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Soccer Tournaments Grow. Kearsney soccer tournament kicks off with record growth and spirited talent. Photo: Pinetown Boys’ High were the winners of the senior boys divition at the 2024 Kearsney Soccer Tournament.
Next month, the picturesque hills of Botha’s Hill will echo with the sound of soccer boots and school chants as nearly 600 young footballers descend on Kearsney College for the third annual Kearsney Soccer Tournament, running from 17 to 19 July.
What began as a modest competition has rapidly grown into one of the country’s premier youth football showcases. This year’s event will feature 36 teams representing boys’ and girls’ high schools and primary schools from across South Africa and even Botswana.
In just two years, the tournament has expanded to include:
- 16 boys’ high school teams
- 8 girls’ high school teams
- 12 primary school teams
The tournament promises three action-packed days of spirited play and camaraderie during the school holidays. Defending champions—Pinetown Boys’ High, St Mary’s DSG, and Merchiston Prep—will return to defend their titles.
Who’s Taking the Pitch?
From KZN, well-known boys’ teams include Durban High School, Glenwood High, Clifton College, Ashton Ballito, and Kearsney College, the proud hosts. Other high-powered entries are coming from Gauteng, Rustenburg, Gqeberha, and the Western Cape.
The girls’ division welcomes teams from St Mary’s DSG, Durban Girls’ High, Crawford La Lucia, and others, including Curro Hazeldean from Pretoria and Trinity House Randpark from Randburg.
The primary school bracket shines with local favorites like Highbury Prep, Westville Senior Primary, and Clifton Prep, joined by traveling teams from Pietermaritzburg—and even Broadhurst Primary from Gaborone, Botswana.
More Than Just Soccer
Kearsney headmaster Patrick Lees described the tournament as more than a competition. “It’s a celebration of sportsmanship, friendship, and opportunity,” he said. “These are the moments that shape not just athletes, but people.”
Following the success of Kearsney’s famous Easter Rugby Festival, the soccer tournament reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent and growing the beautiful game.
Read more school news here: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za/
Photo supplied
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