Will Mhlahle from Bushbuckridge represent Mpumalanga Province in the Danone Nations Cup National Finals for the third successive year? Coach Hans Mkhondo certainly believes this is possible.
Mpumalanga is the first Province to host their finals of the Danone Nations Cup scheduled to take place at the Embalenhle Stadium in Secunda on Saturday, 17 March. Games will kick-off at 9 am with the final scheduled at 13:05pm.
Gert Sibanda and Botshabela regions will be represented by Imizamoyethu and Mhlahle Primary Schools respectively. This will be the third successive year the schools will be meeting in the Provincial Finals with Mhlahle progressing through to the National Finals in 2010 and 2011. Also competing on Saturday are Chakaza Primary (Ehlanzeni Region) and Zikhuphule Primary from Middleburg Region.
Mkhondo believes the Danone Nations Cup tournament is a stepping stone for kids to progress with their soccer: “I use the tournament to give my boys the experience of playing against other schools. Going to the National Finals is the best as we see how other Provinces prepare and play which helps us back at home. I believe the reason for our continued success is that I have developed a good development programme.”
Mkhondo explains: “I have been Mhlahle’s football coach since 2006. I registered for the Danone Nations Cup in 2007 and we have competed every year since. For us it is the highlight of our soccer calendar and a competition the boys love to play in.”
Mkhondo is passionate about soccer. To ensure he gives his team the best coaching advice possible he enrolled in SAFA’s Level 2 coaching course. “Not only would I like my team to be the one to go to Poland, but my dream is to one day have my own football academy. I have heard through other schools that have competed in the Danone Nations Cup World Finals that the experience is unbelievable and you learn so much about different techniques and tactics. I would like this experience as it would help me in the years to come.”
According to Communications Manager of Danone South Africa, Sandra Dorville, “The mission of Group Danone as a company is to bring health through food to as many people as possible,” she explains. “It is of vital importance to start teaching the value of a healthy diet at a young age.”
“When we launched the tournament we wanted to promote healthy eating habits by means of having fun and leading by example. Teaching the children the value of good healthy food while involved in the tournament,” says Dorville. “We also emphasise the fundamental principles; accessibility, fairplay, sportsmanship and fun to our developing young footballers.”
The winner on Saturday will represent Mpumalanga Province in the Danone Nations Cup National Final on 23 June. The National winner will then represent South Africa at the Danone Nations Cup World Finals scheduled for Poland in October
No comments:
Post a Comment