SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban South Regional - 3 Schools Trust - Saturday 7 March 2026

The most decorated team in the Durban South Regional reclaimed the title when hosts Amanzimtoti High School hoisted the trophy for the seventh time in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday, 7 March, at 3 Schools Trust.

This is the first time in over a decade that Amanzimtoti High School and Kingsway High School have met in the regional finals, with Kingsway stepping onto the field as the defending champions. In recent years, Kingsway have featured four times in the main game, while Toti have only made it to the final round twice — both times emerging victorious.

Drawn in the same pool, the two teams met in the first fixture of the day and ultimately closed out the challenge with both results going in favour of the hosts. The match ended with the scoreline at 0–0.

With only 76 seconds on the clock, Toti fired off their first shot but, in haste, the attempt was fumbled and Kingsway’s goalkeeper, Nosipho Mhlongo, easily redirected the shot. A minute later, Toti earned their first of two short corners, but neither set piece had any impact on the scoreline.

Kingsway gained confidence and began to turn possession around, carrying the ball into the Toti circle several times but were unable to penetrate the defence of agile goalkeeper Revthi Singh.

Nearing full time, Toti had a glimmer of hope when they advanced into Kingsway’s circle. An umpire allowed advantage after the attacker accidentally nudged the ball with her foot, giving her an opportunity to shoot. However, Mhlongo quickly reacted, booting the ball out of danger. The final whistle sounded with the score still level at nil-all.

With the regional final heading to a penalty shootout to determine the winner, Toti stepped up first. Shayla Schwarz confidently ran the ball toward the right-hand post and, nearing the goal, tapped the ball under Mhlongo who was closing in.

Kingsway’s Diyaru Pillay attempted to equalise but could not get past Singh, who calmly watched the challenge and reacted swiftly to clear the ball.

With momentum on their side, Toti’s Zibusio Mkhize charged forward and wasted no time, rocketing her attempt into the box. Under mounting pressure, Sisipho Mathenjwa stepped up for Kingsway’s do-or-die penalty and made a direct run toward Singh. Sensing victory, Singh dashed out to confront Mathenjwa, cutting off all angles. The nimble goalkeeper halted the attempt, securing a sensational win for her team.

This was the second time Kingsway’s outcome was decided by a penalty shootout. In the second semifinal they faced their neighbours and long-time rivals, Kuswag School. At the final whistle the scoreline remained level with no goals scored, similar to last year’s final where Kingsway walked away winners in a dramatic upset. This year, however, the shootout ended 2–1 in favour of the defending champions.

In the other semifinal, Amanzimtoti defeated New Forest High School 2–0.

In the third-place playoff, Kuswag faced the hard-working New Forest High School. This was the second time New Forest had emerged as a surprise contender, having finished second in 2019. Earlier in the day, New Forest had held Kuswag to a 1–1 draw. However, in the playoff match the determined Kuswag side managed to find the back of the net to take a 1–0 lead.

Kuswag continued to pressure the New Forest defence with several well-crafted attacks, eventually doubling their lead and claiming third place with a 2–0 victory.

Off the field, Kingsway High School Grade 12 learner Bayanda Sangweni had an impressive day officiating in his first SPAR Challenge appearance as a referee. Umpiring matches that included neighbours Kuswag, the matric pupil earned recognition as Umpire of the Day.

Durban Academy High School’s Vuyokazi Titus, a Grade 9 learner, won a new Princess hockey stick during the event. After receiving her prize, she traded in her old stick and played the remainder of her games with the new equipment.

The challenge now heads inland for a back-to-back weekend of fixtures in Pietermaritzburg. Epworth School will host teams for the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional on Saturday, while St Anne’s Diocesan College will welcome competitors for the Pietermaritzburg North Regional on Sunday.

Results

First place playoff Kingsway High School 0 (0) vs Amanzimtoti High School 0 (2)

Third place playoff Kuswag School 2 vs New Forest High School 0

Final Positions

1. Amanzimtoti High School
2. Kingsway High School
3. Kuswag School
4. New Forest High School
5. Werda Skool
6. Queensburgh High School
7. Port Natal School
8. Durban Academy High School