Pirates Legend Honors Former Principal At Star-Studded KZN Youth Festival Launch
The Siyabonga Sangweni Foundation officially launched the Siyabonga Sangweni Youth Month Festival 2026 during a successful media launch and draw programme held at the uMfolozi Municipality Hall on Wednesday.
The event brought together sponsors, stakeholders, sports administrators, schools, community leaders, media representatives, coaches, and participating teams as the Foundation officially unveiled the 2026 tournament and conducted the official draw across all sporting categories.
The festival continues to serve as a powerful platform for youth empowerment, talent development, social cohesion, and community upliftment through sport. This year’s edition will once again provide young athletes with an opportunity to showcase their abilities while celebrating Youth Month through healthy competition.
The tournament will feature football and netball competitions across multiple categories, including school and community divisions.
Speaking at the launch, Siyabonga Sangweni expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who continues to support the vision of the festival.
“I would like to sincerely thank all our stakeholders, sponsors, partners, schools, teams, and the community for standing with us and believing in this vision. This tournament belongs to the people and is here to create opportunities for our youth,” he said.
Sangweni also took a moment to acknowledge a person who played a significant role in his journey.
“I would also like to extend special appreciation to my former principal at eMgezeni High School, Mr Mchunu, who is now the president of the KwaZulu-Natal Sport Confederation. He played a meaningful role in my life and development. Your guidance, support, and belief in me helped shape the person I am today,” said the former Orlando Pirates defender.
He further emphasised that the festival is about creating a lasting legacy and giving back to the community.
“This is bigger than football and netball. It is about inspiring hope, changing lives, and ensuring that the next generation has access to opportunities that we may not have had,” he said.
The official draw generated excitement and anticipation as teams discovered their opponents ahead of the tournament.
The Siyabonga Sangweni Youth Month Festival 2026 will take place from 24 to 28 June 2026, promising five days of exciting sporting action and community celebration.
The Foundation has called on the public to come out in large numbers to support and celebrate the youth.
