It’s all systems go for the Ke Yona team versus Free State Stars
Nie Cele
Tana Malinga
Furthermore these bunches of players have a chance and prospect of scoring professional contracts with PSL clubs if they show that they are players of fine pedigree.
Back to the story. Joy, fire ,passion and ecstasy reigned supreme when the list of these players was announced to the packed to the rafters hall at the Nedbank headquarters in Sandton.
Equally so there was a sombre mood when the other seven players who failed to qualify were left crying in their lock room.
The organizers said the announcement was preceded by months of hard work and preparation through various intense training camps.
They also revealed that over 16 000 entries joined the 2018 Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search, and also argued that 23 players who attended a final training camp were selected from boot camp of 30.
One of the coaches of Ke Yona team, Shakes Mashaba told the packed audience that this was one of biggest development football programmes in the country.
He also divulged that one of the past recipients of this programme is plying his trade abroad.
“We want to see some of these players move from football field to business offices,” Mashaba pointed.
Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank Group Marketing, said Nedbank was celebrating 11 years in the eyes of South Africans.
“It is important for us to back the dreams of these youngsters,” she said.
Nedbank Head: Group Sponsorships & Cause Marketing, Tobie Badenhorst is on record congratulating the selected players.
“At Nedbank, we take pride in seeing our graduates progress in their footballing career, and with the lessons on and off the pitch, our graduates manage both the football and money aspects of being professional football players.”
Badenhorst is also cited saying 48 players at the Boot Camps were given lessons which will benefit them in future.
“ By instilling a mentality of being financial savvy, we would like all the individuals who have been a part of the Ke Yona Team Search to be armed with financial education that they can easily and readily implement in any future financial situations that they may find themselves in.”
Did you know?
- The Nedbank Ke Yona team will play against Free State Stars on the 9thof September 2018 at a venue soon to be announced.
- Captain of the 2016 Nedbank Ke Yona Team, Bongani Mbuli, was drafted into Bidvest Wits and after his month-long trial, signed by the Clever Boys.
- The 22-year old recently penned a contract with 2017/18 Nedbank Cup champions, Free State Stars, and may feature in the Ke Yona Challenge against a side from a programme that helped him earn his way into professional football.
- Bafana Bafana international, Aubrey Modiba and Bloemfontein Celtic left-back Bongani Sam, all donned the Nedbank green blazer.
