Curro Rising Stars selected for 2026 Podium Grand Finale
19 January 2026Athletes from across the Curro network have been selected for the Rising Stars team, earning the opportunity to compete at the 2026 Curro Podium Grand Finale. The group brings together learners from multiple schools, age groups and disciplines, following strong performances across the athletics season.
The selected athletes will represent their schools in a wide range of track and field events, including sprints, middle-distance races, hurdles, jumps and throws.
Learners selected across schools and events
The Rising Stars team includes learners from Curro schools nationwide, as well as partner schools, with representation across Under 15, Under 17 and Under 19 age groups. Events range from the 100m and 200m to 3 000m races, as well as high jump, long jump, shot put, discus and hurdles.
Each learner was selected based on performance, consistency and event-specific ability during the season.
Leadership roles confirmed
Team leadership has also been confirmed for the 2026 Grand Finale.
Captains
- Zachary Losper (Meridian Pinehurst)
- Sarah Reed (Curro Hillcrest)
Vice-captains
- Karabo Sephiri (Curro Hazeldean)
- Michaela Spocter (Meridian Pinehurst)
These learners will play a key role in supporting team cohesion and standards during the event.
Team management in place
The Rising Stars team will be supported by an experienced management group:
- Mieke Vermeulen (Curro Durbanville) – Girls’ manager
- Ian Permall (Meridian Pinehurst) – Boys’ manager
- Sebata Masehle (Curro Thatchfield) – Team manager
Message from Curro Sport
Cindy van der Merwe, Curro Sport Portfolio Manager, said:
‘Congratulations on being selected for the Rising Stars team to participate at the 2026 Curro Podium Grand Finale. Your dedication, commitment, and Curro spirit have distinguished you, and we eagerly anticipate the enthusiasm, excellence, and sportsmanship you will bring to the team.’
The Rising Stars team will now prepare for the Grand Finale, where learners will compete alongside peers from across the Curro group on a national stage.
Rising Stars team
- Darlene Shiricenda (U15) – Long jump, 200m
- Ehrim Chibunna (U17) – 100m, 200m
- Joshua Brandt (U17) – Long jump, 100m
- Caiden Klink (U17) – 100m, 200m
- Akhona Mangwe (U15) – Shot put, discus
- Katlego Ratau (U17) – 3 000m, 1 500m
- Indiphile Mnyeki (U17) – 1 500m, 3 000m
- Theto Kekana (U17) – 1 500m, 3 000m
- Cade Louw (U17) – 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles
- Boitumelo Morudu (U17) – 800m, 400m
- Kamogelo Manganye (U17) – 1 500m, 3 000m
- Nelissa Mukadi (U17) – 100m, 100m hurdles
- Karabo Sephiri (U17) – High jump, 110m hurdles
- Oratilwe Kganyago (U17) – 3 000m, 1 500m
- Kaylin Schroder (U15) – 3 000m, 1 500m
- Princess Nwonkwo (U17) – Shot put, discus
- Alex Patterson (U19) – Shot put, discus
- Sarah Reed (U19) – 100m, 200m
- Thando Twala (U19) – 100m, long jump
- Ryan Kuhne (U17) – Shot put, discus
- Zion Chiwesehe (U17) – High jump
- Tristian Meyer (U15) – 1 500m, 3 000m
- Anke Boshoff (U17) – Javelin, shot put
- Bongeka Ntwina (U15) – Shot put
- Ryanat Moshood (U15) – 90m hurdles, 300m hurdles
- Mia Janse van Rensburg (U15) – High jump, long jump
- Siayanda Xaba (U17) – 100m, 200m
- Debora Muteba (U15) – Shot put, discus
- Theto Mahlare (U17) – 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles
- Tanaka Bokosi (U15) – 100m, long jump
- Lifa Rufaro (U19) – 3 000m
- Katiana Wiese (U17) – 3 000m
- Hayward Luke (U15) – 800m
- Lwandile Mthombeni (U15) – 100m, 200m
- Jenna Smith (U19) – Shot put
- Michaela Spocter (U17) – High jump
- Zachary Losper (U17) – Shot put, discus
- Letlotlo Monama (U17) – 1 500m, 3 000m
- Junior Lekalakala (U17) – 100m, 200m