The first week of the Sunfoil Schools’ League kicked off this week in Soweto at the Nike Centre. 14 schools competed in the first round league fixtures which will run over 12 weeks.

“We are so proud to welcome all the players to the Sunfoil Schools’ League, and hope that this proves to be a challenging, but ultimately fun, contest,” said David Sweidan, Willowton Group Marketing Executive. “Capturing the attention of the South African youth and channelling their energy into positive, rewarding activities such as football can only prove beneficial for society.”

Sweidan said that, in addition to improved health through outdoors’ activity, football imparted lifelong lessons which put competitors on the right track to achieve their goals.

“Being involved in a grass root development programme such as the Sunfoil Schools League further realises our vision of uplifting our communities that we service. Sport and especially football is a great way to engage our youth into activities that teach them self- discipline, commitment and hard work. “

A spokesperson from the Department of Basic Education commented: “The Sunfoil Schools’ League aligns with the department’s youth-development programmes which seek to promote opportunities for South Africans across the sporting and academic arenas. We believe that this league will give these youngsters the chance to improve their sports’ skills while competing in a fun, well-organised event. And, hopefully, the league will uncover a few of South Africa’s next football stars as well!”

The 12-week Sunfoil Schools’ League will see 14 schools putting forward two teams each to compete in the contest – consisting of a total of 14 girls’ league teams and 14 boys’ teams. Structured in a groups’ and knockout format, the six-a-side teams will battle it out in 10 competitive rounds, with the opening match on Tuesday, 14 August and the final showdown taking place on Tuesday, 6 November.

The 14 participating schools are Lulama Primary School, Batsogile Primary School, Motjoli Primary School, Winnie Ngwekazi Primary School, Nkholi Primary School, Tshebedisano Primary School, Mdelwa Hlongwane Primary School, Thembu Primary School, Khandubuhle Primary School, Pimville Bantu Primary School, Paul Mosaka Primary School, Faresani Primary School, Leihlo Primary School and Wisani Primary School.

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