Kimberley is preparing to welcome some of the country’s most talented young sports stars when it hosts the 2025 Absa Wildeklawer sports tournament.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Kimberley is gearing up to host some of South Africa’s most talented young athletes at the 2025 Absa Wildeklawer Sports Tournament – one of the country’s premier school sports events.
The action kicks off on April 23, with junior fixtures hosted at Newton Primary School, running until April 26. The tournament then resumes from May 1 to 4, when high school teams take to the field for rugby and netball at Diamantveld High School and Kimberley Boys’ High School, while hockey matches will be played at Northern Cape High School and Hoërskool Diamantveld.
Widely regarded as a showcase of South Africa’s top school sports talent, the Absa Wildeklawer tournament will feature more than 2,000 learners from elite schools across the country, supported by nearly 500 staff members, along with parents, supporters, and scouts.
This year’s line-up includes 20 top rugby schools, 18 netball schools, and 12 hockey schools — among them renowned names such as Grey College, Paarl Gimnasium, Paul Roos Gymnasium, and Affies. The participation of Girls’ High Bloemfontein and Paarl Girls’ High adds strength and prestige to the netball and hockey divisions.
All matches will be livestreamed and broadcast via the SuperSport Schools platform, ensuring nationwide access to the action.
Benny's Sports Academy is seen playing against Grey College in last year's tournament.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Economic and Community Impact
Beyond the action on the playing fields, the Absa Wildeklawer tournament is expected to deliver a significant economic and social boost to Kimberley. With thousands of visitors set to descend on the city, local businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors are gearing up for a surge in activity.
Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and retail outlets are bracing for full bookings and bustling trade throughout the long weekend.
“This tournament brings a welcome injection into our local economy, while also putting Kimberley on the map as a destination capable of hosting national sporting events of this magnitude,” said a local business owner.
Developing Future Stars
Absa Wildeklawer is more than a platform for sporting excellence as it also provides an opportunity to shape the future of South African sport. Many of the participants have in the past gone on to achieve national and even international success.
According to tournament organisers, the event is an important stepping stone for aspiring young athletes, providing them with a high-level competitive environment and national exposure.
"The importance of this tournament lies in the fact that it brings together South Africa’s best school teams, offering them the chance to compete at the highest level. This is where future Springboks, Proteas, and national netball players are forged,” said an organiser.
Diamantveld High School played against Marlow Landbou in last year's tournament.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Supporting Education Through Sport
The tournament is supported by long-standing title sponsor Absa, alongside other partners like Carfind.co.za, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and the Northern Cape Department of Education. The collaboration between public and private sectors ensures the continued success and growth of the event.
In line with Wildeklawer's vision, the tournament also emphasises character-building, discipline, and the importance of balancing sport with academics.
The organisers remain committed to upholding the values that define South African school sport – teamwork, respect, and excellence.
Looking Ahead
With the countdown running and the May 1 start looming, excitement is mounting among schools, athletes, and the Kimberley community. With fierce competition expected across all sporting codes, spectators are in for a thrilling showcase of school sport at its best.
For Kimberley, this tournament goes beyond what happens on the field of play – it's aimed at fostering and boosting community pride, youth development, and the enduring spirit of South African sport.
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