Nigel secondary school hosts the “rocker” soccer/netball tournament
Nigel Secondary School in conjunction with the Rocker family, hosted their first sports tournament which took place at the school on April 14.
The tournament saw a massive turnout of around 700 people, where they supported their favourite team. Altogether 25 soccer teams (including two girls’ teams) and 25 netball teams participated in the event.
Nigel Secondary School has recently been developed into a “school of the future” where learners are taught with the assistance of smart boards and tablets. The school and its governing body believe in a holistic approach to education, which also includes a pro-active approach to sports.
The event was held in honour of Abdullah Rocker who continuously works to better the school and its facilities. The sports field was also recently named after him and as a gesture of gratitude for his contribution towards the local community, the school presented him with a special plaque.
Rocker, a pioneer player for the Cambridge Football Club started his career in 1951 at the age of 18 years, when he first joined the Cambridge Cricket Club. He was also the founder of the MacKenzieville Soccer Tournament held in 1965 and executive member of the Nigel Indian Association and the Nigel Educational Committee.
Rocker is a well-known sportsman throughout Gauteng and often seen at local gatherings and community meetings where he acts as a middleman between the municipality and members of the MacKenzieville community.
He also played an important role in obtaining the very land on which Nigel Secondary School is situated. During January 1970, Rocker became the founding member of the Eastern Transvaal Football Association and was unanimously elected chairman.
“These accolades prove some of his great successes and his ability and willingness to assist his community. He is a jack of all trades in his own right,” Dion Vengatsammy, principal of Nigel Secondary School said.
During the event, Rocker said his legacy should be carried on by his family who is also closely involved in the local educational and council sectors.
