Georgedale Full Service School will represent Pinetown in the Danone Nations Cup KwaZulu-Natal provincial final

The under-12 Danone Nations Cup KwaZulu-Natal provincial finals take place at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Pinetown on 28th July, with 12 districts sending their winners to qualify to represent the province at the national finals in Gauteng on 15^th September.  The ultimate winner will compete in the world finals in Spain in 2019.

The school representing the Umzinyathi District is Lewis Combined based in rural Msinga. This will be the second year in succession that they have reach the provincial finals under coach Siyabonga Xulu, who is also the sports coordinator at the school. 

“Last year we never made it past the group stage and we are looking forward to the tournament this year and hoping to do better,” said Xulu, who has no formal coaching qualifications, but did play varsity soccer at University of KZN under coach, Mr Sapula, who was his inspiration and role model throughout his tertiary study years.

“Mr Sapula taught me so much about soccer; how to analyse players and opponents and how to make changes to your team to improve the entire game,” he said. “Soccer is a team game and you have to play as a team. It’s important to ensure that players are in the correct positions to suit their play and that they blend and synchronise well. At this young age that is critical. It helps them to feel comfortable and enjoy the game.”

The provincials will be tough for Lewis as a school from a very rural area competing against the winners of much bigger districts who have a lot more experience.

The boys are currently on holiday but Xulu knows that they, like him, will be watching the World Cup intensely. “I’m observing the different styles of play of the different countries and seeing how comfortable the players are on the ball,” he said. “The World Cup inspires kids to play better and encourages them to dream big.”

Xulu believes his strength is in his ability to study the opposition and create a game plan that takes advantage of the skills of his players. “Our opposition are in for a surprise,” he said. “I know I will also learn a lot from the other coaches at the provincial finals. I’m particularly interested in the coaches from the Pinetown area where there is good infrastructure to assist the schools.”

Nutrition is extremely important for the children to remain healthy. Lewis is a Quintile 1 school, meaning that most of the parents do not work and it is in a very poor area. The school has its own vegetable garden that is maintained by the pupils. “It teaches them the importance of developing healthy eating habits and gives them nutrition that helps them to be more focused during classes and on the sports field,” Xulu said.

The school has a supportive principal in Bhekumuzi Linda. “He is very involved at the school and very encouraging and caring of the learners and the soccer team,” Xulu said. “I can rely on his support.”

Xulu thanked Danone for giving coaches a wonderful opportunity to use soccer to inspire the youth and to teach them life skills. “Danone really cares for the youth,” he said.” These boys come from different backgrounds, some are from very disadvantaged homes and others are less disadvantaged. They earn to respect each other. no matter what background they come from.”

While he doesn’t want to single out any players, there are two who are mature and confident and hold the team together, communicate well on the field and motivate the rest of the team. He will be relying on them at the finals.

Participating schools:

DISTRICT	SCHOOL
AMAJUBA	Esididini PS
HARRY GWALA	Summerfield PS
ILEMBE	Shakaskraal SA PS
KING-CETSHWAYO	Muzuvukile PS
PINETOWN	Georgetown Full Service School
UGU	Dunywa PS
UMGUNGUNDLOVU	Nhlambamasoka PS
UMKHANYAKUDE	Qomukuphila PS
UMLAZI	Sherwood PS
UMZINYATHI	Lewis Combined School
UTHUKILA	Jabulani PS
ZULULAND	Ningizimu PS