South African schools ready for big soccer tournament

Source: www.sanlam.co.za

A successful three-pronged partnership between Sanlam, Motsepe Foundation and the Ubuntu-Botho Community Development Trust, the championship is in its third year. Described as South Africa's most lucrative and widespread schools soccer tournament, it provides prizes of R100 000 for the winning school in each of the nine provincial finals and R1 million for the winning school, R600 000 for the runner up, R500 000 for third place and fourth place receives R400 000.

Sanlam's shows its dedication to youth development and its meaningful impact in South African society by supporting and encouraging school soccer. The prize money not only goes towards enhancing academic and sports needs but through this initiative, a platform has also been created for scouts to identify talented young players. Furthermore, the improved educational and sports facilities extend beyond the players who have participated in the tournament, as it benefits the rest of the pupils and the surrounding community.

Developing the standard of school soccer

This series of competitions helps to develop the level and standard of school soccer in the same way that the long-standing annual Craven Week event helps to discover rugby talent.

Commenting on the group's commitment to the tournament, Sanlam's Frank Louw said the Cup has proved a big success over the past three years, acting as a major catalyst for soccer development, strengthening school morale, uplifting school facilities and generally benefiting communities.

"It is satisfying for us as a corporate citizen to see how popular this tournament has become and to know that the prize money on offer is going towards excellent causes at schools across the country," said Louw.

"Following South Africa's hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it is vital that we build on this foundation and strive to develop into one of the best soccer playing nations in Africa and the world. With the 2014 FIFA World Cup, only two years away, the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup might give some learners the opportunity to be noticed," he concluded.