Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Soweto schools start their road to the under-12 Danone Nations Cup national finals


 


The under-12 Danone Nations Cup football tournament will step up a gear over the next few months as the Gauteng Province elimination process gets underway.

More than 2 700 schools registered for the competition last year and this is expected to be exceeded as the dates of the provincial finals have been pushed out due to the world finals taking place in 2019.

The Gauteng defending provincial champions, Arcon Park Primary School from Sedibeng East, Vereeniging will be back in action this year, as will several first timers including Enkanyezini Primary School based in Phiri, Soweto who will be playing in the central Johannesburg cluster.

“I have been following the tournament via Facebook and the local media,” said Langa Masia, Enkanyezini team manager and English and life orientation teacher. “I realise the importance of such a tournament in a youngsters’ life and it is an excellent platform to give our players the opportunity to experience competing in a high-profile tournament, so I decided to enter us this year.”

Masia aspires to the principles of the tournament and teaches them to his players.  “Educating kids on developing healthy eating habits, the element of fair play and to believe in your dreams are important aspects in a child’s life.”

The school has produced a famous soccer star in the form of Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs player, Simphiwe Tshabalala.  “Simphiwe still plays an important role at the school and contributes by donating sport equipment and school shoes. He often visits us and speaks to the kids and encourages them to never give up hope, stay focused and make sure they stay at school.’ 

Enkanyezini is a small school with only 352 learners, but they have enough under-12 players to put together a formidable team, explained Masia. The team will be coached by Bongani Mhlambi, also a previous student at the school and the current administration manager. He has no formal coaching qualifications but has picked up plenty of advice from Tshabalala.

Masia knows it won’t be easy competing in the tournament against excellent and well coached teams. “It’s about the experience and getting the kids to network with other soccer players their age. The experience will help to broaden their minds and get them to realise it is a big world out there filled with endless opportunities,” he said.

Games in Soweto kick-off next week.  The South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) will be announcing the fixtures and dates this week.

Ends. 



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