Smooth Sailors hit Lego's big league

Northlands Primary School’s First Lego League Team, “The Smooth Sailors”, will represent South Africa in South Korea, 3 to 5 July 2026.

The Smooth Sailors made won the prestigious Champions Award at the annual national competition held at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Johannesburg, last weekend

School principal, Alistair Naidu, said this win reflects the school’s long-term vision to create a future-focused, learning environment grounded in STEM.

“This achievement stands as one of the proudest moments in the history of our school. The Smooth Sailors have demonstrated a combination of discipline, imagination and resilience. Their invitation to represent our country abroad, is a testament to the calibre of education and the spirit of excellence that defines our community."

The school’s Coding and Robotics teachers Steven Kent and Daryn Mahabeer have been central to the growth of the programme.

“What the Smooth Sailors achieved this weekend, reflects countless hours of deep thinking, collaboration and unwavering commitment. They have pushed their creative and technical boundaries to deliver innovation at a national level. Representing South Africa is a tremendous honour and we are ready to raise the standard even higher as we prepare for the world stage”, said Kent.

To afford the South Korean trip, Northlands Primary is launching an ambitious fundraising initiative to raise one million rand. This will support travel, accommodation, training, resources, equipment, upgrades and all associated logistical requirements.

Sheetal Cross, mother of team co-captain Kirthan Cross (12), praised the parents’ contributions, coaches and team’s performance in Johannesburg.

“Over the past four years, the cultural diversity among the children, within the team, have been one of its greatest strengths. In a world shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), coding and robotics are essential skills and Northlands Primary has opened meaningful opportunities for pupils to excel," said Cross.

The Smooth Sailors will now begin an intensive preparation phase as they ready themselves to compete among the world’s leading robotics teams in July 2026.