Young players benefit from Spur programmes
Mogobong Primary School of Katlehong won the coveted 14th annual Spur Super Masidlale Championship finals at Huntersfield Stadium, Katlehong, on May 7.
Mogobong Primary school boys and girls thrashed their Pretoria opponents, Siyanqoba Primary School, at the much-anticipated finals.
The team, from previously disadvantaged areas, claimed a 3-2 victory in a game that brought together 200 boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 12.
Anticipation had been building up over seven weeks as the teams played weekly games to accumulate points.
The young players showed tenacity and grit.
ALSO READ:
AFCKO team competes in East London
The teams, during the course of the day, also received invaluable life skills from Love Life South Africa. This allowed the players to not only benefit through physical activity, but also to receive basic life skills to empower them to withstand life’s adversities.
The Masidlale soccer programme is a mass participation initiative which aims to empower young players through sport.
The programme is the brainchild of Spur Group which was initiated in 2005 with its focus on sports and life skills development among young South Africans from previously disadvantaged areas. Since its inception, the retail organisation has had a wide reach, with more than 30 000 soccer-loving youths benefiting from its mentorship programmes.
The young players, sponsored with Spur-branded kit, also enjoyed mouth-watering meals at the finals.
As the title-holder, Mogobong Primary School is set to enjoy being mascots at the Premier Soccer League (PSL) games taking place in their regions.
The young players also had the opportunity to meet Anelisa Ndyebi (23), a former Masidlale programme participant who has become an u-20 women’s national team player.
ALSO READ:
AFCKO attends police karate tourney
Ndyebi, hailed as the ‘Masidlale Super Hero’, was honoured at the event for honing her skills and soaring to greater heights as a soccer player.
“We are proud to have been investing in the youth in our communities to promote an active lifestyle, and also to expose youngsters to valuable life skills through positive role models.
“Although continually progressing, the core of the Spur Soccer Masidlale programme remains unchanged and continues to focus on its mission of reaching out to more children in innovative and dynamic ways,” Sokhana Gosani, Spur brand manager, said.
Follow us:
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Springs Advertiser, Boksburg Advertiser, Benoni City Times, African Reporter
