The 20th annual Kay Motsepe Schools Championship Football finals, sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation and Sanlam, concluded in a spectacular display of young talent on 28 September at Bergsig Academy in Rustenburg. The six-day tournament saw Northern Academy Boys from Limpopo emerge victorious in the under-19 category, securing R3 million for their school’s infrastructure development. In the under-13 category, Queenswood Laerskool Boys from Gauteng claimed the boys’ title, and Lwazi Primary Girls of the Western Cape triumphed in the girls’ division, each earning R1 million for their respective schools.
Bongani Madikiza, CEO of Sanlam Retail Mass, praised the event’s success: “The energy and talent displayed at this year’s finals were incredible, reflecting the bright future of South African football. South Africa boasts a wealth of young talent, but many lack the necessary platforms to showcase their skills. This year, we introduced a financial education initiative at the finals, giving players interactive experiences to build a robust foundation of financial principles. We look forward to continuing to make a lasting impact on learners, their families, and future generations.”
Investing in a legacy of success
The championship has consistently produced top football talent, including Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams, who played for Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School, and Percy Tau, the Al Ahly forward who represented Clapham High School in 2013.
Championship highlights
In the three finals in the U-13 Boys and Girls and U-19 Boys a total of 11 goals were scored. The tournament featured group stages, semi-finals, and a final. Lwazi Primary dominated the U-14 Girls, scoring 15 goals in four matches and winning the title. Their players, Buhle Ngonga, Simamkele Kondlo, and Madikane, won individual awards. Queenswood Laerskool U-13 Boys also performed well, with Hlumile Tshaka winning Top Scorer and Player of the Tournament. In the U-19 Boys, Northern Academy defeated Eletsa 2-1 in the final, with their coach Hendrick winning Coach of the Tournament.
The boys’ under-19 final saw Northern Academy emerge victorious against Eletsa Secondary from North-West with a score of 2-1. In the under-14 category, Queenswood Laerskool claimed the boys’ title against St. Annes Primary School of Free State, while Lwazi Primary triumphed in the girls’ division, beating Mamontoeng Primary of the Eastern Cape. 5-0
Coach Lunga Nobela of Queenswood Laerskool U-14 Boys expressed his pride in his team crowned national champions. “Thanks to Kay Motsepe, the departments of sports and education for putting this tournament together as sports and education go together. I’m proud of the boys for winning both at provincial level and national,” he said.
On the other hand, Lwazi Primary coach Xolile Madikane, the U-14 Girls champion, said that he is proud of how his team played even though it was not easy.
“You look at the score line of us winning 5-0, and you think it was easy, no it was tough, my team did the basis right, and I’m proud of them, and I’m confident that some of the players will play for Banyana Banyana in future,” declared Madikane with a smile on his face.
Meanwhile, Mukwevho Hendrick, coach of Northern Academy U-19 Boys, the champions, believes the tournament was a big success. He also emphasised the benefits that many schools and communities will reap thanks to the Motsepe Foundation and Sanlam.
“Many teams that we played against throughout the national finals in the competition don’t have facilities with the money they can build and great a better future for kids in school and football as well,” he said. This helps to ensure that kids have a better chance of succeeding in life, through sport and education with better facilities and classrooms.”
Empowering youth through sport
Since its launch in 2004, the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship, has become a cornerstone of youth football development in South Africa. With a total prize pool of over R11 million, the tournament’s impact extends far beyond the pitch, benefiting schools and communities across the country.
This year’s event saw over 12 420 schools participate nationwide. Provincial champions from all nine provinces converged in Rustenburg, battling for glory and substantial prizes aimed at community development.
Lwazi Primary coach Madikane highlighted the tournament’s importance in keeping children active, away from the streets and contributing to community development.
The R1 million prize money will be used to improve the school’s football facilities and benefit the entire community.
“When we play our league games, we have to hire a field, so with this money, we will build a field. This tournament will also help us create something bigger than this. This is big for our community as it will bring life to the community as a whole. These 13-year-olds are bringing R1 million into the school. That’s big, and thanks to Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation,” said Madikane. The money will be used to build a ground, get equipment as well to help the school develop and be great.”
The 2013 U-19 Boys champions – Benny’s Sports development and Academy used the funds to improve their facilities and enhance the overall learning environment.
David Mufamadi, of the Academy, based in Limpopo – Vhembe region stated: “We were helped so much because we have improved in our school set-up, our classes and hostels were not tiled.
“We did not have a netball court, we did not have a soccer pitch, but now we have all those things all thanks to the Kay Motsepe Foundation Championship. The roof is also fully painted now, there is a big improvement and big difference since we won the tournament. We play our games on a beautiful pitch, and we are happy,” he said.
Reflecting on the tournament’s legacy, Dr Patrice Motsepe, founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation, said, “For 20 years, this event has been more than just a sporting event. It’s been a beacon of hope and opportunity for our nation’s youth, cultivating essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Most importantly, it embodies our belief that when we invest in our youth and provide them with opportunities, we are investing in the future of South Africa.”
To stay up to date with any further announcements, South Africans are encouraged to check the official brand website and social media pages:
Facebook: Kay Motsepe Schools Championship
Instagram: @kaymotsepeschoolschampionship
Hashtag: #SanlamSports #KayMotsepeSchoolChampionships
INFO SUPPLIED.
