Fedilitas Secondary School is the champion of the third annual VW Train 4L ife U15 girls’ soccer tournament held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus on September 17.
The thrilling final against Fons Luminus Secondary School ended goalless, with Fedilitas securing a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout.
Fedilitas coach Muzi Khoza praised his team’s resilience, saying it was a tough game because the learners had to fight a strong opponent.
ALSO READ: Player wins winter tournament for Gauteng tennis
“We are grateful for VW’s support and hope this tournament continues.”
Khoza said the schools needed a league for the U15 girls to encourage them to continue playing football.
Fons Luminus coach Sipho Tshabalala acknowledged his team’s dominance, but they ultimately fell short.
“Most of our girls started playing soccer this year. We encourage them to continue, especially with VW’s support.”
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis said the tournament was about empowering girls and using football to teach life skills.
She said 10 schools were involved in life skills, giving learners skills they could use in life and plough back into their communities.
ALSO READ: New Soweto netball tournament launched to grow sport
“Football is a global tool for empowerment. The VW initiative creates opportunities for girls to realise their dreams. Unfortunately, disadvantaged communities often lack access to these opportunities,” Ellis stressed.
She highlighted the significance of school football, which produced exceptional players in the past.
“VW’s initiative, running for three years, aims to revive school football and uncover new talent.”
Education and football skills go hand-in-hand, according to Ellis.
“During my national team days, only three players had jobs. Today, 99% of our players hold multiple degrees and are still studying. Academics and football skills create opportunities, including local and international bursaries.”
ALSO READ: Karate tournament held at Orlando East Communal Hall
VW’s commitment to developing girls
Lindi-Anne Hilliar, VW’s customer relationship management representative, explained the company’s motivation.
“We identified a need for soccer and life skills development, particularly for Grades Eight and Nine learners.”
Hilliar emphasised VW’s focus on girls’ development when she explained that traditionally, men’s soccer dominated SA, and they saw an opportunity to develop girls equally.
“VW hosts the biennial Vaya Cup, a boys and girls tournament. We introduced the girls’ leg in 2019, transitioning from a boys-only tournament. This feeds into the Vaya Cup,” Hilliar said.
The tournament runner-ups included Diep Dale Secondary School in third place followed by Madibane Secondary School.
Awards and prizes
Fedilitas Secondary School was awarded training kits and equipment for the school.
The top four schools each received soccer boots for all participating soccer team members, sponsored by VW.
ALSO READ: International Bowls for the Disabled tournament held in Gauteng
In addition, four outstanding learners were selected for the mentorship programme – Matsie Semela Happy from Madibane High School, Mooch Karabo Zinhle from Fons Luminus Secondary School, Keitumetse Mochadibane from Diep Dale Secondary School and Mpho Khuthpma from Fedilitas Secondary School.
Mentorship programme
Lerato Phago, a SuperSport football broadcaster, and Xoli Zondo, a 5FM sports presenter, will mentor the selected learners.
They will also participate in a soccer training programme with the University of Johannesburg’s first team for ladies’ soccer.
