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Curro Halala Cup finals: South Africa’s young footballers set for national stage

17 July 2025

From thousands of passes to the final 16, the Curro Halala Cup has reached its most exciting chapter. Across eight provinces, young footballers have competed with skill and determination. Now, the top teams are preparing to play for national glory and the R100 000 grand prize at HeronBridge College in Gauteng.

Have a look at which schools made it to the finals and buy your tickets here.

 

 

A national platform for youth football

The opening rounds of the Curro Halala Cup brought together hundreds of young players on fields across eight provinces. From the first whistle to the final goal, the event highlighted the role football plays in building resilience, confidence and connection among learners across South Africa.

‘We created the Halala Cup to give our young footballers a stage, not just to play, but to believe,’ says Cindy van der Merwe, Portfolio Manager, Curro Sport. ‘Each goal, handshake, and Halala chant is part of a bigger message: their futures are worth investing in. The tournament is an opportunity for young players to be seen, develop, and dream.’

 

 

Final 16 teams confirmed

What began with 60 school teams has reached its final stage. The top 16 schools will face off in a round-robin format to determine who advances to the Cup and Plate play-offs.

 

Western Cape

Free State

  • Grey College
  • Navalsig High School

Limpopo

KwaZulu-Natal

  • Hillcrest High School
  • Glenwood High School

Mpumalanga

  • Stintile Secondary
  • Barberton High School

Gauteng

  • Curro Soshanguve
  • Clapham High School
  • Mondeor High School
  • Norkem Park High School

Eastern Cape

  • Brylin High School
  • Westering High School

 

Format and schedule

The 16 schools will be divided into four pools of four. Each team will play three round-robin matches. The top two in each pool will move to the Cup quarterfinals, while the remaining two will compete in the Plate play-offs. Matches will run from 7 to 10 August at HeronBridge College.

 

 

More than a match

‘What we saw in the schools’ responses was extraordinary,’ says Cindy. ‘Every school accepted the invitation to play each other on the field. These matches are more than just games. Seeing learners from across the country come together and support one another is what the Halala Cup is about.’

 

Prizes and honours

In addition to the R100 000 prize and national title, awards include:

  • Golden Glove (best goalkeeper)
  • Golden Boot (top scorer)
  • Player of the Tournament
  • Team Spirit Award (recognising sportsmanship)

‘We are so proud of the 16 schools that made it through,’ concludes Cindy. ‘They will bring together everything great about youth sport in South Africa, the talent, the heart, and the hope.’