South Africa’s Next Football Stars to Shine in the Curro Halala Cup
South Africa’s football future is set for an exciting boost with the launch of the Curro Halala Cup, a premier under-19 school football tournament aimed at showcasing young talent and igniting fierce competition. This inaugural event promises to be a game-changer for youth football in the country.
A Tournament Like No Other
Kicking off in April 2025, the Curro Halala Cup will bring together 64 of South Africa’s top school football teams, both public and private, to compete for national glory and a grand prize of R100,000. With professional scouts closely watching, this tournament could be the launching pad for the next generation of South African football stars.
The inspiration behind this prestigious event comes from Curro Northern Academy’s historic victory at the 2024 Kay Motsepe Schools Championships, where they emerged as under-19 national champions. Recognising the immense football potential within its schools, Curro Holdings is taking youth football to the next level.
“We have the national champions within our portfolio—why not create a tournament that gives more teams the chance to prove themselves on a national stage?” says Cobus Loubser, CEO of Curro Holdings. “We’ve successfully hosted Podium athletics events, and now we’re bringing that expertise to football. It’s time to elevate school-level competition. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to compete against the best?”
The Road to Glory
The Curro Halala Cup will feature an intense knockout structure, with teams battling through regional qualifiers held at Curro schools in April and May 2025. The top 16 teams will advance to the national finals, set to take place in August 2025 at HeronBridge College, Johannesburg.
Football powerhouses such as Clapham High School, Durban High School, Westville Boys’ High School, Paul Roos Gymnasium, Grey College, and Krugersdorp High School have already been invited, ensuring a highly competitive tournament.
A Legacy in the Making
Curro has long been committed to developing football talent. In 2023, the group partnered with the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools programme, bringing elite-level coaching to Curro primary schools. This initiative has grown exponentially, expanding from two schools to 18, laying the foundation for future football success.
“The Curro Halala Cup isn’t just about winning; it’s about creating a football pipeline and a lasting legacy,” says Loubser. “It’s about providing opportunities, highlighting talent, and shaping young players into future professionals. The lessons learned—teamwork, resilience, and discipline—will serve these players for life.”
With elite school teams, intense competition, and professional scouts in attendance, the Curro Halala Cup is poised to revolutionise school football in South Africa. The stage is set—who will rise to the challenge and claim the ultimate prize?
See you on the pitch!
The Meaning of ‘Halala’
In isiZulu, “Halala” means “welcome”, while in isiXhosa, it signifies “celebration”. Commonly used across South Africa, it conveys praise and admiration. In this tournament, Curro welcomes schools from across the country to celebrate football talent together.
Halala South Africa, Halala!
