The Road to the Top 10: How Nominations and Team Selection Work

With tip-off scheduled for 2 December 2026 at Mandeville Sports Club, the hunt for South Africa's ten finest U19 boys teams is reaching its critical phase. The Top 10 Tournament was built on a simple premise: bring the absolute best together under one roof, without bias and without compromise. To ensure every deserving programme has a fighting chance, the selection pathway rests on two pillars.

1. Public community nominations Nominations close at the end of September. Anyone — fans, family members, teammates, or head coaches — can put forward a programme that has earned the right to compete. Through our official nomination form, schools from every province submit their credentials, records and coaching staff details.

2. Nationwide championship invitations Alongside community nominations, direct invitations are extended to programmes that have claimed major regional and national tournament trophies through the season. If a team has lifted silverware in 2026, they are firmly on our radar.

The final selection criteria Submitting a nomination is only the first step. Every nominee is evaluated against strict criteria:

• High-level tournament performance and championship pedigree

• Strength of schedule and competitive consistency

• Coaching staff pedigree and squad depth

• Geographic balance, so the field is a genuine national showcase

• Only ten teams will walk out onto the court on Wednesday, 2 December.

The final Top 10 will be announced on this website and across our official social channels, @top10tournament.

If your school deserves to be in the mix, make sure the nomination is in before the deadline closes.

Only one nomination per team is required for considerarion.