The Northern Academy under-19 winners of the Kay Motsepe School Championship 2024 with (front from left) Pitso Mosimane (founder of the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools program), Thabo Malatji (team captain), Hendrick Mukwevho (Northern Academy coach), and Curro CEO Cobus Loubser.
Image: Picture: Supplied
South African school football is set for a groundbreaking transformation with the launch of the Curro Halala Cup, an exciting Under-19 football tournament designed to showcase the best young talent in the country.
The competition, kicking off in April 2025, will bring together 64 of South Africa’s top school football teams – both public and private – in what promises to be a thrilling battle for national glory and a R100,000 grand prize.
The inspiration for this tournament emerged from Curro Northern Academy’s triumph at the 2024 Kay Motsepe Schools Championships, where they were crowned Under-19 national champions. Curro Holdings, a leader in independent education, saw an opportunity to take school football to new heights.
Curro Holdings CEO, Cobus Loubser, believes the tournament will provide a crucial stepping stone for young footballers aspiring to reach professional levels.
“We have the national champions within our portfolio of schools – why not create a tournament that gives more teams the chance to prove themselves on a national stage?” said Loubser. “With our successful Podium athletics events, we’ve shown how to host top-tier school competitions, and now we’re bringing that expertise and enthusiasm to football. It is time to elevate the game much more at the school level. And let’s be honest – who wouldn’t want to compete against the best?”
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.
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 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.
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!
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