Springs Premier FC unites sport and compassion in SPCA winter drive

Springs Premier Football Club hosted a winter fundraiser for the Springs SPCA on Veritas College’s sports grounds on Saturday and Sunday. Parents and supporters enjoyed exciting soccer action while contributing to the cause through pledges and donations.

In one of Saturday’s matches, the U10 team took on Clever Boys in a nail-biting game, securing a 1-0 victory for Springs Premier FC.

Menzi Mathebula scored the game’s only goal in the first 19 minutes. Despite fielding only seven players, Clever Boys put up a strong defence, blocking several attempts to increase the scoreline.

Clever Boys coach Vusi Makhatholle said the game demonstrated his team’s progress.

“I knew we were up against a strong side. I had to include U8 players to make up numbers, and these boys worked hard. This game showed me that they are growing,” he said.

Springs Premier coach Simphiwe Majelman said it was a challenging match and highlighted the need for changes in midfield.

“We missed at least four scoring opportunities due to a lack of concentration. I’ll need to make some adjustments among my midfielders,” he said.

George Christodoulou was named man of the match and received a trophy. While games were underway, supporters visited the Kicks for Kindness pledge station, where they could pledge R10 for every goal scored.

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There was also a care basket competition, where teams earned points by collecting donated goods such as non-perishable food, blankets, cash, and pet food.

Leading the drive with 79 impact points was the U11 League 3 team, whose donations of blankets, food, and other items earned them first place.

U17 League 3 followed in second place with 45 points, while U8 and U12 League 5 tied for third with 43 points each.

The collection included: seven tins of pet food; three warm blankets; six bags of dry food (5-10kg); one large 24kg bag of dry food; R1 300 in cash donations and pledges.

The fundraiser received a further R5 000 donation from CDC Dust Control, bringing the total raised to R6 300. Junior teams’ administrator Janine Venter said the initiative was driven by the club’s belief in protecting animal welfare.

“Our community includes our fur babies, and we wanted to contribute meaningfully to an organisation that works tirelessly to care for them,” she said.

She also thanked the “anonymous angels” – a group of women who donated a bundle of cosy blankets. Although this was one of the club’s first fundraising drives, Venter said they hope to continue supporting causes like the SPCA.

“We want to raise awareness around animal welfare and inspire others in our community to get involved. Small efforts can have a big impact,” she said.

“Dozens of shelter animals will be warmer, fuller and better cared for this winter. Springs Premier FC remains proud to champion compassion through community-driven action,” Venter concluded.

The Saturday results:
*U12 Bundas Soccer School 5-1 Springs Premier FC
*U12 Rovers (B) 1-1 Springs Premier FC
*U8 Springs Premier FC 2-3 Luso Africa
*U10 Springs Premier FC 1-0 Clever Boys
*U10 Origin FC 5-0 Springs Premier FC
*U11 Springs Premier FC 1-7 Bundas Soccer School

The Sunday results:
*U13 Highlands Park 20-0 Springs Premier FC
*U12 Springs Premier FC 3-1 Olympiacos
*U15 Springs Premier 5-0 Benoni Northerns
*U17 Springs Premier 1-1 Alberton
*U17 Springs Premier FC 3-1 Edenvale
*U17 Springs Premier FC 3-5 Origin FC