This April marks five years of developing children through the Tsogo Sun Soccer Academy (TSSA) in the Munsieville, Kagiso and Swanieville communities.
Each year, the participation of the 900 youngsters is celebrated during their annual soccer tournaments. The first of this year’s tournaments was held at the Lusaka Sports Complex in Swanieville from 11 to 13 April.
The TSSA forms part of the group’s corporate social investment programme that aims to develop children – particularly youngsters from disadvantaged areas – through sport, also by teaching them other life skills. They provide young South Africans with opportunities to become educated, capable and skilled adults by means of workshops within their sporting programmes.
Students who have persevered in the programme and shown exceptional talent are selected to be part of the TSSA talent development team that currently is competing in the Soweto Football Association league.
Various South African sporting heroes recognise the benefits of sport at schools level and are involved in the academy. They often attend tournament and league matches to encourage and assist the players.
Among them is international footballer Morgan Gould, who currently plays for Kaizer Chiefs FC.
“It is overwhelming to see the impact such a programme has as an extra-curricular activity in schools by encouraging the boys to develop discipline and camaraderie. This programme teaches a range of skills I wish I understood from a younger age.”
“Some of the boys may become sporting heroes and some may become lawyers, but it is the TSSA that is providing the fundamental life skills through sport that will allow them to succeed and accomplish better lives.”
Bafana Bafana player Siphiwe Tshabalala also is involved in the TSSA and echoes this sentiment, adding, “You must enjoy yourself, but work hard and be disciplined. Listen to the coach and recognise that you are very fortunate to be in such a programme. Make the most of every opportunity you are given.”
Lucas Radebe is a world-renowned soccer player who, over the years, has become an avid supporter of the programme. Radebe played for Kaiser Chiefs, Leeds United and has 70 caps with Bafana Bafana. He is well known, not just for his football career, but also for his ongoing philanthropic work.
Radebe explains that he had a sound upbringing, with parents who emphasised the importance of honesty, hard work and education. However, without support he would not have been able to apply these principles and develop into the man he is today.
“Development programmes such as TSSA’s provide the framework to ensure that youngsters learn these lessons in a safe environment,” he says.
“The aim of the programme is not necessarily to create the next big sporting legend. If it does we would be thrilled, but our main objective is to help the youth in South Africa by equipping them with the life skills and tools they need to approach their future as responsible, contributing members,” concludes Vusi Dlamini, Group HR Director for Tsogo Sun.
