Basketball takes centre stage this February as the 2026 St Stithians Under 16 Basketball Tournament brings together some of the most exciting young talent for a weekend where competition, culture and community collide.

For the second consecutive year, Absa returns as partner and anchor sponsor of the St Stithians Under 16 Basketball Tournament, deepening its commitment to youth empowerment through sport and growing a platform that connects competition with opportunity and purpose.

From 13 to 15 February 2026, St Stithians College will host more than 40 under 16 boys’ and girls’ teams from across South Africa for one of the region’s premier youth basketball showcases. Entrance is free, inviting families and supporters to a Valentine’s weekend shaped by high energy competition and community spirit. The scale of the event reflects the College’s deep investment in basketball, now its largest and fastest growing sporting code.

This year sees defending champions St Benedict’s College in the boys’ division and St Peter’s College in the girls’ division return to defend their 2025 titles, while the host Saints boys’ and girls’ teams aim to build on last year’s bronze medal performances on home ground.

Across the weekend, the tournament becomes a meeting point of sport and youth culture where the game, the style, the music and the fans collide. Guests can experience interactive Absa activations including an immersive Activation Zone, the high energy Jump for Kicks sneaker challenge and Spin and Win experience. Young attendees who register and opt in earn the chance to spin and win Puma vouchers and basketball related products, NBA vouchers, as well as data and airtime prizes, with ten participants securing guaranteed entries into the live game break activation.

Our ‘Take It To TikTok’ brings the tournament to life online through a live TikTok desk powered by youth influencers, capturing real time player interviews and crowd moments and extending the courtside energy to a wider digital audience. Dance driven fan engagement and a dedicated players’ chill space add to an atmosphere that celebrates both performance and self-expression.

“Our continued partnership with St Stithians is about creating spaces where young people can grow in confidence and see how their performance on the court connects to real impact in their communities,” says Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorship at Absa Group. “We are proud to support platforms where young athletes can take their dreams to the court and realise their potential.”

At the heart of Absa’s partnership is its Force for Good commitment. For every point scored during the tournament, Absa will donate R1 000 towards sustainable school vegetable gardens that support feeding programmes and provide learners with practical skills in food production. Each basket scored helps another learner learn, eat and play with dignity.

Guests can also support our Sneaker Drop Shack activation by donating pre loved sneakers, which will be cleaned and redistributed to young players in underserved communities, helping more children step onto the court with confidence.

“Basketball at St Stithians has become a powerful platform for youth development,” say David du Toit, Head of St Stithians Boys’ College, and Dr Sally James, Head of St Stithians Girls’ College. “Together with Absa, we are creating an environment where young athletes are encouraged to compete, express themselves and build skills that will serve them far beyond the game.”

As the final whistle sounds, the impact of the tournament extends beyond the scoreboard. Guided by the belief that Your Story Matters, Absa continues to invest in platforms where young people can discover their voice and shape their future. The St Stithians tournament is one of those spaces where ambition meets opportunity and where young athletes are encouraged to ‘Take it to the Court’, carrying what they learn into every part of their lives.

Catch the Action Live! – Stay up to date with all the excitement by downloading the Saints SuperSport Schools app on google play store or iOS Store.