Winners of the 2013 Nestlé Milo National Champions Tournament, Daniye Primary School of Thulamahashe, participated in the four-nations Nestlé Milo African Champions Tournament that took place in Nigeria on May 30 and 31.
Daniye Primary School joined other national winners from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya to participate in the Pan-African tournament held at Campos Square on Lagos Island. The team representing South Africa finished in third place.
They lost 4-1 to hosts Nigeria in the semi-final match played on the first day of the tournament. They played against Kenya in the third place play-offs, with that match ending 4-1 in favour of Daniye.
“It was a privilege for our team to participate in the Milo African Champions tournament. It is unfortunate that we did not bring home the winners trophy, but this will not diminish our fighting spirit.
I am proud that our boys put in a concerted effort and in the process gained valuable life skills from this experience,” said Lodrick Khoza, Daniye Primary School u/13 coach.
“To us, Daniye Primary School will always be winners as they performed exceptionally well to qualify for the Pan-African tournament and displayed true team and sportsmanship during the tournament in Nigeria.
Much like Milo, sport has nourishing qualities that set strong foundations, and I have no doubt that the team from Daniye Primary School returns with a vision to continue working hard in order that they may go further,” said Mpho Toolo, Nestlé South Africa Business Executive Manager for Dairy.
“We welcome Daniye Primary School back after their Pan-African tournament. This is an experience the boys will never forget. I wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to our esteemed partner Nestlé for creating dreams and opportunities for learners from a rural background to take on the best that Africa has to offer,” said Mandla ‘Shoes” Mazibuko, Sasfa president.
In the final of the tournament, Nigeria defeated 2012 Milo African Champions Ghana 5-4 on penalties following their 3-3 deadlock after 60 minutes to take the gold medal and winning trophy.
The team arrived back in South Africa on Monday.