Cobus Wells, Absa provincial head of business banking, donated a cheque worth R350 000 towards the funding of the University of Venda (Univen) soccer league.
The cheque was received by Dr Jannie Zaaiman, the deputy vice chancellor of operations, on behalf of Univen.
“Absa endorsed their commitment to continue this partnership with the university as part of their corporate social investment programme,” Cobus Wells said.
Responding on behalf of Univen, Prof Edward Nesamvuni, the university registrar, said: “It is only with partners such as Absa that higher education institutions can constructively engage with students, both in class and out of class. You help us to nurture a sense of community through soccer, where people become each other’s keeper. You have enabled Univen to offer an environment conducive for a healthy mind in a healthy body.
“We would like to get the project launched today in the form of the soccer league to succeed through nurturing, development and growing it to a mature child. Well done Absa for coming on this journey of creating future leaders with us.”
Takalani Dzaga, Univen director of communications and marketing, commended Absa for their generous support.
“As a result of this sponsorship, all 12 registered teams received equipment and we have been able to get underway in style,” Dzaga thanked.
The sponsorship was conceptualised in 2012 when the Absa delegation, comprising of the regional executive (northern region), relationship executive and other colleagues endorsed their commitment to continue supporting the university as part of their corporate social investment programme.
During this time, Absa committed R100 000 sponsorship per annum towards the university’s soccer league and a further R50 000 towards the university entrepreneurship programmes like the Student in Free Enterprise (SIFE) project. To date, Absa has invested R350 000.
Absa made further commitments to assist the university students to access its graduate programme, learnerships, bursary schemes and skills development programmes. Thus working with the university through alumni structures to assist top graduates who seek employment opportunities, particularly those who are in possession of qualifications in commerce.
The official cheque handover was preceded by the official launch of the soccer tournament between Vikings FC and Black Burn FC.
The score was 3-2 with Vikings FC winning the match.
The soccer coaching clinic was facilitated by the local Absa Premier team, the Polokwane City Football Club.
