LIMPOPO – Phalaborwa Primary School made headlines after winning first place in both soccer and netball at the prestigious Build It Sports Competition, held on Saturday, May 10.

The competition, hosted by Build It, took place at Phalaborwa Sports Field for soccer and Namakgale Primary School for netball, with the aim of identifying and nurturing sports talent among young learners.

The school’s twin triumph was led by dedicated coaches, Pretty Khosa for netball and Nyiko Thwala for soccer, whose leadership and passion played a key role in securing the trophies.

Khosa could hardly contain her emotions after the win. “I feel great. I was so excited. Taking the trophy home to Phalaborwa Primary was like a dream. I was praying the whole time the girls were playing, even a small trophy would have been a blessing,” she said.

She also highlighted the challenges faced by the netball team in preparing for the competition. “The journey was not easy. Many of our learners use transport to get home, so during practice, transport drivers are already honking outside. The girls have to leave before we can finish our sessions,” said Khosa.

Despite these challenges, the netball team triumphed against determined opponents, proving their talent on the court.

Meanwhile, the boys’ soccer team, led by Coach Thwala, showed exceptional skill and coordination, dominating the field and securing their own well-deserved trophy.

“We are very fortunate with the soccer team. After school, the boys come to the sports field and play with members of the community. That exposure made a big difference,” said coach Thwala.

One of the soccer standout players, Sagwati Mahasha, earned a special trophy for being the top goal scorer in the tournament, making it three trophies for the school. Although the third one was specifically for Mahasha.

In addition, Khosa expressed a special thanks to the soccer coach and Monica Mametja for making themselves available to support the players. “Without them, the competition would not have been a success,” she said.

She also highlighted a pressing need of the learners’ proper sports gear. “Our learners do not have proper sports gear, yet they still give 100%. With the right support, they can achieve even more,” said Khosa.

The school’s principal, Kgaogelo Malatji, praised the learners for their incredible effort and highlighted the importance of sports in holistic education.

“I feel blessed to have such a bunch of young talent. They bring unique skills that help shape our school. Football enhances physical fitness and promotes healthy minds, creativity, and decision-making. Netball, on the other hand, builds teamwork, coordination, and leadership skills. Both sports help in the holistic development of our learners and instill lifelong values of perseverance and sportsmanship,” she said.