Latest news with #RedhillSchool
Time Out
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Time Out
From Sandton to the world: Redhill netball team makes history on the world stage
Johannesburg is buzzing with pride after Redhill School' s U17 netball team made history by bringing home gold at the 2025 World School Netball Cup. The Sandton-based school is now officially the first South African school to ever take the top spot in the prestigious international tournament, and they did it with serious style. Held in Loughborough, England, the annual World School Netball Cup attracts the best young talent from across the globe. Redhill not only held their own but dominated the court, outplaying elite teams from Australia, England, New Zealand and beyond to claim the title. This isn't just a win, it's a watershed moment for school sport in South Africa. The Redhill team showed off not just athleticism, grit and technical brilliance, but the kind of teamwork and spirit that champions are made of. "It was surreal and emotional. Seeing our girls lift that trophy after going unbeaten in every match was something I'll never forget,' head coach Ashleigh Gray told TimesLive. 'This was our first time competing in the World School Games, and to walk away not only as participants but as champions, representing South Africa with pride, was a moment of magic,' she added. With netball's profile rising rapidly, especially in the wake of last year's Netball World Cup hosted on local soil, this win adds fuel to the fire. It's a moment of inspiration for the next generation of athletes, and a major reminder that South African teams can compete and win on any stage. This is just the beginning for many of these rising stars. For now, though, Joburg can take a collective victory lap, because Redhill just put us on the map in the most unforgettable way.
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ethan Makwembere wins gold and bronze at JKA Africa Championships
Ethan Makwembere (10) from Redhill School recently made his mark on the international stage by representing Gauteng at the prestigious JKA Karate Africa Championships, clinching gold, bronze and international colours. Held at Ellis Park Arena, Ethan's dedication and hard work paid off as he clinched a gold medal in kata and a bronze in kumite, marking a significant milestone in his young karate career. Ethan's journey began at the age of eight, and he credits his success to consistent training, supportive family, and inspiring mentors. Read more: Young karateka Cassidy Jones makes top 8 at SA JKA Gauteng Champs 'I trained a lot, trained and trained because my sensei, Dawie Grobbelaar, said if you keep on training, you get better. I also trained with my brother for like 10 to 15 minutes so I can improve my skills more quickly.' Despite facing nervousness and moments of self-doubt, Ethan relied on his faith and belief that 'the Lord is with me.' He recalls feeling scared during competitions but found strength in prayer and perseverance. 'I was so scared without my mom, but I trusted that the Lord was with me, so I kept praying and practising,' he said. Ethan explained the importance of being yourself and not copying others. 'Be yourself. Being recognised with international colours feels good because karate is not my best sport, I love soccer, but I wanted to prove myself in karate, and I did.' His confidence grew as he saw his efforts pay off, especially when he secured first place in Kata round and third in the Kumite round, where he lost a match but still achieved success overall. Ethan added that Grobbelaar has been a vital part of his journey, providing guidance, encouragement, and pushing him to excel. He expressed gratitude toward his family for their unwavering support, especially his mom, who drives him to practices and competitions. 'I'm very grateful for my mom, my dad, my brother, and everyone who supports me.' Ethan believes karate has taught him valuable lessons beyond physical skills. 'Karate teaches you discipline, confidence, and how to learn from mistakes. If your experiment doesn't work, you learn more, and if it does, you grow.' 'Next year, I want to go to Mauritius and compete against other countries and represent South Africa, and I believe that one day I will wear the black belt.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
eNCA
05-07-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
Redhill under-17 netball team writes their name into history
JOHANNESBURG - Redhill School's under-17 netball team are world champions. The Johannesburg school made history this week by becoming the first South African team to win the World Schools Netball Cup. The tournament, held in the UK, brought together 46 teams from 29 schools on four continents. After all was said and done it was the young girls from Redhill School who lifted the trophy having gone unbeaten throughout the tournament.
TimesLIVE
04-07-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Redhill School crowned world netball champions in UK tournament debut
Redhill School in Johannesburg has made history by becoming the first South African team to win the World Schools Netball Cup — and they did it on their first try. The U-17 team were unbeaten throughout the tournament, held in the UK, showcasing a structured and composed style of play that set them apart on the international stage. 'It was surreal and emotional. Seeing our girls lift that trophy after going unbeaten in every match was something I'll never forget,' said head coach Ashleigh Gray. 'This was our first time competing in the World School Games and to walk away not only as participants but as champions, representing South Africa with pride, was a moment of magic.' The team had only two months to prepare but managed to beat some of the world's best school teams. The event brought together 46 teams from 29 schools on four continents. The coach attributed their success to discipline, detailed systems and adapting quickly to international umpiring standards. 'Our style of play was different from what other teams were doing. The commentators repeatedly pointed out how structured and composed our game was,' said Gray.
