Curro Cup soccer tournament attracts huge sports stars

Gauteng was the centre of some great football action this past weekend as the Curro Cup Soccer Tournament rolled into town on June 29 and July 3, with a few national soccer legends even spotted in the crowds.

Just over 1 000 budding soccer players took part in the boys’ tournament, the biggest school national soccer tournament in South Africa with 64 teams playing over 350 nail-biting matches at Waterstone College High School over five days.

Kaizer Chief’s Daniel Cardoza watched the tantalising U13 finals and was on hand to award prizes and a trophy to Northern Academy for their fantastic win. Former Mamelodi Sundown and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane, who was also in attendance, bestowed a delighted U19 team from Curro Century City with their winning trophy.

Arguably one of the best soccer coaches in South Africa if not the continent, Pitso was so impressed with the quality of soccer at the Curro Cup that he also attended the girls’ finals and again dished out prizes and trophies.

More than 400 girls took part in the four-day tournament at Woodhill College in Pretoria where Waterstone College took the top spot in the U 13 bout, while the team from Curro Hillcrest were all smiles after winning the U19 leg.

The Curro Cup aims to identify the independent school group’s best sports stars and teams across 12 sporting codes including athletics, hockey and Esports, swimming, golf, mountain biking, rugby and netball.

The soccer tournament is especially popular among learners and parents, and this year, participants at the girls’ tournament were able to enjoy complimentary skills sessions, motivational talks and mini competitions hosted by SuperSport United Soccer Schools.

For the boys, Acer Africa put on an amazing FIFA Esports gaming Esports activation in the school hall.

“A huge congratulations to all those who took part in this event and especially to the winning teams. Yet again, I have been completely blown away by the sporting achievements and phenomenal efforts that have gone into this year’s Curro Cup Soccer Tournament.

“It is always good for learners to break from their academic school schedule and stand next to the field participating in the matches, having fun, witnessing a different side of school life, and seeing some great South African sports stars too,” said Andries Greyling, CEO of Curro Holdings.

“At Curro, we understand that sport does more than just improve our health. It teaches our learners discipline, hard work, patience, respect, teamwork, and fairness – invaluable qualities which will stand them in good stead throughout their futures,” Greyling said.