A fusion of sport, technology and education took flight this week as South Africa officially launched its first drone soccer tournament.
The event in Pretoria brought together 12 students from four technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges to participate in the high-energy, tech-infused e-sport combining robotics, coding, piloting, and teamwork — all under the banner of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education.
Originating from South Korea, and recognised globally since 2019, drone soccer is a fast-paced team sport where players fly drones inside protective cages and score by navigating through vertical rings.
It’s part video game, part robotics challenge, and now also a powerful learning tool.
The South African initiative is led by QP Drone Tech and Drone Labs, in collaboration with the nonprofit organisation South Africa Flying Labs. The goal is to provide access to future-fit skills for vulnerable and unemployed youth, especially in underserved areas. “We were inspired by the need to make drone technology accessible, exciting, and educational,” said Queen Ndlovu, CEO and founder of QP Drone Tech.
“Drone soccer is a vehicle for engagement; it prepares young people for careers in the fourth industrial revolution, while making STEAM fun and hands-on.”
The event was not structured as a traditional intercampus competition. Instead, mixed teams were formed from TVET colleges Tshwane North, Tshwane South and South West Gauteng, and a Centurion-based TVET institution to foster teamwork and collaboration.
By introducing this to [the] youth, we’re not just creating athletes, we’re developing the next generation of drone engineers, programmers, and tech entrepreneurs
— Queen Ndlovu, CEO and founder of QP Drone Tech
“Drone soccer is more than just a sport, it’s a gateway to future-ready skills. By introducing this to [the] youth, we’re not just creating athletes, we’re developing the next generation of drone engineers, programmers, and tech entrepreneurs,” said Ndlovu.
Students gained hands-on experience in drone piloting, navigation, maintenance, and coding, alongside vital soft skills such as communication and critical thinking. For many participants, it was their first time engaging with technology in such an immersive and exciting way.
“We were invited to join through our college IT programme, and couldn’t wait to try it. It’s been so exciting to be part of something this new and futuristic,” said one student.
Higher education minister Buti Manamela praised the timing and impact of the initiative, linking it to South Africa’s academic performance and skills agenda.
“With our 2023 NSC [national senior certificate] results showing improvement in mathematics (63.5%) and physical sciences (76.2%), drone soccer arrives at the perfect time to sustain this momentum. It makes STEAM learning engaging while addressing critical skills gaps,” he said.
The tournament was supported by The Innovation Hub, a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, which sees drone soccer as a strategic tool for bridging South Africa’s digital and educational divides.
“We are committed to championing and supporting initiatives that not only foster technological advancement but also help bridge the education, skills, and employment gap through STEAM,” said the hub’s CEO Bangani Mpangalasane.
Organisers now plan to establish provincial drone soccer leagues, integrate the sport into school curricula, and prepare South African teams to compete at the first-ever World Drone Soccer Championships in Shanghai in November.
“Our goal is to make South Africa a global hub for drone innovation and ensure no young person is left behind in this tech revolution.”
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