The 32 participating countries have started the gruelling qualifiers to identifying their teams that will compete in the World Finals in Morocco later this year and South Africa is no different.
Registration has opened and all primary schools have until the February 27 to do so.
The competition is run under the auspices of the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) and the Department of Basic Education.
Games will begin at cluster level immediately after registration closes.
The winners will progress to regional finals culminating in the nine provincial winners playing in the national finals to determine the national champion school.
For Siphumelele there are only four positions that need to be filled as the rest of last year’s winning team will be back in action again.
According to team manager, Emmanuel Mkhize, the trip to Brazil last year has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of all the players that went, which will help the team this year.
“The trip to Brazil to compete in the world finals has opened the eyes of every player.
“They know that there are endless opportunities awaiting them and I can see that their confidence and fighting spirit has improved dramatically.
“All this helps in their approach to the game this year and they have learnt that you can achieve anything if you put your mind and energy to it and remain focused,” said Mkhize.
Tebogo Ngakane, manager of the Farrarmere team is confident his school can win the tournament this year.
He said that being part of the Danone Nations Cup last year was an incredible and great learning experience for the pupils.
To register, Themba Tshabalala of SASFA can be reached on 084 290 0602 or email at themba.tshabalala@safa.net. Registration forms can also be downloaded on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DNCSouthAfrica
