Founders excited as Stylish Cup marks four years

The tournament, which starts on Friday at 9 am and concludes Saturday, will feature eight schools competing in soccer and netball. Tournament organiser and uMgungundlovu FC (formerly Wartburg FC) team manager Mshini Nxele said the competition was established in 2024 by him and his brother, Khumba, to honour their late father, Zenzele “Stylish” Nxele — a respected footballer and passionate sports organiser in the rural community. “My brother and I started the tournament in 2024 to honour our late father,” said Nxele.

Our main aim is to keep young people away from the streets and the social ills they face by encouraging them to participate in sport. “Our father always wanted to see children involved in sport, so we wanted to continue that legacy. This year marks the fourth edition of the tournament and we are excited to have eight schools taking part.” Defending champions Gobindlovu High School will return to defend their netball title, while Langalakhe High School will be aiming to retain the soccer crown.

The participating schools are Langalakhe, Emzamweni, Gobindlovu, KwaMncane, Qoqisizwe, Imvunulo, Mconjwana and Mlungisi high schools. Nxele said the tournament has continued to grow in stature and is expected to attract talent scouts and football clubs from across KwaZulu-Natal. “In addition to the school teams and their coaches, we expect football clubs from around uMgungundlovu and other parts of the province to attend.