Term 3 was a season in which sport did what it does best at Ukhanyo Primary School and Masiphumelele High School — it gave young people somewhere to belong, something to work towards, and a reason to keep showing up.
At Ukhanyo, the rhythm of the term was relentless in the best way. Soccer teams were out on the field several afternoons a week, travelling to schools across the Peninsula and holding their own against every kind of opposition. The girls’ U13 side set the tone early with festival victories at Sun Valley, and carried that confidence through wins over DISA, Reddam and others. For many of these girls, the chance to compete regularly — and to win — has changed how they see themselves.
Rugby produced some of the term’s proudest afternoons. The trip to Newlands to play Groote Schuur was an occasion in itself, and the clean sweep of results against Zwaanswyk showed just how far the programme has come across the age groups. Two U12 players were invited to trials at Durbanville High School — a reminder that pathways beyond Masiphumelele are opening up for these learners.
Netball remained the broadest participation code at Ukhanyo, with teams from U9 through U13 taking the court together at every fixture. The festival at Zwaanswyk and the fixtures against Kommetjie brought mixed results, but they brought something more valuable too: younger players watching older ones, and the whole school travelling as one. Meanwhile, the chess team quietly put together one of the term’s best records, going unbeaten against Timour Hall, Christel House, Sullivan and at the Paul Greyling festival — proof that sporting excellence wears many faces. Learners also tasted hockey for the first time at the Fish Hoek festival thanks to Kidz Africa’s development program at Ukhanyo PS, and a handful attended u13 WP cricket trials.
To top it all off, our annual South Penisula Future-Gen U9 Festival series was once again a massive success. The festival is aimed at achieving three outcomes; Grow sport at a grassroots level, encourage participation in sport for both boys and girls, and lastly, encourage social cohesion between players, coaches, parents and communities.
At Masi High, the netball teams were simply outstanding. Against Generations, the U14, U16 and U18 sides all won convincingly, and the U15 and U17 teams followed with emphatic away victories over Norman Henshilwood. Six fixtures, six wins — a run built on preparation and belief.
The soccer season offered its own story. The U15 and U19 teams both beat Steenberg 3–0, while the Diski 5-A-Side Tournament at False Bay College gave learners weekly competition against schools from across the south. Both entries went deep: Masi Academy reached the Championship final and Masi High contested the third-place play-off. And seven learners carried the school’s name to the Western Cape Top Schools Chess Tournament.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, at times fixtures were impacted by exam schedules or unforeseen circumstances. But the programs kept moving, and learners kept playing.
That is the real story of Term 3. Learners grew in confidence and discipline. Staff built a culture where taking part is expected and valued. Families and community members found something to gather around and be proud of.
Marvin Williams – MasiSports+ Managing Director says:
“To the coaches and educator coaches: thank you. You gave up afternoons, weekends and holidays. You arranged transport, managed squads, encouraged the nervous and calmed the disappointed. Every result belongs to you as much as to the learners.”
MasiSports+ is committed to continuing this work — creating access, strengthening partnerships between schools, and holding to the belief that sport is one of the most effective tools we have for youth development in Masiphumelele and beyond.
If you would like to support any of our programs in any way, we would love to hear from you.
Contact us at: connect@masiports.co.za