Kwa-Thema – Dignitaries from Nedbank and Kaizer Chiefs unveiled the state-of-the-art multipurpose sport court at Phulong Secondary School on Wednesday.

2024/2025 Nedbank Cup winners Kaizer Chiefs ended a decade-long trophy drought when they beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 at Moses Mabida Stadium.

The champions chose Phulong Secondary School to benefit from the initiative as part of their pay-off. The state-of-the-art sports court can be used for netball, soccer and basketball.

In his message of support, Mervin Green a trustee of the Sports Trust, urged the community to take care of the new facility.

“We go all over the country for initiatives such as this one, to ensure that we bring social infrastructure for the people.

“We would like to see you utilise this opportunity and embrace school sport, because school sport I believe is the bedrock for all confederations across the country.

“This is where everything starts. This is where the dreams of future athletes are born. We call upon the youth to embrace the power of sports and let it continue to enhance your education,” he said.

Vivian Lottering, president of the Gauteng Sports Confederation, encouraged all to invest more in sport.

“All of us together will make a difference in the lives of our people. Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu. One thing that stands out is that sports, arts and culture have the ability to change lives, and bring people together,” he said.

Lottering also commended MEC Matome Chiloane for his love for education and sport. Jessica Motaung, Kaizer Chiefs marketing and commercial director, said that Phulong was an easy pick because Springs has always been home to them.

She said that some of the clubs legends, like Teenage Dladla, come from Kwa-Thema.

“Sport is not just a game. It is not just about who wins, and who loses, or who gets the trophy. It is about possibility, creating spaces where young people can discover who they are, where communities can come together, and where hope can take root.

“Today’s handover is not just about the now facility, but we are giving a stage for the dreams of young people in Springs to come alive,” she said.

MMC for Developmental Planning and Real Estate Nomadlozi Nkosi, on behalf of mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, thanked Nedbank and Kaizer Chiefs for their investment to the school.

“Sport builds character, discipline and aspiration. It helps to foster social cohesion and reduces social ills. Lastly, physical activity is fundamental to both physical and mental health,” she added.

Chiloane said he appreciates the gift to the school, and Gauteng.

“This will not go to waste, because Gauteng is the home of champions. We have great talent,” he said.

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He applauded Kaizer Chiefs for their developmental programmes.

“We need the learners and parents of this school to take care of this court. I don’t want to hear stories about anything going wrong with this court. I trust you to look after it,” he said.

Deputy minister of Basic education Dr Makgabo Mhaule said the department is overjoyed.

“Principals are responsible to the administration of the school. SGBs are responsible for the governance of the school.

“Governing includes the facilities, and that is why when the school is dirty we do not go to the principal but to the chairperson of the SGB,” she explained.

Mhaule said the facility is handed over to the SGB as it represents the parents and the rest of the community. In response, Pastor Justice Ratsela, the SGB’s chairperson said they are committed to protecting the infrastructure.

“The court will serve many young people for many years. The hard work has been done, and our only job is to ensure that it is protected and maintained,” he added.

Nedbank also handed over soccer kits to Phulong Secondary, Nkumbulo Secondary, Labani Mothlabi, Themba Likazulu Primary, Masimini Primary, Ace Auto Ayoba FC, Home Sweepers FC, Real Barcelona FC, Young Achievers FC and Kwa-Thema Disability FC.

The school also received a signed and framed Kaizer Chiefs shirt.