School scores for charity
Two schools joined forces to raise funds for POWA, People Against Women Abuse.
AS Women’s Month is commemorated in August, local school Sastri College joined forces with uMhlanga school Hamptons High to raise funds for POWA, People Opposing Women Abuse.
The two schools hosted a soccer tournament to raise funds. Sonali Bagwandeen of Sastri College said the event sold out on the first day of ticket sales, with some learners donating more than the R5 ticket price. She added that the school was excited to celebrate Women’s Month and raise funds for a good cause.
Among those watching from the sidelines was Fran Hilton-Smith, former coach for the South Africa women’s national soccer team, nicknamed Banyana Banyana.
“This is a fantastic event. It’s wonderful that both boys and girls have come out today to support this great initiative in a country where there is a gender-based violence scourge,” said Hilton-Scott.
“Soccer is empowering to women. As a team sport, it gives women a support base,” she added.
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At the event, Hilton-Smith, who coached the national team in 2002, was greeted by former Banyana Banyana player Thandeka Kheswa who is not a school soccer coach.
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In line with the Women’s Month theme, the event empowered girls from the two schools.
“We did this to honour Women’s Month, and the girls’ match was the curtain-raiser of the day,” said Stef Crasso, Hamptons High coach.
He added that sports had been largely suspended for the last two years under the Covid-19 pandemic, making the day all the more special.
There were several matches played on the day as both boys’ and girls’ soccer teams took the field.
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