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By Johnathan Paoli
The 2025 National Winter School Sports Championship concluded in celebratory fashion on Monday, with KwaZulu-Natal schools delivering stellar performances across all three sporting codes — rugby, netball and soccer.
The event, hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal education department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Howard College Campus, saw participation from all nine provinces and brought together hundreds of talented young athletes for three days of intense competition, camaraderie and provincial pride.
The final day was especially memorable as KwaZulu-Natal’s netball team for learners with severe intellectual disabilities clinched a resounding victory over the Free State, igniting scenes of joy and celebration on the courts.
KZN education HOD Nkosinathi Ngcobo joined the jubilant players in celebration, praising their grit, spirit and perseverance.
“Today is a day of victory not just for KwaZulu-Natal, but for inclusive education and the power of sport to transform lives. Our learners have shown that with support and belief, anything is possible,” Ngcobo said.
“Our young athletes have represented this province with honour. They have embodied the values of teamwork, respect and excellence that define both sport and education,” Ngcobo said.
In football, KZN school teams delivered a strong showing, advancing to key knockout stages and impressing coaches with their tactical discipline and flair.
Although the ultimate championship glory in football eluded them this year, the province’s sides left a mark with their competitive spirit and determination.
A notable highlight of the championship was its emphasis on inclusive education, with adapted formats of netball, football and rugby for learners with special educational needs being fully integrated into the programme.
As the final whistles blew across the courts and fields on day 3, many participants, coaches and spectators were already looking ahead to the next instalment of the championships.
The event not only unearthed promising sporting talent, but also reinforced the importance of physical education and school sports as a pillar of holistic development.
“We are not only developing future athletes, but well-rounded citizens. Let us continue to invest in our learners’ physical, mental and emotional well-being through sport and structured activity,” Ngcobo said.
INSIDE EDUCATION