Triumph through tears: Manzomthombo Secondary School crowned Kay Motsepe champions

News24

a day ago

Manzomthombo Secondary overcame years of financial struggles and tragedy to claim the Kay Motsepe National Championship.
The victory secures its place at the International U-15 Netball Competition in Singapore this November.
The win marks the first championship title for the Mfuleni-based school after eight years of attempts.
For Manzomthombo Secondary School of Mfuleni township, Cape Town, victory in the 2025 Kay Motsepe National Schools Championship is more than just a sporting milestone. It is a triumph born of hardship, resilience and the unbreakable spirit of a community that has battled against financial struggles, a devastating accident and years of near misses.
On Saturday, 16 August, in Rustenburg in North West, the girls of Manzomthombo defeated Majeje Secondary School to claim the Ubuntu Pool crown, a section reserved for township and rural schools. The victory crowns them as national champions and secures their ticket to represent South African schools at the International U-15 Netball Competition in Singapore this November.
Frank Xaba, coach of Manzomthombo Secondary School, says they were involved in a car accident on their way to the tournament last year and couldn't compete. This year, they are crowned champions and will be heading to Singapore in November. @City_Press @MotsepeFoundt pic.twitter.com/npohlMId0e
— Vusuthando Dube (@DubeVusuthando) August 16, 2025
For the township of Emfuleni, long defined by poverty and limited opportunities, this achievement is a beacon of hope. Coach Frank Xaba, who has guided the team for the past eight years, spoke emotionally after the win.
Last year, we were coming here [to Rustenburg] from the Western Cape, and we had an accident in Welkom. The taxi overturned, and our players were seriously injured. They didn't make it that year. And now, this year, we are crowned champions and flying to Singapore. I mean, it can only be God.
Frank Xaba
The memory of that crash still lingers in the minds of the players and parents. For many, the victory serves as a healing moment, proof that the pain of yesterday can birth the joy of tomorrow.
The triumph did not come easily. Beyond the scars of the accident, money has always been a challenge for the school. Travelling from Emfuleni to Rustenburg required extraordinary sacrifice.
'Our principal had to ask parents to assist financially for the girls to compete. Many of these parents are not working. But they found a way,' Xaba added.
For pupils like Sizakele Liwani, a Grade 9 player who held the centre position, the victory feels deeply personal.
We really wanted this trophy. It was the topic in all the corridors of Manzomthombo. The coach has been driving us every day. I think listening to him helped us so much. Mfuleni is known as a small place, but we were very focused. Coming here, we faced so many challenges, we even had to pay from our own pockets.
Sizakele Liwani
The Kay Motsepe Championships are not just about sport. As Peter Ledwaba, head of sport, music and the arts at the Motsepe Foundation, explained: 'Our observation is that these schools come from provinces where government is part of the programme, but you will find that not all government support these children the same.'
The department of basic education echoed this sentiment, with Bongani Zondi, deputy director of sports and enrichment, emphasising the broader benefits of sport:
We have noticed that learners who participate in sport excel academically and also benefit from life skills. We urge principals and school governing bodies to open doors for these girls.
Bongani Zondi
The Kay Motsepe Schools Championship was divided into two final pools. In the Ubuntu division, reserved for township and rural schools, Manzomthombo Secondary triumphed over Majeje Secondary to secure the title.
Vusuthando Percyvil Dube / City Press
Meanwhile, in the Botho division, which featured more affluent schools, Loalane Secondary faced off against Madzuma Secondary in their final match. Manzomthombo and Loalane will head to the international stage.
For Emfuleni township, the victory is more than sport, it is a humanitarian story of resilience, sacrifice and community unity.
Xaba, who has been working with young women athletes since 2008, reflects on the broader meaning of this journey:
For me, it's not just about netball. It's about showing these girls that they can rise above the challenges of where they come from. Sport gives them purpose, dignity and a chance to dream.
Frank Xaba
As South Africa prepares to send Manzomthombo Secondary to Singapore this November, their story will travel with them: a story of heartbreak turned into triumph and a reminder that, even in hardship, the spirit of ubuntu can lead to victory.