Sports development should begin at schools, says eMalahleni sports enthusiast Trevor Dube.
Dube, also founder of Sports Wrap Foundation, told Highveld Chronicle that schools are the ideal platforms for sports development.
He added that school-level competitions, “often overlooked in amateur leagues”, are significant in providing opportunities for young players.
“It’s always encouraging to showcase these young talents on better platforms such as school-level competitions in preparing players for higher levels of play.”
Dube shared his views on the sidelines of a soccer tournament, the eMalahleni School Challenge, organised by his Foundation at Lynnville Stadium on June 17, 2024.
The tournament, he explained, aims to celebrate youth in sports, marking an important initiative to foster sports development among high school students.
“The School Challenge is a shining example of how sports can unite a community, inspire young people, and create opportunities for the next generation of athletes,” he added.
“Since its inception in 2013, the tournament has played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent, with players from eMalahleni now excelling in professional arenas.”
The event gained support from key stakeholders such as the eMalahleni local municipality and mining company Ritluka, underscoring their commitment to youth development through sports.
In the spirit of celebrating Youth Day on June 16, the tournament not only celebrated sporting prowess but also served as a platform for the youth to be seen and heard.
“Today’s youth demand to be seen and heard,” Dube further stated.
Schools such as Coronation High, Elukhanyisweni High, Zakes Malaza, and DM Mtsoasele High participated in the tournament.
Siyabonga Masilela, captain of Zakes Malaza, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting their hard-fought 1-0 victory against Mtsoasele in the tournament’s opening game.
Xolani Ntuli, captain of Elukhanyisweni, shared his excitement at celebrating Youth Day through his passion for soccer, emphasizing the importance of such events in showcasing youth talent.
The tournament not only exhibited sporting ability but also served as a reminder of the community’s support and encouragement for its young athletes.
As eMalahleni continues to nurture its youth through initiatives like the School Challenge, the future of sports in the region looks promising, with talented young players poised to make their mark on the national stage.
Notable success stories from the Sports Wrap Foundation include Innocent Maela, now captain of Orlando Pirates, and Jabulani Shongwe, a former Sundowns and Wits player.
“These players stand as a testament to the foundation’s impact on developing local talent and providing pathways to professional success,” Dube concluded.
