The recently concluded Ephraim Mohlakane u14 Basketball Tournament, hosted by St Benedict’s College from 19 to 21 September 2025, was a truly memorable occasion — not only for the thrilling matches and outstanding talent on display, but also because it was the very first U14 tournament held at our school.

The event took place on our newly built basketball courts, dedicated in memory of Mr Ephraim Mohlakane, whose passion for youth sport and unwavering commitment to our school community continue to inspire us all. The tournament was held against the backdrop of our meticulously kept grounds, which provided a superb setting for players and spectators alike. Hosting this event on the new courts was a fitting tribute to Mr Ephraim Mohlakane’s legacy and a proud milestone in our sporting journey.

This inaugural competition brought together boys from across Southern African boys’ schools, with 13 schools participating in a weekend filled with energy, teamwork, and exceptional sportsmanship. Schools participating included CBC Boksburg, Falcon College, King Edward VII, Marist Brothers, Michael Mount, Redhill, Saheti, St Benedict’s College, St John’s College, St Peter’s College, The Kings School and Westville Boys. The atmosphere was electric as teams faced off in a series of closely contested matches, each one showcasing the remarkable talent and determination of the players.

After an exciting run of games and a thrilling final, Maritzburg College finished as runners-up, while Saheti were crowned the overall champions of the tournament. Their victory was met with well-deserved applause and warm congratulations from players, coaches, and supporters alike — a true celebration of sportsmanship and unity.

Beyond the competition itself, the tournament embodied the spirit of community, respect, and perseverance that lies at the heart of school sport. It also marked the beginning of what promises to be a proud annual tradition, strengthening ties among South African boys’ schools and honouring Mr Ephraim Mohlakane’s lasting influence.

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions helped make the tournament a success. Their partnership ensured that every participant enjoyed a rewarding and memorable experience both on and off the court.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

  • Intrecor (Our Headline sponsor)
  • Miway
  • Eastgate
  • Energade

A special mention must go to Eastgate, who treated our boys to delicious ice creams during the first day of the tournament — a much-appreciated and refreshing surprise that brought smiles all round!

Your commitment to supporting youth development and community sport is deeply appreciated.

We also wish to thank our Head of Sport, Andrew Barnes, and our Head of Basketball, Miguel Pereira, along with his dedicated team, for their outstanding organisation, leadership, and commitment. Their tireless efforts in planning and managing the tournament ensured its smooth running and contributed greatly to its success.

We also thank our parents whose dedication towards making the event a success is made up of many days of preparation.

Our thanks go to our grounds staff, whose hard work and attention to detail keep our facilities in pristine condition year-round — creating the perfect environment for events of this calibre.

Lastly, we thank our athletes who participated with such vigour and sportsmanship. The future of Basketball in South Africa is very promising.

We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming even more schools to our courts in the years ahead — continuing to honour Mr Ephraim Mohlakane’s legacy through basketball, friendship, and community spirit.