From Cape Town to world stage: Mfuleni school triumphs in national netball

Coach Frank Xaba is over the moon with the prospect of lifting the country’s flag at a global event after his school team’s victory in the 2025 under-15 Kay Motsepe Schools Netball tournament. 

If it were up to the pupils of Manzomthombo High School, they’d be packing their bags and leaving for Singapore tomorrow.  

Their dream of competing on the world stage is finally a reality after their impressive performance on home soil. 

The Mfuleni-based school proudly represented the Western Cape in the weekend-long tournament held in Rustenburg.

In a tightly contested final, they triumphed over Limpopo’s Majeje Secondary School with a 12-9 win.  

That victory sealed their spot in the upcoming International Youth Championships, set to take place in Singapore this November.  

Manzomthombo won’t be the only school flying the South African flag as Gauteng’s Helpmekaar Kollege will be joining them as fellow representatives. 

Xaba says the win has been a long time coming as the school has come agonisingly close to clinching the title for the past five years.

For him, this victory is more than just a trophy, but it’s a symbol of perseverance and proof that their hard work is paying off. 

“This win just shows that, despite the odds we face in terms of resources, our girls have the drive and talent to compete at the highest level,” said Xaba. 

“We have very limited opportunities for schools like ours. These girls aren’t getting enough chances where they can further their sporting careers through things like scouting. Hopefully, this gets to show everyone the talent we have here,” he said.

Xaba believes this platform could open doors for some of his players, potentially leading to university scholarships or opportunities to play netball at a higher level.  

“It would be a welcome opportunity to have some of our learners recognised by universities and hopefully play at a higher level because we definitely have talent,” he said. 

After several years of finishing in second or third place, Manzomthombo entered this year’s tournament with one clear goal, to win it all.  

That focus showed in their performances throughout the campaign, from winning their local league to dominating the provincial playoffs and finally lifting the Kay Motsepe trophy.

Now, their eyes are firmly set on Singapore. Xaba insists that their participation in the international tournament isn’t just about making up the numbers.  

“We’re not going there to just show up. Representing the country comes with weight, and we want to put on our best performance,” he said. 

The hope is that a strong showing overseas will help these young athletes push their netball careers even further and perhaps inspire the learners to take up the sport further after their school days.