Sports school of specialisation launched

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane officially inaugurated the Khanya Lesedi Sports School of Specialisation on September 21 in Ratanda.

Khanya Lesedi, situated in Ratanda, is a public school with a rich history of academic excellence, sports achievements, artistic endeavours, and social development.

Established in January 1898, the school has consistently excelled in sports such as soccer, netball, and athletics, and it has represented the Sedibeng cluster at the district, provincial, national, and international levels.

The late world 400m champion, Moses Mabaso, earned his national colours while at the school, ultimately receiving a scholarship at Waterkloof in Pretoria.

Among the school’s standout athletes are Emma Manana, who excelled in events like 800m, 1500m, and cross country for five consecutive years from 1990 to 1995, and John Tshabalala, a 5 000m and cross country athlete for a similar duration.

Furthermore, Jan Mokoena specialised in 5 000m cross country from 1997 to 2001, and Moses Mabaso distinguished himself as one of the world’s best athletes, achieving 46.15 in the 400m run in 1995.

He represented the country as a world junior champion in Australia and Spain in 1996, where he pursued further studies at Waterkloof.

The twin brothers, Siphiwe and Bongani Mtshali made waves in the ABSA Mega Cup from 1998 to 2000, achieving world-best times.

In 2001, Siphiwe secured a silver medal in the South African youth category in the 400m hurdles, earning him a trip to the world youth event in Hungary.

His twin brother also claimed a bronze medal, qualifying for the regional games in Kenya Waterfalls.

More recently, Bontle Lekone and Thabang Dube represented South Africa in soccer in Italy.

Given this remarkable track record, Khanya Lesedi has earned its status as a Sports School of Specialisation, providing students with opportunities to nurture their talents alongside their academic pursuits.

The school features a real track through which learners can run various lengths of races, hurdles and marathons.
Accessible at the school is also a tennis court, volleyball court, soccer pitch, basketball court, and various equipment for javelin, discus and long jump, among other athletic sports.

This school’s curriculum extends beyond physical activities, incorporating scientific innovation in physical health.
Subjects including sports science and exercise, geography, physical science and life science, play vital roles in shaping various aspects of sports training, from pitch conditions to dietary requirements tailored to different sporting codes.

They also teach ICT, coding and robotics at the school through the school’s Multi-Certification Skills Programme.
Moreover, students can interact with sports icons and legends who offer coaching clinics and guidance based on their respective sports.

Community involvement is encouraged, allowing residents to access school facilities, potentially at a nominal fee, promoting security and community engagement.

This collaboration also promises to revitalise the township economy, drawing spectators and boosting local businesses as outside communities witness sporting events at the school.