By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Soweto was beaming with pride as one of its prodigal sons, Pitso Mosimane, inaugurated the Pitso Mosimane Multipurpose Sports Court at Lofentse Girls High School in Orlando East.
The official handover was conducted on behalf of the Nedbank Cup 2022/2023 season winners, Orlando Pirates FC.
This groundbreaking project was made possible thanks to funding from Nedbank and The Sports Trust’s Soccer Development Programme. This partnership embodies a joint commitment to sport development, talent identification and community empowerment in South Africa.
Nedbank’s unwavering support has been a catalyst for transformative change. Since 2012 Nedbank, supported by The Sports Trust, has erected 10 multipurpose sport courts worth R2 million each, showcasing a continuous investment in the development of South African communities through a range of sport. With a 20-year lifespan to accommodate five sporting codes, this state-of-the-art facility multipurpose will nurture various sport disciplines and provide a safe space for the community.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, said: “Women and grassroots sport development are among the priorities of Government. Nedbank and The Sports Trust have shown what can be done when stakeholders in communities work together to develop grassroots sport.”
Kodwa added: “The Pitso Mosimane Multipurpose sports Court at Lofentse High School will not only help to develop the next generation of athletes, but will also keep youth active in the community. I hope to see more of these facilities being built, especially in townships and rural communities. We cannot slow down this momentum to elevate women’s sport and grassroots development.”
As a true icon in the South African football fraternity, Coach Pitso is leading this initiative with the aim to leave a legacy for the future of football in South Africa. “By providing a top-class sport infrastructure, especially for young girls, we are planting seeds that we hope will thrive for generations to come,’ stated Mosimane. ‘Empowering young girls through sport builds their talents and confidence. The significance of this structure ensures we also mould their aspirations and build them into future champions.”
With over 1 200 learners, Lofentse Girls High School is the first all-girls school to receive the Pitso Mosimane Multipurpose Sports Court. The school offers various sport disciplines, coupled with a progressive and empowering academic programme. It is widely recognised as the best educational institution in Orlando and is an ideal choice for parents looking to give their children a good education in a convenient location with excellent facilities.
Principal Rosetta Motsoku said: :We would like to thank Nedbank, Orlando Pirates, The Sports Trust and of course Coach Pitso for choosing our school as a recipient of this world-class facility. By building this multipurpose sport court, you have left an indelible mark on our students and in the community. We will ensure it is maintained and serves the people of Orlando.”
This occasion echoes Nedbank’s annual tradition of donating a multipurpose sport court to the Nedbank Cup winner’s community as well as the R7 million prize money that the club receives.
Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs, ended the day by saying: “Our investment in the multipurpose sport court demonstrates the bank’s vision for continued synergy between sport, community upliftment and empowering partnerships that we have with our stakeholders. We believe that together with Coach Pitso and The Sports Trust’s Soccer Development Programme, we have the potential to shape a tomorrow where sport transcends boundaries and dreams thrive.”
Orlando Pirates and Premier Soccer League chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza has insisted that people like Mosimane must be celebrated in South African football.
“His success today is because of his commitment and work ethic, “Khoza said during the event.
“It’s important to put him [Mosimane] on the pedestal to motivate kids of today who think things are easy.
“Kids of today are on Facebook and Instagram and there’s no problem but there is more effort that’s required, more than Instagram and Facebook, especially now that we are competing globally.
“Pitso had no boundaries, he never undermined himself. In fact, you were there at the awards when I said to you ‘Watch this boy, he’s going to surprise Africa’ long before it happened.
“So that’s why today it’s important for me to repeat this thing in front of children that you don’t get this thing by mistake but you work very hard.
So, work ethic is very important. That is why people like [Nelson] Mandela, Desmond Tutu, they gave themselves for the good of people. So, what is required of us is to die a little for those that are disadvantaged.”