Metropolitan Cup launches in Jozi
JOBURG - The Metropolitan Cup 2013 launch and draw was conducted in Sandton on 6 November.
The Metropolitan-South African Schools Football Association U16 Cup which kicks off in Polokwane from 4-7 December was launched with much fanfare in Sandton.
The tournament, now in its fifth year, has become a key component in identifying and nurturing the finest footballing talent in the country. The championship itself has become a prestigious title in national schools sport.
Last year’s champions, Rosina Sedibane from Gauteng, qualified to represent the country at the biennial International Schools Sports Federation World Championships in France, where they held their own against some of the world’s top schools.
Eleven graduates from last year’s competition have already graced the Premier Soccer League, with the likes of Lerato Manzini turning out for Bloemfontein Celtic and Thabo Moloi donning the colours of Supersport United.
Schools football association president, Mandla ‘Shoes’ Mazibuko said, “As one of the cornerstones of development in South Africa, a healthy level of schools football is imperative to any potential success.
“It is therefore important to create the best possible conditions to realise our objectives. It is through the vision of partners such as Metropolitan, whose investment in the early stages of a long term process enables us to reap the rewards on a sustainable basis for generations to come.”
Metropolitan brand manager Belinda Faulkner said football had a tremendous ability to develop and unite people. “It has also shown itself to be a fantastic medium through which young people can learn the values of discipline, teamwork and good health, all while having fun,” she said.
This year also sees the introduction of a new trophy after Rosina Sedibane’s three consecutive titles entitled them to permanently keep the previous trophy.
This year the province will be represented by the Safa-Transnet School of Excellence in Johannesburg and the evergreen Johannesburg Secondary School, which is a former development school of Orlando Pirates. Rosina Sedibane were knocked out in the qualifying rounds.
