Fred Habedi Primary School has been crowned champions of the Gauteng East District Mini-World Cup after the school’s U11 mixed football team delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament.

The competition was hosted at Selpark Primary Sporting Field on June 10. Each participating primary school represented a country competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Fred Habedi represented England and progressed through the group stages before defeating Gorogang Primary School 2-0 in the quarter-finals, Ekangala Primary School 5-0 on penalties in the semi-finals and Ntsikana Primary School 3-2 on penalties in the final.

Principal Themba Vamba says the school was selected to participate by the Gauteng East
School Sports Committee based on its participation and performance in school sports.

Although the school would have welcomed the opportunity to represent South Africa, Vamba said they were proud to represent England.

“England is one of the well-performing countries in football, so we were pleased to represent them,” he said.

Vamba expressed pride in the team’s achievement.

“I’m very proud of how my learners performed. I’m so excited that we won the competition and were crowned Mini-World Cup champions. This is also something I wish for my country, South Africa,” Vamba said.

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He attributed the team’s success to the players’ talent and dedication, as well as the commitment of head coach Katlego Matseme and soccer coordinator Zakes Raborife.

“They are hardworking and talented. The coach is also committed and loves what he is doing,” Vamba said.

He added that sport plays an important role in the holistic development of learners alongside academics.

“Our curriculum promotes both academic and extracurricular activities. Some learners excel academically while others achieve through sport, arts and culture. We encourage the holistic development of every child,” he said.

Vamba encouraged the young footballers to continue developing their talent while remaining focused on their education.

“I want them to take their soccer skills seriously and invest in them, but they must also balance that with their academic improvement,” he said.

Vamba believes the team’s success has raised the school’s sporting profile and inspired other learners to participate.

“They have put the school on the map and contributed to our sporting success. It is also motivating other learners, especially because our team includes girls,” he concluded.