Sports development centre delves deep for local talent
The talented soccer player is a product of Ithembalethu Sports Development Centre.
Ithembalethu Sports Development Centre, a non-profit organisation established in 2017 in Tembisa, aims to develop and nurture sporting talent in the township by providing access to facilities and opportunities to the youth of Tembisa.
The centre currently offers football for u-10s to u-15s but aims to expand its sports offering to other sports in the near future, says Boitumelo Mahlanyane, director of the centre.
“Our excellence in the football domain has once again been demonstrated. Our u-15 boys, who were playing together for the first time in division one, showed excellent progress and good sportsmanship. Although they were not placed at the top of the league, their commitment and tenacity will go a long way.
“Our u-10 boys won the ELFA u-nine division three league last year and were promoted to division one. Although the boys did not win the league this season, they did a sterling job and were always tough competition. The boys scored 65 goals during the season,” a proud Mahlanyane said.
One remarkable achievement for the 2019 season was the selection of Nkululeko “Mandaza” Ngube to play for the Eastern Gauteng district. Mandaza, a learner at Isekelo Primary School, was selected from over 400 boys from various clubs around the East Rand, such as Alberton, Benoni and Bedfordview.
He had the opportunity of participating against other teams from other districts such as the North Rand and Southerns. He also had an opportunity to travel with the provincial/district side to Durban.
“This is exactly why we do what we do; unearthing sporting talent! Mandaza has been exposed to the best coaches in the province. We are sure he will grow up to be a successful and responsible young man.
“We would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters. We look forward to a very fruitful and exciting 2020 season.”
The centre will host its annual tournament from December 5-7 at Esiqongweni Sports Grounds. All young people (born between 2009 and 2011), sports teams and sponsors are invited to be part of these exciting few days.
For more information, contact ithembalethusdc@gmail.com or on Facebook @Ithembalethu Sports Development Centre.
