VANDERBIJLPARK.- Given the rich history of this region, there is a pressing need for Vaal to have a team in the professional league, much like it did in the past.
These sentiments were expressed by the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner For Police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela. Mawela made this plea during a sports equipment donation event at Hoerskool Vanderbijlpark on Wednesday.
He emphasised the importance of Vaal having representation in top-tier football, harking back to the days when the now-defunct Vaal Professional was a source of pride for the community. Mawela urged the community to revive football, citing the region’s historical significance in sports.
The handover event was attended by representatives from the Gauteng Department Of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation in Sedibeng, the Gauteng Department Of Education Sedibeng District, Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM), Sedibeng Police Cluster, and sponsors who contributed to the initiative’s success.
Noteworthy sponsors such as Build It, Sanlam, and Metropolitan played a crucial role in the project’s success. Mawela acknowledged Hoerskool Vanderbijlpark as one of the oldest schools, producing top rugby players and community leaders.
“The principal shared the history of the school with me, and I must say, I’m very impressed with what he told me. It is up to the Vanderbijlpark community to revive the school to its past academic and sports glory. With these stakeholders gathered here today, I have no doubt that this school will return to its glory days.”
“I don’t know what happened, as that team was the pride of the Vaal Triangle. I challenge everyone to revive that team and ensure this region has representatives in the professional league again. I challenge learners playing soccer, rugby, and netball to make the best use of this equipment,” he expressed.
Various sports equipment, including soccer, netball, chess, and rugby playing kits, as well as soccer, rugby, and netball balls, were donated on the day. The event featured numerous activities, including chess games to test the learners’ skills, to celebrate this occasion.
