Free State schools ready for the Danone Nations Cup provincial final

The under-12 Danone Nations Cup Free State Provincial Finals take place at Grey College in Bloemfontein on Saturday 5^th May, kick-off at 10am.  There will be 5 schools competing for a chance to represent the province at the national finals. The ultimate winning school will go on to represent South Africa at the world finals taking place in Spain in 2019.

The schools competing on Saturday include:

TMD region: Witsieshoek Primary School

Motheo region: Katiso Public School

Xhariep region: Insoseng Primary School

Lejweleputswa region:  Letsibolo Primary School

Fezile Dabi region: Tshediso-Xolani Primary School

Witsieshoek Primary will go into the provincials as the most experienced school.  They started competing in the tournament back in 2011.  In 2014 they made their first appearance in the provincial final and in 2016 they took it a step further when they qualified for the national final. They are hoping to make it there again this year and maybe get to the world finals.

The school was established in 1940 by a local shop owner who had 6 learners in his dining room. It was an Afrikaans school then and became dual medium in 1994. It now has 28 educators and 1058 learners, from grade R to 7. Sport is encouraged at the school and they offer a variety of codes including netball, table tennis, volleyball, mini-cricket and athletics.

Their road to the 2018 provincial final was not easy, admitted their coach, Zwelibanzi Zimu.  The regional final was held at the Platberg stadium in Harrismith on 21^st April with 16 schools participating.  The fixtures were decided by an open draw which ensured the schools were mixed and they did not play against their own municipalities.

Witsieshoek’s first game was against Bodikela Primary which, according Zimu, was a tough match compounded by the fact that his players were nervous. It ended goalless and they lost in a penalty shootout.

The second match against Matswathaka Primary School went better. The players were more relaxed and focused and they won 1-0.

Mamafubedu Primary School were up next. Witsieshoek capitalized on the mistakes made by their defence and they won 4-0, a score they matched when they took on Thuto Tsebo primary which put them into the semifinal.

Lesaona Primary School was a tough game but Witsieshoek finally managed a 1-0 win to put them into the final against Miri Primary, another excellent team, admitted Zimu.  They finally won 3 – 1 on penalties after the game ended goalless.

“We took the long weekend off,” Zimu said, “but we are now back at training. We know from past experience that we will be meeting the best Free State teams in the provincial final so I will focus on building confidence for the next few days.  I want the boys to relax and enjoy themselves.”

Insoseng Primary School of the Xhariep region will be a tough school to beat.  They also have provincial final experience after qualifying in 2015 and again in 2016, when Witsieshoek came up against them. 

Their manager and assistant coach Mosepedi Ditaunyane is looking forward to Saturday.  “In 2016 we struggled a bit as the boys didn’t understand the rules well at the time.  However, I learnt a lot and the team is now ready and motivated.  We want to win the Free State trophy for the first time.”

Ditaunyane encourages his players to have a positive outlook on life in general. “Last year when we lost during the regional finals they didn’t seem disappointed, instead they said that they will work harder next time. I think we have a strong team this year and I am optimistic about winning the Free State title.”

 

MILLE SPORTS APPAREL ONCE AGAIN SUPPORTS MILLIONS OF CHILDREN”S LOVE OF FOOTBALL BY SPONSORING THE DANONE NATIONS CUP

For the fourth year running, athleisure brand Mille, renowned for its comfort and durability is proud to announce that it will once again be partnering with Danone in support of their Nations Cup football tournament for kids aged 10 to 12.  “Mille is an all-inclusive brand with the community at heart,” says Emerging Brand Executive, Dawn Laughton, “it’s a hard working brand that stands for good value, great style and quality. It’s these synergies with the participants of the Danone Cup that get us so excited to partner in this global initiative each year. While building on our vision for Mille to be a household name in footwear, we have the opportunity with Danone to build on the big dreams of little stars throughout South Africa. We couldn’t be more proud and enthusiastic about a partnership.”

Since its launch in 2000, the Danone Nations Cup has become the biggest football tournament in the world for children with over 2.5 million youngsters around the world competing every year. The tournament has grown from 8 participating countries to 32.

The realisation of a dream of Franck Riboud, CEO of Groupe Danone, the International Football Tournament for children aims at encouraging children to believe in their dreams (hence the motto “Believe in your dreams”) and getting them to understand the importance of developing healthy habits and a passion for sport at an early age. Over the past 15 years of its existence, it has touched the lives of over 30 million people around the world.

With ex French International and Real Madrid coach, Zinadine Zidane as its official amabassador since 2003, the children’s tournament has a professional coach attending its World Final and offering youngsters advice and encouragement.   

South Africa has been participating in the Danone Nations Cup from the very beginning. To ensure that as many schools as possible are involved, the tournament is now under the auspices of the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA).

Registration opens in January each year with approximately 2,500 schools entering. Games begin at Cluster level with the winners progressing to the Regional finals culminating in the nine Provincial winners playing in the National finals to determine which school will represent South Africa at the World Finals.

To date over 2,300 schools have registered to compete in the 2017 tournament … and counting.

The nine provincial finalists will gather at Reiger Park on Saturday June 25 to play for the ultimate prize, which is a trip to Paris, France to compete in the World finals.

The winner of the national final will compete in the world finals, which will take place in the USA in October. Venue and dates are to be confirmed.

Follow us on:

https://www.facebook.com/DNCSouthAfrica

And Mille on Twitter: @Mille_Africa

About Danone

Danone Southern Africa is part of the Danone Group, one of the fastest-growing food companies in the world.  Danone is present in over 120 countries across all continents. With 160 plants and around 100,000 employees, the Danone Group is the number one worldwide for Fresh Dairy Products. Danone’s mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible.

One of the core values of the Danone Nations Cup tournament is to encourage young people to believe in their dreams. Through this initiative Danone offers a sporting event that reaches out to and inspires millions of children all over the world

About Mille

Footwear doesn’t make the player, but it sure helps. They’re the sneakers you want to wear professionally and socially. It’s the brand to turn to for all your soccer kit needs. Mille- a leader in soccer boots, sneakers and soccer kits- is the brand that allows athletic adults and kids to stand proud at the end of the day, whilst also looking professional. Its Italian heritage means you always look the part and that good quality is guaranteed. Mille. Let’s Get It.