The under-13 girls’ team taking on Kleinberg Primary
The Southern Soccer League Foundation involves boys’ and girls’ soccer teams from both the Southern and the Northern suburbs. It was a chance for Ukhanyo’s teams to test their strength and to meet and engage with numerous Western Cape schools. What an opportunity it was, and how they enjoyed the league. Ukhanyo Primary submitted five teams and two of them were unbeaten.
The under-11 boys’ team and the under-13 girls’ teams remained unbeaten for the whole season. What a great achievement. Qhamani Tshambu (‘Star’) coached the three boys’ teams and Brent Presence, Andre Mercurio and Teddy Nyali coached the two girls’ teams. The players and coaches were ecstatic.
The league is designed for the kids to enjoy and play freely. No trophies or prizes. Just play for enjoyment .. and to win, no doubt!
The last game of the season for the under-13 girls’ team was a cliffhanger. Ukhanyo played the only other unbeaten team, Kleinberg Primary, from Ocean View. It was a titanic struggle with Ukhanyo managing to edge ahead 3-1.
The power of having sports fields on the school ground attracts so many learners to play sport for the first time. They give all children real opportunity. It allows for a holistic educational programme, social cohesion with all communities and the building of gender equality.
The Ingrid Wheeler field is producing more participation, more coaches and generational change in Masiphumelele.
