Schools selected for 2013 Spur Masidlale programme

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To ensure that coaches were well-equipped to unlock the full potential of the programme, the Spur Group invested in a series of national Masidlale Coaching Clinics around the country as a run-up to the regional launch day events.

Soccer personalities in each region have also pledged their support to the programme and learners had the opportunity to play ball with Patrick Mayo, Matthew Booth, Helman Mkhelele and Dillan Sheppard respectively at the Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg launch events.

Teachers, local coaches and players are ready for the nine-week series during which the under-13 boys' and girls' teams from the ten competing schools in each region will give it their best to add points to the log and secure a place in the finals in June 2013.

Steady growth

According to Khakhi Diala of the Spur Group, they are extremely excited about the upcoming season. "We definitely started from humble beginnings, with 12 one-day coaching clinics in 2005, but the league has grown steadily and has highlighted the huge need for initiatives that provide a platform for youth development. We hosted the first pilot league in Sandton in 2009 and are now running four leagues in key urban areas across South Africa."

He added that the most rewarding aspect of this sponsorship was the opportunity to change lives. "Soccer is just the tool we're using. Our goal is to empower both the coaches and the kids with important life skills to equip them to continue being role models in their communities long after the Spur Masidlale league ends."

The life skills training for the coaches was facilitated by Macsteel Maestros Life Skills and specifically targeted areas that will increase players' self-confidence and self-esteem, while promoting positive behavioural shifts. This will enable players to cope better with matters at home, in their football life, and equip them with better decision-making skills.

Each participant received a new branded Umbro kit at the launch day events to keep and cherish (for many of the participants, this is the first kit they have ever owned). The winning team in each region can look forward to a special VIP PSL experience. Not only will they be treated to a special Spur lunch, but they will also attend a PSL game as team mascots.

Selected schools

Schools are rotated on an annual basis to ensure that as many children as possible can benefit from the life-enriching Spur Masidlale programme. The schools that have been selected for the 2013 series are:

• Port Elizabeth - (NU2 stadium, Motherwell): Vukanibantu; Khulile; Elufefeni; Canzibe; Nxanelwinfundo; Vezubuhle; Mdengentonga; Empumalanga; Melisizwe and Siyaphambili Primary.
  
• Durban - (King Zwelithini stadium, Umlazi): Saphinda; Emthetweni; Isipingo; Tamela; Lindelani; Zweli Sthembiso; Gokul; Mzwilili; Muzomuhle and Maphumuzane Primary.
  
• Soweto - (Braam Fischerville Sports Complex, Braam Fischerville) : Julius Sebolai; Nkone Maropeng; Moses Kotane; Braamfischer Primary; JB Marks; Khulanolwazi; Mayibuye; Bonamelo; Obed Mosiane and Hector Peterson Primary Schools.
  
• Cape Town - (NY49 stadium, Gugulethu, Cape Town): Mseki; Ilitha; Lehlonololo; Vuyani; Vukukhanya; Xolani; Sonwabo; Sokhanyo; Lwazi and Luzuko Primary Schools.

The programme has touched the lives of more than 30,000 children, developed and groomed more than 700 coaches and visited more than 100 stadia in South Africa since its launch in 2005, reinforcing the conviction of the great philosopher Plato, who said, "The moral value of exercise and sports far outweigh the physical value."

Follow the programme on Twitter: @spur_cares and Facebook: Spur Steak Ranches.