Al-Qalam 
By Sana Ebrahim
The Association of Muslim Schools (AMS) hosted a media launch at Al Baraka Bank, Kingsmead Office Park, on Tuesday, cementing a partnership and setting the stage for two much-anticipated KZN regional tournaments – soccer on May 9 and netball on May 16.
The tournament will take place across three local Muslim schools, with the finals taking place at Hartley Road Primary School.
AMS heads told media and principals of local schools that the partnership with Al Baraka Bank signals more than sponsorship; it reflects a shared commitment to youth development, community cohesion, and purposeful engagement beyond the classroom.
AMS represents a growing network of educational institutions, with 29 affiliated schools in KwaZulu-Natal and more than 80 nationwide. Within this network, sport has steadily become a unifying thread, offering learners structured opportunities to develop discipline, teamwork, and confidence. The upcoming tournaments are part of a broader effort to encourage young people to pursue active lifestyles, countering the increasing pull of screen-based habits that often dominate their free time.
At its core, the initiative is about connection. The tournaments aim to foster a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among learners, grounded in the spirit of healthy competition and social gathering. The events are not limited to the players on the field; they extend to families and communities who gather in support. Spectators can expect lively scenes, with learners competing with enthusiasm while parents and grandparents cheer from the sidelines. The presence of food stalls and shared spaces will add to the sense of occasion, turning each tournament into a community experience rather than a standalone sporting event.
Nasir Seedat, General Manager: Retail, Wealth and Marketing at Al Baraka Bank, highlighted the institution’s broader youth-focused vision. He noted that the ‘KickStart Your Future’ programme encourages young people to open savings accounts and commit to setting aside R500 per month, instilling financial discipline and a healthy work ethic. Adding an element of fun and engagement, the bank will host ‘Kick the Cone’ and ‘Shoot the Hoop’ competitions at the tournament finals, giving participants additional opportunities to showcase their skills and win prizes.
The netball tournament, scheduled for 16 May, is a female-only event, reflecting AMS’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces for young women in sport. It provides a platform for female athletes to compete, build confidence, and take ownership of their presence in a space that continues to grow in visibility and support.
The finals of the tournaments will receive live coverage from Hartley Road Primary School on Hilaal TV, as well as across social media platforms. This visibility celebrates the achievements of the learners and extends the reach of the initiative, allowing a wider audience to engage with the energy and purpose behind the events.
Reflecting on the evolution of sport within AMS schools, Imtiaz Saib, Principal of Orient Islamic School, offered a perspective shaped by experience. He recalled a time when structured sports were largely absent within the AMS network. The introduction of regional and national tournaments, he noted, created a turning point, compelling schools to organise themselves and recognise the value of sport as part of holistic education. He acknowledged the contributions of individuals such as Riaz Jamal and earlier advocates whose efforts laid the groundwork for what has now become a thriving sporting culture.
Looking ahead, AMS plans to expand its sporting calendar to include volleyball, athletics, and cross-country events. This growth reflects a sustained commitment to diversifying opportunities for learners and strengthening the role of sport in education. Each additional code brings with it new avenues for participation, ensuring that more learners can find their place and express their abilities.
