Laerskool Akasia in Winternest, Pretoria North recently hosted a soccer tournament attended by 120 young soccer players.
Rosslyn and The Orchards primary schools also participated in the first-of-its-kind event hosted by Laerskool Akasia.
“We are planning to make it an annual event and intend to invite scouts from the likes of SuperSport United, Sundowns and University of Pretoria to scout our young boys,” said school soccer organiser and Grade 6 English teacher, Legopane Shayi Matlala.
“The tournament was about raising funds for the school, as well as ensuring that learners and players have something to look forward to, especially on weekends to avoid roaming the streets, which might lead to them doing illegal or wrong things,” Matlala said.
Two age groups competed, namely the u.11s and u.13s.
Laerskool Akasia’s u.11 team came first, with Rosslyn in second and The Orchards third.
Roslyn’s u.13 team scooped up first place, with Akasia second and The Orchards third.
“The event went very well because the crowd that came to support the boys was quite a big number, compared to what we expected. This goes to show people love soccer and will always support their kids in everything they do,” Matlala said.
He said social media was a hindrance to the development of young players and more should be done to teach youth effective time management.
“Upcoming football players spend most of their time on their phones at home and hardly go out to train or play soccer. This has in turn derailed many players from reaching their full potential. These boys have to be taught from a very young age that there is a time for everything and let’s rather focus on shaping our futures by focusing on our talents and allowing elders to nurture those talents.”
Matala said this year has been a success because it was the first time that the boys played football post-Covid-19.
They did very well in the Pretoria North Primary Schools League, he added.
Preparation started with a soccer camp held at Dinokeng’s Camp Discovery.
For 2024, the coach said he’s looking forward to many other tournaments.
“We have already been invited to the district championships that we will be taking part in as soon as the school’s soccer season opens.
“My message to any aspiring football player is to stay disciplined, listen to the advice given and always know that talent alone is never enough. Many players were talented but because of lack of discipline, they didn’t go far. Stay disciplined and respect others, then they will go far in their careers,” Matlala said.
Laerskool Akasia goalkeeper, Boipelo Segalagala said: “I was glad to be part of the tournament because I was able to showcase my goalkeeping skills to my own and many other parents who were at the playgrounds to watch the games.”
Thuto Mapulane, a midfielder who plays club football for Tuks Football Club, also expressed his gratitude for being part of the tournament. “I was glad to be part of the event as it helped me learn a lot in terms of getting to play with others who are also my friends from other schools.”
Matlala thanked sponsors Sasol Nina Park, Mavulane Consulting, Rosslyn Ice, Nkukhu Black and Compu Books as well as his school colleagues, including principal, Miss CP Thantsha.
He also thanked the soccer organisers from Rosslyn and Orchards, and Mr Magaramumbe, who had acted as the referee of the day.
ALSO READ: Springboks bring Pretoria city centre to a standstill
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/?p=473614
.