The KwaZulu-Natal school are set to represent the country at the 2014 Danone Nations Cup taking place in Sao Paulo.
Present at the farewell was Chantel Ehlers, Danone Communications Specialist, who explained the purpose of putting together the tournament.
“Danone started this unique and exciting tournament as a way to make kids believe in their dreams and exposing them to what’s out there,” she said.
Ehlers added that the tournament took place annually; beginning regionally, then provincially before going national. The winner gets the opportunity to represent the country abroad at the Nations Cup.
The Danone Nations Cup South Africa tournament is open to over 3 000 schools and was launched in 1998 as a way to create a unique experience for children between the ages of 10 to 12 years.
Also at hand to wish them well was Emile Gochev, the managing director of Danone South Africa, who expressed joy at the team spirit various teams participating in the international tournament express.
“It’s good to win but more importantly, it’s about having fun and enjoying the game you love,” he said to the eager youngsters.
Other well-wishers included senior manager at the KwaZulu Natal Department of Basic Education, Ningi Ngcobo; the South African Football Association chief executive officer, Dennis Mumble; and Sasfa President, Mandla ‘Shoes’ Mazibuko.
Mumble expressed pride at the tournament’s objectives and highlighted the hope that the game represented for South Africans.
The farewell event took place on 11 November in Bryanston, while the Nations Cup officially kicked off on 13 November in Sao Paulo. The tournament will run until 16 November.
