Bon voyage, Benny’s

The pride of Limpopo, the U/12 team of Benny’s Care Academy, left for France earlier this week, to represent South Africa in the Danone U/12 World Cup tournament.

Benny's first match took place yesterday (Thursday) against Indonesia and, according to the manager of the team, Mr Richard Sidebi, they will also lock horns with South Korea and Italy. "Our boys are physically and mentally ready for the matches." The games for the U/12 teams differ from the normal ones, because in the tournament they will feature eight players, including the goalkeeper, and not eleven.   

"We trust in the entire squad, because they work hard as a team. We don’t have challenges thus far, thanks to the Danone Company for their overwhelming support." In wishing the team good luck, the mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Cllr Shonisani Sinyosi, said that for the team to qualify to participate in a World Cup was testimony that only those who did not know the area talked negatively about Vhembe.

"We see Vhembe and the Makhado Municipal Area as an area with the potential of unearthing more talents and as an area where the athletes of tomorrow will be produced. We know that everything is possible if we can all join hands and support young ones."

The MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Onica Moloi, applauded the team and added that they were now representing South Africa and that it was something to be proud of. "We are cheering for you. Work hard and concentrate and we believe and trust that you can bring the trophy back to South Africa."

Moloi added that the team had received 12 pairs of soccer boots and sports clothes from Mille. "The entire South Africa is proud of the Benny’s Care Sports Academy and we are rallying behind them,” she said.

Date:14 October 2016

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Read: 1121