Intune Communications and Entertainment: Players from the Free State School that competed in the Danone Nations Cup national finals get called up for trials at a Gauteng Academy

Free State School, Tshediso-Xolani Primary, might not have won the Danone Nations Cup trophy, but four of their boys were spotted by the Bophelo Academy in Mayfair, Johannesburg and will be attending trials from 28^th – 30^th September.

As provincial champions, Tshediso-Xolani represented the Free State at the Danone Nations Cup national finals held in Gauteng over the weekend. They were drawn in Pool B together with Shapeve Primary School (MP), eventual winners, Nomlinganiselo Primary School (WC) and Laerskool Rustenburg Noord (NW).

“We managed to beat Laerskool Rustenburg Noord 1 – 0 but lost by the same margin against the other two schools,” said coach, Ditaba Mokoena. “Nomlinganiselo was our toughest opponent as they have a well-organized skillful team. We battled to penetrate their defense and they are well deserving ultimate winners of the tournament and I believe they will do well in Spain next year. They could have won the final match against Charles Morgan as their tactics were good, but they failed to put the ball in the net which resulted in a penalty shoot-out, which they won 4 – 3 to be crowned the 2018 Danone Nations Cup winners.”

The Danone Nations Cup has many components to it, one being creating the platform for clubs and academies to view talented players, and this is exactly what happened for Tshediso-Xolani. Captain, and all-rounder, Mokwinig Tsotetsi, attended a Mamelodi Sundowns training camp in June after he was seen in action at the provincial finals. Now he has been invited, together with three other players (goalkeeper Ditaba Mofokeng, defender Kakudi Mosia and mid-fielder Paballo Molakeng) to attend trials at Bophela Academy in Mayfair, Johannesburg.

“The Danone Nations Cup is such an exciting tournament with endless opportunities,” explained Mokoena. “Under-12 is a crucial age and this tournament is where our future stars are identified. I am so proud that four of our Free State boys have been invited for trials. It is good for the province and the school.”

Changing the way children think and building confidence are also key components of the Danone Nations Cup, said Mokoena. “This tournament is about believing in your dreams. While it would have been exciting to have won the trip to Spain, my boys have come back home from the national finals more confident and very happy. They made many friends as all the teams were staying at the same hotel, they played in a great stadium and there were other activations at the stadium such as football skills tests where they had such fun. They made memories that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.”

Mokoena has a SAFA Level 1 Coaching certificate which he believes helped him coach the youth and guide them in developing good soccer habits. “I have laid the foundations and now the academies and professional clubs must take the players to the next level. I am proud of the role that I have played in their soccer careers.”

RESULTS:

POOL A POOL B

Benny’s Sports Academy and Development (LP) Shapeve Primary School (MP)

Zamukhanya Primary School (GP) Nomlinganiselo Primary School (WC)

Charles Morgan Public Primary School (EC) Tshediso-Xolani Primary School (FSP)

Muzuvukile Primary School (KZN) Laerskool Rustenburg Noord (NW)

Lutsburg Intermediate School (NC)