Komani – Get Ahead College has marked a major milestone in its sporting development with the official opening of new and upgraded sports facilities, coinciding with a high-energy derby day against Umtata High School.
The launch, held on Friday, brought together learners, staff and supporters for what became more than just a set of fixtures — it was a showcase of the school’s growing investment in sport and learner development.
New facilities take centre stage
The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the school’s new sports field, alongside newly resurfaced netball courts. The upgrades signal a clear push by the school to improve infrastructure and expand opportunities for learners across multiple sporting codes.
The opening ceremony included moments of reflection and appreciation for those involved in making the project possible, before attention shifted to the competitive action on the field.
While schools often upgrade facilities gradually, aligning such a launch with a major derby fixture added significance — turning the event into both a celebration and a statement of intent.
Competitive derby across multiple codes
On the field, Get Ahead College delivered strong performances across several sporting codes, particularly in rugby and soccer.
The rugby teams led the charge, with the First XV securing a convincing 20–7 win, while the U16 side followed up with a 31–14 victory. The U14 team, despite a loss, delivered a competitive performance in what was their first outing in Get Ahead colours.
In soccer, the school remained unbeaten on the day. The first team played to a 1–1 draw, while the U16 side edged out their opponents 2–1.
The chess team also impressed, securing a 3–1 victory in an outdoor contest, highlighting the school’s strength beyond traditional field sports.
Mixed results in other sporting codes
Not all results went Get Ahead’s way, with basketball and netball teams facing tough opposition from Umtata High School.
The basketball sides struggled to find momentum, while netball teams experienced a challenging first outing on the newly resurfaced courts. Despite this, the matches provided valuable game time and experience, particularly for younger players.
In the debate arena, honours were shared between the two schools, reflecting the competitive and balanced nature of the derby beyond sport.
More than just results
While the scoreboard reflected a mix of wins and losses, the broader significance of the day lies in what it represents for the school’s future.
The introduction of improved facilities is expected to play a key role in developing talent, attracting fixtures, and building a stronger sporting culture at the school.
Events like this derby also reinforce the importance of inter-school competition in shaping well-rounded learners — combining sport, academics and cultural activities.
Growing investment in school sport
The development at Get Ahead College comes amid a broader trend of schools in the Eastern Cape investing in sports infrastructure to remain competitive and provide holistic education.
With improved facilities now in place, the focus is likely to shift towards consistent performance and expanding participation across all sporting codes.
For Get Ahead College, Friday’s derby was not just about results — it was about laying the foundation for future success.
