Schools
go back this week and that means training starts for the three schools
preparing for the Danone Nations Cup world finals in Spain in October.
The
commendable three schools, Muzuvukile Primary from KZN, Nomlinganiselo from
Crossroads in the Western Cape and a girls team from Gauteng, Rebonwe Primary
School are upping their game plan to make sure they are ready to take on the
world’s best in Barcelona from the 10th and 12th October.
It’s a once in a lifetime experience where they will come
head to head against 29 countries to prove to the world
that South African soccer development is being invested in and we are as
good as any other country at this level. Whilst it will be important to prepare
technically, our players will need to prepare mentally too. Dr Kirsten van
Heerden, ex South African swimming champion, now a sports psychologist in
Durban, says travelling overseas for the first time can be both exciting and
overwhelming for any athlete.
“Not only do you need to cope
with the pressure of international competition, but the travel experience itself
is hard,” she said. “The long-haul flight, hanging around airports, eating
different food, meeting different people – it can all be quite difficult to
cope with; even though it is fun at the same time.”
Her advice to the coaches is to
research the different countries they will be competing against; “Knowing your
opponents, their strengths and weaknesses, is a key component of preparation.
It’s also a great opportunity for the players to learn about a new country
before experiencing it first-hand. It’s experiential learning at it very
best and one of the great things about sport, getting a chance to experience
the world.”
Preparing to compete
internationally is different, Dr Van Heerden believes. “Preparations are
similar for any competition, but for that level of play it’s even more
important. You may not win as easily as you do at home, so our children should
focus on the process and not just the outcome.”
“Confidence is critical,”
explained van Heerden. “It’s a key mental skill and is what helps you to
perform under pressure. Of course, the kids need to believe they can win, but
losing is part of sport too and losing is not failing. Focus on competing well,
give of your best and don’t overemphasise winning.
“Competing for your country is always a proud
moment. For me, rather than remember any one moment, I can look back at
my career in its entirety (both the happy and disappointing times) and I feel
really good.”
Coaches play a crucial role in a young
athlete’s life, said Van Heerden. “A lot of time is spent with the coach, and
the relationship between coach and athlete can help improve performance. The
best athletes are the hardest workers, they put in the extra training time.”
Look where your competitive edge is, she
advises. “You may be faster, more skillful or maybe you handle pressure well.
All athletes and teams need to work out what their competitive edge is and use
it.”
There is much to gain from a tour like this,
Van Heerden said. “Sport teaches you much about yourself, dealing with failure,
dealing with success, working in a team and much more. Travelling
internationally and experiencing a new country and culture also broadens your
horizons and opens your eyes. When the kids get back on home soil, I expect
they will be more focused and experienced, with a lot more vision. You come
back with a set of experiences and new friends that you didn’t have before. My
advice to the girls and boys is to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds
of the beautiful city of Barcelona.”
The 2018
and 2019 world finals will be held as a double header.
“Barcelona is
symbolic as it was in this city in 1919 that Isaac Carasso created the first
Danone yoghurt with the aim of improving one’s health,” said Marlinie Kotiah,
General Secretary Director of Danone Southern Africa. “We are combining
Danone’s centenary and the 20th edition of the world final in a
bumper edition this year. It also coincides with our new brand positioning and purpose, One Planet One Health, which
reflects our belief that the health of humankind and that of the planet are
interlinked and both need to be protected and nurtured.
“Through the Danone
Nations Cup, we are contributing to bringing this vision to life by promoting
the importance of exercise. Further, we are encouraging our young athletes to
‘Play Football, Change the Game’, which is a rallying message to unite children, irrespective of their backgrounds and
cultures, and to encourage them to become catalysts for positive change,”
concluded Kotiah.
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
