Local schools go head to head for a league

The Zodwa Khoza Foundation School League Finals celebrates youth, sports and community development showcasing local sporting talent in football and netball.

This past weekend saw an exciting close off to an exhilarating showcase of talent at the much-anticipated Zodwa Khoza Foundation School League Finals which took place at the vibrant Jabulani Sports Hub.

Aspirant players from Soweto Primary and High schools in Diepkloof, Orlando and Pimville geared up for finals of the under 11,13,15,17 school league tournament in football and netball, wrapping up this years’ tournament in a spectacular showcase.

The annual tournament kicked off in March in partnership with the Department of Education in is its second year running. It also marked as a celebratory tribute to the legacy of the late Zodwa Khoza, whom the foundation is named after.

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“Being women’s month, this tournament is to honour Zodwa Khoza in hopes to keep her legacy and memory alive because she had the heart for the underprivileged especially women, children and persons with disability,” Snono Khoza, founder and chairperson of foundation said.

The organisation, based in Diepkloof aims to guide youth away from the streets, inspire them and instil a passion for sports.

The tournament’s critical mission was to change the lives of the young participants through sports many of whom come from disadvantaged homes.

“Part of the reasons we started this tournament was also to train the coaches. We saw the likes of Teboho Moloi, Jerry Skhosana and Zero Mahero visiting schools to have talks with the participants.

“They took them through life skills training and assisted sports coordinators by showing them how they can improve on their training and make sure that the kids are holistically groomed because it’s not just about the talent but managing one’s self,” she added.

According to the organisation, the under 15 soccer champions will be granted a unique opportunity to undergo training with the illustrious Orlando Pirates Masters at the Zodwa Khoza Foundation sports facilities in Diepkloof.

“We are super excited seeing young talent displayed throughout the tournament. When you consider that we have so many social challenges, sport is a great way of distracting them.

“We are also excited to work with the under 15, we will identify their strengths and they will be paired with a former player in terms of their experience in football and focus on horning those skills,” added Ronnie Zondi, former Orlando pirates player and executive committee member of Orlando Pirates masters.