SUNDOWNS SIGNS ANOTHER SANLAM KAY MOTSEPE SCHOOLS CUP YOUNGSTER TO BOOST THEIR YOUTH ACADEMY

The Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is without doubt a stepping stone for teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 towards  playing professional soccer, even represent Bafana Bafana.  One such youngster identified during the 2011 tournament, Midfielder from Gamolapo, Limpopo, Godfrey Mako, has joined the Mamelodi Sundowns Academy and is destined to become a household name.  He joins another player, Franco Haai, also identified during the 2011 tournament.

Mako, or ‘Computer’ as he is referred to by his peers, was born in Zebediela village in Limpopo on 1 April 1994. He started showing extraordinary skills at the age of nine.  He recalls:  “A fight broke out in the play ground between my friends who all wanted me in their team during break.  We were caught and spent two days in detention.  On the third day the principal told me to report to practise as he wanted to see what all the commotion was about. The coach, Mr Maluleke really liked the way I played and I became a permanent member of the team.”

In 2007 Mako joined the local amateur team, Amadlugdlug.  He was younger than his team mates which resulted in him sitting on the bench for a year which frustrated him immensely. 

Then everything changed when he moved to Mafsiakgomo High School and became the star of the school team.  “I suppose I can attribute my improved skills to my previous club.  I might not have got much match practise, but I sure learnt a lot during practise sessions,” said Mako

Frank Louw, Sponsorship Manager, Sanlam Group Marketing explains the tournament vision and why players like Mako are an inspiration to the company:  “Sanlam understands the value of development and the importance of realising what one hopes for. We believe that the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup creates opportunities that have a positive impact on the youth and also provides exposure to scouts for these talented youngsters.”

The educational part of the Sundowns opportunity also excited young Mako:  “Sundowns has enrolled me in a private school in Pretoria, Clapham College, which I am really happy about.  My plan is to work hard to obtain good marks that will qualify me for a bursary to University where I want to study electrical engineering.  Football will be a priority as I really want to play professionally, but I plan to get a good education and study further as well.” Mako has had a difficult youth living with his grandparents and four cousins after his mother died when he was nine.   

The Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is an annual football tournament for youngsters between the ages of 15 and 19 and is open to every school in South Africa.  Registration is now open for 2012 and players could well find a Mamelodi Sundowns scout at one of their games as the Club is on a continuous quest in search for talent.  Then there is the R1 million on offer to the team that finishes in first place, money that every school wants to upgrade school facilities and give the pupils added reason to do well.

To register to compete in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup, please contact Mr Nelson Belebesi of the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) 011 567 2824 or Mr Frank Louw of Sanlam on 021 947 2093. Registration closes on 9 March, 2012.

 

Winners’ prize money:

1^st Place R1 000 000

2^nd Place R600 000
3^rd Place R500 000
4^th Place R400 000
9 x provincial winners R100 000 each