The Road to Glory

The tournament will follow a high-stakes knockout format, beginning with regional rounds hosted at Curro schools across South Africa in April and May 2025. The top 16 teams will then advance to the national finals, scheduled to take place in August 2025 at HeronBridge College, Johannesburg.

Among the 64 participating teams, 19 Curro schools will compete in the first round. Several football powerhouse schools have already been invited, including Clapham High School, Durban High School, Westville Boys’ High School, Paul Roos Gymnasium, Grey College, and Krugersdorp High School.

Adding to the excitement, professional football scouts will closely monitor the matches, potentially offering young players a gateway to professional football.

Building a Football Legacy

Curro Holdings has been actively investing in football development. In 2023, the group partnered with the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools programme, an initiative that has grown from just two Curro schools to 18, providing elite coaching at primary school level.

“The Curro Halala Cup is not just about winning,” said Loubser. “It’s about building a football pipeline and legacy. It’s about creating opportunities, showcasing talent, and giving every player a shot at something even bigger. The lessons these young footballers learn – teamwork, resilience, and discipline – will serve them long after the final whistle blows.”

With the country’s best school teams competing, top-tier competition, and scouts looking for the next big star, the Curro Halala Cup is poised to revolutionise school football in South Africa.

The Meaning of ‘Halala’

The name of the tournament, ‘Halala,’ holds special significance in South African culture. In isiZulu, ‘halala’ can mean ‘welcome,’ while in isiXhosa, it is a celebratory term meaning ‘well done’ or ‘you are amazing.’ Curro embraces this meaning, welcoming schools from across the nation to come together and celebrate football excellence.

About Curro Holdings

Curro Holdings Limited is a JSE-listed independent education provider, offering high-quality education from early childhood development to Grade 12. Founded in 1998, the group has expanded to 189 schools, educating approximately 72,000 learners across Southern Africa.

By continuously developing, acquiring, and managing various models of independent schools, Curro is committed to making quality education accessible and equipping learners with the skills needed to become future leaders and responsible citizens.

The stage is set, the competition is fierce, and the future stars of South African football are ready to shine. Who will rise to the challenge and claim the inaugural Curro Halala Cup?

The journey to football greatness begins now. See you on the pitch!

#halala

Curro Halala Cup 2025: Showcasing South Africa’s Best Young Football Talents