Growing Champions FC continues quest to win the league

Northcliff-based Growing Champions FC continues to excel both on and off the field as they pass the league’s halfway mark.

The team is preparing in all aspects to develop their players and also graduate them in the first team that is fighting to get promotion from Rand Central Local Football Association to the Regional league.

It is here where consistency and mindset count the most and it is vital not to take your foot off the gas.

“It’s a time when character is the best weapon in your arsenal of overcoming,” says Samantha Toweel-Moore the founder of Growing Champions FC and charity which uses sport to take young people off the streets and away from gang violence and addiction.

Growing Champions have endured some painful blows on and off the field. “As a family, we laid to rest a young man of 21 following his death after being gunned down. Lack of food in households leads families to withdraw their youngsters from the field as they are ‘eating too much’.

“Some youth reside in homes where violence is considered a form of discipline and youth are rebelling against authority. These battles are often unseen but deeply felt.”

She says the joy comes in the brotherhood. “Seeing teammates lift each other out of dark spaces and rise together has made moments of ‘carrying the cross’ worth every moment of blood, sweat, and tears.”

Coach Clive Letshaba says, “We have noticed how ambitious most teams are as they compete to win, which allows us to challenge ourselves to be our very best which is exactly what we are here to do which is exhilarating. One thing I know about my club is that they are courageous, focused, and love to grow. They savour the journey and build perseverance when faced with obstacles such as injuries.”

Letshaba explained that with the conditioning and mental coaching, performance levels are very high and growing every week as well.

“Now that the league draws closer to the end, everyone is fighting and leaving very little room for mistakes or disappointments. The season has been extremely tough, both mentally and physically, especially considering that a lot of teams also have a vision and are determined. We working harder to step up to the challenge and we are a fair young team but have high expectations and right now we are in a fight to show we belong among the best to do it right now.”

He added that their vision has always been to win the league and gain promotion to regionals and they are not to far from doing that, regardless of any challenges they choose to fight for their goals.

Assistant coach Ashton Fernol adds that they have learnt their lessons. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, and that’s exactly where we want to be – out of our comfort zone. That is what we planned – to become better and bring the trophy home.”

Letshaba agrees, “It’s safe to say we are in the fight, well prepared and focused.”

They are currently third on the log and not far behind in points. “We need to push harder than before because every team has improved this year, and every game is extremely difficult. But we are very and can really look back and take a lot of positives from the season thus far.”

Conditioning Coach Lebohang Masiloane explained the importance of conditioning involves a holistic approach to prepare players physically and physiologically for the demands of the sport. It includes cardiovascular fitness, strength and power training, agility, speed, flexibility, and endurance. The goals are to enhance overall fitness, reduce injury risks, improve performance, and support the specific needs of soccer.

“Conditioning is crucial for injury prevention, consistent performance, tactical execution, and sustaining players’ energy levels throughout matches and seasons. The optimal timing for soccer conditioning depends on factors such as individual preferences, team schedules, and match timing. Pre-season is commonly used for intensive conditioning, while off-season allows for targeted training and recovery game situations.

Toweel-Moore says, “One highlight is that Norman Raad from Broll Auctions and Sales has provided us with beautiful Puma kit, balls, bags and boots. We are super grateful for this. Also, we would like to welcome Coach Nicole Simon to our conditioning coaching staff.”

Coach Clive Letshaba and top goal scorer and player of the year 2023 Wandile Billings received the prestigious Willie Toweel Community Fighter and Spirit Of A Champion awards for their outstanding service and impeccable display of the core values of the club – to lead, serve, build excellence, celebrate gratitude and build relationships. “No one has been worthy of this award until now. After 13 years of effort and purposeful building of lives through sport, these young change leaders made history,” says Toweel-Moore.

“We invite our community to come and join us for a game.”

Email growingchampionsinfo@gmail.com for fixture details.

Related article: Growing Champions FC 2024 looks set to be in a bumper year, again