FIFA donates balls to Tswapong schools

PATRICIA MAGANU
Staff Writer | Thursday June 12, 2008 00:00

 

The benefiting schools are 19 in Tswapong and three in Palapye.

Mamelodi said that the focal point was to nurture young talent and aspiring players.

'Talent lies with the kids. It is better to train athletes while they are still at a tender age so that they grow up equipped with the discipline and the skills,' he said. Mamelodi said that they have realised that investing in children is a good idea. He said that each school would get three balls.

'It is not much but it is a start,' he added. Mamelodi went on to urge parents to encourage their children to take interest in sport.

He also encouraged teachers to take care of the balls so [that] the children do not go without equipment. Mamelodi noted that it would be an advantage for the country when the children start playing soccer at a tender age.

'When they mature, they can join the Zebras. For you to harvest first you have to sow the seeds,' he added. Giving a word of encouragement, senior assistant council secretary for Serowe/Palapye Maipelo Selatolo said that schools need a development plan.

He said that schools have no proper soccer fields. Pledging his support, Selatolo said he would talk to his colleagues to help schools. 'Coaches should also stand up and try to support the children,' he said.