Jeremiah Mdaka and Kroomdraai Primary go head-to-head in a fierce battle for glory during the 2026 School Winter Games.
Image: Stock Photos
The fields of Witbank High School came alive with energy and excitement as the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR) Nkangala Region successfully hosted the 2026 School Winter Games, uniting young athletes from across eMalahleni in a thrilling showcase of school sport talent.
Learners from Jeremiah Mdaka Primary School, Maloma Primary School, Kroomdraai Primary School, Greendale Combined School, Denver Primary School, Sibukosethu Primary School, Merlin Park Primary School and hosts Witbank High School battled it out in rugby, soccer and netball fixtures across the boys’ and girls’ under-15 divisions.
From the opening whistle to the final match, the tournament delivered a feast of fast-paced action, fierce competition and moments of brilliance as young players displayed determination, teamwork and skill in pursuit of victory and district selection.
One of the standout fixtures of the day saw Jeremiah Mdaka Under-15 boys defeat Kroomdraai Primary 4-2 in an entertaining soccer clash. Despite ending on the losing side, Kroomdraai’s Lwazi Nkosi was named Man of the Match for his impressive technical ability, accurate passing, excellent spacing and composure on the ball throughout the game.
The match produced end-to-end football, dazzling attacking play and relentless intensity, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Jeremiah Mdaka coach Bongani Nkabinde applauded his team’s fighting spirit after the victory but stressed that there is still room for growth.
“We are excited about the win against Kroomdraai Primary, but there is still room for improvement from the boys. I believe they will get better with each game,” he said.
Young footballer Thato Nkosi could not hide his excitement after helping his side secure the win.
“I was happy that we won, and I really enjoyed the game. I saw the effort from my teammates, and I was impressed with how well we played together as a team,” he said.
The girls’ soccer division produced plenty of excitement as Kroomdraai Primary School and Merlin Park Primary School went head-to-head in a spirited showdown packed with energy, determination and attacking football.
Kroomdraai proved too strong on the day, powering their way to an impressive 3-1 victory after a fast-paced encounter that kept supporters cheering from the sidelines. Both teams showed great fighting spirit, but Kroomdraai’s sharp finishing and organised play ultimately made the difference as they sealed a memorable win.
Beyond the competition, the Winter Games once again highlighted the vital role school sport plays in youth development and talent identification within local communities.
Nqcobile Ngobani, a teacher from Maloma Primary School, applauded the DCSR for creating opportunities for aspiring young athletes, saying the initiative gives talented youngsters a valuable platform to showcase their abilities and pursue their sporting dreams.
“These games are very important because they help identify soccer talent in children. Some children may not perform well academically but excel in sports, so these programmes create opportunities for talented youngsters,” she said.
Ngobani also noted that sport remains a powerful tool in steering young people away from social challenges such as crime, alcohol and drug abuse.
One parent who attended the games to support his son, called for stronger parental involvement at school sporting events, saying children thrive when they see their families cheering them on from the sidelines.
“It motivates children when parents come to watch them play, especially when it is something they are passionate about and good at,” he said.
The DCSR is using the tournament as a platform to identify and select local teams that will represent the municipality at district level during the regional tournament set to take place on 30 May, at Puma Staduim, eMalahleni.
The 2026 Winter Games once again highlighted the depth of young sporting talent in eMalahleni, while reinforcing the important role school sport continues to play in community development and youth empowerment.
