SA athletic stars shine. Records Tumble as SA’s Young Stars Shine at Curro Podium Grand Finale.
Pretoria, 14 February 2026 — Eight provinces. Over 1,500 athletes. Forty-five schools. One stadium. The Curro Podium Grand Finale brought South Africa’s fiercest young competitors to Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane for the ultimate school athletics showdown.
From Limpopo to KwaZulu-Natal, the country’s next generation of track and field stars rose to the occasion. They delivered record-breaking performances and announced themselves as names to watch in the years ahead.
“More than a competition, the event serves as a pathway — unlocking raw potential, building belief, and revealing a pipeline of talent ready to carry South Africa’s sporting legacy forward,” said Cindy van der Merwe, Portfolio Manager at Curro Sport.
Standout Performances
Tiisetso Malungane (Curro Hazeldean). The 16-year-old middle-distance prodigy stole the show with a commanding victory in the boys’ 1500m. He clocked 3:45.35 — a new Podium record and personal best. He followed it up with an 8:21.03 win in the 3000m, completing a remarkable double and earning 2000 ASA points.
Sarah Reed (Curro Hillcrest). Making her debut, Reed stormed to victory in both the U17 girls’ 200m and 100m. She set a new Podium record in the 200m, becoming the only female athlete to dip under 24 seconds. She also added the 100m title in 11.77. Her performances earned 965 ASA points and underscored her leadership as captain of the Curro Rising Stars team.
Jayden Fourie (Outeniqua High School) Fourie blazed to victory in the U17 boys’ 100m, stopping the clock at 10.38 seconds — another Podium record — as he continues to build his reputation as a sprinting force.
Megan Nieman (Die Hoërskool Menlopark) Nieman shattered her own South African and African record in the U17 girls’ 100m hurdles, racing to 13.02 seconds and cementing her dominance in the event.
Lara Stander (Paarl Girls’ High School) The African cross-country champion showcased her versatility with a record-breaking 1500m run in 4:22.65. Fresh off representing South Africa in the U.S., where she placed 27th in the U20 women’s 6 km, Stander reinforced her status as one of the country’s brightest talents.
Mukona Manavhela (Curro Hazeldean) Closing the meet in style, Manavhela stormed to victory in the U19 boys’ 100m (10.20) and 200m (20.52), setting Podium records in both. His sprint double earned him 952 ASA points and capped off a thrilling finale.
Team Awards
Best Girls Team: Die Hoërskool Menlopark
Best Boys Team: Curro Hazeldean
Best Combined Team: Die Hoërskool Menlopark
A Platform for the Future
The Curro Podium Grand Finale once again proved itself as more than just a competition. It is a launchpad for South Africa’s young athletes — a stage where raw talent meets opportunity, and where the country’s sporting future takes shape.
“The Curro Podium creates a platform for young athletes to perform at their best and compete against top talent from across the country,” added Van der Merwe. “It reflects our commitment to developing school sport, nurturing future champions, and building a strong talent pipeline for South African athletics.”
From left: Tiisetso Malungane, Sarah Reed, Mukona ManavhelaFrom left: Jayden Fourie, Megan Nieman
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