St Stithians Girls’ Prep Win RCS Rising Star Tennis National Title
St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School and Helen Franz Special School emerged as champions in the girls’ categories at the seventh annual RCS Rising Star Tennis National Schools Finals. The three-day championship, which brought together the country’s top qualifying school teams and wildcard entries to celebrate young talent and another milestone year for school tennis in South Africa, concluded at the Gauteng East Tennis Complex in Benoni on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School claimed the primary school girls’ title, while Helen Franz Special School enjoyed an outstanding championship in the wheelchair tennis division, retaining the girls’ title it won in 2025.
The 2026 edition marked the programme’s most successful and expansive year to date, with 891 school-team entries recorded nationwide, a 6.7% increase on the previous year. The competition showcased emerging talent, sportsmanship and the power of sport to create opportunities for young people.
Since its launch in the 2019/20 season with 361 entries, the RCS Rising Star Tennis programme has more than doubled in scale. By offering free participation to primary school learners and learners at special schools, the programme continues to help remove financial barriers and broaden access to tennis across communities.
St Stithians Girls’ Prep Win RCS Rising Star Tennis National Title
St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School and Helen Franz Special School are the 2026 girls’ champions…
Abigayel Vosloo Claims Women’s Open Crown at Amex Tshwane Super 8
Abigayel Vosloo won the Women’s Open Singles title as Mandie Claassens, Liah Lucila Leon Rodriguez…
The Power of KG
From a Limpopo girl assembling her own wheelchair courtside to a Wimbledon champion backed by…
Kgothatso Montjane Still Chasing Her Maiden Singles Grand Slam Title
Fresh from another fighting Wimbledon campaign, South African wheelchair tennis icon Kgothatso Montjane reflects on…
Kgothatso Montjane Salutes Lucy Shuker As Wimbledon Doubles Run Ends
Kgothatso Montjane capped a courageous Wimbledon campaign with a semi-final finish in the ladies’ wheelchair…
South Africa to Host Africa’s Junior Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier in Polokwane
Africa’s brightest tennis talents head to Limpopo for the Junior Billie Jean King Cup qualifier…
Regan Adams, CEO of sponsor RCS, congratulated the participants and reflected on the company’s commitment to nurturing grassroots talent.
“Congratulations to all our RCS Rising Star Tennis champions! It has been inspiring to witness the excitement, enthusiasm and passion these young players bring to the game. At RCS, we believe in the Power of Possible, and we’re proud to play a part in creating opportunities for young talent to grow, shine and realise their potential, both on and off the court.”
Tennis South Africa General Manager Anthony Moruthane highlighted the programme’s impact on broadening access to the sport and developing the next generation of tennis players.
“The true success of Rising Star Tennis lies in breaking barriers, creating opportunities for children of all backgrounds and abilities, and inspiring future champions. Congratulations to all our winners and participants, and thank you to RCS, our schools, teachers, parents and coaches for their continued support. As we look towards our eighth edition, we remain committed to nurturing young talent and making tennis a sport for all,” said Moruthane.
St Stithians Girls’ Prep Win RCS Rising Star Tennis National Title
St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School and Helen Franz Special School are the 2026 girls’ champions…
Leah Markgraaff and Chanel Veldsman Medal in Dakar
Leah Markgraaff won silver in the women’s 400m freestyle at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic…
Casandra Alexander Seals LET Order of Merit in Chinese Taipei
Casandra Alexander closed with a 64 to win the Wistron Ladies Open by three strokes…
Glenrose Xaba and Carina Swiegers Win Region 5 Marathon Titles
Glenrose Xaba won the women’s 10km at the Region 5 Marathon in 33:48, leading a…
Springbok Women Fall to Ireland in WXV Global Series Finale
The Springbok Women led Ireland 17-14 with 20 minutes left in Cape Town, but three…
Jade Wilson Wins Pete Marlin and SA Ocean Racing Title
Jade Wilson won the Pete Marlin Surfski Race in East London to claim the 2026…
After a weekend of fiercely contested matches, the 2026 National Schools Finals produced outstanding performances across the primary school and wheelchair tennis categories.
Primary School Girls Medal Positions
1. St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School (Gauteng)
2. Laerskool Saamtrek (North West)
3. Laerskool George-Suid (Western Cape)
Wheelchair Tennis Girls Medal Positions
1. Helen Franz Special School (Limpopo)
2. Vukuzenzele Special School (Eastern Cape)
3. Ithembelihle LSEN School (Gauteng)
Original Copy: Tennis SA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Georgia Frankish won her match against Lua Pfister of Laerskool Saamtrek as St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School beat their North West rivals 2-0 in the primary school girls’ final at the RCS Rising Star Tennis National Schools Finals, which concluded at the Gauteng East Tennis Complex in Benoni on Sunday, 1 November 2026. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Pfister and her Laerskool Saamtrek teammates reached the final as ninth seeds after beating top seeds Laerskool George-Suid 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Crédito: Link de origem