MEC Hlophe roped in to support schools’ sports
New school league and competition to be launched
Pitso Mosimane and Gauteng MEC for education Panyaza Lesufi are taking their school sports project further.
They are now joining forces with the MEC for sport, Mbali Hlophe, and will be launching a new school league and competition in the next couple of weeks.
Mosimane, a former Bafana Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach, and Lesufi launched the Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School of Specialisation in Laudium, Pretoria this past week.
“We [education] are combining with sports to revive school sports in the province and we will be launching in a couple of weeks.
“MEC Mbali Hlope’s department will be spearheading the project. Our vision with the school in Laudium is to produce good athletes and swimmers for the Olympics, and we will deliberately go out and hunt for talent,” Lesufi opened up to Sunday World.
“Previously the academics were a bit of a hindrance, but now it will be 50/50 and there won’t be a strain when it comes to academics.
“The new boarding structures were funded by the department. We hope to open other schools in Gauteng to nurture, support and invest in talent from the schools.
“We are working with coach Pitso and his team are preparing the necessary logistic support, and we will take it from there.
“We fully endorse his programme, and it also helps grooming coaches who will in turn coach the kids. We want kids to play soccer and other sports in our schools again like in the past,” said Lesufi.
Mosimane said he was honoured to join Lesufi and Modiba in the initiative.
We want kids to play soccer and other sports in our schools again
“I am honoured with the opportunity to join the MEC for education, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, Mrs Rosina Sedibane Modiba and all the dignitaries. I am truly motivated by the dedication shown by the department of education and sports.
“I can’t wait to work with the department on this soccer schools programme,” said Mosimane on his social media page on Tuesday.