King Edward VII boasts rich sporting alumni up there with the best in SA
King Edward VII School in Johannesburg, established in 1902, is renowned for its rich sporting heritage, producing legendary athletes such as Gary Player, Graeme Smith, and Bryan Habana, who have made significant contributions to golf, cricket, and rugby, respectively.Picture: KES/Facebook
Image: KES/Facebook
There are few schools in Johannesburg or South Africa that can boast the sporting heritage that King Edward VII School (KES) does.
Nestled in the heart of Joburg on the upper edges of Houghton, nearing Hillbrow, the school was opened over a century ago in 1902.
Arguably South Africa’s greatest-ever sportsman, Gary Player, spent his formative years at the school. In fact, Player attended the King Edward Preparatory School, which means he spent his entire school career at the establishment.
The Black Knight won nine majors during his professional golf career and was the youngest to achieve the feat at the age of 29 in 1965 with his US Open victory.
Gary Player: Celebrating 90 Years of Fitness and Philanthropy
These days, Player spends most of his time still travelling the world and raising money for his charity, the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation. In November, Player will celebrate his 90th birthday as the longevity of ‘Mr Fitness’ continues.
Graeme Smith: A Cricketing Legend from KES to South Africa’s Captaincy at 22
Almost half a century after Player finished his schooling at KES, one of South Africa’s future cricketing legends walked through the doorways of the institution. That, of course, was Graeme Smith. The precocious talent quickly rose in South Africa to captain South Africa at the age of 22— the youngest to ever do so.
By the time the powerfully built left-hander hung up his spikes, he had become the first captain to lead his country in over 100 Tests.
While his character was often divisive, there’s no disputing his place as one of the SA’s best ever cricketers.
KES Alumni: Bryan Habana and More Rugby Legends
In rugby, KES also boasts Bryan Habana as one of its alumni. The 2007 Rugby World Cup winner is widely regarded as one of the best wings of all time on the rugby pitch and still holds second place for most tries scored in Test rugby with his tally of 61.
The list of star sportsmen produced is almost as long as its history, with names like Ali Bacher, Neil McKenzie, Joe van Niekerk, Scarra Ntubeni, and Quinton de Kock just a handful of its sporting talent.