Pholoso Sebola \u2013 Marriott Melrose Arch (HTA School of Culinary Art)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/swoosh0018.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Kele-plating.jpeg\")
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The team\u2019s training and support squad includes award-winning and highly experienced chefs led by Head Coach Chef Donaldson Madubela. He is supported by Technical Head Coach Chef Marcus Gericke and Pastry Coach Chef Catherine Adonis. The management team includes Team Manager and Director of Competitions Chef Pieter Malan and Head of Team Talent Mahlomola Thamae.<\/p>\n
With just 10 weeks to go, excitement is building and training is intensifying as the team prepares to take on what is regarded as one of the largest, toughest and most prestigious professional cooking competitions in the global hospitality industry. Held every four years, the 2026 Culinary World Cup will host over 2000 chefs representing 55 countries.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/swoosh0018.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Loyiso-and-Kele-teamwork.jpeg\")
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Team Masakhane will compete in two main programmes. In the Hot Kitchen, they will prepare a 3-course meal for 70 people. In the Chef\u2019s Table, a themed presentation of three dishes will be prepared and scored on a range of criteria that includes hygiene and food waste, professional preparation, techniques and workflow, innovation and taste.<\/span><\/p>\nCoo Pillay, President of SA Chefs, says, \u201cTeam Masakhane is going to Luxembourg to demonstrate that they can plan, create, execute and serve food to international competition standards as a cohesive professional kitchen team. This is a phenomenal opportunity for our young chefs to showcase their collective talent. More than that, it positions South Africa\u2019s incredible and diverse cuisine and culinary talent firmly on the world stage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nGetting to the Culinary World Cup takes more than talent. Months of intensive training, ingredients, equipment, travel, accommodation, visas, competition costs and many other expenses involved in taking a national team to an international competition all add up.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cOur young chefs have earned their place on the team,\u201d says Pillay. \u201cNow they need the greater support of South African business and the wider community to ensure that financial constraints do not stand between them and the opportunity to proudly represent their country.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nSA Chefs invites businesses, hospitality groups, food producers, suppliers and individuals to get behind Team Masakhane\u2019s journey to Luxembourg. Contributions of all sizes can help to meet the costs of training and international competition, and corporate partners can explore sponsorship opportunities with the team.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe cost of transporting the team to the World Cup is considerable But supporting Team Masakhane is an opportunity to invest in South Africa\u2019s exceptional culinary talent, overall professional development and invaluable international experience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nMasakhane means \u2018let us build together\u2019, which is fitting for a team that reflects the spirit of collaboration and growth that defines the team and the country\u2019s culinary community.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Organisations interested in supporting Team Masakhane’s journey to Luxembourg can contact SA Chefs on info@sachefs.co.za<\/a> or 011 482 7250.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/swoosh0018.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ethan-at-team-practice-today.jpeg\")
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A talented team of young South African chefs is heading for another World Cup \u2013 Team Masakhane, South Africa\u2019s national junior culinary team is preparing to compete in the prestigious 2026 Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg from 21-25 November. The nine-member team, all under 25 years of age, was carefully selected through a rigorous national […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16687,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[748,684,653],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-events","category-foodie-news","category-sublime-lifestyle"],"yoast_head":"\n
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