Razz Matazz Football Development School raises funds for equipment

Razz Matazz Football Development School (RMFDS) and partners Vosloorus Local Football Association and Ekurhuleni Region South African Masters and Legends celebrated its second anniversary during a gala dinner at Nguni Hall, Vosloorus, on December 8.

The purpose of the gala dinner was also to introduce the school to attendees and raise funds for the school equipment for both technical and administrative staff.

The founder of RMFD and a former professional player for Thembisa Classic, Dynamos and South Africa’s national U23 soccer team, Tebogo Sehlao, said they need football training equipment, two desktop computers, a printer and office furniture for the admin.

“We managed to raise R5 000. It was our first fundraiser and I hope we will do better next time,” said Sehlao.

RMFDS is managed by a group of professionals who have acquired experience through volunteering and in the field of play.

The management team consists of accountant Mpho Mahlangu, administrators Carol Tau, Nompumelelo Mtshali, and Rovney Ramahlala-Madida.

The technical team includes Sehlao, former Mamelodi Sundowns Daniel Semake, and former Banyana Banyna player Phumzile Mokgomane and mentors are former Witbank Black Aces player John Bull Sebeko, former Moroka Swallows goalkeeper Josia Cindi and VLFA chairperson Jabu Nkosi.

The event was supported by parents, colleagues in the sporting fraternity, community members, entertainers and soccer legends.

Achievements
According to Sehlao, in their two years of operation, the school managed to acquire training grounds, trained coaches to obtain their D license, attracted more students to register and financial clinics held by Momentum.

He said the school’s vision is to close the gap between grassroots sports and academies, by offering students’ skills.

“We also help make sure that they become leaders in their communities by giving them life and financial skills to help others in their communities,” said Sehlalo.

Background
The RMFDS offers development in soccer, swimming life skills and career nurturing. It was founded in June 2020 and formally launched in September 2021 by Tebogo Sehlalo with the sole objective of developing and nurturing young talent among boys and girls aged four to 15.

RMFDS was established after Sehlalo identified the lack of professionally managed football fundamentals and guidance in career development at the grassroots level.

According to the school management, sports lose the competitive edge with other nations and the rest of the world due to this challenge.

It places children from disadvantaged communities in a position where they are always caught wanting or trying to catch up with peers.

The school is compelled to ensure it is never too late to learn more, especially in disadvantaged areas. It is for that reason Sehlalo found a need for a school of this nature in the township.