Alexandra’s two representative teams in the SAB League were among numerous other teams of the South African Football Association’s (Safa) Gauteng Region that took delivery of training equipment from sponsors, South African Breweries.
This was just of the many technical kit handovers that will take place countrywide in all 53 regions of Safa that play in the country’s largest development league.
The equipment included soccer balls, training cones, whistles and stopwatches which will go a long way in the teams’ preparations for the just started 2017/18 season following the conclusion of the national championships in July.
On hand to receive the equipment on behalf of Alex team Gauteng FC was club official and coach Sihle ‘uMapholoba’ Ngcobo, who said the equipment would go a long way in their preparations.
“We desperately need this type of training equipment to help our boys and teams prepare for this league which I consider as one of the toughest development leagues in the country,” he said. “This will be my second season in this league and I have found it very tough going.”
The other Alex beneficiary was Setheo United.
SAB corporate affairs director Nirishi Trikamjee and Safa CEO Dennis Mumble handed over the equipment to the various recipients.
“As the sponsors of the league, we would like to magnify the fundamentals and importance of training at grassroots level in our local football, Trikamjee said. “We would like to stand all our clubs in the league in good stead and ensure the playing fields are level.”
Mumble took the opportunity to thank SAB, not just for the technical equipment handover, but for all other initiatives which they undertake in this league such as donating player kits, sponsoring the Coach the Coaches programme, and the bursaries and scholarships that are offered to the players.
“Education is an important and integral part of the development of a holistic player,” said Mumble. “Football is often described as a short-lived career hence these players need to acquire other skills that will assist them in life once their playing days are over.”
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