Eight years ago a young footballer from the Free State, Kamohelo Mokotjo, captained the South African Under 12 team to victory against Portugal in the 2003 Danone Nations Cup World Finals held in France. Mokotjo became a local hero and has since been an inspiration to many young footballers who have competed in the tournament. This is the type of enthusiasm that will unfold at the Clive Solomon Stadium in Bloemfontein this weekend, 14th May, when the Under 12 Free State teams compete in the Danone Nations Cup Provincial finals. Games start at 9am.
Mokotjo believed in his dreams and has gone on to become a profession footballer. The now 20 years old has 9 caps with the National Under 20 team and 5 with the Under 23 National team and is currently playing his club football at Feyenoord Rotterdam in Holland. Free State is known for having built a number of sports academies and many of the professionals that have entered the Premier Soccer League have their origins in the Province so this weekend is sure to turn up some fine football.
Among those who are hoping to walk in Mokotjo’s footsteps is Vuyile Matiya. The 11 year old aspirant footballer will captain the team that will be competing in the tournament for the first time, Katoloso Primary School from Lejweleputswa region. Just like Mokotjo, his dream is to be a professional footballer one day and has singled out Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune as his personal hero. “My uncle once told me that Khune used to play soccer in dusty streets just like me. I look up to him a lot and he is my motivation to become a goalkeeper like him.”
Matiya has the responsibility of being the team’s last line of defence and will wear the number 1 jersey. He hopes for his team to do well and on a personal note he wants to make a difference to the success of the team. “But most of all I am going to enjoy every game I play on Saturday.”
“We use the Danone Nations Cup as a platform to encourage youngsters to believe in their dreams, develop healthy lifestyles and above all to have fun,” says Sandra Dorville, Communications Manager Danone Southern Africa. “The tournament is built on clearly defined pillars namely humanism, openness, proximity and enthusiasm. All the children that participate in the tournament around the world are just starting their journey through life and Danone would like to play a role in helping mould them for future success.”
Other teams that will be participating in the Free State event include third time Provincial champions Mofulatshepe Primary School from Xhariep Region. The reigning champions will be wanting to retain their reign but have tough competition in the form of Zamaleka Primary School (Fezile Dabi), Letotolo Public School (Thabo Mufutsanyane) and Relebeletse Public School (Motheo). The schools will compete in one Group in a round robin tournament with the top teams going on to play in the final.
The Provincial winner will join Robanyane Primary from Northern Cape, Kgwahlele Primary (Limpopo), Nosizwe Primary (North West), Mhlahle Primary (Mpumalanga), Ndongeni Primary(KZN), in the National finals happening at Eldorado Park on 9 July. The National champion will then represent South Africa in the 2011 Danone Nations Cup World Finals taking place in Madrid, Spain in October. In attendance will be International ambassador, Zinadine Zidane.
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