Author: sipongco

Saturday, the second day of the Kloof High School Football Tournament, brought with it increased intensity as the competition headed into its knockout stages.

Some top teams were eliminated, which served to underline just how tough the competition was, while others grabbed their opportunities and sparkled in must-win contests.

Carter High School, top in Group A, went head-to-head with Northwood School in their final game. It ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams stubbornly resisting the other’s challenge.

Moving on to the knockout stage, Carter, the KZN Inland champions, triumphed 2-0 over Nilgiri to secure a spot in the next round of the competition.

Northwood, however, were ousted by HTS Louis Botha. The Bloemfontein school was the dominant force in Group E, winning all of their matches while establishing a significant goal difference, which underlined their championship credentials.

In a thrilling match, Vuyiswa Mtolo faced off against Nqabakazulu. They kept everyone on the edge of their seats with a fantastic clash.

Both had impressed in the group stages, but neither could break through in their knockout showdown. It finished 0-0 and, thus, went to a penalty shootout, where Nqabakazulu claimed victory by a 3-1 margin from the spot.

Speaking of impressive teams, Virginia asserted their dominance by topping the goal scoring charts. They completed their pool games by crushing Ferrum 8-0 to set up a meeting with Tuks Sport, who sneaked past Pinetown, winning 6-5 from the penalty spot after the sides had finished regulation time deadlocked at 0-0.

Paul Roos, a strong contender, exited after a 1-2 loss to Westville. Meanwhile, Glenwood triumphed 4-1 over Toti, and Maritzburg College beat the hosts, Kloof High School 3-0.

Results 

Group A
Northwood 1-1 Carter

Group B
Vuyiswa Mtolo 2-1 New Forest

Group C
Virginia 6-0 Kloof

Group D
Tuks Sport 1-0 DHS

Group E
Hillcrest 6-1 Thomas More College
HTS Louis Botha 1-0 Nilgiri

Group F
Westville 4-2 Alexandra
Nqabakazulu 5-0 George Campbell (Forfeit)

Group G

Ashton 5-0 Richem (forfeit)
Maritzburg College 3-0 Ferrum

Group H
Pinetown 6-0 Linpark
Glenwood 4-3 Rondebosch

Knockout Stages

Carter 2-0 Nilgiri
Nqabakazulu 0 (3) – 0 (1) Vuyiswa Mtolo
Maritzburg College 3-0 Ferrum
Louis Botha 2-1 Northwood
Westville 2-1 Paul Roos
Tuks Sport 0 (6)- O (5) Pinetown
Virginia 8-0 Ferrum
Glenwood 4-1 Toti

Quarterfinal Fixtures 

07:30 – Louis Botha vs Westville: Main Field
07:30 – Maritzburg College vs Glenwood: Top A
08:30 – Carter vs Nqabakazulu: Main Field
08:30 – Virginia vs Tuks Sport: Top A

The first day of the Kloof High School Football Tournament delivered an abundance of goals, with teams like Virginia High School and Maritzburg College demonstrating their determination to compete for the title.

On Friday, there was a deluge of goal-scoring, with the contenders separating themselves from the pretenders, resulting in many teams quickly guaranteeing their places in the tournament’s knockout stages.

Group A

The Group A lineup included Northwood School, who produced mixed form in the recently concluded coastal stream of the KZN High Schools Football League. On the opening day of the Kloof High tournament, though, they appeared to have found their form.

Currently, they lie second in the group to the KZN Inland champions, Carter High School, on goal difference, with both sitting on six points.

Northwood’s results included a 14-0 shellacking of Curro Salt Rock and a 3-2 win over Bechet. It was a tough day for Curro, who went down 0-9 to Bechet and 0-15 to Carter.

Group C

In Group C, Virginia Secondary School and the tournament’s hosts, Kloof High School, lead the pack after the first day’s action.

Virginia appears to be in fine form, displaying a sharp and dangerous edge that has positioned them as potential championship contenders.

They were dominant in a 14-0 victory over St Henry’s, and they, then, followed that up with an even bigger 18-0 win over Waterfall.

Kloof High School beat the same schools that Virginia beat, but it was much tighter. They outplayed Waterfall 5-0, before edging out St Henry’s 3-2.

St Henry’s mustered a win over Waterfall

Group G

Mazithi Qasha, Maritzburg College’s exceptional striker, netted five goals in a dominant 10-0 victory over Ashton College Ballito during College’s first match of the tournament.

He was well supported by Ashar Ngcobo, who struck twice, while Jordyn Marais, Malachi Momple and Yash Maharaj each scored once.

Maritzburg College will go head-to-head with Ferrum in the final match of Group G to decide the group’s winners.

In other groups, Vuyiswa Mtolo and Paul Roos look like the teams to beat in Group B, with the former beating the latter 1-0 on Friday. In Group D, Tuks Sport, after two emphatic wins over Amanzimtoti and Maqhutsana, is in the driving seat.

It’s no surprise that HTS Louis Botha is setting the pace in Group E, while Westville, Alexandra and Nqabakazulu are all on even terms in Group F. Glenwood, after wins over Pinetown and Linpark leads the way in Group H.

Full Results

Group A

Bechet 9-0 Curro Salt
Carter 15-0 Curro Salt Rock
Carter 2-1 Bechet
Northwood 14-0 Curro Salt Rock
Northwood 3-2 Bechet

Group B

Clifton 1-1 New Forest
Vuyiswa Mtolo 1-0 Paul Roos
Vuyiswa Mtolo 5-1 Clifton
Paul Roos 1-0 New Forest
Paul Roos 2-0 Clifton

Group C

Virginia 14-0 St Henry’s
Kloof 5-0 Waterfall
Virginia 18-0 Waterfall
Kloof 3-2 St Henry’s
St Henry’s 3-2 Waterfall

Group D

Toti 4-3 DHS
DHS 2-0 Maqhutsana
Tuks Sport 10-0 Toti
Tuks Sport 4-1 Maqhutsana
Maqhutsana 2-2 Toti

Group E

Louis Botha 4-0 Hillcrest
Nilgiri 4-0 Thomas More College
Nilgiri 2-0 Hillcrest
Louis Botha 9-0 Thomas More College

Group F

Westville 5-0 George Campbell (Forfeit)
Alexandra 0-0 Nqabakazulu
Westville 0-0 Nqabakazulu
Alexandra 5-0 George Campbell (Forfeit)
Nqabakazulu 5-0 George Campbell (Forfeit)

Group G

Maritzburg College 10-0 Ashton
Ferrum 5-0 Richem
Ferrum 5-0 Ashton
Maritzburg College 5-0 Richem
Ashton 5-0 Richem

Group H

Glenwood 1-0 Pinetown
Rondebosch 2-0 Pinetown
Glenwood 2-0 Linpark
Linpark 1-0 Rondebosch

Kloof High School is gearing up to host its annual National Football Tournament, which runs from 14 to 16 June.

Thirty-two schools from across South Africa are set to vie for the esteemed title and the honour of being crowned the champions of the prestigious event.

The fixture list is jam-packed. Matches start as early as 07:30 and, with a tantalising array of football talent in action, exciting competition, lit up by impressive skills and sportsmanship, is on the cards.

Many renowned football schools are set to be a part of the action, including, among others, HTS Louis Botha, Maritzburg College, Paul Roos Gimnasium, Tuks, Carter High School, Westville, and Glenwood. 

FIXTURES

08:00-09:00

Curro Salt Rock vs Bechet: Main Field
Clifton vs New Forest: Top A
St Henry’s vs Virginia: Top B
Toti vs Durban High School: KSP Field

09:00-10:00

Hillcrest vs HTS Louis Botha: Main Field
Westville vs George Campbell: Top A
Ashton vs Maritzburg College: Top B
Pinetown vs Glenwood: KSP Field

10:00-11:00

Kloof vs Waterfall: Main Field
DHS vs Maqhitshana: Top A
Paul Roos vs Vuyiswa Mtolo: Top B
Curro Salt Rock vs Carter: KSP Field

11:00-12:00

Nqabakazulu vs Alexandra: Main Field
Ferrum vs Richem: Top A
Thomas More College vs Nilgiri: Top B
Pinetown vs Rondebosch: KSP Field

12:00-13:00

Tuks vs Toti: Main Field
Bechet vs Carter: Top A
Clifton vs Vuyiswa Mtolo: Top B
Waterfall vs Virginia: KSP Field

13:00-14:00

Linpark vs Glenwood: Main Field
Westville vs Nqabakazulu: Top A
Ashton vs Ferrum: Top B
Hillcrest vs Nilgiri: KSP Field

14:00-15:00

Kloof vs St Henry’s: Main Field
Tuks vs Maqhutshana: Top A
Paul Roos vs New Forest: Top B
Curro Salt Rock vs Northwood: KSP Field

15:00-16:00

Maritzburg College vs Richem: Main Field
HTS Louis Botha vs Thomas More College: Top A
George Campbell vs Alexandra: Top B
Rondebosch vs Linpark

16:00-17:00

Clifton vs Paul Roos: Main Field
Northwood vs Bechet: Top A
Waterfall vs St Henry’s
Maqhutshana vs Toti

Day 2: 15 June

07:30-08:30

Thomas More College vs Hillcrest: Main Field
Westville vs Alexandra: Top A
HTS Louis Botha vs Nilgiri: Top B
George Campbell vs Nqabakazulu: KSP Field

08:30-09:30

DHS vs Tuks: Main Field
Kloof vs Virginia: Top A
Carter vs Northwood: Top B
New Forest vs Vuyiswa Mtolo: KSP Field

09:30-10:30

Ashton vs Richem: Main Field
Maritzburg College vs Ferrum: Top A
Linpark vs Pinetown: Top B
Rondebosch vs Glenwood: KSP Field

Youth football and schools’ football tournaments play an important role and have a positive influence on the growth of the beautiful game in South Africa.

These events, held across South Africa, are continually evolving and providing young players with platforms to exhibit their skills, while also encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

The tournaments, furthermore, also foster a sense of community within the football fraternity, offering the youth opportunities for interaction and to live their dreams.

An exemplary example of this is the Siphiwe Tshabalala Soccer Tournament, organised by the Siphiwe Tshabalala Foundation.

This year’s event, which is now into its ninth edition, is anticipated to be larger than ever before and it has attracted national attention, with teams from other regions of South Africa eager to participate in it.

It runs from 15 June to 7 July, with the finals taking place at the Kgotso Grounds in Soweto, which will play host to all of the matches.

The event caters for both boys and girls, with the boys competing in u15, u17, and u20 divisions, and the girls’ competition happening in the u15 and u20 age groups.

When it began, the tournament featured eight teams from Soweto. Now it has expanded beyond the borders of the Gauteng province.

The Siphiwe Tshabalala Soccer Tournament has unearthed some talented performers, including Mfundo Vilakazi, who was awarded a professional contract earlier this year by Kaizer Chiefs after making his mark within the development structures of the Kaizer Chiefs Reserve Multichoice Team and the Gauteng Development League team.

Siphesihle Tati and Mduduzi Shabalala are also currently on the books of Chiefs. Ayanda Ntshanga is another former tournament participant who has gone on to greater things. He is now with Mamelodi Sundowns.

In 2023, the stakes were high, with the backing of sponsors, such as FutureLife, and live streaming from SuperSport Schools. A record 1 800 players took part in the event.

Recap of the 8th edition of the Siphiwe Tshabalala Soccer Tournament 

u20 Division

Khenza Football Club (KFC) won the u20 division, led by their coach Karabo Mkhabela, who was hailed as the Coach of the Tournament.

Yugun Fredericks, from KVK Academy, and Siyanqoba Moleane, from KFC, shared the Top Goal Scorer Award, each netting five times.

Teboho Ramokapela, from FC Basil, was recognised as the Player of the Tournament, while Orabile Pinto, of FC Basil, showcased exceptional shot-stopping skills and was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

u17 Division

The Citizens dominated the u17 division and secured three awards. Masiya Siyabonga was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Thabang Sabeko emerged as the Top Goal Scorer, and their coach, Amo Motloung, was named the Coach of the Tournament.

Ladies’ Division

Orlando Ladies emerged victorious after a 4-3 penalty shootout win following a goalless draw against Thunderstorm Ladies.

Thunderstorm Ladies’ coach Peter Mafa picked up the Coach of the Tournament Award, while Thuli Ndaba was named the Player of the Tournament. Nonhlanhla Muhale, the goalkeeper of the winning team, Orlando Ladies, was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

u15 Division

Soweto Shining Stars edged out Phiri Winter Roses in a penalty shootout, securing a 3-1 victory from the spot after neither team scored in regulation time.

Lesego Reginald Lethoko, from Soweto Shining Stars, was awarded the title of Coach of the Tournament, while Rendani Sediki was recognised as the Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Ntokozo Hlophe claimed the Top Goal Scorer award.

The {layer of the Tournament honour was bestowed upon Kutlwano Noka, from Winter Roses.

SIPHIWE TSHABALALA FIXTURES, KHOTSO GROUNDS (PHIRI) SOWETO

15 June, Saturday 

10:00 – u15, KVK vs Lawley Atlanta (Group D)
11:00 – u20, Orlando Preston Brothers vs Soweto Real Thunders (Group M)
12:30 – u17, Euphoria United vs KVK (Group C)
13:30 – u20 Roodeport Young Masters vs Euphoria United (Group J)
15:00 – u20, SGS vs Orlando West Academy (Group F)

16 June Sunday

10:00 – u15, Zola Seven Stars vs Mapetla Barcelona (Group E)
11:00 – u20, Soweto Stars vs Abafana Be Style (Group O)
12:30 – u20, Izinja Zase Zamblor vs Pimville Young Stars (Group K)
14:00 – u20, Northern Brothers vs Chiawelo Juventus (Group A)

17 June Monday

10:00 – u15, Mapetla Young United vs Soweto Shining Stars (Group A)
11:00 – u15, Phiri Saint German vs Molapo United (Group H)
12:00 – u17, Zola Seven Stars vs Mapetla Young United (Group A)
13:00 – u20, George Best More vs Nicaragua (Group D)
14:30 – u20, Dube Continental vs Soweto Academy (Group C)

The Soweto Basketball Academy hosts the Soweto Basketball Uprising Tournament, the largest basketball tournament in the southern region of Johannesburg, and one of the largest in South Africa, from Friday.

The tournament has been organised in memory of the 16 June 1976 Soweto Uprising.

It takes place at the Jabavu Basketball Centre, the Klipspruit Sports Centre, and the Morrison Isaacson High School in Soweto, and runs from 14 to 17 June.

Morris Isaacson High School is the most famous school in Soweto, renowned for its history and alumni. It’s located where the Soweto Uprising of 1976 began, and it is the only school in Soweto with indoor and outdoor basketball courts.

The Soweto Basketball Centre is an iconic basketball facility and was one of the first to be built in the township. It is situated along the route of the 16 March 1976 Soweto Uprising march and is a stone’s throw away from Morris Isaacson High School.

With an indoor court and two outdoor courts, the Klipspruit Sports Centre is a state-of-the-art sports facility, which has grown to become the number one choice for elite basketball games in Johannesburg

Monwabisi Dlamini, the founder of the Soweto Basketball Academy, commented: “Basketball has become the most rapidly expanding sport in townships, urban areas, and private schools, guaranteeing a generation that loves basketball.”

In a recent press statement, he said the event’s goal was not only to serve as a tournament but to transform it into a festival featuring performances and entertainment by top South African artists.

The event also includes basketball awards, NBA2K stalls, basketball movie screenings, food stalls, and more.

Dlamini said the 2023 edition of the tournament was the largest yet, with sponsorships from Puma and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture.

Last year’s coverage of the tournament was provided by streamers, including SuperSport Schools and Soweto TV, and NBA Africa also backed the event, too.

“We wish to see our 2024 edition bigger and much better than all the previous ones,” he said.

“We wish to grow our tournament to attract all the best u14 and u18 basketball teams in South Africa, and international teams to come play and compete for the ultimate championship. We believe that this tournament has the potential to be the biggest tournament in Africa,” Dlamini wrote in a recent press statement.

The partners of the 2024 Soweto Basketball Uprising Tournament include Puma, Jr. NBA, the Johannesburg Basketball Association and the City of Joburg

Puma has been the technical sponsor of the past three Soweto Basketball Uprising tournaments, and they serve as a primary partner for the festival this year.

Another welcome partner is the Jr NBA League, Dlamini said: “We will be partnering with the Jr NBA League for yet another 16 June Basketball Clinic. We have hosted this clinic with NBA Africa for the past two years in Soweto.”

Dlamini also said he was thankful for the support of the Johannesburg Basketball Association. “We have been granted endorsement by the Johannesburg Basketball Association, which is the mother body for basketball in our region,” Dlamini said. “This endorsement gives us the confidence that our festival is approved by the association.”

He also thanked the City of Johannesburg for their backing. “We have had a great relationship with the City of Johannesburg with our programme. They have committed to assisting us with our Joint Operation Committee application and will also be giving us Klipspruit Sports Centre for the festival duration,” Dlamini said.

Tournament Format

“Our festival will start on Friday the 14th of June, where we will be having an official tournament opening ceremony. This opening will be done through a dance spectacle for the spectators and then followed by a welcoming ceremony.

“Thereafter the Soweto Basketball Academy will play opening games for both boys’ and girls’ u18. Games will continue from 15 June.”

Dlamini wrote: “On the 16th of June we will have a basketball clinic in the morning for all of our u14 Jr NBA players.

He continued: “Our u14 category will host a total of 32 teams (16 boys’ and 16 girls’ teams). With this category, the format will be a knockout, where each team will play to make it to the next round, until we get to the final and crown a champion.

“Our u18 category will host a total of 32 teams (16 girls’ and 16 boys’ teams),” he added. 

Special Awards – Soweto Basketball Lifetime Achievement Award

Dlamini also spoke about the Soweto Basketball Lifetime Achievement Award, which honours those who have played an active role in growing basketball in South Africa.

Dlamini said: “In the past year we have honoured three legends, namely Mr Jackie Masenya, Ms Nonhlanhla Sithole and Mr Henry Nkosi.

“This year will not be any different as we will be honoring more basketball legends. This award is, in fact, the very first of its kind for South African basketball, and we strongly believe that this is an extremely important part of our festival.”

Boys’ u18 (Tsietsi Mashinini Conference)

Group A

Soweto Basketball Academy
Montana Vikings
Next Level
MSD Wolves
Ignite Academy

Group B

Kings Academy
Jozi Stars
Katlehong Bulls
Mangaung Knights
Moletsane Kings

Girls’ u18 (Winnie Mandela Conference)

Group A

Soweto Basketball Academy
Katlehong Bulls
Mangaung Knights
Basketball Cougars

Group B

Alex Basketball Academy
Kings Academy
Soweto Rising Owl
MSD Wolves

FIXTURES

Day one, 15 June: Male category

09:00 – Group A, Hout Bay Hurricanes vs Hot Shots (Court A)
09:55 – Group B, Westcliff Eagles vs Wynberg Boys High (Court A)
10:50 – Group B, Hout Bay Snipers vs Elite Basketball Academy (Court A)
11:45 – Group A, Titans Basketball Academy vs Dirurubele Basketball Academy (Court A)
11:45 – Group C, Eagles Basketball Club vs Spartans Basketball Club (Court B)
13:35 – Group B, Wynberg Boys High vs Hout Bay Snipers (Court A)
13:35 – Group C, Sandton Bullz vs Duep Basketball Club (Court B)
14:30 – Group B, Westcliff Eagles vs Elite Basketball Academy (Court A)
15:25 – Hot Shots vs Dirurubele Basketball Academy (Court A)
15:25 – Titans Basketball Academy vs Hout Bay Hurricanes (Court B)
16:20 – Eagles Basketball Club vs Duep Basketball Club (Court A)
16:20 – Spartans Basketball Club vs Snadton Bullz

Day Two, 16 June: Male Category 

09:00 – Titans Basketball Academy vs Hot Shots (Court B)
09:55 – Hout Bay Hurricanes vs Dirurubele Basketball Academy (Court A)
10:50 – Spartans Basketball Club vs Duep Basketball Club (Court A)
10:50 – Wynberg Boys High vs Elie Basketball Academy (Court B)
11:45 – Eagles Basketball Club vs Sandton Bullz (Court A)
11:45 – Westcliff Eagles vs Hout Bay Hurricanes

Day One, 15 June: Female category 

09:00 – African Grassroot Hoops All Stars vs Delft Umoja (Court B)
09:55 – UCT Ladies vs Hot Shots (Court B)
10:50 – Elite Baskstball Academy vs African Grassroot Hoops All Stars (Court B)
14:30 – Hot Shots vs Amante Stars (Court B)

Day Two, 16 June: Female category 

09:00 – Amante Stars vs UCT Ladies (Court A)
09:55 – Delft Umoja vs Elite Basketball Academy (Court B)

Curro Meridian Cosmo City, the host of the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS) Sports Festival, exceeded expectations on Saturday at Cosmo City, on the final day of the festival.

They signed off in style by being crowned the champions of both the girls’ and boys’ u15 divisions.

u15 Girls’ Competition

The hosts confidently showed off their skills and outplayed their rivals, Taal Net Randburg, to score a 4-2 win, which earned them a spot in the gold medal match.

Sweet Valley, meanwhile, faced Kwena Molapo. It was a one-sided contest, which Sweet Valley won by a 3-1 margin.

In the final, it was a different story as the hosts, Curro Meridian Cosmo City overwhelmed Sweet Valley, comfortably defeating them 4-1 to make sure the title stayed at home.

u15 Boys’ Competition

Curro Meridian Cosmo City faced a challenging path to victory in the u15 boys’ competition.

In the first round, they encountered a resilient and determined Taal Net Randburg team, who fought relentlessly until the end of the clash.

After regulation time finished with the sides level at 1-1, it was on to a penalty shootout to decide which team would progress to the title-decider. The hosts edged it 4-3 from the spot to move on to the final.

Their opponents were Kwena Molapo, who had held on for a 1-0 win over Sweet Valley.

It proved to be a contest befitting a final, filled with tension, as both teams pushed the other to the limit. After they finished tied at 2-2, extra time was played and Curro Meridian found a third goal to capture a 3-2 win.

Pitso Mosimane’s address

At the conclusion of the action. coach Pitso Mosimane expressed his gratitude to the Curro Meridian Cosmo City staff, the coaches, the players, and all who had been involved in ensuring the successful and smooth running of the sports festival.

He also thanked media organisations for attending, emphasising the importance of their participation being acknowledged.

“Eighteen months back, our journey at PMSS started here, at Curro Meridian Cosmo City and at Northern Academy in Polokwane. The Executive Head of Curro Meridian Cosmo City, Mrs Langa, gave us an opportunity to be at the schools.

“When we started, we were not sure how it was going to work but, with your participation, it has grown into 12 schools,” he said.

Mosimane said significant progress had been made since the inception of the programme, emphasising improvements in player movements, control, and shooting skills, which were observed during Sunday’s session.

He closed by highlighting an increased level of participation, which, he said, was a clear indication of the coaches’ effectiveness.

U15 RESULTS 

1st round

Girls
Taal Net 2 -4 Meridian
Kwena Molapo 1-3 Sweet Valley

Boys
Taal Net 1 (3) – 1 (4) Meridian
Kwena Molapo 1-0 Sweet Valley

3rd/4th Playoff

Girls
Taal Net 0-3 Kwena Molapo

Boys
Taal Net 2-1 Sweet Valley

Final

Girls
Meridian 4-1 Sweet Valley

Boys
Meridian 3-2 Kwena Molapo

The sports festival organised by the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS) is underway at Curro Meridian Cosmo City, and runs from Friday, 7 June, to Saturday, 8 June.

The u11 boys and girls, and u13 boys and u13 girls completed their competitions on Friday. The u15 boys’ and girls’ finals were scheduled for Saturday.

Curro Meridian Cosmo City is one of the first to adopt the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools’ programme, with the renowned coach and the PMSS team present to witness the development of grassroots football skills.

On Friday, boys and girls, between the ages of 8 and 13, gathered to showcase their football abilities. Throughout the day, they enthusiastically cheered each other on, with some mesmerizing with their distinct skills on the playing grounds.

Nooitgedacht defeated Cosmo City 2-0 in the u11 girls’ final, while Sweet Valley laid claim to the u11 boys’ title with a 2-1 win over Cosmo City.

In the u13 boys’ final, Nooitgedacht beat Meridian Cosmo 1-0, while the girls’ honours went to Cosmo City Junior, who stormed to a 4-1 win over Nooitgedacht.

Coach Pitso Mosimane shared his thoughts about the partnership between PMSS and Curro Meridian Cosmo City: “The Pitso Mosimane Sports Soccer Schools is associated with the Pitso Mosimane Foundation, and our focus is on collaborating with schools,” he said.

He explained that the reason behind this approach is because not all children engage in football through clubs, but all children who play football are enrolled in school.

Schools have facilities and are a safe environment for children, he said. “Our objective is to work with every individual within the school system, aiming to nurture football skills from an early age, starting as early as seven-years-old”, he stated.

Why is it so important to start at the grassroots level?

“The challenge we have in South African football [is] we start the program in the middle. This is exactly like the academics in the school, so, let’s say you start school at grade 4 or 5, if you start at that level you will struggle, because you have no foundation. Hence, you need the development fundamentals. You need to start at the foundation.

“How many teams in South Africa, senior teams, don’t have a youth team? So, where are you getting the players from? It means you get them from somewhere else, but don’t be surprised when you get those players, and they have different habits.”

“Empowering the children”

Mosimane said young people are the future of the country and he made reference to the late Nelson Mandela, who always believed in the youth as the rock on which the future is built, and who promoted education as the key to liberation.

“You can never separate the two, football and academics. As a player you have your football talent and an academic background.”

He emphasised that having both not only places one in a better position in society post-retirement as a professional footballer, but they also provide one with a backup plan should a career as a player not work out.

He said Percy Tau was an excellent example. Tau, whom he coached at Mamelodi Sundowns, is a CAF Champions League winner, and he also holds a BCom degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA).

He currently plays for the Egyptian giants, Al Ahly, and has won numerous titles in South Africa, Egypt, and Europe, where he played for Club Brugge in Belgium.

Mosimane said that if players could follow that kind of example and receive guidance at a younger age, they stand a better chance to be become greater men and women tomorrow.

“That is why we work with schools. The clubs which these children play for also benefit. We also empower coaches. We have CAF and SAFA coaches contributing to the growth and the goal we have set for ourselves to develop young kids.

The Future for the PMSS

“We are growing. There are about 12 schools now, 30 coaches, and my dream is to do this in the townships, as well,” Mosimane said.

“That’s where the talent is. I come from the township. We need to nurture the talent in our townships and continue to offer life skills – how to be a team member – and discipline, while we ensure that we keep our young children as student athletes.”

The PMSS also plays an important role in addressing a significant and overlooked aspect of women’s development in South Africa. Despite the evident talent at the national level, women’s football in the country has yet to realise its full potential.

While the SASOL League, Hollywoodbets Super League, and the Gauteng Women’s Development League feed into the national teams, such as Banyana Banyana (SA national women’s team) and Bantwana (SA u17), they lack a solid foundation. This is where the PMMS steps in, starting as early as the u7 age group, to promote and showcase women’s football.

RESULTS

3rd and 4th Playoffs

u11 Girls: Meridian Cosmo 2-0 Sweet Valley
u11 Boys: Meridian Cosmo 0-1 Nooitgedacht
u13 Girls: Sweet Valley 0-2 Cosmo City Junior
u13 Boys: Sweet Valley 0 (0)- 0 (2) Meridian Cosmo

Finals

u11 Girls: Nooitgedacht 2-0 Cosmo City Junior
u11 Boys: Cosmo City Junior 1-2 Sweet Valley
u13 Girls: Meridian Cosmo 0-1 Nooitgedacht
u13 Boys: Nooitgedacht 1-4 Cosmo City Junior

Aphiwe Buthelezi, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the FC Bayern International Youth Cup, is set to journey to the United States with the FC Bayern World Squad to compete against top-tier academies from around the world.

Buthelezi’s standout performances at the inaugural South African FC Bayern Youth Cup, for u16 players, held at Northwood School in August 2023, earned him his spot in the South African squad that went on to participate in the finals of FC Bayern’s International Youth Cup that took place in October 2023 in Germany.

In the fourth edition of the international FC Bayern World Squad project, the class of ’24, representing the 33-time German champions, is going on tour.

Bayern and their partner Audi have selected u19 players from all over the world and presented them with an opportunity to live their dreams of becoming professional footballers.

AmaZulu FC extended their congratulations to the 16-year-old Buthelezi, who was in the Usuthu’s DStv Diski Challenge team last season.

The 23 players in Bayern Munich’s squad include Buthelezi, from South Africa, and three more African players – Jeremiah Olaleke, Ifeanyi Ugah and David Emmanuel – from Nigeria.

The FC Bayern Youth Cup, which was introduced in 2012, is one of the largest youth football tournaments organised by a European football club. Bayern has termed it “the stepping stone from grassroots football to high-level performance”.

The Youth Cup is played in various countries around the world and has, over the years, attracted over 100 000 players from over 15 countries.

More than 20 players who have taken part in the tournament have either secured a professional contract or received a team call-up.

The aim of the tournament, Bayern has stated is for “the best players [to] have the chance to move within the FC Bayern pathway and be called [up] for the u19 FC Bayern World Squad, bringing them to the doorstep of professional football”.

Buthelezi was one of 10 talented young players who showcased their impressive skills and football abilities at Northwood School and were then selected to represent Team South Africa in Germany. Also in that group was Zethembiso Phenyana, from Northwood School.

In Germany, Buthelezi’s outstanding performances during the International FC Bayern Cup earned him the title of MVP, which led to his inclusion in the FC Bayern World Squad.

FC Bayern World Squad 2024

Carter High School and Maritzburg College produced a captivating display on Barns Field, at Maritzburg College, on Thursday in a thrilling final of the KZN High Schools Football Association’s Inland League, replete with tension, skill, and some remarkable saves.

It was an entertaining spectacle, even though there was only one goal in the game.

In the lead-up to the final, in the last round of round-robin fixtures, Carter had secured a 1-0 victory over the College boys. That reversed a run of four consecutive victories for the Red, Black and White over Carter in the previous four years.

Carter had plenty of motivation to follow up on that victory. They had last won silverware in 2014 and, since then, had been beaten in finals three times, twice by Maritzburg College and once by Port Shepstone. 

Ntuthuko Mnguni, the captain of Carter High School, was outstanding, playing the game with a joyful demeanour and scoring its only goal. Throughout the contest, Carter took the attack to College, but the home side had their fair share of opportunities, particularly through their top scorer, Mazithi Qasha, who came close to replying.

In the latter part of the game, CJ Sukraj, College’s goalkeeper produced one superb save after another as Carter intensified their efforts and applied pressure.

However, it was Mnguni’s strike that settled the game. After the match, he described it as thrilling and challenging.

It was special, Mnguni said, because he recalled how, three years earlier, he had been part of a team that experienced defeat in the final. This time around, however, there was no disappointment, only joy for the Carter players and their large contingent of supporters.