On 17 April, Jabulile Secondary School, the pride of Orange Farm, played host to a prestigious send – off event for South Africa’s U15 boys and girls football teams ahead of their journey to the African Schools Football Championship in Accra, Ghana.
The tournament runs from 21 to 26 April, with the national squads having departed for Ghana on 19 April.The school was specially selected for the occasion in recognition of its outstanding sporting achievements – most notably, the Jabulile U15 and U17 girls’ teams being crowned Gauteng champions.
The send – off drew a powerful crowd of support, with dignitaries from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Department of Basic Education, Gauteng and Free State provincial governments, as well as SAFA and SAFA Schools Football officials.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan addressed the event, highlighting the importance of schools in nurturing the future of South African football: “We start there in the schools. We wish the players, technical teams and officials well ahead of this assignment in Accra – they have our full support.”
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao echoed his sentiment, expressing gratitude to Jabulile Secondary: “We hope this event inspires learners to rise to future greatness – from U17 and U20 to eventually representing Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana. Sport changed my life – it teaches discipline, teamwork and unity.”
U15 girls coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo: ”It is challenging because we are the champions and we have to defend the cup. What I did as a coach and my technical team, and the support from the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, the Department of Education and the Federation SAFA is to give a chance to a child who deserves it, who has the talent to be a part of this team.”
The U15 Boys’ team will be looking to make history by lifting their first continental trophy. Boys coach Selekedi Mogale, shared: “It will be history for them and it will be very exciting, it will be a good benchmark for South African football, although it’s not the end or the beginning of their journey. The U15 level gives us this great opportunity to play against other countries at continental level. But we all know that if we can carry through the results right up to Bafana Bafana, it will be such an honour and great pride.”
Jabulile Secondary School staff and learners were deeply honoured to host the national send-off and wished the teams all best.
Images by Mpho
