Youngster from North West School that competed in the Danone Nations Cup is invited for trials at Manchester United

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Laerskool Rustenburg Noord from the North West is a school to watch in the 2019 under-12 Danone Nations Cup soccer tournament. They reached the national finals in 2018 but were knocked out in the league stage of the competition and, according to their coach, Busisiwe Mangena, the team this year is exceptional and should not be taken lightly.  Not only are six players from last year still eligible to compete, but their captain has been invited for trials at Manchester United during the Easter holidays and the experience gained from that experience should make a difference to the team. 

Mangena, the only female coach so far to take a team to the tournament’s national finals, is excited to start competing.  “My captain and defender, Bongani Mbone will be my playmaker this year. He is organised, disciplined and works well in galvanising the team. He plays club soccer with Atletico, so he competes throughout the year, and therefore not restricted to the school soccer season which is only a few months long.”

Bongani’s soccer has progressed so well that he has been selected as one of 16 players from his club between the ages of 12 and 17 to attend trials at Manchester United.  “This is a major achievement for the youngster. He has natural talent and with his strategic playing style he has the potential to go all the way and play for Bafana Bafana one day,” said the coach.

Mangena has her coaching certificate from the Department of Basic Education and was selected as head coach of the under-12 school team in 2017. “We did well last year in getting to the national finals and the six players that have experience in this competition will help the new boys settle down quickly and advise them as to what to expect. The Danone Nations Cup is the most prestigious tournament in the country for this age group and every school wants to compete and do well, so it is very competitive and we are next expecting an easy ride.”

It’s a goal of Mangena’s this year to show other female coaches that anything is possible and that dreams do come true.  “I was the only female coach at the national finals last year and I would like to win the ultimate prize and show other women what is possible and, hopefully, attract many more women into soccer coaching.”

The Danone Nations Cup has many facets, believes Mangena, including teaching of life lessons. “The tournament teaches kids to be competitive and there is a great deal of fun in competing with schools from different areas and provinces.  Each has something unique to offer and teach the kids. The children also learn about health and developing proper eating habits and they learn to strive for a brighter future. These are all important lessons to be taught to kids at a young age as they need to become a part of their lifestyles.” 

The 2018 and 2019 Danone Nations Cup World Finals tournaments will take place as a double-header this year in Barcelona to coincide with Danone’s 100^th birthday and the tournament’s 20^th anniversary. 

“How the tournament has evolved and grown is very exciting for us,” said Chantel Ehlers, Internal Communications Manager, Danone Southern Africa. “Hosting two events together allows us to highlight all that Danone has achieved from a brand and tournament perspective and fits into our One Planet One Health brand platform. 

“We are continuing to inspire those who represent the world’s future,” Ehlers said. “The young dreamers that will attend the world finals will have a unique experience. South African teams have always made a lasting impression at the world finals with their colourful singing and dancing as well as their keen drive to embrace the new experience and make as many friends as possible and we expect the 2018 and 2019 teams to continue this trend.”.

The tournament is run under the auspices of the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) who collate registration forms, finalise dates and fixtures and manage the games at cluster, regional, provincial and national level.

Games will kick-off at cluster level in March culminating in the national final to be held, at a venue to be decided, in June or July.  The World Finals are expected to take place in early October (dates to be confirmed).

Schools can register for the competition by contacting the national coordinator at the SA Schools Football Association (SASFA), Themba Tshabalala, thembatshabalala@saschoolsfa.co.za or on 011 403 2844, 084 290 0602 or 072 588 4957. Alternatively, they can visit the Danone Nations Cup South Africa Facebook page or go to www.facebook.com/dncsouthafrica to download the necessary documents. Registration documents are also available on www.danone.co.za.