Hosts Curro Academy Parkdene walked away with the U13 soccer tournament title hosted on the school’s football fields on July 19.
After winning all their round-robin matches, including a 7-0 drubbing of Dalpark in the semi-final, they defeated New Comet 2-0 in the final.
The youngsters eagerly took to the field and displayed a good understanding of the game, leaving former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane impressed.
Mosimane was at the school for his Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS) programme, which the academy is a part of.
“I’m a football person. I like seeing children playing, learning and getting disappointed by losing and happy about winning. It’s part of character building. Children must learn to lose and win. They must know they have to work hard to win to enjoy the benefits,” said Mosimane.
The three-time CAF Champions League winner described the PMSS as a programme that helps schools with mass participation to ensure the learners are developed into well-rounded citizens.
“We deal with basic movement skills, general movements and ensuring the children can take part in physical education. We mix that with social and life skills. We also teach them about teamwork and respect for opponents and elders.”
Curro’s head of sport, Jude Capel said this partnership with the PMSS was in line with the academy’s motto of developing responsible future leaders.
“The PMSS is a premium offer for Curro Academy and Meridian Schools. We started in 2023 with two schools and has now grown to 12 schools,” Capel said.
He added, “The programme has reached 60 coaches, 12 schools and 8000 learners have been playing soccer. It’s about developing these learners into holistic and all-rounded citizens who can contribute positively to society and create a good future for themselves”.
Capel explained the programme also made the children aware that there other opportunities, like becoming administrators, coaches and match officials, in the sport other than all striving to become professional footballers.
He is confident the PMSS will contribute positively to football development in Boksburg and Ekurhuleni.
Also Read: VIDEO: Mosimane – SA soccer must follow the world
Also Read: Curro Academy Parkdene 2023
