The McDonald’s branch in Potchefstroom hosted the 2013 McDonalds Under-14 School champions, Sol Plaatjie Secondary School, for a congratulatory lunch on Wednesday afternoon.
Several delegates attended the event, including the president of the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA), Mandla ‘Shoes’ Mazibuko, as they honoured the best under-14 team in the country.

Sol Plaatjie, who hail from the North West Province, beat Oval North from the Western Cape in a penalty shootout in the final of the competition at the Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton last month.

Mazibuko congratulated and encouraged the boys to continue doing what they are doing.

“We never give this province [North West] a chance, especially when it comes to football mainly because of its past. But boys congratulations in advance for proving everybody wrong,” said Mazibuko.

“Well done from all of us at SASFA; Bafana Bafana couldn’t qualify for the World Cup but we have watched our own here – this [under -14 McDonalds tournament] is the building block.

“This is the beginning, don’t rest on your laurels, work hard and next time we will see you at bigger places.”

McDonald’s Corporate Affairs Director Sechaba Motsieloa was also in attendance, and he also took some time to congratulate the boys on their achievement on behalf of the main sponsor.

“You are already in the eyes of the scouts, we are truly proud of you. On behalf of McDonalds I would like to congratulate you on your achievement. I would like you boys to succeed on the field of play, in the class rooms and in everything that you do,” said Motsieloa.

“If you look at the slogan of this competition ‘Developing Dreams’, then you guys dreamt big, you achieved your dreams. Take that forward as a motto in life.

“Continue to dream and dream big, because you have already shown that if you dream you can achieve your dreams, I wish you all the best.”

Motsieloa also announced that they are planning on extending the tournament that has already hosted 330 000 learners over the past four years.