Maryvale Primary School pupils, Mahlatse Mobayi, Temoso Mphahlele, Tumelo Pitsoane, Kutlwano Olifant and Katekile Lebes, have been chosen by the school to attend soccer trials for the Johannesburg central team.
The team will take part in the Discovery Johannesburg Primary Schools Soccer Programme.
According to Gamu Katsamba, teacher and football coach at the school, the school hosted their own trials to get the best players to represent them. “We are happy for the boys and the school is growing,” Katsamba said.
“At first, we could not even send one child to these trials, but we are happy that the number of players going for trials is increasing.”
The programme hosts a series of soccer tournaments for primary schools in Johannesburg. The partnership with Discovery started in 2009 and involves schools that are affiliated to the Johannesburg Primary Schools Football Association.
The programme kicks off with the area trials and the Discovery Festival in May, and proceeds to the Discovery Knock-Out Cup preliminary rounds in June, leading to the finals in August.
Katsamba said the boys who were selected would gain experience from meeting other young soccer players. “Playing with children from other schools will help give them confidence and belief in themselves and their school,” he said.
“They will know that they are as good as the other children as well.”
