Sports at Brebner High School
Building Champions On and Off the Field
At Brebner High School, we believe that sports are an essential component of holistic education. Our comprehensive sports program develops not only physical skills but also character, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. We are proud of our winning tradition and the values our sporting community embodies.
“The collaborative experience of pursuing and attaining a common goal in sports is unique, as it is combined with interscholastic competition.”
Our Sports Philosophy
Our commitment to inclusivity means that every scholar, regardless of their background, finds a welcoming space at Brebner to express their identity and learn from others.
More Than Just Physical Skills
Our students learn much more than physical skills through their participation in sports. The collaborative experience of pursuing and attaining a common goal in sports is unique, as it is combined with interscholastic competition. We are immensely proud of our winning tradition, which reflects not only athletic excellence but also the character and determination of our scholars. Beyond the tangible benefits of physical fitness and skill development, sports at Brebner also bring about significant social and emotional advantages. Sports create important opportunities for students to contribute to the school community, which cultivates an increased commitment to, and identification with, the school and school values. Through sport, our scholars learn valuable life lessons including teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, time management, and how to handle both victory and defeat with grace. These lessons extend far beyond the playing field and prepare our students for success in all areas of life.
Our Sports Facilities
4 Soccer Fields – Maintained to the highest standards for training and competitive matches
2 Basketball Courts – courts for both practice and inter-school competitions
4 Netball Courts – Comprehensive facilities supporting our strong netball program
2 Hockey Fields – Quality playing surfaces for our hockey teams
1 Rugby Field
Our Sports Programs
Soccer
Soccer is one of our most popular and successful sports. With three dedicated soccer fields, our teams train regularly and compete in regional leagues and tournaments. Soccer at Brebner emphasizes technical skill development, tactical awareness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Our soccer program caters to players of all skill levels, from beginners to competitive athletes.
Netball
Netball is a cornerstone of our girls’ sports program. With four dedicated courts, we offer extensive training and competitive opportunities. Our netball program develops technical skills, strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and effective communication on court. Teams compete in regional leagues and tournaments, consistently representing Brebner with distinction.
Hockey
Both boys and girls hockey teams represent Brebner in regional competitions. Our two hockey fields provide excellent venues where players develop stick skills, game awareness, and the fast-paced decision-making that hockey demands. The program emphasizes fitness, teamwork, and tactical play.
Rugby
Rugby at Brebner builds strength, resilience, and team spirit. Our rugby program teaches fundamental skills while instilling the core values of rugby: respect, integrity, passion, solidarity, and discipline. Players develop physical fitness, mental toughness, and the brotherhood that makes rugby special.
Basketball
Both boys and girls hockey teams represent Brebner in regional competitions. Our two hockey fields provide excellent venues where players develop stick skills, game awareness, and the fast-paced decision-making that hockey demands. The program emphasizes fitness, teamwork, and tactical play.
Sports and School Values
Building Character Through Competition
At Brebner, we view sports as an extension of our educational mission. Through athletic participation, our scholars develop qualities that align perfectly with our school motto “Magna Est Veritas” – Great is the Truth:
- Integrity – Playing by the rules and competing with honesty
- Respect – Showing sportsmanship toward opponents, officials, and teammates
- Perseverance – Pushing through challenges and never giving up
- Leadership – Taking responsibility and inspiring others
- Teamwork – Working together toward common goals
- Excellence – Striving to be the best version of oneself
A Proud Tradition of Excellence
Brebner High School has a long and distinguished record of sporting success. Our teams regularly compete at regional and provincial levels, and many of our scholars have gone on to represent their sport at national and even international levels. More importantly, thousands of Brebner scholars have benefited from the life skills, friendships, and memories created through their participation in our sports program. This is the true measure of our sporting success.
“Sport has the power to inspire, to unite people in a way that little else does.”
More Than Just Winning
While we celebrate our sporting achievements, at Brebner we understand that participation and personal growth are equally important. We encourage all students to get involved in sport, regardless of current ability. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or trying a sport for the first time, you’ll find a supportive environment. Through sport, our scholars learn to set goals, work hard, handle setbacks with resilience, celebrate successes humbly, respect opponents and officials, support teammates, and represent their school with pride. These character-building experiences shape students into well-rounded individuals prepared for life’s challenges.
What makes Brebner Different?
Our Progressive Spirit
Throughout our history, Brebner High School has maintained a progressive and “open heart” approach. We have always been an alternative choice for English-speaking scholars in Bloemfontein, irrespective of their culture, religion, or political affiliations.
Our school has given many scholars who were not academically strong the opportunity to achieve their goals. Many of our alumni, who are now successful professionals around the world, would not have achieved what they have today without the supportive and inclusive environment that Brebner provided.
In the same progressive spirit, our school is now open to all scholars of any culture, race, and political affiliations who want to be educated through the medium of English. We continue to meet the challenges of the modern era while maintaining the values and ethos that have made Brebner special for over a century.