A trio of talented young volleyball players, Blanche Matthews, Tuviah Manual and Lailah Cloete, have earned their Protea Colours at the Winter National School Sport Championships (NSSC).

The 2026 Winter NSSC was held in KuGompo City (East London), Eastern Cape, from Saturday 11 July to Monday 13 July.

The tournament is described as a premier youth sporting event in South Africa, bringing together top provincial school athletes to compete in codes such as volleyball, rugby, football and hockey.

It serves as a bedrock for talent identification and rural sports development.

Colours earned

The championships are organised jointly by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), alongside provincial departments.

The trio all hail from Heathfield High School, added school principal, Nadia Aanhuizen.

She is beaming with pride for their achievement.

“It speaks of character, diligence and sheer grit. For the school to have three national players, is a spectacular achievement – these players now have the responsibility and duty to plough back into the school and community. They will inspire other players to strive to achieve success and set high standards,” she said.

Aanhuizen also made special mention of middle-blocker Blanche’s meteoric rise in volleyball as she only started training last year.

Pride inspired

“Blanche’s achievement is phenomenal as she only started playing in January last year. This is inspirational to the school and success breeds success,” she said.

Tuviah currently plays for the Christel House South Africa (CHSA) men’s team in the Premier Division and represents both his club and Heathfield High School.

Originally a setter, he has developed into a versatile all-round player capable of contributing in multiple positions.

Fellow Zeekoevlei High School learner Laeeq Abrahams also received the award for best attacker.

Lailah, Laeeq and Blanche play for Lotus Lions Volleyball Club, she added.

“For the club it is a colossal achievement as Laeeq was selected for the national team. The success beyond the classroom must filter into the classroom and inspire and drive academic achievement as well. Our main focus has always been curriculum delivery and our co-curricular programme is designed to further our academic goals,” she added.

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