The much-anticipated uLwazi Schools Festival Final 2026 edition, that is contested by schools from 8 towns in the Eastern Cape, will return in Butterworth, Eastern Cape between 29-30 August 2026.
The Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals, will be played at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu in Butterworth (Bika Campus), bringing together some of the Eastern Cape’s most promising high school footballers. The Final will be played at iBika Campus on Sunday, 30 August 2029 at 13h00.
ULwazi Schools Festivals is organized by uLwazi Project Non-Profit Organization chaired by Eastern Cape-born Sport administrator, Luxolo September in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
This year’s edition kicked-off in May 2026 with preliminaries played in Butterworth, Ngqamakhwe, Tsomo, Cofimvaba, Elliotdale, Dutywa, Gatyane and Centane.
The 8 winners have progressed to the final festival in Butterworth.
The tournament will feature players between the ages of 15 and 19, giving them an opportunity to compete in a structured and competitive environment while showcasing their talent to invited football scouts and talent identification representatives.
Banzi Siyongwana, Chairman of the LOC said: “Everyone talks about the importance of Schools Sport, but we know that Sport in Schools in the Eastern Cape is facing serious issues. A few years ago, I convinced Luxolo September to move away from just supporting Clubs and Leagues in the province and invest in Schools Sport, in particular football. This initiative that started in 2018 is as a result of this. I am particularly proud to see people from this province ploughing back and investing in the youth. We look forward to what will be an exciting event on 29 and 30 August in Butterworth at Ibika Campus, iYunivesiti Walter Sisulu. We urge Schools and local communities to come and support the Festival over the two days.”
Qualified Schools:
Arthur Mfebe S.S.S (Cofimvaba), Tsomo S.S.S (Tsomo), Xolilizwe S.S.S (Willowvale), Dinizulu S.S.S (Dutywa), Tanga S.S.S (Butterworth), Macibe S.S.S (Centane), Blythewood High School (Ngqamakhwe), Ezingqayi S.S.S (Butterworth)
The tournament is part of uLwazi Project NPC’s continued work to strengthen school football in the Eastern Cape and create opportunities for young players to develop their talent. By bringing schools together to compete, the uLwazi Super 8 gives emerging players an opportunity to gain exposure, test themselves against some of the province’s strongest school teams and position themselves for opportunities beyond school football.
About uLwazi Project NPC
uLwazi Project NPC is a community development organisation focused on creating opportunities for young people through sport and education. Since its establishment in 2017, the organisation has worked to strengthen schools sport, support talent development and create platforms that connect young people from underserved communities with meaningful opportunities for growth and exposure.
Through initiatives such as the uLwazi Super 8 Schools Competition Festival, the organisation aims to use sport as a vehicle for development, participation and positive social impact while helping to build sustainable pathways for the next generation.
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