03/09/2026
USP CUP EXPANDS TO THE NORTHERN CAPE
Ten Schools Set to Compete in Exciting U/13 Soccer Tournament
KATHU, NORTHERN CAPE – Following the tremendous success of the inaugural USP Cup Junior Soccer Tournament held in Rustenburg during 2024, Universal Safety Products (Pty) Ltd (USP) is proud to announce the expansion of this growing youth sports initiative to the Northern Cape.
The USP Cup Northern Cape 2026 will take place on 12 September 2026 at Kathu Primary School, where ten Under-13 soccer teams from across the province will gather for a day of competitive sport, teamwork, and community celebration.
The tournament forms part of USP's ongoing commitment to supporting youth development and creating opportunities for young people through sport. By investing in school sports, USP aims to encourage healthy lifestyles, build confidence, foster discipline, and provide young athletes with a platform to showcase their talents.
The participating schools are:
• Kathu Primary School (Host School)
• Curro Kathu
• Postmasburg Primary School
• Keidebees Intermediate School (Upington)
• Wrenchville Primary School (Kuruman)
• Lime Acres Primary School
• De Kuil Primary School (Daniëlskuil)
• Vryburg Primary School
• Franciscus Primary School (Upington)
• Hotazel College
Teams will travel from communities across the Northern Cape, some covering distances of up to 200 kilometres, highlighting the importance and growing appeal of the USP Cup as a development opportunity for young soccer players.
Bongani Khumalo, goal scorer against France during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and former Bafana Bafana captain, currently Marketing Director and shareholder at Universal Safety Products, expressed his excitement about bringing the competition to the Northern Cape.
"The USP team is extremely excited about the opportunity to host the USP Cup in the Northern Cape. Sport plays a vital role in the development of children. It teaches discipline, teamwork, respect, perseverance and leadership while helping young people to remain active and focused on their goals. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to participate in quality sporting events and showcase their talents."
Khumalo added that the company sees the USP Cup as more than just a soccer tournament.
"This tournament is about creating memories, building confidence and inspiring future generations. Some of these young players may one day represent their province or even their country. Our role is to provide opportunities and encourage them to dream big."
USP is working closely with Mr Chris du Plessis, Head of Sport at Kathu Primary School, to ensure the successful hosting of the event.
Mr Du Plessis welcomed the partnership and highlighted the positive impact the tournament will have on school sport in the region.
"We are honoured to host the USP Cup at Kathu Primary School. This tournament provides an excellent opportunity for schools from across the Northern Cape to compete in a spirit of sportsmanship and friendship. We look forward to welcoming players, coaches, parents and supporters to what promises to be an outstanding event."
The inaugural USP Cup held in Rustenburg during 2024 attracted widespread community support and delivered a memorable experience for participating schools. Following the tournament's success, USP committed itself to growing the initiative and expanding its reach into additional regions across South Africa.
The company believes that sport has the power to unite communities, develop future leaders, and provide positive opportunities for young people. Through the USP Cup, Universal Safety Products continues to invest in the wellbeing and development of South Africa's youth while creating platforms for talent to be discovered and nurtured.
For the safety of the children, access to the school requires prior arrangement with the participating school and players coaches. Parents, learners, teachers and community members interested are encouraged to attend and support the participating teams on 12 September 2026 as the next chapter of the USP Cup kicks off in the Northern Cape. Rest assured, those not able to physically attend will be able to view the matches on Supersport Schools as the matches will be streamed live.
Event Details
• Event: USP Cup Northern Cape 2026
• Date: 12 September 2026
• Venue: Kathu Primary School, Kathu
• Category: Under-13 Soccer Tournament
• Participating Schools: 10 Schools from across the Northern Cape
"Developing Talent. Building Communities. Inspiring Future Champions."
