mhlanga, Maria Leshaba, Nkosingimphile Mthombeni, Luthando Nkosi, Blessing Mnisi and Kamogelo Maroga.

According to the academy’s sports manager, Tom Selabela, the girls are eager to use this opportunity to showcase their talent and dedication on a national stage. “We want to see all our players in the Banyana Banyana squad, representing the country in African and global competitions,” said Selabela.

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Another school with strong representation at the championships is Witbank High School, which has the majority of its U15 boys’ soccer team preparing to make the trip to Durban. The school’s soccer coach, Rewano Swarts, said 10 of his players were selected for the national championships, alongside eight others from schools across the province.

Swarts said he is proud of the boys and hopes they will make the most of the opportunity to show off their skills in Durban. In rugby, eMalahleni-based coach Bongani Mntungwa has been appointed head coach of the Mpumalanga U15 rugby team for the prestigious tournament.

Mntungwa’s appointment reflects his dedication and passion for nurturing young rugby talent in the province, with the ultimate goal of seeing them represent the Springboks one day. During the championships, all teams will play three matches, with their results determining their final placings.

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Mpumalanga’s MEC for culture, sport and recreation, Leah Mabuza, congratulated all the players and coaches who will represent the province at the tournament.

“I am confident that the boys and girls who have been selected will fly the province’s flag high at the championships, as will the technical officials who will prepare our players for competition,” said Mabuza.