Cup shows value of sport in SA
HELPS BRING THE COUNTRY TOGETHER Knockout competition helps identify and nurture talented young players.
The Nedbank Cup launch and its 10-year celebration in Sandton, Joburg, last Thursday was a glitzy occasion that attracted soccer legends, soccer stars from different teams, fans, and, of course, the media.
It was a night where teams that would compete for the Nedbank Cup were announced, with everyone on the edge of their seats wondering who would play who.
Enthusiastic as ever, the host of the show, SuperSport presenter Carol Tshabalala, reminded the guests how significant sport is in Mzansi.
“You can’t underestimate the power of sport. I love the fact that, through sport, you are able to have people of different nationalities and cultures coming together and uniting because of their love of the game,” she said.
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala agreed.
“Sport has done a lot for South Africa. It has united a nation and whenever there is sport, there is love, peace and unity,” he said.
Tshabalala said the Nedbank Cup “brings people together, granting them an opportunity to showcase their talent and chase their dreams”.
Dressed in a green Nedbank blazer, former Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba thanked the sponsors for their loyalty to the competition for so many years.
“The Nedbank Cup is a question of turning ordinary people into extraordinary people,” he said.
“A lot of players were not known before the Nedbank Cup and now they are household names. The cup gave them an opportunity to pit their skills against some of the big-name players.
“It’s about ploughing back and giving people the chance to showcase their talents.
“However, there is room for improvement. What I mean by that is that we have to strengthen and tighten our development structures.
“Players go to waste because of lack of development. Development is an ongoing, dynamic system. You don’t do it today and stop and then do it again next week and stop. It has to be a continuous thing.
“Once you identify a player, you must then take that player through every step to the top.”
Carol Tshabalala explained sport was a part of her everyday life.
“We have so many cup competitions in South Africa but for me, what makes the Nedbank Cup special is the fact that it gives back to the community,” she said.
Tshabalala attended the Olympic Games and was able to see Aubrey Modiba, who was one of the graduates for the 2015 Ke Yona Team Search, in action.
“I love the fact that the Nedbank Cup is not just about football on the field of play. It’s about identifying people and turning their lives around,” she said. –