Second Curro Halala Cup to also feature u19 girls’ competition
The Curro Halala Cup, which debuted as a boys’ competition in 2025, will include a girls’ u19 division in 2026.
The first Curro Cup was won by Northern Academy, who beat Norkem Park High in a penalty shootout, after regulation time in the final finished goalless.
In its first edition, the competition drew 64 u19 teams from public and private schools, who competed in nine provinces, from April, for a place at the national final at HeronBridge College in August.
In an exclusive interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, conducted shortly after the crowning of the Curro Halala Cup champions, Curro CEO Cobus Loubser spoke about the intention to expand the tournament in the near future, potentially accommodating as many as 120 teams for the boys’ competition. However, he noted, discussions regarding the expansion would occur at a later date.
Instead, before the implementation of that plan, Curro opted to further enhance the Curro Halala Cup by creating an event for girls.
Marlee Faro, the Project Manager for Public Relations at Curro, told SuperSport Schools Plus that Curro is delighted to announce that the 2026 Curro Halala Cup will feature an invitational u19 girls’ division.
A national showcase
With its size and scope, the Curro Halala Cup provides a national competition that showcases talent from all over South Africa.
Although the competition was initiated by Curro, the tournament is accessible to top-performing schools from across the country.
A commitment to creating equal opportunities
Cindy van der Merwe, the Portfolio Manager for Curro Sport, explained the significance of the expansion to include a girls’ component.
“In just its second year, the Halala Cup has already established itself as the top school football event in the country,” she reckoned. “The introduction of the u19 girls’ division represents our commitment to creating equal opportunities in competitive sport and showcasing female football talent at the highest level.
“Providing young women with access to leading, structured football competition builds confidence, leadership, and resilience,” she added.
“This is about creating a national platform where female footballers can compete, be recognised, and reach their full potential.”
The highest calibre of competition
The inaugural girls’ tournament will feature 16 of South Africa’s top school teams, selected by invitation, to ensure the highest calibre of competition.
Teams will compete in a round-robin format before advancing to the playoffs at the grand finale weekend.
“This isn’t simply about participation. It’s about excellence,” Van der Merwe emphasised.
“We’re bringing together the country’s best young female footballers to compete on a national stage, providing them with the recognition and opportunities their talent deserves.”
Tournament Details
Date: 14-16 August 2026
Venue: HeronBridge College (Johannesburg)
Format: Round-robin group stages followed by knockout playoffs
Teams: 16 elite invited schools from across South Africa.
Boys’ tournament returns with proven format
The boys’ division will maintain the competitive structure that made 2025 successful, and the grand finale will include 16 qualifying teams from regional tournaments.
The top four finishers from the 2025 competition – Nothern Academy, Norkem Park High, Grey College, and Navalsig High – will, also, automatically qualify for the grand finale.
In addition, four Curro schools will be handed wild-card entries. The names of those teams will be announced in January 2026.
Van der Merwe noted the qualities and characteristics needed for teams to succeed in the competition. “Football at this level demands more than technical skill,” she said.
“These young athletes learn to perform under pressure, work cohesively as teams, and demonstrate the character that creates future leaders, both on and off the field.”
Boys’ tournament timeline
Regional qualifiers: 17-19 April 2026 (Various host schools to be confirmed)
Round-robin and playoffs: 23 May 2026
Grand Finale: HeronBridge College
Reflecting on the second year of the Curro Halala Cup, Van der Merwe stated: “Year two is about elevating standards and expanding opportunities.
“The addition of the u19 girls’ division isn’t just growth, it’s a statement about the quality and future of female football in South Africa.
“These young women deserve to compete at an elite level, and the Halala Cup provides exactly that platform.”
The Curro Halala Cup also serves as a key showcase for young talent, presenting scouts with good opportunities to view players’ abilities against other top players.
One of the most outstanding performers in the inaugural competition was Tiago Kahn, a student at Curro Wilgeheuwel, who led both Curro Wilgeheuwel and Panorama FC.
His accomplishments at both the school and club levels, earned him a nomination for the Defender of the Year Award by SuperSport Schools, and he was included in the SuperSport Schools Class of 2025.
