The
under-12 Danone Nations Cup national finals will take place at the WJ Clements
Stadium in Reiger Park, Boksburg, on Saturday June 28.
The
process of identifying the nine provincial champion schools that will be in
action on Saturday began back in April and it's fitting that it all comes to a
climax at a time when soccer is at the top of everyone's mind as the FIFA World
Cup nears its knockout phase in Brazil.
And
it's a trip to Brazil that will be up for grabs on Saturday. The winning school
will represent South Africa at the Danone Nations Cup World Finals in Sao Paulo
in November, so there's everything to play for on Saturday and the players are
all dreaming of playing at the stadium that they have been seeing on TV this
week.
Apart
from the exciting matches, there are many fun activities on offer to
spectators. Youngsters will be given the opportunity to display their soccer
skills, with prizes up for grabs, and the Mille Free stylists will be there
teaching them soccer tricks.
Nikon
photographers will be there to take pictures of the kids with Danone Nations
Cup ambassador, Neil Tovey, between 10am and 12pm. There will also be a
number of fun activities, including jumping castles and face painting, among
others.
KwaZulu-Natal
representatives, Siphumelele Primary School, are a team to watch and are ready
for the finals, physically and mentally. Their manager, Emmanuel Mkhize, says
the players have shown they are capable of handling the nations. "They
handled the provincial finals in their stride, and I'm confident they will do
the same on Saturday," he said.
Bayanda
Lukhanyo, a 12 year-old midfielder, will be one of the Siphumelele’s key
players. He said he is expecting tough competition in the nationals. "We
made it to the nationals last year as well but were knocked out and hope to go
further this time," he said. "I would like to win, but I also
want to have fun and make friends throughout the day."
Another
school that performed well at their provincial finals is Credo Primary School
representing Free State. Manager, Ms Dikeledi Sothwane, said she sees the
teams from KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng as their strongest opposition.
"That
being said, the team has been working hard and they will fight to make sure
they are in with a chance. I believe what kids at this age need the most is
confidence and I tell them that they are strong enough to compete against any
team, they must not be intimidated and play soccer they way they have been
taught."
Itumeleng
Tautse, an 11 year-old midfielder will be one of her key players. He said
the team has been having problems with scoring goals, despite creating many
chances. "My parents, who are my biggest supporters, and try to watch as
many games that I play in as possible, have bought me new boots and I’m looking
forward to scoring with them on Saturday. I would like to score 8 goals,
but let’s see what happens."
Then
there is Limpopo province’s Rev MP Malatjie Primary School to look out for as
well. Team manager, Philip Nkwe says that the province has brought in
coach Ronny Mbedele to help with their preparations. "He has made a huge
change to our team, he listens to the players and makes them listen to each
other," said Nkwe.
Rev
MP Malatjie’s key player will be midfielder, Leseba Sehona, who is excited to
be going to Gauteng because his sisters, Malesela and Princess, who
live in Jo’burg, will be at the stadium to watch him play for the first time
ever. "That will motivate me to play well when I see them on the
stands and cheering my name. I want to make them proud of me," he
said.
The
nine provincial champions are:
Roodepan Primary School (Kimberley) - Frances Bard district,
Northern Cape
Siphumelele Primary School (Inanda) – Pinetown district,
KwaZulu-Natal
Credo Primary School (Sasolburg) - Fezile Dabi district,
Free State
Rev MP Malatjie Primary School (Seshego) - Capricorn
district, Limpopo
Kgetleng Primary School (Swartruggens) - Ngaka Modiri
Molema district, North West
Johannes Kananda Primary School (Witbank) – Nkangala
district, Mpumalanga
Caley Junior Secondary School (Butterworth) – Amathole
district, Eastern Cape
Lukhanyo Primary School (Hermanus) – Overberg, Western Cape
Farrarmere Primary School (Benoni) – Ekurhuleni North
district, Gauteng
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