PITSO MOSIMANE PRAISES MERIDIAN NORTHERN ACADEMY FOR KAY MOTSEPE CUP SUCCESS
Following the recent win of Meridian Northern Academy as the top soccer school in South Africa, Curro CEO Cobus Loubser has described the school’s achievement as one of ‘the greatest feats of all of the Curro group’s sports teams in its 25-year history.’
On Saturday 28 September 2024, the Polokwane-based Meridian Northern Academy’s U19 Boys won the Kay Motsepe Schools Championship, with more than 13,000 teams from more than 5,000 schools competing in this prestigious national tournament. A jubilant special assembly was held in honour of the champions on Monday, 7 October 2024 which was also attended by the Limpopo MEC of Sports, Art and Culture, Mr Funani Maseko. Loubser hailed both the Meridian Northern Academy Boys U19 team and the Boys U13 team who grabbed the bronze medal in the Sanlam and Motsepe Foundation sponsored tournament.
“Curro’s mission is to offer exceptional opportunities to many more learners in every aspect of life. Our task is to nurture and support learners to reach their potential. To inspire, motivate and guide them to excellence in whatever they do. Champions often inspire us to strive for greatness in our own lives, whether it be in sports or other areas,” he said.
Led by Coach of the tournament Hendrick Mukwevho, Meridian Northern Academy saw a number of their players scoop individual accolades for their performances throughout the competition. Thato Mpati took home the Golden Boot award, while Bokang Thaba was named player of the tournament. Team captain Thabo Malatsi was honoured for his exceptional goalkeeping and leadership.
Pitso Mosimane, former coach of Bafana Bafana, Supersport United, Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian side All Ahly, was also in attendance to congratulate the promising young talents.
During his time in charge of the national team, the Premier Soccer League’s most successful coach of all time was a vocal exponent of the need for greater investment in youth development football in order to improve SA’s fortunes on the global stage.
This led Mosimane to start the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools Programme (PMSS) in 2023. Meridian Northern Academy was one of the pilot schools to launch this programme in 2023, with great success. Thousands of additional learners within the primary schools of the greater Curro Group followed the expanded program in 2024 to develop their athletic ability and football skills.
These young players have a bright future because of the high standard of coaching that they receive from an early age which also develop life skills like discipline and dedication.
“When I was coach of Bafana I coached remarkable players who represented the nation at the highest level and played overseas. Also, my experience of having coached internationally, led me to ask myself how far we are from the highest international level. It made me realise that we need to start football training at an early age. So where is the best place to go? Schools because that’s where you find mass participation from a young age. That’s how we got involved with Curro,” he explained.
“Congratulations to Curro and the Northern Academy coaches” adds Mosimane.
Loubser echoed Mosimane’s words as he ended his address by encouraging the class of 2024 ahead of their final exams and thanked the staff and parents for their tireless support.
“I want to honour every teacher and every parent of every learner at Meridian Northern Academy for their sacrifices and support. You should be very proud of the champions before us today, but also of every other learner on every team at this school.”
“We have so much more work to do in our society, so many more opportunities to create, so many more young heroes to support. Curro is inspired to offer exceptional, quality education. Every child matters.”
Article Courtesy of www.nadiarossouwpr.co.za
