Curro Secunda learners compete in Abu Dhabi
07 January 2026Curro Secunda learners compete in Abu Dhabi
International netball placed Nonhle Nzimande and Mamello Motsoele on a global stage in December, with the two Grade 9 players competing at the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival 2025. Their selection positioned them among school athletes from around the world who took to the courts during one of the largest youth sporting events of its kind.
The pair represented Curro Secunda at the festival, which ran from 14 to 20 December at the Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub, where netball featured alongside rugby and cricket.
Selected through international scouting
Nonhle and Mamello earned their place after being identified during the Amajuba tour earlier in the year. The tour was hosted by Blue Runnings Sport International, an organisation that scouts and supports young netball players through elite development tours and international exposure.
Their performances during the tour drew the attention of international selectors, leading to their invitation to compete in Abu Dhabi against peers from other countries.
Competing at the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival
The Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival brought together school teams from across the globe, giving young athletes the chance to compete in a high-performance environment and experience a range of playing styles. Netball fixtures formed a central part of the programme, with matches played over several days.
For Nonhle and Mamello, the festival offered early exposure to international competition during an important stage of their sporting journeys.
School support behind the learners
Announcing their selection ahead of the event, the school said: ‘We are thrilled to announce that Nonhle Nzimande and Mamello Motsoele, both in Grade 9, are on their way to represent Curro Secunda at the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival 2025 for Netball this weekend!’
Their participation marked a significant moment for both learners as they represented their school and country on an international stage, supported by their school community throughout the experience.