24 April 2025 – The South African U15 Boys and Girls teams that will represent the country at the CAF African Schools Football Championship this month were given a special send-off at the Jabulile Secondary School in Orange Farm, Johannesburg, on Thursday. The tournament was staged in Accra, Ghana, from 21 – 26 April 2025 and the South African teams travelled to the West African country on 19 April 2025.
The send-off function was attended by representatives from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, the Department of Basic Education, Gauteng and Free State Provincial government officials, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and SAFA Schools Football.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan wished the teams well ahead of the tournament and reiterated that schools remain the basic basis of all South African football teams.
“We start there in the schools. We wish the players, technical teams and officials well ahead of this assignment in Accra and they have our support,” said Jordaan.
Meanwhile, the SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao thanked Jabulile Secondary School for hosting the send-off function and said she hoped the event inspires the learners in the school to elevate to greatness and rise to the South African U17, U20, U23, Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana teams.
“We thank the Gauteng Provincial Government for their unwavering support in our various football activities, the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture and the Department of Education. Without your support we would not have access to the pool of talented players in our various schools, and also ensure that they participate in sport.
“Sport, in particular football, changed my life. It teaches life skills, values and builds lifelong camaraderie. Let’s remember that the late President Tata Nelson Mandela said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does,” said Monyepao.
U15 girls coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo said: “It is challenging because we are the champions and we have to defend the cup. What I did as a coach and my technical team, and the support from the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, the Department of Education and the Federation SAFA is to give a chance to a child who deserves it, who has the talent to be a part of this team.”
The U15 Boys’ team will be looking to make history by lifting their first continental trophy.
SA U15 Boys coach Selekedi Mogale: “It will be history for them and it will be very exciting, it will be a good benchmark for South African football, although it’s not the end or the beginning of their journey. The U15 level gives us this great opportunity to play against other countries at continental level. But we all know that if we can carry through the results right up to Bafana Bafana, it will be such an honour and great pride.”
The Guardian 