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The stage is set for the 2017
under-12 Danone Nations Cup national finals, happening on Saturday, 1 July at
the WJ Clement Stadium in Reiger Park, with the nine provincial contenders
vying for the opportunity to represent South Africa at the world finals
happening in New York in September.
Most of the coaches agree that
this week is the time for reflection, fine tuning, getting in a bit of rest and
most importantly building team spirit and instilling confidence in the
kids.
A coach that has experience at
this level, after winning the nationals last year and going on to take his team
to France, is Mbishi Mokoena from Benny’s Sports Academy and Development.
He is advising the coaches to encourage the kids to have fun and enjoy the
experience.
“This is not the time to put
pressure on the kids and push them,” he said. “For these last few days it is
important to do simple things and rest key players so there are no injuries.
The coaches must focus on the mental and not physical aspect of the game.
Just explain to the boys what to expect. They are already champions
having come this far. This is their day to shine.”
Mokoena went on to caution.
“I would also advise the coaches to allow the kids to express themselves and
show off their talents. Don’t shout at them from the side of the field.
They have had them since January and it is now time to let them show what they
have and how they perform on the big stage.”
There has been one change to the
original school line up with Bankara-Bodulong Intermediate School from Kuruman
now representing the Northern Cape and replacing Roodepan Primary School.
The coach, Gaza Mosala, who has a SAFA level 2 coaching certificate, has
declared the team ready and able to step in at this final stage.
Entrance into the stadium on
Saturday is free and sponsors, Danone, are promising a day full of fun for the
whole family.
“As well as the best under-12
soccer teams in the country playing, we have turned the outer fields into an
activation area where anyone can come and enter skills competitions and win
prizes,” said Chantel Ehlers, Internal Communications Manager, Danone. “Our
kit sponsors, Mille will also be there with over 100 pairs of footwear that can
be won. For the younger kids we have jumping castles, face painters and
all sorts of other entertaining things to do.”
Danone’s yoghurt brand, Nutriday,
will be showcasing its NutriDay Schools Programme Roadshow where kids are
encouraged to develop healthy eating habits and why it’s so important to eat a
balanced diet. All visitors on Saturday will be able to
sample Danone’s newest brand DanUp (who has Itumeleng Khune as the
ambassador). Those who haven’t tried it yet… Make sure you do this
weekend!
The provincial champion schools
are:
Sekusile Primary School,
Mpumalanga
Mophela Primary School,
KwaZulu-Natal
Isaac Booi Senior Primary School,
Eastern Cape
Phaphama Public School, Free
State
Idas Valley Primary School,
Western Cape
Haggai Independent School,
Limpopo
Mmamitlwa Primary School, North
West
Arcon Park Primary School,
Gauteng
Bankara-Bodulong Intermediate
School, Northern Cape.
DNC Partners
