BEDFORDVIEW, JOHANNESBURG – September 2026 — St Benedict’s College successfully hosted the second annual Ephraim Mohlakane U14 Basketball Tournament from 18 to 20 September 2026, bringing together young athletes from across Southern Africa for a weekend of outstanding basketball, sportsmanship and community spirit.
Following the success of the inaugural tournament in 2025, this year’s event expanded its reach, welcoming 19 schools from across South Africa and neighbouring countries. The tournament also introduced U18 fixtures, providing senior players with valuable match experience while strengthening the school’s broader basketball community and creating opportunities for younger athletes to be inspired by the game.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Andrew Barnes, Head of Sport at St Benedict’s College, said:
“This tournament is more than just a sports event; it is a celebration of youth, community, and the enduring values that Ephraim Mohlakane stood for.”
Tournament Highlights and Results
The tournament produced a weekend of competitive and entertaining basketball, culminating in closely contested final fixtures.
- 2026 Champions: St John’s College claimed the tournament title with a thrilling 47–41 victory over Hilton College in the final.
- Third Place: Host school St Benedict’s College secured third place following a narrow 37–34 victory over King Edward VII School.
Celebrating St Benedict’s Basketball
The tournament formed part of an exciting period for basketball at St Benedict’s College. We were particularly proud to see the St Benedict’s First Team compete at the Kearsney Basketball Tournament, where they emerged as champions following a highly competitive tournament.
Their success reflects the commitment, discipline and determination of our players and coaching staff, and provides an encouraging example for the younger athletes competing in the Ephraim Mohlakane Tournament. Together, these achievements highlight the strength and continued growth of basketball at St Benedict’s.
19 Schools, One Basketball Community
St Benedict’s was proud to welcome 19 participating schools from across Southern Africa:
CBC Boksburg, ESCA, Fairways Primary School, Falcon College (Zimbabwe), Hilton College, Jeppe High School for Boys, Kearsney College, King Edward VII School, Marist Brothers Linmeyer, Maritzburg College, Meridian Karino, Parktown Boys’ High School, Saheti School, St Benedict’s College, St Dunstan’s College, St John’s College, St Peter’s College, The King’s School Linbro Park, and Westville Boys’ High School.
The diversity of participating schools contributed to the tournament’s unique atmosphere, bringing together players, coaches and supporters from different communities through a shared passion for basketball.
Honouring the Legacy of Ephraim Mohlakane
The tournament honours the memory of Mr Ephraim Mohlakane, a much-loved former sports coach at St Benedict’s College and a passionate advocate for sport for people with disabilities.
His legacy reflects the belief that sport can play an important role in the holistic development of young people, nurturing not only physical ability and sporting excellence, but also character, confidence, resilience, leadership, teamwork and a sense of responsibility towards others.
Through the Ephraim Mohlakane Basketball Tournament, these values continue to be placed at the heart of the sporting experience. The event provides young athletes with an opportunity to compete at a high level while developing the personal qualities that extend beyond the basketball court and contribute to their growth as well-rounded individuals.
In this way, the tournament is a fitting tribute to Ephraim’s enduring contribution to sport and to the lives of young people.
Acknowledging Our Sponsors and Supporters
The continued growth and success of the Ephraim Mohlakane Basketball Tournament would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors.
St Benedict’s College gratefully acknowledges headline sponsor Data Consumer Bureau (DCB), together with supporting sponsors Sorbet, Aquellé, Wilson, and City Lodge Hotels for their valued contribution to the event.
The College also extends its sincere appreciation to all the participating schools, players, coaches, referees and travelling families who contributed to the spirit and success of the tournament.
Special thanks go to the St Benedict’s basketball coaching staff, groundstaff, executive leadership, and the St Benedict’s Basketball Parent Support Group, whose commitment and behind-the-scenes efforts helped make the weekend possible.
As the Ephraim Mohlakane Basketball Tournament continues to grow, St Benedict’s College looks forward to building on its success and creating further opportunities for young athletes to compete, connect and grow through the game of basketball.
