Eastern Cape school hopes that watching Chippa United vs Black Leopards will help win the Danone Nations Cup National Finals

Preparations for the national finals of the under-12 Danone Nations Cup soccer tournament are well underway.  The nine provincial champions are getting in those last practise sessions before they all head to Soweto’s Dobsonville Stadium on the 15^th of September.

The winner there will represent South Africa in the Danone Nations Cup world finals in Barcelona, Spain in 2019.

Charles Morgan Public School from King Williams Town will represent the Eastern Cape at the Nationals.  The coach, Xolile Madikane, has been working hard with the boys to get them ready for Gauteng. The starting point was taking the players to a live PSL match between Chippa United and Black Leopards to get them used to a large stadium, crowd noise and to observe the way the teams played including ball positions, build up, passing and communication between players. 

Getting ready for the national finals is more than just sharpening skills, explained the coach. “Preparing for the nationals is completely different to playing cluster and provincial games,” said Madikane.  “Firstly, the boys will be leaving the province for the first time and going to South Africa’s largest city, a daunting experience on its own.  I have told the boys that all the teams that we will be competing against will be exceptional.  Like us, they have all played many qualifiers and will therefore be the best teams from their respective province.  Further, most of them would have played far more qualifiers than we have, particularly the bigger provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.”

Reaching the Danone Nations Cup national finals has put the school on the map.  “We have been competing in the tournament since it started in 2000 and this is the first time we have made it to the national finals.  The entire school has rallied behind the team and I can see that their confidence has grown, even in the classroom,” said the coach, who has no coaching qualifications and is the school’s Life Skills and Technology teacher, having joined them in 1995.  “The boys are socializing better and by going to the PSL game they understand that everyone needs to follow instructions and you have to work hard and stay focused.”

Key high-profile personalities have been educated at the school including Steve Biko, who was not only a politician but also a great sportsman, said Madikane.  “Every September we hold a sporting event which includes a number of sporting codes in his memory.”

Many of their scholars have gone on to be key members of society including doctors, lawyers and businessmen.  “We also educated a scratch golfer, Dan Jonas, who runs a development golf programme. He comes to the school and motivates the learners and encourages them to believe in their dreams.” 

Madikane will rely on striker, Mahobe Achumile, at the nationals.  “Mahobe is a gifted player who always motivates the team and puts others first.  He is a mentor to the boys and they listen to him. I believe he will make an impression at the nationals.”

Nutrition is also important, and the coach is ensuring the players stick to a healthy, balanced diet prior to the nationals. “Healthy eating will ensure the boys keep fit and strong while building stamina and endurance, which are important considering the number of games they will be playing on the day of the nationals.”

The schools that have qualified for the Danone Nations Cup national finals include:

NORTHERN CAPE    Lutzburg Intermediate School
FREE STATE    Tshediso Xolani Primary School
LIMPOPO    Benny's Sports Academy & Development
MPUMANLANGA    Shapeve Primary School
NORTH WEST    Laerskool Rustenburg Noord
KZN     Muzuvukile Primary School
EASTERN CAPE     Charles Morgan Primary School
WESTERN CAPE     Nomlinganiselo Primary School
GAUTENG     Zamukhanya Primary School 

Soweto Rivals compete for the Danone Nations Cup Regional Title

 

When the Soweto regional playoffs in under-12 Danone Nations Cup get underway this year they are going to feature a mini Soweto derby that has something of the passion and intensity of the legendary Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs clashes.

Ekuphemeleni Primary School of Jabulani, Soweto and Usindo Primary of Zondi Soweto, have a longstanding rivalry in netball, athletics and soccer and clashes between the two schools are always well attended and they generate a lot of interest.

Ekuphemeleni has had the upper hand recently – they beat Usindo in netball and athletics last year, and knocked them out of the Danone Nations Cup.

Usindo, however, has already won the athletics meeting this year, and are looking to turn the table in netball and soccer as well. The Danone Nations Cup gives them the opportunity to start that process.

Ekuphemeleni coach and manager, Jabu Ndlovu said it’s great to see the competitiveness among the players of the two schools. “They only meet once during the soccer season. And we will have to be prepared mentally and physically because this is one of the biggest tournaments, and an opportunity to travel to France for the world finals.”

Ekuphemeleni has been participating in the Danone Nations Cup since 2011 after watching the world finals that year at the Orlando Stadium.

Ndlovu chose his team in November last year and they have been training ever since. “It’s important to work with the class teachers at the school,” he said. “It’s important to know how the players are doing in the classroom as this will affect them on the soccer pitch.”

The team at Usindo Primary School is managed by twins: Lungelo Nala, the coach, and Mrs Nomalungelo Mooi, the team manager.

The school has been taking part in the tournament since 2014 but they have not managed to make it past district level. Like Ekuphemeleni, they have been in training since last year and are hoping to turn the tables on their Soweto rivals in the tournament. 

Nala is always amazed at how the players, who are shy and quiet in class, become transformed on the soccer field. “They start to express themselves, it’s as if we are dealing with different learners,” he said.

It’s the first time that Mooi and Nala are together with the team and they are looking forward to the challenge. The team is training three times a week at this stage.

Mooi said the build up to matches against Ekuphemeleni is always hectic because of the traditional rivalry. “The whole school becomes involved and comes to watch the games,” she said.

Nala believes tournaments like the Danone Nations Cup are important because they allow the kids to expose other talents.” Some learners aren’t academically gifted so their self-esteem goes down and they feel like they are not important. Sport is important because it can boost confidence and build personality,” he said.

“And the Danone Nations Cup is very important to some communities like ours where there is a high rate of crime and many drop out of school. Most of the learners don’t have much to look forward to once they get home, but they do have soccer to concentrate on now.”

 

Youngster goes from playing soccer in the dusty streets of Soweto to representing South Africa in the Danone Nations Cup World Finals

When 12 year-old Wandile Mndebele started kicking a ball around in the dusty streets of Protea Glen he wanted nothing more than to be like his older soccer-playing brother Musa. He followed the customary route of youngsters in the area and joined the local club, Protea Glen All stars, and it was that move that made all the difference in his life.

It led to him being spotted by scouts from Bree Primary School while playing a club game against Mavi Stars in Protea Glen.  Ten months later he is getting ready to travel to Morocco with his team to compete in the Danone Nations Cup World Finals.

The youngster recently played in a game against the Mamelodi Sundowns under-13 development team and was identified by the academy coach as a game maker and, if all goes according to plan, he could be with the Sundowns Academy next year.

Joining Bree Primary has made an enormous difference to young Wandile’s schoolwork as well as his soccer. “My grades are improving, the teachers at the school pay attention to us and we understand each other. I have also gained so much soccer experience because of the number of tournaments we play in. I have played many more games since I came to Bree this year, especially in the Danone Nations Cup and I have enjoyed the interaction with the other kids.”

Wandile is convinced that soccer is the only sport for him now.  He is passionate about the game and knows it will take him far.

“Before I came to Bree I had no idea that they had played in the Danone Nations Cup world finals twice, once winning the tournament,” Wandile said. “I knew that I was going to a very good school that focuses on education and sport, but I never realised they had achieved so much in soccer.”

Winning the national finals meant they achieved what they set out to do at the beginning of the tournament. “We told ourselves that we were going to be the team that brought Bree back into this competition. We worked hard from the beginning and were committed from day one.”

The school’s principal, Mr Kalicharan, and the coach, Bafana, went to France with the 2008 team that won the world title.  They encouraged the team to work hard if they also want to travel overseas to play in the world finals of the tournament.

“Ever since we won the national finals it has been an adventure, I have seen pictures and stories written about us in the newspapers, we have watched a live game between Sundowns and Bidvest Wits, and we have had fun.”

“My brother and mother have been very supportive. My brother was the first person I told when we won the nationals.  He is now 26 years old and is the father figure in my life since we lost out dad a few years ago and still helps me with my game.”

Going to Morocco will be the highlight of Wandile’s life so far. “I want to meet players from other countries especially Germany and Argentina; Germany because they won the FIFA World Cup in 2014, and Argentina because of Lionel Messi. He is an incredible player and I one day hope to play just like him,” Wandile said.

“We are under pressure because the last time Bree competed in the World Finals they won so a lot of people will be expecting a win from us and we have to work 10 times hard to make sure that we don’t disappoint them.

 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

SAFA - TRANSNET FOOTBALL SCHOOL OF EXCELLENT CROWNED GAUTENG U19 SANLAM KAY MOTSEPE SCHOOLS CUP FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

The SAFA – Transnet Football School of Excellence from Ekurhuleni North was crowned the Under 19 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup Gauteng football Champions at the Nike Football Centre in Soweto on Saturday after beating Rosina Sedibane-Modiba Sports School from Laudium 6 – 5 on penalties in the final.  The score was level on 2-all at the end of regulation time. The School of Excellence wins R100 000 and both schools will now compete in the National Finals happening in Bloemfontein, Free State from 2 – 6 October.

The eight schools that participated in the Gauteng provincial finals were divided into two Groups and competed in a round robin with the teams topping the log meeting in the final.

“It is one thing to win the tournament, but what I am really ecstatic about is being the highest goal scorer,” said Stanley Muishond, who scored 9 goals in 4 games for the School of Excellence, including two goals in the final.  “This has given me a boost of confidence and proves that hard work pays off.”

Khabo Zondo, coach of the School of Excellence, is proud of his players and believes this has been a good learning experience for the youngsters.  “When I joined the School last year I noted that the players did not believe in themselves.  My first task was to instil discipline and build player confidence and this win shows that this tactic worked.  I believe this win is just the start of great things to come for the School.” 

The SAFA- Transnet Football School of Excellence was started by ex Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs captain, Neil Tovey in 1994 with the sole purpose of grooming talented players for the international stage.  Steven Pienaar, currently playing for Everton is a product of the School.  

Coach, Hendrick Kgosana from Rosina Sedibane, was disappointed not to have won, but pleased they still have a chance to win the R1 million in the National Finals.  “The final was not an easy game, but my players did well and were tactically disciplined on the field which will work in our favour in the National Finals.”  Rosina included a number of players that are with the SuperSport United Academy.

Kgosana believes that South African football development is definitely on the right track:  “This is the third year we have competed in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup and what I have noticed is how competitive the tournament gets each year.  I am pleased at the way my players absorbed the pressure.”  Rosina was the Gauteng champion in 2010 but only managed a 5^th place finish in the National Finals that year.

Rosina captain, Thabo Moloi, played in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup in 2011 and has also been part of the Under 17 National Team.  “We were beaten on penalties today, but I am confident we will do well in the National Finals.  Our team has improved a lot in a year.  We are more tactically disciplined and we applied all the methods the coach taught us.”

The final provincial final takes place in the Western Cape on 1 September. 

RESULTS

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS:

D8 Jet Nteo Secondary School (Sedibeng West)

D6 Tiisetsong (Gauteng South)

D11 Jabulile (Johannesburg South)

D9 Highlands North (Johannesburg East)

D4 Rosina Sedibane Sports School (Tshwane South)

D7 Khanya Lesedi (Sedibeng East)

D14 Seana-Marena (Johannesburg Central)

D17 School of Excellence (Ekurhuleni North)

 

Group A

Jet Nteo Secondary School

Tiisetsong Secondary School

Rosina Sedibane-Modiba Sports School

Highlands North Boys High School

 

Group B

Jabulile Secondary School

Khanya Lesedi High School

Seana-Marena Secondary School

SAFA – Transnet Football School of Excellence

 

1 .Jet Nteo 4    vs Tiisetsong 0

Goals:  Rathabile Soso (2), Tola Mosia, Lefa Mnisi

2. Rosina Sedibane 6   vs Highlands North 0

Goals:  Vusiwe Mncube (3), Vusiwe Ntshangase, Ross Masithela (2)

3. Jabulile  0  vs Khanya Lesedi 3

Goals: Katlego Motloung, Lebohang Maboe, Andile Tshabalala

4. Seana-Marena 0    vs School of Excellence 6

Goals: Kgotso Mogagabe, Abednigo Mostatlhaga, Stanley Muishond (2), Richard Moremi (2)

5. Tiisetsong 0  vs Rosina Sedibane 6

Goals: Vusimuzi Mncube (2),  Cebo Meyiwa (Penalty), Snethemba Ngidi (3)

6. Highlands North 0 vs Jet Nteo 1

Goals: Thabang Mphahlele

7.  Khanya Lesedi  1  vs Seana-Marena 0

Goal:  Andile Tshabalala

8. School of Excellence 7  vs Jabulile 0

Goals:  Abednigo Mostatlhaga, Stanley Muishond (4), Letmukuthula Radebe, Richard Moremi

9. Jet Nteo 0 vs Rosina Sedibane 3

Goals: Cebo Meyiwa, Vusiwe Mncube, Reabetswe Tefo

10. Tiisetsong 11 vs Highlands North 3

Goals:  Tiisetsong:  Kgotso Ntsane, Emmanuel Nonjevu (3), Philip Ndlondlo (5), Mokoena Thabang, Thembekile Nkalitshana,

Highlands:  Thabang Rakawale, Katlego Mphahlele (2)

11. Jabulile 3 vs Seana-Marena 3

Goals:  Jabulile:  Neo Molefe (2), Banele Nkosi

Seana-Marena: Kagiso Chuene, .Kgomotso Senone, (OG) Themba Khumalo (Jabulile)

12. Khanya Lesedi 0 vs School of Excellence 3

Goals:  Richard Moremi, Stanley Muishond, Ofentse Lekanyane

FINAL:

School of Excellence 2  vs Rosina Sedibane 2

School of Excellence won 6 – 5 on penalties

Goals:  SOE: Stanley Muishond (2)

Rosina:  Snethemba Ngidi, Vusiwe Ntshangase