The tournament, a cornerstone of youth sports development in South Africa, brings together the nation’s best school football talent in a massive participation programme that culminates in the National Championships in October.

Sello Nduna, the acting deputy chief education specialist from the Free State department of education, and a member of the Safa local organising committee, highlighted the tournament’s broader impact.

He emphasised how the championship aligns with the Motsepe Foundation’s overall vision for youth development and community empowerment. “The Kay Motsepe Cup brings quite a lot of excitement within the schools,” said Nduna, adding it’s a mass participation programme that starts at the grassroots level and progresses through districts, municipalities, and provinces.

Beyond producing professional footballers, the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship’s biggest success story is the hope it provides to young players. Photo supplied

Looking ahead to the national championships in Gauteng from 6–11 October, Nduna expressed high hopes for the Free State teams. “We are looking forward to this national championships, but obviously our first leg will have to be the provincials, the Free State Provincial Games, which will be held tomorrow (23/8),” he said. 

The prize money at the provincial level is staggering, with the U-19 winning school receiving a remarkable R150 000, and the U-13 champions getting R100 000. The prize money for the nationals is R3 million and R1 million. “It will definitely go a long way in also assisting different schools from different provinces,” said Nduna.

Beyond producing professional footballers, the championship’s biggest success story is the hope it provides to young players. The tournament has a proven track record of helping learners secure scholarships and bursaries to tertiary institutions.

Nduna cited local success stories, mentioning players like Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates and others who have come through the ranks of the championship. “We’ve got a good story to tell about the success of most of the players.”

A close collaboration between the department of basic education and different stakeholders has also contributed to the success of the event. “We are working very closely with our different districts… to make sure that these kids are well protected,” he said. 

The partnership with the department of basic education ensures students’ academic performance is not neglected. “There’s scientific proof learners who are taking part in sports activities... tend to achieve more academically,” said Nduna.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane