Limpopo Hosts Their Sanlam Kay Motsepe Provincil Finals

Limpopo will host its Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup Provincial Finals this Saturday, 04 June, at Ephraim Mohale stadium in Phagameng.  Entrance is free and kick-off is at 09:00. The schools will compete for the R100 000 prize money which will be used to fund legacy projects identified by the school.

Participating teams:

Capricorn, Sekhukhune, Mopani, and Waterberg regions will participate at the event and Vhembe will be play its regional finals tomorrow and the winner will be decided on then.

One of the schools looking forward to the game is Phagameng High School from the Waterberg region. The school has been participating in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup since 2008 and 2011 will be the first time the school has reached the Provincial final stage of the tournament. While they might not have done exceptionally well, the team has produced some individually talented players such as Stanley Makgoka and Khwinana who signed with the Sundowns FC  Under  17 development side in January 2011.

 The team has further been assisted by former Orlando Pirates left wing, Sepeke Manamela who is currently playing for Sunshine FC.  Manamela has been assisting Phagameng coach, Konoto Sihlapelo:  “We have been blessed to have this talented and high profile footballer on our coaching team.  Not only is he giving the team valuable training sessions, but he is has introduced a professionalism into the team and the youngsters look up to him as a hero and role model.”

Silhapelo continued:  “We have also had support from our local municipality and the community at large.  It has not been an easy ride and we are not expecting easy games on Saturday but the players are well prepared and everyone knows what to do come kick off and all the players know that team work is what is needed to win games.”

The school that finishes in first place as well as the runner’s up will go on to represent the Province at the National Finals to be held between 13 and 16 July 2011. 

About the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup:

The Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is an initiative co-funded by Sanlam, the Ubuntu-Botho Community Development Trust and the Motsepe Family Foundation. It the biggest high school soccer tournament in South Africa and is open to all high schools including rural, public, private and independent schools. The National winning school will walk away with R1 million with R600 000, R500 000 and R400 000, for the second, third and fourth placed schools respectively. Each Provincial winners gets an additional R100 000. Prize money is used to fund legacy projects identified by the school. 

LIMPOPO
REGIONS	FIXTURES	VENUES
Vhembe	playing regional finals tomorrow	Ephraim Mohale stadium, Phagameng Township, Modimolle
Capricorn	Maswi a Kgomo High School
Sekhukhune	Nala High School
Mopani	Mavalani High School
Waterberg	Phagameng High School

North West Hosts their Regional Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup Provincial Finals

North West will host its Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup Provincial Finals this Saturday, 4 June at the Wonderkop Stadium, Lonmin Platinum Mine, Western Plant Units, Brits. Entrance is free and kick-off is at 09:00. The schools will compete for the R100 000 prize money on offer to be used to fund legacy projects chosen by the school.

Participating regions:

There will be four teams participating including:  Boithaopo High School (Ngaka Modiri Molema), Arefadimeheng High School (Dr Kenneth Kaunda), Eletsa Secondary School (Bojanala) and Sol Plaatjie (Dr Ruth Mompati).

2010 Provincial champions, Eletsa Secondary School, are looking to retain their title again.  At the recent handover of the legacy project the school won, headmaster, Mr Tiny Mojahi announced that the team was ready for action.

“The team is well prepared mentality and physically to do better than just retain our Provincial championship status and we are looking at the R1m prize as the school is in need of more equipment and upgrades which will help students for years to come,” said Mojahi.

One of the projects the school selected after finishing ........... in the 2010 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup was the upgrading of the school’s sports facility which coach Dennis Mhlongo says has had a positive effect on the team this year:  “We are using our newly renovated sports field for training and practice matches and I must admit this has had a positive influence in the players attitude. The players are enjoying the ground and we are going for a place in the National finals – even winning the tournament.”           

The schools that finish in first place as well as the runner’s up will go on to represent the North West Province at the National Finals to be held between 13 – 16 July 2011. 

About the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup:

The Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is an initiative co-funded by Sanlam, the Ubuntu-Botho Community Development Trust and the Motsepe Family Foundation. It the biggest high school soccer tournament in South Africa and is open to all high schools including rural, public, private and independent schools. The National winning school will walk away with R1 million, runners up take home R600 000 while third and fourth place finishers receive R500 000 and R400 000 respectively. Each Provincial winners gets an additional R100 000. Prize money is used to fund legacy projects identified by the school. 

NORTH WEST
REGIONS	FIXTURES	VENUES
Bojanala Region	Eletsa Secondary School	Wonderkop Stadium, Lonmin Platinum Mine, Western Plant Units, Brits
Ngaka Modiri Molema	Boithaopo High School
Dr Kenneth Kaunda	Arefadimeheng High School
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati	Sol Plaatje Secondary  School

MOFULATSHEPE PRIMARY DOES IT AGAIN FOR FREE STATE

The small township of Kagisanong hosted the Free State Danone Nations Cup Provincial finals on Saturday, 14 May, which saw fourth time Provincial champions, Mofulatshepe Primary School from Smithfield beating Katoloso Primary School from Wesselsbron 3 – 2 on penalties lift the trophy and book a place in the National Finals.

All indications pointed to Katoloso Primary being the overall winners as the school performed outstandingly winning all their League games.  But the youngsters could  not contain the pressure from Mofulatshepe in the finals.  

Mufulatshepe will now represent the Province at the National finals happening at Eldorado Park, Gauteng on 9 July 2011. The team believe that it is a case of fourth time lucky and have vowed that after being crowned Provincial champions in 2008, 2009 and 2010 it is now their time to shine and get the chance to go to Spain between 5 - 10 October to represent South Africa in the Danone Nations Cup World Finals. 

“Not only have we made history, but we have also achieved one of our most important goals for this year,” said Lawrence Johns, coach of Mofulatshepe Primary School.  “We still have a long way to go but I am confident that we will surprise many at the National finals this year”

Free State finished 3^rd in last year’s finals and this will be a chance for the School to put on a better performance. The winners will join Robanyane (Northern Cape), Kgwahlele (Limpopo), Nosizwe (North West), Mhlahle (Mpumalanga) and Ndongeni (KZN) respectively and will wait for the last three provincial finals still to be decided.

Groupe Danone, the largest supplier of yoghurt in the world, uses football as the vehicle to educate youngsters on the importance of developing a healthy life style at a young age, which is why the company decided to sponsor the Under 12 Danone Nations Cup.  2011 is the 11^th year of the sponsorship and the company has touched the lives of over 15 million youngsters all over the world.  Currently over 40 countries are running development programmes to identify the team that will represent the country in the World Finals in October and in the case of Southern Africa the Provincial finals are currently happening in the 9 Provinces. 

“Danone understands the importance of good nutrition in developing a healthy youngster,” said Sandra Dorville, Danone Southern Africa communications manager. 

“We further use the opportunity to encourage youngsters to believe in their dreams.  Through this tournament we want youngsters to also understand that football at this age is about just simply having fun and learning to enjoy the game,” said Dorville

The Danone Nations Cup has also unearthed some true talent that is now competing at professional level including Kamohelo Mokotjo, now playing in Holland as well as Philani Khwela and Kermit Erasmus now with SuperSport United. 

“Danone is also embarking on a project to find the youngsters that went to France in 2003 and were part of the winning team.  We are looking for the youngsters, who will now be around 20 years old and establish what they are doing and how the tournament influenced their lives,” said Dorville.

RESULTS – FREE STATE WINNERS PROVINCIAL FINALS

POOL - A

TEAM 1 – TLOTLISO PRIMARY SCHOOL

TEAM 2 – ZAMALEKA PRIMARY SCHOOL

TEAM 3 – MOFULATSHEPE PRIMARY SCHOOL

TEAM 4 – RELEBELETSE PRIMARY SCHOOL

TEAM 5 – LETOTOLO PRIMARY SCHOOL

TEAM 6 – KATOLOSO PRIMARY SCHOOL

Tlotliso Primary 1 (3)    vs.     Zamaleka Primary 1 (1)

Relebeletse Primary 0  vs.      Katoloso Primary 0 (6)

Mofulatshepe Primary   0 (3)    vs.       Letotolo 0 (1)

Tlotliso Primary 1  vs.      Relebeletse Primary 0 (0p)

Zamaleka Primary   3   vs.       Katoloso 1

Mofulatshepe  Primary 2  vs.       Tlotliso Primary 0

Letotolo Primary 2         vs.      Relebeletse   2

Zamaleka Primary  0 (1)               vs.      Mofulatshepe Primary 0 (3)

Katoloso Primary    0 (5)    vs.      Tlotliso Primary 1

Letotolo Primary 0           vs.       Zamaleka Primary 2

Relebeletse 1 (5) vs. Mofulatshepe 1 (6)

Letotolo Primary 0 vs. Katoloso  Primary2

Zamaleka Primary 0 vs. Relebetse Primary 1

Tlotliso Primary  1 vs Letotolo Primary 0

Katoloso Primary  0 vs. Mofulatshepe Primary 2

FINAL LOG POSTION

POOL A: 1^st – Katoloso, 2^nd – Mofulatshepe, 3^rd – Tlotliso, 4^th – Relebeletse, 5^th –Zamaleka, 6^th - Letotolo.

FINAL

Katoloso Primary 1 (2P) vs.  Mufulatshepe Primary 1(3P)

WINNER DANONE NATIONS CUP – FREE STATE 2011 – Mofulatshepe Primary School.

SANLAM KAY MOTSEPE SCHOOLS CUP MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL FINALS

The best of Mpumalanga school football will be seen at the Kwanyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday, 21 May, as the top four schools compete in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup Provincial Finals.

The school that wins on Saturday will not only take home R100 000 as the Provincial champion, but will also go on to represent Mpumalanga in the National finals happening from 13 – 17 July. The school that finishes in second place will also goes to go to the National finals.

The Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is open to all High schools including rural, public, private and independent schools.  The ultimate winner will get R1 million with R600 000, R500 000 and

R400 000, respectively for the second, third and fourth placed schools.  Each Provincial winner gets an additional R100 000.  Prize money is used to fund legacy projects identified by the school.

Three of the teams that will compete for the Mpumalanga Provincial title are:

East High College of Excellence (Ehlanzeni Region): Established in 1994, East High College of Excellence in Nelspruit is well known for producing outstanding results in the classroom, but when the new Principal, Abel Nkuna, came on board four years ago, he wanted this excellence to spill over onto the sports fields and introduced the East High Sports Academy.  The school has not been particularly strong on the football field however has unearthed some individually talented players such as Free State Stars central midfielders Bongani Nyathi and Mandla Shongwe who currently trains with Golden Arrows and Speedy Mabaso who is currently with Orland Pirates. Winning the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup will not only put this academy on the map, but will also serve as a stepping stone for some of the players.

Sofunda High School (Nkangala Region):  Hardwork and team work is what 17 year old Malupi Ranthoo believes has earned his school a place in the Provincial finals. “We came into the tournament as the underdogs and for us to have made it to the Provincial finals shows that we are just a step away from victory,” said the young captain. Sofunda’s chance to compete in the Provincial finals came after beating last year’s Provincial winners, Phaphamani Secondary school  2- 1 in the semi-finals at last weekend’s regional finals.  They then played Kriel High School, another school that does well on the football field, and beat 4 – 2 to become the Regional winners.  Judging by the confidence and character shown a lot is expected from this Middelburg team.

Mahlale Secondary School (Bushbuckridge): Situated in the dusty area of Welverdeen village, Mahlale high school does not have a football field to practise on and the team has to travel many kilometres to the community centre where they play on sand meaning that if there is rain the practise session is cancelled.  Getting to compete in the Provincial finals is a dream come true to this young team who are hungry for success.  The Mahlale boys have vowed to show what they are made of:  “This is a biggest achievement for the boys and we are hoping to go further in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup.  If we win R100 000 this will help the school tremendously as there is just so much we need, such as a sports field,” said team manager Pretty Masemula.

Gert Sibanda Regional winner is still to be decided.  Games will take place on Thursday, 19 May, 2011.  

Pictures from the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Cup Free State Provincial Finals

Saul Phikane of Ipetleng High School (White) and Siphiwe Radebe of Ntsu High School (Blue) of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District during the Free State Provincial Finals of the 2011 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup held in Sasolburg

Bosman Kgahelo of Harmony High School (Red) of the Lejweleputswa District and Beteleng Khune of Commtech Comprehensive High (White) from Bloemfontein during the Free State Provincial Finals of the 2011 Kay Motsepe Schools Cup held in Sasolburg

Thabo Maya of Ntsu High School (Blue) of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District during the Free State Provincial Finals of the 2011 Kay Motsepe Schools Cup held in Sasolburg

DANONE NATIONS CUP - FREE STATE PROVINCIAL FINALS

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, 14^th 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.

Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is in full swing in Mpumalanga

The Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup regional finals continue this weekend with three regions in Mpumalanga holding their finals on Saturday, May 14. The teams that take first place here will proceed to compete in the provincial finals to be held next week.

In the Nkangala region, 2010 Mpumalanga champions, Delmas-based Phaphamani High School will face Sikhulile Secondary School from Belfast, Somkhahlekwa Secondary School from Siyabuswa, Kriel High School from Witbank, Mgudlwa High School from Kwamhlanga and Sofunda Secondary School at the Libangeni Stadium in Witbank.

Though Phaphamani coach Thobile Mdzanga is cautiously optimistic, his boys are determined to assert their power on the pitch and confident that they will be seen at the provincial finals next week. Tebogo Ngoma will lead the team as captain, but the 17-year-old striker will also have to score goals to keep his team in the race.
“We are at a crucial part of the tournament and I am a bit anxious,” Ngoma admits. “We are a completely new team this year; most of my team mates were doing matric last year. However, all our players are confident - and that is what matters the most. We will fight with all that we have to make sure we qualify”.
Having taken part in the tournament last year, Ngoma and team mates Innocent Ngozo and Fani Jordan will use the experience they gained last year to provide guidance and moral support to the new team. Phaphamani took home R100 000 after coming out tops in the province last year and represented Mpumalanga in the national finals.

Newcomers East High College of Excellence, a sports academy from Nelspruit, are another force to be reckoned with. They have already qualified to represent the Ehlanzeni region at the provincial finals. They beat Kamohola Secondary School from Barberton 5 -4 in penalties after a goalless draw last Saturday.
Despite the fact that the school has not been particularly strong in development tournaments like the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Cup and is still struggling to make ends meet, they have done well to make a name for themselves. Established in 1998, East high College of Excellence has produced numerous well-known players like Free State Stars central midfielder Bongani Nyathi and Mandla Shongwe who currently trains with Golden Arrows. Winning the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup will not only put this academy on the map, but will also serve as a stepping stone for some of the players like striker Gugu Mathebula. “Otorongo”, as he is affectionately known by his teammates, scored a whopping 19 goals in five games to help his team achieve their current position, and hopes to be spotted by a talent scout.

Thulamahashe Stadium will host the Bushbuckridge regional final clash between Masilela High School, Makhosana Manzini Secondary School, Letshele Secondary School, Mabarhule High School, Masingitane Secondary School, Langa Secondary School, Puledi High School, Tamajane High School, Shoshangane High School, Rakutswe High School, Mahlale High School, Makata High School, Sabie Secondary School, Shobiyane High School and Mashishing High School.

The Gert Sibande region’s teams will stage their finals at the AK Swanepoel sports grounds in Ermelo. Ndlela High School from Piet Retief, Standworth Combined School (Standerton), Setsheng Secondary School (Balfour Park), Ithafa Secondary School (Ermelo), Shebangemehlo Secondary School (Badplaas), Zinigeleni Secondary School (Carolina), Sinethemba Secondary School (Wackersdorf), Lake Christie (Brayton), and K.I Thwala (Secunda) will face each other for a chance to get to the provincial finals. Games will commence at 08:00 at all venues.

The Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup about finding the most promising under-18 talent in the country by playing it out with gruelling level-by-level knock-outs but it also has whopping R1 million prize money worth of legacy project to go with it.

FLAVIUS MAREKA STADIUM TO BE FREE STATE'S SANLAM KAY MOTSEPE SCHOOLS CUP VENUE

The Free State Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup Provincial finals taking place on Saturday, 14 May, will now be held at the Flavius Mareka Stadium in Sasolburg and no longer in Parys. The announcement was made by the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) and the Free State Local Organising Committee who expressed their sincere apology for any inconvenience this might cause to the media and football fans. 

Each of the six Free State Regions held their finals on Saturday, 7 May to determine their representatives in the Provincial finals.  The ultimate winner this Saturday will represent the Free State in the National Finals scheduled for July.  Games kick-off at 9am with teams divided into two groups which will compete in a round robin format with the teams topping the logs playing in the final.

Harmony High School, second-place finishers in the 2010 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup, will represent the Lejweleputswa region for the fifth successive year.  Harmony is a football academy that provides a steady stream of players to the Premier Soccer League clubs.  Harmony beat Rainbow Secondary School of Tswelopele Municipality 1-0 at the regional finals held at Boschoff Stadium last week to book a berth in the Provincial Finals.

As hosts, Fezile Dabi District can have two schools participating in the Provincial finals, these will be Dr Regional Cingo High and Nkgopoleng High.   

Dr Regional Cingo High will represent Moqhaka Municipality in the Provincial Finals. The school has been participating in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup for the past four years, this is their first trip to the Provincial finals: “The 1–0 win against Nkgopoleng High of Metsimaholo Municipality is a clear indication of what hard work and determination can do for you. The players are looking forward to participating at the next level – we worked exceptionally hard to make sure we snatch the top position,” said coach Pule Nketu after one of the team’s training sessions.

Opposition coach, Stephen Mokati of Nkgopoleng High School said: “It was a tough match and the score could have been worse. We were rusty and we made mistakes which could have been easily avoided. We created several scoring opportunities but unfortunately couldn’t convert. We are currently training hard and are optimistic of a win come this weekend.”

Frank Louw, Sanlam Sponsorship Manager said: “We are excited to see so many newcomers to the provincial finals as it reflects the level of development taking place in high school soccer. Sanlam believes that the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup creates opportunities that have a positive impact on the youth, opportunities for youngsters to achieve what they hope for by providing exposure to scouts for talented players.”  

Another school with an impressive track record in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup, Ntsu High School of Thabo Mofutsanyana District, will make their third appearance in the Provincial Finals after beating Nkhodiso High from QwaQwa 4 – 0 in their Regional Finals.

Ntsu coach, Michael Masooa, was pleased with the win: “Nkhodiso had all the support as they were playing at home, but my players were not fazed by the fans cheering for the opposition.  I must commend their goalkeeper who put up a good fight despite being let down by his defence line.  If it wasn’t for him the margin would have been a lot higher.”  

Commtech Comprehensive High from Bloemfontein beat Lereng High School of Mantsopa Municipality 3-1, to represent Motheo Region in the Provincial finals. Commtech coach, Molahlehi Sealanyane, described the game as one of skill versus skill:  “It was a tough final and Lereng High had some exceptional players, but it was our day and we are  going to the Provincial Finals. We have been playing in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Cup for a couple of years and this is the first time we are through to the Provincial Finals. Our goal now is to represent the Free State at the National Finals in July.   

Another newcomer to the Provincial Finals is Ipetleng High School of Petrusburg, this after beating Lere-lathuto High School of Zastron 1-0 in their Regional finals.

“Through the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup, Sanlam aims to have a positive impact on the youth, providing an opportunity to address the physical wellness of the individual through participation in sports and improved educational facilities for the benefit of the rest of the pupils in the winning schools and the broader community,” concludes Frank Louw, Sanlam Sponsorship Manager.

FREE STATE SCHOOL UNVEILS ITS SANLAM KAY MOTSEPE SCHOOLS CUP PROJECTS

Harmony Academy of the Free State’s Lejweleputswa Region has celebrated the completion of the legacy projects made possible from the prize money the school received after their second-place finish in the 2010 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup.

Harmony were joined in celebration by representatives of Sanlam, the Motsepe Foundation, the Ubuntu-Botho Development Trust and the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA), the Free State education department and the local Ward Councillor.

Harmony walked away with a total of R700 000, including R100 000 for being crowned Free State Provincial Champions, and utilised the funds to buy a 44-seater bus, a sprinkler system and a projector and screen for presentations.

 

Run under the auspices of the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA), the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is the biggest schools football tournament in the country with the most prize money of over R3m. The winner takes R1 million, R600 000 for the runners-up, R500 000 and R400 000 for third- and fourth-place finishers respectively. Each school that wins their Provincial final receives R100 000. The tournament prize money is spent on legacy projects identified by the school.

 

Harmony Headmaster, Andrew Monnane, could not contain his excitement: “Our football team, referred to by the community as ‘The Eagles’, has done the school proud. I cannot express in words my gratitude to the sponsors for what our prize money has done for us.”

 

“While we excel on the football field, education remains a key priority and we now have our own 44-seater bus to take our pupils to attend extra classes. We have to go from Virginia to the Central University of Technology in Welkom. And, of course, the bus will take our footballers to play official games. Last Saturday, we travelled to Boschoff stadium in style to compete in our first 2011 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup Regional game,” said Monnane. 

The sprinkler system will be used to maintain the grass on the sports fields while the projector and screen will help with group assignments to further the education of the pupils. 

“The partnership between Sanlam, SASFA, Ubuntu-Botho Development Trust and the Motsepe Foundation indicates our commitment to addressing schools’academic and sporting needs,” said Julius Chabeli, Sanlam Business Developer in Free State. “Sanlam understands the value of development and the opportunity it gives youngsters to achieve what they hope for. We believe that the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup creates opportunities that have a positive impact on the youth, and provides exposure to scouts for talented players. Importantly, it also contributes to enhanced learning through improved educational facilities for the benefit of the rest of the pupils in the participating schools and the broader community.”

Kenneth Makhanya, representative of the Motsepe Foundation and the Ubuntu-Botho Development Trust concurred with Chabeli: “The partnership with Sanlam and SASFA has afforded us the opportunity to reach as many high schools as possible, touching lives and bringing smiles to as many pupils and communities as possible. It is a great honour and thoroughly humbling to be able to contribute to building strong societies while developing a culture of football in our country.”
‘The Eagles’ have had a good run in the tournament, during the past few years. They were crowned National champions in 2005 and 2008, runners-up in 2006 and 2010 and took third place in 2009. Their 2011 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Cup is underway, but there is still a way to go to put them in the Provincial Finals for the fifth year in succession.

Malombo Lechaba of the Motsepe Foundation (L) and Moletsane Chabeli of Sanlam Business Development (2ndR) join school principal Andrew Monnane (1tsR) in unveiling of the 2010 Kay Motsepe Schools Cup handover of the R700 000 award to Harmony High School for coming 2nd in the 2010 Kay Motsepe Schools Cup

Harmony High School Principal Andrew Monnane (R) and Moletsane Chabeli of Sanlam Business Development (L) at the handover of the 2nd placed prize R700 000 award to Harmony High School for coming 2nd in the 2010 Kay Motsepe Schools Cup

The u19 Harmony High Soccer Team in front of the bus that was purchased with the prize money during the handover of the R700 000 award to Harmony High School for coming 2nd in the 2010 Kay Motsepe Schools Cup

SURPRISE WINS IN THE DANONE NATIONS CUP PROVINCIAL FINALS IN KZN AND NORTHERN CAPE

Ndogeni Primary School from KwaZulu Natal and Robanyane Primary from the Northern Cape each won their Provincial finals on Saturday, 7 May 2011 and are now through to the Danone Nations Cup National Finals taking place at the Eldorado Stadium in Eldorado Park, Gauteng on 9 July 2011.

“I must commend Ndogeni Primary for a fine performance,” said ex Bafana Bafana captain and Danone Nations Cup ambassador, Neil Tovey who attended the KwaZulu Natal Provincial finals.  “The school has a number of exceptionally talented players however they played individualistic football as opposed to playing as a team.  I spoke to them after the game about this.  Football is a team sport and when they compete against other teams that pass to team mates effectively they will be beaten.”

Ndongeni Primary School comes from the Umlazi Region and they beat Ezamukuthula Primary School from Uthugela region 3 – 0 to be crowed the Provincial champions. The finals took place at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.

On the same day the Northern Cape also held their Danone Nations Cup Provincial Finals.   Robanyane Primary from the John Taole region earned a spot in the National Finals after beating Kgabang Primary School from Francis Baard 3 – 0 on penalties in the final game.  The full time score was 0 – 0. The finals took place at the Kimberly Technical High stadium.

“This is exciting as it is our first appearance in the Danone Nations Cup,” said Robanyane Primary’s Coach, Elias Moipone, “We came here prepared and were match fit to face any opponent.” Founded only three years ago , Moipone said that it has been the school Principal’s dream to see his boys participating in the Danone Nations Cup, however before this year they didn’t have the facilities nor enough players to have taken part. “These are the players I started training from Grade 3 when they first got to the school. This tournament introduced them to their first official match. We are very far from other Primary schools and it has been a difficult task to organise friendly games to get match practise which makes this win even more exciting.”

Other teams that have been guaranteed a place in the National finals are Kgwahlele Primary (Limpopo), Mhlahle Primary  School (Mpumalanga)and  Nosizwe Primary School (North West).

Free State is the next Province to host their Provincial finals happening at the Clive Solomon Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 14 April from 9am.

The 2011 Danone Nations Cup champions will then to go Madrid, Spain in October to compete in the World Finals against 39 other Nations.

RESULTS – NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCIAL FINALS

SIMBRUNER PRIMARY SCHOOL (Siyanda Region)

KGABANG PRIMARY SCHOOL (Francis Baard Region)

ROBANYANE PRIMARY SCHOOL (John Taole Region)

VAN RENSBURG PRIMARY SCHOOL (Pixley Kasime Region)
BUFFELS RIVIER PRIMARY SCHOOL (Namaqualand Region)

Van Rensburg Primary School 1 vs Buffels River Primary School 0

Robanyane Primary School 0 (2) vs Kgabang Primary School 0 (3)

Simbruner Primary School 0 vs Van Rensburg Primary School 1

Buffels River Primary School  0 vs Robanyane Primary School 4

Kgabang Primary School 2 vs  Simbruner  Primary School 0

Van Rensburg Primary School 0 vs Robanyane Primary School 1

Buffels River Primary School 0 vs Kgabang Primary School 2

Robanyane Primary School 1(2) vs Simbruner Primary School 1(3)

Kgabang Primary School 2 vs Van Rensburg Primary School 0

Simbruner Primary School 2 vs Buffels River Primary School 0

FINAL LOG POSTION

1^st – Kgabang Primary School – 10 pts

2^nd – Robanyane Primary School – 4 pts

3^rd – Van Rensburg Primary School – 3 pts

4^th – Buffels Rivier Primary School – 1 pts

FINAL

Kgabang Primary School 0 (2) vs.  Robanyane Primary School 0 (3)

DANONE NATIONS CUP – 2011 NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONS –  Robanyane Primary School

RESULTS – KWAZULU NATAL

OHLONGENI PRIMARY SCHOOL (Ugu Region)

EZAMUKUTHULA PRIMARY SCHOOL (UThukela Region)

SURYAVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL (Amajuba Region)

EMPHATHE PRIMARY SCHOOL (UMzinyathi Region)

NEW GEULERLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL (ILembe Region)

NDONGENI PRIMARY SCHOOL (Umlazi Region)

TAYLORS PRIMARY SCHOOL (UMgungundlovu Region)

OPHUZANE PRIMARY SCHOOL (Vryheid Region)

MTHWAZI PRIMARY SCHOOL (Ubombo Region)

NDABAYAKHE PRIMARY SCHOOL (Empangeni Region)

FIELD A

Ndongeni Primary School 3 vs Taylors Primary School 1

Ophuzane Primary School 0 (4) vs Mthwazi Primary School 0 (5)

Ndabayakhe Primary School 0 vs Ndongeni Primary School  1

Taylors Primary School 0 (3) vs Ophuzane Primary School 0 (2)

Mthwazi Primary School 0 vs  Ndabayakhe Primary School 2

Ndongeni Primary School 2 vs OphuzanePrimary School 0

Taylors Primary School 0 (2) vs Mthwazi Primary School 0 (3)

Ophuzane Primary School 0 vs Ndabayakhe Primary School 2

Mthwazi Primary School 0 vs Ndongeni Primary School 2

Ndabayakhe Primary School 0 vs Taylors Primary School 0

FIELD B

Ezamukuthula Primary School 0 vs Ohlongeni Primary School 1

Suryaville Primary School 2 vs Emphathe Primary School 0

New Geulerland Primary School 0 vs Ezamukuthula Primary School 1

Ohlongeni Primary School 1 vs Suryaville Primary School 0

Empathe Primary School 0 vs New Guelerland Primary School 2

Ezamukuthula Primary School 1 vs Suryaville Primary School 0

Ohlongeni  Primary School 1 (2) vs Empathe Primary School 1 (0)

Suryaville Primary School 1 vs New Geulerland Primary School 3

Empathe Primary School 0 vs Ezamukuthula Primary School 3

New Geulerland Primary 0 (1) vs Ohlongeni Primary School 0 (3)

FINAL

Ndongeni  Primary School 3 vs.  Ezamukuthula Primary School 0

DANONE NATIONS CUP – 2011 KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONS –  Ndongeni Primary School.

2011 KZN NEIL PRIZE GIVING picture by Canon

DNC - 2011 KZN WINNERS - Ndogeni Primary School CELEBRATION picture by Canon

Ndogeni Primary School picture by Canon

Ndgeni Primary School picture by Canon