In action: Tjabeleng Primary School learners test their new equipment

One of the University of the Free State (UFS) soccer teams participated in a newly-designed KovsieSoccer community outreach programme. Coach Godfrey Tenoff and the men’s SAB team brought new hope to Tjabeleng Primary School in Botshabelo on Friday 11 September 2015.

Tjabeleng Primary School had the opportunity to be the first recipients of donated equipment.  Soccer balls, bibs, and cones were provided for the soccer team at the under-privileged school. Learners took part energetically in the activities facilitated by the university’s football club, and had a fun-filled day out on the field.

According to Tenoff, the objective is to harness the learners’ leadership skills through sports. “By using sport, we can show kids why punctuality, discipline, and creativity are important.”

Investing skills, time, and effort in an activity such as football can act as a learning process that instils responsibility in young children. “Children need to develop in holistic way in addition to the educational sphere,” he said.

Joe Mushwana, Marketing Manager for KovsieSoccer, stated that the initiative is an effort to empower disadvantaged communities through sports. This then creates awareness about soccer as an important aspect of the university's sporting community.

KovsieSoccer is committed to giving back to the community by means of alternative sports education initiatives across the province. The team is in the process of securing sponsorships and identifying other public schools to support and empower.