Ziyanda Kwepile, Ratanda soccer star and Grade Nine learner at Kgoro Ya Thuto Secondary School, will play in a soccer tournament in Italy.
Four players from Gauteng were selected to participate in the tournament. Ziyanda is the only soccer player from Heidelberg. The tournament is part of the Tricolour Games in Reggio, Italy, to be played from July 24 to 30.
There will be around 130 children under 16 years that will take part in the games. The sporting codes are athletics, swimming, basketball, chess, football and sevens rugby.
The team selection was at the fifth edition of the OR Tambo Soncini Social Cohesion Games in October 2022.
Gauteng Department of Education has been participating in the games since 2017.
The school’s deputy principal Sifiso Mnyani is excited about Ziyanda’s selection to be part of the tournament.
At the moment, he is trying to find sponsors who would help make Ziyanda’s dream come true to participate.
“The flight and accommodation costs are included, but he needs an additional R12 000 for toiletries, clothing and sports attire for the time Ziyanda is in Italy,” he said.
“If any company or person is willing to assist, it will be highly appreciated and be a lifesaver. Ziyanda will be going to Italy on July 21 and returning on July 31,” said Mnyani.
Ziyanda has been playing soccer for the past six years and loves the feeling of running and kicking the ball.
The position that she usually plays in is in the midfield.
Other than soccer, Ziyanda also excels in 800m athletics.
Schoolwork is extremely important for Ziyanda, and getting balancing act between schoolwork and soccer takes careful planning.
“I do not want to just focus on soccer as education is important, and I want to do well in my studies,” said Ziyanda.
Any person or company interested in helping Ziyanda or donating to the school for their sporting codes may contact sports coordinator Robert Buthelezi at 076 313 0711.
