Al-Qalam 
By Azra Hoosen
The under-16 girls of Orient Islamic School (OIS) made history in Johannesburg, not just by taking part in their first-ever American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) Volleyball Tournament, but by winning every single match and walking away as champions.
OIS Coach, Aneesah Loonat, told Al-Qalam that preparation for the big weekend began months in advance. “We had an intensive training schedule that focused not just on skill and strategy but also on mental and physical conditioning. Every session had purpose, from refining serves to building chemistry and communication on court,” she said.
The AISJ tournament brought together top teams from KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Tanzania and Egypt, offering a platform for both competition and cultural exchange. Day One featured round-robin matches while Day Two saw the intensity ramp up with quarterfinals, semi-finals and the finals running from morning to evening.
Despite the packed schedule, the Orient girls rose to every challenge. Loonat expressed that her biggest expectation was for the girls to play with heart and passion.
A calm and focused, relentless in her energy, captain – Zahraa Seedat – led the team from the front. Alongside her, Sanaa Nakooda showed composure under pressure, Maaida Gadit was a fearless attacker at the net and Asmaa Jadwat kept the rallies alive with sharp defensive play.
For many of the girls, it was their first major international outing. Azkaa Mominaa Ahmed described the moment vividly: “I remember having butterflies in my stomach before the game, but once I stepped on the court, it was so exciting. Even the small mistakes made it all feel real and special.”
Zahraa Seedat reflected on their hard-fought journey: “We fought for every point, every set, every moment. Today, we stand as international champions, the first Muslim school to ever do it. My team made the impossible look easy.”
Loonat attributes the win to discipline, teamwork and mental strength. “These girls showed up for every session, pushed each other to improve and trusted one another on court. What stood out most wasn’t an individual; it was how they celebrated every point together,” she said.
The semi-final against Michaelmount Waldorf, the defending champions, proved to be their toughest match. “When we finally won that match, it felt like a final in itself,” said Loonat.
Parents and supporters echoed that pride. Munirah Docrat, mother of player Atiyyah Amojee, said that watching from the sidelines was both thrilling and emotional. “It felt surreal… and definitely a strain on my ageing heart,” she joked.
Then came the big moment – the championship victory.
Loonat recalled when the final whistle blew, there was this split second of silence before it all erupted into cheers, hugs and tears. “The crowd, the joy, the disbelief – It was magical. The girls huddled together and it truly felt like we’d made history,” she said.
Balancing sport, academics and faith is no small feat, yet several players shared that their success stems from careful time management and commitment. “I plan my days, stay organised and make time to rest so I can give my best in both sports and academics,” said Jadwat.
For Amojee, learning to juggle responsibilities has been part of the journey. “I try not to leave things for the last minute and focus on what’s most important. What keeps me going is that I enjoy being involved, I love seeing the results of the effort I put in,” she said.
Beyond the medals, this win carries deep meaning for the school. According to Loonat, this victory is a historic milestone: “It shows that with dedication and belief, our learners can compete and win at the highest level. It has inspired other learners to take up volleyball and believe in their potential.”
From various sponsors to parents, teachers and students cheering from home, it was a team effort beyond the court.
The Orient girls have set the bar high, not just for themselves, but for school sport in Durban. As coach Loonat proudly put it: “This win belongs to everyone who believed in these girls from day one.”
Looking ahead, Loonat said the goal is to maintain this momentum and prepare the next generation to carry the torch forward.
